New York Street Beat: Sealed With A K.I.S.S.

Nathalie’s cool style reminds us all to keep it simple stupid – her straightforward silhouette is a refreshing change of pace in a world (and closets) filled with toys, doo-dads, and embellishments galore.

This outfit works on so many levels: it’s easily dressed up or down, offers a variety of layering opportunities to meet any climate change and still hints at her unique personality.

Tell me those open toe pumps don’t scream glam?












(Photo courtesy of Wunderbloc)

C&C California Classic Bold Rip Top Revolve Clothing

Anne Klein Slim Skirt Nordstrom

Yerba pump Chie Mihara

Do You Know The Way To St. Tropez?

Summer's winding down and sadly my Sicilian vacation seems like it was ages ago. Since there isn't a beach hopping excursion in my near future I will have to live vicariously through our stylish eyes on the streets of St. Tropez.

I've spent the afternoon combing through thousands of shots to bring you the city's best. Curious? Check out our Flickr album here.

On a side note, there was more than a few style "don'ts," I'll bring you those once my brain stops hurting.

Enjoy!

New York Street Beat: Teenage Waist Land

Though the high-waisted trend has been going strong since last year it’s hard to find many examples of the right way to wear them.

Pants or shorts are too often overly embellished with buttons or seams, and worn with fussy tops, and busy accessories. The overall effect is messy or worse, frumpy.

Not so with Jami, seen here in Chelsea. We love the dark rinse and tiny belt which has a slimming effect, while the handkerchief detail on her cami frames her face and keeps the whole Bodyline sleek and interesting.

She jazzes things up a bit with her gladiator sandals, bag, and head scarf for a winning combination.

(photo courtesy of Refinery29

Rich & Skinny Lanky Shorts Nordstrom

Ariana High Waisted Shorts Guess

South Pole High Waist Embroidered Shorts Dr. Jays

White After Labor Day?

The New York Times' Bill Cunningham brought up an interesting question: are we still adhering to the "no white after Labor Day" rule? (And just who came up with this rule anyway?!)

Check out his latest slide show here to see some stylish New Yorkers and to hear his commentary.

Do tell, are you a "rules" girl or a rebel?

New York Street Beat: Reboot

A while ago we reported that City stylistas have been sporting boots with their summer dresses. This was back in April when, in theory, there was a bit of chill in the air, so the idea didn’t seem as farfetched.

Fast forward to August and guess what? Heat and humidity notwithstanding – women can’t break their boot addictions!

Each of these women makes their bootie/dress combos totally unique. Pamela (upper left) does the urban bohemian in her fringed Minnetonkas, floral print shirt, and loose-flowing waves. Caroline (upper right) is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, pairing a sweet, lacy slip dress with rugged combat boots, while Meghan’s knee-high walking boots adds a shabby-yet-chic twist on a feminine classic.

Minnetonka Suede Back Zip Hardsole Boot with Fringe QVC

Nine West Nobello Zappos

Intyce Cognac Steve Madden

Photos courtesy of Refinery29.

Seafoam Suede Fringe Handbag -- I'm In Love

Remember how I said that "seafoam" seems to be the hot color in bags lately?

I swear the sitings won't let up! Last night, as I walked home from work, I saw the most amazing fringe suede bag. It's carrier had long flowy brown hair which was inexplicably topped off with a heavy knit cap, (another person as sick of the summer as I am perhaps?) a perfectly broken in t-shirt, and black leggings and this totally amazing fringe suede bag.

I just couldn't let it go so I did what any self-respecting, obsessed fashionista does...I Googled it.

Voila, lookey here:



I swear she's a dead ringer for the girl I saw last night. Find her fab bag at Urban Outfitters.

New York Street Beat: 3 Trends, 3 X The Fab

A style stalker's job is never done.

This became readily apparent as I walked through Chelsea last night and suddenly found myself engulfed in a sea of stylish handbags that carried three distinct themes.

The first I’ll call the old-school leather bag: hand-stitched or tooled with braided toggles, these bags have that laid-back hippie vibe that we can’t get enough of in summer. The beauty pictured up top is a bit more sophisticated than the average boho bag, thanks to its rich caramel color and detailed, yet sleek lines.

The second is metallic, a trend that thankfully won’t go away. What makes this Foley + Corinna bag so covetable is not only its soft gunmetal finish, but its superhero-like ability to transform from a tote to a shoulder bag with the flick of a strap.

And last, but certainly not least: sea foam. I literally spotted four bags in a two block stretch and was so captivated by its softly-muted shade I nearly tackled an innocent bystander trying to snap the last pic.

You heard it here first folks.

The Free-N-Easy Old School Leather

Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote Revolve Clothing

Rebecca Minkoff Sea Foam Nikki Hobo Shopbop

New York Street Beat: Mix Master

One of the things that I admire most about New York women is their uncanny ability to look chic even in the most ungodly weather conditions.

While I get frizzy, shvitzy, and altogether schlubby in the humidity, others unbelievably shine. Melissa, seen here at a recent art opening, looks so cool in this ensemble – a burst of fresh air that cuts through the stifling NYC heat.

Elegantly turned out in a Development by Erica Davies dress, Opening Ceremony patent pumps, gold cuff and Hayden-Harnett bag, we love how she mixes and matches different colors and textures for a supremely chic look. A yam-colored bag pops against the neutral dress and pumps in an unexpected nude patent leather, while the citrusy-lemon color piping and high waist adds structure for a look that is totally polished.

Voom by Joy Han Denim Pinstripe Dress Ooh La Luxe Boutique

Tharpe Hobo, Yam Hayden Harnett

Opening Ceremony Nude Patent Pump w/detachable bow Shopbop