Spring Summer Inspiration
My mood has officially moved to spring/summer fashion. Snow is forecast for this week but I’m not having any of it. Bring on the light layers, the bright colors and the slouchy wide legged trousers. This past weekend I sifted through magazines to make a mood board. Crossed legged on the floor of my daughter’s bedroom, together we cut out our favorite pictures to make a collage. My end result was the above image that ended up showcasing what I want to be wearing over the months to come. A list of those things is below.
Tailored separates in loose silhouettes. Can we talk about the resurgence of menswear and power dressing. It’s good.
Silk scrunchies are another must. The scrunchies I’m currently wearing are velvet and, therefore, far too wintery for a springtime look. I must get my hands on some silk ones, preferably in bold vibrant colors. Pictured above you’ll find some by Hermes. This is the dream. I will likely find some on Etsy or do a DIY.
How are we feeling about bucket hats? I know these have been trending for a while and they aren’t anything new but I’m still kind of obsessed with them. Last year I bought a cheap option from Amazon and it was truly horrible. I think the answer might be to buy one that’s a little pricier. Perhaps the fabric composition and shape needs to be a bit more thoughtful to have it truly look good.
Neon. I know, who would have thought. I normally shy away from bright colors but I’m in the mood to wear something painfully acidic (get ready to guard your eyes).
Yellow. Yes, I’ve loved yellow for a long time but this season’s version feels a bit more muted. I like that.
Coordinating sets. How cute is the matching STAUD skirt and top pictured above? I’m not sure if I’m ready to bare my midriff but maybe if I found a set that was quite high waisted and just showed a couple inches of tummy I could embrace this style (on or near the beach).
A summer sandal update is a must and I’ve got my eye on the Big Buckle Birkenstock.
Ladylike accessories. Need I say more? After a year hunkered down in my sweats indoors I’m in the mood to look elevated and put together. Enter pearls, structured handbags and pieces that show I put more than 2min into getting ready.
Round neck t-shirts with short chained necklaces. Yes and yes.
Minimalist beauty. Because if the past year has taught me anything it’s that less is truly more.
Ok, that’s my rundown of must-have items for spring/summer ‘21. I will report back with news on how it goes incorporating these things into my wardrobe. I may just stay in my house like a hermit for the next four months and continue to wear my sweats but I’m hoping I break free a bit and explore the world again in clothes that feel fresh and alive.
After all, it officially time to embrace fashion (and life) again.
How many pairs of jeans should a person own?
How tall is your denim pile? Mine is 15 pairs high.
According to Fashion United, the average number of jeans a woman owns is seven. But the catch? They say she only really wears four. Mind = blown.
So, how have I come to have so many pairs and is it a bit excessive?
The truth is, I’ve just sort of accumulated them over the past 6 years. They range in size from a 27 to a 31. Having had two kids recently has meant my weight has fluctuated significantly. A lot of people would say that I should have cleaned out my closet more thoroughly over the past few years. That no one needs 15 pairs of jeans - especially if half of them don’t fit perfectly at any given time.
But you know what? I’m glad I’ve held onto them.
They’re all classic styles and they work just as well today as they did the day I bought them. Most have a skinny or slim leg. They’re all in shades of classic chambray or black. I have no regrets.
I’m ok with having items in my wardrobe that are a bit too big or a bit too small. It means that when my weight fluctuates (which I’m sure it will continue to do) I don’t have to freak out about not having clothes that fit. So, I’m holding onto my 15 pairs for now and, who knows, I might even add a couple new pairs into the mix this year.
But back to the original question: how many pairs of jeans should a person own? There’s no right answer but I think having 3-5 pairs that you really love and that fit well is a pretty good benchmark to work towards.
Back to Basics
Carola Pojer mastering the art of uniform dressing.
I’m a firm believer in the magic of good basics. They last longer, wash better and act as the building blocks for a workable wardrobe.
This look from Carola Pojer has been in my saved folder since 2017. I love it as much today as I did back then. It’s a reminder that classic items never go out of style.
Are you team uniform dressing? I love the idea of having a closet of staples that I can gradually build on. By adding one or two new pieces to the below outfit you could easily make it feel fresh. It’s an outfit that would work for years to come and it’s exactly what I want to be wearing today. ✨
The Original Days of Blogging
Raise your hand if you remember the original days of blogging!
It was pretty glorious, right? So much fun. There was space for everyone. We were collaborative. Excited. There were no brand partnerships, ads or gifted products. We were all just doing it because it provided an outlet to express ourselves and a radically new way to connect with people.
I loved it. I met so many amazing people through my blog and had some truly incredible experiences. But I fell pretty hard out of love and kind of jumped ship.
There are already so many voices. So many faces. I’ve often wondered what I can offer that will cut through the noise. Not another #ootd, motivational quote or home inspo pic. There’s enough of that already.
So, I’m asking you to stay tuned because I’ve got an idea for this space. I hope it will be collaborative, fun and useful. Fingers crossed you like it. 🤞🏼
Style Profile: Matthew Zorpas
Matthew Zorpas
Sophisticated. Tailored. Experimental.
The first time I met Matthew he was walking across Somerset House during London Fashion Week. He immediately stood out from the crowds. Back then the crazier the outfit the better and Matthew’s style exuded a quiet sort of confidence. We became fast friends, meeting up every time I was in London to snap photos and catch up. It has been at least five years since we last hung out in person but I’ve loved watching his adventures from afar via Instagram. He’s one of the most stylish people I know and I thought he’d be the perfect person to launch this new blog series called Style Profiles.
Matthew and I caught up this week over FaceTime to talk all things quarantine, fashion and life changes…
Describe your style and its evolution.
There has been a certain evolution between who I was ten years ago and who I am today. I think I started my connection with fashion by looking at young designers and modern/futuristic design. Slowly I started familiarizing myself with tailoring due to my professional career as a lecturer. It forced me to develop a new uniform which was a suit. I felt right wearing that. I went very classic for a period of time and very sharp. I was very strict with what I was wearing.
Now I’m in the phase of trying to mix the two eras. There is still a sophistication and attention to detail but there is also some modernization and freshness from young/new designers.
Favorite designers.
Every season it changes. I don’t think there is any brand out there that has not fallen into following certain trends or adapting to the market. I always get my white shirts from Brooke Brothers. Stripey shirts from Eton. American cut double breasted from Ralph Lauren. Tuxedo from Tom Ford. Jeans from Levis. I think there are certain brands and designers that have excelled in a certain product. If you feel comfortable in that white t-shirt make sure that white t-shirt is sustainable, 100% cotton and ethically made. Continue to buy that from the same brand if you trust that brand.
Most prized possession.
If you asked me that 10 years ago it would be a fashion item but from fashion I jumped into the art scene a bit. I have some beautiful paintings I bought from Brazil from Oscar Niemeyer. Now I think after owning an apartment for the first time in my most valued possessions are becoming furniture.
Collaboration you are most proud of.
Being a watch ambassador for Breitling. Two years ago, the first launch project that we did together used aero acrobatics to announce my role. I had the opportunity to fly with a pilot in plane with just two seats. I got to experience the different G’s in a way that is similar to what astronauts experience.
What do you think the secret is to great style?
Experience. Just like any other job you need to familiarize yourself with what’s available and test it. See how you feel and look in different things and check with others. If you wear a certain color and people compliment you more then maybe it’s a good color for you. I think it’s about familiarizing yourself with what’s out there and developing taste slowly.
Three items everyone should have in their wardrobe.
White shirt. Navy double breasted suit. Good pair of English brogues.
Describe your quarantine style.
I try to at least dress up once a day. Whether it’s to go to the supermarket, to meet with my guest speaker for Couch Sessions or just to go out on the roof terrace and have a drink by myself. I do stay in a t-shirt and shorts during the day for a longer period of time than before but I still try to use my wardrobe. It’s like eating for me. It’s one of thing that still feel normal.
Favorite meal to cook at home.
Tuna cake. My mom used to make it and now i’m doing it too. It’s a cold tuna cake with avocado, Philadelphia cheese and biscuits. It’s one of my favorites.
Thing you are most looking forward to when this is all over.
How our time our reflection will become action and if it will become action. A lot of us experience a lot of reflective processes. We all want to change certain things. Become more sustainable. Joing the gym more. Learn how to cook. Whatever that is… can we maintain that afterwards. Can those become learning lessons that we will continue.
Currently watching.
Just finished Unorthodox which was really interesting.
Coffee or tea.
Coffee.
Biggest fashion mistake in your youth.
I would never judge anything as a mistake. I think we all have a lot of embarrassing pictures but for that moment it was something that felt right. We learn and continue and grow.
Fashion is for everyone. What does that mean to you?
Yes, fashion is for everyone. I think we have reached a point where many, if not all of us, have access to the basics and the have the ability to dress up in someway. We have enough to cover the needs of the whole population and we need to reduce consumption. But fashion continues to be for everyone. People need to have the ability to dress up. Even if it’s in a casual way. I think anywhere you are on the planet you can find the basics you need. It’s important to be able to dress up.
All photos via Matthew’s Instagram. Follow him here.
Thoughts on Loungewear
Snooze o'clock
Nothing beats a good puppy cuddle.
There are two types of people in the world: those that need loungewear and those that do not. I am, undoubtedly, a loungewear kind of gal. When I get home I straightaway change into my comfies. It's like a theaurpeutic de-robing of the day and any stress that went along with it. Goodbye job. See you later colleagues. Hasta luego nightmare drivers that refuse to use their indicators. I'm home.
Breathe in.... breathe out.
A key part of that breathing out is the changing of my clothes. I have a two year old daughter and a dog, so it's usually pretty hectic when I first get home. Everyone is excited. There's jumping and screaming. Hugs and sometimes chaos unfolding. But I always make an effort to dash off to my bedroom and change. It signifies an important shift in the day: a pause for relaxation.
While I'd like to say I sashay around my apartment in an opulent silk robe, the reality is I tend to favor a more relaxi-taxi type of look. High waisted leggings and cropped t-shirts are my look du-jour at the moment. Athleta is currently responsible for my favorite leggings and my favorite cropped t-shirts are from Madewell.
The most wonderful thing about this take on loungewear is that, if there isn't anything big going on during the weekend, it does double duty as pajamas and day clothes. Am I being gross? Oh well. If it's wrong, I don't want to be right.
Wearing Tomboy X Essentials Soft Bra. Cuddles courtesy of #mredisoninglis.
LFW Spring 2018
London is nothing if not unpredictable.
It has been a few weeks since the spring 2018 shows ended but I want to take a moment to look back at London. Why London instead of New York, Milan or Paris? It's where I first experienced fashion week. London designers were the first to invite me to their shows. London will always be, for me, the expression of fashion in the way I understand it best. London champions underdogs. I'm grateful for that. It's experimental. It doesn't conform.
utility |yo͞oˈtilədē|: the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial
Utility isn't something I ever really associated with London Fashion Week. Sure, LFW is of course profitable. Of course, it's beneficial and useful to some degree. But the designs themselves? If I had to pick one word to describe them as a whole? It wouldn't be utility. For me, the trademark of fashion in London has always sort of been it's lack of practicality. It is wild and avänt gärde. Sometimes, it's offensive. It can be difficult to digest. But it pushes the envelop. It inspires. It breathes youth and creativity and beauty into a world that can sometimes feel rigid and dark. And the amazing thing? People in London actually embrace it.
Tina Leung & Susie Lau, both in Molly Goddard - shot by Phil Oh for Vogue.com
This season though, the thing that stood out to me about London Fashion Week (as I watched it from afar) was that it felt decidedly more utilitarian.
Some of my favorite designers were the ones that were really wearable. I've always loved Eudon Choi but this season his collection was one of my favorites. It was packed full of separates perfectly suited for a day at the office or a stroll down the promenade. Whether you're fashion-forward or style-delayed, his collection is understandable - especially when you break apart each look and consider the pieces for what they are alone. Anybody could wear it. You. Me. Your grandma. I literally want to wear everything from the collection. Right. Now. Especially the pink suit (gasp!).
So many designers presented collections that felt useful, essential and easy-to-wear. Does this represent a shift in the industry? It's not minimalist or normcore. It's something else. It's looking at a catwalk and thinking you could actually wear what you see. You could wear it to walk your dog or pick up the groceries. You could wear it to class or to pick up your kids after school. There is beauty and attention-to-detail and a magic sparkle that emanates from the clothes but there is something else. There is a use. And you don't have to squint or work hard to figure out the use. It's glaringly obvious. The clothes are wearable.
To see what other people thought of the collections, I reached out to a few of my favorite people and asked them for their favorite look from London. Their responses reinforced what I had been thinking. London fashion is embracing practicality but there will always be an element of unexpected surprise that leaves you starry eyed and dreaming of another world. So yes, it seems London is embracing utility but there are still wild cards. ✨
Joseph
"I loved this super clean look inspired by girl-scout uniforms, which was given a luxurious twist with Alighieri's giant silver hoops."
J.W.Anderson
"Underwhelming but the devil's in the details, as it usually is with this designer."
Gareth Pugh
"Architectural full tower outfits reminiscent of dark sci-fi. Particularly the opera scene from The 5th Element."
Runway photos from Vogue.com
Hayley Menzies
Simplicity and order are where my heart lies. I like routine. I don't like feeling confused in the morning when I'm getting dressed. I think that's why I have come to rely so heavily on pieces that work hard and that I know I can count on. I'm all about an elevated essential. Timeless pieces that are understated enough to work season-after-season and don't scream a particular designer's name.
But, that's not always the case.
If it were, I never would have bought this Issey Miyake Pleats Please skirt or worn this Natar Georgiou multi-color rainbow knit dress to fashion week. Yes, I like a good basic but I love a bright bold off-the-wall unexpected piece that makes a grand statement. The reason? Sometimes it's nice (and important) to inject a little carefree fun into our lives. An easy way to do that is with our clothing.
The desire for a relaxed freedom is exactly why Hayley Menzie's AW17 collection caught my eye.
It's young. It's bold. It's colorful. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a bit kooky. It has a slight throwback seventies vibe. But it's elevated and something you'd still want to wear next season (or even in five years time). It represents exactly what I want to be wearing. The pieces are luxurious and refined but with a dose of something you'd never expect.
Read on to get to know Hayley a bit better and be sure to check out her new fall knitwear collection. I'm particularly taken by the charcoal arm warmers.
Hayley Menzies
Bold. Luxurious. Accessible.
Tell me a secret.
My next collection - SS18 is my favourite thing I’ve ever done. Blushing as I say this ;-)
Favorite thing about autumn?
Wrapping up in my Portobello Blanket… and not having to think about wearing a bikini for a few months so indulging in naughties!!
iPhone X. Hot or not?
I've not even caught up with hype yet...
Coffee or tea.
Thankfully not a caffeine addict, much more inclined to whiz up a smoothie.
Biggest fashion mistake in your youth.
I went through serious grunge stage and dyed my blonde hair red and wore patchwork trousers with DM boots. But i love all the different styles I experimented with in my youth and look back at them in fondness rather than horror!
Biggest fashion mistake recently.
I honestly don't make them anymore. My taste and style is established and Im considerate when making a purchase.
Fashion is for everyone. What does that mean to you?
Go forth and experiment and express yourself!
Trend Watch: Yellow
Finally.
Big bird is having a moment...
It was bound to happen. Minimalism. Normcore. Stripped-back, no-fuss, grey-white-and-black fashion. It couldn't last forever. Of course, color was never truly dead (even if it might have felt that way). There were always people, designers and brands that continued to embrace it. And now, it looks like a burst of light is about to make its way to the masses thanks to a selection of designers at New York Fashion Week who are embracing the color with full force.
Christian Siriano
Bigger. Bolder. Better.
Sophisticated and timeless, Siriano takes yellow and transports it to an entirely different dimension. Who wouldn't feel like a modern day Cinderalla shooting on a star in a floor sweeping golden gown? It is what dreams are made of. The straight necklines feel a bit nineties, the fitted bodies and delicate tied shoulder straps remind me of Cher's Calvin Klein dress, and yet it all maintains a very modern sensibility thanks to the touch of unexpected proportion play. It's yellow. It's bold. It's big. And yet, it feels doable.
Tibi
Youthful. Feminine. Unexpected.
Tibi, by contrast, presents yellow in an entirely wearable way. Yes, it is still YELLOW (and a lot of it) but it's yellow that you, or I, or even our moms might wear. Why not wear yellow denim shorts that reach towards your knee next summer? Why not swap your black slacks for a yellow pair at the office? The subtle variation in hue makes it easier to digest and the best thing is these separates work just as well together as they would paired with a denim jean or a white tee. Tibi is for the modern woman. Sometimes she wants to make a big statement and sometimes she doesn't. But either way, she wants to look (and feel) effortless. She will in these clothes.
If you're a bit skeptical, take your cue from the fashion elite. Pops of yellow are already visible on the streets of NYC this fashion week. And, we all know, if it's happening in street style then it's going to be happening in a store-near-you soon.
How long though until head-to-toe makes an appearance?
I, for one, can hardly wait.
Essentials
Bright and bold accessories are fun but simple pieces in classic color-ways are what we love the most.
Take this TRIWA watch, for example. It will never go out of style. The face is large without being overbearing and the gold accents make a statement but don't look obnoxious. It works just as well on a man as it does a woman. It's the perfect, wear anytime/anywhere, watch.
These glasses by Hardy Amies are also a keeper. I've had them for years and keep coming back to them season after season. They have a retro old-school glamor about them but not in an obvious played out sort of way. They have little details that make them feel special (the brand's signature square monogram sits along each arm) but they are incredibly discreet.
Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are what make a brand compelling. Much like this USA greeting card, it might not look like anything special at first but when you dig a little deeper there is a whole history and process behind its creation. That is exactly what we are looking for in our essentials.
Sunglasses by Hardy Amies via Task PR, watch by TRIWA via Sane Communications and USA postcard from I AM HERE found at the Firecracker Press print fair.
Words & photos by Jennifer Inglis
Timeless
Trends come and go each season but, to me, what's really interesting are the pieces in your wardrobe that are able to stand the test of time.
A chambray shirt, for example, or a simple black leather skirt might be pieces that you reach for continuously. An easy go-to cross body bag could also be something you come back to. Sometimes our staples change. I used to be a die-hard Converse devotee. But, in the last couple of years I've switched over to loving slip-on Vans. They might not be timeless in the same way that Audrey Hepburn is but they've got a certain longevity - at least in my wardrobe.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for a funky trend.
Oversized plastic lightning bolt earrings? I've worn them. Socks and sandals? Been there. Floral jeans? Well, I haven't had a pair recently but I did wear them back in 1999.
Every once in a while I'll buy a throw-away fashion magazine just to get reacquainted with what's trending this season. It's fun to know. Plus I love seeing how ready-to-wear collections filter down and how the street style stars are wearing their clothes. Trends give you ideas and help you think about your closet in a fresh new way.
All I'm really trying to say here is that I'm a sucker for a trend just like the next fashion blogger but I like my go-to staples more. They are the building blocks that your whole wardrobe is based on. If you don't have the timeless basics down then your foundations aren't solid.
Timeless pieces might look ordinary but they can actually be beautiful and inspiring - much like a cow's face or a winding road.
Words by Jennifer Inglis
Photos by Stephanie Bannon Photography
Shot in Stienen, Germany. Featuring: chambray denim shirt from J. Crew, cross body croc bag from & Other Stories, teal plastic sunglasses courtesy of River Island, checkerboard slip-on sneakers from Vans and leather skirt courtesy of IPR London.
A bright future
Headlines and conversation might lead one to believe the future is bleak. Daily tragedy outweigh human triumph in the news and often cast shadow over how we perceive ourselves.
The contrast between those that have and those that have naught is abundantly clear. At no time in the fashion calendar is that more apparent than during the couture shows. The mentality of 'us' versus 'them' runs rife. Separation is apparent in society as well as in fashion.
But there's reason to think these boundaries are beginning to break down. Digital media is morphing our understanding of everything from political imagery to art and daily occurrences are now being digested and remembered in a new way. For the first time attendees are able to stream couture shows from their front row seat via Snapchat (doodling on the clothes and giving dog faces to the models) thereby giving anybody with a smartphone immediate access to a world that was once kept apart from most of society.
The repercussions of this democratisation of fashion are up for debate.
At the Christian Dior show the models wore, what essentially looked like, a pretty bog-standard flip flop. Does me (or you) knowing this information impact society in any great way? Probably not. It was, however, the reason I reached for my Havaianas this morning when I haven't worn them in years. My excitement for the couture shows is lost on most people. Undoubtedly there wasn't a single person I came across today that saw my shoes and drew any connection to Dior.
I did though.
When I wore those shoes today I knew every time I looked down at my feet that I was channeling a little bit of something special. Sure, they are old dirty flip flops but when I look at them now I imagine them adorned with jewels and a ribbon that wraps around my ankle and ties in a perfect little bow at the front. I see their potential. I see myself as part of something bigger and more beautiful than my everyday life. I see a connection to couture - a fantastical dream world that transcends reality and the simple (or sometimes not so simple) struggles we face everyday.
The Super Sleeve
The super sleeve isn't totally new. Rosetta Getty, Jacquemus, Vetements and Charlie May have all been championing it in recent seasons.
Say those brands and you automatically summon an effortlessly cool vibe. One that is discreet, edgy, laid back and, most likely, worn by the type of girls you wish you were.
Michael Kors definitely doesn't fit into the same mix.
Kors is decidedly more mainstream than most of the designers that have been embracing the super sleeve. He's known for a refined aesthetic that's tailored and reserved - the sort of clothes that are practical and veer somewhere between what you might expect from Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren. He's as American as they come and doesn't usually mess with the failsafe styles that keep customers coming back time and time again. To summarize, he's conservative. And the super sleeve, which obscures your hands thereby making it difficult to eat or use your phone, is the opposite of conservative.
Thankfully Kors decided to relax a bit with this collection and embrace a styling trick that transformed the feel of the whole show.
Predictable and preppy looks suddenly got roughed up and messy due to the super sleeve. Kors shows that the easiest way to update a classic white shirt is to stretch the length of the sleeve a few inches. There is a youthful nonchalance about this collection and it's all due to that wonderful super sleeve.
Benefits of wearing the super sleeve include the ability to go without gloves, the lack of a needed manicure, and the fact that you have an ever present tea cozy attached to your arm. Personally I'm quite keen because I figure I'll be using the extra long sleeve to wipe up the snot of a newly acquired tot come fall.
Photos via Vogue Runway
NYFW SS16
NYFW comes to an end today.
If you aren't following all the action on Snapchat, what are you doing with your life? Get. On. It. Here's a selection of our favorite collections from the SS16 shows and the key things to take away from the season.
Boss: felt much softer than past seasons. Normally, I think of the Boss girl as being one that's headed to a very serious office but that's no longer the case. It seems she is now a bit younger and a bit more carefree. I am now officially craving a suit. No actually, three suits: one in black, one white & one grey please. It seems that ethereal sheer pleats should come standard on every dress, a narrow wrap around belt is a must, and the chic leather sandal is staying around and must be worn with everything.
Thick electric blue eyeliner is also a must according to Jason Wu. But with it you may need the constant attention of someone that can apply it for you because, for real, that stuff looks messy.
Calvin Klein: highlight of the week. Something about this feels so much cooler and more effortless than past collections. Everything is very fluid. The skater sneakers paired with every look really brought it down to earth. I love the long coats over slinky silks, the gold body chain (yeah, for real), and the splattering of light neutral colors.
Brock Collection: high. All about an easy dress and Brock had them in spades. They look chic, wearable and flattering. Exactly the sort of thing people would actually want to wear and look good in. The pieces make sense. I especially love the button up striped dress worn over jeans. It feels contemporary and quite grown up but still with an added edge.
With that I bring my NYFW thoughts to a close.
Photos via Vogue.com
Charlie May
There is an undeniably effortless look about the Charlie May girl. Her seams are raw and frayed, her cut almost always oversized. With her first stab at resort, Charlie has shown there is no deviation in her brands aesthetic and more importantly she has proven she has a strong business acumen.
There's a push from stockists for designers who produce more collections than just the traditional fall and spring ones. Stores are investing more in pieces from resort wear than spring so it makes sense for new designers, like Charlie, to expand into producing the extra collection. Some argue this extra season puts unnecessary stress and financial strain on designers. The saying goes that resort simply fuels a society of shoppers who constantly need more and are never satisfied. Is it a step too far to expect new designers to venture into resort? Charlie doesn't think so. With her newest collection she has shown she's just as capable at producing this in-between season as any of the big names in fashion.
Photos c/o Charlie May
