My Week is Wide Open

Bear with me while I get back on track with blogging. I recently moved into a new apartment, and I have been consumed with decorating (much to dan's dislike). Apart from my iphone, internet access has been sparse in between work and moving! 
Now, as my week becomes wide open, I am looking forward to adding new things to JOTN.

Here are some ideas I have and things to come:

1. Store Profiles- fine finds I have found around Halifax, and a look at the places that I found them in.

2. More Hali Street Style

3. What I am wearing- some tangible examples of what I am loving, what I am wearing lately, and where you can get similar looks.

4. Gender Benders- no matter what junk you are walking around with between your legs, here are some outfit ideas that bend all conventional gender-specific rules. 

Anyways, today, is all about the return of the wide leg. I was introduced to the wide leg at a young age. The simple yet elegant trouser has been an immortal staple for the women in my household (mother, and I). My mother was all about buying me well tailored suits far before I ever had a job (I still don't have an occupation that requires the sophisticated ensembles she bestowed upon me at age 11). While the gorgeous sets were often waisted on my then-boyish frame, I fell in love with the roomy, yet utterly perfect fit of women's slacks, and looked forward to dinner parties and events where I could wear the chic pant. 

Being an avid athlete in high school with a boyish build (a lack of TNA), but also muscular legs, I always secretly found it more challenging to shop for bottom pieces than tops. I went to great lengths to try to make my legs look longer and leaner. I would buy my bottoms a couple sizes up to give the illusion that my legs where lost somewhere in the pant. My friends will also remember the days I cladded jeans made for little boys, before boyfriend cuts were made with women in mind. 

While I felt good about the loose fit, the wide waist, and the concaving butt pockets always looked sloppy. The fit made it difficult to look more mature and clean cut. Now, my beloved wide leg is being revisited, and just like that my week has opened right up!  I can get that feminine, well-groomed look, with the roominess in the thighs, and without the bagging in the behind.


Here are some of my favourite examples to give you some ideas.

knightcat

knightcat

Elle, October 2010

Lefashion

Elle, September 2010

Lefashion

womenmanagement

the sartorialist 

the sartorialist 

the sartorialist 

the Sartorialist

knightcat

Lefash

Knightcat 

Still loving style.

xo

J.

I'm All Reddy

I never, ever, thought I would blog. While I have an archive of thousands of style photos saved to my hard drive, and a box of spreads ripped from magazines dating back to 1996, I never thought I’d generate this conscious stream of fashionable thoughts for anyone to read. I guess you could say, while I dress distinctively and assertively, I am a pretty private person.    

Though I say that I love fashion- that is not to say that I think I know everything about it. To me, there is no “knowing” style- it is this infinite, intangible, innate thing that is constantly changing and evolving within all of us.  

 

I see in colours, shapes, structures, and textures, and that is why I like this art form so much. I do not think I am right, I do not think my tastes are superior to others’, my principles of thought are by no means laws of style, and I will never use the term fashionista to describe myself.

All I can say is that I’m All Reddy to take this on. So, welcome to Jule of the Nile (JOTN). If you have any suggestions or comments please contact me, I am interested in hearing what I can do to improve!

An old personal fave. Unfortunately saved so long ago I cannot remember the source...based on time likely Knightcat

Stockholmstreetstyle

Vogue USA, October 2010, Carey Mulligan

Flare Magazine, October 2010, Maritime tale

Caroline's Mode 

Caroline's Mode

The Sartorialist 

alltheprettybirds

alltheprettybirds

stockholmstreetstyle

Stockholmstreestyle

Knightcat

Stockholmstreetstyle

Stockholmstreestyle

Altamira: Models Off Duty

Vogue USA, Sept 2010

alltheprettybirds

Caroline's Mode, Balmain s/s 2011

Caroline's Mode, touches of Red!

Le Fashion, Dree Hemingway

J Crew Lookbook, styled by Jenna Lyons 

These days I am looking for red accents to ignite my outfits as the skies turn grey and cloudy. Hope you enjoyed this one- get all reddy for more JOTN.

xox
J.

Size Matters

What size purse are you carrying this season? Nice and small is back (who would’ve thought?). One of my favorite clothing genres is on the rise again: women’s sportswear – and with it, comes a strong emphasis on structure.  

A well-constructed purse is priceless and will stand the test of time. My favorites are Hermes’ understated and classic shapes and colours. But you don’t have to shell out big dough to pick up one of these little autumn wonders.  Go on a hunt through thrift stores or your grandmother’s closet and find some of these hidden vintage jewels.  Look for ones with a great square frame, an antique clasp, and a short strap, or ones made of buttery leather, with a thin long strap. Look for shapes inspired by traditional doctor bags, traveler bags, and briefcases.

 This fall I am carrying my beloved hand-me-down Kelly bags (courtesy of my extremely elegant yet genuinely generous and crazy relaxed mother), and other beauties that I had the privilege of finding second hand (vintage pieces that have already been broken in for you are precious).

How are your purses sizing up?

stockholmstreet style

alltheprettybirds

Both from the Sartorialist, Jil Sander s/s 2011

knightcat

alltheprettybirds

knightcat

stockholmstreetstyle

Hermes bag in lilac (personal fave!!!)

stockholmstreetystyle

stockholmstreetstyle

grey chanel

stockholmstreetstyle

stockholmstreetstyle

stockholmstreetstyle

stockholmstreetstyle

amazing YSL bag

stockholmstreetstyle

stockholmstreetstyle

caroline'smode

Derek Lam, ram's head detailing

Elle magazine, October 2010, Karolina Kurkova

Whether it is thrifted, a family heirloom or brand new, these little accessories can add a lot of class to an outfit. Carrying around a structured bag can add a softer touch to a more grungie look (for example, adding it in with a biker jacket or chunky frye boots), or add  some sophistication to a casual look (for example, pairing with jeans and a boyfriend shirt). Bring them along with basically anything. All they do is make you feel eternally chic!

Still loving style.

J.