DETAILS DETAILS: HATS TO HAVE

Channeling that ‘70s vibe, the hats to have now.

There is a major 1970s revival under way on the international fashion runways this season. Quintessential items like flares, platforms, fringe and suede certainly dominated, but perhaps most ubiquitous to the mix was the fedora. Oh, how we love the look it reminisces! Think Brigitte Bardot and Bianca Jagger: two otherworldly icons from the decade who wore their wide-brimmed hats with aplomb and the requisite attitude to match. They looked effortlessly cool and not at all high-maintenance. ‘Tis true testimony on the power of fashion.

Fast forward to today and these chapeaus remain seriously au courant trumping the scarf trend and finding themselves on the heads of the famous like Nicole Richie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kim Kardashian. All have been snapped wearing a plethora of different styles and colours. Nicole favours classic and structured cuts in burgundy felt and matching ribbon while Mrs. West tends to keep it casual in slouchy, oversized versions in neutral shades. You too can take your look to next level status just as easily by staying equally as flexible. Pair your pencil-leg jeans and slouchy sweater with a starchy emerald green fedora that draws attention and aahs to your most beautiful asset, your face. Or, for the bohemian babe, take the oversized floppy hat in steely grey or black and perch it at the crown of your head to keep the look feminine and girly, especially when outfitted with your best floral maxi. The point in all of this is to stay optimistic and stay fearless: your style is your message, and the world is certainly interested in hearing it.

SIDE BY SIDE: LOOK SHARP LIVE SMART

Go from work to weekend–and back–with one shoe. 

Some shoes can do it all, within limits of course. May we submit the humble but valuable loafer? Or, in this case, if you so prefer, the driver or moccasin. In black, this classic is a wardrobe must. But you probably know that.

Still, say for argument’s sake you don’t. Just examine all the ways this shoe can complement work and weekend life. With dress socks, dark and tapered trousers, and a slim shirt and blazer, a black suede loafer cuts a killer profile. This is what well-groomed up-and-comers want at the office, on a business trip, or at a work engagement.

Which takes us to look number two. It is the weekend, or a weekday after work, you are off the clock, and you have a date, a dinner, a function–somewhere to be. That somewhere is not exactly informal, but far from tuxedo and top hat time. Find the middle ground. The black suede loafers can stay, naturally, but lose the socks. Chill the look out some more with earth tones–khaki chinos are a safe bet, and a casual dress shirt. Layer with a slim-fit jacket or blazer for good measure, and cuff the sleeves. Rock those moccasins well, gentlemen; they are, without doubt, a foundational piece of footwear.

RINGS AND THINGS: CAMEL BLACK

There’s something beautifully serene about the colour camel. Classic, but still on-trend it’s a calm neutral shade that evokes a luxurious, well-made sentiment no matter what the price point. Alexander Wang is a fan, so is Mulberry. Both have showcased polished camel toppers in their fall 2015 collections, and you would be remiss to scan any street style photos and not see the fashionable set snapped in this quintessential tone. It has become ubiquitous on the runway and the high street because it meshes with every other colour in the wheel but perhaps most alluring is when it’s paired with our beloved black. The fall season’s must-have combo, imagine a camel coat over a nubby black turtleneck and slim leather leggings or substitute this slick city look for a white tee, ripped jeans and a cozy (yet causal) black and camel-striped scarf  – quite perfect for those Sunday’s spent brunching.

Come Monday, change up your office attire routine by swapping out your tote for one of the bigger accessory trends to hit the market: the backpack. Once relegated to schoolyards and playgrounds, we love this grown-up leather version with oversized zipper detail. We imagine it for the busy sophisticate who needs her hands free to sip that cappuccino all the while looking so cool in her commute.

FINAL TOUCH: WEEKEND VIBES

It’s been a long week and you can pretty much sum it up like this: Work, more work, a little bit of work, plus some work. You’re even kind of shocked you managed to get any meals in there and you can kiss those dreams of being a green-thumbed gardener goodbye because your houseplant is not looking so hot right now. Sound familiar? We totally get it. When the weekend does come you consider staying under the covers and asking your roommate to hook you up to a coffee IV, but then you realize that it might actually feel good to get up and get some fresh air. Besides, real talk: you’re going to be running around all weekend to fit in all your chores.

Now you just need to find an outfit that feels as cozy as being wrapped up in a warm blanket yet looks effortlessly stylish all the same. For something like that layers, all-over neutral tones, and soft textures are definitely the way to go. A pair of cotton pants with a drawstring and a tapered leg always looks good with a black high top sneaker. It’s just kind of a rule of the universe, like the law of attraction (the attraction between a high top sneaker and an ankle jogger that is). Now throw a soft, oversized cardi over a plain white t-shirt, and finish the look with a structured mini-crossbody to elevate the whole look. Now you’re good to go (or veg out at your friends place in front of the TV with a slice of pizza in your hand…whatever the case may be

FANFARE: MISHA NONOO

How best to describe the Misha Nonoo girl? Perhaps like this: She’s someone you’d want as a seatmate on a long-haul flight. She’s a sparkling conversationalist, for one. She has an obvious passion for life, and she’s definitely able to give you tips about where to eat and drink. Of course, she’s wonderfully dressed: sophisticated but fun too, with an obvious eye and appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. To be fair, the Misha Nonoo girl and the designer herself may just be one and the same.

Bahrain born, and London raised, Misha Nonoo moved to New York City after business school in Paris, where she joined a small tailoring firm. It was there that she learned the tools of her trade. Years of hands-on experience paid off. She launched her own label offering jackets and coats, but by 2012 had expanded her range and begun to offer four collections a year. The premise: Classic silhouettes and tailored separates updated with modern details. Now, Misha Nonoo has been inducted into the CFDA, earned a prestigious nomination on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and has amassed an impressive celebrity fan base, including Bella Hadid, Emma Watson and Gwyneth Paltrow. But what’s most important is the way her clothes make the wearer feel: like you could put them on and soar.

Love the collection? Find out more here. The collection will be available online and in select stores as of tomorrow, September 3rd.

Featuring: @mishanonoo

Clothing: mishanonoo.com

Photography: Aaron Ritcher

INSPIRED BY 70S: MEET STAZ LINDES

The Californian beauty on why the Seventies (still) rock 

Inciting cheekbone envy worldwide, model and musician Staz Lindes comes by her talent and beauty honestly – her mom was a model in the sixties and her dad a professional musician.  With that kind of pedigree, it’s no wonder she’s got big ambition: she wants her band to be the girl version of either the Stooges or the Velvet Underground. Born in London but raised in LA, these days Staz is back and forth between east and west. She keeps an apartment in LA and lives with two fashion designers when she’s in New York.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up in LA?

My mom was from the London scene in the sixties, so she was a total Beatles supporter. My dad was the same but he pushed Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. And I mean, when you’re in middle school, like junior high school, everybody starts getting into Nirvana and Sublime and all that West Coast stuff. I’ve seen X a bunch of times and they’re like an LA staple punk band, I’ve seen the New York Dolls, and Black Flag.

What do you think it is about the seventies that inspires you?

There was a whole later punk scene but it was just starting in the seventies. And even all the outfits at the time, like in Harlem, all those Puma shirts and the flares, all of that is so good. I feel like people took more risks then in a carefree way.

You said your mom was in London in the sixties and your dad’s a musician. Did they have really amazing style back then?

Yeah, so my mom was a model in the sixties and is really close friends with Twiggy since then. They used to go to all the parties together. She tells me that she used to go to Ringo’s parties and it all just sounds like a fantasy. Like I kind of hate hearing about it.  My dad was actually born in California. When he was twenty-one he left for London to pursue music and he actually ended up joining Dire Straits. He basically left with flowing seventies hair and flares and came back with a black leather jacket and everyone was like ‘Wow, you look different!’

How has living in New York influenced your style – aside from having to wear jackets in the winter?

Here’s a way it’s affected me: so many people wear black here or yoga outfits that it makes me want to wear something crazy. The other day I bought two pairs of eighties pantsuits in neon colors, just because I’d rather not look like everybody else. I’ve just always had that.

Having grown up in warm temperatures, how does the idea of winter inspire you? Do you feel like you get to dress a whole new way?

I’ve never really had to wear coats before. This winter I started wearing those really funny ski jackets that are neon colors. It’s bright pink and yellow and massive but it kept me so warm. And I’ve definitely developed a huge love for sweaters… striped sweaters and boots as well. It’s nice to have a challenge and change stuff up.

Thanks so much Staz.

FINAL TOUCH: MEDAL WORTHY

Take ankle booties to the next level with a subtle hint of hardware.

There’s something about slipping into a pair of ankle booties for the first time in the fall that just feels so right. After months of strappy sandals and open-toe heels (the best), it’s nice to switch it up with more coverage, even if you are mourning the end of summer. Ankle booties are the best transitional piece of footwear for fall, giving an edgy polish to your look no matter what your style. You can still rock them with bare legs and a skirt, but they really take the overall vibe of your outfit into the next cooler fashion season. They’re also a celeb street style favourite, regularly spotted on the likes of Gigi Hadid and Beyoncé.

This year, warm, rich burgundy booties are going glam with a subtle pop of metallic accents on the front of the heel. Try pairing them with fall’s heavier fabrics, like a corduroy skirt, while balancing the look with a soft, white blouse. They maintain a polished, feminine chic at the office and on the weekends look downtown cool with skinny black pants and a T-shirt. Having that go-to pair of shoes you can wear anywhere will make life so much easier this fall.

SIDE BY SIDE: FALL RISE

Each season comes with a particular set of sartorial plusses and minuses. Summer’s advantages are unmistakable: the hottest months of the year grant us permission to shed layers and burst free, sockless and sun-kissed. But heat can close a lot of vestiary doors. When the mercury soars, we’re not so inclined to don suave dress clothes (some of us even perspire in linen pants and tees, thank you very much). Envy those who can sacrifice comfort for fashion’s sake, and do it with aplomb.

For the rest of us, there’s fall. Thank goodness for that. It’s hard to hate on the season’s uncommon versatility. Fall compels no clumsy changeovers from bulky, cumbersome fabrics (sorry, spring, but facts are facts). In spurts, fall still demands estival duds; except hey, good news, you can probably dust off that favorite jacket after sundown.

Cue suits, vests, blazers, and dress pants. Now’s the time to summon your dapper side. Pro style tip: dark brown, leather lace-ups are a killer fall accent. A sharp complement for modern, blue, three-piece suits, these Italian-made classics impeccably service casual suits as well (so sweet with grey). Look outside, gentlemen: the forecast calls for some elegance. Hop to it before first snowfall.

INSPIRED BY ROMANCE: MEET FABIANNE THERESE

 Our new favorite indie actress on her timeless, elegant style.

She may not know it, but Fabianne Therese exudes a sense of mystery and romance. Even her childhood has a kind of fairy-tale quality to it: she was born in Kansas City, but grew up in Abu Dhabi,  in Sri Lanka, in Palm Springs, LA, Florida, and Austria. Now, resolutely settled in LA, she’s carving out a career for herself as an indie actress. She’s worked with the likes of Roman Coppola and starred opposite Paul Giamatti, and this year she has a spate of new releases coming out. We’re looking forward to seeing her on the red carpet, where we have a feeling she’ll radiate with Old Hollywood elegance.

What does the word “romance” mean to you?

Romance is… it’s kind of like a dreamy idea of something. Or like the best version of something. I don’t know. I fall in love when I walk down the street every 50 seconds. Like, ‘I love this person and I love that person and I love that tree…’ But it’s genuine. I have a lot of real love and enthusiasm for lots of things, and maybe it doesn’t always last that long but it doesn’t really need to. Romance isn’t real, but you’re constantly striving for it.

Wow, that’s a really nice description! Do you feel like there’s a particular style of romance you wish would come back?

I feel like before phones and computers and “instantness,” you kind of had to stay with something. I like that. I feel like past decades really had that.

How does that factor into the way you dress?

I stick with the same things; my closet is the exact same as it was five years ago and my style hasn’t really changed that much. The more worn-in and loved my things are, the better.

Is there a common thread in the way you dress?

I think just a sense of elegance or timelessness. I always try to keep something that my mom would have worn as a kid in Sri Lanka.

Do you recall the first time you used style to express yourself?

I don’t recall exactly when that was but probably when I could first think thoughts. I was imitating things that I loved when I was a kid. I would force my parents to play Peter Pan with me. I literally dressed up as Tinkerbell to their wedding. I’m really into costumes.

Are there any movies or characters that influence your style?

I feel like you’re not allowed to say Audrey Hepburn, but just that kind of vibe. Or a photo from San Tropez in the sixties, some espadrilles and a flowy skirt; something that would look really good on the back of a Vespa. Any of those old films, they all have a classic element to them. Except the ’40’s. I’m not into shoulder pads. They look great on Katharine Hepburn, but not on me.

So, more Audrey than Katharine?

Yeah, I mean she looks so good in everything. But not just her! There’s Lana Turner or Lauren Bacall. Oh my god, Lauren Bacall, that’s what I wish I could look like every day when I walk outside the door.

INSPIRED BY SHAPE: MEET PHOEBE COLLINGS JAMES

You can tell a lot about a person from their Instagram (yes, we know, file that in at the Department of No Duh). But beyond the selfies and the duck face and what kind of phone case they’re using, you can also find out important things, like what kinds of books they’re reading, what they think is funny, and what they’re really into. To put our theory to the test, we decided to stalk Phoebe Collings James’ Instagram – because she’s rad. If you don’t already know who she is from our campaign, here’s a quick review: She’s been modeling since she was 13 years old for fashion outlets like Purple and British Vogue, but these days her art is at the forefront. A graduate of the prestigious Goldsmiths University in London, this half-Jamaican Brit has exhibited internationally, from Brooklyn to Beirut and beyond. This year alone sees her with shows in London, Singapore, New York, and the Venice Biennale. And her love of form and figure is apparent in even her most casual photographs. Phoebe Collings James is the real deal. So let’s get creepin’!

1- She hangs with Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing.

2- She’s funny. (And we must say her iPhone case is on point.)

3- She’s got legs for days and curls to die for… said every girl with straight hair ever.

4- The last books she gram’d about were the front cover of Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, an important work from 1961 about the effects of colonization and the autobiography of Malcolm X. Brains beyond the beauty.

5- She seems like good friend, who asks all of the right questions and even dog sits for her friends.

INSPIRED BY SEASONS: MEET OLU ALEGE

NOV 5, 2015 by ALDO TEAM

A co-founder of Street Level Culture, a creative agency with its thumb in all of the pies, New Yorker Olu Alege was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx. As such, he’s witnessed New York utterly transform in the last couple of decades (as he points out, they used to call it the meatpacking district for a reason). One thing that’s remained totally consistent is Olu’s love of nature. You can see it right away because he’s a down to earth guy, and he’s able to have fun and enjoy himself without pretentions. He’s also a particularly dapper gent; a fine example of what happens when style and smarts intersect.

You’ve lived in New York for twenty-five years. What continues to inspire you about the city?
Street culture is so big for me. Like every five years there’s something new. I’ve seen so many subcultures and that just inspires me so much. The people, the clothes, my surroundings. I guess I’m just inspired by what I’m around and that’s why I feel like I always have to continue to travel. New people, new cultures, new food. I love meeting people from all over.

Where would you live if you weren’t in New York?
I would go to London and have that Euro experience, because everything there is so close to each other. I just came back from New Orleans and it was so chill. I thought it was going to be a slow city, but everybody was doing stuff.

What characteristics do you need in a city to call it home?
I think I need to be around nature and people; good energy, you know?

You’re particularly inspired by nature. How do you express that in your day-to-day?
I used to always go to the botanical garden, I still do. There’s these parks all over the city that people don’t go to. There’s Fort Tryon Park all the way uptown near the George Washington Bridge. I go to Madison Square Park a lot, I like to go upstate to Storm King, that’s a dope spot. I’m always hanging out in the park for hours, especially when I have long days or rough days. I just need to be around grass and trees and wind and water.

Does your appreciation for nature inform your aesthetics?
Everyday. I love earth tone colors, the colors of nature and trees and grass. Nature is a hundred percent always on my mind, because I love color and I love things from the world, things from the earth.

You are very into following your ambition. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I think we live in this Do-It-Yourself culture. I went to school for accounting but I followed my heart and found what I love. So to everyone out there, follow your heart, and if you feel like you want to do something, don’t be afraid. Even though millions of other people do it, you have your own voice. Everyone is unique in their own way.

FINAL TOUCH: PATCHWORK PATROL

Let’s face it: perfect style isn’t as easy when you can’t just throw on a jumpsuit and a pair of sandals and call it a day. As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, you’re probably finding that one extra layer isn’t enough. Now it’s a long sleeved shirt, now it’s a sweater, now it’s a jacket. We feel you. But there IS a bright side to all this less-than-sunny weather. Do we need to spell it out for you? Okay…here it is: B-O-O-T-S. Your failsafe-wear-everyday-anywhere-casual-outfit-statement-maker-and-winter-style-saver. The right pair of boots will bring heat to any outfit (not to mention remind you what you love about your legs) and pulling them off is as easy as pulling them on.

Our current obsession is a pair of seventies-inspired tall boots with a lush, sophisticated look and dark patchwork details. Easily incorporated into a casual look for day and equally as easy to dress up at night. Throw them on with an LBD for an event, or wear them like we do: all day everyday. We like the idea of pairing them with a denim button-up skirt and a turtleneck for casually elegant daytime appeal. Pay homage to your favorite decade while still looking ultra modern? Don’t mind if we do, thanks.

Twirl With Me!

 am an avid Pinner (click my link up there to follow me) and if you use Pinterest too I’m sure you’ve seen all the cute ways girls are rocking tulle skirts! I scoured the internet for the perfect one and I finally found it! My new favorite skirt of all time is made by Space 46 Boutique. It’s exactly what I wanted and with a rainbow of color options and different lengths, (mine is the Wendy in dusty blush, 25″ length) you’ll find your perfect skirt too :)

I wore mine for this shoot for Love Luxe Life with a white cropped top and my Chanel candy necklace. The Chloe shoes I’m wearing are now considered vintage at nearly 10 years old, and they’re one of my all time favorite shoes. Perfectly pretty and girly!

Wanna come twirl with me? It’s really fun, I promise!

The Perfect Wedding Shoes…

It’s hard enough to find the perfect shoes for your wedding. You know… the biggest day of your life? But could you imagine trying to design them!? It sounds (and is!) amazing and fun, but it’s also super intimidating. You know me as The Shoe Girl, my friends and family know me as a shoe obsessed girl, so the first thing people ask me isn’t “what does your dress look like?” it’s “OMG what SHOES are you going to wear!?” Sure, I could just buy a super fabulous pair but that would be too easy. Plus I feel like since I have the ability to make pretty much anything I want, I kind of have to right?

No pressure.

Jon and I are a mere eighty seven days away from our big day and, well… I’ve been doing what I do best. Procrastinating. So I decided to to approach this formidable and daunting task the way I do my job. I started with an idea, some mood boards and a few quick sketches. Here’s what I have so far…

I’m really into pearls right now and I think I kinda need to wear them on my feet. Do I go all out and use real pears or do I fake it with some costume ones? I’m also really into single soles, but I know that a platform would be way more comfortable and easier to dance in.

Decisions, decisions! Do you see my dilemma?

So I’ll keep at it but I think I may be getting close. I can’t wait to show you guys my FAN-EFFING-TASTIC dress. I love it SO much. And the shoes of course ;) Who knows how many pairs I’ll end up wearing on my big day.

Paging Dr. Hakakha!

This past Sunday, March 8th, was National Women’s Day and the perfect day to honor an amazing woman with some of her patients and closest friends, celebrating the third edition of her popular book, Expecting 411.

My future cousin-in-law, OB/GYN Dr. Michele Hakakha, MD, is a totally awesome rockstar doctor who just happens to have delivered the babies of some pretty famous (and beautiful!) moms. I got to meet some of them and we all bonded through our love of Michele. She is truly an incredible soul. And a total babe!

 It was a great party and I got to hear some really great stories about motherhood and giving birth and especially about what an amazing doctor and friend Michele is. We all laughed so much! It was truly a celebration of being a woman.

Michele gave me a signed copy of the book- NO, I’m not expecting (yet)- and I went to flip through it and found myself not being able to put it down! It’s really great and easy to read… as if you’re chatting with your very well informed BFF about what’s going on with your body before and during pregnancy. I’m looking forward to the day I get to read it for real :)