...

Did you see this over on Garance Dore (clearly I'm catching up on her blog)? First, how hilarious is the little story that goes with it? It made me miss my sisters (even though they are much younger and tinier than I am) . But also, how effing awesome is Giovanna's outfit? It looks so simple and natural but so crazy at the same time, I guess that's the genius of amazingly made clothes. le sigh
via Garance Dore

Oh yes!

This just looks so right to me for some reason. I mean, I already own a men's white blazer, so I was already halfway there. But the glasses, the scarf, the messy hair... (and maybe some brightly colored jeans?) man....I want to be in that photo
via Garance Dore

why can't I look like this in a suit?

And also....why does a raspberry colored suit not seem totally crazy to me? What about a well cut black suit with a hot pink top and styled similarly? Would that be the runway to real world version of this?via because I'm addicted

Catching up

As I said on Friday, things have been a little crazy around here, not much time for noodling around on the interweb. When I did get a chance this weekend to catch-up on my street style blogs I saw a lot that I liked. As always my eye was drawn to combinations of tight black pants and blazers with boots, opaque tights, long hair, scarves, flared pants with billowy blouses, lots of black, even more grey, and a touch of camel thrown in. I'm so happy it will be starting to warm up soon and I can ditch my winter coat and roll up my sleeves.
via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Girl Crush, what is it with bikes?

Seriously, the last time I was like, agh girl crush, was another Vanessa Jackman photo and a bike was involved. But seriously, why don't I own a dress like that? Also...I have a real post coming, it's just being super finicking and no matter what I do it looks bad.

via Vanessa Jackman

Inspired by the XX

I have gotten really into the boy/girl duo, the XX. I don't know what it is about the combination of male and female voices but there's something very intimate and sweet about it. Using a lot of drum machines and interpol like guitar rifts, the music is spare, cool, and modern. And while I tend to like over the top drama in music ( a la Animal Collective or Arcade Fire) I really enjoy how refreshingly tidy, spare, and modern the XX is. But contrasted against the clean beats are some quite sexy lyrics that keep you listening closely. And whether it's their 80's reminiscent sound or their black album cover somehow I can't help feeling it's just a tad goth in that Cure or Smiths kinda way.

I wanted to find some looks that really personified the relaxed coolness of the band. The "I can't be bothered to find a drummer so I'm using this drum machine" aspect of the XX combined with some seriously sexy lyrics called out to me to find some understatedly sexy and dark outfits. The cut of the clothing is clean and a bit androgynous, but always with messy hair, and a little sex appeal.

In terms of interiors, I wanted to find spaces that were equally modern, clean and free of clutter. I was drawn to a lot of spaces with bright white walls and dark furniture. The look is elegant, but relaxed and full of lots of empty space. And I definitely wanted rooms with lots of animal fur and hide for that jolt of soft contrast.

image 1 by Vanessa Jackman, 2, 3 and 4 by Stockholm StreetStyle, 5 and 6 by The Sartorialist, 7, 8, and 9 via Diversion Project, 10 and 11, 12, 13 via Living Etc.

The Fur Hat Guild

It was inevitable. My Eastern European fascination eventually invaded my fashion taste, what can I do? But seriously, is there any more perfect way to top off some curly locks or an ultra feminine frock than with a tall fur hat? I think not. It adds that perfect little amount of masculine hunter or long serving general (depending on which had you choose to adopt) to any feminine look. And believe me, you can wear your coat unbuttoned or a lighter coat because your head is toasty and warm. Oh, I can't wait till it gets a bit colder so I can break mine out!
And there are definitely plenty of fake options out there, no need to do anything that hurts your conscience. What do you think? Have I convinced you?

images via garance dore, Style.com (Oscar de la Renta), Vanessa Jackman, the Sartorialist, What is Reality Anyway?, Le Blog de Betty, Anna Wolf via here.

Look: at this look

What is it about this I love so much? The super tan and stunningly shiny hair? The blazer and scarf? I feel like you can feel her confidence. I need some of that today.

photo by the Sartorialist

Look: at this fall look!

I'm going to ignore for a second that this girl looks 17 and that she has a cigarette in her hand and concentrate on her perfect layering of the tee, denim shirt, and blue blazer with that more cute than serious briefcase. Plus, how gorgeous is her hair? Definitely a little inspiration not to blow mine out. 17 year old girl, you inspire me.

via Vanessa Jackman

Legs, Legs, and Shearling

I have been loving all the street style "transitional" dressing I've been seeing online lately. Something about tan legs paired with sweaters and boots is really appealing. Almost as appealing as bare ankles and shearling. I think it's the unexpected contrast that makes these looks.
Images 1, 2, & 3 photographed by the Sartorialist, 4 by Vanessa Jackman, 5 by Mr. Newton

Not surprisingly

Miroslava Duma is just as cute and fashionable when she's pregnant as she was beforehand. She definitely possesses the skill of being able to layer without ever appearing too hobo like. And I always appreciate looks that incorporate black opaque tights and/or comically large glasses. And I must admit, I have been very suspicious of headscarves and she makes it look so natural.

Some of my favorite beforehand outfits:

Images via 1 and 2 Stockholm Streetstyle, 3 and 4 The Sartorialist, 5. Whatever the Weather,Harper's Bazaar and 6.

I want to look like this when I vacation

Like, seriously

Via Vanessa Jackman

Canadian Tuxedo

I would be totally okay with denim on denim if I could rock it Chanel style...

Via Stockholm Streetstyle

Black and Brown Days

I used to have this problem with black and brown together. Black and brown had to inhibit two totally separate universes. If I had black boots on, the idea of a brown belt or purse made me feel queasy. I always had to have brown and black tights on hand depending on my outfit. Even my first forays into fur (I was living in Eastern Europe!) had to be separated by brown and black. I realized I had done a 180 when I saw this Nate Berkus styled room and immediately saved it to my inspiration file. Something about the boldness of the black stripes makes the room look so fresh, while the brown keeps the black from looking overly modern or styled. In fact, I have now come to fully embrace black and brown together for both fashion and home. I think, what I've come to enjoy is the way that black sets off a beautiful rich brown, especially brown leather or wood and the way that black makes brown look more sophisticated. What do you think?

images via 1. {this is glamorous} 2. & 4. & 5 & 8 & 10 & 13 Emma's DesignBlogg 3. Calivintage 6 & 7 & 9 & 12 The Sartorialist 11. Altamira