Not Sick of Dr. Martens

Gritty, right? Don't worry, everything in that pictures repulses me as much as the rest of you... except for the boots. If I remember one thing from growing up with three sisters, it's that Dr. Martens were The thing to have... I remember not being to enthused with them back in the 90s, but that's probably because I was still had cartons on the bum of my underpants. Enough about my bum, the English shoemaker is back and ready to rumble, so to speak. Having started production in the 1960s, and being loved by the British workforce, they soon transitioned into the shoe of choice for skinheads. So there's that. Now that their consumer has hopefully grown some hair, and compassion for other races, they are making quite a statement. I personally think that they were brought back after the Prada platform Brogue situation from a few seasons ago. But either way, they have some really nice looking pairs. My favorite shoe they offer is the Beckett, which is the blue number with the white sole at the bottom - reminiscent of Givenchy, another high-end fashion house. Either way, these are a great choice for adding a solid foundation to any look, literally. And the price point is really conservative for a well-made shoe, remember, they were originally made for British workman.

Make it Rain!

With all the rain Chicago has been having, it only makes sense to own a pair of authentic rain boots, and what company to buy a pair of rain boots from than an British one? The Scottish company has been making rubber boots, or "Wellies", since the 19th century and they are finally making their way across the pond. The classic boot is perfect for trudging around the rain in, and can really make anyone look pretty down to earth... kind of like "I do the gardening on my country estate". Also, the boots aren't just for the ladies, both men and women wear them in England, and men have their own versions as well; a lace-up shorter boot is what I have my eye. Cheerio!

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A Once-Over of Buckingham Palace

With all the attention the royal wedding of Will and Kate, I thought it is befitting to look into their future home, Buckingham Palace. This pile of bricks is not too shabby, between the ornate details found in every nook around the place, and the priceless antiques that cover the entire home, Buckingham Palace is definitely a place one could call home. Most likely it is the most famous house in England and it is the main home of the royal family, Buckingham Palace is luxe in size, and history. I would have to say that I am drawn to the Grand Staircase, as well as The Throne Room... obviously. The Grand staircase is done up in white and encrusted with gold-leafed moldings, while the Throne Room is clad in red upholstered walls, with only two chairs side by side, again, obviously. Judging by their wedding, I feel a though Willy and Kate will fit in quite nicely here, it is just as elegant as they are. 

Photos courtesy of Kravet Designs

The Princess in McQueen

I'm glad to see that Kate Middleton chose to wear none other than Alexander McQueen, designed by Sarah Burton. French Chantilly lace was combined with English Cluny lace to be hand-worked in the Irish Carrickmacross needlework tradition. The lace  for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework. The lace design was applied by hand. Individual flowers have been hand-cut from lace and hand crafted onto ivory silk tulle which creates a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock design. The whole process was overseen and put together by hand by Ms Burton and her team. The dress is crafted with ivory and white satin gazar. The train measures two metres 70 centimetres. The ivory satin bodice, or corset-design is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen's designs. More details of the ceremony and reception will come. On a side note, my favorite part of the whole ceremony was the live trees cascading down the (very) long aisle on Westminster Abbey. 

Photo courtesy of The Huffington Post

Abbeyhorn Shoe Horn

After spending a week in the suburbs with my parents, and my Dad rentlessly telling me to polish my Wolvernive boots. I finally got around to it, and got my hands on some brown polish, and Sandsoap to clean and polish the Wolverine 1000 Mile boots. Needless to say, I was impressed with the final result, the color is back to their rich brown, but the they feel softer and still look worn. My biggest fear about polishing them was the idea of my 4 months of hard work of wearing them in, going down the drain. I think things that have a certain age to them look the best. But the end result was truly magnificient. Now I have been all over the place looking for new shoe-care tips, and found The Abbeyhorn Shoe Horn made Carnforth, England which manufactuers some of best shoe horns imagianable. Not only is the quality outstanding, the design and look of each horn is truly beautiful. Each horn is forged from real Oxen horns. Abbeyhorn has been setting the standard of shoe horns since 1747. I would love to get my hands on one of these gorgeous horns, but ordering proves to be difficult, having to order a catelogue from England and then ordering them from there. Either way, take a look at all the beautiful sizes and variations.

Photos courtesy of Leffot

Grenson Shoes

English craftsmanship is next to impeccable, especially when it's on your feet. Grenson shoes, an English company started in 1866 in Northamptonshire, is a mens footwear manufacturer that was started out of a cottage by a mother and son team. The company soon grew into one of the most sought-after footwear makers in all of Britain. The 'Grenson' brand was registered in 1913; Grenson was actually one of the first brand names ever to be registered in the UK. The Goodyear Welt construction make each pair a durable and luxe shoe that cannot be replicated. The one pair of Grensons I own is the Stanley Brogues, which is a classic English brogue with a wing tip, but it has a red rubber sole. I love the rubber sole with a wingtip because it makes the shoe more casual, but I can still dress them up.

Goodyear Welt Construction diasgram

Photos courtesy of Grenson Shoes and Wikipedia.com 

Smythson Stationary

Their signature blue boxes are not to be confused with luxe Lanvin, because it can only be the one and only English custom stationary and leather goods designer, Smythson. The London-based paper shop is the one-stop shop for all one's stationary needs. People can pick from hundreds of design schemes, or pay a little extra to design their own paper, whether it be correspondence cards, letterheads, contact cards, holiday cards, or just as simple at envelopes.

Not only does Symthson specialize in paper, but they also know their way around chic leather goods. Their line of ladies' handbags, as well as mens and women leather goods, ranging from wallets, to passport covers, and folders or organizers are really great, and super functional. It is safe to say that their execution of all leather goods are oversaw by good hands, being that Italian leather manufacturer, Tivoli, bought the English company in 2007. I use Smythson for my correspondence cards, decked out with my initials, but I am anxious to create custom invitations for when I have my next dinner party.