My Favorite Boots Styled Two Ways!

Mary Orton of the fashion blog Memorandum wears tamara mellon black booties, dark wash high-waisted mom jeans with a raw hem, a black embossed bag and a long grey and black leopard coat

Despite being an incurable shoe ~~hoarder~~ lover, I don’t believe I have ever owned a pair of shoes that I have legitimately worn 16 hours a day, six days in a row… by choice. As you may have seen on my insta stories lately, I have been completely, utterly, hopelessly obsessed with these Tamara Mellon Hustler boots and have (truly) been wearing them every single day since their arrival. From work meetings to casual Friday at the office to swanky holiday parties and everything in between, the boots have not left my feet. Today, I’m showcasing two favorite ways to style them, and breaking down all of the reasons why they’re officially my favorite boots.

NYC fashion blogger wears a long sleeve grey plaid dress with a black embossed waist belt, black sheer tights, black tamara mellon suede booties, embossed black shoulder bag, black sunglasses, gold choker, and long camel coat

First, let’s talk about the brand. If the name Tamara Mellon doesn’t ring any bells, let me give you a quick tune up: Tamara Mellon co-founded a little footwear line called JIMMY freaking CHOO back in 1996. I should probably mic-drop it there, but let me just tell you that after winning the shoe game with Jimmy Choo, this epic lady boss decided she wanted to change the game and rewrite the rules. I have to say, every mantra of her new eponymous brand rings true with me after trying out these “Hustler” boots. The shoe’s design is truly perfect, and the quality is unparalleled. But, the best part? By cutting out corporate fat and industry middlemen (remember, this isn’t her first rodeo) she’s offering up a TOP notch luxury shoe, at a fraction of the price. It honestly looks and feels like a $2K boot, but retails for $525. Insanity.

Not only is every last detail of the tapered toe and sleek silhouette absolutely perfect, but somehow, the shoe is UNBELIEVABLY comfortable. Combining this comfort factor with the versatility of the style… well, I may never wear another shoe. The pointed toe lends a classic touch making it appropriate in a dressy or professional setting, while the block heel and sleek suede construction allow it to pair effortlessly with your favorite weekend duds. And, especially during the brutally cold winter months, I’m in desperate need of a true alternative to a classic pump—something with more coverage that doesn’t sacrifice style. The only question is whether I buy the tan or the sand color next…

NYC fashion blogger wears a long sleeve grey plaid dress with a black embossed waist belt, black sheer tights, embossed black shoulder bag, black sunglasses, gold choker

As evidenced by today’s photos, I wore the boots earlier in the workweek with a classic glen plaid sheath dress and a camel coat. As the work week came to a close, these boots didn’t skip a beat when being dressed down. I love how effortlessly chic they look with a pair of relaxed mom jeans, basic black turtleneck, and this leopard statement jacket.

Mary Orton of the fashion blog Memorandum wears tamara mellon black booties, dark wash high-waisted mom jeans with a raw hem, a black embossed bag, a long grey and black leopard coat, and black sunglasses

In addition to blathering on about the boots, I also have to give a special shoutout to this dreamy Tamara Mellon bag. I’ve been fielding constant emails and direct messages asking about it after wearing it several days this week on insta stories. It should come as no surprise that like the boots, the bag is also one of my favorite wardrobe additions of late. It strikes the perfect balance of structured and relaxed with beautiful gold circular handles and an adjustable cross-body strap. You can expect to see this beauty in heavy rotation for months and years to come.