When we moved to San Francisco and I first wandered through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, I was absolutely thrilled to see a Doc Marten Store. I drooled over the fine collection of colorful shoes in the front window, and a certain tall lavender boot really caught my eye. Since this encounter, I have passed by this store many times dreaming of how stylish I would look in such fine purple footwear.
So this afternoon we decided to wander down Haight Street in search of a pub that serves fine European-style beer. I spent the morning working out at the gym and then walking Zuri on the beach, so it was most certainly time to visit a local pub. Aaron came with me and I warned him that we might have to make a quick stop at the Doc Marten Store before visiting the bar. I just wanted to have a closer look at those adorable lavender boots and luckily he was in agreement with my plan.
As usual, the Doc Marten Store never disappoints and before I knew it, Aaron was asking the sales clerk for assistance. Yes, he just couldn't resist. Initially I hadn't planned on actually trying the shoes on, but when I heard Aaron asking for help with sizes I knew it was definitely time. The sales clerk kept urging me to go with the red pair, but my mind had been made up in January. I put the lavender beauties on and didn't take them off. I told the salesman that I didn't even need a box. He assured me that if I wore them out of the store, I could not return them. Aaron chose a handsome solid black boot, and we left the store sporting our new purchases feeling trendy and retro as we made our way to the pub. European-style brew was no longer affordable after our purchase, but luckily we stumbled upon happy hour, so we didn't have to settle for cheap beer. There really is nothing better than wearing new Doc Marten's and drinking Belgian beer while listening to a Willie Nelson cover band. It was a fine afternoon.
Today I couldn't help but reminisce of my first Doc Marten purchase. As I mentioned above, Mom and I decided to travel to London for spring break my junior year. We both worked hard pinching pennies to save up for our long awaited journey overseas. It was our first time traveling abroad and we had looked so forward to it, but we both had reservations that first night in the city. We felt so far from home and we were so fatigued from jet lag. Luckily we slept well and woke the next morning with a different attitude about learning the city. It took several rides, but Mom tackled the subway system and had us all over London. We spent the week walking our feet off, learning to 'mind the gap,' filling our bellies with delicious pastries, visiting beautiful cathedrals and museums, and attending musicals. We also managed to get a little shopping in, and I found the shoe store Shelley's, which had an amazing selection of Doc Marten's. I was sold. Working at the retirement center as a waitress provided me with just enough money to purchase those great Mary Jane's. We had so much fun on that trip that we decided to return the following year for another visit. The second time around I chose a really fun plaid boot that I loved wearing throughout the years as well.
So I guess this is why I get a little overly emotional about Doc Marten's. They take me down memory lane. They take me back to London with my Mom and remind me of our amazing travels there. Those were some of my favorite trips abroad, and Mom has always been supportive of my Doc Marten habit. I wore Doc's all through college and always loved their ability to enhance and funkify any plain outfit. It has been about ten years since I have purchased a pair, so it was most appropriate to add the beautiful lavender boots to my collection today. My wallet may be a bit lighter, but my feet are very happy.
A bit blurry, but still beautiful!
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