Straws and Stripes

There's no denying the fact that my favorite print is stripes. It is the most versatile print and goes with absolutely everything. Almost half of my wardrobe is stripes, and it seems like it never stops growing, and I don't stop looking. I wear it all the time, winter, spring, always.. but it seems to fit in the most in the summer. I just wrote my last fashion column on French fashion, and obviously I talked about the breton striped tee and how it's the most essential thing in a French wardrobe. I've found some of my favorite striped looks, and added them with another essential, the straw hat, which I have never been able to pull off, and the straw tote.

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Mad Hatter

I have always been obsessed with hats. I think it's because of my infatuation with older decades. Why did they go out of style? Jackie-O with her pill box, flappers and their cloches, and the wide brim beauties of the 70s are all just a small sample of styles that I miss. That's one reason I am in love with the Brits, because they stay with tradition, and hats, like it or not, are close to a tradition to our dear friends across the pond. Thank god for Saint Laurent bringing back the wide brim hats, because they are absolutely to die for. And can we please take hints from Bridget down below? Top hats! Genius! Now that's taking menswear to the next level.

  

all pics via pinterest

I'm feeling: Berets

Is it possible to be an anglophile and a francophile at the same time, or is that a contradiction that can't be overcome? Even if it can't, I'm trying really hard to get over it because each one is so perfect. Don't get me wrong, I love America and I tear up every time I hear the national anthem, but what are we known for? Being overweight? Both British and French cultures have the chicest hats, and the only hats we wear are cowboy hats. Anyways, I love Parisian culture, especially their style in general, not just their hats. Nothing is more chic than french fashion and style. One of my favorite french looks is the beret. They are so effortlessly chic I just love them. Especially on Faye Dunaway in "Bonnie and Clyde" and on Audrey of course.This small little accessory defines french style and I can't get enough. On the runway, Rodarte styled many looks with a sort of metallic tweed, which added an Italian flare to the look. This sort of cross-cultural fashion is one my favorite looks, and is definitely a part of my aesthetic. See, I told you I could be an anglophile and a francophile.

 1. Faye Dunaway in "Bonnie and Clyde, via imdb.com // 2. Faye Dunaway, via pinterest // 3. Audrey Hepburn, via pinterest.com // 4. Ulyana Sergeenko, via elle.com // 5. Rodarte Fall 2014, via style.com

Anticipation

Unless you are a southerner, you don't know what it's like to anticipate snow. A good snow at that. Here in Asheville, the weather is so bipolar that one day it is 60 degrees, and the next it's 27 with an inch of snow (hey that is a lot for around here). But right now they are calling for 8-10 inches! I hope it does so I can sit inside all day with a never-ending cup of tea, analyzing that day's fashion shows. Speaking of all of this snow, it makes me wish that I was in the Swiss Alps skiing with Regina Lampert in "Charade". That is where today's inspiration comes from, the queen herself Miss Audrey Hepburn.

via pinterest

I love the way that Givenchy has her in a full fur outfit, not counting the chic brown leggings. If only I had the courage to wear a fur hat in the winter. Since I've been glued to any electronic device that this past week looking at fashion week, I'm starting to see a little pattern in the Fall 2014 shows. Fur accessories. Don't get me wrong, a fur coat is flawless, if executed the right way, but I do think that it can be a little over killed. A fur clutch or scarf is subtle yet unexpected, a contradiction which I think will go a long way. Here's a look at some of my favorite snap shots from the runway.

 1. Badgley Mischka hat + scarf// 2. BCBG Max Azria hand warmer// 3. Tory Burch satchel// 4. Oscar de la Renta scarf // 5. Tanya Taylor handbag// 6. Nicholas K hat// All images via style.com