Man Up.

For me, there is nothing sexier than a woman who looks hot rocking mens clothing. My unconventional fashion taste has always placed me on the more "boyish" side of style. I have always had a strong appreciation for beautiful women wearing traditionally masculine cuts. Don't get me wrong; I like looking womanly too sometimes, but like I've said before, I like things that are edgier- things that push the boundary slightly. It is something about the understated femininity which finds a way to shine through, that I love so much. While I do enjoy putting on a hot little number, my friends know I am through with the tight confined mini dress by the time I get into the cab. Often, I throw on some wide leg slacks and an oversized black blazer with some feminine touches just before dashing out the door. 


I think the reason I love women who man up into masculine-cut suits, is the ying and yang feeling that I get inside. One part of me recognizes that something is somewhat off about the "mannish" silhouette, another part takes note of the bust and hips, yet somehow in the end, I am filled with this harmonious feeling of well-tailored, timeless perfection. 

This season, the return of man's uniform is still structured and square but has a softer, slightly more feminine cut- we can finally get our hands on some menswear that is thinking outside of the "box".  Women in suits are holding their own authority for attention.

Here are some of my favourite takes on women manning up and rocking mens wear. 

lefashion

Chloe

alltheprettybirds

menswear instinct

alltheprettybirds

the double breasted suit

stockholmstreetstyle

Adding jewellery and accessories to woman it up.

knightcat

lefashion

knightcat

knightcat

caroline's mode

jil sander a/w 2010

a little more colour

stockholmstreetstyle

So man up! Look for structured squarish coats tailored for women, pair up your boyfriend blazer with some slack, and add your own touches, like jewellery and lipstick to make it your own. After all, behind all that great mens wear, are some fabulous women. 

Still loving Style.

J.

Just Leather into Your Heart

I'll admit it. I love to shop. It is an ongoing joke for all my friends who have seen me through the years of impulsive buys and extreme aversion to ripping off price tags. Yes, I have been known to buy things, never wear them- not even once- just to go and donate them a few years later.

 While I fight my mother when she begs me to cut down the bulk in my closet, I cannot deny that her rules of style have been invaluable to keeping me in line and shopping smart. 

One principle that has seen me through the years, and has helped define my personal style since the meagre age of 9 is the importance of investing in classics. Even better are those classic pieces that have an added twist. A new spin on a timeless silhouette keeps it true to its eternal nature, but also makes it raw and new.  

To me, the looks of a/w 2010 have introduced a touch of leather to some of our favourite classics. And just like that, I have leather (let her) into my heart... 

The simple yet sleek addition of leather keeps straightforward classics in line with their everlasting personality, while adding a touch of elegance, along with some edge. The added medium also helps basic pieces transition from day to night. 

Below are some of my favourite examples of leather, adding a whole new level of chic to some of fashion's everlasting classiques.

Mr. Newton

A basic grey goes from clean and casual to clearly commanding.

Caroline's Mode

Stockholmstreetstyle

Celine's LLD

Alltheprettybirds 

Flare Magazine, October 2010

A new take on a basic long sleeve.

Vogue Nippon, Fall 2010

Lefashion

Alltheprettybirds

Stockholmstreetstyle

Michael Kors, s/s 2011

Don't turn your back on fashion's classics, which will forever stand the test of time. But be gutsy enough to show off your new takes on ageless pieces, whether it be with leather details or unique twists of your own.

xo

J.

Nothing but Neutrals

   I am spending my Thanksgiving in Margaree, Cape Breton, with 16 of Dan's closest family, and friends. We are all staying under the same roof of a gorgeous, old 1930’s manor. The place is amazing. It’s filled with old radiators, aged hardwood floors, preserved antiques and the hum of many well-fed individuals. While some are spending their time outdoors walking along the beach, I find myself nuzzled up in a blanket on a long-established couch tending to the fire, and reading some Mark Twain.

    Sitting here, I am craving nothing but neutrals. I am in the perfect place to welcome in October, the autumn, and of course the rustic country style that embodies a/w 2010.

   Fashion's fall and winter lines are displaying a whole lot of beige, taupe and camel. The key to this season is not to fear matchy monochromatic outfits. Instead, mix in different textures and fabrics to add depth and power to your colourless looks. Below are some of my favourite fall outfits,dominated by the power of nothing but neutrals. 

The Globe and Mail, October 10, 2010

Stockholmstreetstyle

Caroline's Mode

Lefashion

Lefashion

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

Stockholmstreetstyle

Lefashion, a favorite look by Dries van Noten

Vogue, Chloe

Marie Claire Italia, Chloe

Both Vogue Russia, Chloe

Vogue Nippon

Stock up now on neutral items and have fun combining them in interesting ways. Layer chiffon, lace, leather, knits and fur to keep warm through the autumn months! 

xo J.

Falling for Fall

The night is starting to steal our sunlight away. It falls upon us earlier, as we make our way into autumn months filled with crunchy leaves, warm pumpkin pie, and brisk walks through the wind.  While my heart breaks every time my internal clock takes note that it is dark at a mere 8:30pm, I cannot deny my love for the bulky warm garments that are making their way back into my wardrobe, and into my heart.

    Here is my list of the top 10 “awe-inspiring autumn” day pieces, that every woman’s fall wardrobe should include, as we settle into months of warm drinks and rosie cheeks.

        1. A LONG SKIRT

My favorite look this autumn is a long “falling” skirt.  The sleek lines of a nicely tailored, floor-length skirt elongate the body, and make me feel true to my (incredibly chic) inner science geek. 

(Le Fashion, Knight Cat, Altarmia: Models Off Duty, Elle)

The one I picked out is from Zara, and I am really craving to find one in velvet!

       

         2. A LEATHER:

       As you will learn, my mother is my style icon. She is the one who not only brought me into this world (duh), but introduced me to style, elegance, and timeless class. There are many tips she passed on to me that will slowly seep into my posts. One thing I learned early on, was the importance of investing in a single piece: the leather jacket.

(Altamira: Models off Duty, Knight Cat, stockholmstreetstyle)

While good leather is pricey, the days you spend wearing your leather will surely surpass the hundreds you shell out for it. My favorite leathers have been in my closet since I was in high school, and I plan to own them for the next 30 years.

3. GOOD SWEATERS, GOOD LAYERS

A good sweater, and smartly toned layers can do no wrong during the fall season. I am drawn to ones malted with earthy tones of forest green, maroon, brown, jewel purple and beige. 

(Le Fashion, Knight Cat, Top Shop)

The ones I am rocking this fall season are from Aritzia. 

         4. SHOES WITH WEIGHT

         I am seeing more and more note-worthy kicks that are the wow factor of outfits. Whether it be a wedge, a wooden heel or a grungie boot, there is nothing I am enjoying more than making a great shoe, with great weight, the focal point of my outfit.  My favourite shoes in my closet this season are the Solvan clog by Free People shown below, my Frye calf-height boots, and my amazing Joie suede thigh highs from last season.

Solvan Clogs, and many more bootsby Free People: http://www.freepeople.com/shoes-clogs-and-platforms/solvang-clog/

Throw on some tights underneath to make it fall-friendly.

(Altamira: Models Off Duty, Le Fashion)

         5. TIGHTS,  SOCKS, WOOLIES

Throwing on tights under jean shorts or a short dress, adding thick woolies under boots, sandals, or oxfords, and pulling up thigh-high socks, are a comfortable and easy way to add depth, texture, colours and layers to an autumn outfit. Adding bulk this fall is a good way to keep cute and keep warm.

(Altamira: Models Off Duty, The Sartorialist)

Still loving style. 
        
Sincerely,
      Jules