Looks of the Week – Menswear Edition
Most of the fashion that I feature on this site is geared towards women, but I have to confess that I do in fact love mens fashion and follow a number of male fashion bloggers. So today I thought we could celebrate some of the oh-so-stylish gentlemen out there. We all have men in our lives – whether it’s a significant other, brother, father, son – who we can use this as inspiration to shop for!
I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a fashion crush on this blogger {he was featured in this Looks of the Week post & Let’s Hear It For The Boys}. Not only does he have a great sense of style, he’s pretty darn funny in the comments section of his Tumblr account – which is, by the way, named after his hair – Edward’s Hair.
What caught my eye here were all of the great neutral colored layers – Not only is that a killer shearling coat, he’s also wearing a button-down shirt and a sweater vest paired with a great printed scarf. If you’re interested in learning how to stylishly apply layers, My Mirror is a site that you should definitely check out.
This Italian blogger is a PhD-level accessorizer – This is such a fabulous combination of pieces, it almost looks like an advertisement for a luxury brand! Retro sunglasses, an orange cashmere tie, Belfiore shoes, Louis Vuitton briefcase, and a killer vintage coat – Utter perfection.
What I love about this is the combination of colors, textures, and prints. The blue & white Gingham button-down shirt paired with the army green suit jacket is great, but I love how he took it a step further and paired those pieces with the brown slacks.
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean that your personal style needs to go out the window while you pile on layer after layer. Here’s a chic example of how to casually layer and add cold weather pieces to a look without sacrificing fashion.
Suits don’t have to be boring or traditional to get the job done. Try a flattering color or an interesting cut or fun patterns & prints. Or try all three!
Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention my favorite male fashion blogger in this post, even though he doesn’t regularly post photographs of his own personal style, UK-based Stu Bradley of Not So Lonely Londoners {you may know him from his sensational How To Pose Like A Fashion Blogger post that swept the internet last Spring}.
Which of these menswear looks above is your favorite? And what is it about that particular look that caught your attention?
Looks of the Week
Compaired to the Looks of the Week: Pants Edition post last week the collection of looks below is a somewhat more versatile – With a killer jumpsuit, chic mini and maxi skirts, stylish pants in various fits and silhouettes, and fabulous outerwear from fashion bloggers and models around the world.
This is without a doubt the best look that I came across this past week. It’s striking, flattering, fashion-forward, and just plain fabulous – From the killer red jumpsuit to the silver spiked braid to the oversized clear clutch. Wow!
I love the combination of the white pleated maxi skirt & basic white tee paired with the bright, patterned jacket by Milly. It’s fun, unique look that makes me miss Summer!
What I love most about this look is the texture of the patent oxblood skirt combined with the matte, loose-fitted blouse. Oh, and those shoes. J’adore ankle straps!
This is such a feisty, rock n’ roll look – I LOVE her studded jacket and those buckle-adorned boots are totally killer!
This look is such a fun combination of colors, fabrics, and textures – It’s really eye-catching and fashiony, but still looks relaxed and comfortable.
There’s pretty much nothing more classic than a trench coat but leave it to Saucy Glossie to choose a leather sleeved version and pair it with a fun, eye-catching leopard print scarf. Great combination!
Black & brown can be a hard color combination to put together but when it’s done right it can be pretty striking. This silhouette paired with the 70’s inspired felt hat is a great look – Très français!
Which of these looks is your favorite? Are there any new trends or fun new styles you’re especially excited to try out this Fall?
Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion
Here we are, the final post from Spring 2013 Fashion Week in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Today we’ll be looking at some of the best street style from Fashion Month – The ladies really dress to the nines when it comes to being photographed at Paris Fashion Week.
I adore this look from head-to-toe! From the quilted motorcycle jacket to the striking black & white bag to the suede ankle boots. Well done!
This look is so sweet and retro I couldn’t help but love it. The contrasting colored tights and chunky velvet ankle strap sandals are my favorite part!
A dramatic black & white look with a splash of color is a great color scheme to work with and the sleek silhouette of this look is even more striking.
This outfit is all about the tan, double-breasted coat. I love a dramatic outerwear look like this!
A floral jumpsuit is just the thing in the Parisian parks when paired with a tan wrap-around belt and a striking coral Chanel bag.
This is one of the most stunning overcoats that I’ve seen in a while – A stunning color with a fun, eye-catching brooch and a great retro vibe.
So chic & well put together! The bright, collared shirt dress paired with a sleek black leather jacket is a great pairing and suits her perfectly.
Karmen may be Estonian, but she’s got the French je ne sais quoi in spades. This layered black look is striking & eye-catching despite being monochromatic.
Such a stunning, Summery look – The floral maxi looks great paired with the white, cropped leather jacket and that Hermes Birkin bag is swoon-worthy.
One of my favorite Paris Fashion Week street style looks was from blogger Chiara Ferragni – This multi colored lace Chanel dress with nude accessories is chic, flattering, and timeless. She looks stunning!
{Click on the links above to view the original source}
Previous Spring 2013 Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2013, London Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013, and Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Onto My Wardrobe’s Fashion Weeks Recap, FabSugar’s Best Paris Fashion Week Street-Style Accessories, and WhoWhatWear’s What They Wore: Paris Fashion Week.
Which street style and front row fashion had you most excited from this season’s Fashion Month – New York, London, Milan, or Paris?
Inspiration Saturday
Happy Saturday!
Why not start this weekend off with some beautiful photographs and inspiring words? The perfect way to prepare for a fun, fashionable day if you ask me. Enjoy!
{Sources: Vintage Virgin, Champagne & Strawberries & Pinterest}
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012: Part I
The final of the four major fashion weeks was in Paris and without further ado, let’s get onto the clothes!
Leave it to Alexander McQueen's Sara Burton to take a conservative suit and serve it up with corsets, ruffles, bondage masks and gladiator wedges. Well done.
Louis Vuitton was sweet and candy-coated compared to last seasons' dark hued S&M themed show. Easter egg colors, girlie silhouettes and lacey fabrics.
SourceAlso, Marc was able to get the new Mrs. Jamie Hince to walk his runway again, check out the video here.
Miu Miu started dark but my favorite looks were from the airy second half like this one, which included a beige lace dress with a crocheted cape/coat and satiny slippers.
Valentino was all about dresses and continue to play on the prim & proper cuts done in naughty sheer fabric that they touched on last season. These gowns will definitely be making some red carpet appearances in the coming months.
Karl created an underwater paradise for Chanel this season, complete with Florence Welch singing in a half shell. The collect was a sleek and modern take on classic Chanel, with beautifully cut suits and intricate dresses.
YSL was, in a word, wearable. Easy separates in sumptuous fabrics and gorgeous jewel tones. I could see virtually every piece of this collection walking down the street.
Clare Waight Keller kept things light and classic Chloe for her first collection, but I have to admit, my favorite part was the accessories!
Giambattista Valli was a mix of decadent brocades, marabou feathers and metallic prints. This coat dress was one of my favorites, I love the mix of florals and muted color-blocking.
Stay tuned for the Part II of the Paris collections.
Paris – Oo la la
When I last left off on my vacation overview I was leaving London for the city of lights. We arrived in Paris Tuesday night and left Thursday afternoon so it was, as with London, a very brief visit. Finally over our jet lag we focused our energy on sightseeing and sampling the local cuisine.
And by cuisine I mean wine & beer. 🙂
My brother & boyfriend at the beginning of our first night in Paris
Cheers! My family at lunch. Seriously, lunch.
Vin rouge
Fashion: I am still shocked that I didn’t have any major accidents while walking down the streets of Paris considering I don’t think I was looking where I was going for more than 30 seconds the entire time we were there. Some stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason and the women of Paris did not disappoint (I’ve been to Paris before, but I wasn’t as fashion oriented at the time). They were chic and thin, there wasn’t a tennis shoe or a pair of sweats as far as the eye could see. Lots of flats and low heels, probably due to it being a walking-intensive city. Lots of layering and fun silhouettes, lots of high-low mixing & matching and lots of not-so-basic black. The accessory de jour? Le pliage bags from Longchamp, they were everywhere! The other, not so chic accessory in every woman’s hand? A cigarette. I spent most of the time in Paris sneezing!
Food: Honestly, I wasn’t blown away by the food while we were in Paris. Neither my boyfriend or I eat bread so most restaurants were something of a challenge during our short stay, though he usually ended up with poulet of some sort. We supplemented our smaller meals out with petit casino finds like nuts, goat cheese, apples & little Tupperware containers of tabouli. And yes, I made up the phrase petit casino to mean corner store. And I think it makes perfect sense! 🙂
Fitness: So much walking! Lost wandering, church steps, hills, exploring and walking between our hotel and the areas where the rest of my family was staying. Exhausting! We had a nap the second day and still barely made it to our pillows that night before crashing.
Lodgings: Our hotel wasn’t really anything special, but the location was great, we were across the street from the scenic Jardin du Luxembourg and we had a cute little cafe on the corner.
Cafe on the corner
View from our hotel
Sights: My family was spread out all over Paris which gave us a unique chance to check out all of the different hotels and fun neighborhoods. My aunt and her fiance stayed at the sumptuous Park Hyatt in central Paris, while my cousin & brother stayed in the Latin Quarter and my parents rented an apartment in Les Gobelins.
My Auntie & her then fiance and now husband at Sacre Coeur Basilica
Travel: My family rented cars for our from exit Paris and seven of us piled into a van Thursday morning for a five-hour drive south to Lanouaille lead by Mademoiselle Garmin. You’d think they’d get someone who can pronounce the French words to be the voice of the GPS…
I still have nightmares. At the next round-about, take the second exit.
Highlights: Most of our rowdy group really enjoyed the food in Paris, from thin crust pizzas & giant beers to roasted chicken & steaks w/ pomme frites. I ate the frites. 🙂 My favorite part? The fashion of course. With big cities like this you get to see a lot of street traffic even during a short stay, and I really enjoyed the people watching. Oh, and I loved seeing everyone carrying their groceries home each night with the inevitable baguette sticking out the top. Too French!
Back soon with Milan Fashion Week!
The Art of Lingerie
I’ve loved lingerie for as long as I can remember. I used to steal borrow my mom’s slips and nightgowns when I was little and when I got older she used to bribe me to go to the dentist with trips to the Nordstrom intimates section. That lasted through college actually… 🙂
I’m not sure what first intrigued me about lingerie, perhaps it was the bombshell glamour evoked in the movies I grew up with. Grace Kelly’s nightgown in Rear Window, Take Back Your Mink from Guys & Dolls, Natalie Wood in Gypsy, or Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot.
What I can say for certain though is that my love affaire with lingerie was consummated, if you will, when I lived abroad. It was everywhere, much more prevalent and “acceptable” than in the US, and I just couldn’t get enough. I wandered into all the little shops I could find in Paris, Madrid, Milan, and Rome. I still have a handful of the pieces that I found while I was there, including a gorgeous lavender dressing gown.
And regardless of what first inspired me this has been a love affaire that’s lasted 29 fabulous years, and at this point I have nightgowns, separates, slips, matching sets, and dressing gowns filling up my closet and an entire bureau stuffed satins, silks, and lace.
In my experience lingerie can serve a woman in two distinct but interconnected ways – the way it makes her feel and the way it makes her look.
The right cut, color, fabric, and style can make you feel beautiful, glamorous, and sexy. And I’m not just talking about pieces that you’re wearing for someone else, I’m talking about the simple pleasure of sleeping with the feel of satin against your skin or feeling soft lace wrap around your ankles when you take a step. It doesn’t have to be about anyone but yourself!
In addition to making you feel fabulous the right undergarments can make your clothes fit and look even better. It doesn’t matter whether you favor Lily of France, Victoria’s Secret, La Perla or Agent Provocateur, it’s about finding pieces that complement your body type, personal style, and the clothes in your wardrobe. And for whomever invented shapewear (Spanx anyone?) deserves a medal, those glorious garments can hide all manner of sins.
However, despite my love of lingerie the “lingerie as clothing” trend is one that I must caution you to be careful with. Outside of Halloween it can be hard to pull off wearing stand alone pieces as clothing a la Easy A.
That being said, you can evoke the same boudoir feel by wearing a lacy cocktail dress, pieces with sheer panels, satin and silk, or even by layering a bustier in your look.
The lacy layers of this dress make it simultaneously sweet & naughty
Source Needs some inspiration for adding a sexy, boudoir flare to an outfit? Check out Giorgio Armani’s Fall 2011 Boudoir runway show or these sumptuous advertisements that were influences by beautiful, retro lingerie. 
With the luxurious cuts, delicious fabrics, and just a hint of bedroom glamour, these clothes are a treat for the senses and a great way to indulge your lingerie fantasies in the real world. Do you love lingerie too? How do you feel about daytime wear?
Fashion Inspiration
Fashion isn’t just about what you wear, what goes on your body. It’s truly an expression of yourself that extends far beyond your clothes.
“Fashion is everything. Art, music, furniture design, graphic design, hair, makeup, architecture, the way cars look – all those things go together to make a moment in time.” – Tom Ford
And just as fashion isn’t limited to the cloth that we wrap ourselves in, inspiration can also be found in many forms.
I began clipping pictures from magazines as a pre-adolescent, not so much fashion photos, just pictures that caught my eye, things that I found eye-catching or memorable or mesmerizing.
As I became interested in fashion however, my clipping habits became more focused. And while I don’t confine myself to photographs of clothing and accessories, I’ve found that my love of fashion gives this activity more direction and purpose. I’ve found that even without context, pictures can serve a creative function.
They excite. They encourage. They inspire.
The beauty and artistry captured by a photographer can be moving, regardless of the medium. Advertisements, promotional materials, editorials, art, home decor…
I’ve found that by keeping these images available to myself I can stay out of a fashion rut. They provide new ideas and inspiration, get my creative juices flowing, and motivate me to grow and evolved. I highly recommend creating and maintaining a Look Book, a collection of images that make you smile, that invigorate you, that make you push your boundaries.
Whether it’s a physical book filled with clippings like mine are, or Boards on Pinterest, this is a great creative and inspirational outlet. Keeping pictures of looks that you like, styles that call to you, photos that take your breath away, can all be great tools to keep your approach to fashion fresh and interesting.
What’s your favorite way to get inspired?
Moi Contre La Vie 