With A Cherry On Top...

Hermes Reversible "H" Buckle Leather Belt

You know it and I know it...the right accessories can help take a look to a completely different place if done right. The cherry on top of your fashion sundae. Women have the luxury of endless bags and purses to help transform some of the most bland of outfits to works of sartorial art. Having discovered the power of a good shoe early on, I'm now in the market for the perfect belt to take my wardrobe of simplistic, classic pieces to a new place.

The Hermes "H" Buckle Reversible belt is definitely a heavy hitter. It would truly take a white oxford, skinny jeans and loafers to a completely different place, a la Nicky Hilton in the above image. The second image shows the belt's power on a completely styled out look. Again, cherry on top! Retailing at $585, it's just a little pricey for a frugalista like myself. Here's hoping I can find one on Ebay or at a great consignment shop in Naples, FL or New York City. A piece like this would be a true collector's item...and that's what I want my wardrobe to be, a collection of items I've amassed over the years that tell a story about me, and no one else.

Funny how a piece of leather can have such a profound impact on one's self actualization...

Photo Credits: Google, Denimology, Chictopia

Substance and Style...

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Time-less Classics

I'll have paninis and strawberry orange mimosas with a side of Prada. Thank you! I had the ultimate pleasure to spend my lovely Saturday morning with one of the most endearing, heartfelt, stylish woman I've ever met. Her home - pure, simplistic, modern perfection. Her wardrobe - what dreams are made of. With an amazing family and a circle of friends that rival "The Sisterhood", she lives what most people would call - A FULL Life. Her sartorial and domestic style is well curated and sharp. Chic and clearly defined, everything within her home and closet seemed as though it was filtered through a well defined funnel of what works and doesn't work for her taste and lifestyle.

She's really good friends with my boss (yep, the owner of these crazy Dries), and it was definitely necessary to feature her on this blog, sooner rather than later. I feel so honored to have been allowed inside of her amazing home, and absolutely privileged to bring these beautiful images to you.

Now, if you'll excuse, I have to go organize my wardrobe - thanks to my special guest, I now have direction on what perfected style looks like...

Where the Wild Things Are...

Ann Demeulemeester

Dior Homme

Dunhill

Hermes

Je suis tres' contente!!!! Paris Fashion Week officially kicked off a few days ago, and I have to say, even as a proud American, this by far my favorite of the fashion weeks. The clothes, the style (on and off the runway) is all very inspiring. The Parisian style truly reflects a joie de vivre. Everything they do has this "cool" factor of not trying to hard. AH! It's all so intoxicating.

The above looks are from the a few shows I had a chance to peruse through during a break from my much needed weekend reading session. The above looks are some of my faves from the men's collections. While everything shown is not necessarily something I would wear, there are a few pieces and styling tips that I am certainly going to take into serious consideration.

1. Ann Demeulemeester - this is very much sex, drugs, and rocking fashion. I love the all black nod - Ann loves Patti Smith and the references are very prevalent in this collection. I don't necessarily think that I would go for a head to toe rock look, but who can deny the staying power of an all black ensemble. This speaks to my dark side that still looks to be sharp and elegant with a little leather smirk from time to time. And who said capes are only for superheroes...I'll take one of those as well, thank you!

2. Dior Homme - crop trousers and harnessed boots, everything a man can hope and dream for. This collection by Kris Van Assche is truly a testament of what the brand that is Homme stands for. Artistically rooted in the powers that be, Hedi Slimane, slim and tailored is the name of the game, but this "new look" of ease and sharp comfort is oh so enticing. I am but a blindly led rat following the Dior clad Pied Piper.

3. Dunhill - a little boy in his father's oxfords. Oh how I want to power lunch in those tailored suits, tweet sartorial updates on my blackberry with those leather gloves, and shop the farmer's market in Union Square in that overcoat. The unexpectedness of the trousers tucked into the socks and boots add a sense of ease and coolness to the collection. I want to take over the world wearing Dunhill while being served sparkling water and freshly baked macaroons. That's the life for me.

4. Hermes - Breathtaking! Veronique has truly out done herself with this eternal nod to the brand that is Hermes. The DNA of fine craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail is what brings this collection to life. Everything that a man would ever need in his wardrobe; including a croc skin hoodie! Bravo!

Oh, to have the much needed financial means to wear some of this amazing and beautiful art. For now, I'll just drool over my keyboard. Excuse while I grab a handkerchief.

Photo Credits: GQ.com