Street Style Inspiration of the Day

I don't exactly know what it is about this photo, but I want to be her. Maybe I was drawn in because the caption told me that the photo was taken during Paris Fashion Week, or maybe because if I close my eyes, I like to envision that I actually look like this. I also love the androgynous look that she's wearing so perfectly. A tweed bomber jacket with a stiff collar that's just the kind I love. Long, almost bermuda shorts may not be exactly my thing (shorts kind of scare me), but they look so good on her I may have to try them too. She's wearing a pair of neutral oxfords that elongate her legs all the while accessorizing her all grey look with a pop of unexpected color. Flawless, seductively boyish, and subtly sexy. That je ne sais quoi has never looked so good. Mais non?

(photo: courtesy of The Sartorialist)

Pairing Prints

I love coming up with ways to challenge conventional style rules. After all, they're boring and if everyone follows the same set of rules, what fun would that be? So I always thought that if you wore a print, you should only wear one, and pair it with other neutral pieces. If you wear leopard, pair it with black. A great plaid? Stick with denim or something in one of the colors that makes up the plaid print. Pairing two separate leopards together? Not even an option. But alas, did I have it wrong? Yet again? This picture shows a lovely lady in NYC wearing the ubiquitous trend in a really inventive way. As easily as I've taken to layering different plaids and stripes together, she's layered two separate leopard prints together in a way that's fresh--and makes you think that they actually go together. It's something I never would have considered before but it's making me think I just may need some new, fun prints to try the look out for myself. It's unusual and unexpected, which I think is just the right style to have.

(photo by The Glamourai)

You Know You Love Me

So while everyone else seems to have gone back to school (or just stayed at work), Serena, Blair and the gang seem to have taken a sojourn to my fair city. That's right, they've descended on Paris. Now while I gave up Gossip Girl a few seasons back (it just got too ridiculous with the Dan and Vanessa storyline--and Jenny, my god, Jenny!), I have to admit that I set my DVR for this season knowing I'd want to see my city back in action. On the sched for Paris? Insane clothes and designer labels that we all dream of (well, at least I do). Chanel--and lots of it--make it easy eye candy and while the story lines still hover around ridiculous, I'd like to think of the show's fashion as sort of a Sex and the City for the aughts. Move over Carrie B., there may just be some sartorial inspiration to be had yet. And from the CW no less. Xoxo, Gossip Girl

(photo: courtesy of NYmag.com)

Playing with Proportions

Ok, I'll admit it. I've become a slave to my J Brand jeans, and even though I resisted, the skinnier the better. But putting on my favorite pair this morning with a normal crewneck tee and I cringed. I did not like the way it looked--at all. I've figured out (through some not so cute trial and errors) that the jeans only look best (and I only feel my best) when I pair them with a longer tee. That's why I'm investing in some of Wilt's long, fishtail tees and tanks. The materials are deliciously soft and the hemlines are not only interesting, but flattering to boot. They help lean out my jeans in a way that makes me feel entirely comfortable in what I'm wearing...which is the point after all. Right?

(photo: courtesy of Shopbop)

Love a Look Book

So apparently Ebay got the memo. Not only is street style fashion catching on as one of the best places to look for style guidance, but it's bringing street fashion mainstream--and to a whole new audience. Ebay has launched their new Lookbook application where fashionistas can upload pics of themselves in their favorite outfits (and poses). Viewers can then vote on which looks they like best, and when hovering over the image, Ebay makes suggestions of items on the site that can help you recreate the look. I am guessing it will take you to some affordable finds and vintage steals, along with secondhand designer wares that are frankly, what Ebay is all about. Sigh, if only The Sartorialist let me recreate the look so easily!

(photo: courtesy of L.A. Times)

In the Clutch

Back when I didn't know any better, I thought I needed the "It" Bag of the season. Didn't matter the price tag (or that I was being ridiculous), I thought I had to have it. What I didn't realize was that everyone had it too, which made me that much more unoriginal. So while I still pile all of my belongings into an oversized tote, day in and day out (I really do need to carry my Filofax, a lint brush, and notepad with me at all times), I do make a point of switching things out for night. My favorite is when I get to pare down what I carry and stuff just a few essentials into a cute clutch. Instead of the black leather one that's been treating me quite nicely for some years, I am on the hunt for something a little different. My little leopard number seems to be doing the trick, but so would one with some bright colors or jewel tones to accent my fall look. The search continues!

(photo: courtesy of Avelle)

A New Classic

As I've said before, I hate the idea of the rigid classics that everyone "must" have in their closet. Instead of keeping an LBD (little black dress) on stand-by, mine is little, navy, and just about perfect. Catch my drift? So when I saw this unusually hued leather jacket, I thought that this was the perfect alternative to the black leather jacket that just about everyone has. Sure if goes with everything, but when everyone else is wearing nearly the identical thing, it's no longer that interesting. This rich hunter green really pops for fall and winter and looks surprisingly good with both brown and black. It's a great way to stand apart from the crowd and set your style apart--which is the point of this after all, isn't it?

(photo: courtesy of Nordstrom)