Gone Brogue

Sunday 22 December 2013


How's the Christmas shopping going? Mine hasn't quite gone to plan. It was going really well - I'd made a list, earmarked what I wanted and needed to buy and was blindsided by the naughty Christmas elves throwing nice clothes and shoes at me left, right and centre. However, now that the Christmas fairy dust has settled, I'm taking it all back with the exception of these (I think).



Brogues. Yes really! The ever elusive brogues. The brogues which never seem to suit me or should that be -  never suit me  and are within my budget.

I was in Waitrose the other day and I stopped in my tracks when I saw someone in the most fabulous navy peacoat, almost skinny dark jeans and some tan brogues. The epitome of cool. The epitome of cool is someone who is very confident in their own look and is not stomping up and down in the latest fads but somehow looks impeccable and extremely comfortable and stylish in their own skin. She also had a short pixie crop, librarian glasses on and a fashionable male companion to boot. They looked like they had walked out of an A.P.C. lookbook. This sort of look gets me in a way that so many other OTT looks can't. 

I stalked her up and down the aisles and huffed when I couldn't get a sneaky picture of her (to show you guys) whilst the Grumps merrily threw in all the naughty food stuffs in to the trolley which we don't normally buy at any other time of year (Heston - you have a lot to answer for!).

So I was very happy when I stumbled on these brogues because (1) I wasn't looking for them as I was resigned to the fact that I can't do brogues (2) they were affordable as in not wallet crunching expensive (3) they didn't crucify my legs when I put them on and (4) they were just there waiting for me.

I have ummed and aahed over whether these are keepers as I was thinking I wanted a lighter coloured pair of brogues but I also thought that these might be a good test the waters type pair and more suited to the winter months.  What do you think?





Gap cashmere jumper, H&M coat, H&M scarf (old), H&M jeans (old),


That's my take on what I saw the lady in Waitrose was wearing. But she was taller, skinnier and younger :o( and she had no gold buttons on her peacoat - which reminds me - I did mention previously that I was thinking of changing the buttons on this jacket and this has helped that decision along.

Or what about the addition of a scarf and a change of coat?


Topshop coat (old)


Are the brogues working? This is the closest I've got to a pair since the Russell & Bromley pair I had in my twenties and that was twenty years ago. Infact, taking a peek at Russell & Bromley, I spotted their Jeeves pair which are remarkably similar to the pair I just picked up but considerably dearer.

I must mention that these have a soft crepey sole and heel so you can bounce along in these. Good and bad. Good that you can bounce along like Tigger. Bad because they don' have that satisfying "knock knock" sound which you get with a solid wood heel when it makes contact with the pavement. They do not pinch my toes but they are stiffish leather which is what I imagine a pair of mens brogues to be like anyway, waiting to be gently broken in. And why do I think this particular pair of brogues are possibly working for me than the other twenty pairs I have tried on prior to these? They are a more substantial shoe i.e. not too lightweight. They are tan - I can't seem to do black brogues - a little too heavy looking in my eyes for me. I also can't do the jazz shoe style ones which are just a little too refined for my legs and I need the slight heaviness of this style to balance out my legs. And at £20 approx, I think they are pretty good. Much nicer than the usual cheap brogue offerings I've seen out there like these which are somewhat lacking.

Can you guess where they are from?

They are from Marks and Spencers. Boys section. Currently discounted between £19.60 - £21 on line. Full price at £28-30 which is not really robbing for a pair of solid leather shoes is it? Note - they come up big, I'm wearing a size 3 instead of my usual 4. And they go all the way up to size 7 which actually means a size 8 in this instance. I've got to keep them haven't I? £19.60 for a pair of tan leather brogues? Yeah!


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Last Note :

  • I like the odd shoe bargain from the kiddies section. The trick to buying shoes from the kids section is to make sure it doesn't look like it came from the kids section though. The toe area for kids shoes tends to be a little rounder and wider to ensure young tootsies have ample wiggle room so some of the girls ballet pumps for instance are a little bit dud looking and if you can bring yourself to cut off the usually naff bows - do. However, the brogues I've picked out translate quite well for adults as they do not look "childish in their design. Well done me :o)  #smug



44 comments

  1. I think that the shoes look really, really good. I would never have thought they were from the kiddies dept, Your navy coat, grey top & jeans styling with the shoes works so well. Its a great look and I love it

    I do love it when you see someone whilst out and about whose look just knocks you dead in your tracks. Wonderful

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    1. Thank you :o) It's a tried and tested look - works as well on the girls as it does the boys.

      And yep - every now and then you see someone who grabs your attention for all the right reasons rather than the wrong ones. Nothing like a bit of real life inspiration to bring it on home.

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  2. Sue, you look super cool.......I would be stalking you around the supermarket! These brogues are an amazing find and I am seriously tempted by them! I love the tan with grey and navy....this outfit all works together so beautifully, you are one very stylish lady! x

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    1. Oh I looked a right dogs dinner when I was in Waitrose - I even said to the Grumps that I felt a real scruff and I should have dressed up. Dressing up to go to Waitrose - what's the world coming to eh? But I saw another young girl dressed in what looked to be some joggers and a boho top and some laceups and she also had such a lovely unaffected style too. I could people watch in there all day!

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  3. We must've been connected telepathically or something. I've been looking at Brogues and as usual, my size can be near impossible to get. Thanks for the tip! Hey, you look like the epitome of cool yourself.

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    1. Well I wore loafers and brogues a lot when I was younger but once I hit the corporate world, they kind of got shelved so it's nice to go back to something I genuinely like but strange how much harder it is to do the second time round. Youth is a great softener for many things - you can get away with so much more. And it's funny but there are certain looks I wear which pull me together and others which make me look so scruffy and yet I still insist on wearing them. I never learn. But the brogues were quite a nice little surprise. I know I won't live in them as I have too many other pairs of shoes to go through but for £20, I'm happy to have them in the wardrobe for those days when I want to go for a look like this.

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  4. Love these! I agree with you that the most stylish people are those who look comfortable in their clothes whatever they're wearing. You certainly look very fashionable and comfortable in your outfit. I'd love some brogues as as a size 4 shoe should definitely get on the M&S website!!! Have a wonderful (stylish) Christmas!!

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    1. Yes I see some mums around who look really good and have their own look and it's great. I wish I wasn't so susceptible to all the trends I see - I'm always scuttling around looking for the next thing yet I always go back to wearing the same things - a grey jumper and a pair of jeans. I think the girl in Waitrose brought it home to me that that is what I wanted to look like - all put together in a very simple way. Not overdone. There were three elements to her outfit and each piece looked perfect on her. Only a little jealous of her.

      Hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas too - you already look like you're having a lovely time :o)

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  5. I'm ambivalent about the brogue color, but I love everything else up top; love that gray sweater + scarf.

    Now for the totally IMO section:

    For the navy peacoat + jeans combo, I'd want a warmer honey brown color. The brown you have on right now seems more fitting for a fall-reds/earth-based wardrobe, which I've hardly seen you wear (you seem to skew toward grays and navys, if I remember correctly.) I think you'll soon find that this particular brown might not hit the sweet spot. It's ok with the gray Topshop coat, but I'd want a darker wash jean to not break up the line. Am I making sense? That's my take, but mayhap you have other things in your stash to go with this shoe. I just think a warmer brown would be more versatile.

    I made a Pinterest album to show you what I'm aiming at. The girl on the cover is wearing a navy peacoat and warm tan brogues.

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    1. Ah the grey Topshop coat actually has a fine brown check running through it and that is being picked up by the shoe which is probably why it is working more in your eyes. I did use to wear more beiges and browns but I do as you say veer to the greys and blues - I think it's a subconscious trend that has infiltrated the masses (or rather the blogs that I read) as nearly everyone I know swears by the colour and I am just a sheep. I almost returned my grey jumper on the grounds that it was grey and I almost couldn't justify yet another grey jumper but then I thought, I wear the hell out of grey stuff and It would be pennies per wear by the time I finish with it. I did pick the oatmeal Mango jumper this year over the navy though - so there are instances when I still go for the beige warmer tones. But 9 times out 10 - the grey will win currently.

      Thanks for making the Pinterest board - (cute name). I have seen that pin before and it's a great look and one to park.My criteria for this kind of shoe is based more around fit and look on the foot rather than the colour - the colour comes second - it always comes second. Because the shape and fit makes such a big difference to the way they look on the leg. Honestly, I have spent hours analysing pictures of brogues (looking down) to see the length of the shoe, the shape of the toe - I know exactly what I want. Just call me picky ;)

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    2. I'm sheeping right along with you then Sue :) Gray is kinda taking over my life at the moment.

      Re: shoe specifications, I can understand and respect that. I'm the same way about shoe--arch support, toe space, and "can I walk all day in hilly San Francisco in this" comes first before the style/color/price.

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  6. I really like the colour combination. I think you look lovely and chic. I am after a pair of tan oxford/jazz shoes like a cheaper version of repetto's zizis, but I cannot find a nice pair anywhere... I also always spot very stylish women in waitrose!

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    1. I would have a look on Yoox.com - they have a wonderful selection on there but it can be a bit hit and miss with the sizes. I had a few pairs earmarked on their till I came across the M&S pair so I can tick the brogue box for now. I did see these which might be an alternative to the Repettos http://www.yoox.com/uk/44596180TV/item?dept=shoeswomen#sts=sr_shoeswomen80&cod10=44596180TV&sizeId=15 and http://www.yoox.com/uk/44559614QR/item?dept=shoeswomen#sts=sr_shoeswomen80&cod10=44559614QR&sizeId= and these http://www.yoox.com/uk/44597230XU/item?dept=shoeswomen#sts=sr_shoeswomen80&cod10=44597230XU&sizeId=

      Worth having a browse. And yeah - the women in Waitrose are a notch up in the style stakes aren't they?

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    2. I've never ever been on Yoox website before. I love them. Thank you!

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  7. The brogues are definitely working and look neat, such good quality yet not too heavy. I would never have guessed that they were M&S and certainly not the kids' department. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too. Thanks for your comments - always appreciated!

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    1. I did a bit of a double take when I saw them in the kids department and there was a bemused lady watching me trying them on but hey if the shoe fits .....

      Merry Christmas to you Miss B. See you in the New Year.

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  8. Love them on you, what a find!!! Never thought they be M&S when reading and never mind kids either. When I 1st saw brogues in Russell & Bromley a few years back I thought no..... But this year I ve been thinking maybe... Was looking at the ones in Boden, thinking boyfriends and cashmere jumper. Ooh by the way you now l look like APC cool yourself! Merry Christmas x

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    1. I saw your previous post when you were contemplating the R&B brogues. It's funny how we come round to these things - get subjected to enough images of anything and eventually we all succumb. Why don't you order the Boden ones and see how they look with your current wardrobe? Then you know if they really are you or not. I know I did use to wear them so they were not too alien for me - it was about finding the right looking pair. Merry Christmas to you Ann Marie. Will pop over to catch up on your posts shortly. I'm so very behind ...

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    2. Oh Sue thank you also for all your lovely comments this year and the support you have given me! Xx

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  9. That sounds like a perfect find, congratulations! Tan brogues are very versatile and I'm sure they will find their place in your wardrobe very easily. I bought a pair last year from Minelli - not quite as cheap though - and I have been wearing them in very different outfits, they really blend well. You have pulled them off perfectly! I love the combination of grey and tan, it looks wonderful on you. Definitely a keep :)

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    1. Tan and lighter coloured shoes I generally find are very easy to work with. It's the blacks which get me - I find them looking very heavy on me for some reason but it does depend on the type of shoe. Loafers and pumps are fine but boots and laceups/trainers - I can't do. I hope they work as well in my wardrobe as yours. Merry Christmas Kali.

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  10. What a find Sue- they are amazing. Love how you've styled them too, tan and grey is a favourite combo of mine. Ps. How nice is the pea coat from H&M I've had comments on mine everytime I've worn it! Hope the Christmas preparations are going well- Merry Christmas in case I don't get chatting to u before then! Xx

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    1. My pea coat took forever to come - it was about a month from ordering to delivery - good thing I wasn't relying on this for a winter coat to keep me warm. But it's a really nice and flattering shape on isn't it? Not bad for a £14 coat :o)

      And a Merry Christmas to you too Trea - will probably see you on Instagram :o)

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  11. I actually think the brogues look uncannily like those from Dries. I think Marks & Sparks makes really comfy shoes -- I used to buy mary janes from their kids department too! I need some tips from you on how to shop like an APC chick on a budget! P.S: Just saw your last response to my comment - I'll be in London with another blogger at the end of Feb. Let's plan for sometime to meet up! Probably no high street shopping, but we can get a good ploughman's lunch and some fine ale in.

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    1. Amanda, you need no tips from me at all on shopping for APC. Why go for cheaper when you can get the real? Not sure how to get in touch with you but drop me an email at princesstingting1@hotmail.com and we can chat. I'd love to meet up but definitely no shopping - I'd rather chat. Hope you're having a good Christmas!

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  12. Hi there! These are an amazing find and look fabulous on, they should definitely be kept! Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas xxx

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    1. Yep, these escaped the returns bag when I last went in to Leeds :o)

      Hope you're having a lovely Christmas with your family too!

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  13. The brogues look fab on you! Have a lovely Christmas Sue:)
    ~Anne

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  14. Love them Sue! They look brilliant on you! I'm giggling away as I stalked a customer in work wearing a pair with a camel coloured coat & skinny jeans on a few month ago! She looked so super cool & I wanted to look just like her! Lol! Hers were from Clarks & I'll be watching the sales like a hawk! Ax

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    1. You're probably after the Hamble brogues aren't you? They don't seem to reduce those - they just bring out a variation on them from year to year. But keep your eyes peeled - you just never know!

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  15. Mmm, me and brogues would be like you and sequins, I think. Not a great match. But I do love to read your blog - you always make me smile. Merry Christmas Susie SoSo!

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    1. Belinda - guess what? I have sequins! I have more sequins than you would imagine actually. They just don't get much of an outing.

      And thank you for being so lovely Belinda. Your posts always make me smile too. I like your wit. Merry Christmas B!

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  16. Well I am finally getting back on my computer after a holiday internet fast, and you can imagine the joy I felt when I saw you in your new brogues!! You knew I was going to love them though, didn't you? They look great on you. And you truly are a champion shopper, finding something like that in the boys' section. And at that price. What a steal! But mostly, you just look awesome in them. Congrats!

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. I know you're a brogues girl and I'm chuffed (English Yorkshire expression I believe) to have got them for a total bargain price. I went to a different Marks & Spencer to my usual and I just happened to walk past the kiddies section on my way out of the store when I just spied them out of the corner of my eye. I wouldn't have thought to look in there for them but I had a big inner smile whilst I was trying them on thinking - how lucky am I? I think they have the right amount of boyishness without looking inelegant. Result :o)

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  17. I can't believe your feet are small enough to shop at the kid's section. A bit jealous! They look amazing, I'd never have picked M&S!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. One of the better perks of being small and with children and adult sized feet!

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  18. Happy New Year lovely Susie So So - I adore reading your blog and never miss a post. Keep cheering me up all through 2014 please.
    Now regarding the brogues...I'm torn. I have also tried buying them and they just don't do it for me. Just sent my Boden ones back. And when I saw your first few photos, I wasn't sure but actually, I'm loving them with the second outfit. So I would say keep. I think they will get better with age too. And in fact, I'm going to check them out asap to see if there are any 7's left!
    Hope you had a great Christmas and New Year - roll on March! Ax

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    1. Oh Avril - thank you for the lovely words :o)

      And as for the brogues ... and trainers ... for you. I can feel that this might follow a similar vein to the hunt for boyfriend jeans. You'll get there though, I know you will!

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  19. Very cute - I like the way you have styled these!

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  20. I nver had the chance to go to shopping last christmas because of pregnancy. How i wish I can go to 120% Lino USA in Palm Beach USA to buy my fave stuff.

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Susie So So