Friday, March 27, 2009

My Boot Rescue Organization

Yep, I've been holding out on you guys. You see, maybe I feel a bit guilty. In the past two months, I have bought two new pairs of cowboy boots.

Before you ask me if I won the lottery, let me explain! Remember, I wrote the book on bargain shopping!

{Let's start with boot pair No. 1.}

These are vintage Dan Post brand buckaroo boots. Okay, I am not truly sure how vintage they are. They are not from the 1940's or anything. Which, by the way, does anyone out there know how to research a pair of old boots? Like, is there a special number or secret code stamped on the boot that I can submit on some wonderful website and find out more information? That would be really cool. I hope you tell me it's that easy.

Moving on. These boots were made in Spain. I think someone darkened the foot. They are a rich brown, but it looks like someone either dyed over the color they were, or possibly just went over the former brown to enrich it. At least they did a fairly good job. These babies ride high on my calf, like- nearly to my knees! I can't tell if they were made for riding or for fashion. I would not wear them riding. But I am thinking of all of the fun skirts I can wear with them this summer!

Okay, here is the kicker. How much do you think I paid for this pair of boots? You guessed it! $23. Yep, that is twenty-three-dollars. Goodness, what a good deal, eh?

{Next up: boot pair No. 2}

These boots are Justin brand, and I don't believe they are vintage. They have a snakeskin foot (either faux or real, I can't tell, but I'm leaning towards faux.) They have a really comfortable arch, and are in good shape (I always check the heel and sole wear on the boot.) I wore them the other day and they are quickly going to become my favorite "boot around town" pair. These were a little more than the Dan Posts....I paid $52 for them.

So, I got two new pair of boots for $75. What a bargain! Where did I find such boots? And why would I buy used boots?

I am a believer in used things. Antiques, second hand, recycled items....one woman's junk is my treasure. I found these boots at a flea market. I have no idea why someone tossed them out. The vendor had a table full of women's and men's boots of various brands, colors, styles, and sizes. I am amazed at how many used and vintage boots that are out there, in great shape, and in need second homes. Really, I'm just helping out the neglected boots of the world. I'm giving them another lease on life, a forever home. It's all good!

And they aren't just collecting dust. I wear my boots everywhere. To work with corduroys or skirts, with jeans and a flashy top out on the town, or to the grocery store. The funny thing is, I've been seeing a lot of people wearing western style boots lately....and they sure don't ride horses. It has become a fashion trend again. Suddenly, vintage cowboy boots have become hippie and rocker chick cool.

Have you ever bought used or vintage boots, or would you?

34 comments:

  1. Oh boy, I love to thrift shop too and without a doubt would buy boots 2nd hand...and pretty much anything else too. I used to love going to GoodWill in Scottsdale, AZ. My closet is full of designer labels that cost less than a fraction of their origional cost. My best steal of the century was a Prada Milano purse for $7.

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  2. PG, great finds there; LOVE the tall boots. you must put them on and have a picture taken. Bargain shopping is a great thing, wish we had some horsey related shops here but sadly we don't. :-(

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  3. I could find a pair that fit and were already broken in! I would be all over that , most people I know though are like me and I wear them until there is no boot left!

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  4. {Fern Valley}~ Something I forgot to mention, I always wonder about wearing boots broken in by someone else's feet? Luckily, both pairs fit fairly well and don't feel "broken down." However, funny thing about the Justins, the left boot squeaks something awful when I walk. No sneakin' around in these boots! ;) Maybe that is why they ended up on the flea market table.....

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  5. Every year, just before county fair time, our local Goodwill puts out a big ol' pile of boots to sell. My daughter and I have gotten in the habit of waiting until then to see if there are any good buys. Last year she got a pair Justin ropers that looked practically new...for $12!

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  6. Hay PG, one of my Justin bootds squeek's too! I would definatly buy 2nd hand boots! The more the better!!!

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  7. Can you even have TOO MANY boots? There is a second hand store near us that sells used boots and many were originally custom made. I have to be very careful going in there.

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  8. So just make sure the poop is still on your boots when you wear them so others won't think YOU are the FAUX COWGIRL!

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  9. I love the first pair, cuz they are tall! cool color too! I would buy them if I found the right ones, I have a wide foot LOL so it is realy hard to find ones that fit.

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  10. Love the second pair of boots. Too bad your feet are 1/2 a size smaller than mine! These boots aren't a little bit too big are they, you couldn't just pass them on down to lil' old me!!!

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  11. Fun post! Yes, I love vintage too....however the only boots I ever bought were a pair of HH at a ladies thrift shop, they were so nice and hardly worn....unfortunately they were NOT comfortable after a while so I ended up putting them in a garage sale.....guess that's why they were so nice! LOL! I do have the same philosophy as you do about using other peoples' items and recycling! And yes, you're right cowgirl boots are in again! Have a great day with your Boy!

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  12. I buy used boots to make my cowgirl wristlets out of... I know, I know... cutting up boots! It does hurt me a little when I do it, but the end product is so cute!

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  13. I would love to own vintage boots but I have a teenie weird foot and I can never hardly ever find boots off the shelf that fit me. So I'm kinda stuck with my custom ML Leddys and at a base price of something like $600 for a pair, You can imagine that I don't have very many.

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  14. I don't think cowboy boots ever really go out of style, at least not for a certain contingent of us. I, too, love thrift store chopping, but I've had to exercise restraint of late. Builds character, I'm told.

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  15. Great bargains! I would absolutely buy from a thrift shop. Especially in this economic climate, and the fact that John and I are Realtors (which these days translates into MAKING NO MONEY). My riding boots are the lace-up kind. I have never had a pair of "traditional" cowboy boots. Like your idea of wearing them with street clothes....I just may have to go shopping!

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  16. Oh I don't think cowboy boots will ever go out of style. I'm from the beaches of So Cal where country is so not cool it is totally ridiculed and you can still get away with wearing cowboy boots. As far as buying/wearing used boots, oh hell yeah! I can't find them in my size normally though, 5 1/2 is most easily found in the childrens section and their boots are not always so adult looking.

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  17. I have a bunch of old boots. I never wear them riding. When my mothers best friend passed away we enherited a whole whack of books. Amongst the books where about 5 gorgeous coffee table cowboy boot books. They have amazing pictures of the first boots and all sorts of top name custom makers and their work. I love the art they are. I also have cowboy boot flower pots, cowboy boot lamps (2 lol!) cowboy boot fan pull cord, cowboy boot throw blankets, cowboy boot night light for the hall. I can't get enough.

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  18. Hmmm...I love to buy antiques and other vintagy things, but old shoes have never interested me. Perhaps that is because I have been a nurse, and let me tell you that there are some nasty feet out there...lol!!!

    You sure have lucked out in the boot department though!!! :)

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  19. Back in the late 70's, early 80's - I worked in a western store and sold boots. I had thought Dan Post was made in TX at that time but my memory from 30 yrs ago may be failing me. If these show made in Spain, they may be newer that a 1980 model.

    At the time I sold, Justin really didn't make any faux skinned boots. If they continued to only use real material, you have some lizard skin boots (not snake). :) Lizard were one of the higher dollar boots when I sold them. I want to say close to $150 - $200 pair 30 years ago. Lizard is real durable and will continue to get "soft" as you wear them - will be super comfy!

    Both have riding heels and although you may not want to ride in the Dan Posts and keep them nice, looking at the heel & sole, they could certainly be used for riding.

    Great finds!

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  20. Oh you betcha!! I love shopping thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales...love bargain shopping!! I bought a pair of Ariat ropers last year at goodwill for $15 and they are almost new. My sis has a lot more time to shop and her bargains are unbelievable!! And, like BECG - I only go for the labels. The price markers don't know designer from Wal-mart in most cases. Such fun!!

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  21. {Tammy}~ Thanks for the information on the Dan Posts, looking at them closer, I am thinking these buckaroos do look a little "1980's", LOL!
    Regarding the Justins, I never thought of lizard! My friend who knows boots fairly well guessed it was just snake printed calfskin. Maybe I can contact Justin and find out more information. I can barely read it, but I believe the stamping on the inside says these ones were made in the U.S.A., yeah!

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  22. You are the Queen of Thrift Shopping! I bow down to you. I would wear vintage boots if I ever found any I liked. You have the coolest shops!

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  23. Hi~ Love your boots....I love wearing boots too. I have not bought any 2nd hand but have not actually found any to buy either!

    Oh and yes....actually busy on the farm here! :)

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  24. I LOVE a good bargine...I dont own a pair of boots..which is why my toe got broken so badly when my horse stepped on it last week....just put it off, and for why I dont know..I love your finds! I'll have to hunt me down some bargines! They are some good looking ones that you found!

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  26. Love both pair of boots! Can't decide which I like better! Dusty Devoe and I are going to have to come and go shopping!

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  27. I have a pair of Dan Post boots that I bought back in about 1982 at "Cutter Bill's Western World in Houston Tx" Mine are US made and they are knee high with a riding heel. Hey it was those very boots that got me noticed by my hubby and made him decide to ask me out the first time! They always make me think of him and that time in our lives. He said he liked the way when I was getting into my pickup truck, that I kicked the snow off my boots before I got in my pickup..........oh shucks....
    ain't that sweet! :) Anyway mine are knee high also, grey uppers and snakeskin.

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  28. I haven't yet, but I most certainly would buy a good pair of used boots provided they were still in good wearable shape. Looks like you got some really nice finds this past while! How jealous am I! I'll have to keep an eye out for some thrifty shopping on my trip this week!

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  29. they are gorgeous.. i know when i was ultra running, I had an "Imelda Marcos" sneaker collection... gotta love your boots

    gp

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  30. Awesome, one of my fave pair of boots, I refurbished a bit after paying only $10 for. They're $500 Luchese! Yep gotto love old boots!

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  31. Hi!

    I would definitely buy used boots! They're so cool. And if they're not new, they're easier to break into, and they're not as stiff, so you don't have to spend so much time oiling them up.

    I'm a sucker for fancy western boots, even though I ride English. I think they're awesome. Seriously, it makes me feel like I'm one of those Western riders in the movies. Haha. (I'm not kidding...)

    Anyway, you're probably wondering who the heck I am. I'm Lydia, and I own and am in the never-ending process of training my horse, Stewy.

    Check out my horse life blog at:
    www.stewylydia.blogspot.com.

    Thanks!

    Lydia

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  32. Wow! You're really makin' me want to get a fancy pair of cowgirl boots! So far, all my gear is for English riding, but I think I need to branch out. A girl can have the best of both worlds, right? Caspian can be my stroll down the trails in my cute boots and westerny jeans AND my fancy dressage boy...just dreamin' here! Thanks for stopping by my page...funny you mentioned my Appy horse pictures. I just went to my mom's yesterday and picked up a bunch of old pics, thinking it would be fun to post some of Chopper! Keep your eyes peeled! ;) Your blog is great!

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  33. AHH I love it!! Love the Dan Posts, they rock!! Good finds, I'll have to try that :)

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  34. You look great in those boots, PG!

    I think it all depends on the boots if I'd buy a second hand pair. They'd have to be in good shape on the outside....and not smell bad. Bacteria breeds in shoes, especially boots, and I'd would not want to get athlete's foot or some other foot infection from wearing used shoes.

    Enjoy your great finds!

    ~Lisa

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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