Faux Leather Croc Embossed Track shorts, Belmont trench, Leith Oversized V-Neck tee, French Connection Katrin sandal

If there is one piece of clothing I have been living in it would be this Belmont trench. I have worn it on all of my recent flights, trains, touring cities, and going out at night. It is extremely lightweight so it doesn’t get hot but it is the extra layer you sometimes need (especially in all of this AC). I had secretly wanted a long trench for years. I always noticed a lot of europeans wearing them and thought they looked so effortlessly cool. And if there is one thing I admire, it is the way europeans dress. Especially Parisiennes – with their all-black, laid-back, chic, air about them. I am more than proud to be an American but I think we can all use a lesson or two from the french dressing. There are a few things I have learned about their style (thanks Parisian Chic) that might be worth passing along and filing in the “good to know” part of your brain.  Of course, I always recommend keeping true to your own style but these tips might be worth knowing.

The french are amazing at filling their closets with a few key pieces that stand the test of time. Here is what Parisian Ines de la Fressange, from her book, Parisian Chic recommends every closet have:

1. The Blazer for the masculine/feminine look. Tip- belt it, push back the sleeves, or wear it with a white shirt casually unbuttoned at the top for subtle sexy

2. The Trench – adopt it as your second skin. Tip- never properly belt it, always tie it, never wear it with a long skirt, and never over emphasize any particular fashion statement with it

3. The Navy Sweater – Clean-cut but not too straight-laced. Tip- wear with white jeans and flats or wear it with black pants in honor of Yves Saint Laurent.

4. The Tank– “A classy supporting act.” Tip- pair it with a high quality necklace, under a tuxedo jacket, or with prints. Never wear a skin-tone shade or a patterned tank.

5. The Little Black Dress– The LBD “is not simply an item of clothing, it’s a concept. It’s abstract, it’s universal – which means there’s one that’s perfect for everyone. Tip- Have several, simplicity, simplicity, simplicity

6. The Perfect Jeans– Have many in many different colors in many different styles. Tip- sky-blue, dark, and washed (white and black are compulsory),

7. The Leather Jacket– Always saves an overly- conventional look. Tip= with chiffon dress, under a coat, the older the better. After you buy it put it under your mattress for several nights for a worn in look

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I always love to be reminded of her “Parisian Must Haves.” Even if you have read her book, I hope this helped you in some way! In the words of Countess Luann, “Chic C’est la vie, c’est bon c’est bon.”

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image taken with iPhone 

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ASOS Ultra Mini Skirt in Patent, ASOS Boyfriend Rio shirt, American Eagle Green Army jacket old (similar at ASOS), Wildfox Classic Fox sunglasses in Crystal, Jennifer Zeuner necklace, Dana Rebecca Lauren Joy necklace, Superga Lace sneakers, Clare Vivier Flat clutch in Leopard

Wow…R.A.D.I.O. S.I.L.E.N.C.E. over here on M.A.S. lately. Terribly. I hope you are all still with me! After a month of travels I am back in the saddle and posting regularly. As bloggers it is hard to “walk away” from the blog but sometimes you just have to. Like any job, you need to take a break, re-energize, get re-inspired, and then jump back in. Here I am, jumping back in! I was surprised at how much I missed blogging while I was taking my break. It really energized me to pour my heart into this site and showed me just how much I love my job. I have a few tricks up my sleeve I hope to unfold very quickly but as my friend molly says, “a watched pot never boils,” so I must wait patiently until I can reveal them.  Eek, I hope you all like it! In the mean time I thought I would post a fun Rio inspired outfit! Since Rio will be my next travel re-cap I thought I would get you in the mood! oh la la!

In the summer I find myself overwhelmed with the heat. For those of you who live in states or countries that don’t reach 110 degrees, consider yourself lucky. I find myself wearing outfits on repeat from lack of inspiration because it is just so damn hot. When dressing in heat you only have a few things on your mind – is it cool enough, will it show sweat (so gross but so true), is it comfortable? Now, can you see any of the fashions elites asking these questions when getting dress? No! And that is because – living in the dead heat is not conducive to fashion. There are a few things I love in life and one of those is leather. I wear it whenever I can, however I can, and any color I can. It adds a certain edge to outfits that can otherwise be quiet basic. In these wretchedly hot months leather is not always the first thing I grab. Most of the time it is heavy, doesn’t breathe well, and black. may thru august = leather depression. In the past I have tried to just “tough it out” but it can get really hot and in the end I find it was never worth it. Being in this leather-less state can really leave a girl like me down. BUT, before you get to feeling bad for me just wait. When I stumbled upon this ASOS ballerina pink leather skirt I almost fainted (no, not really but great for dramatic flair). It was short (breathable), light colored, and still LEATHER (or pleather). This was THE skirt! Since it is getting unbearably hot in Dallas I paired it quite comfy but I can’t wait to wear it well into winter with a pair of over-the-knee boots and a baggy cable knit sweater. If this entire post teaches you one thing, I hope it teaches you patience. haha just kidding! But seriously, I found the answer to my leather questions. Thank you Asos, you made a very happy customer!

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photography by the very talented friend Erica Sledge

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