70s Glam for the Daytime

Via HiStyley

Love this chick's style! It's very 70s rocker glam meets Janelle Monae. It wouldn't make nearly the impression it does without the hair and glasses. So chic...and those jeans are fierce. They very much have a vintage cut and styling with the floor length hem and tiny front patch pockets.

On The Inside

Via masha-nastic

Banana Republic: The History You Never Knew

One of my favorite parts about designing for a show is the historical research that goes into creating a look and a character. It makes the experience richer to have that background knowledge. And if you're at this site, you might enjoy that too so here is some interesting background on Banana Republic.

From the Beginning:

What is a banana republic? Banana Republic - noun Usually Disparaging.

any of the small countries in the tropics, especially in the Western Hemisphere, whose economies are largely dependent on fruit exports, tourism, and foreign investors. Origin: 1930–35

 

The store was founded in 1978 by a couple who spent much of their rather plush lives traveling the world and were at a loss for great, functional clothes in which to do so. Sensing this niche market, they opened a store in Mill Valley California. This store legit started as a safari clothes store! In fact, they used to publish the mail order catalog to end all mail order catalogs. Stories of their travels, poetic descriptions of far off places and the clothing to help you get there. There is a fabulous book, Banana Republic's Guide to Travel and Safari Clothing, that I highly recommend. It's full of the history of specific safari clothes along with tales from the field and musings on what it means to travel and learn and embrace.

As we all know, the store has morphed a tiny bit from its safari roots. It was bought by GAP in 1983. Popularity of the brand, now a high end line of rather run-of-the-mill sophisticated professional clothes, spiked in the 1990s. But seriously, pick up the book. It's 155 pages of drawings, stories, pictures and fun that is truly a fascinating read.

Pop of Color

Via ClassyintheCity

White blazers are really growing on me and this one is just lovely with the bright pops of green and orange. Same goes for watches. No one needs to wear them these days, which makes them much more of a fashion statement and a gorgeous accessory.

Contrasting Elbow Patches

Via NantucketYouth

Converse Like an Industry Insider

Want to sound like you know more than you do about fashion? A few simple rules will get you there in no time.
 Tip #1 Make the Plural Singular
Nothing sounds more oddly in the know than talking about something in the singular that everyone else refers to in the plural. Pants? Not anymore! A pant, a trouser. See what I mean? "This pant has a beautiful long rise which accentuates the curve of the hip" sounds waaaay more savvy than "These pants are high waisted."
Simple.
This applies to shoes, jeans, even scissors. I can't tell you how many times a seamstress has asked me for a scissors. Don't try to rationalize it, just think of it as a fun quirk.

Fab Hat

Via NantucketYouth

A fab fall hat for modern fashion. Hats are such the rage (thank you Kate) but they tend to look so forced and contrived and mimic-y. Face it, you're not British royalty so stop trying to dress like it. However, hats are totally wearable if:
1) you're going to be outdoors the entire time
2) It compliments your face/head shape (the fact of the matter is that a strong jaw line does wonders) and
3) it actually works with the lines and overall mood of the rest of your outfit. A hat is tricky enough as it is, if it's wrong for/with the outfit, it's wrong period. It has got to feel like an organic and natural extension of the look.