Miss Au Courant

Stockholm Style Sightings & Black Socks with "Mandals"

2010-07-26T20:23:00.001+02:00

As a brand new resident in Stockholm, Sweden, I did a little walking tour/shopping yesterday. I was in Gamla Stan aka the "Old Town" and T-Centralen aka "Central Station". This is high tourist season and most Swedes are on vacation and not in town right now anyway, so these are just some of the random photos I took along the way.

And for the Fashion "Don't" of the day, there is this man, who I am positive is not Swedish since I was sitting next to his group and could hear the conversation. Read it and weep!

The black socks with mandals are killing me. I have witnessed this disaster repeatedly since I got here and just don't get it. Why wear socks with sandals at all? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of this type of footwear? And WHY tall black ones? Why, why, why!? Don't even get me started on the pants.

In defense of the Swedes, I am pretty positive that every person I have seen wearing this is from another part of Europe that shall not be named....at least not by me!

Sweden via USA

2010-07-09T13:54:00.002+02:00

I had mentioned previously that big changes were underway so I had been lax in postings on this blog. As of July 20, 2010 my blog will be coming to you from Stockholm, Sweden! I have been extremely busy with all of the details of making an overseas move. I am VERY excited for this opportunity and have a feeling it will be more exciting due to the fashionable subject matter in Stockholm and the rest of Europe!

Countdown to Eclipse.......

2010-06-27T15:01:00.001+02:00

The day we have all been waiting for - June 30th - is fast approaching. Finally. Me and my girls will be attending the opening night of Eclipse at the movie theater. Edward, Jacob, Bella and tons of vampire (and werwolf) fun!

The beauty of this phenomenon, much like Sex & The City, is that women everywhere will be flocking to the theaters for a girls night out. And what's not to like about that?

BIG Changes

2010-06-23T17:30:00.002+02:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while, it is just that I have BIG changes coming and am in the midst of preparations. The good news is, my blog will become much more exciting as a result!

I promise new posts are coming soon : )

How to Pack for Summer Vacation

2010-06-15T04:18:00.004+02:00

I have always been a serious over-packer. Better to have choices right? I would bring a bag just for my shoes and would end up with 4 bags in all - a clothes bag, shoe bag, toiletry bag and purse. For a 3-day weekend! Pretty ridiculous.

It wasn't until my 1st trip to Europe that I learned the beauty of minimalism when preparing for a vacation. If you are honest with yourself, on average, how many outfits and pairs of shoes actually end up getting worn anyway?

Here is how to make your trip lighter and simpler:

1. Buy luggage with a pattern or color. You can identify and locate it much more easily if it is not black with a red bow on it!

2. If you are going on a trip with several destinations and hotels, bring a carry-on and a backpack (if you must). Backpacks may not be very stylish, but you will thank yourself later for not having the burden of an additional suitcase to wheel around.

3. Bring clothes that you can mix and match and plan on re-wearing outfits at least once. That's right, I said re-wear. After all, you will need space for the new things you intend to buy!

4. Minimize the shoes. Literally plan out shoes to go with each outfit. For example, 2 pairs of heels/wedges, tennis shoes and a few pairs of flats/sandals. I am a shoe fiend, but I follow this rule.

5. If you are going to a tropical destination, pack at least 2 swimsuits and alternate days. Nobody wants to put on a wet bikini first thing in the morning.

6. Unless you are going to be working while on vacation, leave the laptop behind. Give yourself a break from constantly being connected. Relax. You won't miss a thing.

Keeping all of these things in mind:

7. Lay out each and every outfit and pair of shoes on the bed (because you didn't really listen to #'s 3 & 4 did you?). Then remove half of them.

8. Roll your clothes up. They will take up less space and have minimal wrinkles.

Bon Voyage!

Thanks to my international readers

2010-06-10T17:14:00.002+02:00

Canada, India, Italy, Germany, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Sweden - thank you for reading my fashion and culture musings! I hope to add many more to this list.

Comments and questions are appreciated and encouraged :)

Carey Mulligan & 1960's London Fashion: An Education

2010-06-09T02:52:00.003+02:00

While watching An Education the other night I was completely enthralled by the talent and beauty of Carey Mulligan, stylish 1960's London and one of the most well-written female teenage characters since Ellen Page in Juno.

Carey Mulligan plays a brilliant, focused and vibrant 16 year old girl who makes no secret of her desire to break free of her boring suburban life. Her plans are directed straight to Oxford University until she meets a man at least 15 years her senior, and slowly starts to veer away from her chosen path.

I am also thrilled to see Carey Mulligan and Rosamund Pike back together again! They were both fantastic in Pride and Prejudice - one of my favorite books and movies of all time.

The movie was outstanding but I am left wondering, was it really normal for 16 year old girls to go out with men that much older in 1960's England? Pretty creepy. Ew.

All photos from Sony Classic Pictures

Male Mode at the MTV Movie Awards

2010-06-09T01:34:00.003+02:00

While Scarlett Johansson gets my vote for the Best Dressed female at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards (Lindsay Lohan was the Worst Dressed by anyone's standards), I want to take a moment to focus on the men.

I am digging everything about Zac Efron's outfit - the hair, the blazer, the jeans,the shoes.

And what's not to like about Peter Facinelli? For those of you that have lived in a cave for the past 3 years, he plays Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight movie series. Blonde hair, brown hair, whatever. It looks good on him!

And finally, my man - T.I. I have missed his Trap Muzik since he has been away and can't wait until August when his new album is released. For the record, I have loved T.I. since the beginning and my favorite CD is Urban Legend. In case you were wondering.

Oh right, the clothes. Honestly, he looks cool in anything and the orange shirt is complemented by his dark skin. Dark men can pull off any color.

The Evolution and Resurrection of Converse

2010-06-07T04:16:00.005+02:00

In 1908, Marquis M. Converse opened up a rubber shoe company in Massachusetts focusing on winter footwear. In 1912 Converse began producing athletic shoes for tennis and 5 years later produced its first basketball shoe - the Converse All-Star. A professional basketball player named Charles "Chuck" Taylor became the first athlete to endorse a sports brand in 1921 and the famous Chuck Taylor's were born soon after.

In the late 1950's stars like James Dean began wearing converse with jeans and t-shirts.

In the 1980's they could be seen on "punk rockers", and when I was in middle school everybody wore them. I owned a red pair AND a plaid pair. Cool and comfortable.

While the popularity of Converse has waxed and waned since their beginning, these days they can be seen on celebrities, American teenagers and people on almost every continent. Street Peeper has photos from Miami to Tokyo and everywhere in between of the Converse clad masses. They are ubiquitous.

Photo: JustJared.com

Who Wears Short Shorts?

2010-06-04T13:00:00.002+02:00

For those of us in warmer climates, shorts are always a summer staple in both men's and women's wardrobes. This year shorts just happen to be one of the biggest trends for spring/summer and can be found in every price range and style. Short or long, denim or chino, cut-offs or cuffs, tight or loose, high-waisted or low rise - there is something for everyone. Wear your shorts with flip-flops, flats, gladiator sandals, wedges or heels. You really can't go wrong - whatever you choose.

Victoria Beckham pairs her cut-off denim shorts with a blazer and heels.

Jennifer Aniston wears her cuffed chinos with wedges and a t-shirt.

The 3 B's

2010-06-02T05:26:00.004+02:00

I am lacking inspiration to do a post today even though I am well past due. Instead of re-energizing me, my holiday weekend of beach, boating and beer has made me too relaxed and lazy. Why do things now when I can do them later? Go figure.

I did take some gorgeous photographs though....

See what I mean? There is always tomorrow.

Menswear Spotlight: Tiger of Sweden

2010-05-27T13:10:00.004+02:00

Tiger of Sweden was founded in 1903 and made itself a name with classic tailored men's suits. In the 1990's the company began making suits for the stylish man who likes a slimmer fit and a metro look.

The hair, the clothes, the shoes - I love it. More men should take a page out of this style diary.

Liquid Sunshine

2010-05-26T00:51:00.003+02:00

Sarah Jessica Parker looked vibrant last night at the premiere of Sex and the City 2 in New York. Her Valentino couture gown was neon at its best.

Photo: Jason Szenes

Car, Boat or Crocodile Bag?

2010-05-24T23:44:00.013+02:00

There are expensive bags and then there are expensive bags. A nice Chanel can be bought for under $3,000, the famous Hermes leather Birkin Bag for about $10,000 more.

And then there are some that are the same price as a new car, boat or down payment on a house.....

This beautiful brown Hermes Crocodile Birkin Bag can be yours for a meager $35,000.

Although I fully appreciate the art and craftsmanship involved in the creation of a Birkin Bag (100% hand sewn and 24-48 hours per bag), I could fly to Australia, hunt a crocodile myself, have the skin treated, then fly to Paris and pay the regular Birkin bag price and still pay far less than $35K.

The wait for a special order Birkin Bag used to be up to SIX (6) years, but these days you can just walk in and buy one if you're in the right tax bracket. Unlike most luxury leather goods on the market, Hermes bags continually increase in value over time.

Victoria Beckham is thought to own somewhere in the range of 100 Birkin Bags - a small fortune!

Bottega Veneta's lime green crocodile tote comes at a bargain - $24,000.

Beautiful. Amazing. Shocking.

Materialism at its best.

Kate Moss French Vogue Cover, June/July 2010

2010-05-23T22:51:00.001+02:00

Singin' In The Rain, Fashionably

2010-05-22T14:18:00.001+02:00

I was browsing a new shopping website yesterday called ideeli, and came across the cutest rain boots by dav. From flats to riding and cowboy boots, they have so many styles and colors to choose from I WANT a pair of my own! Who knew rain boots could be so appealing? No more Morton salt girl yellow. Goodbye boring green.

Wouldn't be a very sensible purchase for me considering lack of rain in the southern U.S. and the fact that we drive everywhere in this part of the country, But I want them regardless.

London anyone?

Red Hot at Cannes

2010-05-21T13:19:00.002+02:00

Emily Blunt looking gorgeous in this Georges Chakra fire engine red gown at Cannes:

Photo: people.com

Nothing Like a Chair Dance

2010-05-21T02:22:00.002+02:00

As I was running today and listening to Stronger by Britney Spears, I was thinking how great the video is with the chair dance and the black shiny bad a** outfits. I am also feeling the overall vibe/message of the song at the moment, so what better than to watch the video for some inspiration?

What NOT To Wear at the Office

2010-05-20T04:05:00.005+02:00

I am just going to rant for a minute here about what should NOT be worn at most professional offices. Even the more casual ones.

Don't show your undergarments or bra straps, under any circumstances, including wearing bright colored underwear with anything white. Save it for the privacy of your own home or a nightclub. PLEASE.

Be conscious of VPL. That is Visible Panty Lines for those of you that don't know. Woody Allen coined this term in his movie Annie Hall in 1977, so you should know it by now. Panty lines are tacky, so figure it out.

Casual Friday doesn't mean you can look like something the cat drug in. Just because you can wear jeans doesn't mean that a baggy t-shirt and raggedy flip flops are okay.

If it sort of looks like pajamas, feels like pajamas or was last sold at Wal-Mart in 1988, then not only is it not okay for the office, it is not okay EVER.

It is not about being fashionable or stylish, it is about looking appropriate for an office environment. Do yourself a favor and have just a little bit of pride in your appearance.

Photo: guidespot.com

A Vampire's Day Off

2010-05-17T18:25:00.003+02:00

As the vampire craze continues and the more t.v. shows and movies I see with this subject matter, I realize that male actors seem to just look BETTER as vampires than they do in real life. For example, Robert Pattinson of Twilight looks like a completely different person in real life than in the movies. Definitely above average in the good looks department, but still hotter as a vamp.

Having said that, after this recent picture of Paul Wesley from Vampire Diaries shopping at Diesel in L.A., CLEARLY not the case where he is concerned.

You may be thinking that you are tired of all of my vampire posts, and what does this have to do with fashion? Am I obsessed or something?

YES, I AM. Sad but true.

Deal with it.

Photo: People.com

Cannes Glam

2010-05-17T03:54:00.006+02:00

The ladies are heating up the red carpet in Cannes, France at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. The most stunning look so far has come from Cate Blanchett in the late Alexander McQueen's gorgeous black and silver eagle gown. Gucci Premiere, Gucci's first haute couture collection, was seen for the very first time on Cannes red carpet and was beautifully worn by Salma Hayek & Camilla Belle.

Can't wait to see the looks that continue to unfold this week!

   Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen


   Photo: Getty Images

Carey Mulligan in Rolan Mouret

Photo: look.co.uk

Salma Hayek in Gucci Premiere

Photo: People.com

Camilla Belle in Gucci Premiere

Photo: People.com

Bingbing Fan in Elie Saab

Photo: Wireimage.com

Bite Me.....or at least show me your abs

2010-05-13T12:58:00.004+02:00

Following in the footsteps of Mark Wahlberg, Calvin Klein Men's underwear ads have some new blood for the ladies to salivate over. Don't pretend that you didn't have a poster of Marky Mark in his Calvins in your pre-teen bedroom...well at least I did anyway. Can you feel it baby? I can too.

Kellan Lutz, who is also known as Vampire Emmett from the Twilight series has become the new face and physique for the brand's underwear ads. And Just in time for the opening of Eclipse on June 30th. As if we needed one more thing to make the wait for opening night more difficult.

Speaking of, don't miss the cast of Eclipse on Oprah today, May 13, 2010!

Photo: latimes.com

Photo: accesshollywood.com

Photo: accesshollywood.com

The real question here is, how can I get THAT job?

Best of RAFW - Australia Fashion Week

2010-05-11T04:49:00.006+02:00

Australia Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2010/11 highlighted many of the trends already seen at New York, Paris and Milan fashion weeks. Here are the top 6 trends at the close of RAFW:

1. Nude shoes
2. Sheer tops & peek-a-boo bras
3. Beige & grey color palettes
4. Bangle bracelets
5. Draping/flowing/ruched fabrics
6. Floral & geometric prints

Some of my favorite designer runway looks were shown by Alex Perry, Dion Lee, Therese Rawsthorne, Sabatini White, Little Joe, Lisa Ho and Ginger & Smart.

Other than the beautiful black and gold ball gown, I could see myself actually wearing almost all of these designs. After seeing how great the nude shoes look, I will be picking some more of those up ASAP.

Alex Perry

Dion Lee

Sabatini White

Therese Rawsthorne

Little Joe

Lisa Ho

Ginger & Smart

All photos are from vogue.com.au. Photographer: Lucas Dawson.

Tanorexia

2010-05-10T16:18:00.006+02:00

I came across an article in the Chicago Tribune today about college students and possible addiction to indoor tanning. Quite intriguing since I have "suffered" from tanorexia my entire life. These days I am recovering and hating every minute of it!

Many people may disagree with me, but having a tan and getting that essential Vitamin D whether by tanning beds or traditional time outdoors makes you look and feel better. You need less make-up, skin imperfections are camoflauged, muscle tone is more defined and you have a nice glow. Even though I live in Florida, I definitely have a different mood in winter because of the lack of sun exposure. SADD! In the past, going to the tanning bed has been a way to combat this. For the remaining 9 months of the year going to the beach or pool, boating, jogging and fishing comprise the majority of weekend activities. All of these things mean that the majority of people are tan year round and the sunny, warm climate means that clothing is minimal. There is no covering up your paleness.

Now for the unfortunate negative aspect of tanning, there are 2 cons that trump the positives I listed above: CANCER & WRINKLES. The younger you are the less you worry about disease and death because you are invincible and don't have to think about it NOW, right? All that really matters is looking good in your bikini for spring break so you can meet a hot guy and look good in the photos. Skin cancer is a very real threat for those of us that live at least a few thousand miles south of the Arctic Circle and it is not unheard of for people in their 20's to develop melanoma.

Forget about the cancer for a minute. If that isn't enough to make you give up tanning, to those same vain people (myself included) I would say, what about wrinkles and sun damage? Nobody wants to look old and wrinkled by the time they are 35. At least I don't. Unfortunately, all the cosmetic procedures in the world won't make your skin look the same as it would if you started protecting it now. We have all seen men and women who have such damaged skin you don't know if they are 40 or 60.

Of course, there is spray tanning and DIY tanning lotions for a healthier way to have a nice glow. Or you can be pale and fabulous like Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow or Kristen Stewart.

About 7 years ago I made the decision not to tan anymore, indoors or outdoors. I go outside of course and do all the same things, just not without a ridiculous amount of SPF on my face and body. Does it suck sometimes to be so pale? ABSOLUTELY. Does it make me secretly jealous when I see beautiful tanned bodies walk by in the mall or at the beach? Yep.

I just have to keep telling myself, no cancer, no wrinkles...no cancer, no wrinkles...no cancer, no wrinkles.

Luckily for me, vampires are very in right now!

Fashion Inspiration - Stockholm, Sweden

2010-05-02T21:19:00.009+02:00

One of my biggest fashion inspirations was the time that I spent in Stockholm, Sweden a few summers ago. Besides the beauty of people in general, I was so impressed by the individual style of the men and women and the obvious effort that was put into each detail of their outfits. I went to a nightclub, Cafe' Opera, with some local friends one evening and it was one of the best people watching experiences of my life.

Believe it or not, most of the people I saw shop at stores like Zara, Gina Tricot, Topshop and H&M. Just another example that style has nothing to do with who made your outfit, it's how you put it all together that matters....

I actually purchased my first pair of flats after this trip when I saw how great they looked on all the Swedish girls. What's not to like about looking feminine and stylish and being comfortable at the same time? And by comfortable I mean NOT wearing 4 inch heels while walking several miles a day around the city. I don't mean comfortable as in wearing whatever you rolled out of bed in!!!

I can't wait to see what people are wearing in Stockholm later this summer....

Photos: thelocal.se