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.
Last Wednesday I posted about wearing ART as Fashion. This time I want to discuss ART IN FASHION.
I love looking at fashion illustrations almost as much as the real thing because of the beauty and artistic value. Unlike fashion photographers, illustrators normally don’t have to work with models to create fashion illustrations. Their models could be in their minds or referred to some photos. The artists have more freedom to connect emotions, artistic style to the essence of their work.
For instance, The above image was used on the front cover of Cally Blackman’s best-selling book, 100 Years of FashionIllustration. The crystals shimmer in the night light and as if accident would have it, Downton lands one single circle of red paint precisely where the model’s nipple is hidden.
Before fashion photography, illustrators were integral to the industry and their work featured throughout the best magazines. Today, fashion illustrations appeal to collectors as art in their own right.
Fashion illustrators can work in a variety of environments, including fashion houses, design studios, and as freelancers, and the work can be quite diverse and interesting, especially in the case of people who are very talented.
*Garance Doré – see belowGloria Radio – Graphic & Fashion Designer, Barcelona, Spain.
Work in this field usually requires a degree from an art or fashion school, along with extensive experience in the industry. One of the most classic jobs for a fashion illustrator is in the sketching of concepts which have not yet been realized. When fashion designers start to develop a new line, they rely on fashion illustrators to bring their ideas to life so that they can have images to use in design and to sell the line before prototypes have been made. A fashion illustrator may work on everything from shoes to hats, developing and fleshing out concepts for designers.
Iloveillustrationblogspot.com
Long live the fashion illustrator! I hope you enjoy the samplings chosen for this post.
Crossing the line between fashion and art becomes more blurred when we look to the current examples of how fashion is presented, evident on the Spring/Summer 2014 runways.
There are moments when designers become artists, artists become designers, or both entities becomes something different entirely.
The key differences: fashion is, by its nature, a fleeting thing. You’re in fashion one moment, and out of fashion the next. A good work of art should stand the test of time, not the test of taste. Art and fashion do sometimes fuse, with mixed degrees of success.
The genre of fine arts and fashion design bare the affect of trend and social temperature, but their changing relationship to one another is also reflective of society as a whole. Perhaps some collaborations are more successful than others, but what is primarily important is the dabbling, the mixing, and fantastic results that come from the imaginativeplay of the creations. Furthermore, designers are always pressured to come up with something fresh for all the different seasons. I think there might be five seasons now, if you consider RESORT as one.
You can decide from the images shown on this page what and how you would integrate this look into your wardrobe. Let’s have some FUN!
Are you an Artful Dresser?
I love this Chanel purse that has the address of the Paris design house.the ARTful nail – as seen in Allure Magazine. Who has the time?
Casual wear and suspenders
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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