Not entirely sure these will work.

As I try them every season (these or tassel loafers) and they look totally and utterly pants on me.  

In my head - I am going to look like Alexa Chung.  

In reality - I look like a middle aged frumpy saddo.

So why I think this year will be any different, hell only knows.  Especially as in my head they're going to be part of the perfect Spring outfit with boyfriend jeans.  Which are errrrrrr not materialising (I do have a whole stack more to try on though - fear not, I will leave no boyfriend jean unturned).  

I'm working on the basis that now that I actually am middle aged, these will suddenly elevate me to the realms of hip old lady as opposed to mumsy and meh.  (oh yes, I can hear you guffawing hilariously from here) 

Undeterred, I have compiled a list of beauties that I need to try on.  First issue (ok first issue is avoiding looking like a refugee from The Archers but let's swerve that) is finding ones that I can wear without socks.  A thorny subject - should they be worn without socks?  Personally I'm going for yes.  With socks (and ankle on show be it with the elusive boyfriends or straight legs rolled up or 7/8ths skinnies) I fear it is a style statement that is just..., well just too stylish.  In a Shoreditch kind of way.  Which isn't me.  There are people I know who can definitely get away with it, but not entirely sure I am cutting edge enough for it.  Or gamine.  And not look out of place in Hoxton.  (who am I kidding, I know I'm not) 

So without further ado let's crack on with the gems I've sourced. 

Firstly starting with a classic pair.  I do have it on good authority that these are soft enough to be worn without socks.  Not sure whether this does include the patent but being from Clarks, one would expect them to be exceptionally comfortable (or is that just me?) 

I love the colour (I absolutely love the colour although not sure it will love lily white me...) and I love the styling.  Perfect amount of detailing, perfect masculine edge to them but with a slight delicacy to them.  Not sure we can do much better to be honest.  

The Hamble Oak from Clarks in Nude - £54.99 

But there are other options, as ideal as they look. 

Boden (I know, I know, I was lead there to look at the jeans and there was a ton of other stuff I actually like.   Go figure.  Please please don't worry - it's all very unBoden.  There isn't a fun lining in sight I promise)

These in white and green are just gorgeous. (and I wouldn't say not to the tan if I'm honest)  A much scarier £110 though.  And white suede?  Oh how we laughed - only in a Boden catalogue (or a White Company catalogue come to think of it)  But they're still lush (if I weren't such a slattern)









Another great option and slightly more practical are the Langbury Brogues from Dune  a more palatable £69.00.  And (for me I know) a flattering apricot shade. 

They look like a lovely buttery leather as well but not entirely sure you can tell from a photo (it's me projecting my hoping they're buttery leather, clearly...)




A similar colour but not so similar price wise, are the classic Martha brogues from Grenson at Style Passport   Grenson are a traditional British Brogue manufacturer so these really are a heritage piece - think a cheaper Churchs.  If you think you're going to live in them for years, then these are probably a great investment.  As my inner Elle will clearly kick my inner Alexa to the curb come the summer and strappy shoes are all the rage, these wouldn't really be the best use of my cash at £180.




A cheaper version in a delicious mole shade of suede are these from White Stuff.  A not too shabby £59.95 and they get great reviews online.  I think I'm personally looking for a lighter colour I think but these are an interesting option to look at. 





Slightly left field but these are a version of a classic from H by Hudson.  The Charlie White Multi at £125.  These look like completely stunning leather (in my experience, Hudson shoes always are and a pretty good buy I'd therefore think).  I think I may be after a single tone but I shall give these consideration.  I may however have Brogue overload....






Now for my off the wall ringers - these from Hobbs I have a soft spot for.  At first I thought, barf, no, but the more I looked at them, the more I thought, hmmmm, yes I could.  Definitely.  I clearly am developing a random fetish for leopard print shoes (still hankering after the red leopard print kitten heels from Zara...).   However not exactly an impulse purchase at still £99 in the sale.  Does make the Zara ones seem like a steal though.  Oh darn it.






Finishing with my ridiculous, never going to happen, but oh how I love them.  Not £415 enough love them, but I just think they are perfect.  Which completely contradicts everything I've said about having a masculine edge to them, with classic detailing.  These are, in fact, more a homage to the brogue.  Maybe it's the fact they look so so so comfy (or that I'm addicted to Boardwalk Empire.  Perhaps that)

The Marcell Lupin 





Navy and white breton top - H&M
Indigo straight leg jeans rolled up - Jigsaw
Navy knitted peacoat - Zara
Tan knee high boots - Jigsaw
Indira necklace - Stella & Dot
Wine wrist warmers - H&M
Sunglasses - Dior
Chestnut Lily - D&G




Navy jumper - H&M
Distressed straight leg jeans rolled up - Zara
Buttermilk leather trench coat - Vintage from Greenwich Market
Indira necklace - Stella & Dot
Tan Rockafella boots - Russell & Bromley
Chestnut Lily Bag - D&G



Off white blouse - Zara
Washed indigo jeans - Boden
Greige suede western ankle boots - Zara
Black belt - Prada
Gold bee necklace - Alex Monroe
Brown leather cuff with chain detail - Hultquist

So lay it on me - thoughts on brogues........