I'm a Picky and Practical Fashion Editor—This Boot Brand Never Lets Me Down

There are a handful of very specific "perfect" things I feel like I'm perpetually hunting for: the perfect pair of jeans (high-waisted, straight-leg, vintage wash), the perfect white T-shirt (crew-neck, relaxed fit), the perfect blazer (single-breasted, tailored, not too oversize), and the perfect pair of Chelsea boots (comfortable, understated, not too wide around the ankle, stylish, and functional). That's not too much to ask for, right? As you might be able to tell, I'm rather picky when it comes to shopping, especially for boots. As a fashion editor and mom of two, I love when I can find a pair that marries style, quality, and practicality seamlessly for my busy and active lifestyle. Thankfully, the search is over now that I've discovered Blundstone boots.

I'll admit that I am relatively late to the Blundstone party. The Australian heritage brand dates back to the 1870s, and since the release of the iconic and distinctive 500 series in the 1960s, the brand has sold more than 25 million pairs globally and has been the go-to boot brand for creatives, adventurers, and workers, young and old alike. On a recent trip to Napa Valley, I got the chance to discover the brand firsthand. Blundstone joined forces with Calistoga winemakers Tank Garage Winery to launch the first-ever Blundstone wine—It Was All a Dream,a limited-edition Australian Shiraz—benefitting The Roots Fund, a nonprofit focused on supporting people from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in wine.

Not only did I get to sample plenty of the delicious wine, but I also got to enjoy the spirit of the Blundstone brand and amble around the vineyards in my first pair of rustic-brown 585 Chelsea boots. Quite frankly, they're the most comfortable, cool, and durable boots I now own. They're easy to style with jeans and dresses alike, and they're ideal for any weather. Most of the styles are waterproof or have water-resistant properties.

I could talk about the boots (and wine for that matter) all day, but below, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite pairs I'm loving right now. No doubt, you're going to love them too.