How I Managed to Pack the Perfect Suitcase!

Packing for any kind of trip has always been a source of anxiety for me. I always forget something, some crucially important thing. In the past it's been my eyeglasses, my phone charger, pyjamas, socks, deodorant... you get the idea. The day after Christmas I was slated to go on a voyage across the Atlantic to visit London, Paris, and some of the English countryside, over the course of 10 days. It's a challenge for anybody to fit ten days' worth of clothing in a carry-on sized roller bag, and I was traveling during a particularly variable season, as far as the weather was concerned. By some strange stroke of genius though, I managed to pack the perfect suitcase. I utilized everything I had in there (as in, nothing was extra or unneeded), I never lacked appropriate outerwear or shoes, and I still had a bit of room to bring inevitable purchases back with me. 

Here's how I did it!

My suitcase is a standard carry-on size American Tourister bag that I got in Aqua blue because a) I hate how everyone has black suitcases and b) I knew it would be easier to pick out at baggage claim. For the rest of my junk I use my trusty, giant camo canvas tote from the defunct RL Rugby brand (RIP). It's large enough that I can fit my small purse in there, alongside all the other necessities that I won't be able to live without if my luggage gets lost. Awesome brimmed "Manon" hat from Anthropologie ($58), and giant fluffy infinity scarf that I can wrap over my face incase I pass out on the plane and enter fly-catching mode, tops on priority list. I got my neon X-ray yellow luggage tag from the folks at Flight 001, along with a matching Passport cover and 1-qt size bag for carry-on fluids. Very sadly, the subzero temps when I was flying out of NY during the Polar Vortex (or whatever they called it) must have weakened the plastic and my luggage tag came back to me snapped off, so I'm torn between replacing it or opting for a less weather-sensitive option.

As for the contents of my suitcase... here's where the real genius kicked in.

SHOES: 2 pairs
1 pair of waterproof leather boots, comfortable enough for walking all day and dope enough to wear with anything.
--> Dubarry of Ireland "Wicklow" boot in Walnut, $299
1 pair of black flats, not very comfortable but perfect enough for any circumstance that's a bit dressier (or where brown boots wouldn't work).
--> studded loafers from Call It Spring, $15 (on sale)
OUTERWEAR: 2 coats
1 warm, mid-thigh length down coat for chillier temps/venturing out at night.
--> Dubarry of Ireland "Salthill" coat in Black, $299.

1 lightweight, waterproof jacket for wet weather and layering.
--> Dubarry of Ireland "Behan" jacket in Raisin, $479.

Lucky for me, I work for a brand that makes phenomenal outerwear (take a stab at which that is...). Add in a scarf that you can do a lot with... I picked up my rust-colored one at Uniqlo for $12! A pair of beauteous handwarmers from Houndworthy also came in handy for all the mugs I ended up holding (see evidence below).
PANTS: 3 pairs
1 pair dark denim jeans that look good with ankle boots.
--> AG Jeans "Stevie" Straight from Anthropologie, ~$168.
1 pair black motorcycle jeans that still look cool with brown boots.
--> Free People moto jeans circa 3 years ago, ~$199.
1 pair black vegan leather leggings that can be used for a dressy dinner date, or just as easily dressed down.
--> Sanctuary Clothing Mixed Vegan Leather Leggings, $98 (but found on sale at Zappos for $65).

TOPS: the 2 most important things to bring anywhere...
1 chambray shirt. It will be your best friend. Goes over tank tops/tshirts, under sweaters, by itself, etc. I take one everywhere as part of my uniform.
--> JCrew is where I got mine a few years back, but they have new choices every spring for around $78.
1 black merino wool cardigan, on the longer side.
--> Brooks Brothers -- a bit pricier than I'm used to, but it's a wardrobe staple so you should be more willing to splurge. Warm but not bulky, and sharp enough to wear with dressy outfits if necessary.
Aside from that, throw in one warm sweater, a few t-shirts, a couple of tanks, a tunic-length dressier top (for use with black leather leggings), and a few more assorted tops for good measure.

DRESS:
1 black vegan leather bodycon dress, to wear with aforementioned flats and cardigan. Slick enough to go out to a club but elegant enough to wear to a fancy Parisian restaurant on New Years Eve (what I did). Also, folds very easily and doesn't take up much suitcase space. Procured mine from Free People a couple of years back but Sanctuary Clothing had some killer options this season as well.

Sanctuary Clothing Vegan Suede dress, $168.

The best choice I made was undoubtably with footwear. I wore those Wicklow boots every single day for ten days. We walked EVERYWHERE. Not once did I get blisters or tired feet, and on the days where it poured rain (there were quite a few), I didn't get held back. The weather in Europe is tricky to predict during the winter months, and I spent equal amounts of time in my down coat as I did in my rain shell. The waterproof jacket also came in extraordinarily handy, particularly the day we walked around Brighton, England in sopping wet conditions. I was never cold, or wet, or over dressed, or under dressed. In general, everything I own can be mixed and matched... I guess I'm stylistically pretty consistent, but in this situation it worked out for me really well.

great shopping in Brighton

chilly night on Waterloo Bridge

paid a visit to the new Dubarry flagship store in London!

fun fact: anywhere outside of New York, people think I'm Latina.

On a side note... Google is giving me a nightmare of a time regarding my blog domain. dappledwaistcoat.com is no longer working because they would never allow me to sign into Google Admin to renew it, and now that it's expired it seems I can't get it back. So for the time being, we'll be here at DAPPLEDWAISTCOAT.BLOGSPOT.COM until I can sort this out! Any advice on the matter would be appreciated!  xx A

the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide and other Happenings!

In the midst of my aversion to all things related to "Black Friday" and the circus that is holiday shopping, I've truly enjoyed taking a lot of time to dream up my holiday gift guide. This year has been quite a journey for me as far as discovering new products and making new friends in the small business world is concerned, so in the spirit of mixing old with new, this year's guide features 'old faithful' brands that we all love and trust like Dubarry and Woolrich, alongside some smaller, younger brands like Barnwood Leather and Houndworthy. Let it also be emphasized that I'm of the QUALITY over QUANTITY philosophy. One gift, that's a bit more expensive but unique, stylish, and functional, is infinitely more meaningful than a pile of Black Friday doorbuster specials. 

Also, click through after the Guide for a peek at what I've been up to...

I should probably title this section: "Stuff Anne Loves and/or Wants," because that's basically what it is. (No, I'm not sorry.) 1. Dubarry of Ireland "Behan" jacket, $479. Full disclosure: I own it, and it's been my favorite piece all season (see mine at the bottom of the post). It's a Gore-tex lined (waterproof and breathable), classic quilted style with a bit of a motorcycle jacket vibe. The collar is amazing and the cut is really tailored, plus it's got handwarmer pockets, a hidden inside pocket, and 3 more outside pockets. 2. Dolce Vita "Assam Tea Booties," $129 at Anthropologie. For a leather Chelsea boot, the price on these is really reasonable, and I've had good luck with Dolce Vita footwear before, so I trust the quality without seeing them in person. The pop of orange on the gusset really transforms these into a distinctive piece that I'd base an outfit around. They come in all black smooth leather as well, but ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (see what I did there?) 3. Swiss Army for Hudson Bay pocket knife, $40 at Trove General Store. What girl (or guy) couldn't use a little pocket knife? Hey, if you get the Behan jacket you can stick it in your hidden pocket! Though it's a pretty basic gadget, the iconic Hudson Bay stripes ensure quite a bit of stylistic longevity in this little conversation piece. 4. Sanctuary "Patch Me Thru" vegan leather sweater, $88 at Wildfang. This is the Joan Jett, Wednesday Addams, Lisbeth Salander answer to all of your technicolor holiday garb. Simple and understated with a dash of badass, and yes, I said vegan. I can't tell you how I lust for this sweater! Wildfang is a Portland based shop created for reckless tomboys like myself - watch out! They're starting a movement. 

City boys are catching on to the benefits of hard working country style gear... and the country boys are getting more dapper. I decided they should meet halfway. So whether your dude tromps around the concrete jungle or sneaks off to hunting cabins, these picks should have universal appeal. 1. Colorblock Antler Keyring from North at  Houndworthy, $32 (£22). Each one of these Canadian antler keyrings is unique, (as no two deer are alike), and the color sequence varies as well, so there will be no confusion about which keys belong to you! P.S. The antlers are naturally shed, so no deer are hurt. 2. Dubarry of Ireland "Kerry" boot, $399. Ladies and gentleman, the world's first and only Gore-tex lined, waterproof Chelsea boot. They have a proper hand-cut leather sole with a stacked leather heel and rubber on the bottom for grip. The ultimate winter dress boot for the guy who works in the city and needs to look sharp. 3. Woolrich x Topo Designs "Klettersack" backpack, $249. Made in Colorado by Topo using Woolrich's heavy duty wool on the outside with a coated pack cloth liner on the inside. The entire Topo x Woolrich collaboration line is worth checking out, as they're made in very limited numbers! 4. Manastash Panel Parka, $450 at Trove General Store. Aside from the fact that they use extremely high quality fabrics, Manastash excels at creating pieces with an almost retro vibe that are somewhat insane looking, but indescribably appealing. The Panel Parka is completely waterproof with cozy handwarmer pockets.

As far as gift giving goes, fine leather goods are a no-brainer. If it's handmade, then that's even better. 1. Ball and Buck x Danner Light, $376. Ball and Buck has made a name for themselves by epitomizing the dignity inherent in American hunting and sporting culture. Their collaboration with the bootmaking icons at Danner features tough Vibram Gumlite soles supporting Gore-tex lined leather and camouflage uppers. Handsome enough for the street, hardcore enough for the field. 2. River City Leather "Smallet," $70. I've been following RCL for quite a while on Instagram and always admired this piece, and since they've just opened their online shop I figured it was a good time to pay the Smallet its due. Quite a simple little wallet, but I'm a sucker for the asymmetrical snap design. 3. Teranishi Brand iPhone 5 case, $85. I had my Trove x Teranishi iPhone 4 case for a long time and it served me well. This updated model does what most leather cases cannot, in that it maintains the streamlined silhouette of the phone while still giving it ample coverage and protection. Also, just wait and see what an amazing patina the natural leather will pick up after some use! 4. Barnwood Leather "Original Outdoor Office," $135 before Dec 13, $190 after. With room for notebook, tablet, cards, pens, etc., this sweet little carryall hearkens back to days of yore when people toted around day planners, yet it manages to capture a modern minimalist aesthetic. The dudes behind Barnwood are producing these high quality goods and sharing the profits with two nonprofit organizations that provide kids with horse-related therapy, and give food to children who are going hungry! A "feel good" purchase if there ever was one. 

Now for the "Happenings" part of the post...

Four Legged Finery of the Hound Persuasion

Before you say anything: 1) I know! 2) I'm sorry! I've been busier than I'd ever imagined this summer. Between working, riding, and spending every nice day off going outside and soaking in the sun, I definitely neglected my bloggerly duties. HOWEVER, in the spirit of that "go outside and do something" attitude, I've been inspired by a chat with Morgan Cummins of the new UK-based Houndworthy to do a post dedicated to the active-lifestyle dog owner.

Houndworthy and I got in touch after discovering our mutual affection for Dubarry boots via Twitter. After a couple of emails back and forth, I saw that the Houndworthy mission was very close to my own objective with this blog. Co-founder Morgan explained their goal as such:

"The strategy behind our brand visual approach is to create this immersive experience where it should make you actually wish you were outside somewhere (with hound) and not sittin' indoors lookin' at a website! ... providing the impetus for people to go and do more rewarding things; and buying and using better goods is part of that."

Though they've likened themselves to a canine-oriented Patagonia or North Face type of lifestyle brand, I would even venture to compare their online branding strategy to something like Anthropologie. Anthro works by assaulting all of your senses as soon as you enter the store: the scented candles burning, the music playing, the look of the staff, the store visuals, etc. It's a truly visceral experience, and Houndworthy has managed to skillfully achieve this and more without the physicality of a brick-and-mortar shop. Creative Director Morgan and his partner Jo Holdaway have fused their talents to create this amazing brand, and use their own hounds as models, muses, and test subjects for the array of unique dog toys, leads, collars, clothing, and accessories on the site. Don't get it twisted, though. You're not going to find pink and blue gendered doggie collars with paw print designs, or dog t-shirts with corny phrases screened on in Comic Sans. This is hardworking dog gear for folks with a more refined aesthetic.

(all taken from their Instagram: @houndworthy)

Another brand with a purpose is Found My Animal, a Brooklyn-based brand making fisherman style rope leads, collars, and accessories. They're also dedicated advocates of animal rescue, partnering with local rescue organizations and foster programs to help shelter pups find homes. Aside from the fact that their goods are super cool, I love that they go over and beyond to do their part helping needy dogs in the community.

I've got a serious soft spot for rescue dogs. My own pup is a 3 year old Dachshund mix named Otto that I rescued when he was a little 5 pound morsel, and my life has never been the same. Having a dog has gotten me outside, led me to conversations with complete strangers, and brought me to a much happier spiritual place as an independent explorer of this world.

He's a pain to find good gear for though, since he's very long and skinny, and has a neck like a little goose. That certainly didn't stop us from making a wishlist though!

Since it was Dubarry that originally brought Houndworthy and myself together, the Galway boot must be included. I live in my brown Galways, but I've always thought a black/mahogany pair would be rather striking for dogwalking, since Otto and I would then match. Morgan had his own Dubarry testimonial: "I have a pair of Dubarry gamekeeper boots... I love them. They come up to my knees and keep anything out! I've gone across rivers in Scotland 2ft deep, they are awesome." I can only dream of trudging through rivers in Scotland. Morgan -- I envy you!

It's very annoying that Otto can't wear regular collars... his neck is just too skinny and they always rub off his fur. The plaid button bandanna from Houndworthy would probably look AMAZING on him though. The Natural Leash from Found My Animal is sharp, and made in the USA, fisherman-style, from high-quality materials. I see this look improvised at horse shows a lot by people who just use their horse's lead rope as a leash, but FMA's version is a huge upgrade. As for that slick canvas satchel... be still my heart. I make no secret of my difficult relationship with handbags, but this one is exactly my style. It would be perfect for carrying all my stuff, and I'd even throw Otto's favorite ball in there too.

Go forth and explore! And when you're done doing that, go outside!

Houndworthy

Found My Animal 

Dubarry

the Father's Day Gift Guide: No Dad Left Behind!

My father likes to joke that Father's Day is "nine months before Mother's Day." It would be a little weird to shower your father with gifts on that anniversary, so I'm glad we've settled on a universal date to celebrate fatherhood. This is the very first Dappled Waistcoat Father's Day post, and I've worked hard to search out classy, sassy, wallet-friendly, and slightly left-of-center gifts to please your pops. And of course, I've sourced these goods from classic brands, most of which make their goods in the USA.

PINO Portland ties, bow-ties, and pocket squares/rounds are all handmade in Portland, OR. Their web store is fresh and new, and soon after seeing it I got to talking with founder Crispin about the story behind his brand, his fabrics, and the collaborations he's doing with businesses in Portland. Stay tuned for a PINO feature post very soon! The raw silk and bright Imperial Blue color of this tie ($98) has great texture without being too busy, and the pocket round ($48) complements it perfectly without over-matching. To bring it all together, the Timex Weekender ($45, available online at www.trovegeneral.com) adds a fun pop of color. The straps on the watch are interchangeable as well, giving dad endless options for classic style. 

For those who didn't know, Dubarry of Ireland doesn't just make great boots. Their deck shoes are phenomenal too, with non-slip, non-marking outsoles and their trademark Dry-Fast/Dry-Soft leather that will stand the test of many beach trips, car washes, fishing voyages, and fatherly episodes of moral support. Pair up the Windward decks ($159) with the fresh navy and white striped Kilkee polo ($89) and dad will thank you for the new weekend staples. The folks at Leatherworks Minnesota, from whom I recently got a fantastic black/red camera strap, know their way around rugged leather. Their classic belt ($60) is made of heavy 8/9 oz. leather, and available in five different color options. Beautiful leather goods are always appropriate gifts, and never, ever go out of style. 

For the dad who feels more comfortable shirtless than in a polo, we have some more gnarly gift ideas. Biker dads will love the Venice Address Trucker hat from biking gods Deus Ex Machina ($30). It will keep that perfect dad hair from getting too windswept, or keep that perfectly bald dome from getting sunburn, (either way, it's great). For the hair on dad's face, Otter Wax Beard Oil ($26) is about as manly a gift as you could find. It's made in Portland of the finest base and essential oils, to keep dad's prize beard soft and healthy. Burly dad's will appreciate Izola's sassy "Put Some Hair on Your Chest" flask ($25, at www.petalumasupplyco.com). For a finishing touch, buy him a bottle of his favorite whiskey. No dad should have an empty flask.

Maybe your dad was a hippie, and maybe he's nostalgic for the riotous days of his youth. Show dad that you actually listened to all his stories (that he may or may not have repeated a thousand times). The Locally Grown tee ($39, at Trove General) is retro and suggestive, without the risk of turning too many heads at the next family barbecue. STRONG Brand's "Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em" Zippo lighter ($50) is inspired by hand engraved lighters from the Vietnam era, and comes with a handmade pouch. To complete your dad's trip down memory lane, Karlheinz Weinberger's book "Rebel Youth" ($45) is a collection of photographs of working class youth rebels and style icons of the late '50's and early '60's.

Being mindful about what goods you buy doesn't have to be insanely expensive. Most of these items are under $50, and the few that are more expensive are well worth it. Dads recognize quality and appreciate good style more than they like to let on. 

Lucky for me... General Knot &Co. took over my Father's Day shopping for me. I won their Father's Day giveaway of a GK x Ursa Major gift set. It was only made in a limited run, but is still available on their site for you last minute Father's Day shoppers! (Don't worry... my dad doesn't really know how to use the internet, so there's no risk in spoiling the surprise.)

SHOP!

PINO Portland

Trove General Store

Dubarry of Ireland

Deus Ex Machina

Petaluma Supply Co.

The STRONG Brand

Leatherworks MN

Otter Wax

General Knot &Co.

Proudly Introducing: the DUBARRY Longford Boot!

As a longtime friend of the Dubarry team, I am honored and privileged to help give their newest boot a proper US debut. The Longford boot has all of the classic Dubarry elements as the Galway boot, but with a sleeker silhouette and some beautiful new detailing. A double buckle adorns the top, with the signature Dubarry script logo subtly embossed into the smooth leather. The boots, in true Dubarry form, are made in Europe of Dubarry's DryFast-DrySoft™leather and fully lined with GORE-TEX® from bottom to top, making them completely waterproof but also lightweight and breathable. The Black and Walnut color options (shown below) will initially be offered in European sizes 37 to 43 (up to USW 11.5, USM 10) and will retail at $529. Apart from the obvious practical appeal, the boots are simply beautiful.

Dubarry LONGFORD boot in Black.

Dubarry LONGFORD boot in Walnut.

Nothing better embodies the spirit of the Dappled Waistcoat more than Dubarry boots: they are hard wearing, well crafted, but still effortlessly stylish and timeless. I've been steadily wearing Dubarry Galway boots since 2005, and from October through March you really won't see me in anything else. This year they kept me dry through Hurricane Sandy and helped me shovel my driveway out of snow three feet deep during the crazy blizzard in February. Oh, and a little trade secret.... my boots have lasted so long because I take proper care of them! I hose them down if they get muddy or dirty and let them air dry, and I regularly apply Dubarry Leather Cream to the foot part so they don't dry out.

A rainy Galway day in February, paired with black motorcycle jeans and a North Face parka.

For those of you lucky folks who will be attending Rolex Kentucky this year, a limited number of Longford boots will be available for sale at the show, so absolutely stop by the booth and slip a pair on. By the looks of them, you won't want to take them off......... ever. If you're an Instagram user, tag any Dubarry related photos #dubarry #dubarryboots #rk3de #roadtorolex2013 @dubarryofireland @rolexkentucky, and if you want to make me envious you can tag me @aezeum!

As for the rest of us, Dubarry is running an exciting social media contest through the Rolex Event in which one US resident can WIN a pair of Longfords and thereby increase their quality of life a hundredfold. Click here or on the image below for details on the competition!

I may have to wait until the Hampton Classic Horse Show this year to get my hands on a pair, but please believe I will -- in Black -- and I'll spam photos of them on Instagram to make you all insanely jealous until you can't help but get a pair of your own. I dare you to beat me to the punch!

Field Trip: the Great Pennsylvania Adventure!

The Great Pennsylvania Adventure, (or GPA, if you wish), was pretty phenomenal and exciting. As a result, this post is pretty long. There are lots of pictures though, so look at those and scan through my rambling as you please!

After living in Pennsylvania for two and a half years during the time I attended Villanova for my Masters, I haven't once returned back to visit. When I moved home to Long Island in October of 2011, I was very frustrated with Pennsylvania. I hadn't been able to find a job there that I could support myself on, I was far away from my family, and it was perplexing to me to live somewhere that's so hot over the summer without any beaches to go to. It sort of seemed like a lonely, landlocked hell. A year and a half later, I find myself waxing poetic about my time in PA. I miss living down the block from Milkboy Coffee and being able to walk up the street, get a cup of coffee and some food, and sit, people watching in an artsy Laptopistan. I was lucky enough at the time that my other half was willing to move his life down to Pennsylvania and have that adventure with me. He too, had become disenchanted with Pennsylvania and the struggles of starting over somewhere new, without the comfort of family and old friends. We made new friends, though, and we've only realized how important they are to us after so much time being away from them. Last week, we decided it was time to take a mini-vacation and revisit our old haunts along the Main Line and spend some quality time with good friends further south, in Oxford.

yours truly, in heaven.

Our first stop was Villanova, where I fulfilled my Alumni duty of spending money I didn't have in the bookstore. The campus looks wonderful with the many changes they've made to further "beautify" it since I graduated. Check that off the list. Next up we headed to our former home of Ardmore and had lunch at Milkboy Coffee. I was disappointed to not see any of the baristas I remember from when I was a regular there... but alas, times do change. 

PHASE TWO after the jump....

Field Trip: Bayard Cutting Arboretum!

A few shots from my hiking and exploring excursion yesterday, as always wearing my trusty Dubarry Galway boots. Fall is a beautiful season... get outside and enjoy it before winter comes!

Wishlist: Dubarry Edition

I had the pleasure of working at the Hampton Classic Horse Show for my friends at Dubarry of Ireland this past Labor Day weekend, and I was able to try out some of their newest designs. Here are some favorites/must-haves, including the tweed waistcoat that inspired this very blog:

"Daisy" in Connemara Smoke

"Iris" shirt in White

"Swift" Gore-tex lined jacket in Olive

The Daisy vest is cut exquisitely... really top notch tailoring. It's easy enough to dress up or down as well, so it's definitely a piece that could get a lot of mileage in the fall/winter seasons. The Iris shirt really caught my attention because of the subtle, tuxedo-like panels in the front. Unlike a lot of other shirts striving towards the same vibe, the Iris has the detail without adding any bulk. The comfortable,  two-way stretch cotton fabric is form-fitting without having any bunching, giving the shirt a stunning silhouette. In the outerwear department, I've been searching for a proper weatherproof jacket that still has some kind of tailored shape for a very long time, to no avail. Dubarry's older "Skerrit" and "Sutton" jackets have the same idea, but the "Swift" seals the deal with the belt and more prominent hourglass shape. 

The unquestionable practicality and quality of all these items make it really hard for me to not blow up my credit card. Regardless of what's on the runways this fall, I feel the most comfortable and stylish in classic and versatile pieces. Also, the fact that I currently own no waterproof outerwear aside from a hat and a couple pairs of boots leaves the other 90% of my body sorely neglected. Christmas is coming though, I guess I should probably start behaving... probably. WINTER IS COMING.

Dubarry.us

Boots to Fall For

A very wise Dutch gentleman once told me that he couldn't respect a woman who wore sneakers, (I believe he called them "gym shoes," actually). Nothing compares, he stressed, to proper leather footwear. For whatever reason, I was very struck by that simple image of a "woman in sneakers," or a man in sneakers for that matter, and have made a point of working against that. After a blazing hot New York summer where my Rainbow flip-flops and my Ariat paddock boots were the only footwear that saw any action, I'm ready to jump back into boots for fall.

I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that every boot I've posted works for both men and women. I generally hate the overt attempt at feminization that is evident in any kind of rugged outerwear made exclusively for women, so I think these styles are classic and functional, and transcend any kind of gender labeling. The first two I've posted are the Danner Light Heathman and the Danner Mountain Light Stark, both a part of their Stumptown collection and as always, made in Portland, Oregon. They're gorgeous, well-made, rugged, and will look better and better the more you abuse them. 

Next we have the iconic Dubarry Galway boot. It took me a couple of years to warm up to the black/brown color, because I always preferred the brown ones that I have (see the next image: me standing in the floodwaters of the Schuylkill River August 2011 after the hurricane). I like having a lot of contrast in my wardrobe, and the black/brown just WORKS. I've had Dubarrys for over 6 years now though... walked through blizzards, rivers, horse s**t, some pretty unspeakable things, and they haven't once failed me. They are lined to the very top with Gore-tex and the leather is Dry Fast-Dry Soft, so they don't get warped and weird over time.

Last but not least are the Blundstone 500. A unisex work boot icon, still made in Australia. I have them in the all black, but I do appreciate the contrasting lighter gusset on the Stout Brown color option. They are more water resistant than waterproof, but I've worn them in the rain, snow, and walked through puddles without any incident. I initially bought them when my quest for something classic yet resembling combat boots left me empty handed, and they've done the job well. I like wearing them with some kind of colorful sock over my jeans. Aesthetically it's pleasing to me, but it's also rather practical for hiking or walking through the woods, since the boots aren't tall. 

Though there are a lot of boots that look cool out there, it's not enough for me if they don't serve a functional purpose. Hence, my gripe with the majority of women's fashion footwear. If the leather isn't real, or is cheaply tanned, or the stitching is poorly done, or the soles are super thin, I'm just not interested. I'd like to be ready for any kind of adventure that comes my way, or at the very least... wearing something very comfortable. 

Danner Stumptown Collection

Dubarry

Blundstone