Sartorially Inspired

Sometimes I see photos of street fashion and think I can never come up with such crazy outfit combinations.

And then I see photos like this, and think, yes, that I can do, and that I love.

via The Sartorialis

I noticed style surrounding New York Fashion Week can be so outlandish, but I love the more refined, minimalist sensibilities of these European fashionistas. They look so cool and understated and not like they spent hours dressing to catch a photographer's eye.

Anyways, here's my interpretation.

[Sweater: Thrifted; Jeans: Old Navy; Pumps: Zara; Coat; Gap (thrifted!!); Necklace; BaubleBar; Ring: Forever 21; Watch: Nixon; Nails: Essie 'Sew Psyched']

You can't really get more basic than jeans, a sweater, and a good wool coat, but that photo from The Sartorialist was a reminder of just how chic that combination can be.

I took some liberties with the jewelry (and posing), though.  

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Minimalist

[White Blouse: Forever 21 (earlier this season); Black Skirt: Banana Republic outlet (old); Sandals: Target (old); Leopard Bracelet: SoWa Vintage Market]

I've been on a classic/minimalist kick recently, thanks to my summer reading: I Love Your Style, by Amanda Brooks. You'll hear lots more about this book, as it's recently joined the ranks of my favorite style-related things (alongside stripes and Atlantic-Pacific).

Amanda talks about how minimalism requires a sense of editing and restraint. I love that. I was immediately challenged to look at my closet and see how I could exercise that discipline and effortlessness with my current wardrobe. I'm still trying my hand at the whole thing, but I thought a black and white ensemble was an easy way to dive in and experiment with minimalist style. It was hard to resist the instinct to jazz up the outfit with piles of jewelry, but I'm pleased with the result, and the carefully chosen single leopard bangle. I thought the strappy sandals added a simple but interesting sense of detail and shape to the outfit. 

Stay tuned for more black and white looks, and lots more dishing on what I've learned and loved from I Love Your Style. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets