In Spades

Style... in abundance

Black Friday Sales: Combat Boots

Bottega Veneta storm bootsIt’s no secret that I love a great pair of combat boots.  From these vintage Dr. Marten’s to these Bottega babies that I spent months searching for, I like to think of myself as somewhat of a combat boot connoisseur.

Combat boots are an awesome wardrobe addition for two reasons.

  1. They’re extremely comfortable.  What’s not to love about a flat shoe with a rubber sole?  Talk about the golden ticket of comfort.
  2. They’re surprisingly versatile.  They add edge to feminine dresses and skirts and look amazing with jeans.  Plus, they are meant to take a beating.  The more worn in they get, the better they look.

With Black Friday sales a plenty, I wanted to round up my favorites.  I’m loving the combat boot/Chelsea boot hybrid that is everywhere right now.  Two classics in one – you can’t go wrong.

Can you guess which pair I purchased for myself?

Black Friday Combat Boot Deals

How to Find the Perfect Pair of Vintage Dr. Martens

Doc Martens Combat BootsDoc Martens Combat Boots Doc Martens Combat Boots Doc Martens Combat Boots Doc Martens Combat Boots

Joie dress // Le Specs sunglasses // Marrow Fine necklace
Glitz and Glam by Tiff Co barrette // Dr. Martens combat boots

Combat boots were everywhere last fall and are back in full force this year.  I’m super excited because not only are they stylish, but they’re soooo comfortable.  For me, and the fashion world in general, the days of the stiletto are over.  Spikey heels feel so mid-2000’s to me.  I’d so much rather wear a block heel or platforms.  Although I do have my eye on this pair of stiletto boots.  Be still my heart.

Since combat boots are going to be everywhere in about 2 weeks (why is it still so hot?!), I wanted to share some tips for shopping the holy grail of combat boots – Dr. Martens.

Last winter I ordered a pair of Doc’s and was really disappointed in the quality.  The leather felt thin and had a weird coating on it that gave it a plastic effect.  What happened to the brand I thought I knew and loved?  While searching for the perfect pair, I fell down the rabbit hole of Dr. Martens brand evolution and wanted to share some tips.

Circa 2000, Dr. Martens moved their manufacturing from England to China.  Since the brand’s inception in the 1940’s, they’ve always been made in England.  It even says that on the label for Pete’s sake.  For whatever reason – cost savings, I’m sure – they went with this move and the quality has suffered ever since.

If you’ve ever worn a pair of Docs you know how heavy they are.  Not only do they have a lug sole, but the leather was thick.  It seriously took years to break them in.  I have several pairs from my high school days and they are still just as good as new.  The leather is truly indestructible.  With the outsource to China, the leather became thinner.  It honestly feels like polyurethane to me.  Totally fake.  Maybe they wanted to make them lighter weight?  Maybe they got too many complaints that they are hard to break in?  Whatever the case, they got thinner, lighter and just more… fake.

Thankfully, there is a robust vintage market for Dr. Martens and you better believe I dove in headfirst.

I discovered this Etsy shop and wanted a classic black pair with at least 10 eyes.  (The eyes are the shoelace holes and denote how tall the boot will be).  You guys helped me pick this pair – I debated between the 10 eye and the 14 eye, and am so glad I went with the 14 eye.  The length is perfect, looks so rad with skirts, dresses and jeans and as a bonus point, these babies have a steel toe, making me feel like a member of a German punk band.

So!  If you’re on the hunt for a pair of Docs, I highly recommend you go vintage (prior to 2000) if you want to maintain that original quality.  If you’re looking for something lighter weight that you can easily break in, go for a modern pair.

For my vintage lovers, besides this shop, check out this seller and this seller for some rad options.

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Faux Leather Worth Coveting

Low Classic Vegan Leather DressLow Classic Vegan Leather Dress Low Classic Vegan Leather DressLow Classic Vegan Leather Dress Low Classic Vegan Leather DressLow Classic Vegan Leather Dress Low Classic Vegan Leather DressLow Classic vegan leather dress (navy) // Frye combat boots // Charlotte Tilbury eye palette and lipstick
Marrow Fine gold fingerprint necklace

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while, you know I’m addicted to leather.  I’ve shared my favorite leather jackets under $500, the most insane leather jacket of all time, and the comfiest leather pants.

But let’s step away from the real McCoy and talk about vegan leather.  Whether you refer to it as faux, vegan or pleather, there are some amazing animal-friendly options out there at great price points.

This vegan leather wrap dress is from one of my favorite indie brands, Low Classic.  You may remember them via my army green trenchcoat and color block heels.  The wrap skirt is super flattering on all body types and I love the long sleeves for winter.  Even though it’s faux, you can see how supple it looks in the sunlight.

I’ve linked some great faux leather pieces under $200 below.  If you’re looking for a wardrobe update, try faux patent or a vibrant hue to shake things up.  I’m loving this pink trench coat – it will carry you through spring and bonus points for matching Pantone’s Color of the Year!

I accessorized the look with a custom gold pendant (more on that later this week) and my favorite warm smokey eye palette.  To toughen up the dress, I finished it off with white combat boots.  Such a great alternative from classic black!  All products linked below!

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