Okay – it’s autumn. I’ll accept it. So embrace it I shall with some seriously awesome boots…!
After a summer of pretty dresses and separates I’m back in a favourite style of mine: masculine chic. Although there are lots of ways to interpret this style, one of my most favoured ways is to team denim with some camo and finish with a magnificent pair of stylish, comfy boots.
Enter Josef Seibel for the third time [on the blog this year] – makers of seriously comfortable footwear. The long-established European brand was new to me back in the early part of this year, but now I have experienced the comfort their boots and shoes provide I am a SERIOUS convert. And when asked to pick and style a pair of boots from the AW19 range, the Lina 09 ankle boots* – with their fabulous red laces – had me at ‘hello’…!
Disclosure: This post is a paid partnership with Josef Seibel (all content is original and opinions are 100% honest, however). This blog uses affiliate links (at no cost to you) and any items listed as* were gifted within the last 12 months. Full disclosure
The outfit inspiration
These boots are so flippin fabulous – the red laces are everything. It’s such a small detail, but without that splash of colour they wouldn’t have the cool factor IMO. I love the combination of these boots and these jeans, and you know the main reason why?
When worn with rolled-up jeans like this, it’s reminiscent of the (bear with me here) skinhead style, or “bovver boy” style, of the late 60s and 70s. The classic look of lace-up boots and rolled-up jeans. Now I KNOW that’s not exactly a favourable look to go for, but from the knee down I am ALL OVER that style. In fact this outfit- with my first pair of Josef Seibel boots – from earlier this year was a take on it, albeit with soft pinky-beige cropped trousers rather than jeans.
[Bovver boy is a term referring to a hooligan who creates bother (trouble/”bovver”), specifically a member of a skinhead gang.]
So I knew that the very best jeans to wear with these boots was going to be my all-time favourite boyfriend jeans – which are at LEAST 10 years old – that I can finally fit in again after a summer of some serious health and fitness. (Watch this space for a post all about that sometime between now and my target weight – hopefully before Christmas.)
For the top half I went with my trusty old camo jacket (its military styling is reflected in the boots) and the whole look was softened a little with the striped FatFace shirt* (round collars always add a touch of femininity), gold jewellery and yet another one of my headbands.
I chose a deep red bag to echo the red laces – and the look was complete.
The comfort factor
I can’t talk about Josef Seibel boots or shoes without mentioning the comfort… ughhhh they are COMFY. I wore them as you see here, purposely with short socks that come below the top of the boot, so a bit of bare ankle was on show. Unlike some boots that would rub your ankle if there wasn’t sock between the top of the boot and bare skin, these do NOT rub. I’ve walked the dog wearing them like this, I’ve walked into town wearing them like this – no blisters or rubbed bits of skin were to be had.
The Lina 09 boots are super sturdy as well as comfy and have leather uppers, microfibre lining, a removable ‘footbed’, a lightweight and highly durable outer sole, red laces and a side zip – a detail that makes them SO much easier to get on and off. They also come in reverse colours: red with black laces, which look even more authentically bovver boy to me.
They currently retail at £105, with free delivery to the UK (correction to what I originally wrote: returns are not free unfortunately, my only grip). A hundred quid is quite pricey but not too pricey; personally I think that sort of price means you know you’re getting excellent quality and, in this case, supreme comfort. Not that I want to sound like an old lady but let’s be honest, ladies – who doesn’t want supreme comfort as you get older…?!
Special offer for Not Dressed As Lamb readers
Josef Seibel have kindly offered a free shoe care gift (worth £6.95) with each purchase of Lina 09 boots that are purchased via the link I’ve sprinkled throughout this post (Josef Seibel Lina 09 boots) – using that link means the gift should be automatically added to your basket when you check out 😀
Finally – a doggy debut…
The last picture is the first appearance on the blog (in an outfit post, at least) of our gorgeous new greyhound Suki. Being a somewhat energetic girl she wouldn’t stay still for very long – hopefully we’ll teach her some dog blogger poses in the near future! She’s been an absolute dream and has certainly help to heal our hearts after the loss of Riley earlier in the summer. Not forgotten, not replaced – just a wonderful legacy of being the dog that opened our hearts to wanting to adopt another <3
Are you a comfortable boots fan come the colder months? What’s your go-to style (and anyone else with me on the bovver boy style)?? Tell me in the comments…!
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Boots: Josef Seibel* (also available at John Lewis)
Jeans: La Redoute, years old (similar)
Jacket: La Redoute, old (similar)
Shirt: FatFace*
Bag: JD Williams
Headband: Asos
Locket: notonthehighstreet.com
Earrings: Chambers & Beau
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It’s a great look, and I’m so keen so hear about shoes that won’t hurt.
Lovely to see Suki too, we also got a new dog after the death of the old one and I totally agree that he is ‘not forgotten and not replaced ‘.
Author
Thanks Anna – they’ve been so good in the cold weather! Hopefully more pictures of Suki soon <3 xx
This outfit makes me want to have a pair of similar boots! They are like Doc Martins: wear them forever. And I just love the way that you have kept your boyfriend jeans, and bomber jacket. Very inspiring.
Author
I have a feeling they’re going to stay in style for a VERY long time, Ratnamurti…! Thank you my lovely x
I agree, the red laces do give them that extra oomph! Laughing at you recreating a bovver boy. You’ve definitely put a n improved spin on it!
Kat x
Just LOVE the boots! The coloured laces work so well, you could swop colours for a change. By the way, Suki is a very beautiful lady!
I can’t help thinking that my sister would have loved your lace-up boots, dear Catherine; she adored all things red…plus I’m pretty sure that Josef Seibel was one of her go-to shoe brands. And your military-inspired camo jacket? Totally my vibe. 🙂 P.S. So glad you and Keith found another fur-baby to share your lives with…Suki is a beauty (just like her new mom)! XO
Author
Oh Monika my darling – I’m sure she would have loved them too if her sister’s fabulous style is anything to go by ♥♥♥ (thank you!)
Suki’s been an absolute poppet, I’m so glad we’ve got her in our lives x
You wear a headband like no one else, Catherine! The work you’ve done on health and fitness is beautifully apparent, and an inspiration to me (put the cookie DOWN, girl!) So glad Suki is fitting in so well to the family and healing your hearts. And thanks for the definition of bovver boy – the two “v’s” look like a “w” and had us Yanks all confused – bwahaha!
Author
Gosh thank you so much Mary Katherine – I feel so much better both due to the fitness and for having Suki to love!
What a great fall outfit and I love the headband. I think those are so cute!
Author
Aww thank you Lisa xx
I love the look, it’s a “chic tomboy” look.
And Suki is beautiful!! What a gorgeous dog xxx
Author
Thanks Sonia – she’s so loving and adorable!
Hello, Suki! I’m so glad you found another doggie to love. So many are looking for someone to 🙂
Love this look of androgynous mixed with feminine…a little tough, a little tender 🙂
Bettye
Author
I love your “a little tough, a little tender” description, Bettye – thank you! And yes, Suki has been so wonderful at healing our hearts… The love is most definitely reciprocated x
Well, this is a fine post to conclude my morning with your blog posts. The shoes are indeed great and you did a good job to match that bag with it. The whole outfit is a lovely style (even though camouflage is not my thing, but hey, that is only me).
I can see that you have lost weight and are getting happier, your face glows with pleasure. New body, new doggie, new job for Keith, new house, less hours working… yes babe, you did it and you are doing it. Applause for taking the risks and doing the work.
Greetje
Author
Oh Greetje THANK YOU – I feel sooooo much better physically and mentally. It’s been a very sad summer but our hearts are mending and Suki has been a huge part of that xx
I love how you brought out the laces with the great purse!
Author
Thanks Chrissy – I thought that was a clever touch! 😉 😉
Ahhhh…. a bit of androgyny and a chunky boot… my kind of style!!
XXX
Author
OMG yes I can absolutely see you in these boots, Samantha!! Thank you xx
What delightful femininity you exude. I’d wear that stuff and look terribly blokey, but not you – a Pretty Woman in blokes’ clothing!
Hugs, Mary x.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
Author
Aww Mary that’s very kind of you to say – thank you! x
Fantastic fall ensemble and brilliantly composed. Well done!
Rena
Author
Thank you lovely Rena xx
Aww, there she is! Hi Suki! What a cutie! Love the combat-style boots with the red laces too. Thinking it’s time for me to invest in a pair of lace-ups this season. You’ve inspired me!
Cheryl Shops
Author
I’m sure she’ll settle into the posing soon, Cheryl…! 😉
Thanks my lovely – I can highly recommend these boots for the comfort alone x
Aw, Suki is so cute! I’m sharing a picture with our newest adoptee, Lulu. I’m afraid she will never sit still long enough to pose! Haha! As you say, she doesn’t replace our beloved Scooter but fills our hearts again with some doggie love. And keeps our other doggie company. I’m not a big fan of the military boots on me, but they are super cute with those red laces! And I know Josef Siebel makes beautiful shoes!
xx Darlene
Author
Oh bless her little face – what an absolute cutie, Darlene!! And yes, Josef Seibel’s shoes are something else. All hail boots that are THIS comfy AND this cool 😀
Hey what’s wrong with Autumn Mrs?!
You’re right about one thing though, those laces ARE everything! The boots are fabulous, don’t get me wrong but the addition of red laces really gives them the edge, love that!
P.S. Hi Suki xx
Author
Don’t get me started on autumn, MT!!!! 😉 The dark evenings are only getting darker, dark mornings, rain, wind, cold, damp (I said don’t get me started, lol!)
Amazing what a pair of coloured laces can do, eh?? Thank you my love (Suki says hi, especially to Blue!) xx
I’m all about the comfort when it comes to shoes. And clothes for that matter! And this height ankle boot is so hard to come by, I’m always on the look-out for some boots like these. I often go with more masculine footwear and team them with something prettier like the blouse you’re wearing or a dress – I really like that look.
And lovely to meet Suki!
Helen x
Author
I love this height of ankle boot Helen but often find they rub if you don’t have socks that come higher… thankfully Josef Seibel have made them super soft at the top so long socks are not necessary if (like me) you like the bare ankle look!
Thank you my lovely x
Very cool look. Perfect for festival too!
Author
Thanks Nancy – and yes for festivals, though they’re too nice for thick mud, lol!!
I love that casual look. The boots look so comfortable and love the pop of red! Suki looks like she will be a natural!!
Alison xx
Author
Thank you Alison… we have the challenge of always co-ordinating Suki with my outfits now, hehe!
Love these boots. Very Doc Martin-like, but they look more comfortable. I know Doc’s get really comfortable, but you have to wear them for a really long time before they get to that point. That was my experience back in the 80’s. I used to love this look when I was in college and it’s fun to see it trending again.
Author
I never actually owned real DMs, Julie – that’s interesting what you say about the comfort factor! I’m happy to report that Josef Seibel boots are comfy right from the first wear (I wore mine for a half-hour walk round town running errands – they were as comfy as anything)!
Glad you liked the look, thank you x
I like the juxtaposition of the masculine and the feminine with the way you styled your hair. I am sure these boots will have a long life in your closet. I do love that red lace!
Author
Thanks Mireille – the red laces have given them a very cool edge, haven’t they…?!!
Some serious shoe envy going on here girl!
And isn’t Suki beautiful!
So happy for you both xxx
Ash xxx
Author
Thank you Ashley my lovely…!!
This is super, and I love to see the hairband too – just a hint of feminine there. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thanks Jacqui – I think I’m wearing them ALL the time at the moment! x
Oh I adore your bovver boy look! I am wearing sort of the reverse today with camo pants and a denim shirt! This is totally my style with the combat boots and boyfriend jeans. And how sweet is Suki!
Shelbee
Author
Thanks Shelbee… it’s a look I’ve loved for a long time 😉
OH what a FABULOUS pair of boots, Catherine! I adore the red laces, and how shiny is that black leather, like LIQUORICE! The fact that they are so comfortable as well means you’ll wear the bejeezus out of them. I can’t wait to see other ways you style them… I can even see them toughening up a girly skirt. xxx
Author
Liquorice is a fabulous way to describe them, Lisa!! It doesn’t surprise me that you love them too… thank you! x
Oh, I’m so happy you got a new dog! She looks beautiful and oh, so photogenic!
Author
Thanks Kimberly, she’s been absolutely wonderful, a real ray of sunshine in our lives <3 xx
What a great casual look! Comfortable shoes are so important to me! These boots look fantastic and so perfect for this time of the year!
Ellibelle’s Corner
Author
Thank you Ellibelle – the comfort of the boots is out of this world #woopwoop