Inspired... Summer Break!

A lot of you readers who are in school, like myself, should be expecting summer break right around the corner (if you're not already on break). Almost as important as planning which days you're going to the beach, is asking yourself "what am I going to be wearing?" After all, how can you enjoy your vacation if you don't look nice?

We have your summer break inspiration right here!

Maxi dresses can often look too bohemian, but the geometric neckline and not-to-long length paired with casually swept-up hair make this Prada dress an A+ choice for summer wear.

Work attire isn't just for the office - break out that pencil skirt and black pumps to wear with your casual tee and sunglasses for a look that says "I'm financially stable, but I'm not afraid to have fun!"

Both of these outfits are gorgeous in different ways, but go nicely together as well. Both the outfits are simple in style and maintenance, but what really makes them stand out is the genius colouring. 

Anja Rubik does the grunge-y model off duty look better than anyone, and her ensemble above makes for a great casually deconstructed look, and a brilliant contrast between the tattered white cut-offs and crisp blue blouse (plus the gold gladiators show off her tan)

Innerwear becomes outerwear. 

Julia Frakes is very eclectic and quirky when it comes to dressing, but that may not be for everyone. Everyone can take a clue from Julia, however, when it comes to colour and pattern coordination - this outfit above is a prime example of her brilliance!

Another example of office summer dressing, all you need to embellish is a bold belt, or statement jewelry.

Enlarged floral prints are often much more modern than small liberty prints, and non-fussy gladiators pair with that style very nicely. I also love the neckline on this dress - the embellishment, the square v-neck... glorious summer wear...

Simple and lovely - a full bright skirt, flat ankle booties, and a simple white blouse just scream "Summer '09"

Sometimes all you need to look great in the summer is a bold, bright, graphic dress and a whole lot of attitude ;)

Happy dressing!

Inspired... What Type of Weather is This?!!?

These days it can really be anything from a 65-degree windy day to a 99-degree blazing hot day - so how are we supposed to dress?!!? I've come up with a solutions through different inspirations, so you can pick and choose depending on which side of this global weather catastrophe you're experiencing today.

No matter if it's hot or cold, you always need a great pair of shoes.

Just like shoes, a smile is always in style, regardless of the weather!

For cold mornings, throw on a coat or fur - you can throw it off the second it gets hot and reveal your outfit preparedness underneath.

Is it a skirt? Is it a dress? Do you even care when it's hotter than hell outside?

You can never really go wrong with your favourite lightweight dress and comfortable flats.

Inspired... Just Because

Just because I'm always in need of a little inspiration (and I'm fairly sure you are too!)

Menswear done right - model Irina Lazareanu keeps a light feminine touch with a plaid blazer and slightly fitted trousers.

The bold shoulder is just the right size to be wearable, and the mix of textures breaks apart what could have been a too-stiff all-black outfit.
Hangin' loose - a delicate destruction can make an all-over smart outfit more laid back.
Tight all-over doesn't have to equal trashy. The wrapped belt is perfection, and the black patent booties pop against the other monochromatic pieces (it does help that she has an impeccable figure and face to match!)
Mixing styles doesn't always look confusing - above, the combination of cargo pants, cascading necklace, slouchy tank-top, and semi-structured bright-blue bag is easy and breezy.

Inspired... Warming Weather

With the weather warming up, we all need a little inspiration!

Probably the most perfect combination I can find. The comfort of the shirt, the volume contrast of the pants, the worn-in leather bag, the grey heels... I'm smitten with this outfit!
I like the idea of an interesting, light-weight coat as a dress. The matching tights are also an interesting combination, and gives it a colour-blocked look.
Very vintage Ralph Lauren, and also very classically comfortable. The layers are light and fit to perfection - a white shirt base and a navy cardigan (belted) with a navy blazer and patterned scarf. Crisp, easy, lovely.
I need those shoes. I really like the combination of colours, with a black and white basis and a cranberry-coloured sweater with a multi-grey scarf. It's very simple to put together, and can be dressed up or dressed down - gotta love versatility!
For those of you who aren't in the warmest climate, here's a stunner for you. This outfit is trendy and simplistic - the trendy elements being the thigh-high boots and Alexander Wang bag; the simplistic elements being the tunic tee, blazer, and super-blue jeans.

Inspired... Open Back

The body part of the new season? The back! Highlight it, frame it, and show it off! 

1.) Sasha Pivovarova

2.) Hilary Swank

3.) ASOS Chain Back Long Sleeve Top (in Black) - $21; asos.com

4.) The Sartorialist - Studded Leather Jacket

5.) Sienna Miller

Tips: Essentially you could create a similar effect by simply wearing a low-cut sweater, shirt/blouse or dress, backwards. 

6.) ASOS Backless V Back Jersey Top (in Black or Red) - $26; asos.com

7.) The Sartorialist - Chain Necklace

8.) Cotton Spandex Jersey Double U-Neck Dress (in Black, Raspberry, Sea Blue or Mauve) - $36; store.americanapparel.net

9.) The Sartorialist - Voluminous Detailed Coat

10.) Lipsy Strappy Open Back Zip Body Con Dress (in Black) - $81; asos.com

Tips: Another way to achieve a creative back-showcasing look is by draping a necklace down your back, instead of down the front. But make sure the necklace isn't too heavy - you don't want to choke yourself!

11.) The Sartorialist - Bejeweled Wing Back

12.) Kimchi Blue Lace T Back Halter (in Black or Light Grey) - $32; urbanoutfitters.com

13.) Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 RTW

14.) The Sartorialist - V-Back

Tips: For a bunch of other photo inspirations of backless dresses, here's a good link: http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/Fashion/Penelope-Cruz/89595/gallery

Inspired/Photo of the Week

Is it just me or is it getting a little chilly outside? We're in need of inspiration for our outfits, and we have just that - whatever your style! 

All photos: The Sartorialist

Inspired... Purple

Undeniably the colour of fall 2008, purple looks regal and elegant on everyone who wears it. You wouldn't know it, but it's one of the most flattering colours and it transcends age. But how to integrate it into your fall wardrobe without going overboard? I have some ideas :)

Personally, I'd dive straight in with bold, dark purple-hued evening wear. But for everyday looks, you may just want to use purple as a 'pop' colour (like a purple bag or lavender scarf). 

1.) Pair this with a simple black cocktail dress and a silver clutch and you're sure to make a bold statement. Justine Patent Pump (in Dark Purple/Silver) - $23; forever21.com

2.) A look from the Fall 2008 RTW Bill Blass runway

3.) Even adding the tiniest amount of purple pumps up an outfit. ASOS Enamel And Square Stone Ring (in Gold) - $15; asos.com

4.) Use this the next time you need a cute bag for a movie date or dinner party. Suzy Smith Bright Chain Shoulder Bag (in Grape) - $46.50; asos.com

5.) Pair this with a white tank top tucked into a pair of dark was jeans, and you'll have an adorable and effortless outfit. Dream V-Neck Cardigan (in Dark Eggplant) - $69.50; jcrew.com

6.) Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen) carrying a bright purple Valentino bag on the set of "Gossip Girl"

7.) Not exactly flattering on all body types, but for those who can pull it off, wear it with a billowy pewter grey blouse and long silver necklaces. Interlock Mini Skirt (in Eggplant) - $25; store.americanapparel.net

8.) A more flattering skirt option; ideal for the chillier days worn with knee high boots and opaque tights. Felted Wool Mini (in Royal Violet) - $98; jcrew.com

9.) A look from the Fall 2008 RTW Alberta Ferretti runway

10.) Easily used as an everyday bag. Bessie Quilted Oversized Clutch and Chain Bag (in Purple) - $56; asos.com

11.) A change of pace from your regular, black opaque tights. Opaque Pantyhose (in Plum) - $14; store.americanapparel.net

12.) A look from the Fall 2008 RTW Versace runway

13.) Combines both the fetish trend and the purple trend into one accessory. Best worn as a waist-cincher over a solid coloured flowy dress. ASOS Studded Patent Waist Belt (in Purple) - $22; asos.com