WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS MONTH:
Summer is officially here and I'd recommend spending as much time soaking up the sun in the natural (outdoors) environment, showing off all your stylish glory for all to see. It is the season to explore and enjoy what nature has to offer, but if you must spend your time indoors, here are my July style muses to amuse you. And as is customary, each is accompanied by an attempt to tie it to style in one form of another…and a little descriptive explanation of why they appeal to me not only intrinsically but also sartorially So, here's to those songs that act as personal themes, to the movies that sartorially inspire us, and to July and its warmth, long days and late nights, and its everlasting glory. Without further due, my sartorial muses for July.
CINEMA
Mr. Holmes
Sir Ian McKellan headlines this period-drama piece about an aging Sherlock Holmes set on resolving a lingering case that has gone unsolved for 50 years. Expect expert styling and riveting drama as a retired, forgetful Sherlock attempts to solve one last case. I've always loved the styling in period-pieces and I expect nothing less than sartorial excellence from this story and detail driven escapade with an unseemingly uncharacteristic Mr. Holmes, albeit one who still pays attention to every little spec of detail (including his style). Opens nationwide July 17.
MUSIC
Mike Posner
Mike's new music speaks of accepting yourself as you are, letting go of lingering emotional hinderances, and of being comfortable in one's own skin — three things that, coincidentally, should also form the foundation of your own personal style; It should be unique, unburdened by doubt, and comfortable. The only element of style that trumps these essentials is that of fit being king in regards to all matters sartorial. Nevertheless, these two songs spoke to me as sonic testaments to my own change, artistically personifying my own journey of discovery and acceptance of my chosen career as a stylist, of me finally admitting to myself of what I've always wanted, and shedding the persistent emotions that held me back from it. It really wasn't that simple (like he sings in Not That Simple), but it was necessary for you see, I, like most individuals, (in the past) tried to live up to others expectations, the societal norms, and to the relationships that just didn't work for me (no matter how much effort I put in); it just added a lot of baggage I didn't need. I needed to make a break, and I have. And these musical gems by Mr. Posner tell a similar story — albeit not one about style like mine — that have led to him embracing who he truly is and what it took to get there.
Self-Reflection is a powerful tool to utilize, and Mike has done just that here, using it to switch his own gears and I could not be happier for him and with his new direction (and outlook of life). Not That Simple speaks of purity of thought, is full of emotional lyricism, and echoes with sentiments of contemplation, constantly referencing the universal difficulty of letting go of bygone days.
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And Be As You Are is sort of an anthem for self-acceptance and reassurance, for being comfortable and confident in one's own skin (both of which are tenets to my own styling philosophy).
So, while Mike may say its not that simple, my passion for style and fashion is (as well as for his music)!
...And yet, if a traditional summer tune is what you desire (which is likely the case for most), here are two that are likely to very well light up the most popular radio station near you. Only time will tell. The first from Icona Pop (of I Don't Care fame) and the second from Pharrell (I don't think I need to introduce him).
So, while Mike may say its not that simple, my passion for style and fashion is (as well as for his music)!
...And yet, if a traditional summer tune is what you desire (which is likely the case for most), here are two that are likely to very well light up the most popular radio station near you. Only time will tell. The first from Icona Pop (of I Don't Care fame) and the second from Pharrell (I don't think I need to introduce him).
Well, that is three more picks then usual, and I hope that they can satiate your summer music hungers (for a short while anyways).
TELEVISION
White Collar
Revisiting an old favourite is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to both style and passions. And in this instance, White Collar, led by the always dashing and impeccably put together Matt Bomer (ie. Neal Caffrey), is the suited mans inspirational dream board, fulfilling not only my styling desires but also my penchant for fun television not riddled with an overshadowing and prolonged darkness. Throughout its run (it ended with an abridged, yet complete, 6th season last fall), it was rare —nigh impossible — to see Bomer's suave ex-con character Neal not strolling around New York like he (sartorially) owned the place…and I would not have it any other way! This is modern day (setting) styling done almost to perfection. And with every additional viewing, I can feel my sartorial itch being scratched. It's fun, it's sometimes funny and heartfelt, and its styling is always top notch. I believe all 6 seasons stream on Netflix.
BOOK
Taking Ivy
The quintessential style guide to perfecting the classic American east-coast prep vibe of the 1960's that is still relevant to this day. This will be on my coffee table all summer long, inspiring my summer wardrobe and inciting conversations and style debates alike. Essential style reading for the sartorially inclined. Available at Amazon and other retailers.
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BUT IT NOW: STYLE PICK OF THE MONTH
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Espadrilles
Landing squarely in the middle of the casual summer shoe hierarchy, between the business/casual loafer and the almost always unacceptable sandal, the espadrille is the perfect summer shoe. Lightweight and breezy, they add a touch of european elegance to any get-up from shorts and short-sleeves to blazers and chinos. And to top it off, you can find an affordable pair almost anywhere shoes are sold, online or locally, coming in an abundance of fabrics from canvas, leather-looking weave, and even denim. Your feet deserve the perfect summer partner, and espadrilles are hard to beat.
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Thought? Opinions?
Well that is it for the month! What are your thoughts? And what are you looking towards?
Well that is it for the month! What are your thoughts? And what are you looking towards?
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