Winter Fur for Lookbook

This is (almost) my first attempt at joining the 'collective fashion conciousness' of lookbook.nu, an extremely competitive style community where photoshop rules and the right pose is everything!

Asos Finds and a Few New Outfits

Asos has long been on my radar for it's eclectic mix of inexpensive goodies and designer finds, epitomised by the contrast of a £5 stack of bangles and a £1,700 vintage Chanel bag. However, despite browsing (and buying from it) frequently, I had never before stumbled upon the Asos own brand collections, namely the Black, White, Reclaimed and Revived labels. And what a surprise I had! An achingly dull History session for livened up spectacularly by the cashmere/ wool mix draping of the White collection, the delicate satin lace slips from Revive and the utilitarian sexy/cool vibe of the Reclaimed section.

I'm particularly lusting over the styling of 'Asos Reclaimed' collection; baggy combats combined with studded belts and louche knits, which, when worn with sky high black boots and edgy gold jewellery- think Tom Binns or Daisy Knights- inject a sexy insouciance which definitely isn't tomboy.

Furthermore, the 20s theme of the Black collection made me drool, with it's use of velvets, bugle beads and gauzy transparent ruffles. I have always longed for a vintage flapper dress with Art Deco embellishment and a fringed hem, to Charleston the night away with a boy in jazz shoes. Secretly, I am rather infatuated with those long cigarette holders, again influenced by the 'Great Gatsby' socialites, as well as the eponymous image of Audrey Hepburn elegantly dangling a holder from her be-gloved fingers (said picture may or may not be hanging on my bedroom wall at this precise moment...).

Image from: www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/252-248

Now is the point to say that I'd never, ever smoke, because of the blatantly obvious reasons... but really, I'm yearning to be able to learn over towards a man, smiling seductively with my Rouge Noir lips and nonchalantly playing with an ebony- and- silver cigarette holder, whilst he falls in love with me (because of my sparkling wit and intelligent conversation, obviously…). Ahh well, a girl can dream! But one thing is certain: the Black collection has dresses to partly facilitate that dream, most notably this gorgeous golden beaded piece. Not exactly a flapper dress, but the beading and bias cut nudge it into that genre whilst the halter neck and backless features make it a more modern update.

And finally, to complete this Asos love- in, I give you two items that would be just perfect when styled together; I'm thinking paired with some thick, cashmere over- the- knee- socks (for these, it has to be Toast) and brown suede heeled boots. The juxtaposition of the silken slip and the cashmere/wool/ suede gives the outfit a cosy, yet stylish, feel and the muted autumnal colours (grey, green, ombre) renders it ideal for the current season.

All images, unless stated, are from www.asos.com

A Surprise Dilemma

Issue 1: What to wear to a 'surprise' event when told, in the typical male fashion, to look 'nice'?

Issue 2: So, just how nice is nice?! Are we talking cocktail dresses and 5 inch heels or (I loathe this term) 'smart casual'?

Issue 3: Location- outside or inside? Adequate central heating to render an outer layer negligible, or should one expect the worst Arctic conditions? (And to this point, should I take a larger bag in which to place said cover- up, in case there's no where else to put it?)

Issue 4: What will everyone else be wearing? I am no means a sheep, but turning up in cowboy boots when everyone else is in heels? It's just an annoying loss of the chance to dress up!

Although this unknown event has made me quite speechless with excitement, tonight is going to be a long evening of ransacking my wardrobe to find the perfect solution to my sartorial issues. One thing is for certain: red lips and rails are a must, a la Chanel!

Both images are from Google

Style Icons: Scott Schuman

The other half of previous ‘icon’ Garance Dore, I actually discovered Scott Schuman’s ‘The Sartorialist’ before I found Garance. I was first captivated by his simple, beautiful street photography that does not discriminate between the personal style, age or creativity of the people he shoots. In addition to this Schuman also adheres to the now somewhat forgotten charms of being a true ‘gentleman’; as well as being depicted in the perfectly cut suits and stylish neck ties documented in The Sartorialist, this is more so shown in his prevalent attitude towards style which both follows and breaks tradition, his respect for women, and traditional sartorial crafts such as tailors.

Famous for documenting not only the street scenes at every fashion week but every style maverick who crosses his path, Schuman portrays both high fashion and individual creativity; by taking samples from around the world he illustrates the impact fashion has on everyday life across the globe. In addition to this he shows that a sense of style has importance and purpose in whichever walk of life you’re from: witness the colour coordinating tramp from New York and the casual street sweepers in Milan. Schuman’s sartorial analysis is often shown on the male outfits, through his explanations of how and why the tailoring on a certain piece works; I now know the ideal shirt sleeve length and how Italians cut their jackets to make them look slimmer. This emphasis on male style has only increased my interest in menswear, resulting in a frantic following of Pitti Uomo and the menswear shows almost as much as the female equivalents, as well as absorbing my boyfriend’s Esquire almost before he does.

From the Tuileries to Ipanena beach, Schuman is the name to follow for everyone with the slightest interest in fashion, menswear or photography. Young or old, fashion forward or individual, the subjects and style of his photographs has the ability to inspire; nothing less could be said about the man himself.

'The Sartorialist' blog: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Image from: http://www.trackchanges.net/2008/08/