As the temperature climbs during the summer months, thoughts turn to looks that are breezy, loose and relaxed. Kaftans, thanks to the current '70s bohemia trend are back. Whenever I think of a kaftan I see Elizabeth Taylor, Queen of the Kaftan, who seemed to me at least, to be wearing them constantly for all occasions, formal and otherwise. Because they're full length and often billowy, there's scale and proportion to consider, as none of us want to look overwhelmed by yards of fabric and beading.
One of my favorite blogs,Habitually Chic has a wonderful post from the recent Pitti Uomo Menswear tradeshow in Florence. Italian men have a particularly innate sense of style and it's on full display here. Some are Italian while others have adopted Italian style...enjoy!
Spring has finally sprung and blooming spring florals are everywhere! Minimalism for now is seen in the distance of our rearview mirror. Typically I'm not one to wear big floral prints however, I've seen such delightful styles this season that I'm willing to at least try some things on. Dolce & Gabbana caught my eye because they have such a romantic point of view and their clothes are exquisitely made. The combination of red and black along with richly intricate embroideries and hair ornamentations, enhance their definition of Italy's la dolce vita.
Although on the East Coast it's still arctic, I'm daydreaming about this spring's fashions and the look that's resonating for me is the tailored coat and gilet. Designed to be worn as part of the overall outfit, at Givenchy it's downright rocker-chick sexy. The workmanship is practically haute couture with highly detailed black and white latticed jackets and elaborate embroidery of whipstitching and filigree. Dior's court coats and gilets were shown with silk quilted Bermuda shorts for a somewhat informal effect, but with no less attention to beautiful embroidery details. Dior referenced an 18th-century court coat, as Style.com eloquently expressed, "evoked the historicism of Christian Dior's original Bar silhouette.
It's a little too early for me to talk about Spring especially as there's a winter snow advisory, predicting 3-5 inches this weekend. However, it's always the right time to discuss denim. One trend that's gathering speed is high-waisted jeans, and in my opinion not a moment too soon. The low-rise jean was one of the most uncomfortable and often unflattering looks I can remember in a long time. That style also gave us the "muffin-top" and no-one was happy about that. So, now the high waist is back, but not in a mumsy way - it's very stylish, accentuating a wasp waist and if you like your sweater or blouse tucked in to show off that wasp waist and belt buckle, they will now stay in place. I couldn't be happier...
