Hipster Fashion Cycle: An Infograph

By Emily Meithner, freelance graphic designer in New York.

Replace 'hat' with 'clogs', 'colourful sunglasses', or 'doc martins' and so on.

Trend Report: Button Ups

If you are like me, and love buttoning up your shirt or blouse all the way up to the neck, good news - all the way, is the only way to button up shirts now! I have always been a fan of this polished look ("high-maintenance-look" my friends teased). If you remember, I mentioned before in a post, that with every trend comes an 'anti-trend'. So forget grunge, open fronted boyfriend shirts, fashion has taken a swing into the other direction, hitting on a more refined and sophisticated look. The key to the buttoned-up look is that it should appear put together, its sexiness rooted in its modesty, and an understated air of confidence. 

Cynthia Rowley S/S 2010

Cynthia Rowley S/S 2010

Madame Hawk S/S 2010

Chloe Pre-Fall 2010

Chloe Pre-Fall 2010

Miu Miu S/S 2010

Miu Miu S/S 2010

Proenza Schouler F/W 2010

Proenza Schouler F/W 2010

Preen S/S 2011

Preen S/S 2011

Proenza Schouler Resort 2011

Proenza Schouler Resort 2011

Now lets talk context. A fastened top button is typically a sign of formal wear for men and is most of the time accompanied by a necktie, but who says we can't borrow another style from the boys? (I'm really a sucker for simple, boyish prep.) The button-up has long been a staple of business attire too, so it's a thrill when we happen upon a fresh way to rock our go-to classic white shirt.

Be The Reds: Vogue Korea June 2010

Looks like Vogue Korea June 2010 had caught FIFA World Cup fever, with model Han Hye-Jin dressed in the spirit for South Korea's Taeguk Warriors in red. Note, African-inspired accessories with sporty pieces. Ingenious.

Saddle Up: Jodhpurs

Sitting among 2010 fashion trends is the new horse riding influence. Enter equestrian inspired clothing and accessories, which along with Jodhpurs. This look will not canter away - at least anytime soon. I have come across way too many saddled-up designers and models to ignore this trend. Come ride the trend.

Chloe Spring 2010

When it comes to footwear, this is fact. Boots should have a heel. When they come in flats, your legs inevitably look stumpy. Hence, the reason I loathe uggs. It gives the same effects. Trust me, it only looks cool on Johnny Depp and leggy models.

What my favourite part of this trend, is the jodhpurs! Quite a few males I've talked to, and few reluctant females detest this particular trousers, but I couldn't care less (I dress for myself). But ladies, just style it right! Always tuck in the top, and accentuate the waist. And a final word of warning; never over-accessories with equestrian props, and wear it with a pair of stack heels or platforms or round toes or shoe-boot. Just not flat riding boots, sil vous plait.

Oh, by the way. The female dandy, is of course linked to everything equestrian. Both are a galloping 2010 trend. (Hehehe I love my puns!)

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010

Graeme Black Spring 2010

Jolet Spring 2010

Vanity Fair Italy May 2010

I came across Naomi Watts gracing Italy's Vanity Fair May issue and I was enlivened. I love it how a fashion editorial can give me this much of a thrill. Black lace, cigarette pants, fedora, bold shoulders. Oh, the glamour! Nothing here I wouldn't wear. Enjoy.

Breton Stripes

Like running into an old friend on the street, or rediscovering your favourite book as a school kid (I recently stumbled upon The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton and got swept up in its charms!), there is something particularly nice about approaching the beloved-but-forgotten with fresh eyes. The same is true with style. Though the fashion industry is notoriously cyclical and known to revisit its past for inspiration, it is always a pleasant surprise to see an oldie, suddenly become a goodie. I had one such epiphany while shopping with a few girlfriends at the mall, and one friend mentioned how these nautical stripes were everywhere. I mean, in every fashion retail, in every chain store, and on everybody, when just only a couple of seasons back, people shied away from horizontal stripes. On more than one occasion, a girlfriend and I would show up,  both wearing a black and white breton tee. (Great minds think alike, eh.) Anyways. Breton stripes is the ultimate non-trend trend. Period.
Being what I am, a fashion history junkie, I had to research its humble French beginnings. Now, let me provide you, dear readers, with a little context. The breton stripe tee originated in Brittany- a French province that occupies the peninsula between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay -which may explain its nautical affiliation. Like many cornerstones of women's wardrobe pieces, it started as a practical and pragmatic garment for men, protecting fishermen from the cold. The long-sleeved cotton garment usually has a boat neck and traditionally, the stripes begin around the breastbone. Guess what else I found out? Picasso was a fan, as were Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Andy Warhol. It was only a matter of time before designers appropriated the stripes, endlessly spinning them with their own twists, from Jean-Paul Gaultier and Sonia Rykiel, to Marc Jacobs and Balmain, glittering with bold shoulders (F/W 09 collection). Very on trend n'est ce pas? 
I love it how these nautical stripes manage to be preppy yet casual, chicly feminine yet boyish, and wonderfully French.

Image by: ragpony.blogspot.com

The New Key Pieces

In Elle UK July 2010's editorial on "The New Key Pieces", everything from hot pants, to the dreaded double denim make an appearance. It's a great guide to what you should have in your wardrobe. For now. 

The shoot was photographed by Lee Broomfield, and styled by Ye Young Kim. The model is Laura Blokhina.