Lean Back

In perusing potential leather jackets for the Fall, and also checking out some other blogs, I came across this great image, below. The post happened to be full of different colored leathers, but even better are the awesome photos. Enjoy!

Find it, and MORE, here.

After checking out the season's styles, I realize I am still more tempted by the traditional jackets - either motorcycle or  shawl collar. Love this one (below) by Burberry - but wish the sleeves were a bit longer. Why are they all around 24-25"?!!

Find this at Neiman Marcus

And this one I LOVE - especially the fit - and you can tell how supple (don't love that word) the leather is just from the photo. Think I will probably go with this style.

Find it here 

And if you too are in the market for a new leather jacket, check out Revolve Clothing  - they have a really good selection right now.

Another cool image from Purse 'n Boots Blog

Ever Since I Can Remember

I've loved collared shirts. They are timeless and add just enough of a menswear inspired touch to any look. Classic and structured and perfect. I feel like even a ponytail becomes stylish with a fitted collared shirt.

Here are some looks that I love from shopbop. BTW, Shopbop has revamped there site, which I would be very curious to know more about. A) Has it helped with sales? I actually think it's harder to navigate and less aesthetically appealing, but the proof is in the sales! B) Why are items not tagged properly! Just googled collared shirt" and received one item. Not good!

By Tibi

And oh how I love this. And even as good from the back!

Find here, at Singer22

Trendzzz

This just came up on WhoWhatWear... are they serious? Man, I can't even imagine how many men would be drooling after the "girl in the tiger sweater." Seems like a prime product for the ManRepeller..

On a prettier note, this is awesome for fall. So many options with this one! I want I want.

I wish I had ordered it in advance. It would make the perfect outfit to wear this weekend, to the Brisket Lab.(Joking, kinda). My friend invited me to her neck of the woods to go taste some brisket and OMG doesnt it look sooo good. http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2012/08/daniel-delaneys-brisketlab-is-some-legit-texas-barbecue.html So may things to try in this city, and so much good food!!

How cool is this look btw?

More here!

A Quickie

It's a Sunday and I'm not usually a bit typer on these days of rest, but I did want to quickly show something that got me reallyyy excited this morning ok it's actually noon.  Check out the "Spaghetti Weaterns" post on WhoWhatWear.com for some great western finds! They go into a bit of detail about how western films have influenced fashion and show some key pieces.

Visit the site here!

I'm most excited about this asos Leather satchel. Love the compact shape and this rich color leather. Best, it's a great price. Treat yourself to a little something this weekend!

From asos.com

Good Eyeee

If you appreciate this kind of style... ya know, the entire point of my blog... then check out these photos I just came across on the blog purse 'n boots. They are amazing. Awesome outfits, and just great photos. 
Here's a little taste:

Yea? Yeaaaa.

Shades of Grey, and Green

Today on Who.What.Wear they have an article about camo coming back into town! But they do a great job pairing it in the most tasteful way camouflage can be paired, with a collared denim shirt, a long blazer, over a flapper dress. Pretty cool in my opinion. We haven't seen much camo (that I can remember) since the late 90's grunge period, brought back in 2008 by the lovely Mary Kate, but hey!, it may or  may not be making its return.

Found this great look on Atlantic-Pacific. 

While rising search queries prove that this fad is on the rise, I'm not sure if it has quite made it to a trend yet. But we shall see. The truth is, this style isn't for everyone and it can also easily become costume-y (or just scary) - BUT if done right, it can be really cool. See below. More pieces here if you want to shop around.

This pic was taken from here - a great blog with more camo options!

If you want to try "blending in" (except you wont), check out these pieces that incorporate the print but are still stylish and flattering.

This studded camo jacket is from TopShop and retails for $130.

These skinny ankle pants are Current/Elliot, found at OtteNY.com 

So what are your thoughts on this look? Is it chic? (maybe)  Is it redneck? (yes.) If you have seen any cool renditions of this look, please post the links! I am eager to see how others have interpreted this style. I also tried searching for celebrities in camo, assuming it was the next big thing after seeing it featured on the homepage I mentioned earlier, but really didn't find many images. Just the usually Rhiannas and obviously Mileys of the world rocking the print. 

While I like the looks created on Who What Wear, and I like that camo adds that edginess, especially paired with other textures & girlier styles, I think my hesitation towards the look just comes from what I associate it with. After living in the south, I can sum it up in one word: HUNTING (but that is just me). So the real question is, does camo have potential to go from redneck to chic?

Go West Young Man

So on my flight to Chicago this morning, at the wee hour of 6:00am, I made a fabulous discovery that enhanced my mood greatly (ok, only slightly. as it was 6am). I was reading the August edition of GLAMOUR mag and found a whole write up on Western Wear! Do you believe it? I do, bc it's great. Western wear seems to be popping up everywhere from better designers to fast fashion stores. Similar to one of the shirts they featured (or maybe this is it) was this Alexander McQueen Western Button Up which is awesome. My friend asked me if I would wear it... (Duhh). And it's kind of like a new but obviously vintage inspired take on the chambray shirt that we've seen so much. Here is a Jean/Western Mix from Jcrew.com, but in my opinion, it's better to commit to the style. Give it a shot. Test it out in your neck of the woods.Try this on (below) for inspiration.

From Rag&Bone, find it here.

There are a lot of great renditions and takes on this Western inspired trend, like this tank and lace combo  (pictured below), at Nastygal.com, baby. Best part? It's $38. And so great with some short shorts & ankle boots (see a few posts prior to this one). Another sleeveless shirt I love is this peachy colored one embellished at the collar, from Pixiemarket.com.

Asos.com also has this Ralph Lauren studded pocket shirt in denim, which is cool, too. But I wouldn't say that you couldn't try making that one yourself. Be sure to add some accessories to this western outfit to make it clear that you are purposely dressing in the style and you know exactly what you're doing ;) - rather than getting mistaken for a "Hey, Dude" cast member circa early 2000s. Oh, and if you're really on the fence, check out this new little secret I found. You can give the western look a little test drive, if you will, before committing to the pricier stuff.

Denim Dress-ings

This season has many basic-turned-chic items that are rising in popularity. One such lovely item making its appearance this Summer is the Denim shirt dress, which is basically a blank canvas for whatever look you want to create. You literally can match any accessories and shoes with it and come up with a completely different outfit. I love this little number for the fall, but also click here and check out some great other denim looks.

For Summer, there are a bunch of cut-off denim shirt dresses that are so flattering & quite charming - not something I normally go for, but whatevs. This one below by below, by Rag & Bone (buy it here) is my favorite, and is so chic, especially with little tan ankle boots. Another similar dress at a more reasonable price point is this shift dress by Free People, which is $128.80 on their site. 

Someone who always makes denim chic is the boho creator, Sienna Miller. In my eyes, she literally can do no wrong, and is an expert at putting pieces together in an unconventional way that visually works so well. Here she is pregnant, and has added some leggings & a blazer to the denim dress that she initially wore with only bangles. 

If you're down for denim, definitely hop on this trend and find the style that bets fits your personality, and your bod. There are fitted waist styles and shift dresses, collars, button downs & more. ASOS has a good selection right now & a few western styles like this one that are pretty irresistible. Either way, you will not go wrong, and can be sure that this is something you will hold onto for future seasons. Ah, the joys of denim. 

A Right to Bare Arms

Hanging on to a denim jacket or vest but hesitant to wear it in fear of getting mistaken for Clarissa Explains It All? Well you pull that sucker out of hiding and fear no more, because denim jackets have made their return! However, the sleeves seem to have dropped off in the process. (Proof here - The query "jean jacket vest" is actually a "breakout" keyword in the search engines.)

I'm actually really excited about denim jackets being acceptable, because they are the easiest pieces to throw on with anything (unless you HAPPEN to be wearing jean pants - in which I would then ask myself two questions before moving forward with the head to toe denim look 1.) Am I a model? If so, then who cares - Wear it. 2.) Am I looking to attract the opposite sex? If no,  then who cares - Wear it!). 

I've seen celebrities denim-ing out everywhere (a whole story about it here), everyone from Kiera to Rhianna  to Chloe. But the queen of the denim brigade is easy. Just Google "Jessica Alba Jean Jacket" - Wait, don't. Just click here, Click on Images, and you will see that the results areee... mind blowing. This girl easily might be holding down the trend on her own. I like this look, where she adds a little scarf, but my favorite jean vest ensemble is the middle picture (below) of Kate Bosworth. This look wins for me, because the shoes are awesome, first off, and the texture of the skirt and studded handbag adds a little edginess to offset the country inspired vest. Creating the, "I may seem approachable because I'm wearing a jean jacket, but I have rocker in me, so beware" look. 

Images comes from here

If you want to jump on the denim train, check out some options, and then make the crucial decision: vest, or vest with sleeves jacket. I think the key to this look is that you need to be careful not to turn your outfit into a costume. For example, if you add another country inspired item to a denim jacket outfit, you will immediately morph into a cowgirl. Add flower print or a headband to a jean jacket and you will look straight out of early 90's television. Add stilettos and leggings and you turn into...a Kardashian.

Another reason I love this trend is because it obviously is "of the cowboy" and definitely stems from some country roots. In attempting to supply a visual, I'll admit that I did first google image 'Davy Crockett', and much to my dismay, he didn't wear denim at all. But you know who did? This cowboy, and this cowboy, and this cowboy. You're welcome for the last one ;). Oh & BTW, make sure to click all the links in my post, especially if you're a "visual person" (is there anyone who isn't a visual person?), because they are part of the story!

Of course this trend is also a stable staple among the country music community, but remember when it crossed over into pop culture with this dynamic duo? Denim does a great job of providing this open canvas to be slightly altered by designers every couple seasons, and the jacket really is a functional item. Anywhere from the city... to the country. Here is a lookalike jean vest to Kate's, and here is a long sleever, if you're feeling conservative. So what do you say - are you on board with the look? I'll leave you with these 6 final words in terms of jean jackets & potential adornments: Studs are OK. Rhinestones are not :)

Of Muscles & Men

Lately I've been obsessed with the look and idea of muscle tees, so on Sunday I took control of both items - I ordered the shirt, and then went to a Pilates class. These muscle tees are popping up everywhere from Shopbop.com to Shop The Trend Boutique to Urban Outfitters, where there are a plethora of these on sale (if you're interested). Celebrities from Jessica Alba to Kristen Stewart are jumping on this Spring/Summer 2012 vintage t shirt trend, and Kate Bosworth has taken it home.

The muscle tee is an interesting specimen, because it combines those elements that I love - a little sex appeal (if the sleeves come low enough to show some side boob) with a more masculine cut, evident in the square shape around the shoulders. I am looking forward to wearing the black tee I ordered with a long gold necklace (or something that signifies I am a girl) and some cut off jean shorts for the summer. And then, skinny jeans and boots once it gets chilly. For now, leather strappy flat sandles will suffice, and balance off the rugged look with a bit of detail. Below, Kate Bosworth adds aviators and some bracelets to create that "Rugged-But-I-Planned-It" look - the dress code of Coachella.

Copy this look for only $29.

What I love about the style is that it stems from such humble beginnings, and it really hasn't been altered much! Below, we have a strapping young man, straight from the backwoods. See below, or GTFO. JK. 

Information on where to purchase this item is unavailablle. 

This good ole boy has chosen the muscle T in red. He, like Kate, sports American Pride, and ALSO flashes some side boob. His shirt is also an "original" because it looks as though it started as a full t shirt, but he either cut the sleeves off, or his muscles ripped them off. These cut-off Tees created the muscle t, and now they are mass produced as tanks. If you step over into the land of country music, there is a whole other line of muscle T's, but these come a bit fancier, with collars and gemstones. Leading the pack of bare-armed country music singers is, hands down, no questions asked, the King of "no shoes, no shirt, no problems" himself, Sir Kenny Chesney.

In order to confirm my assumption that the muscle T is actually a growing trend, not a fad (fads being about products, while trends are about WHAT DRIVES someone to buy a product), I've used the Google Insights Tool to conduct some research. And it is confirmed, muscle t's are on the rise! So whether you are more inclined to buy the high end muscle t, or you want to test it out at a lower price point, ORRR... you're more of a Do-It-Yur-Selfer (either way, watch this video. It's a real gem) -  wear the Muscle T with pride, and don't forget where you/it came from! 

In The Red

Sometimes when you look at clothes it's easy to forget that lots of things can be used and worn in different ways. Layered over, layered under, etc. Plus, it grows your wardrobe without even buying new items!

Courtesy of  http://fashionography.net/ - the images get a little risque, I warn you.

Wanna make this look your own? American Apparel has great layereingpieces - like leotards that you can wear as tanks or go out in or just wear on their own (think Edie Sedgwick).Although there is a time, and place for everything ;)

Then add some jeans and there you go! Get this swimsuit/leo here.

Suddenly Summer

So today in Manhattan, temperatures are hitting 97 degrees, which according to my calculations, makes it 36.1 degrees for all you Celcius people. I just did a little (°F  -  32)  x  5/9 = °C. Jk :) Anyways, it's a beautiful day, just really hot. And hot in NYC also means hot steam from cars and steam from street holes and smells in the heat and... you get it. 

Central Park in the Summer

But this time last year, my friend and I used to take our lunch breaks and go to Madison Square Park to atleast get a tan out of the whole deal. Little did everyone know we wore bathing suits under work clothes just so we could maximize our tanning time before we had to head back :)

   That's me ^ !!
(Bottom right)

Short Short & Open Top - Perfect summer attire

And the necessary pair of shades..

Photo taken from this awesome blog http://wheresmyothershoe.blogspot.com

Beach Hair is perfect
Photo from http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/

And when the day is just too hot to handle, just don't wear pants!! Have a good day :)

What A Stud

Lately everything we look at fashion-wise seems to be studded, and I love it. If you needed a reason to add a little biker chic flair to your wardrobe, you now completely have it. I keep finding myself falling for the minor stud details, for example, this collared button down tank I saw in Zara which had some studs only on the collar, but while contemplating buying it,  a great idea hit me - why don't I try this on my own? !!

Biker Chic - how can you not feel a little tougher than usual wearing this?

This is just great, and love the contrast with the sailor striped tee.

So in the midst of my hungover stupor, I had a flashback to the Bedazzler commercial circa, I don't know, 2000 something. So I googled it, and... purchased. Complete with 150 studs and an extra "mini studder," whatever that is. All I know is I can't wait to stud everything. in. sight.

These should be easy shorts to mimic, or so I think :) Want to just find some as is? Check out some crafty creations here on Etsy.

I'm most excited to take the look into fall, and in true Redneck Chic style, stud some flannel.

This shirt is at Zara now and sells for $79.90. I want to find my own better quality flannel shirt and try adding some studs to the collar, or maybe some small details around the sleeves.

I'll be sure to post pics of my creations, once I make them. Want to take on the project with me? Buy yours here. (I warn you, checking out on this website is a bitch - you'll see.)

Gotta love a good project :)

Oh yea, and I just bought these. You likey??

Want them, too? I found them on Zappos. They are by Vince Camuto.

Queen For A Day

What a weird picture. It's like she's trying to do ballet, but hasn't taken a class. I like it.
I'd also like to walk down the streets of NY in this for a day. While listening to this.



Oh yea, I almost forgot. More "fashion-y" pics here at this cool blog.



Heaven Help Us, Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On

Pic is from this blog

I love this jean on jean outfit, because it's sexy and tailored and not trying. The contrast in the jeans and chambray shirt are key though. Just love the look, and so does Mel McDaniel, take a listen.

Rugged

Rugged by chicredneck featuring a striped dress