summer's swan song

While I'm sad to see summer go, I have to say that I am freakin' STOKED for fall. Easily my favorite time of year. The layering, the rich colors, furs (faux, of course), prints, boots, scarves. So excited.

Outfitting is sort of hanging on to the warm weather, but still incorporating some early fall pieces. It doesn't have to be awkward, although I know everyone is dying to start wearing their oversized sweaters and tights. This is the time where the sweaters are starting to come on, still with bare legs, or long pants with short-sleeves, etc. Here are some of my favorite late-summer outfitting inspirations:

Jenna Lyons 

I have a girl-crush on JCrew's creative director and style savior, Jenna Lyons, along with the rest of the world. She knows how to make style effortless.

Alexa Chung 

I'm not sure where Alexa found these amazing overalls, but I'm sure you could find some in a thrift store easily.

Kylie Minogue 

She's one that I forget about, and I'm not sure why, especially when I see this outfit. A breezy button-down in leopard print is a perfect transition piece. Not too heavy for warm weather, but a perfect fall staple as well.

Blake Lively 

A cobalt blue Chanel bag? Yes, please.

Whitney Port

Amazing pants on Whitney, who in the past, always played it so safe. I'm glad to see her being more adventurous.

best dressed of 2010

I had a lot of fun this year with my first and only blog. I plan to continue on into 2011 and beyond. One of my favorite things was finding recent pictures of my favorite style icons and display the best (in my opinion). I have so many I loved, but managed to narrow it down to the most memorable. These are combinations of off-duty looks as well as couture and party outfits. I copied most of them over and over (within reason -- I'm in college and on a strict budget).

Leigh Lezark

She always looks good. Can we all agree on that? She wears a lot of black, so the bright red feather dress was a big surprise for everyone. Not just anyone could pull this off, but Leigh and her piercing stare make it look ever-so cool. By the way, anyone else think Leigh looks strangely like Trinity from The Matrix? Maybe that's why I love her. 

Alexa Chung

My go-to girl. If I'm ever stumped on what to wear, I'll check out what she's wearing for inspiration. I love Alexa because she never looks like she's trying too hard. She's a girl who knows what looks good and sticks to her guns: oxfords, boyfriend sweaters, shorts with tights, mini dresses...it's all classic Alexa.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

Whoever said "the French do it better" definitely had Julia in mind. Not only does she gravitate to my preferred wardrobe color of choice (black), she takes risks. She represents exactly what modern fashion should be: stylish, classy, but edgy. As the daughter of former French Vogue editor (Carine Roitfeld) it's no wonder that great and daring style is in her blood.  

Kate Moss

This is a no-brainer. Kate is on everyone's best dressed list; I apologize for not being original. She is the ultimate rule-breaker and trend-setter. But what's truly wonderful about Kate is when she's photographed walking around London, she's usually just wearing a t-shirt, jeans, a leather jacket, and her Ray-Bans. Yes, ladies, it IS that simple. Don't over-think it! Sometimes an oversized sweater, leggings, and some great flats can look just as amazing as a fur vest and Louboutin stilettos. 

Jessica Stam

My favorite supermodel! Jessica has an ethereal beauty that can make anything look good. She can pull off ball gowns and couture, but Jess's personal style is quite grungy. She's often seen wearing band t-shirts and jeans with leather jackets and ballet flats. I love how laid-back yet glamorous she is.  

Clémence Poésy

Remember what I said about the French? Well, Clémence is no exception. In fact, she's the rule. I've adored everything about her since seeing her in In Bruges. She has a total effortless look with the tousled hair and no-frills dressing both in her downtime and when attending Paris Fashion Week. J'adore. 

Olivia Palermo

Overall, Olivia is a little too perfect and preppy for my liking. But this year, she's being a little more daring. Still, I'd like to mess up her hair and tell her not to brush it and smudge her eyeliner around. I love when she mixes prints and dresses more "downtown" than uptown. 

Daisy Lowe

The ultimate cool Brit It-girl. Daisy can look tough and badass in all-black and leather one minue, and positively sweet in a floral dress the next. She has her own unique style, but never looks the same. Personal favorite: the Miu Miu dress and sweater (second to last picture). 

Nicole Richie 

A few years ago, I would've said no way. But lately, Nicole is looking a lot more sophisticated and showing her personal style. I love the hints of boho, a style that I've never particularly liked, but when mixed with an Alexander McQueen scarf and Chanel bag, I'm into it. Motherhood has done great things for her. She just seems kinder and more comfortable in her own skin. 

Lou Doillon

She's not exactly a household name yet, but her mother (Jane Birkin) certainly is. At least in my household. The French model/actress has consistently blown me away this year. Her laid-back look and striking features have made her the new darling on all of the style blogs. She loves her Chanel, too, which is always a plus. 

Rachel Bilson

She's cute running errands. She's cute going to fashion shows and parties. Rachel has officially ousted Mischa Barton as most fashionable O.C. alum. She pays attention to trends but never incorporates too many into one look, which is so important. 

Sienna Miller

Sienna is another favorite best-dressed vet and for good reason. Years ago, her trademark was a modern boho look. Now days, she's being a little more adventurous and trying new looks. And you don't have to buy only from her Twenty8Twelve line to look like Sienna. Anything that looks like cool London street style will do the trick. 

Honorable Mention: Whitney Port

Whenever I write something good in my papers at school, my professors circle it and say, "More like this!" Whitney, I'm going to circle this outfit and write "More like this!" really large in red pen. 

See you next year!

xox 

Jessi Lou

best dressed: mid-november

I don't usually like what Whitney Port wears. Sorry, Whit. Every now and then, however, she hits a homerun. This is one of those times. Congratulations on being the best dressed for mid November!

So good! More like this. Dr. Martens and leopard print shorts (or skirt?) with a chunky sweater is a fantastic start.  Be more daring and I'll be more interested. 

Here are some of my other favorites.

Carey Mulligan 

Chanel Iman

Olivia Palermo

Kelly Osbourne

bye-bye, the city

I am lame, but I won't lie: I loved The City. By now it's no secret that the MTV pseudo-reality series has called it quits after three seasons. It was originally brought on as the New York City counterpart to The Hills after Whitney Port left. Port went from L.A. to New York working for Diane von Furstenberg, and a new show was born. It followed Port and a various assortment of characters (Olivia Palermo, Kelly Cutrone, Roxy Olin, and Erin Kaplan to name a few) working different jobs in the fashion industry. For that reason alone (along with the setting and wardrobe choices), I was hooked.

Personally, I never liked The Hills. I couldn't identify with the tanned California girls and their brightly-colored clothes assailed my eyes. My heart belongs to New York forevermore.

(Left to Right) Token mean girl Olivia Palermo and heroine Whitney Port

I think it's fair to say that the first season of The City was not so interesting. I couldn't keep the characters straight because, well, they were boring. Not memorable at all. Although, I do remember one of them crying quite a bit. Anyway, the second and third seasons really had me hooked because Olivia was handed a position on a silver platter at Elle magazine as an accessories editor. She worked under the watchful eyes of Joe Zee (creative director of the magazine) and PR Director Erin Kaplan. Both were great to watch because even if it was scripted, it still gave you some idea of what working for a magazine might be like. Whitney ends up leaving DVF and pursuing her dream of designing clothes. A familiar character from The Hills returns to give Whitney brash advice and tough love: Kelly Cutrone.

Kelly is Whitney's critical and sharp boss at PR company, People's Revolution. In terms of the fashion industry and making it in NYC, she knows what she's talking about. When she wasn't jabbing someone with her one-liners, she played big-hearted maternal guidance to Whit's struggling designer. I love Kelly, and not just because of her all-black ensembles. She doesn't bullshit anyone. I just hope that's her real personality and not only on camera. 

Kelly Cutrone: "L.A. has weather, we [New York] have life."

So true, Kel. I'll miss you, City girls.

xox
Jessi Lou