INSPIRED BY TRAVEL

I alternate between living in a Chicago suburb and Minneapolis. During their slightly brutal winters, the amount of sunlight is limited. By the time February comes along, the snow has lost it's charm and weeks upon weeks of gray days become both mentally and physically taxing. The post-holiday winter months are usually the most uninspired days of the year for me. This winter, though, I have a goal to remain inspired. Watching movies and looking at pictures of exotic places give me this rush of passion that I can't even begin to explain. It's like all of my endorphins have been released and I find the images so beautiful that I feel like crying. Clearly I'm a romantic and in order for me to function at my full potential I need to heed to my romantic ideals.

Sicilian Coast (By Me, Circa 2009)

While I believe it's still possible to find beauty amidst the gray  midwestern winters, I am especially inspired by travel. The idea of immersing myself into a new culture and trying new things is the most exciting thought in the world. With that, too, comes a lot of my fashion inspiration. Travel clothes to me are meant to be light and comfortable while still remaining clean cut and chic in order to withstand a long, hot day of walking or at the beach. So, if you're headed to an exotic place this winter break, or stuck at home and just really like fantasizing (like me), I've collected some pictures of my favorite travel/resort inspired styles.
   

 Mr. Newton                                   National Geographic

Phil Oh                                    Steve McCurry

                Phil Oh                                        Monica and Michael Sweet     

Garance Dore                                               Flickr

Chloé                                                    Deb DeKoff

HOW TO / FUR VEST

The fur vest was definitely something that had to grow on me. Let's be honest, they're definitely more costumey than the average wardrobe essential. When I first saw them, I felt like they had the potential to make people look like overgrown toddlers or try-hard rappers. But when worn correctly, I just think these vests look so cool. They're effortless but attention-grabbing and are really versatile from day to night. Here are a few tips on how to wear them.

1. Wear neutral colors
I've seen the colorful fur vests around, and they are way too much for me. Even if your fur vest is a natural color (brown, gray, black etc.), I don't like the way it looks with vibrant shirts or pants. Pairing these vests with other blacks and grays and whites really accentuates a laid back style. Even a pair of subdued colored skinnies can really make it work.

Mary Kate Steinmiller - Haarper's Bazaar 

2. Use few accessories
I think it's important to be a minimalist. Adding too many accessories to any outfit usually looks bad, but it looks especially bad when paired with a giant fur vest. A bracelet and some cool rings with a simple bag should suffice. I'd avoid wearing statement necklaces, large earrings and scarves. I've seen people try statement necklaces, and I just really hate it.

Photo Credit - Diego Zuko - Haarper's Bazaar

3. Wear slim-fitting bottoms
I feel like the popular thing to wear with a faux vest are leather skinnies, which I think look awesome. The problem is, the perfect pair of leather pants are really hard to find and the ones that don't look trashy are usually really expensive. I think that a pair of skinny cargos, coated denim, bandage skirts, shift dresses, leggings or just dark skinny jeans look just as awesome.

chicisimo.com 

4. Experiment with textures/styles
Even though I truly believe that in order to pull off a fur vest, the outfit must remain minimal, pairing a fur vest with preppy stripes, a chunky knit or a leather jacket looks really interesting and comfortable. If you're going to mix up textures, I will stand by my belief that every other part of the outfit must remain simple, but layering with the fur vest embodies simplicity while adding an interesting component.

 www.classy-fabulous.com