There’s lots of buzz about Condi’s black leather, high-heeled boots.

Robin Givhan of the Washington Post spins an entire, breathless article out of the Secretary of State’s attire (it’s Givhan’s schtick). An excerpt:

When looking at the image of Rice in Wiesbaden, the mind searches for ways to put it all into context. It turns to fiction, to caricature. To shadowy daydreams. Dominatrix! It is as though sex and power can only co-exist in a fantasy. When a woman combines them in the real world, stubborn stereotypes have her power devolving into a form that is purely sexual.

Rice challenges expectations and assumptions. There is undeniable authority in her long black jacket with its severe details and menacing silhouette. The darkness lends an air of mystery and foreboding. Black is the color of intellectualism, of abstinence, of penitence. If there is any symbolism to be gleaned from Rice’s stark garments, it is that she is tough and focused enough for whatever task is at hand…

Whatever. Black is also the color of suits that travel well. And long boots keep legs warm in winter. Nothing “menacing” or “Dominatrix!” about it.

Many bloggers are taking note of Condi’s look, too, including: Blaster’s Blog, Lorie Byrd, John Hawkins, Power Line, Betsy’s Page, Instapundit, Ed Driscoll, Anthony Perez-Miller, and Ninme.

For a pair of really kick-ass boots, see Moxie. If Condi wore those, I could understand the fuss.