Styled by B+B

This piece must be prefaced with a huge MERCI to the wonderful model and great sport in these photos: my brother <3  Richard was a huge help by allowing me to dress him up, fuss with his hair, even add a touch of contouring bronzer!  What a champ- I love this kid <3  Merci, mon frère préféré hehe

For these looks, it is no surprise that I was inspired by European fashion.  My biggest source of inspiration was not the latest Resort 2013 shows and their audiences, but rather the crowds that I saw when I went to the Summer Fancy Food Show 2012 in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday and saw the outfits being worn by exhibitors, vendors, and perusers alike found in the European aisles.  To narrow it down a bit further, I was intrigued most by the France and Italy aisles.  They had that sleek, modern, but comfortable look that I adore.  There is a small exception in this series, though, because one of the looks was actually inspired by the Valentino Men's Collection that I reviewed yesterday.  On such a hot summer day, I did not make him wear the coat in the Valentino look for long, so there aren't as many pictures of it.  All in all, Richard is a champ and I really appreciate him helping model these looks for me <3

 

First look:

Look 1 is inspired by parisian street style <3  The scarf is actually mine from my visit to Paris a few years ago- the light blue and white are so bright that it is perfect for summer!

Shirt: Royal Blue Classic V-Neck from H&M  ~  Jeans: Low Loose Fit from American Eagle  ~  Shoes: Black Oxfords by Nunn Bush  ~  Scarf: sky blue and white houndstooth from a street market in Paris <3

Sunglasses: silver aviators from H&M

Second Look:

This look was more inspired by the italian aisle of the SFFS12, but it also has a bit of a Marc Jacobs feel to it with the wide, knee-length, plaid shorts (the wide leg making them look kilt-esque!).  A casual white button down is great for guys in the summer because it looks and feels light.  The black and white plaid shorts, black sleek shoes, and white and gold aviators add classy touches and an elegant summer cool.  I also swapped out the aviators for a pair of horn-rimmed glasses, which change the feel of the outfit.  With the horn rimmed glasses, the look is less Marc Jacobs and more business casual.

Shirt: white cotton button-down from H&M  ~  Shorts: white on black plaid  ~  Shoes: (same)  ~  Sunglasses: gold and white aviators from Urban Outfitters  ~  Glasses: horn rimmed glasses from Target

Obviously, I am all about this fabulous jumping pose <3  Perfect to showcase the whole look!

Third Look:

This look was most certainly inspired by Valentino's Men's Collection for Spring/Summer 2013!  Played up this camo jacket by layering it over the white button down and switching the plaid shorts for these khaki ones.  Of course, I kept the slick oxfords!  Did we achieve the Valentino SS13 look?  :)

Shirt: white button-down from H&M  ~  Shorts: khaki knee-length  ~  Same Oxfords  ~  Same UO Aviators and Target Glasses  ~  Jacket: vintage Army Medic jacket from Good Will

Fourth Look: 

This look was inspired by italian street style.  The tucked in button-down, slick accessories, light hues, and then pop of color with the looped scarf would make any guy appear put together without sacrificing comfort - especially considering this warmer weather!  If it continues to be this hot, feel free to ditch the scarf haha

Shirt: blue button-down "Oxford Vintage Fit" from American Eagle Outfitters  ~  Shorts: khaki knee-length  ~  Same Oxfords  ~  Sunglasses: same silver H&M aviators  ~  Scarf: colorful striped scarf in a european loop from a street market in Morocco

 Fifth Look:

This look is a very casual, but very french look.  While most french would not wear a 'Moulin Rouge' T-shirt, that is just for a little dramatic emphasis to help with the look ;)  But the soft black T, clean khaki bottoms, and [a common tool throughout these looks] slick accessories give the effortless yet polished look that the french seem to achieve on a regular basis.

Shirt: 'Moulin Rouge' T-shirt from a street vendor in Paris, FR  ~  Shorts: khaki knee-lengths  ~  Same Oxfords  ~  Same Target horn rimmed glasses  ~  Same classy, good sport of a brother <3

I cannot thank Richard enough for being such a good sport and such a fantastic model for this photoshoot!  Let me know what you think of the looks (or if you enjoy my goofy brother as a model? haha) and any other responses or questions by clicking on the 'Comments' pencil below and posting in the white comments box!

Merci et bonne journée <3

Styled by yours truly ;)

B+B

Delightful Style of the Deathly Hallows stars

Not only has everyone been raving about the latest Harry Potter movie, but they have been falling in love with the stars' styles as well.  Emma Watson, who plays the knowledgeable Hermione in the series, has been an "up and coming" fashion icon herself.  But the triple threat (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Ms. Watson) are becoming very popular topics in the fashion world.  Not only do their characters in the movies have a very natural and wearable style, often layering quirky prints and knits, but the stars themselves are becoming magically chic trend setters themselves.  The picture above (from a past edition of Teen Vogue magazine) is one of my favorites- their elegance played down with whimsical prints and dishevelled hair.  The picture to the right (from google images) shows Watson in a scene from HP7.1 wearing an outfit that would surely get you compliments if worn into town for a cool fall day of window shopping!

If you have been paying attention at all to fashion lately, you surely have heard about Watson's lack of locks.  Not terribly long ago, she decided to go in a "new do" direction, leaving her curly tresses for a modern pixie.  Said Regis Philbin on "Live! with Regis and Kelly" last week, "You look like Audrey Hepburn!" (and it was very apparent that Watson took this as a great compliment).  Very true, her new look was an excellent decision and is the image of elegance.  Perhaps something you might try soon? ...I think you have a few months before it will be warm enough to do the deed without chilly-eared regret.

So, use this look to inspire you as you go out and about on these crisp fall/winter days.  Layer up with solid sweaters, showing just a bit of layered long-sleeves and blouses.  Simple jewelry takes a back-seat to the statement collars and bulky buttons, which accent your collar bone (extra tip: try brushing the lightesttt bit of shimmer powder/bronzer from the dimple of your collarbone and out to each shoulder blade.  this catches he light and makes it stand out just enough.  but, don't forget to blend!).  Post your favorite Harry Potter fashion scene here and share you HP-inspired looks!

Fashion GUYcons- Vampire Weekend

For anyone who hasn't yet, I suggest that you plug yourself in to some Vampire Weekend to enjoy a truly unique sound and one of my favorite groups.  For those of you in the know, VW does not only create great music, but also dresses to the nines and have brought back the ivy league look in the states and abroad.

I pulled some pics to show you just how chic these gents can be (please note that ll pictures were taken from google images) and you may just want to Run to Cape Cod and see for yourself.  Notice that each member always has their own way of pulling off this style- the layering, the scarves, stripes versus plaid versus pastel, and the right keds or Sperry's.  Don't want to pay Ivy League prices for their looks?  Check out your local Good Will, flea market, and discount stores to find unique pieces like these for a very smart price.

Take some inspiration from their pastel polos, classic striped sweaters, and fun glasses, and maybe you too can get an A+ in the Ivy League look.

Tweet me your VW-inspired looks @HauteForHelp !

Pulling off the "Pretty Boy"

The "pretty boy" look has been a growing trend everywhere, from school to celebrities!  I'm am definitiely not uggesting that you go and switch out your sweaters for some Don Draper suits, but I do think girls/women are glamming up by girly-ing down.

The oxford shoe has been a big trend lately- and like manna from heaven it's being made with a high heel for that feminine element!  The neck/bow-tie is something simple to incorporate ito your outfits.  Personally, Ilike to go wih an oversized/flow bow tie to give it a more glam girl look.

Also, next time you are looking through a flea market or parousing the local garage sales (i'm telling you- these are the best place to find unique accessories!), look for an oversized button up flannel.  It looks so effortless when pulled o ove a plain white T, hair pulle back, and dark-wash jeans.

Another great boy-borrowed accessory is their belt!  This is a great element to have for an oversized sweater, or (more fitting for the season) a flowy spring dress.  Use it t accent your shape by wrapping aound the waist.  Since you are almost guaranteed to have the end of the belt hanging off (because chances are your sweater or dress won't have belt loops where it's most flattering), tuck the end over end behind the belt.  This is another way to subtly seem cute, diverse, and effortless in your outfit.

As they say in J.Crew, it's cute to "Borrow from the Boys"