IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: dr martens

brand ambassador

OOTD / SUMMER ROCK ft UO, TOPMAN, DR MARTENS AND VANS // IYAAJAY

August 26, 2016

all saints

FOREST FORAGING / NEW FOREST MINI BREAK + PORTSMOUTH HAUL // IYAAJAY

October 20, 2015

blacktied

WORK AWAY / IDEAS FOR WORKWEAR // IYAAJAY

June 12, 2015

1461 shoes

DR'S ORDERS - DR MARTEN 1461 REVIEW // IYAAJAY

April 13, 2015

Ill admit it, I have a weakness for shoes.

But before you say it, these are actually my new work shoes but I also plan to style these with other outfits too (who said guys can't go from day to night with a pair of shoes?)

I needed a more rugged, tough shoe for work that was going to protect me but also be comfortable enough to wear during my shifts without leaving me hobbling around in agony, so I decided to treat myself to a pair of Dr Martens 1461 shoes which I thought would be similar to the boots which not only do I adore but also live in daily.

When I ordered them I was a little sceptical as I usually like to try on shoes before purchasing but I thought that I knew the brand well enough to order without issue. However, these are a little different to the boots and have an incredibly rigid, stiff back of the shoe where the seams are which, after a little wearing in, fitted the right foot but left the left foot raw due to being half a size too big (I resolved it by using one of those gel strips) I would definitely advice to break these in for atleast 2 weeks before using them for an extended period of time, or use a leather softener to gently soften the back so that they don't rub.

Besides the issue of the raw heel, I also found the smooth leather scuffs incredibly easily too as shown in the third image (mine scuffed after one shift) but these shoes aren't made for looking pretty and never being worn, they're made for being probably the most rugged shoes you own and are a go to for the tougher challenges, so a little scuffing adds a bit of character.

Now for my favourite bit, the styling!

I tried these on as soon as I got them and its true what they say, DM's really do go with anything. I've tried them with my usual off duty uniform of ultra tight skinny jeans, oversized tees and shirts, and a man bun and they look amazing, but also don't look out of place teamed with smarter attire (usually a smarter shirt with jeans, and a porkpie hat). With cut off denim shorts and either a cut off tee or love beaten tee (holes, rips, fading) they look amazing too and would be perfect for the festival season. I also love taking influence from their history and teaming them with ripped knee denim, the Fred Perry shirt that I featured here and my porkpie hat for that nostalgic throwback with a modern twist.

All in all, asides from the 2 little niggles I've had with these shoes, I would highly recommend these if your in the market for an incredibly versatile shoe that is a real all rounder!

Voting is still open for The Male Grooming Review 'Best Mens Lifestyle Blog' and I would love it if you guys could vote for IYAAJAY as it would really mean a lot to me!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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all saints

SHOE COLLECTION // IYAAJAY

April 10, 2015

Super sorry I've been a little quiet this past week, but I experienced a little Mac based difficulty (long way of saying I burnt out the hard drive cable) but I'm finally back with my long awaited shoe collection, which will be a pretty long post so grab a snack and a drink and join in!

All Saints Avert Loafer

Lets start off with the shoes I don't often wear that much. Sadly these beautiful loafers, which I got from TK Maxx, are actually a size too big but I didnt realise until it was too late to return them. It really breaks my heart I can't actually wear them much so they just sit there looking good. Ive only managed to wear these once but they looked a little silly due to the sizing of them.

Kurt Geiger Mccarthy Chelsea Boots

These are my go to special occasion shoes as they really smarten up an outfit without looking too overly done. However, Kurt Geiger shoes are cut incredibly narrowly so I do have a issue with the comfort of these and can maximum wear them for about 2 hours before they have to be swapped for something else.

All Saints Horizon Boots

These are another TK Maxx purchase, and was pretty much the best one I've ever made. They were the only pair, in my size, and reduced from £180 t0 £60 which is an amazing deal for such sturdy boots. Before I bought my DM's, I lived in these as they are incredibly versatile and comfy, albeit a little clumpy due to the wooden layered heel which can weigh your foot down a little bit. These look great in winter layered with dark wash jeans and a trusty plaid.

Toms Classics in Navy

Toms Classics in Black on Black

Ah the classic summer shoe! I lived in my original Black Classics which sadly fell apart (quite literally, I destroyed them) so I picked up the same style in both Navy and the all Black versions. The blue ones aren't worn as much as Id like because theres something up with the stitching inside which makes them really uncomfortable to wear so I need to look into sorting it, but the all black ones look great teamed with rolled up jeans and a casual longline tee for the perfect errand running outfit for this time of year. One little tip for people with flatter feet, these will cause a slightly uncomfortable amount of pain towards the front of the foot due to the flatness of them so they may not be the best option.

Sperry A-O Eye Suede Deckshoes

Another summer staple from TK Maxx, where I picked these up for £30 instead of £85 which is another really good deal. The deck shoe is another key shoe style for the summer and Sperry make some of the most comfortable ones around. Team these with similar colours or paired with toned down denim for summer evenings.

Nike Internationlist (similar)

You guessed it, another TK Maxx purchase, where I found these in the clearance section for £30 as they were apparently the wrong size but they fitted me perfectly. I loved the look of the retro trainers with a modern twist like the Roshe Runs but I didnt want to jump on the band wagon and be like others so Im glad I picked these up. Ive worn these whilst walking around London and Brighton, and they're the most comfortable trainers! I love the interesting fabric combination and the slightly slanted heel too.

Vans Authentics in Burgundy and White

Vans Authentics in All Black

Back when I was at college, I was obsessed with these shoes so much that I actually had 3 pairs on rotation (I also had the super light grey ones too). I love the preppy nature they bring to an outfit without being too 'I should be in school' vibes, plus the fact that they can be worn with literally everything. If I was to repurchase these, I wouldn't go with the burgundy colour way as the colour not only fades easily, they are a little harder to pair with items unlike the all black ones. These shoes really hurt to break in due to the stiff back stitching but with a little perseverance and plasters, they'll be perfect in no time.

Nike Blazer Hi in Burgundy

Whilst on a burgundy kick, I love these shoes so much! They're the best shoe for the preppy sports vibe in the summer and look great paired with just about everything too! If you've been on my blog since the beginning, you would of originally seen when I got these.

Vans Van Doren Slip Ons

You can see I clearly have a thing for Vans and I adore these, especially when teamed with black skinny jeans and a oversized denim shirt for that perfect off duty look. The pattern is interesting enough to not distract from what else your wearing.

Topman Brown Suede Boots

When the Chelsea Boot trend came back around a couple of years ago, I looked for ages to find the perfect pair and I found these brown suede beauties for around £50 which was a steal for the quality. Ive worn these so much that I had to get them resoled (the result of walking round London all day on cobbles) and I'm definitely going to get loads more wear out of these.

Dr Martens Scotchgrain 1460 (similar)

This is where my love affair with DM's begins! Id been lusting after these for ages and for some reason, never picked them up until I went to Gunwharf Quays before Christmas and picked them up. To prove how much I love them, I've worked out Ive worn them nearly everyday since buying them, and they still look brand new. They give the perfect amount of edge to an outfit without being too bold but are also the most comfortable boot I have honestly owned.

Dr Martens Victor Boots

As you can see, the DM love is still real and I also got given these towards the back end of last year and I love these just as much as my 1460's. These are perfect for long days of walking due to the Air Wair soles which make it feel like your wearing the most comfortable shoes around. I wore these the other day for a long day of walking round and being on my feet and they didn't irritate, hurt, or make me blister which is perfect!

Vans SK8 Mid in Burgundy and Black

These are my latest additions to the collection which I picked up recently in a sale. I love the fact these aren't just low trainers or the ones that come past your ankle so they give you just enough support without being too restricting or at risk of digging into your ankles. I paired these the other day over on Instagram with a long line tee, shirt and skinny jeans for the perfect California skater look that I've been obsessed with lately.

Vans SK8 Hi in Black Suede

I originally saw these at El Corte Inglés (a department store in Barcelona) but unfortunately they didnt have a half size that I needed in these, so I made sure to track them down when I got back as I couldn't stop thinking about getting them. I love the mixed materials and the incredibly minimalist colour palette which made these the perfect base shoes for busier looks.

Hunter Balmoral Boots

I bought these in a store clearance sale for about a third of the RRP which for Hunters, was a total steal. I can't wait to break these out when the occasion comes whether thats either a muddy festival or walks in the countryside. These come up really high on the leg (just below my kneecap) which makes it a little difficult to manoeuvre in but Im sure Ill get used to them eventually.

Also I'm happy to announce that Ive been shortlisted as one of the 5 finalists for the Male Grooming Reviews 'Best Mens Lifestyle Blog' which is an honour to be nominated for and I would be over the moon if you could vote for me too!

Follow the link here and you can either vote for me or one of the other 4 amazing blogs.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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