Monday Work Wear: {White is Rather Nice}

Fashion

Winter whites were all the rage this season, but I’ve got great news for you. They’re not going anywhere! Once mistaken as a understated choice, white is going to be your serious statement-maker this spring.

Take a look at the collection from Natalia Alaverdian called A.W.A.K.E. It takes head-to-toe white to an elevated level with three piece suiting, crisp tailoring and sharp silhouettes. This white is about as far from the beach as you can get.

If you’re looking to make a sophisticated statement in your board room, I would give white, instead of black a try. You’re going to be noticed, rather than fade into the generic corporate background.

pants, top, shoes, jacket, bag, watch, necklace, sunglasses

What do you think? Does wearing white still feel fresh and exciting to you too?

images via A.W.A.K.E.

Monday Workwear: {Caped Crusader}

Fashion

While the looks that strut down Fashion Month’s runways are always fabulous, the sidewalks often tell more about the look du jour. It’s like doing trend spotting in a fashion barrel! Last week we zeroed in on Parisian chic. This week, we’re featuring a new outfit option that quickly rose to the surface on the sidewalks…

The Cape-Coat.

Now, lest we forget, capes were in a few seasons back, but the latest versions have been updated to feel more like a coat hybrid. They now come with longer, slimmer silhouettes and with larger slits that actually provide a full range of motion. Hallelujah. {If you don’t have a traditional cape in your closet, I can attest, limited arm movement was the old downside. You’d feel like you were cut off at the elbows!}. I’m excited about this coat alternative for spring. It feels light, it feels fun and it’s a great way to fend off a spring chill, but still enjoy afternoon sun on your arms! I think Gabriella Wilde, attending Burberry’s show in London, wore the trend best. A deep navy hue popped against her crisp white shirt and the open toed shoes made the look feel totally now.

Alas, Burberry’s version of the cape-coat above will set you back a cool $1,600. Thankfully, a new line from Leslie Tessler gives us a plethora of options for a fraction of the cost.

I’m particularly smitten with her swingy Turquoise Pluma Cape. It feels like the perfect punch of color that will refresh the old stand-bys in your wardrobe. Now that they days are longer {but I still want my hour back dammit!} and we can finally shrug off those heavy puffer coats, why not try this option on for size?

I’m in. You?

Here’s to trying something new this week!

photography by atlantic pacific, image 2 via, image 3 via, image 4 via. lookbook images courtesy of Leslie Tessler

Monday Work Wear: Pointers from Paris

Fashion

Every fashion season I wait impatiently until the shows arrive in Paris. And this is not just because of the lines I dream about living in {Chloe, Dries, Isabel Marant & Celine} all present there.

I love the Paris shows because they also showcases the epitome of streetstyle chic. There’s much less peacocking for the cameras {as this article so aptly describes the sidewalk circus} and instead high fashion meets simplicity, sophistication and the concept of editing. The results always leave me clamouring for more.

Take, for example, one of my ultimate style muses, Yasmin Sewell.

There are a few core elements of Parisian streetstyle. Great tailoring, beautifully basic, yet still statement making coats. A neutral color palette is a must as well as a structured bag. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fashion fun!

For example, sunglasses can be in all shades and shapes and worn whether the sun is actually shining or not! I’m loving the dramatic round frames trend above.

You can also play with prints and pattern. Stripes are a french classic, but I love the look of a print popping out from under a camel jacket. And you can never underestimate the power of a good trench. It is the style secret weapon. Wield it wisely.

I am going to keep my fashion sights square on french inspired style for the new season.

{awesome!} cape trench coat / clutch / pumps / shirt / scarf / sunnies / trousers

What do you think? Would you like to try Parisian Chic on for size??

Here’s to a classically chic week!

all photos by diego zuko for harpers bazaar

Monday Work Wear {Beanies, Baby!}

Fashion

After spending a long weekend shivering in Seattle’s freezing fog, I’ve suddenly rediscovered my appreciation for the beanie! They’re lightweight, portable, functional, and apparently the accessory de jour!

It’s rather easy to keep the look quite casual. Simply slip on a pair of print jeans, a vintage tee and a brightly hued bomber jacket. It’s urban chic at its best. The more challenging task is to take the beanie in a sophisticated direction, but, as the monochromatic ensemble above illustrates, it can be done.

Black on black on black is relatively fool proof and the pointy-toed heel will always take your outfit to a professional professional level. Bonus: beanies are also a great solution for a bad hair day!

I’m very tempted to create a little beanie collection. You’d want a variety of options to suit the changes in your sartorial mood, right? What do you think? Are you a fan of the beanie? Would you rock one to the office??

images via garance dore & vanessa jackman

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