Styling Black Brogues

Since I already did a July Favorites post this week I figured I'd skip the Friday Faves and go right ahead and post something with more substance. Lately I've been obsessed with looking at inspired outfits online, specifically those of Zoella and Eleanor Calder. They make me wish I could get more in touch with my English side (hey, 1/8 counts, right?) and stroll the streets of London popping into Primark and Boots to my heart's content. Both Zoe and Eleanor have somewhat similar styles, wearing lots of basic items and monochrome with preppy touches. It's the type of effortless look I strive for, but just can't seem to get right... which is why I've been studying up on UK's latest before A/W '13 comes around!

I've noticed that one thing that can elevate a simple outfit to something beyond just a tee and some short is shoe selection. I used to not understand women's obsessions with shoes, but I'd say the shoe frenzy has hit me now that I'm all mature and such (ahem, not really, I just like to think I'm a somewhat classy lady sometimes). I now own more than will fit in my closet, but I'm always looking for new styles to change up my tune. Now that I've checked black ankle booties off my list (eeps, they should be here in just under a week! So excited!!), I've already moved on to wanting patent lace up brogues. I stumbled across the Dorothy Perkins website and found the perfect pair of classy-casual shoes that would work so well in amping up my style overhaul. These are just so classic and preppy and cute, ahh!

Here are three looks that I styled around these amazing shoes that I would actually wear if (er, when?) I get a pair, taking one item from my closet for each look and working around those pieces (i.e. I own the ASOS Skater Dress, so I'd style it with a black bag and gold jewelry to accompany the brogues). I'm sure I will crack under my own lack of self-control and find a pair to purchase soon, but until then I will lust over these ones and all of the possibilities they would bring to my life whilst (online) window shopping.

Featured: Dorothy Perkins Black Patent Lace Up Brogues, $44
The following italicized items are exact/similar pieces I took from my own wardrobe to create the 3 inspired looks that I would actually wear with these shoes!

Outfit 1

ASOS Sweat Skater Skirt in Color Block - Navy, $30

Forever 21 Metal Trim Satchel - Black, $27.80

Marc by Marc Jacobs House of Cards' Logo Heart Stud Earrings, $48

Outfit 2

Brandy Melville Too Sassy For You Top, $18

River Island Dark Red Jersey Skater Skirt, $30

Forever 21 Railroad Stripe Satchel, $24.80

American Apparel Bow Hair Clip - Black, $14

Outfit 3

Urban Renewal High/Low Denim Short, $44 Sale $29

Sparkle & Fade Contrast Chiffon Button-Down Shirt, $39

Topshop Gray Cream Lace Trim Socks, $6

Forever 21 Chiffon Wrapped Bangle Set - Black, $8.80

Urban Outfitters Delicate Stone Necklace - Black, $16

ASOS Dune Duffel Bag, $84.85 Sale $39.04