Scott Schuman’s blog, The Sartorialist, began simply because he wanted to share photos of everyday people, going about their lives, that he thought looked great. These “street style” blogs are now quite numerous and have huge influence on designers, stylists, photographers and other taste-makers. What keeps me going back to The Sartorialist is that Schuman doesn’t simply post photographs of outfits- he posts photographs of people. While some street style blogs always have their subjects pose for the shot, awkwardly doing their best model pose, quite often Schuman shoots them unawares and captures a fleeting moment of time. It’s his style of photography, not just the style of his subjects, that makes his blog one of my weekly must-reads.

Now you can give your coffee table a touch of Schuman’s style with The Sartorialist book, which was released earlier this month. Featuring 500 pages of photographs-favorites and many never before seen- and some commentary, I can’t wait to get lost in print version of his beautiful photographs.

Join me? The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

I recently saw the cutest pair of grey patent leather oxford shoes while out shopping. I had been looking for the perfect pair of oxfords last fall, and here they were, and at a totally reasonable price point. But, being in a summer sandal state of mind, I passed them up. I’ve been wondering if I made the right decision ever since, and finding these amazing photographs on The Sartorialist of a summer celebration on Governors Island, I think the answer is definitely “no” (and I still haven’t found the perfect pair of summer sandals).

I’m so jealous of these pretty ladies in their summer frocks and leather oxfords… I think I may just have to purchase a pair of oxfords and just keep in mind I’ll probably find the perfect pair of summer sandals this November when I am searching for a new pair of boots…

These Sam Edelman Simona Oxford’s with wingtip and laceless detailing are too cute… and I can totally picture them with my summer skirts and dresses.

Caftans and muumu’s get a bad rap, just saying either word conjures up visions of unkempt housewives puttering around the house- think Edna Turnblad before her Hefty Hideaway makeover- or Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company. Yet, I’m all for effortless, comfortable dressing, and think that the caftan may not deserve such immediate name association. There is something to be said, especially during the summer, for an outfit that is lightweight and breathes. There is nothing worse than tight, synthetic fabric on your skin when the sun is pounding down. Caftans can be thrown on at the beach, or dressed up with some costume jewelry and cute shoes. Take this chic woman, photographed in South Beach Miami by The Sartorialist:

I love this look! This woman manages to look put-together, comfortable and stylish all at the same time. The tie-dyed, ethnic vibe of the caftan is on-trend, but not overly trendy. A few simple accessories- gold sandals, a killer gold bib necklace and funky bracelet- take this from beach cover-up to a look that could be worn to a summer dinner party.

This green Kente Kaftan caftan has a great print and is a less expensive option to buying a “designer” caftan that is styled to look trendy and hip. The authentic print and shape give you a canvas to make the look your own by accessorizing.

Image Source: The Sartorialist

I love this outfit shot by Scott Schuman, aka The Sartorialist, outside the Blumarine show in Milan for Style.com. The look is great because it is at the same time head-turning and incredibly simple. All you need are four items: an oversized oxford button-down or shirtdress, black opaque tights or black leggings, platform heels or booties, and a chic handbag. I like that this woman left it at that, she isn’t even wearing a watch or small earrings. She looks fresh, modern and surprisingly sexy. I think the sexiness of this outfit comes from the fact that it almost makes you think that the dress she wore out the night before, paired with the tights and heels, is hidden in her bag and she simply threw on her lovers shirt in the morning and got on with her day. A little naughty, no? Or maybe I’m letting my imagination run a little wild. Regardless, here is how I would get this look:

First the main item, the shirtdress. It’s hard to find an oversized button-down shirt that fits as well as the one in our inspiration photo. That’s why I like the idea of buying a shirtdress. You get the look of a button-down, with a great fit. This version from Current/Elliot is sleeveless and a bit different from the blue oxford above, but I like that this dress would look equally cute in this outfit, as well as paired with sandals over a bathing suit this summer.

Black opaque tights from Ellen Tracy. I probably wear my opaque tights more than anything else in my wardrobe, if you don’t already own a pair, you should remedy this situation immediately if not sooner. You can thank me later.

These cute platforms from LAUREN Ralph Lauren are reminiscent of the YSL Tribute Sandals. But the cost won’t break your bank and the lower heel won’t break your back.

This Dautore grey leather shopper is big enough to hold last night’s outfit and everything you need for today, all in one chic package.

Image Source: Style.com

I saw image on The Sartorialist and had to post it. I am so jealous of this woman’s perfectly oversized gray sweater.

I am traveling home for the holidays today, and this sweater is exactly what I need to use as a blanket on the plane, keep me warm in the chilly weather of my hometown, and hide the food-baby once the last piece of pumpkin pie is done. To sum it up, if I owned this sweater I would never take it off. I like how she keeps the rest of her outfit fairly simple, and adds a pop of color with her blue bead drop earrings. However, I am not crazy about the different-shade-of-gray jeans, as they almost look khaki and kind of remind me of chino’s and Gap holiday commercials from days of old. I would probably opt for a pair of black leggings or skinny jeans.

This oversized cashmere sweater from TSE has a chic front drape that keeps the boxier shape from being frumpy.

Lapis beads always make me think of Earth from afar, with their deep blue color and flecks of gold. I like these simple sterling silver drop earrings.

Image Source: The Sartorialist

I love this image from The Satorialist because it illustrates that wardrobe staples such as great fitting slacks, a good quality white t-shirt and a cashmere cardigan can be paired with different accessories to become innumerous different looks. I absolutely love this bright scarf and the turban-like way that she has wrapped it around her head, yet these pieces could just have easily been paired with statement jewelry such as a large stone necklace, or a bright blue oversized clutch to take this look from The Gap to The Satorialist. My advice is to invest in these wardrobe staples and great timeless accessories like this scarf, and to go the inexpensive route when it comes to the trendy pieces you covet. A perfectly fitted pair of black trousers you can wear season after season while harem pants come and go.

Here’s how to get the look:

These “Classic Pants” from Theory are cute and the brand is known for having great quality. They have a slight slouch which makes them look a little bit relaxed, but they still come off smart.

You can’t have too many basic tops like this crisp white Gap “Essential Tee” .

This Inhabit cotton-cashmere basic cardigan is the kind of sweater that is a go-to when you want to be comfortable but still look cute.

I love the contrast of the bright yellow and black on this Emilio Pucci Diamante Silk Scarf.

Source: The Satorialist

The Sartorialist has given a good name to the bike riders of NYC, capturing images of men and women opting for a carbon-friendly form of transportation and looking incredibly chic while doing so, for his much-loved blog:

NYC’s current transportation commissioner, Janette Sadik- Khan, has taken promoting bicycling in the city to another level. Summer Streets, a program that closed off almost 7 miles of a north-south route in the city to automobile traffic, the Cityracks program, which provides free sidewalk racks for bike parking and a design competition for newer, sleeker racks are all designed to get people excited about bicycling. David Byrne, of Talking Heads and CBGB fame, definitely got excited. A judge in the design competition, he designed 9 of his own bike racks to be displayed in Manhattan and Williamsburg for the next year as functional modern art.

A bit tongue-in-cheek, the dollar sign resides on Wall Street, the red high heel outside of Bergdorf’s, and “the Hipster”, the red guitar, is in Williamsburg.

“By bringing attractive yet functional sculptures to our streets, we are elevating the profile of cycling, and we believe that more and more people will begin to think about cycling as a mode of transportation, and not just a mode of recreation,” Ms. Sadik-Khan said in a statement. “Regular bike riders have an eagle eye for our current bike racks but these nine installations will capture the attention of all New Yorkers.”

They have caught the eye of this West Coaster as well. I’ll be checking The Sartorialist everyday in hopes of seeing a Chloé-clad lady locking her bicycle on the heel or a dapper gentleman pulling up to the dollar sign. For my NYC readers, a list of names and locations follows:

* The Jersey: Northwest corner of Ninth Avenue and 39th Street, near the Lincoln Tunnel
* The MoMA: South side of West 54th Street, east of the Avenue of the Americas
* The Ladies’ Mile: West side of Fifth Avenue, north of 57th Street (in front of Bergdorf’s)
* The Chelsea: In front of 530 West 25th Street, east of 11th Avenue (in front of PaceWildenstein Gallery)
* The Hipster: West side of Bedford Avenue, near North Sixth Street, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
* The Olde Times Square: South side of West 44th Street, west of Seventh Avenue
* The Villager: In front of 536 La Guardia Place, between West Third and Bleecker Streets
* The Wall Street: North side of 82 Wall Street, west of Water Street
* The Coffee Cup: West side of Amsterdam Avenue, between West 110th and 111th Streets

Inspired? A sleek messenger bag, like this one from Prada, will keep your hands free and your look chic while biking around your own town. With all the money you’ll be saving on gas, you can afford some Prada!!:

Photo Cred: The Sartorialist and The New York Times City Room Blog (who also provided the list of racks)

I love street style blogs, and literally can get sucked into them for hours on end. These blogs allow you to participate in the internet equivalent of one of my favorite activities- people watching. Only the internet version allows you to see what the chic women of Paris or funky fashionistas in Stockholm are wearing without paying for airfare, and some even give you a break down of the brands in a given outfit so you can make the look your own. I love seeing what women, also men, from around the world throw on for their day-to-day routines. These bloggers/ photographers capture unexpected mixes of designer and discount brands, funky accessories, and amazing international backdrops. I am also intrigued by the different photography styles and personalities of the bloggers as well as the real life moments they capture and share.

From the undisputed King of Street Style, Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist:

P.S. This woman in the black jumper, a stylist, was in my office today wearing the exact same outfit!! What a strange fashion coincidence! She told us the heels are Fendi… there is a better image of them on The Sartorialist site. They are very covetable.

London’s Glam Canyon:

Stockholm’s Stockholm Street Style:

Munich’s Style Clicker:

The first picture has me convinced I need a wide, loud belt added to my wardrobe, such as this one from Linea Pelle:

This scared cat tank from C&C California is just as cute and cheeky as the neon cat tee from Munich:

For more street style, check out these awesome blogs from around the globe (list courtesy of my dear and stylish friend Geri’s own amazing blog Because I’m Addicted):

* Barcelona - icanteachyouhowtodoit
* Berlin - LN Style
* Berlin - Still in Berlin
* Copenhagen - Copenhagen Street Style
* Israel - The Streets Walker
* Japan - Japanese Streets
* Liverpool - Hoy Fashion
* London - Face Hunter
* Montreal - MTL Street
* Montreal - Pregnant Goldfish
* New York - Altamira NYC
* Oslo - Oslostil
* Paris - Dans-Paris
* Paris - Style and the City
* Poland - Polish Street Fashion
* Stitch Society
* Style Sightings
* Vancouver - The Commodified

On Monday I embark on my annual visit to the city of lights, love and women who are dressed much more stylishly than myself… I am headed to Paris for the Premiere Vision textile show. The show is the perfect place to scope out what is going to be hot next in fashion. Firstly, the show previews textiles and trim for Spring 09- literally giving a sneak peak at what we will be seeing on the runways come September. Second, the people watching is on par with fashion week; while most of the bigger designers don’t venture to the show themselves, last year I did spot Erin Featherston, Derek Lam and Diane von Furstenberg as well as countless chic and avant garde dressers from around the globe. This year, I am determined to be one of those stylish nameless people and am dressing for impressing, not for comfort as I attempted to do last time around. Here are my Paris outfit inspiration photos and some key pieces I plan on packing:

From the Sartorialist’s NYFW coverage:

Stripes always make me think of Paris:

I’ll wear tights under the socks and add a big coat to stay toasty:

Do I dare bring out the cut- off shorts in Paris?!

Key pieces: Red high top Converse All-Stars, Parisian stripes from Cris, Falke Family knee high socks and a cute pea coat from Chadwick’s to keep me warm should I decide that I’m brave enough to wear my cut-offs: