Glam it up a little with a tulle skirt! Chriselle Lim, via The Chriselle Factor
It doesn’t get cooler than wearing a simple white T-shirt and most people own at least a few of these closet classics.
Not only is the T endlessly versatile and effortlessly wearable, but it also happens to be super comfy and available at every possible price point.
Let your tee stand in for your go-to button-up the next time you wear a pantsuit. Natalie Suarez, via Natalie Off DutyTuck it into a pair of white jeans—wide-leg, boyfriend, skinny or otherwise—for a super-sleek look that fakes the effect of a jumpsuit. Emily Schuman, via Cupcakes & CashmereKnot the hem of your tee for an abbreviated top with major throwback appeal. Karla Deras, via Karla’s Closet
There’s nothing wrong with wearing Hanes but if you’re looking for something more luxe, then The Row’s got a tissue-thin version you’re guaranteed to love but it will set you back a few hundred. They’re useful all year long. In winter wear one as a layering piece under something like a flannel shirt which you can remove if it gets too warm.
Dial down the formality of a precious jacket—beaded, fringe-trimmed or otherwise embellished—with your casual tee. Julie Sariñara, via Sincerely JulesWhen paired with a tucked-in white tee, sequins suddenly feel far more wearable. Leandra Medine, via Instagram/@manrepellerWhiteout! Make your tee part of a completely monochromatic look—and prepare to be mistaken for a fashion editor. Camille Charrière, via Camille Over the Rainbow
Now that it’s officially spring—and with summer on the horizon—the white tee is more important than ever. It’s the perfect complement to your favorite cutoffs, sure, but it can also anchor a playful print or be repurposed as an of-the-moment crop top. Looking for some fun, fresh ways to wear your favorite white T-shirt this season? Here are some T-based looks that are sure to inspire you!
I admire Iris Apfel – she’s the real American Idol!
Most “it” girls fade into obscurity well before their first wrinkle but Iris found fame in her mid-80’s, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute mounted a show in her honor. The almost 93 year-old (her birthday is in August) who just recently learned how to use the internet, answered a few questions for Allure magazine about retaining style in her tenth decade.
Can you remember your first major purchase?
“I’ll never forget it. It was a brooch I found in a basement shop in Greenwich Village when I was 11. I didn’t have a penny, so I saved and I saved. I would return often to visit it. When I finally had 65 cents, I proudly went over there and haggled over it. I still have it, by the way.”
Do you agree with the adage that before you leave the house, you should look in the mirror and remove one accessory?
“I say put another one on. I like simple, architectural clothes. With accessories, you can make 50 outfits. I learned that from my mother because I was a child of the Depression.”
What’s your everyday makeup look?
I don’t do very much for beauty. I use very simple things on my skin. I haven’t got time. I would always get facials, and then come home laden with product, and pay a lot of money and never use it. Anyway, one day a dermatologist told me to use Cetaphil to clean my face, and as a moisturizer, and that’s what I do. “I only wear Cetaphil moisturizer and lipsick. When I was younger, I did my eyes up like Miss Piggy, with heavy, big lashes, which we got with mustache wax. You put a chunk of it in a spoon and held it over a flame, then you took a brush and you kept building the lashes layer after layer, and beaded the ends. It was great-looking. But as an older woman, too much eye makeup emphasizes wrinkles, and makes your skin look like a turtle.”
What’s the secret to aging gracefully?
“Don’t show your décolleté or wear low backs or heels you can’t balance on. Worrying about getting old is the kiss of death – you have to be busy and engaged. I can feel lousy until someone says: Let’s go to the flea market. Once I’m there, no one can keep up with me. You cannot be interesting if you’re not interested.”
The Huffington Post has this to say: Iris Apfel is one of the most stylish, unique, energetic people you’ll ever meet in your life. While many of us go around in a fog of “What will people think?”-type thoughts regarding everything from clothes to decor choices, Apfel surrounds herself with what makes her happy. That’s it.
Now that’s someone worth admiring.
Born Iris Barrel in Astoria, Queens, New York. Apfel is the only child of Samuel Barrel, whose family owned a glass-and-mirror business, and his Russian-born wife, Sadye, who owned a fashion boutique. Apfel studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin.. As a young woman, Apfel worked for Women’s Wear Dailyand for interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also was an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman.
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT WEARING SUSPENDERS THAT FEELS kinda SPECIAL.
of course Beyonce can make anything look good.
They’re carefree but serve a purpose. Like some of those other midcentury essentials (pocket squares & fedoras come to mind), suspenders feel new again.
Suspenders and occasion: From casual to business – The great thing about suspenders is that they go with almost every type of outfit. They are perfect for a casual everyday outfit, but also for a business one. They look just as great on a bartender as they look on a Wall Street guy. Formal suits work well with suspenders and look really fun and elegant at the same time.
How to Master the Art of Suspense: Whether you’re a southern dandy or a new-look mod, the kind of suspenders you choose says it all.
Casual wear and suspenders
To obtain a certain look, it’s not the suspenders in themselves that make the outfit, they are just an accessory, it’s the overall vibe that sets the tone.
Power Broker
Bold, ass-kicking suspenders, to be worn with a sky blue spread collar dress shirt. Cuff links, mandatory; pinstripes, preferable. All topped off with an expression that says, “I will crush you.”
Is it Braces or Suspenders?
In the United Kingdom men put on braces to hold up their trousers, while suspenders are a belt used to hold up ladies’ tights. They’re basically a means of avoiding men’s pants from slipping down. I prefer them as a fashion statement of their own. But Nevermind all this…all you really need to know is the golden rule: Whatever you do, don’t wear suspenders with a belt.
What should I do with all my lovely silk scarves? I wear them quite often.
How about a great WEEKEND LOOK and fashionably casual way to wear
them – on the head!
Afterall it serves the same purpose as a headband but looks much more chic.
Especially great on windy days if you’re driving a convertible (like Tippi Hendren in Psycho), or on a boat, riding a bike where you don’t need a helmet, running errands or happen to be Jennifer Lopez or Sophia Loren.
running errands – one scarf, three waysI don’t think I can get away with this exactly the same way as Grace Kelly.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the days that our hair needs washing or our roots show.
In cold weather it keeps your head warm in a very cool way.On her way to the yacht?
come on, we know what you’re really trying to cover up.this might have been Jean Shrimpton‘s weekend look
Rough up your hair by spraying a little dry shampoo first and then put on a bold lipstick before heading out the
door.
I love, love, these looks!
too chic for words
Nothing wrong with conjuring up a little old world movie star glamour. I wonder if Marilyn or Elizabeth wore them to cover up their roots?
I’m trying… I am trying to be more minimalistic…..and have almost succeeded. Don’t laugh, it’s true.
I wasn’t going to post anything about closet cleanup &
this time (did you see my post re: needing more space?) https://intrigueimports.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/personally-speaking-i-need-more-space/ Where do we even begin? Is there a certain sequence to follow? And then just as I was putting this together…Boom…a post shows up in my inbox from fellow blogger Chelsea Spear. On her blog “Seablanket” she walks us through her near perfect solution. I say “near” because it might be a tiny tad unrealistic for people like me (who have a closet elsewhere to hold items they don’t have room for at home) but I do admire Chelsea’s method and it’s something I want to aspire to. Easier said than done right?
chelsea spear
Five Solutions according to Chelsea:
One of the questions I’m asked most frequently regarding my minimalist lifestyle is where I store all my “extra stuff.” There is a very simple explanation, which is truly that I don’t have any extra stuff. I realize it’s easy to say but not to do, so I decided to take the opportunity to show you exactly what I mean, and be transparent about how this lifestyle looks for me.
Spring is here, and like many of you, I have been feeling a need to purge my closet and make room for warm weather and a fresh looking wardrobe. The hard part for me: I find it terribly hard to justify buying new items for my wardrobe when I don’t know enough about what I already have. What requires mending or replacing, what pieces I desire or exactly what I NEED?!? That’s last one is the most important. Below I’ll walk you through my own methods and hopefully help some of you as you take on the seemingly monstrous task of spring cleaning your wardrobe.
I start by emptying my entire closet. That includes, shoes, socks, undergarments, each and every piece of clothing or accessories you own, take them out of the closet and don’t put them back until you’ve asked yourself the following questions:
1. Does it need mending or replacing? Here is where you get to weigh your options. Will mending do the trick? If so, why haven’t you gotten around to it yet?… could that be a sign that you don’t desire it any longer? Would it be best to replace the garment? Is sentimental value the only thing keeping it in your closet? Keeping items around that aren’t being worn because of the garments poor quality? Let it go!
2. Have I worn this in the last season (or if it’s “special” ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the last year)? If you answer no, get rid of it. Sell it, donate it to a Salvation Army or Goodwill near you, seal it away in your attic for safe keeping, just get it out of your closet and free yourself of the distraction. If you’re like most people you think this rule won’t apply to you, because you spent your hard earned money on it, and it’s yours. But in all reality, most clothing pieces that aren’t worn are no longer desired by the owner. Chances are if you’re not wearing it this year, you won’t be wearing it in the future.
3. Does it have stains or holes or runs?
Yes or no, bottom line?! Toss it if it’s looking gross. Even if the item is super comfortable or you’ve had it since college so it’s sentimental, quit looking like a homeless person and trade in your over-worn and over-loved garments for something fresh, clean and simple.
4. Does it fit? Is it flattering?
This one is probably the most difficult, because it requires you to be 100% honest with yourself. If it’s too hard to decide on your own, grab a trusted friend and ask them for help. I always ask my friend Bethany, because she not only understands who I am, and how I wear my clothes, but she also knows my sense of style and my fashion goals. She will tell me if I’m heading in the wrong direction with a piece, or if it’s just not achieving the look I wanted. That honest but loving input is incredibly helpful and will save you a lot of time and bad decision making.
5. How many of these do I need? Again… be honest with yourself. Do you really need all these graphic tees? Do all 15 pairs of blue jeans really look different, or are they just there cause you can’t let anything go? Go ahead… let them go, and keep the best.
While all of these spring cleaning “steps” may seem incredibly challenging, the rewards do pay off. For instance, I like to deep clean my closet with each passing season, and when I do I make a list of items that number one : I Need, and number two : I Want…. which means (say it with me) “I GO SHOPPING!” I do discipline myself to make sure that each pieces of clothing is pulling it’s own weight in my wardrobe, and if I buy something new, I make sure it’s replacing something else. That stained pair of jeans gets tossed when I bring home a new pair. That jacket goes away because it’s out of style but I know I can replace it this fall, with something more current.
My wardrobe is so streamlined these days that I can pretty much write on my calendar when I’m going to need a new pair of jeans or new socks, and when last years sweaters will need dry cleaning, mending and finally replacing. I am also able to continually update my look with each season, staying relevant to the trends or style I admire, without breaking the bank.
Trending Now or you could say “finally” as it only takes a matter of time for what has
Bustier – Emilio Pucci S/S 2014
been in fashion somewhere in the world for centuries to make its way over to this hemisphere.
Masai Handiwork
On this side of the globe Masai and other African fabrics are having a fashion moment, but maybe it will last longer than a Paris or New York Minute.
Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2014
Last week I posted about wearing beads and shells in “going global” but this is different. Summer weather always brings out a certain amount of shell and beaded belongings but mostly in shoes and other accessories. I bought a t-shirt with a shelled collar that was not the norm a few years ago. But now the Spring/Summer runways were featuring traditional “Masai” fashion incorporated into daily wear like dresses, skirts, jackets and even a bustier as seen at on the Emilio Pucci S/S runway (photo above). And why not? Not only is it fun and colorful, but it has a rich history behind it. So along with fringe, art prints and florals, the shows featured Masai embellished beading for all kinds of clothing along with other African prints.
I bought several pairs of these leather/beaded sandals in Tanzania – all one of a kind.
Some History: The Masai have been creating bead jewelry for a long time, well before their first contact with Europeans. Beadwork has been an important part of Masai culture for many years. The women set aside time every day to meet and work on beaded jewelry which includes colorful necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. It is considered the duty of every Masai women to learn the jewelry making craft. All the tribes beadwork is made by the women but is worn by both women and men. The jewelry they create is not only beautiful but also has important cultural significance. The beadwork an individual wears will signify their age and social status. Generally individuals of high social standing will wear more colorful and intricate jewelry. Beads also serve as an important source of income for the Masai. Tourist visiting the Masai regions in Kenya and northern Tanzania will find many beautiful pieces for sale that make great gifts for both women and men.
A beaded clutch
These are a few examples of how beading was incorporated into the shows. Keep in mind these are obviously over the top. I can’t see anyone in my city dressing this way unless they put beading on fleece. I would carry the clutch bag, wear a wide beaded belt, sandals and some beading here and there on clothing but certainly not all together and not to excess.
Louis Vuitton‘s take on the traditional Masai blanket.
Well you never know whatthe next “New Look” will be.
You can shell out for these or just take a vacation.
If you follow the latest fashion magazines, then beads and shells are IN right
Island Stylin!
now folks. Archaeological records show that people made and used
beads as long as 5,000 years ago and I think shells have been around even longer. But sometimes it takes a while for the fashion gods to catch on. But honestly, who has never come back from a tropical vacation without a little beading – if not in your hair, then at least on your arm. Every summer I never fail to pull out all my shell and beaded jewelery – and there are tons.
Big shells from Hawaii on roped necklaces, beaded rasta bracelets from Jamaica, beaded sandals, belts and even a headband (I’ll have to check to find out if I can wear that now) from Brazil,
better to show off my pedi
and intricate beaded Masai jewelry from none other than Masai Mara in Kenya, Africa. This is what surpised me the most. I’ve never seen anyone other than the exotic Masai tribe themselves (in Africa because they don’t travel) flaunting their Masia jewelery anywhere outside of Africa. While I’m on the subject, I just won’t believe it if their wedding neckpieces and headdresses ever come in fashion here in North America!
Theirs
Anyway, I’ve worn my Masai pieces (mostly bangles & a few chokers) on occasion because each piece takes hours upon hours of intricate handiwork which I appreciate but never saw anyone else wearing. And while almost no one has ever complimented me (except for Chelsea Handler – even more to my surprise) on my sophisticated assortment, I just saw a whole whack load of them in my favorite most up-to-date fashion magazine for a whole whack load more money than what I paid for mine.
mine
Not only that, I came thisclose to giving away a great pair of beaded (hardly worn) sandals. Good thing I opened up that magazine! So now I will with full abandon be flaunting my acquisitions from all these exotic locales which in the past seemed outdated once home. This summer I’ll be pulling out all the stops in beaded and shell accessories. I hope we have an exxxtra looong summer!
Do you see what I mean?
How about you – are you planning to GO archaeoLOGICAL too?
Every fashion blogger is posting about Spring Style and every magazine is now showing it, but some things will remain in style all season long…like the Birkin.
Pamela Anderson
For most of us unfortunately this luxury bag will remain inaccessible, but maybe that is part of the allure of having such an iconic bag.
It is not an “IT bag” it is “THE BAG.” Between the wait lists, the iconic namesake and its ladylike allure, the Birkin maintains as the bag to have.
The namesake: Jane Birkin (born in 1946) is an English actress and singer who lives in France. Why is she carrying a basket? That must have been before Hermès named it after her.
Where did it originate?
As seen in Harper’s Bazaar – Tracing the Birkin Influence.
THE LIST:
The DIE HARD
Victoria Beckam
One of fashions chicest designers, Victoria Beckam has remained loyal to the bag style.
The Stylist
Rachel Zoe
Rachel Zoe might possibly be credited with bringing the Birkin to modern heights. She has an array of colorful bags.
Jennifer Lopez
The Star Power
It hardly gets more glam than Jennifer Lopez.
The Next
Rita Ora
Generation
Leading the heritage bag an edge with trainers and a backwards hat, singer-songwriter and actress, Rita Ora is a next generation Birkin lover.
Kimye
The Devottee
Kim Kardashian can hardly be seen without the bag (surprise?) – she collects them in many colors.
The Original
Gaga
Lady Gaga’s birkin comes super-studded for that avant-garde style the songstress is synomymous with.
The Weekender
Katie HolmesAmbrosia & Moss
Katie Holmes garnered attention for her way over-
sized one version in bold red.
The Supers
The bag looks especially at home on the arms of Alessandra Ambrosia and Kate Moss
Nicole Richie
The Gym Bag
Nicole Richie carries hers even when she’s feeling sporty.
Street Style
A street style mainstay, the Birkin is the perfect finish for the expertly-styled.
Always a modern classic. Whenever I think of the Trench I envision Catherine Deneuve in the photos shown here as the ultimate Trench Woman. And who can forget Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine from Casablanca.
Bogart – Casablanca
This season we see it updated with contrast piping, as well as raw edges, softer collars and abbreviated lengths. I’ve shown them here in Beige because to me, if you’re to choose only one, then Beige be it! Otherwise Navy or Black.
Burberry Campaign
Art of the Trench is a living document of the trench coat and the people who wear it. The project is a collaboration between Burberry and some of the world’s leading image makers including a
Burberry Hearts – dress it up, dress it down
series of specially commissioned trench coat portraits by Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and the iconic Magnum photographers.
Of course you can find trench coats, long or short, in all price ranges and colors. Something like this is worth splurging on, with the most you can afford to spend since it will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
Not even only for rainy days.
Charlotte Rampling as seen in Harper’s Bazaar – April/2014 wears the trench fabulously.
Nothing, except your perfume, gets as close to your skin on such a regular basis as your lingerie.
These photos are only a teaser of some very lovely additions like chemises, garters, teddys,
Sheer Desire
camisoles, babydolls, etc.SEXY LINGERIE comes in many sizes and guises but don’t forget to consult the blush sizing chart on website to find your correct sizing. Please note: more styles are being added.
TRUE BLISS CHEMISE
The sexiest part of lingerie is the way it makes you feel. You can find glamour, seductiveness & sheer delight. I hope you like these styles.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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