Oh dear, I must be horribly practical when it comes to fashion as all I could think of looking at the picture of the boots was what a hassle to get in and out of them! But your outfit sounds amazing, you should post a picture when you wear it. (I’d love to learn to combine edgy and conservative like that!)

I don’t care how old I get–I will always think Docs are badass.

I love fringe. From the flapper dresses of the 20’s to my favorite fringe suede jacket and boots in the 80’s to my motorcycle jacket and chaps now. I don’t like overkill, but that subtle addition to a wardrobe piece is just fascinating to me. I go to an awards banquet every year and my dream is to find a classy fully fringed cocktail dress or a gown.

I remember wearing 8-hole Doc Martens but like you, the ones I really liked were the 20-holes. I’m so excited that you’ll be wearing some this fall! I hope you’ll be willing to post pictures. How very Seattle of you, Angie!

I, too, loved me some Docs in the day and I had several pairs. I found them heavy, like flippers and not so comfy so I don’t wear them now, but I do keep and cherish my lace up over the ankle black boots. In the States these were the punk/grunge (if you see grunge as the uniquely American version of punk) of the late 80s early 90s.

My deal is the early goth of the mid 80s. To this day my wardrobe contains a lot of black, and I can hardly pass up any item with black lace on it. However, I try to limit my Joy Division tshirt to the gym or gardening. And unlike Morrissey, I DON’T “wear black on the outside because black is how I feel on the inside.”

Hurrah! I have had similar experiences of flaunting my adulthood by purchasing items that were forbidden to me in childhood. It’s a great feeling

My inner fashion persona, apparently, is a rockabilly chick. Can’t keep my hands off the Fluevogs, polka dots, and pencil skirts.

OMG, that sounds sooo good. I can’t wait to see you in these outfits, Angie. As you would say: YUM!
I have lots of repressed fashion personas but for the most part I’m content keeping them tucked inside One of course is the glamour Oscar gown fantasy (just give me the occasion, the designer connection, the $$$ and a make-up artist plus hairdresser, please, and I’m there), another is also the 80s Euro punk/new wave look (which I still sport traces of) and yet another is the extreme naughty secretary look complete with high heels. I’ll make do with a very much adapted look, less naughty and sans heels.

I bought my first pair of Docs in 1989 when I went to England to stay with relatives over Christmas (I was 15). 12 hole boots, basic black – I loved them. I stayed with that style as my standard fall and winter footwear until 2 years ago, when I developed achilles tendonitis, and had to stop wearing them because they rubbed the wrong places. I miss my Docs!

(I always wanted the 20-hole boots, too. I think that’s why I have so many other pairs of tall boots.)

I can’t wait to see you wearing those with your tartan skirt. Fab!

As for my secret fashion persona, I’ve always wanted to look like the Hollywood starlets of the ’30s and ’40s. This, of course, is totally impractical for my lifestyle. Someday…;-)

Oh! I love love love Doc Martins–I had a middle school obsession with the brand in the mid-90s! I still have one pair of Mary Janes and one pair of boots I’ve kept clean and polished up from those days. I like to bust the boots with cute jeans and a black turtleneck for trudging through the mud to class. I’m so glad I’m not alone!

I’m not really a lace-up boot kind of person, but I have always wanted a pair of plain leather boots. I love the look of jeans tucked into boots with a stylish sweater. When I was a teenager, I missed getting a $300 pair of classic Italian leather boots in my perfect, hard-to-find size for $15 because I didn’t have the money, and I have regretted it ever since. I should have been willing to beg or borrow the money.

I hope to see a picture of you wearing your new Doc Marten’s Angie, or maybe see you wearing them in person. You amaze me at what you think of style wise! I am still trying to find a mainstream basic look.
In my teens (late 60’s/early70’s) I really wanted to wear pants like the old golf men wear that are below the knee with a button cuff. I never did and always regretted being too afraid. My grown daughter wore some like that recently and I told her how happy I was to see them on her and how I had been too shy to wear them when I was younger.
Go for it!!

I really came of age in the early 90s, and my hometown happened to have a huge indie/punk rock scene (this was in the midst of the grunge coming out of Seattle, which I was happy to avoid). All the cool kids wore Doc Martens, then, and I always wanted a pair, but their price tag was out of reach. Now that you have brought this up, Angie, oh, what memories you have conjured up. I can afford them now; I might just have to get a pair.

I was cracking up at Antje’s fantasy. My fantasy is also the naughty secretary look. If I could, I would always wear fitted pencil skirts with a nice, modest but slightly tight and seductive blouse, and stilettos. Not really practical, but such is my daydream.

Oh, Meredith, I love your secret fashion persona!! I think I may share it, if you don’t mind. My favorite actress is Veronica Lake… love her hair; only wish I could grow mine as long.

As for the boots, Angie, I think you just found the perfect bday present for my DD who turns 16 in the fall! I am happy to indulge her euro/goth/punk style, and have been doing so for years. She pulls it off well – I never could. So maybe I’m living vicariously through her?

Growing up I only had hand-me-downs from an older cousin and later from a much older aunt. This continued through college as any money I made needed to go toward education and basic things like food. Nothing fit, but I was so skinny that I could roll a waist band four times or make good use of saftey pins. No pants, only skirts.
My fantasy was for a day I could go out and buy my own clothes. It still feels wonderful to shop and actually buy something.

can’t wait to see you in docs, angie! Love them!

Good for you, Angie! And they are perfect for the rain…and kicking ***

That’s so sweet that you wanted the approval of your Mum, style wise. My Mom would have loved to have had a teenager like you…but she had me. I really pushed her limits of tolerance with the hippie stuff we wore back in the late sixites/early seventies.

I don’t know if there is a fashion persona hiding inside me…maybe more classic? I do have fantasies of owning the perfect suit someday. Yesterday, don’t laugh, I wore a crisp white blouse (with dark wash skinnies)…I know, shocking. I hadn’t owned any blouses for years, as they were always orphaned…but just a few months ago picked up one of those Phillip Lim’s (?) at the Gap. It was a different feel, but still fab, I hope.

I seem to have successfully kept my fashion fantasy securely locked in her own closet. She’s the Gypsy. She wears earth-toned, tiered dirndl skirts, lots of patterns (sometimes clashing), lots of jewelry (bangles, chandelier earrings), sashes, bandannas, patches, ribbons, embroidery, a gauzy peasant blouse under a tight-fitting laced bodice, sandals or mid- calf high boots depending on weather she is riding or dancing that day. ..

I don’t dress anything like this! I’m a sporty, traditional sophisticate. Question: What’s wrong with me? Answer: Nothing. These kinds of clothes make me, a 5’3” 145-pound grandmother look like a bag lady. Plan: I’ll go buy a paisley scarf and some ethnic jewelry. I’ll wear fuller skirts and sandals, I’ll polish up my cowboy boots. I’ll, I’ll …that’s about as far as I can push myself.

I’m hope you’re not teasing us because we must see those pictures – you just sound amazing FAB in the outfit. So old school Vivenne Westwood.
Mine was very red carpet, and I got to do it – once – several years ago – hair, makeup, outfit, even the limo to the theatre. It was fun (but also alot of work to get there)
But I also really want the outfit and the “sass” to wear what you’re talking about, I have a little of that in me, too.

Love the boots, Angie! I can totally see you wearing them and I think they will be great on you.

I need something sturdy and comfy to wear with my jeans, and think I may have to look at a pair of Doc’s mary janes. Can you or anyone else give me an idea of how the sizing runs? I am a US 7.5 and am not sure if I need a UK5 or a UK6.

Angie, your boots and outfit plan sound fantastic! I was sitting here wondering why we don’t release our inner fantasies, that it is a shame we don’t! But then, Babe’s post reminded me that sometimes the things we love may not work for us, and it is important to know what does and does not. She cleverly, like Angie did, figured out how to channel her inner fashion personality through accents and details that will look expressive and stylish, not dowdy and crazy. Wonderful!

I am in the midst of inner fashion turmoil, as I have a hard time nailing down my style. It’s eclectic, but perhaps too much so! I want to be vampy, classic and edgy all in one! Angie’s blog the past couple days have inspired me to really figure out who I am and what I want to show. Today’s post has reminded me that all of these fantasties can be played out in the details and accessories and don’t always have to be in the dress or the skirt or the top.

Wow Angie!
I also have a pair of brown Doc Martens (ankle-high version) in my closet from my teenage years…I just wish I could conjure up some awesome outfits in order to wear them again! They would perfect where I live, we have alot of rain during the Fall/Winter months! How about some pics Angie? I’d appreciate it!

Nancy, the boots have side zips. I’m practical too! They would NOT be an option without them. Believe me, I’d have continued repressing my teenage dream.

Lannie, Christie, Rachael and Rachel, glad to know that I’m not alone in my repressed Doc Marten obsession. There are still loads of Goths and punk types wearing hectic Doc Martens in our grungy Seattle areas. Steel toes and all. I hope to pull off my 20 eyelets with a bit of style.

Meredith, you look like you’d fit into the 40’s era. Your great hairstyle is a modern adaptation of the look.

San, you’re talking about “pedal pushers” and I’ll blog about those.

Antje, you and I have an inherent love for ’80’s Euro punk /new wave goodies. It definitely comes through in our style, which is easy to pull off with the retro revival of ‘80’s fashion over the last few years. Seeing that bright yellow stitching when I stare down at my Docs makes me smile.

Babe, you crack me up. As for the red carpet thing, naturally this is my current fantasy:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=34

The naughty librarian or secretary is a fantasy I actually live as long as the heels are stable. LOVE a fab pencil skirt.

OMG! Doc Martens were the essential footwear item amongst several different image groups…..Congrats on snagging the ones you always wanted! I think they will look fantastic with every ensemble you pair them with. I am so glad I discovered this incredible sight, now I may actually become the fashionista I have always imagined myself to be!

Love it! You’ve got spunk girl;-) And those combinations are definitely ones I could see myself wearing.
Curious about the grey tartan skirt now too; what type of skirt is it Angie? I used to have a grey tartan miniskirt, but gave it away last year, since minis aren’t my thing anymore. But I loved the pattern and feel of it.

And I gifted my pink Doc Martens (sturdy Mary Janes) to my niece a few months ago, they’re quite edgy despite being pink and it’s great to see the next generation doing their own thing with them.

I was just at Target eyeing some gold snakeskin heels, trying to picture what I would wear them with. I think my repressed persona sadly might be Carrie Bradshaw. You can puke if you want to.

I forgot to answer your question Lissie. I wear a Euro 37 and those are the size Docs that fit my feet. There are unfortunately no half sizes ( I usually a wear an American size 6 ½ ). You might like to try a size 38.

Inge, actually the grey tartan skirt is a purchase I made in London last Autumn. (By Hobbs if anyone knows the brand). It was completely out of my box. I was shopping with my uber stylish sister-in-law who said “ you had better get that skirt!” It’s mid calf length, grey wool tartan and fairly sleek. It’s compromised of loads of asymmetrical bias cut pieces that form an interesting silhouette. Very avant-garde. I love it and feel fabulous in it. Looks fab with my biker jacket and citron scarf.

Judy, I am tickled! I adore a fab suit. I listed mine as one of my favorite wardrobe items. I love the look of a classic suit combined with a funky edge. The possibilities are endless and it’s a no brainier “go-to” outfit for several occasions. But I have a hard time convincing people how superb a suit is because of the stereotypes involved with wearing one.

I’ve been avoiding a “Sex and the City” blog post. But now that Shiny and Cathy have brought up Carrie Bradshaw’s style in less than one day, I’m thinking I’d like to hear everyone’s else’s opinion on the fashion of the movie. Stay tuned.

K Lauren, Angie is so not teasing us. I’ve seen several of the pieces she mentions on her already (and I wanted to rip that little motorcycle jacket right off her, it’s so cool!), but of course not in that fab combination. Let’s hope she’ll take a picture when she puts it all together

Oh yes, pleeze do a Sex in the City post. I loved the movie and was actually surprised not to see any conversation about it on YLF.

I’ll double confirm that Angie isn’t teasing. I’ve seen her in said Docs and she looks incredibly cute in them. Roll on Autumn!

Angie, those are great-looking boots! I’m looking forward to seeing a picture of the outfit you have in mind, especially the skirt. I’ve always liked tartan fabric, particularly ones with unusual color combinations, but most of the clothes I’ve seen made with it tend to look staid and boring, so I don’t have anything plaid. Your skirt sounds very interesting.

My fashion fantasy is a sparkly gold sleeveless sheath dress. I actually have it and had great fun wearing it about 7 years ago, but since I gained weight it doesn’t fit anymore. Once I get my weight back down I am going to wear it again and feel fab!

well, at my age I have indulged plenty. My current secret passion – not to be indulged – is that hip hop look of white undershirt, suspenders curving around bosom, a cargo pant, rolled, and some tough looking shoes/boots. Since I’m turning 60 shortly, I could only pull this off if I were maybe a metal sculptor.

Mine would be close to Angie’s – something that combines a lot of femininity with some harder edge surprises – like harder core boots, suspenders, a tie. Anything to increase the drama by catching people by suprise through a mix of opposites.

Wow Angie, the outfits you describe sound superb! I can’t wait to see them of you post them!

I am afraid me secret fashion persona is not original at all: I’m also into the ’40s movie star or sexy secretary thing .

hi from Paris Angie

I noticed that you like street style, so i just wanted to inform you that the Paris fashion week ended last week and i did nice street style photo reportages you might like.
you can appreciate them at http://www.styleandthecity.com

I hope i didn’t disturb you with that information.

I wish you a great evening and lot of happiness with your blog

cheers from Paris

Kamel
STYLE AND THE CITY . COM – PARIS

So what is it with that naughty secretary thing? Too funny that several of us secretly (or not so secretly) like that look. Maybe we need to post some pictures of outfits in that theme I won’t till September, though, since I typically only sport a (very adapted) version of this in fall, with a winter skirt (e.g. tweed, houndstooth) and boots – instead of the heels…

What a great post! That’s hilarious!

I had a pair of tall black lace-up boots when I was a teenager or 20-something. Couldn’t afford the Doc Marten version. On the ones I had the eyelets only went up to the ankle, then it was all hooks. Much easier and quicker to tie up, but I had to give up on them eventually because they ripped the hems of my skirts.

I was the goth/punk rock girl in high school.

I have a pair of gothy lace up boots with buckles on them. I save them for some shows I attend with some friends.

I bought my then 8 year old daughter a pair of knock offs that looked just like those lace up Docs. She loved them, and wore them as often as possible, until she outgrew them (6 months later–hence the knock off brand). At the time, she was in a private school, and I let her wear them with the uniform one day to school. I promptly got a call from the principal to bring her “appropriate shoes”. No where in the student handbook did it say no lace up boots. I was tweaked to say the least.

I don’t know what my inner style trying to break free would be. I think I dress exactly the way I want, based on my body and lifestyle. It’s difficult for me to think outside of those parameters, I guess.

This post has got me thinking about a problem I will be facing in the next couple months. Living in San Diego the past 5 years has allowed me to wear mostly sandals and more delicate shoes. I will be moving to the Seattle area next month and now I have to figure out footwear. I will be fine the rest of my body but HOW will I keep my feet dry and still look stylish. These docs won’t work for my style…boho/soccer-mom and tall doc martins don’t go!

Any suggestions for stylish, weather-proof footwear? I can do low heels but prefer to keep my everyday footwear fairly flat. I picked up a pair of nice, mid heeled tall black boots in London in January but they are not what I have in mind for the everyday damp-proof life. I wear mostly bootcut jeans most days. HELP!

those are delicious!

Wonderful boots! There was a time in my life when I wanted a pair of Doc Martens, but I guess that’s past. I was trying to think of something I’ve always really wanted and never got but I couldn’t think of anything. Growing up I never got the shoes I wanted and so now I definitely indulge myself in shoes.

I also like the naughty secretary look except I don’t think of it as naughty unless there’s a lot of cleavage involved which it wouldn’t be if I wore it (and I do). I love pencil skirts. I do need some good tops to complete the look.

I had copper metallic Docs that i wore throughout high school (the height of the grunge era). god i wish i could remember what i did with those boot?! gotta check my parents basement!

Nice! I hadn’t really thought about this much until now. My inner fashion dream involves a black corcet over a crisp white blouse, stillettos, and a short skirt. Not sure I’d have the guts to pull it off though.

You live in Seattle, you should know how big these were in the 90s here, I mean, Seattle is still basically living in the grunge era and sportin’ docs!

I’ll be joining you in the Emerald City in just a few months!!

My repressed fashion: Candy colored hair

Oh I loved me some Docs in Jr High & High school…I kind of grew out of them in college, but recently I’ve revived my love affair.
I have the brown Mary Jane baby doll kind & they are great…I’m a teacher and I can stand all day in them and still feel & look “hip” to my kids!

Doc Martens. EEUUU!

[...] Not a faded black, dark grey or blue-black. They’re a true rich black which is as Gothic and punk rocker as it gets. I bypassed the grey denim trend last year, but feel I can do the black-black skinny [...]

[...] (1) Weatherproof half ‘n half low wedged boots (microfiber and cracked patent), (2) Riding boots, (3) Retro embroidered boots, (4) 20 eyelet Doc Martens . [...]

Angie – I cannot wait to see these looks on you – so fab. Do you think these boots are too punk rock for NYC? I’m going there on a day trip in early November and thought of pairing them as you suggested above, with a pair of skinnies/matchsticks, black turtleneck and red puffer jacket. Not good? Good? Clueless!!!