The busier I get, the less time and effort I have to put into my outfits. These phases make me nutty because I really love putting together a great look and then enjoying the way it makes me feel all day. I try to help myself out with a few small habits: keeping a file of looks that strike my fancy, scrolling through the sites of one or more of my favorite fashion bloggers or a lookbook before I go to sleep, laying out elements I want to use in the next day's look. But many days when I'm in a hurry, I default back to my style heart and just top jeans with a jacket or blazer. Do that for a few weeks and, no matter what your staple, bff, never-let-you-down look is, it'll start to get boring. Fortunately, though, it doesn't take massive additions to turn an outfit from ennui-inducing to interesting; many times, the tiniest of twists is all you need. That's what made this look one of my recent faves. Almost all the elements are casual, with a biker nod: denim, flannel shirt, moto jacket, biker boots. Except for the pearls :). They were a last minute add that satisfied my hunger for novelty and creativity. Traditional, elegant pearls don't have much to do with the laidback, raw, slightly gritty vibee of moto styling. They don't quite fit and that's the essence of their power here - they're an off beat in the mix, which throws a question mark into the look: why were they included? That "wrong" note takes on a sassy quality because they were chosen and placed there in the look, regardless of not quite belonging.  And that adds a fresh dimension to this urban-casualness: a subtle under-theme of unabashed classicism woven into a relaxed, modern dynamic. And that’s interesting, engaging and enjoyable to inhabit all day. I hope this inspires you to give this a try sometime soon :) Happy styling, loves!

Today, I wanted to share a few quick comments on noteworthy Spring/Summer 2018 collections:
Givenchy:  Clare Keller is promising, but not honed yet
Luisa Beccaria: gorgeous, light-infused collection
Dior: joltingly not good. An unfortunate showing for the iconic brand.
Haider Ackerman: the brand’s hallmark minimalism, done in an intriguing way
Mugler: some brilliant moments
Elie Saab: a nice update of the brand’s trademark beauty
Elisabetta Franchi: uneven, but the good is stunning
Armani: the freshness of color hits the brand’s trademark flawless tailoring
Dolce & Gabbana: an engaging collection, not mindblowing, but definitely appealing
Moschino: punk princess. Jeremy Scott always has at least one conversation piece. Last year, it was the chandelier dress. This year, it’s the Calla Lily dress.
Louis Vuitton: I’ve never fully understood the celeb love for this brand. This year doesn’t enlighten me.

It took me a long time to enjoy wearing very feminine looks. I always had a fear of looking too delicate. Even now, I gravitate toward tempering soft looks with tougher pieces.  I put this look together for my day job (I'm kind of a fashion Batman who blogs mainly by night). It follows the "basic canvas" philosophy, starting with a simple black long-sleeved tee and beige chinos (black denim, or trousers in either neutral are alternative workable options). It's the additions that give it panache: a long crochet sweater provides femininity and beauty, while a wide leather obi belt contrasts that soft feel with a smoother, more raw vibe.  Although it's un-embellished except for a touch of hardware, the bold width adds oomph, creating a much bigger statement than a more expected narrower belt. The iconic color combination of beige and black not only highlighted the artistic pattern of the crochet, but also reinforced the classic feel. Black leather peep-toe pumps finished off the look with a nod toward cooler weather, without leaving summer entirely behind.
Recreate this look with any pairing of top (or topper :)) and accessories that showcases the duality between frills and grit. If not crochet, try a knit sweater with a pretty cable, or pointelle pattern with smooth leather, add a studded belt to a floral tunic, accent a lace blouse with a spike necklace or chain-handled bag. Shade the look toward classicism by finishing it with pumps, or add more weight to the edgier side with sandal-booties or ankle boots.