New In: Hi-Lo Fall Boots Edition

November 3, 2013, 12:00 am

≫ Next: New England Charm

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So, remember when i was frantically browsing around for a pair (or two) of falls boots to set my sights on? Well, I am happy to report that the two that eventually won me over are on opposite ends of the price spectrum and I am particularly pleased because this is a prime exhibit of the hi-lo dance I very often enjoy taking part in: the Alexander Wang Anouck boots (hi) and the ASOS navy velvet chelsea boots (lo -- plus they're now on sale, so click to get them while you can!). Maybe you're thinking that they have similar vibes, but if you really ponder the issue, you'll realize that they're worlds apart stylistically; the Wangs border more on classic and are more sleek, fully encompassing that clean, minimalist sensibility i find so aspirational, yet they still maintain a soulful edge... Meanwhile, the ASOS pair has more of a rock 'n roll attitude and the deep navy hue spoke to me, not to mention that I've always had a (very) soft spot for velvet footwear. I blame Jimi for my love of velour, but I'll save that story for a rainy day. Thoughts? Also, did you invest on a pair of boots this fall? I'd love to hear your boot story!

Shop: Alexander Wang HERE, HERE or HERE, ASOS HERE.

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New England Charm

November 4, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Cruella DeVille

≪ Previous: New In: Hi-Lo Fall Boots Edition

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If there's anything magical in life, it's definitely fall on the east coast. I've already poetically mused about all of that stuff so i'll spare you the encore, but heading up to New England's biggest city 2 weeks ago was yet another reminder that seasonal changes are all that and a bag of po-ta-to chips. It was the perfect kind of weather: you know, sunny, not one cloud, warm but still breezy -- just ideal. I wish i had taken more photos of food and stuff but i always forget to do that and I'm not to keen on beeing that annoying person in the restaurant photographing every single course. So we're left with images of outfits, mostly, and a super fun expedition to Salmagundi, the most amazing hat store ever, located in the super cool Jamaica Plain neighborhood. You can see my purchase below!

Cruella DeVille

November 5, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Neutrals Rule!

≪ Previous: New England Charm

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You saw a snippet of the look below in the previous post but i thought I'd give it its very own solo show because this blouse truly deserves it. It's a vintage silk Louis Féraud number that I scooped up at Ana Chronos, an amazing little boutique in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that curates the most wonderful vintage selection. I am so incredibly into dalmatian print this season (still completely obsessed with these, seriously, i die), as it's just a fresh take on the old animal print. There was no way to ignore my heart's pitter patter upon spotting this top on the rack (pun intended). Naturally, it went home with me and I took it out for its first appearance at dinner in Boston. Can't wait to wear it in more casual settings too. Isn't it amazing?!


Details:
Blouse - Vintage Louis Féraud from Ana Chronos (similar)
Denim - Zara (similar)
Boots - Shoemint (similar)
Jacket - Mackage (similar)
Bag - Bottega Veneta

Neutrals Rule!

November 6, 2013, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Friday Inspo

≪ Previous: Cruella DeVille

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The last days of warmish weather are always kind of bittersweet. You're excited to rotate your wardrobe, to start wearing cozy pieces and to partake in the layering game, yet it's kind of a bummer to know that the days of ankle-showing, open-toe-wearing, jacket-less going are over. Well that's how I feel anyway. And I don't know about you, but when I sense that we're on the brink of a seasonal weather shift, i try to give one last hurrah to all the clothes that will soon be confined to storage for the next few months. In that very spirit, I layered up some of my favorite staples and accented the combo with the best type of accessories: nude ones. Neutrals rule! It was also the perfect look to transition from day to night -- all's I did was change my shoes, spritzed some Tocca, and I instantly became a lady who owned the night. Well, sort of.


Details:
T-shirt - Helmut Lang
Dress - Topshop (similar)
Chambray shirt - Madewell
Pumps - Christian Louboutin
Bag - Zara (similar)
Bracelet - Coordinates Collection
Necklace - Vintage, from my mom (similar)
Ring - Saint Laurent

Friday Inspo

November 8, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Classics Reinvented

≪ Previous: Neutrals Rule!

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If last week was all about obscurity, this week's #FridayInspo installment is on the polar end: white everything. Fresh, crisp, breezy, airy, graceful, I am endlessly inspired by the easiness and lightness it conveys. So much so that I have thoughtfully put together a selection of beautiful images in a palette of soft shades for you to be just as taken as i am with the absence of color. Enjoy your weekend everone xx

[A Lover's Anthology, TFS, Pinterest, Elin Kling, The Haute Pursuit, Vogue.fr, Camille Over the Rainbow, Columbine Smille, Studded Hearts]

Classics Reinvented

November 10, 2013, 1:30 am

≫ Next: Hump, Marry & Kill: Answering Refinery29's Call

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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Pretty sure you guys all know by now that i am no stranger to monochromatic looks, especially in a dark palette of, what else, black.To keep things interesting, pop your collar on your favorite sharp blazer and pair with a great fold-over skirt instead of your regular pencil shape and you've got classics reinvented. I always love finding new ways to wear my staples in order for them to feel fresh again and this was exactly the case yonder. Not too complicated, as per usual.


Details:
Jacket - Vintage (similar)
Skirt - Zara (similar)
Pumps - Guess
Bag - Bottega Veneta

Hump, Marry & Kill: Answering Refinery29's Call

November 11, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Subtle Luxury

≪ Previous: Classics Reinvented

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I recently came across an article about trends on Refinery29 and I'm taking it as an invitation to participate. In a fun game of Hump, Marry & Kill, their editors each rounded up which trend they would associate which action to. I thought it would be fun if I, too, would share with you "the trends that [I'm] obsessed with now, those [I'll] love for eternity, and the fads [I'd] like to never see again". Yes, just like the game you used to play with your friends in high school about boys. Now your turn, tell me yours!

HUMP: Single Sole Mules

These shoes are all the rage and their 90s vibe is what has me completely taken. It must be noted that these are good only if single-soled and are best worn in the context of minimalism.


Loving the mules too? Click to buy:

MARRY: The Boyfriend Blazer

Ok, so the boyfriend blazer was coined as a trend a few seasons ago but in my books, it's a full-on classic. This oversized piece is my go-to for instant outfit completion and on days where I'm feeling less inspired, it never fails to make me feel better about my outfit. It's the ultimate effortless off-duty item.


Wanna marry this "trend" too? Click to buy:

KILL: The [LOOSE] Crop Top

Ok, so I wrote loose because I am especially not fond of those, but this goes for crop tops in general -- I was never a fan of these. Firstly, they feel very teeny bopper, but mostly, they are just the opposite of flattering on me. They make my torso look incredibly short and my chest look incredibly large. It is NOT a good look. The only girls who can pull this one off weigh 2 lbs. I wouldn't mind seeing the crop top die a quick death.


If you happen to be into the loose crop top (no judgement!), click to buy:

Subtle Luxury

November 13, 2013, 7:38 am

≫ Next: Friday Inspo

≪ Previous: Hump, Marry & Kill: Answering Refinery29's Call

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Subtle Luxury. Such a simple concept, right? It seems so evident, but when pondering what my eye gravitates towards, it's not as easy as you'd think to come up with what describes the obvious. Those two words put together are like a perfect marriage: they seamlessly define something intangible, yet so concrete in that third dimension housing my thoughts. If I had to describe the aesthetic I find both inspiring and aspirational, it is precisely Subtle Luxury. So how can a label with that very moniker be anything less than utterly compelling and completely amazing? Known for their beautiful scarves, they also specialize in cashmere, of course. Their pieces are incredibly soft (unlike other brands that use the cheap kind), feel super luxurious, have tons of options that all encompass that easy, effortless appeal I find so irresistible.

Below I am wearing the California Cashmere Seamed Deep V Neck Sweater in Eggplant and I'm so taken with it, it's perfect in every way. The aubergine color has grey undertones and basically goes with absolutely everything. It's the only thing I want to have on my body this fall (I wear it, like, every day) and wasted to time taking it to the streets and giving it a little rock 'n roll twist, as I tend to do, pairing it with some vegan leather pants, as well as my new favorite Alex Wang boots. Subtle Luxury in the midst of fall foliage -- can you think of anything better? I certainly cannot.

**See the end of the post for a special shopping code!**


Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:
Cashmere knit - Subtle Luxury (similar)
Faux leather pants - Tripp NYC from Trash & Vaudeville (similar)
Coat - Club Monaco (similar)
Boots - Alexander Wang
Bag - Vintage (similar)
Beanie - DKNY (similar)
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Snake cuff - Jenny Bird (similar)
Other cuff - Coordinates Collection
ID bracelet - Hysteric Co. (similar)
Armor ring - Hysteric Co. (similar)
Small rings - Chic Peek

Do you love this sweater as much as I do? You should see the rest of their knits!

I've teamed up with Subtle Luxury so that you, too, can have a piece of this awesome line. They are offering 20% off all orders for Fashion Over Reason readers until November 30th! Head to their website and enter code Fashion20 at checkout. Happy shopping and let me know what you get!

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Friday Inspo

November 15, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Hair Stories

≪ Previous: Subtle Luxury

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Another one bites the dust. And praise the lord the week is O-V-E-R because it has been way too C-O-L-D. Gearing up for a beautiful weekend of sunshine and more importantly, of mild weather. No big plans, just planning on chillin. What about you guys?

[TFS, Pinterest, Camille Over the Rainbow, Columbine Smille, Stop It Right Now, Style.com, Elin Kling]

Hair Stories

November 17, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Scarf It Up

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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Let me start this off by saying that this post has been a very long time coming because for a while now, I have been getting quite a few comments/questions/emails about my hair, what I do to it, how I style it, what products I use, etc. I'll also take this opportunity to send out a big giant blushing THANK YOU for all the lovely things you all have had to say about my locks (thank you, mother, for bequeathing the perfect lid to me). So as requested, here is a special hair post on the ins and outs of my hair care routine. Let me know if i missed anything, if you have questions left unanswered, or if you're going to be emulating some of my tips. Now, without further delay, here's what we're going for:

I'm going to start off by a brief historical rundown of my mane journey. During my teenage years, it was the poor victim of much experimentation: it's had a very close, long-term relationship with ever color of the rainbow, has been every length imaginable (bangs, short bangs, pixie cut, superlong, awkward in-between stage...) and it never failed to convey whatever phase i was going through to the people of this world. My hair has pretty much been the ultimate partner in crime throughout all of my self-expression trials and remains just as faithful to this day: my shoulder-length, messy blond hair still immaculately telegraphs who I am. I even went brunette for one whole year to "see how it would feel" and while it didn't look bad -- it actually looked pretty good -- it was like wearing a disguise. My own father would pass me by on the streets without recognizing me (true story).

But I digress. After this "experimental phase", it was back to basics, which meant blond and long. It was long for a long while. Very long. Mid-back long. Until I decided to cut it back in 2008, in a liberating move that was essentially one of the final steps of locking in my locks' identity. Since then, it has basically hovered between my jaw line and right below my shoulders, a very happy medium that feels completely natural to me. Every time i come up with the brilliant idea of perhaps letting it grow a tad longer, it never fails to remind me that it just doesn't look, nor does it feel good. I simply cannot bear to have it any other way. To better illustrate my hair history, you'll find below an embarrassing yet necessary illustrative timeline (Tavi Gevinson, anyone?).


Now that that's out of the way, onto the good stuff, aka what you want to know. You'll probably be disappointed to hear that i really don't do much to it, and while my strands are far from an afterthought, I am lucky to have been born with a low-maintenance situation up there. Which is not to say that I don't have my own set of problems: my locks are incredibly fine, straight and lifeless, but their redeeming quality is that they are numerous. Read: fine-ass straight limp hair, but tons of it so it looks full and it therefore ables me to work with what I've got. My biggest secret is that i only wash my hair about once a week, or at the very least every 5 days, and use about  5 different products through the course of the week.

Here's the breakdown of my wet hair routine:

- After a wash, I let it hang out in a towel for a while and in the meantime, I do my face. That way, when i remove the towel, the hair's still wet but no longer soaked, kind of a halfway point between wet and dry. Then i spray in some It's a 10 Miracle leave-in product and just run my fingers through to detangle. I never use a comb or brush while wet because this will just make my hair extra straight and I'm not really into that.

- The next step is oil: I use 1 pump of Joico K-Pak oil on the ends for extra shine and repair on my deader-than-dead bleached ends.

- Then, I squeeze a dollop of Bumble & Bumble Texture cream about the size of a quarter into my hands, rub together, then rub onto my roots. This is for volume, as it lifts the roots when it dries. I kind of rub the last of what's in my hands into the ends. As its name would have it, it helps with texture. Then just air dry and let it do its thing. When it's at the point that it feels dry, i like to put my hair up in a high bun. This move enables a few things: more volume, more texture, a hint of waves and a hell of a mess, just like i like it.


Since an entire week spans between shampoos, a little bit of maintenance is necessary for a number of reasons. It's not because my hair is less used to shampoo that it doesn't go greasy. What infrequent washes help with is that it just takes longer for the greasiness to develop, so dry shampoo is a serious lifeline, plus it gives and awesome texture to my fine hair.

Here's a breakdown of how i care for my hair between shampoos:

- Dry shampoo: I've tried a lot of different brands but i always go back to Batiste. The fresh scent is my favorite, but tropical comes in at a close second. I spray my roots, rub to incorporate and it works miracles. The biggest best-kept secret about dry shampoo is that it doubles as a root booster. Think about it: all that scalp oil not only makes you look like Kurt circa 1993, but it's also hefty stuff for your strands to deal with and weighs them down, heavily, one by one. By spraying powder in the problem area, it imbibes all of that oil, thus making your locks light and lively again. There are so many options out there though, and to help, I've rounded up a few:

- Awapuhi Wild Ginger texturizing sea spray. As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges i face with my hair type is its lack of body, texture and all around shape, so I need all the help I can get. I've tried a lot of different things and many versions of the sea spray. You know, to look like you just spent the day at the beach and whatnot. The most famous one is the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, but somehow it just doesn't really do much for my hair, personally. The one I really love is from Hawaii-harvested hair care line Awapuhi by Paul Mitchell. It's amaaaazing and their sea spray does wonders for me. If my hair is looking overly straight or drab, a few sprays of this miracle potion, followed by some scrunching with my hands gives that instant aspirational messy beach look boost.

- Pantene Pro-V aerosol hairspray. There is no competition between the aerosol or the spritz hairspray bottle -- aerosol always wins. No need to look too far for a good one either: i swear by this product. It serves as a nice finishing touch, keeps volume locked in while maintaining a natural look. No crunchy hair disasters, nor wetness occurrences (which is what spritz bottles will do), only hold hold hold, which is exactly what you want in a hairspray. I use this to boost my roots and/or to give my hair extra texture and movement.

Other tips, bearing in mind my hair type, which is blonde, straight, fine and abundant:

- I never brush it, other than right before i get in the shower to wash it. Never comb or brush to detangle while wet - it will break it and cause bad split ends. The other reason for why a brush never meets my lid is because of its propensity to fall straight and flat. As you are now well aware of, I am a fan of the messy look and if I brush it, it ends up looking too polished for my taste.

- I never part it. I just let it fall as it may because I don't like it to look too calculated or precise. It inevitably always ends up kind of to the side, but the part has never actually experienced what it's like to be a straight line. I would highly suggest it if you like the bed head look.

- As a blonde, I would HIGHLY (read: do it or regret it) recommend washing your hair with a purple shampoo. Here's why: blondes can go brassy faster than you can say blondes have more fun, and one of the ways to prevent that is by using a tone-correcting purple shampoo. I'm telling you, you'll never look back. I personally like the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Color Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo and the Phyto Phytargent shampoo, but there is a whole gamut of them (see below). Some of these shampoos are more intense than others and if you wash your hair more than once a week, you may not want to use it every time. And here's another secret: if you use a purple shampoo, there is no need to use a purple conditioner -- the washing part will do the trick and unless you want your hair to start reflecting purple, I would stay away.

- If you're a night shower person and can't do the whole air dry routine, which I used to be when I worked in an office, this is what I recommend to do if your hair is like mine: go to bed with wet hair. You'll wake up with tons of volume but won't look crazy since your hair doesn't curl. It's like real, authentic bed head.

And now for my final hair bow, here is a video to demonstrate EXACTLY how I go about my wet hair routine. Watch and learn (maybe)?


Here's hoping all your inquiries have been addressed. Do you use any of these products? Do you also have an embarrassing experimental phase you're trying to wipe from history? Let me know, I can keep a secret!

Scarf It Up

November 19, 2013, 12:00 am

≫ Next: #LCCCinNYC

≪ Previous: Hair Stories

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I like to think that hailing from the Great White North, I have become somewhat of a layering master. When looking at it from a utilitarian perspective, it's kind of a survival strategy, but when looking at it through fashion-colored glasses, it doubles as a very stylish stay-warm solution. The trick is to pile on elements of different shapes and cuts, like this oversized plush cardigan atop this loose tee. Had it been chillier, I could have squeezed a knit sweater in between, but it was unnecessary in this particular scenario.

One of the key elements for successful layering is, hands down, the scarf. The versions I like are: thick, plush, knitted, silky, infinity, in neutrals, and mostly in solids, with the occasional print to throw myself a curve ball. Such is the case yonder: with an outfit composed solely of impartial hues, this Subtle Luxury Spun Scarf was more than ideal to elevate my visual presentation. Have I made my case about Subtle Luxury yet? You saw my post about their cashmere last week (hopefully) and I can fully attest to the amazingness of their scarves too. Scroll down for a speciall discount code, but hurry, you only have until November 30th (hello, Christmas shopping)!!



Details
Denim - Zara (similar)
Tee - H&M (similar)
Cardigan - H&M (similar)
Scarf - Subtle Luxury (similar)
Boots - ASOS
Hat - Baley of Hollywood from Salmagundi (similar)
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Necklace - Vintage (similar)
Ring - Saint Laurent

I've teamed up with Subtle Luxury so that you, too, can have a piece of this awesome line. They are offering 20% off all orders for Fashion Over Reason readers until November 30th! Head to their website and enter code Fashion20 at checkout. Happy shopping and let me know what you get!

#LCCCinNYC

November 20, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Friday Inspo

≪ Previous: Scarf It Up

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The weekend before last, I got the very anticipated visit from one of my best gals and blogger soulmate Stephanie, along with her man and their adorable pup, Chloe. Good times would be an understatement. Not to mention that it was her birthday weekend, so the festivities were at an all time high. Fashion girls we may be, but we're also both big foodies (our tender halves are too), so naturally we spent A LOT of time thinking about where and what to eat, hitting up some of our favorite local spots, as well as Smorgasburg, the best invention ever. In true blogger form, the photo snapping was more than abundant and, naturally, we aimed to capture every enjoyable moment (as well as our #ootd's/#ootn's - mom, that means outfit of the day). If you follow me (or her!) on Instagram, then you've already gotten quite the preview (#LCCCinNYC), but here is the full-throttle roll out of the awesomeness that is our dream team. Doesn't our amusement shine through? It's so obvious.

Friday Inspo

November 22, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Black Fur

≪ Previous: #LCCCinNYC

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Let me be the first one to welcome you to the weekend! Please bask in the beauty of the images i've put together for you and enter the 2-day break with a fully inspired mind xx


[TFS, Domaine, Pinterest, Camille Over the Rainbow, vogue.fr]

Black Fur

November 24, 2013, 12:30 am

≫ Next: 5 Pointz

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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Today is one of the coldest days of the season so far and if you're on the East Coast and headed outdoors, you want to make sure that you're well bundled up, let me tell you. A black fur coat is all any girl needs for a time like this, whether it's a bouclé furry version or more of a brushed pelt. It's a style statement and a classic all at once.

[tfs]

5 Pointz

November 25, 2013, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Beanie Baby

≪ Previous: Black Fur

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In light of what happened last week, this post seems even more relevant now. You see, New York City has a lot of protected landmarks, spots with very unique pop culture relevance, as well as incomparable places with remarkable depth and soul, which are such rare commodities in today's authenticity void. Rare are areas that still have underground significance and that are beloved among appreciators and cult followers alike.

One of those spaces was 5 Pointz, an abandoned warehouse building in the Queens neighborhood of Long Island City. For 25 years, the owner of the structure allowed street artists to congregate there, making it one of those elusive venues that legally allowed graffiti to be showcased on the very canvas the craft was invented for: the streets. At 5 Pointz, spray can virtuosos bared their talent, honed their skill, displayed their creative mastery via the most mind-blowing, impressive, murals. Until now. Ian and I decided to explore that locale for our shoot last week, having learned that its date with destiny was a fatal one: it is to be torn down to build luxury condos by the end of next year. The ol' cliché. In an unanticipated twist, that ill fate was met sooner than anticipated, only a mere few days after our expedition (here is why). Our timing was more than perfect, it was lucky. See this as a final farewell, a special ode to what that place meant and a tribute to all the artists and fans that were touched, one way or another, by this amazing place.

Now, onto the sartorial details. I wanted to keep things simple in order to let the background shine and the cool factor at a certain level with a loose linen tee and a furry, cozy oversized cardigan. Another reason for why I wanted the canvas blank is because I was wearing these amazing earrings from Bauble Bar and I'm a big sucker for counteracting elements. Example: wearing something super masculine with a sexy pair of high heels, a baggy top with tight skinny jeans, a super casual look with a glam, bold lip, you catch my drift. So this ultra plain basic look with a mess of a top bun was jazzed up by my fancy drop earrings. I think my street cred just went up. Just sayin.



Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:
Pants - J Brand (these were waxed but the coating didn't last past a couple washes, sadly)
Linen tee - H&M (similar)
Furry cardigan - H&M (similar)
Earrings - Bauble Bar
Boots - Pour la Victoire
Leather jacket - Mackage (similar)
Rings - Saint Laurent& Chic Peek
Bracelet - Coordinates Collection

Click to buy:

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Beanie Baby

November 27, 2013, 7:46 am

≫ Next: Happy Thanksgiving!

≪ Previous: 5 Pointz

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There are so many things that can get boring when cold weather hits, because your outfit no longer revolves around your clothes, it becomes all about your outerwear. And outerwear can be so, well... ugly, for lack of a better word. So you either need to get creative or get some real nice jackets. Pea coats are great, but sometimes it's also fun to play with shapes and proportions in order to keep things interesting. This cape take on it is exactly the kind of twist I crave when thinking about my outfit's final layer -- the finishing touch, if you will. Grab a beanie for double triple-duty: cool factor, warmth-provider, dirty hair-camouflager and you're all set!

You may recognize this look from last week, as I provided a little teaser in a previous post. To refresh your memory: it was from when Steph was here a couple of weeks back and we took the show to the streets to document. Thought I'd give it its own (well-deserved) spotlight.


Photos by Stephanie Boridy

Details:
Coat - Joe Fresh (similar)
Cords - Rag & Bone
Knit - Helmut Lang
Boots - Alexander Wang
Beanie - American Apparel
Bag - Bottega Veneta

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 28, 2013, 1:00 am

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≪ Previous: Beanie Baby

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This year marks my third official American Thanksgiving and I must admit, I've become quite a fan of this joy-filled holiday. I mean, what's not to like: it's quality time with the family, a long weekend, LOTS of food and all that without the pressure of gift-giving. Not to mention that it marks the OFFICIAL countdown to Christmas!!! On that note, happy Thanksgiving to all of my American readers, here's hoping you have a wonderful turkey day xx.

Friday Inspo

November 29, 2013, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Launching Tips & Tricks: Ask FOR

≪ Previous: Happy Thanksgiving!

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Have you guys all recovered from you food comas? Mine's still kind of lingering, but we're getting ready to hit Philly tomorrow so I'm excited, it'll be my first time there. If you have any recs for things I shouldn't miss, please tweet, comment or email me! Here's to being inspired and to enjoying the last weekend before December hits us like a brick xx

[Elin Kling, TFS, Pinterest, Le Fashion, Shopbop, The Haute Pursuit]

Launching Tips & Tricks: Ask FOR

December 2, 2013, 8:43 am

≫ Next: Drawing Conclusions From My Unofficial Lifelong Study Based On My Own Observations

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend (if you're in the US) or jut generally a good two-day break if you're in another wonderful place in this world. Can you believe we're already in December?! Have you marked your advent calendars? Christmastime, especially the weeks leading up to it, is my absolute favorite time of year. I know a lot of people hate the holidays and it's probably super uncool to feel festive, but I fully own it: I am a completely dedicated xmas elf. Which means my excitement level is at an all-time high circa now.

Anywayyyy, so I've been toying with an idea for a while now, and I figured there would be no better time to introduce something than the beginning of this joyful month, marking the end of the year and an impending fresh start in the new year. Since my hair post was such a success (thank you!), I thought I would offer my help on other topics that may cause you some grief. I love lending a hand and I already do it for a lot of fine persons in my private life, so why not extend this to you, my dear readers? I am by no means the end all be all reference guru on beauty and style, as the great thing about those worlds are that they thrive on complete subjectivity, but I do believe I may have something to offer.

If you like my taste and can relate to what I do here on the blog, send all your inquiries my way and I promise to make my very best attempt to answer your questions/dilemmas and provide all of the advice I can conjure. Got style problems? Fashion fears? Beauty struggles? Require fashion guidance? Do you have specific outfit needs? Send all of that my way and I will be more than happy to oblige. If you're skeptical about whether or not you can trust me, read about my credentials right here. I'm excited to share the tips and tricks I've acquired through years of aesthetic obsessiveness with you. I've always believed that sharing is caring, so why not spread the knowledge and experience that I've got? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email (fashionoverreason@gmail.com), and I will dedicate every Sunday post to #askFOR. Looking forward to solving all of your quandaries!


Details:
Peplum top - H&M (similar)
Blazer - Zara (similar)
Denim - Zara (similar)
Sneakers - Sandro (similar)
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Canine - #Wallyface

Drawing Conclusions From My Unofficial Lifelong Study Based On My Own Observations

December 4, 2013, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Friday Inspo

≪ Previous: Launching Tips & Tricks: Ask FOR

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If there's one thing that French girls have down pat (never mind their perfect skin and natural approach to, um, EVERYTHING), it's their effortless sartorial sensibility. No doubt that it's a cultural thing -- with minor exceptions, the laissez-faire chic allure is simply a way of being in France. There's no sensationalism, no painful strive for perfection or immaculateness, no desire to be obviously sexy, as it's just not how people are bread to think. I know this because I experienced it. I witnessed it. Coming from a French Canadian family who is deeply rooted into the French culture, I was immersed in its history, cinema, music, literature, celebrity system, fashion, style, way of life and gastronomy from a very young age. I also lived in Paris for half a year. It doesn't make me an expert, but it certainly helps provide great insight into a concept that eludes so many people.

Looking at it from my North American perspective, it became easier to decipher the mystery, as I was an outsider from the inside. Having a firm grasp and certain understanding of both cultures and way of life, the differences have become so clear to me. While there is no doubt a social norm to follow across the pond, it differs greatly to the one we have here: the motto Go Big or Go Home is not really in their vocabulary. That approach isn't exactly the greatest for each one of life's angles, but when it comes to style, it never fails. Their apparent (and aspirational) nonchalance is not for lack of caring, it simply is the mere result of having other things as priorities. And that is why, along with a majority of my cohorts, I draw endless inspiration from the place that gave us Coco and Christian.

In a recent discussion about sartorial paths, evolution and identity, my friend Stephanie asked me what it was that I used to wear in my soul-style-searching days, but that I would never in a million years don as my most contemporary self. I wasn't quick to answer because it was hard to put into words all of the nuances that make up the line between the Yes and No columns, but after mulling it over, as i tend do with everything, it became clearer and clearer: I simply would never wear loud patterns, kitschy girlie mismatched preppy prints or anything ostentatious. My affection for muted tones and neutrals has reached an all time high and continues to soar. And I'm pretty sure that it has a little thing (or two) to do with my ties with the French.


Details:
Trench coat - Zara (similar)
Denim - J Brand (similar)
Boxy tee - Madewell
Loafers - Anthropologie (similar)
Bag - Vintage