The Sartorialist & Tailored Beauty

I love getting inspiration, and inspiration can come from many sources; art, music, books, films, fashion and photographers. The photographer The Sartorialist is a great inspiration, and I just had to share with you a couple of his most recent photos from the streets of New York and Florence. The men are old, but oh, so well dressed. And there is something else - a touch of magic.. 

East Harlem

Florence

And for us younger girls (or gays), here is a little eye candy:

New York. Notice how the grey bike matches his suit. 

And a little encouragement for those who follow their dreams - here is what The Sartorialist himself says:

Confessions of a bag-lady

Celine handbags Summer 2011

My first confession: I am a bag-lady. Not in the strict sense of the word, but in the sense that I carry everything important and not-so-important with me almost everywhere I go. Despite trying to restrict myself to carrying with me only absolute necessities, I often find myself in situations where I am lagging behind my friends due to a heavy bag. (Yes. You do need Coco Chanel Mademoiselle's summer mist for hot days, as well as sunscreen, make up, an extra sweater, a magazine or a book, notebook, pen, wallet, phone, water and chocolate for strolls in London). And I must confess, the heaviness often results in my male friends (or boyfriend) having to carry my bag for me. So, it is not only for my own sake, but also for my male friends, that I vouch for stylish bags. Handbags that can contain my life plus a little extra are luckily still in the now (I might not be the only one with squirrel tendencies). I do believe that the size would matter even more when I start working and will actually have to carry my life and my work around every day. This leads me to my next step on my confession agenda; I must be the only person around not owning a Celine handbag. The Celine bags have made havoc in the fashion world, and for good reason; they are elegant and simple, yet make bold statements. Celebrities have been spotted with them, friends have bought them, and I have been drooling over them for quite some time. However, now that my actual working life will begin soon, I have a real excuse to buy one - or two, as there is one that could be perfect as a fancy gym bag. The only question remains; which one(s) should I buy?

My perfect gym bag

Leighton Meester with Celine
Picture found at Handbagdesigner 101

The summer 2011 collection showered us with pouchy, soft leather as well as more structured handbags. For fall, the shapes seem more experimental, perhaps not suitable for all types of work. As it is still spring, the options are many, and the colours are ranging from bursts of yellow and orange till blue, and of course, the classic black, white and grey. A Celine will always come in handy - especially for a self confessed bag-lady. Pick and choose. I personally prefer the first two in grey and white and the very last in shiny black. What's your pick?

Summer 2011

Summer 2011

Summer 2011

Summer 2011

Fall 2011

Be the first in 3.1 Phillip Lim

3.1 Phillip Lim

Everybody knows that when it comes to the perfect pieces, it is a must to be first out. Before you know it, your size has gone, and you are left with admiring the perfect dress on someone else. Furthermore, pre-planning makes your wardrobe better off; nothing is like a piece that fits perfectly with your old clothes - adding the little extra touch of newness and style. This can, in the long run, prove much more financially sustainable and make it much easier for you the day you oversleep without an outfit figured out. Therefore, lucky for us, 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall and fall collections are out there for grabs. Bursts of colour in green and orange, as well as pretty, silouetted shapes will be a clever buy. His easy sense of fashion will surely give you an easy way out of a difficult morning. 

 Above and under: from Phillip Lim's Fall 2011 Collection

Wear the dress with a belt for a more controlled look.

Phillip Lim's pre-fall in a beautiful splash of orange. You could buy the whole look, and wear the pieces together or separately if you feel it is a bit too much. Nude, beige, white and shades of brown are all fall colours that goes well with orange. Furthermore, orange goes easily well together with black - adding the little extra to an otherwise boring outfit.

And, as a side note, if you are looking for a timeless top to add to your summer wardrobe, the beautiful Phillip Lim satin tops in midnight blue, cream and caramel found at net-a-porter could not be a better choice. 

Good luck being first.

Make a business statement with a tan - and a VB dress

I just had to share with you the Trompe l'oei dress number 5 from Victoria Beckham. Despite being her very first Spring/Summer 2009 Collection, it is a beautiful creation that says professionalism and control with a touch of beauty. I know 2009 is almost a decade ago in fashion world, but, luckily, we also have the business world. And in that world, fashion comes second. What comes first, however, is amazingly fitted clothes. Always, always wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, with fabrics that feel good against your skin. I am weak for high heels, but I still argue that comfortable shoes are a must. Nothing is more heart breaking than women who cannot walk in high heels - they just seem so utterly lost and fragile. If you  manage to walk in them, you can wear them. Of course, the very high ones will have to escort you to disco/dance only. 

And on a matter of don'ts and do's - as we are coming closer to summer, there is one thing that always makes a statement (at least in the west); a nice tan. But again, the big, big don't is orange or flaking brown. If you want a tan, it should be natural. Or at least look natural. If you manage to get a naturally looking tan by cheating, then go for it. However, no one should be able to see that you cheat. On this note, have a look at the tan of the model. Personally, I think it looks natural and certainly makes the white look crisp and fresh against her skin. What is your opinion about the dress and her tan?

If you feel inspired, the dress can be found here.

picture: style.com