It's a hard knock life...

...when it comes to choosing winter boots that is.  And I have some new ones.  These are unashamedly casual, they are brazenly chunky and unapologetically masculine.  They are the perfect juxtaposition to soft feminine knitwear that has texture and flow and make the ideal dress down boot for every day.  Also perfect for trudging miles in with the dog.  

And there in lies the reason why I chose these lovelies as my new winter boots from Seven Boot Lane.  

I absolutely love my Caitlyn biker boots from there last year and intend to wear them extensively this season, but these are just that little bit different.  Slightly grungier, dare I say it - I clearly am going back to my student days.... the obsession with oversize knits, leggings with chunky boots to finish them off.  

Plus I can walk for miles in them.  Perfect for every day, perfect for weekend walks when I want to save my wellies for super muddy occasions (fear not, I shall be not getting these anywhere near mud for at least a fortnight...). 

Not forgetting my cable knit socks which I shall be adding to these as soon as the weather drops a couple of degrees (and I manage to find some.  Alas I seem to have flung my old ones that I thought may have made it to the attic.  Well, that's not true - I managed to find one of them.  So typical of me.  Cretin.)

Angelica Lace up work boots from Seven Boot Lane £160






 

So whilst I am a huge biker boot fan and will be doing another blog on those, fear not, my latest footwear obsession is definitely with the work boot.  Think Annie, think leggings, even with a skirt (I am SO sending The Husband to Banana Republic tomorrow to get that pleather skirt and oversized mohair knit which will look amazing with these.) or a midi dress.  Because of the way they're tied, I think they'd even go with boyfriend jeans (complete with cable knit socks again perhaps?) - breton, blazer and huge scarf?  The ideal way to dress down and winter proof some more late Summer/Autumnal outfits.   

And it seems there are lots of these around to choose from - it's definitely not all biker boot territory when it comes to casual winter boots that have a practical edge to them.
Call it Spring Aliradda Black Worker Boots £60 love the addition of the zip at the back.



Chunky really is the name of the game this season and Mango have taken it one chunk further with these ankle boots.

Leather Biker Ankle Boots from Mango £79.99



More at Clarks and my money is definitely on for this style being the next take on a chunky biker boot - their classic Orinoco style with what they call a "winter makeover". 

And there is a 20% off voucher I've found as well - discount code GHK20AW 

Orinoco Spice in black £60





This style they also do in a brown which I reckon a fair few may prefer as it perhaps less harsh than the black.  For me though, go black or go home but I am clearly nurturing a secret goth.

In the brown snuff (clearly that is their description not mine) £60





Slight variations on a theme now and these are very similar but with a bit of a higher heel.

Maroda Spritz £100 from Clarks - don't forget the 20% off.

Again they do these in a taupe version. 




Staying with the variations, these are slightly less heavy on the sole.  

ASOS Aerodrome Leather Lace up ankle boots £45



They do also do these in a tan - absolutely LOVE them.  (see how great they look with the boyfriend/looser jeans?  I'm loving the idea of a work boot with a smarter shirt, jumper and blazer or dress coat over the top - adore the idea of mixing up something earthier on the bottom with a smarter top half.)

ASOS Aerodrome in tan leather £45




Now I have never been one to wear DMs.  Never ever ever.  So why on earth are these appealing to me...??!

Lace up patent Leather effect ankle boots from Mango £49.99



Dare I even contemplate the real ones?

Dr Marten Modern Classics Patent 8 Eye Boots £90



And now in the super practical camp - bring on the wellies.
Hunter Original Bullseye Derby Laceup Wellington Boots £130