Occasionally, an email will drop into my inbox and I will do a proper double take. This was most definitely one of those occasions. I’ve been wearing Dr. Martens boots since I was about 3 years old, and am now the proud owner of three pairs, and myself and Thomas almost exclusively live in Docs throughout the winter months.
This exciting email was offering me a sneaky peek at the brand new AW14 Rugged and Casual ranges, which have just hit the Bristol Broadmead store. I was invited down to take a closer look, and to pick out a pair to road test and to style an outfit around.
As with previous Dr. Martens collections, they have drawn inspiration from the culture that the brand is so deeply rooted in. From Northern Soul-style monkey boots, to a nod to their rebellious nature in the biker boots, and even the shearling lining of the Core Premium Jay boot which echoes the clothing choices of those early 60s skinheads; everything is referencing the culture that Dr. Martens is celebrating.
All of these little touches make for a really refined and striking collection, which as well as looking amazing (I would buy any of these boots in a heartbeat!), they also have the reassurance of fantastic quality which is built to last, and would all be the ideal winter boot.
On arriving in the Broadmead store I was met by Kat, who as well as rocking some awesome tattoos and Bettie bangs, really knew her stuff when it came to Dr. Martens. She talked me through the new range – what was new, what was different (lots more styles in the gorgeous supple gaucho leather), and in the end pointed me towards a beautiful pair of Alexandra boots. Soft black leather meets a higher heel in a traditional-styled boot, but with an interesting twist in the detail around the ankle.
On getting them home, I decided to style my boots simply. I opted for a charity shop denim dress, my favourite necklace, and a brand new Harrington jacket I picked up last week – in another nod to the 1960s Dr. Martens culture. The Alexandra boots set off the outfit perfectly, but to be perfectly honest, you could style them with anything. They’d look good with a bin bag on.
Stepping into these boots for the first time was like stepping on clouds. Usually Dr. Martens boots take a bit of commitment to break in the first time, but the softness of the leather on these boots meant they were unbelievably comfy from the get-go. The colour of the leather is something I love too – it is listed as black, but due to the dying process, has a striking green tinge to it, which again is a nod to the military theme which Dr. Martens is emulating with this collection.
Everyone needs a decent pair of boots for the colder months, and I’m a firm believer in comfort and quality when it comes to choosing them. The latest Dr. Martens campaign is #STANDFORSOMETHING, showcasing something you believe in, and what you stand for – as cheesy as it sounds, I stand for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes! I’ve had far too many blisters from cheap bad shoes, but all my Docs have been worn in to the point that they are like carpet slippers. So. Comfy.
As well as finding my own pair of perfect winter boots, you’ve also got the chance to find yours. Dr. Martens have very kindly offered a special discount for my readers! Now’s the chance to bag a 15% exclusive discount at the Bristol store – just print off this page and take it to to the Bristol store at 16 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3HH. This discount will be valid until 30 November 2014, so you’ve got a good few weekends of shopping time left to use it. Now’s the chance to finally get your hands on that pair you’ve been dreaming of for months.
A massive thanks to Dr. Martens for inviting me down to look at their range and letting me road test a beautiful pair of their boots, and of course for treating my readers, too!