Casual Elegance....Washington Street, Boston

Tying it up...Cambridge

Sara...Portland, ME

A friend and I went to Portland, Maine for brunch and to buy some pottery one Sunday. I was hoping to take several pictures, but there wasn't much fashion beside the LL Bean type going on.

I did stumble on Sara though. I like her ghetto fab earrings. Her scarf was scored at a thrift store.

Just Bee....Cambridge

The Great Trench...Boston Medical Center

Darisha is absolutely lovely. One of those people you meet and you're glad for the few moments you were in their presence. I took another picture of her that I'll post at a later time.

The Great Trench...Harvard Square, Cambridge

A lesson in the origin of the trench coat according to Wikipedia.

"The trench coat was developed as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in the First World War. The trench coat was created by Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, who submitted a design for an army officer's raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901.....

During the First World War, the design of the trenchcoat was modified to include shoulder straps and D-rings. This latter pattern was dubbed "trench coat" by the soldiers in the front line. Many veterans returning to civilian life kept the coats that became fashionable for both men and women.....

A typical trench coat by this period was a ten-buttoned, double-breasted long coat made with tan, khaki, beige, or black fabric. Trench coats often have cuff straps on the raglan sleeves, shoulder straps and a belt. The trench coat was typically worn as a windbreaker or as a rain jacket, and not for protection from the cold in winter or snowy conditions."

Sabrina works at the Tannery in Harvard Square. That's where she bought her trench.

The lure of an older man...Washington Street, Boston

Mr. GQ...Harvard Square, Cambridge

Does it show that he interned at GQ? The leather weekend duffel is this undergrad's bookbag. No Eastpak here. The shades are Tom Ford.

Ramblings

Oh, Boston, Boston, Boston. This new venture of mine, documenting fashion and style in Boston, is proving to be a lot more difficult than I anticipated. Simply because, Boston, on the whole you're not edgy or high fashion but trendy. I don't blame you though, it gets darn right cold in town. Personally, I have to hear the weather report before deciding how many layers I have to wear. High heeled shoes and boots are always reserved for sunny days or when black ice is no longer an issue.

Here's the thing. I can't be the Sartorialist. There's only one Scott Schuman. So, I've taken more of an anthropological approach to this experiment. I'm now more interested in taking pictures of people who exhibit personal style. In the words of Chanel, fashion comes and goes, but style remains innate. I don't think style has to be dictated by celebrities, Milan, Paris or Japan. It has to do with expressing that little sumthin', sumthin', that confidence or creativity that you're trying to get through.

This coming Sunday is Easter Sunday, so, I'm going to choose a traditionally ethnic neighborhood to showcase on the BBC. I hope to be as pleasantly surprised as you will be.

Cheers.

Flash of silver

Jessica is an undergrad at Harvard studying English. I don't know if I could do a silver coat, but after seeing her in one, I sure will try.

Kitty...Harvard Square, Cambridge

She's sexy, confident and knows it.

All tied up...SoWa, South End

Friends, Alex and Sabrina made these bows themselves out of felt.

Unafraid of Color...Central Square, Cambridge

Ladies at SoWa, Take 1

Anna Katarina is a mother of several children (3 if I remember correctly). She is co-owner of Baak Gallery and Jewelry on Brattle in Harvard Square. I like her fun use of color.

You could be wearing a sack under a well fitted coat and you'd still look good. Kara's coat is Via Spiga. I didn't ask, but I suspect her boots might also be VS.

Kate’s all black ensemble is very slimming and chic. Notice how the whole look brings your eyes down to the pointy shoes which also elongates her figure. Often times when you’re doing a monochromatic look, texture (as found in her scarf and in the shiny material of her coat) should be considered as it stimulates the eyes. Her bag looks vintage but is from Talbots. Though some of their clothes are targeted towards an older audience, you can get some great finds there.

Every day wear. Take 2...Whole Foods

Here’s how it happened. I’m talking to an older gentleman about the coupons in the latest Whole Paycheck, I mean Whole Foods, circular. I don’t even like milk, I tell the gentleman. He responds, but you can save $1.50.

Washington walks by talking rapidly on his phone. I see a flash of cinnamon colored pinstripe jacket paired with a burnt orange shirt. As elegantly as possible, I excused myself from the gentleman. Milk on sale be darned! I run back to the car, snatch my bag, run into the store, grab a shopping cart and go in search of pinstripes. There he was in the cheese aisle looking dapper as if he’d just finished his shoot with GQ. I introduce myself, he’s flattered, we’re in business. Moral of the story: I should always, always carry the camera, and you should look fierce, even if you’re just going to the grocery store.

Washington’s suit was his fathers.

Every day wear. Take 1...in Cambridge

Cross in Harvard Square is a great place to go for stationery, gifts, and a cool passport holder. The guys who work there, always look well put together. This is Felix's no-brainer look. Double click on the shoes for a close-up. They're from Kenneth Cole and are leather, not snake skin as I originally thought. The hat is from Aldo, the shirt from Express, the sweater from the Gap.

Galvinized at SoWa open studios on Harrison Ave

A friend dragged me to First Fridays at SoWa Artist Guild. We passed Marie Galvin's studio, meandered through all the studios before walking back to Marie's studio. To think I almost wasn't going to go in. Marie is a milliner. I didn't buy a hat, but I did walk out with a faux fur stole.

Wow!

Charles and Beacon

I wasn't joking about the coffee houses. This one is outside Starbucks on Charles and Beacon. I like her use of color and her ghetto fabulous earrings.

Isn't she lovely...Harvard Square, Cambridge

I've found that coffee houses, this pic is taken in front of Peet's in Harvard Square, are great places to meet well dressed folks. I was in line for a little pick me up when Billie walked in. I first noticed the white trench, then her bob. Very mod wouldn't you say (the bob that is)? She was on her way to get her hair cut actually. The trench is Banana Republic, the bag Marc Jacobs, shoes by Tory Burch. I recognized the JCrew sweater from this past fall. She looks put together and so fresh.

If you don't already own a trench, you should consider getting one. They automatically add a sheen of sophistication to any outfit. They are everywhere this season. Don't be afraid of color. I got a red one from Zara three years ago, and I'm still rockin' it. I'll do a little research and spotlight my faves.

Brattle and Church

Her skirt is fun. I can just imagine how the skirt would swirl if she were to do a pirouette.

Neck ties

This look (of the woman, the image of the man is from Ben Silver) is inspiring me to start wearing an ascot with casual clothes. I've suddenly developed a fascination for them. Let me know what you think. Visit Ben Silver for directions on how to tie one.

Shoe into my heart

Copley Square

This fellow is from Iceland. I find the top hat and glasses quirky. He reminds me of the designers Viktor & Rolf.