Unhealthy Obsession: Brogues Part I

I should probably be sent to some mental institution for my unhealthy obsession with brogues.

The fact that I go absolutely postal for anything and everything that vaguely resembles a dandy man shoe.
But there's something about the humble winkle-popper (yeah apparently that's actually a real term for it) that I just can't get out of my head. Something that evokes the air of the well-heeled dandy gentleman of leisure (I am a bit in love with the idea of the failing 19th century European aristocrat who was good at nothing and yet brilliant at everything, and were I a man, I'm sure I would have come up with the idea for the classic nothingness novel: 'The Life & Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' and its French counterpart)

I could go brogue stalking forever. I should probably branch out and have more of a love affair with other types of shoes (I am a bit of a boot stalker as well) but it probably isn't going to happen anytime this week (or the next...but no guarantees about the week after next...I could have found a completely new thing to go mental for...)

With so much to love from classic, impeccably made Ballys (I'd pretty much just met the man but I'd decided we were going to be firm friends after sighting his babies) to rain-splattered slightly whorey cut-out pair (I did feel terribly sorry for my friend as they probably weren't the proper foot attire for a downpour) or Steph's adorable (similarly rain splattered) vintage and much loved-and-abused richelieus (yes they sound so much classier en francais)...

How could you not love a good brogue?

Get your dandy factor on this week.

And send much love to your mamas today!

Love

xo

Bec

A Vintage Classic

While trippin' on Monday - I spotted this absolutely divinely dressed girl and was almost afraid of going up to her and saying "Um...hey can I take your photo" on account of her being ridiculously gorgeous and effortlessly stylish. However - thanks to Jen's latent motivational guru capabilities a request was made, a few snaps were shot and I feel ten million times more sartorially inspired for it...(who ever knew? I maintain she could totally write a pep-talking book on how to approach the enigmatic and preternaturally cool...although my suspicion is that she is only able to do this because she actually belongs in this sublime category of humanity unlike most of us mere mortals)

The moment I saw this ensemble - I seriously stood there for like 5 minutes pretty much drooling...



The details of the vintage 80s shirt are just out of this world. The touch of broderie anglaise and the beyond pretty buttons add a certain girly charm to the oversized masculine cut of the piece (awesome vest detail included). It has to be one of the most unique pieces I have ever spied. It inspires me to go trawling in op shops again with the sad realization that I will probably most likely not find anything with a quarter of its awesome factor...



And the shoes! Yes...Noted. I have a brogue fetish. But cream and tan! With a slight heel! Slightly nerdy librarian hotness to the max!

I think I'm seriously in love...

Love

xo

Bec

Those Brogues

Brogues...
Winkle-poppers...
Dandy man shoes...
Derbies...
Richelieus...


They go by many names but the unmistakeable cool factor remains the same.
Whatever you call them, there's nothing more chic than teaming a pair of brogues with an outfit to give it that 'borrowed from the boys...but I can wear it infinitely better than you' edge.

Note: Many items fall into this category I've noticed...namely...the oversized tuxedo shirt, suspenders, cuffed shorts, trousers, grandpa cardigans, oversized Rolexes, cologne...I could go on and on (But do feel free to add to the list of power)

There is a factor of overwhelming sexiness and empowerment about making a masculine item yours.
Which is one of the many reasons why I fell in love with these brogues from the moment I saw them.

On the one hand, they remind me of my beloved classic patent black Repettos purchased in Paris (like the ones Serge Gainsbourg wore except not quite in the pimp white colour) but with cut out panels that just made me flip over and gasp in that oh-so-familiar mix of envy and awe. It's like tradition but twisted on its head and given that extra little bit of sexiness.

Of course like all amazing things they were purchased in some random little store that has since faded from memory...

But it inspires me to make a whole new look: 'Borrowed from an edgy boy'

Love

xo

Bec