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

Outfit 2

Outfit 3
ASOS Dune Duffel Bag, $84.85 Sale $39.04 

32 comments

  1. Great post! I love all the outfit ideas. You have a really nice blog, I'm following you now on gfc and bloglovin. Please visit my blog and if you like it follow me to so we can keep in touch. :)

    xoxo
    http://perlasancheza.blogspot.com/

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  2. The third look is beautiful. I love it
    there is a new giveaway on my blog, participates
    Thanks for stopping by, come see me on Inside Me
    Have a nice evening

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  3. that dress in outfit one is amazing! xx

    Martyna | NEON MIZZLE

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  4. I don't know which one I love the most! They all are amazing! Okay, I'm gonna go for outfit 1 because that dress is amazing! xx

    Justine | BRIGHTON DREAM

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    Replies
    1. Eee, thanks! (: I seriously am in love with it!

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  5. They all look so pretty!! The dresses especially - great picks!
    ♥,
    Shari

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  6. Brogues are awesome! All 3 style suggestions are great (I have a similar dress like the one in the first and I absolutely love it - it looks great with so many things), but I must say that the second one is my favourite.

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    Replies
    1. Bahaha I've been wearing the dress every week since I've gotten it! I just love skater skirts/dresses (:

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  7. Darling post! I have the Too Sassy For You top and it is adorable with my high waisted skirts. I also love that dress!

    www.cestunejolievie.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I feel like I need to go invest in a Brandy crop top because they seem to go with everything (:

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  8. Great timing, I just bought a new pair of black brogues! I wore my last pair so often that they were damaged beyond repair.

    http://angeliquejennifer.blogspot.com

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  9. Hi. Would you like to follow each other? Please let me know :)

    http://annffashion.blogspot.com/
    xoxo

    Greetings from Poland :)))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, yes of course! I like your blog (:

      Delete
  10. i've got the top from Brandy Melville haha! It's a really casual top which goes with everything.
    also it's nice with something high-waisted :)

    www.AvneeshnKaren.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. It's so cute! Meeeh, I need to go get some Brandy tops, but there aren't any super close to me ): They did just release their stuff in PacSun though so I might stop by and see what I can find :P

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  11. I LOVE your blog design! I also LOVE your posts!
    Great outfits !
    xoxo

    maybe we can follow each other ?
    http://foreveramber123.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Aw thank you so much, and yes of course, I love your blog too!! (:

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  12. The first outfit set is so cute. I need a new pair of brogues almost desperately but like you have too many shoes to fit in my wardrobe!

    Elizabeth
    Www.iamnotblonde.net

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Bahaha, it's a problem... I think I just need to upgrade to a bigger closet :P

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  13. I love the first dress so much! But overall I think Outfit #2 is my favorite! Love how you coordinated everything! New follower here!

    xo runbarbierun.com

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  14. I think Outfit #1 is my favourite :) Great sets though. I think you have Zoella's and Elenour's styles down :)


    Aggie
    http://lawyerlives.blogspot.com

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  15. Replies
    1. Isn't it gorgeous?! It makes me so happy when I can find gems at Forever 21 (:

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  16. Wow, you have such an amazing blog! I'm really loving your layout! Your outfit sets are so gorgeous! LOVE =D Thanks for sharing!

    I'm your newest follower via google (39) and bloglovin (32). I'd love it if you could check out my blog and follow me back as well! Also, if you'd like to keep in touch via FB or twitter, just do so and let me know so I can follow back =)

    http://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/
    Twitter: Sensiblestylist

    ReplyDelete

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Maira Gall