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Posts tagged Blowfish
The Beauty of Dr Martens
20
8 years
by Naomi in Fashion
You may remember that just over a week ago I posted about some of my August purchases, one of which was a pair of boots by Blowfish. Since that post I have only had them on my feet a handful of times, and already both boots are splitting at the sides. I paid over £40 for those boots and I am not impressed – needless to say they are going straight back to the shop for a refund! Though I regret buying them, I must also thank the Blowfish boots for being so terrible, as they have reminded me exactly why I usually wear Dr Martens boots (which I love) religiously throughout Autumn and Winter.
I have been wearing Dr Martens footwear since my childhood. People always say that you never forget your first pair of Dr Martens, and they’re right. I got my first pair in the early 1990s. They were bright red shoes with yellow laces and big, colourful flowers printed all over them. They were garish, but I loved them, and my love for Dr Martens never went away. I currently have five pairs of Dr Martens in my collection, most of which I wear regularly, and these are them…
The styles you see above, starting at the top and going clockwise, are:
- Regina Heeled Boots
- Purple Triumph 1914 Boots
- Black Triumph 1914 Boots
- Purple 1460 Shimmer Boots
- I’ve had this pair for so long I can’t remember what they’re called! Anybody know?
My favourite pair is definitely my purple shimmer boots, which are the latest addition to my collection and my only pair of classic 8-hole Docs.
So, why do I love Dr Martens so much? Allow me to share my reasons…
1. They’re ‘Made in England’
Dr Martens’ air-cushioned soles were invented in Munich, Germany by Dr Martens and Dr Funck, but it was in England (Northamptonshire, in fact) that Dr Martens leather boots were first made for the high street, in 1960 by the Griggs family. Dr Martens soon became popular within youth subcultures and this popularity has grown tremendously over the decades, giving Dr Martens’ boots an iconic image. Dr Martens still manufacture a lot of their boots in England, which makes me proud to be English as they are a brand I have always held very close to my heart.
2. They’re Comfortable
I’ll admit, Dr Martens can cause you some pain when breaking them in (I suggest wearing anticipatory plasters to stop them rubbing), but if you’re willing to put up with a few days of sore feet you will have a pair of boots so comfortable you won’t even know you’re wearing them. The insoles and leather soften, shape and bend with your feet and the air-cushioned (or ‘bouncing’) soles make them light and easy to walk in. As you can probably guess, the specially designed soles contain air which makes them extremely durable and comfortable as they reduce the impact on your feet and ankles when walking.
3. They’re Versatile
Many people still hold the misconception that Dr Martens’ shoes and boots are all black, bulky and worn only by labourers, with the exception of cherry reds, but this is not the case. As you can see in my photographs, and on the Dr Martens website, their range is vast and adorned with many different colours, patterns, styles and designs. There’s a boot there for everybody’s needs, and they can be dressed up or down as you like. I often wear my Dr Martens with girly dresses and tights, skinny jeans and slouchy jumpers or full on hiking gear when I’m out walking, and they look (and feel) good with everything. You can really make a pair of Dr Martens your own, adjusting them to fit your own style and thus making the statement that you want them to make.
4. They’re Long-Lasting
Dr Martens boots are notorious for being hardy, and they really do last a very long time. I’ve been wearing a few of my pairs for over five years, solidly so for two seasons a year, and they’re still going strong. They haven’t split at the sides at all, there are no holes in the soles and they show no sign of giving up any time soon. In fact, with a quick clean and polish they’d probably all look as good as new, but I prefer them to look a bit battered. I used to know somebody who had owned some of her Dr Martens for over twenty years, and she was still wearing them. Amazing!
Many people think that Dr Martens are expensive (mine cost between £75 and £110 each) but for the reasons above they are well worth the price you pay for a pair. Cutting corners and going for a cheaper boot isn’t always a good idea as they rarely last as long as a Dr Marten boot will, so it’s worth investing in one good pair, rather than wasting money on several pairs of lower quality boots! Whether you like them scuffed up like I do, or looking neat and new, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Dr Martens and never again will I stray from the beautiful, trusty brand – I’ve well and truly learnt my lesson!
Do you own any Dr Martens?
Naomi x
This Week: Collective Haul
21I had a fairly good week for bargains this week and bought quite a few fun things (despite telling myself that I wouldn’t spend anything this week!) so for those of you that like a good haul post, I thought I would share my collective haul with you.
First off, on Monday I nipped into town to buy some new boots to wear in the Autumn. I knew exactly which pair I wanted so I was in and out of Schuh in just a few minutes, which is quite unheard of! I went for these Blowfish Ranuku Boots in black which are usually £45, but I got them for £40.50 with a 10% student discount – doing a postgraduate degree does have its benefits!
It’s been quite cold this week so I’ve worn the boots a few times already and they are SO comfortable! They’re very versatile too, and look great with dresses or skinny jeans. A very good buy.
On my way to get the bus home I passed through Primark (always a mistake) and spotted this gorgeous owl scarflace. I have always loved owls, AND scarves, so I just had to have it. It was supposed to be £4 but the eyes were missing on most of the scarves so it had been reduced to £3. I can always just stick some beads on myself if I want it to have eyes!
On Tuesday I received my Avon delivery. In amongst all the items for my customers were a few goodies which I’d ordered for myself, including repurchases of my usual Glimmerstick Eyeliner and Colortrend Concealer, as well as a small bottle of Avon’s new Sparkling Senses Shower Gel (look out for it in Brochure 17). It smells gorgeous! I also ordered two nail varnishes from the new Colortrend range in Violet Freeze (which I reviewed here) and Peekaboo, and a lovely little star necklace.
Yesterday I went to see the Paralympic flame pass through Leicester with my mum, and whilst we were in town we also did a bit of shopping. For the past few weeks I’ve been checking Superdrug every few days for MUA’s new nail varnish shade, Frozen Yoghurt, but to no avail. However, I managed to pick it up yesterday for £1 (FINALLY), and I also bought an Accessorize Eyeshadow Duo for £2.22. Isn’t the packaging lovely?
The Accessorize eyeshadow was actually on offer for half price, down from £4.45, as were a lot of their lip glosses, and their nail varnishes were 2 for £5. I’m not sure when the promotion ends but it’s worth having a look because they have some really pretty stuff!
My last few items are all from Primark. As I mentioned earlier I love owls, so I couldn’t resist these £2 owly fingerless gloves, ready for Autumn/Winter. They’re so cute! And I love that they can be turned into mittens as well.
I spotted this Bambi sweater in Primark a few weeks ago for £10, but I resisted. I was surprised to see it in the sale yesterday at just £5, and luckily one of the two that I found was in my size, so I caved and bought it. Bambi used to be my nickname when I was younger so it seems quite fitting, and the soft, suede effect elbow patches are quite a nice touch.
Last but not least, another owl! This time, a purple owl print t-shirt which only cost £3. It’s quite a long, fitted tee but it looks great on with skinny jeans.
And that’s it! What have you been buying this week? Are you getting ready for Autumn yet, or are you clinging on to the summer for as long as you can?
Naomi x
