How do you get your kicks?

They were a bit stiff, but in the end, I got a decent picture. From the Addidas store in Cambridge.

I've fixating on getting a pair of high tops. Can't quite afford the YSL's but I'm giving myself an $80 budget. Suggestions welcomed.

More SoWa

Olliver...Midtown

Nicole...Mass Ave, Cambridge

I’m having tea with a friend in Central when I saw this black clad woman strolling down the street holding the helmet to her scooter. During my salad days in Europe, I was at a curb waiting for the light to change when a woman pulled to a stop on her scooter. Her hair was tied at the nape with a scarf. She wore a fitted tee and jeans. Her sandals! They were strappy, high and sexy. She was all woman atop of that scooter. So in my mind, woman + scooter = sexy.

Back to the US of A. After I finish the tea with my friend, I hightail after the sexy woman who disappears into the Middlesex. She's talking with friends, so I wait not wanting to interrupt. I tap her on the shoulders, she turns around and it's Nicole! You see, Nicole is my estetician from the Carriage House. I didn't recognize her because I've never seen her with curly hair before. It was a great pleasure to accidentally stop someone I know. Her shoes are hot.

Colette at SoWa

There are some looks that aren't as dynamic on film. I asked to take Colette's pictures because of her accessories. Everything from the sandals (They are are from Max Studio), the bracelet (she received this gift), to the earrings (a gift) and finally to the bag (from a leather store on Charles Street). The total look is very casual, yet well-thought out. High marks for follow through. Remember to click on the picture for a close-up on the picture.

Tyler at SoWa

The top is from H&M; the shorts from Urban Outfitters

Some Stuff to Peruse

For the fall fashion issue, Sharon Steele of Stuff@Night wrote an article on a few Boston fashion bloggers. **clears throat suggestively** You should check it out.

Tourists in Cambridge

Not a big news flash, but Penny Loafers are back.

Cambridge Carnaval Cont'd

I often talk about follow-through and these ladies sure do that. They're gorgeous and polished. The accessories are well balanced with the diaphanous dresses. The look would definitely not be the same with rubber flip-flops.

Cambridge Carnaval Cont'd

Yi-Hwa...Central Square, Cambridge

Yi-Hwa is a fellow blogger. We've been following each other's blog and finally decided to meet up. She's moving to Dubai. Darn it to Hades cuz she's supa dupa fly.

The dress is Forever21; the shoes from BCBG; the belt from Calvin Klein; the headband from Poor Little Rich Girl; and the bag is from Chanel.

Cambridge Carnaval Cont'd

Cambridge Carnaval

Christina....Church Street, Cambridge

The skirt is vintage from Nomad; the shirt Ralph Lauren; shoes Stuart Weitzman, bag Coach.

Anna on Mass Ave, Cambridge

The dress is from Prairie Underground; sandals from Kork-ease; bag, Dean.

Blogger's Lounge at Bella Luna in Jamaica Plain

I don't quite remember how I stumbled upon We are Not Martha. I took one look at them and said, "Oh my gosh, you're the Martha girls!" They were quite surprised.


The ladies of the Fab Empire. The BostonFab! is a great place to go to find out what's happening in Boston...I wouldn't otherwise know that both Maxwell and Common are going to be in BOS this October.

Emily is behind Better than Botox

Going Vintage in Davis Square...Somerville

Berkley and Arlington...Boston

The dress is from Anthropologie. Click on the picture for a larger view.

Topaz girls

Hannah on Church...Cambridge

The whole outfit, except the shoes, can be purchased from LF Stores

Men, oh, men...Cambridge

It's still summer darn it!

As soon as I did the post of my inspirational looks for the fall, it occurred to me that it's still summer. So here are some looks that I've used for inspiration (yes, I use menswear for inspiration) this summer. The picture below is from the Dries Van Noten spring 2008.

As you may have guessed by now, I like me some color. Guys, if you don't have the gumption for canary yellow trousers, instead of wearing black/brown socks this fall with your trousers, try orange or a robin's egg blue.

The above picture is from Trussardi. Reminds me of my July 15 post of Tommy on Savin Hill.

I certainly used this look for inspiration this summer. Instead of a jacket, I got a camel colored Mr. Roger's/grandpa sweater, that is so neutral, that it goes with absolutely everything. I think I've worn it everyday this week. I spilled coffee on it today, so I'll have to figure out how to live without it until it reemerges from the wash.

These looks (of the gals) are from Elle.com's Street Chic page. Their winter edition of the best looks from Milan, London and Paris, saved my wardrobe from Boston winter ennui.

Some looks for the fall

Just some looks I'm thinking of interpreting this fall.  Both are from Urban Renewal

Your mission should you choose to accept it...

....is to send little 'ole moi, your summer looks.  I can't promise to post every picture, but I'd love to be privy to your fashion triumphs.  Send as many pics as you'd like to beyondbostonchic@gmail.com

Morgan at SOWA

Top picture: Top, Top Shop; skirt, Forever 21; belt and bracelets, Flea Market in LA; shoes, Zara.

Bottom picture: Shoes, Zara; shorts, Old Navy; tee Urban Outfitters; bracelet H&M; vest, Forever 21.

Christina...SOWA open market

The skirt is from Urban Outfitters, the sandals from Banana Republic, the shirt from a thrift store, the sunglasses are from Target and finally, the ring (which I'm diggin') is from Anthropologie.

Leah at SOWA open market

Leah purchased her dress from an H&M in Denmark where she hails. Her sandals are from the gap; her purse is from a thrift store.

Mziko on Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge

Mziko had her boots custom made in the Republic of Georgia. Her shirt is from H&M, the purse from Forever 21 and the shorts are from Georgia.

Taylor on Newbury, Boston

Taylor's bowler hat is Deisel. His sunglasses are Louis Vuitton. The tank is from American Apparel.

Rubbing me the wrong way

You've been looking good this summer, Boston. You've worn your breezy summer dresses, your shorts and those linen pants with much panache. I want to remind you, however, of the importance of follow-through. Why go through the trouble of putting together a great look when your hair is a mess, your clothes are wrinkled, or worst, your shoes just don't jive?

Imagine the above look with rubber flip-flops. I apologize to be the bearer of bad news, but enough already. The rubber flip-flops (or worse, the wedged flip-flops) bring your outfit down several notches. Leave them for the beach, the pool or for wearing around the house. Instead, opt for a pair of leather flip-flop/sandals that suits your style. The sandals from above are from Aldo. You can also opt for a pair from JCrew or if you're opposed to leather, Running with Heels has great article on fashionable yet animal friendly shoes. Gents, the aforementioned sites , Kenneth Cole and Vegetarian Shoes and Bags have options for you too. With leather sandals in
tow (pun intended) you'll certainly look sharper.

Even a look, such as Stephanie, immediately above, has a relaxed yet unsloppy look. Her sandals and accessories pull this look together. (There is also the debate of cropped pants, but that's for another post). I'm sure you know this already, never underestimate the power of shoes.

Don't get me wrong, rubber sandals shouldn't be completely abandoned. Afterall, little Sophia from below looks positively darling in hers.

Alex on Boylston, Boston

I was puttering around the house one Saturday afternoon, when Alex texted: Sale at Saks. Want to go suit shopping today? You don’t have to guess my answer. When I arrived, he, another friend and I decided on the type of suit best tailored for his silhouette.

With the help of the salesperson, we brought in armful loads of summer suits. There was the gray, the charcoal gray, the silver gray with pinstripe, the blue, the blue with lighter blue pinstriped, the blue with gray pinstripes, the blue with stitching around the lapel. After quite a few minutes in the dressing room we ruled, nay on pleated trousers, yes on a back vent for the jacket, and yes, his tush had to be well displayed. A few hours later, we decided on the Zegna that he’s wearing in this picture. The shoes are Gucci.

Joanne on Newbury

Jake...Linnean Street, Cambridge