July 11, 2011

Cool

Via Modern Hepburn

"You always look so cool." 
- The Great Gatsby 

Perhaps Daisy Buchanan said it best in The Great Gatsby. Cool is indescribable. It's the art of understanding the details. It's the little things you can't put your finger on. You know it when you see it.

This look is the very essence of cool. The loosely tousled hair, dewy sun-kissed skin and natural fabrics all look effortless. There is a quiet confidence. She owns this look. I don't own a single pair of  shorts. Every time I come close to purchasing a pair, I remind myself that there are few occasions where they are appropriate for my lifestyle.

Just when I had written off shorts as one of those items I happily admire from afar- I find an image that makes me re-access my reasoning. A crepe de Chine pair could be the perfect compromise. For now I'm keeping this photograph as inspiration. Shorts can be equal parts casual and poised. I can't help but think that this is an elegant way to combat the heat. 

19 comments:

  1. Mmmm very nicely put. Fitzgerald knows best!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I own a single pair of shorts that I wear out - mid-thigh length black cotton APC shorts, very tailored, very preppy. They are perfect for a casual but polished look. I wear them a lot, with shirts or tees. That said, nothing compares to the feminine charm of a skirt.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am in need of a pair of "grown up" shorts. This photo is great inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like your blog, i find it very cool :)
    http://avenuemode.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love shorts, much more than skirts. They began as a utilitarian item for me, but now it's part of my weekend look. I have a denim pair, a khaki line pair, and a lace pair for girly moments. I think a good, slightly tailored fit is essential to making the look polished.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wish my summer looked this cool. Beautiful post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Joy- Thanks! Fitzerald does know best. Know I'm tempted to read "The Great Gatsby" once again:)

    Ammu- I keep looking at the APC shorts online. Yours sound like perfection. The length sounds perfect. I like the idea of being able to wear them with shirts or tees. I also like the shorts to look preppy.

    Maja Piraja- That's exactly it "grown up" shorts.It's tricky, but this is a great inspiration image.

    Avenue Mode- Thank you! That's very sweet and kind of you.

    Lin- You wear shorts SO well. I think your blog started my rethinking the idea of shorts. I like the idea of a lace pair when you want to be a bit dressier. Tailoring does seem to be what makes all the difference when it comes to looking polished.

    Eva- Thank you. I agree. This lady's summer does look cool.Perhaps we can incorporate some of her laid-back style into our own?

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is how I'd love to look in summer - effortless & stylish in something absolutely simple.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ginta- Me too! You're exactly right this look is simple and effortless, but still stylish.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You're right, the way she wears the clothes exudes both an internal and external comfort and effortlessness that can only result in that undefinable "cool."

    And you should definitely go for shorts! Once you find your own perfect pair it's hard to imagine summer without them. It's a nice change from wearing skirts/dresses throughout the other 3 seasons.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Austere-I think internal comfort and feeling confident has so much to do with looking effortless. I love how this doesn't feel forced.

    You bring up a good point of changing things up. As much as I love the idea of having certain signature elements to my style, I think it's so important to inject freshness into a wardrobe too. Now if only I can find the perfect pair of shorts!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the photo! I personally only own one pair of shorts: a pair of cuffed denim shorts from Charlotte Russe. I like denim shorts a lot just because, unlike many other fabrics, they don't stretch out that much when worn in the form of shorts--plus, denim is practically bullet proof so I know I can depend on them for many years even if they go through the wash half a million times. Buying bottoms is truly a chore for me because I am pear-shaped so I like to avoid jean/short/skirt shopping when I can! So far, these babies have been through 2 summers and they are absolute life-savers!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you so much for your comment! Each of your comments is a real pleasure! I'm love so much your blog and your style which is so sophisticated and chic! :)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you for the comment on my blog :)
    i love your blog and your style..

    lets follow each other if you want :)

    kiss from indonesia
    Nora

    http://noraliaayu.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. 0000- I love this photo too. You bring up a good point about denim shorts lasting. Denim is one of those fabrics that gets better as it ages and is worn in.

    It's funny how we all have certain things that we avoid shopping for.

    Camille S.- Of course! I love your blog. It reminds me of all of the things I love about France. Thank you for your sweet comments on my style.

    Noralia Ayu- I'm so glad I discovered your blog-you have great style. Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog and style. That's so kind of you.

    Feel free to email me about the follow.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yes. She looks amazingly cool. What a face!

    I just purchased a pair of shorts. Not too short, but it felt very daring. I wore them to brunch last weekend and the city seemed to handle me wearing them! The shorts were appropriate for the weather and the 'event' of brunch.

    I am usually a dress girl but somehow shorts have been appealing to me lately.

    This image is definitely inspirational!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Alice Olive- Such a stunning face indeed!

    Shorts do feeling daring and a bit rebellious. I love that you wore them to brunch and I have no doubt that you worked them:)

    Shorts are definitely appealing to me this summer.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for visiting :) Follow each other?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Martina- I'm so glad that I found your blog. It is such a refreshing read. Yes, let's follow each other:)

    ReplyDelete