caped crusader: the superhero-inspired staple and how to get the look

I never used to be a fan of capes...

an american werewolf in italy

how to wear: pencil skirts and crop tops

There's a time and place for crop tops: always and everywhere. (In the warmer months, of course.) 

how to keep cutoffs classy

(photo c. www.nastygal.com)

Due to the second wind of 1980's trends, we've seen a hi-rise of the hi-waisted short making a come back, and with summer fast approaching (especially here in Houston, where we've had highs of 70 and 80 degree heat); cutoffs are a staple in most women's wardrobes. At the shoppe I work for, we can't seem to keep them in stock. Daisy Dukes are definitely some of our top sellers, namely because they're easy to wear and fairly functional in what can be scorching Texas weather. I personally love cutoffs (I own quite a few pairs myself), because they instantly create a long-legged look even for the most petite women. Regardless, I still have quite a few apprehensive clients who would like to wear the short-short trend, but worry the look might be too risque or age-inappropriate; and they ask me how they can take such a casual and scant look to a chicer level. Despite how easy and comfortable they are to wear, I do believe that cutoffs have their place, and for the more mature or modest fashionista here are a few tips and tricks on how to how to keep cutoffs classy in any situation:

monday muse: ulyana sergeenko

(photos c. of pinterest)

My biggest style muse at the moment is most definitely Russian designer, Ulyana Sergeenko. She is so beautifully poised that I often find my heart literally aching at the sight of her. As a history nerd at heart, I love how Sergeenko, at times, mixes 1950's/1960's silhouettes with Regency and Baroque era details to create this hodge-podge of a style that is timeless, chic, and, while I don't want to say 'effortless', because its obvious that she pays a great deal of attention to both her personal style and her label; but Sergeenko certainly makes it appear effortless for the modern day woman to channel her inner Bennett sister. Ulyana reminds me of a Jane Austen character brought to life: strong, witty, posh, and reserved...and the romantic in me aspires for nothing less than such a sophisticated fairy-tale of my own.