full metallic jacket
Tuesday, August 14
I have a few Chanel-inspired boxy jackets in my closet, and they're all aging nicely. That's because the silhouette is timelessly chic. I like the idea of wearing this metallic boucle jacket with boyish pieces to temper its ladylike vibe.
1. Faith Connexion metallic chiffon shirt, $360, netaporter.com
2. Dorothy Perkins lace-trimmed boucle jacket, $89, dorothyperkins.com
3. Asos bag, $59, asos.com
4. Sigerson Morrison loafers, $395, piperlime.com
5. J. Crew jeans, $148, jcrew.com
gold diggers
Monday, August 13
Looks to me like there's a gold mine out there right now: clothing, bags, shoes, even baby onesies are being rendered in the shiniest metallic gold. A little glint, like Shala Monroque's metallic leather mini, works for everyday, and gleamy accessories are perfect for lighting up the night. Check out these stunning golden nuggets:
Photo: Vanessa Jackman
back in black
Monday, August 13
It's no coincidence that fall's most-wanted designer bags are all simple and understated. No garish logos. No flashy hardware. Not a lot of extras. Following in that subdued, less-is-more vibe is this carry-all from Zara. I'd tote my life around in it with...
1. Stella McCartney t-shirt, $385, netaporter.com
2. River Island grey blazer, $47, riverisland.com
3. Zara studded tote bag, $199, zara.com
4. Pour La Victoire ankle strap heel, $250, pourlavictoire.com
5. Reiss seamed navy trousers, $210, reissonline.com
beachy keen
Saturday, August 11
We are off to the beach this weekend! So, in the spirit of all things sea, sand and surf, I thought I'd post this photograph taken by my twin sister Coliena Rentmeester, which was shot on the lovely shores of Malibu, and is an outtake from a British Glamour story. I love the idea of wearing a button down blouse over a bathing suit. It looks so natural, easy and summery. Just a little outfit inspiration before you (hopefully!) hit the beach this weekend, too. See you on Monday!
scarf print trousers
Friday, August 10
Although I love the flowy, wide-leg scarf print pants that everyone seems to be wearing, I've found that some of them look a little pajama-like on my body. That's why this pair appeals to me: it's on trend, tapered and streamlined, bears a sophisticated, subtle print and is office-friendly. In other words: these pants would make me look the opposite of bed-bound. I'd wear them with...
1. Halston Heritage silk tank, $295, netaporter.com
2. Tom Binns hoop earrings, $77, shopbop.com
3. Accessorize quilted tote, $35, accessorize.com
4. Mango leather heels, $129, mango.com
5. Mango scarf print trousers, $59, mango.com
leather shorts
Thursday, August 9
It's embarrassing but true: wearing leather shorts--something I had never thought myself capable of until two weeks ago, when I bought a pair--makes me feel like a rock star. I LOVE them. I've restricted them to daytime outings and with flats, only, so they look less flashy (and less like I'm trying too hard). I've been pairing mine, which I snapped up from H&M, with causal striped t-shirts. Anything that will tone them down, like a simple button down blouse or even a slouchy sweater, goes in my book. Model Miranda Kerr, pictured above, opts for a basic, but chic white tee. For leather shorts like hers, try these by Diane Von Furstenberg, or consider an inexpensive (vegan leather!) pair by Free People. Yeah, baby!
Photo: Le Fashion
dip dyed denim
Thursday, August 9
Stella McCartney has been wearing ombre jeans everywhere--to school drop-offs as well as to glamorous events, like her resort 2012 collection presentation in New York. The designer's good friend Gwyneth has been working her ombre jeans, too, donning a black pair to walk the red carpet. I like this Madewell pair because the color grading is subtle, and blue denim, as we all know, is endlessly wearable. I'd give them a spin with...
1. Tibi leather collared crochet overlay silk shirt, $425, netaporter.com
2. House of Harlow gold pave ring, $64, charmandchain.com
3. River Island tassel bucket bag, $68, asos.com
4. Barneys Co-op suede pumps, $275, barneys.com
5. Madewell ombre jeans*, $135, madewell.com
*P.S. Madewell offers free shipping and free returns on all jeans, and you also get 20 percent off on orders of $150 or more through Monday, August 13.
the blue blazer revisited
Wednesday, August 8
A classic blue blazer traditionally has been synonymous with pearls, country clubs, and prep school/corporate uniforms. But fashion bellwethers like Sarah Rutson, Emmanuelle Alt and Lauren Santo Domingo (all pictured below) are breathing new life into the old wardrobe basic, sporting it in ways that look anything but fusty. Spurring the trend is the fact that navy jackets are being re-issued in flattering modern cuts, from gorgeously fitted (and nipped in at the waist) to tuxedo-inspired to oversized and double-breasted (chicly mannish). I think these new blazers are executed best when offset by relaxed jeans or something entirely unexpected, like, for example, LSD's feather skirt, or a pair of leather shorts. I'm loving these blue blazers from The Row, Balmain (like the one above, on "final" sale), Club Monaco, and Banana Republic.
daytime shift
Wednesday, August 8
When it's scorching hot out (like it is today in LA) I like to dress simply, minimally, effortlessly. This throw-on-and-go dress is an ideal summer day uniform. The graphic color-blocking has a striking (Celine-ish) effect, and it goes equally well with flat sandals, heels, brogues, ankle boots, and even Converse kicks. In other words, it's infinitely versatile. I'd keep cool in it with...
1. Mango dress, $59, mango.com
2. Gucci aviator sunglasses, $265, shopbop.com
3. Barneys Co-op leather tote, $575, barneys.com
4. K. Jacques sandals, $233, shopbop.com
printed shorts
Tuesday, August 7
I spent yesterday morning pulling clothes for a cover shoot, and the showrooms were filled with next season's biggest hits. Among them is the printed pant. Of course, this isn't a new trend, but the showing yesterday clearly proved it's one that's still going strong. Given the weather outside, printed shorts may be more appropriate for now--and they'll get you used to mixing and matching patterns come this fall. Some wear-right-now shorts to consider from Rebecca Minkoff, Clover Canyon, and Forever 21.
Photo: Fashion Distraction