Ellington

Phil Bryant may not support a woman's right to make decisions about her body but there is one issue on which the future guv is decidedly pro-choice: footwear. Mississippi's 64th governor takes the oath of office at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 10, followed by a parade and concludes with an inauguration ball at the Jackson Convention Complex at 6 p.m. According to the invitation for the event themed Rising Together, "black tie and boots are optional." As one whose love of western leatherwear matches Bryant's, I'm of the mind that boots should be mandatory. In fact, Satan wins if you dare to show up in regular ol' wing tips. And while many members of the media are waiting for an advance copy of Bryant's inaugural speech, my breath is bated for the moment Bryant's camp reveals his choice of boot for his big night: Will he go with a kick-ass pair of Tony Lama ostrich quills? Stylish Ariat Belly caimans? Or will he pull out all the stops and go with an American alligator hornback from Lucchese? I know my invitation is in the mail (members of the public can visit risingtogether.ms to buy tix for $50 each) but likely hasn't shown up yet because of the busy holiday season. In the meantime, I'll be shining my boots.