Looking Forward

Courtesy of Vogue.com

Carven jumper, Balenciaga trousers, Celine Sandals, Hermès Kelly Bag

This look on Lauren Santo Domingo embodies my idea of the perfect fall outfit. I have long known that the Vogue Contributing Editor and I share a love of Proenza Schouler and impeccably tailored made to measure men's shirts from Ying Tai, but this look stole my heart.  At once Lauren looks polished and effortless. This is the type of look I would wear on a casual Friday at the office or to run errands; if only the weather would cooperate. At the moment, summer has returned leaving me reaching for airy fabrics. 

What instantly caught my eye was the mustard hued Carven knit. For years, a dear friend and former co-worker has repeatedly told me how beautiful mustard would look on my skin tone. Mustard is a gorgeous color, but until recently I haven't felt compelled to bring it into my wardrobe. Mustard takes confidence to pull off, but little by little it has grown on me. 

Courtesy of Vogue.com

A tailored pair of cropped trousers is a great way to transition into fall. The sliver of ankle is so feminine. Bearing a bit of ankle is graceful and adds instant insouciance to any outfit. I'm still living in my cropped trousers. I like that the trousers here are paired with a clean shoe. After seeing such over the top footwear during Fashion Week, it's nice to see a simple, straightforward shoe. The Hermès Kelly polishes off the look. I'm quite fond of structured, ladylike bags that are timeless. It's refreshing to see a look that's paired down and (dare I say it) wearable. 

PS- Has anyone used Lauren Santo Domingo's Moda Operandi? It's the first online luxury fashion retailer to allow members to pre-order full priced designer clothing straight off the runway. I have yet to see any of the items I've fallen in love with available on the site, but the idea fascinates me. I've said it before, but I always end up falling for items that never make their way into stores or are altered from the way they were originally shown on the runway. Moda Operandi is attempting to do away with this. 

I also love that Moda Operandi partnered with Vogue.com to offer a small selection of items for immediate delivery. Burberry had tremendous success when they offered items for immediate purchase after their Spring/Summer 2011 show. It's quite the adjustment to have designers coming up with pricing at the time of the show and getting feedback on designs in a timely manner. It's all part of the changing business of fashion.

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. 

Effortless

Cotélac Sweater and Shirt, J Crew Matchstick Cropped Jeans, Ferragamo Shoes

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."  Leonardo di Vinci 

This is my version of effortless weekend style. White denim and a stripy sweater are at once simple and sophisticated. Nothing symbolizes summer quite like white denim for me. Arguably it's a tricky look that I've only recently become comfortable with. I now consider it a summer stable. Even though I have a consistent style, it's constantly emerging. 

This look was perfect as I ran errands for Sunday's reception for the scholarship board I'm on. I largely admire jeans from afar. My slight stature makes me acutely aware of fit. I have a long inseam for my height, which makes tailored pants and denim all the more difficult to shop for. Having a few of my favorite tailored pants copied in Hong Kong was a godsend. Upon finding these jeans I promptly purchased two pairs for the season. White denim is a little gamine. There's a distinct air of insouciance, which I naturally gravitate toward. Summer calls for keeping things light, easy and carefree on the weekends. Effortless is not to be confused with boring. I like that the sweater has rolled sleeves, a subtle detail at the shoulder and two small exes sewn with pink thread at the back.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.