fashion – isostilo

Sunday Style: Timeless, Minimalistic, Volume From Cecilie Bahnsen

A silhouette with puffy sleeves, volume, and playful proportions seems to be trending but not so much for the Scandinavian gals that have been embracing this timeless style with unconventional twists. I find this particular aesthetic to be very feminine, fun, and maybe a bit on the man repeller side of things. It is sexy in a not so obvious form fitting way.

One of the best examples that I have been mildly obsessed with comes from Copenhagen based designer, Cecilie Bahnsen. She is creating beautiful garments that blend couture and ready to wear. Handmade with a unique range of fabrics and traditional techniques.

I stumbled upon this label two years ago and have been following ever sense. The designer’s whimsical aesthetic is refreshing, light, and wearable. An attention to detail that the Scandinavians are known for is seen in every collection Cecilie has been delivering since 2015.

Brace yourself because the architectural, voluminous, yet minimal relaxed pieces come at a luxury cost. Watch for sales! If you appreciate this label, wear it with no thought, no fuss along with trainers or Teva like sandals. Hair up, hair down, keep it natural.

Cecilie Bahnsen

Style It Your Way

One coat styled four ways for different occasions. You make it work! Mood, personality, and personal style all play into the way you dress. Sometimes you look at your closet feel you have nothing to wear. Shopping your closet with some outside inspiration can instantly change that dilemma. I constantly draw my inspiration from others. It helps me be more creative and playful with alternative ways to wear some of my favorite pieces.

Here are four ways to wear Shrimp’s faux fur heart coat:

One gal drapes it over her shoulders (pic 1 & 3) while another pushes up the arm sleeves (pic 4). One wears it super casual like an over sized sweatshirt (pic 2) and another is very Audrey Hepburn (pic 1). Trendy accessories are transforming these looks (heart glasses, pearl headband, black leather beret, and handbags). Footwear ranges from the classic Converse sneaker, colorful booties to pink ballet flats. All pretty timeless. Unexpected pops of color connecting each look.

My personal favorite daily style connects with pic 4. All of these pictures will influence a few of my future outfits. I may not have the heart coat but I do have a faux fur leopard.

All Inspirational Pics From Pinterest

Bit Of This & A Bit Of That

Cafe Style

Travel to Daluama Berlin with this Pinterest Pic. What I would do for this cafe to be in my neighborhood! Heading into the weekend with this image in mind. Remember to make time for yourself and to find that place which gives you a bit of space and peace.

Impact Update

Start thinking vintage. It’s always an option when it comes to your closet. Especially now! “The environmental impact of denim makes buying jeans problematic for eco-conscious shoppers. But more and more brands are developing innovative ways to lessen the damage”, sip your drink of choice and read more from this Guardian article

First Layer Fashion

Undergarments, something we can’t live without! Lululemon nailed it. I was a bit skeptical as the price makes one pause at $18 per pair. But they deliver in my opinion. Wear these as your second skin for their everyday function, simplicity, and comfort. Save the lace for those other cheeky occasions.

A Recipe To Try

David Atherton’s banana energy balls for your pre or post workout.

One To Watch

So much buzz about this movie. Simply put Marriage Story is about a marriage breaking up. It is real, raw, heart breaking, and relatable. Add it your weekend line up.

About the feature image: There are more jeans than people in the world’ … E.L.V. Denim founder Anna Foster. Photograph: Publicity Image Thank you Guardian

ZARA Campaign

I have made a commitment to myself that I would stop shopping fast fashion. In fact, I am taking a breather from any purchases. That place of way too much of everything is how I am feeling. Fashion is pumping out garments in record speed and at the same time landfills are filling, factory stores are over filled, and high end fashion houses are burning their goods that don’t sell. Being more conscious is my modo. In all honesty, I have plenty of clothes and need nothing. Wanting is totally different. Window shopping, reading magazines, and sharing my finds or thoughts is where I am dwelling for a bit.

I am so encouraged to see that ZARA is showing some positive efforts when it comes to acknowledging the impact fashion has on the environment. I recently discovered their partnership and collaboration with Water.Org. Their Care For Water capsule collection is very eye catching! Decide for yourself. That flowy, feminine tan suit!!

Here is blurb taken straight from ZARA:

Care for Water capsule collection is the beginning of a new project in support of our partnership with Water.org, to create a water-positive impact on ecologically grown cotton communities. All the garments have been produced taking care of water management, with materials and technologies that help us reduce water consumption and preserve freshwater resources.

Through this project, ZARA is supporting Water.org to extend the power of microlending to ecologically grown cotton farmers taking part in the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) programme in Madhya Pradesh (India) enabling them to meet their household water and sanitation needs.

You can read about here it on their website as well as at Water. Org. Change has to happen.

VIS A VIS Is Worth A Peek!

Yon Hui Cho (image from Barneys) Seasonless Style To Be Embraced

Meet Yon Hui Choi. The designer behind the very cool Seoul, Korean based clothing label, VIS A VIS. If I could empty my closet, I would start with a few pieces from VIS A VIS. Everything I see is truly 100% wearable with the undertone of menswear. Perfect for city dwellers. Clean lines, subtle detailing, uncomplicated comfortable pieces made from high quality fabrics. VIS A VIS could be your pathway to uniform dressing. Choi does not focus on seasons but rather on building upon her designs. She has a clear vision.

Choi started her career at Barneys with the men’s merchant team. It now makes total sense why she exclusively launched her first line with Barneys in 2015. This line is expensive but stay alert for sales. Think investment pieces. Appreciate the subtlety that makes these pieces go the distance with a fresh take on classic. La Garçonne is also an option.

VIS A VIS

Alex Mill Is Timeless Not Trendy

Alex Drexler, son of Mickey Drexler and Somsack Sikhounmuong, former design director of J.Crew are the duo behind the fashion label, Alex Mill. They know a thing or two about American classics. Alex Mill will easily slide right into your closet with its crisp, clean, modern styles for both men and women. Pieces that should be worn on repeat and make a good case for a uniform look that is uncomplicated. You will not only appreciate the core wardrobe basics but the refreshing reasonable pricing that is right in line with the likes of J.Crew, Gap, and Everlane.

Here are four pieces that caught my attention. Love the button details on the cardi, the bows on the trench, and the khaki pants look super promising. Always in need of a white tee. https://www.alexmill.com/

One for the dudes! Men have it so damn easy and it just got easier with Alex Mill. You just can’t go wrong. The Camo jacket is a nice modern upgrade for the spring. Just round off the above look with a pair of Nike kicks or Allbirds. Done!

The Stella Way

Stella McCartney is a leader in the fashion world. She speaks openly about the fashion industry’s harmful effects on the environment. Stella operates a transparent company that designs with intention and produces clothing in a responsible manner. Her designs are a combination of: feminine + masculine, utilitarian, and timeless. Stella hopes her pieces will be lifers in your closet. She is not about fast fashion. She is about awareness with action. Stella leads by example and believes the industry must do better. She was one of the first designers to drop leather and fur some 15 years ago.

Her recent Paris runway shows her commitment with upcycling, faux leather, organic materials, faux fur, Eco-canvas, and sustainable viscose (btw this is nothing new for Stella). She partnered with the iconic British brand, Hunter boots for this collection. A sustainable boot crafted from natural rubber and feature Yulex sock inserts (a plant-based alternative to neoprene). Stella McCartney is one to support! All images from Stella McCartney

Revisiting Tie Dye

Embrace tie-dye because it’s in full force on the runways. If you care to invest in a piece then I suggest you do so now and wear it straight through summer. Not all tie-dye pieces will have you on board with this trend. But here are few selections that can easily be worked into a wardrobe. Maybe one piece would be fun to play with. The Raquel Allegra (California-based designer with an interesting approach to everyday wear) jumpsuit piqued my interest. It also checks the box for both trends: jumpsuit + tie-dye. Brace yourself, the cost of tie-dye is shockingly expensive!

Jonathon Simkhai denim, Raquel Allegra jumpsuit, DSQUARED denim shirt, Jerome Drefus clutch bag, Diesel Black Gold dress, Raquel Allegra blue pink dress, MM6 t shirt (subtle, I like it), PSWL short sleeve poplin shirt

Style Tip: Mad Hatter

The Bun Detail & The Carmel Tones
Navy Hat & Red Lips
Where To Begin?!
This Is A Good One!
Bow Me

You are either a hat person or you are not. Exploring the chic street style brim hat. A stylish staple with a long history. A hat that effortlessly adds a uniqueness to your personal style. The brim hat is a classic fashion piece meant to be worn. A playful accessory that is worth considering. Goorin Bros. is a nice place to explore for an approachable option. They know a thing or two about hats with a history in the hat making world since 1895. Or take a peek at Parisian millenary, Maison Michel. They are beautiful! Check out Farfetch. (all images from Pinterest) Don’t over think this accessory.

Lemaire x Uniqlo Drop

It is no secret that Uniqlo does it well. You can count on them for all your wardrobe essentials. They are committed to simple and functional designs for every day living at an affordable price. Also Uniqlo’s collaborations are consistently good. They partner with designers who understand their core values. Check out the Lemaire collaboration that just dropped. One to not miss! It is a collection of elevated basics found in warming tones and bold accents. The long sleeve pullover sweatshirt is a favorite. A simple no logo and well designed sweatshirt with a nice neckline is hard to find. One would think this is a simple task but not so much. Lemaire nailed it in my opinion with their updated version of U’s classic sweatshirt. The boxy relaxed silhouette with a mock collar is feminine and sporty. It is offered in five colors. The pink is pretty fab for spring! Check out the entire collection. I also like the simplicity of the ultra light puffy and the men’s black hoody (very nice!).