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

This image from Garance Doré’s amazing blog of “Italiassime Giorgia” perfectly epitomizes what I have been craving for summer- simple stripes. Whether in the form of summer dresses (this strapless version is perfection), inexpensive rib tanks from Old Navy or even lace-up stripe boots- there is something about stripes that just screams summer. Especially in chic nautical colors such as white paired with navy, red or yellow.

It’s not exactly the same dress (or maybe it is the same dress- just a different color?) but I plan on playing “American Girl in Italy” this summer while running around Los Angeles in this Ya Ya Love Yaya Eve Navy Stripe Dress.

Image Source: Garance Doré

I’m really hoping that my “plans” to make it to NYC this summer/ fall actually pan out because I am dying to go check out the High Line, a new park (just opened this month) located on the West Side of Manhattan- running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, to West 20th Street in Chelsea- built on an old rail road 30 feet above the city streets. If you happen to be in Manhattan, it is probably worth checking out. If not for the new park’s integrated landscape- which combines meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings- then for the people watching. As Style.com has pointed out, the High Line isn’t just New York’s newest park- it’s also the city’s newest runway. Some street style looks from the park:

I’m not even at the High Line and I already have an outfit idea thanks to these lovely ladies… I’m planning on pairing my oxford blue button down shirt, with sleeves rolled up, over a white summer dress (a la lady #4).

If you are feeling the same vibe, try mixing high-end and affordable pieces like may of the women in the above photos. This oxford blue button down from Old Navy would look great worn over MK2K’s white linen shift dress.

Source: Style.com, The High Line

The sweater dress is a fleeting springtime look I absolutely love. And by fleeting, I mean there are only a few weeks each year where the weather is right for the look- when it’s warm enough that you can wear your sweater without pants (or leggings, or tights) and cool enough that wearing a sweater- even sans pants- isn’t out of the question.

I have a few oversized sweaters that I have tried to make work as actual dresses. This girl pulls it off amazingly well, yet I always end up feeling like I am about to expose my bottom to the world should I have to bend over. I guess my oversized sweaters just aren’t long enough to actually be considered dresses, despite my desire to wear them as such. Before the weather gets too warm in LA (and I’ve only got maybe a few weeks of spring breezes left, according to my totally unscientific calculations), I may just have to purchase a sweater dress.

This cute Max Studio sweater dress is amazingly priced and just long enough to wear without risk of overexposure.

I also love this uber-preppy, striped take on the look from Millions of Smiles… indeed.

Amazingly cute girl-in-sweater-and-awesome-galoshes image source: ELLE.com

My weekend has left me thinking that tie dye is going to be a huge trend this summer. Of course, my weekend consisted of going to a Dead concert with the boyfriend and the Rose Bowl Flea Market to inspiration hunt with my co-workers, so my weekend people-watching may have been a little skewed towards hippie… Nonetheless, there is definitely something out summer that makes me want to pull out the boho-hippie print. Of course, I am not the type to wear a full-on rainbow color tie dye Grateful Dead concert tee, instead I tend to keep it to muted tanks and sundresses. I love the orange and grey combo on this Gypsy 05 Tie Dye Maxi Dress and flirty shape of Thayer’s Tie Dye Spaghetti Strap Tank.

The only bright tie dye I own is an accent piece- a very bright, very oversized chiffon scarf that I love. It adds personality to even the most basic outfits. This Tie Dye Scarf from Charlotte Russe and Vince Camuto Danielle Sandals will work just as well.

These four pieces are just a snippet of the great tie dye options out there you can wear to have your own summer of love… in style.

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 am obsessed with this shot from Jak & Jil street style photographer Tommy Ton’s campaign for Lane Crawford. Both women are stunning and wearing very chic outfits, but what caught my eye about this photo is that it is striking how different these women’s styles are from the each other and yet how well they work together. The slacks and tank outfit is dressed up enough with the ankle strap heels and the colorful dress on the other woman is toned down enough with her minimal hair and makeup, that there is no question to whether they are actually heading to the same event or not. While I love both outfits, the separates are just amazing effortless cool and totally the look I will be going for this spring and summer. Here is how I’d create this outfit:

I covet this Orange Popsicle colored silk tank from Alexander Wang.

Not as slouchy as the above slacks, I still love these High Waist Crop Pants from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Love the sawtooth detailing on these L.A.M.B. heels.

Image Source: Lane Crawford

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’ve recently come across two images on the internet that have me seriously contemplating wearing my heather grey sweatpants as casual sportswear. And by that, I don’t mean casual pants in which to play sports in. Rather, I’m tempted to pair them with a cute blazer, high-heeled boots and a slouchy white tee. Am I crazy? Or do these pictures- the first a shot of model Madisyn Ritland outside the tents at Bryant park, and the second a look from Isabel Marant spring 2009- inspire you to do the same?

It takes the casual slept-in t-shirt and ripped jeans aesthetic to a whole new level, is probably even more comfortable, and actually manages to look more put-together. My only fear is that while covetable and chic on these tall blonde beauties, translated onto my 5′1″ frame the look just won’t have the same feel. Of course, there is only one way to find out if an outfit works, and so I intend to wear it out of the house and see if I feel like a fool all day and can’t wait to run home and pair my sweats with flip-flops like a normal person or if I find myself feeling confident and secretly checking out my hot new look in store windows as I walk by.

This look definitely requires a cute pair of sweats, not an oversized pair that belongs to an ex-boyfriend and you have to roll the waistband over 3 times to keep them on your hips.

This pair from Sport-Tek has a great slouchy fit, and a recession-friendly price tag. So you can splurge on the high-heel boots…

Image Source: ELLE, Teen Vogue

I came across this photo on ELLE.com’s Street Chic gallery. Something about this look really caught my eye, and it’s not just the model-off-duty. I love the play on proportions in what is a fairly simple outfit you could piece together from your own closet. The high-waisted skirt paired with the vest creates interesting layers, and the overall effect gives her legs for dayyyyss. Alright, I’ll concede that this gal has no shortage in the leg department, in fact, she should probably share some of the wealth with me… however, I think this look would have the same effect on those of us without these stems. The outfit is helped by the many dark colors mixed together- chocolate, purple, navy, plum, dusty blue- nothing really matches and yet nothing clashes. This look is also easily modified for different occasions- dress it up by swapping the flats for heels for a or make it cold-weather friendly by trading the vest for a blazer.

Here’s how to get this look:

Start with a scooped-neck tank. James Perse makes the most amazing, comfortable basics. You can’t go wrong with this long tank in purple slate tank, a not-so-basic neutral color. Perfect for layering during the winter and wearing with cut-offs during the summer.

These dark gray opaque tights from Hue are almost the same color as the tank, but different enough to not be too matchy-matchy.

I like this “Jennie” skirt from the Lauren Conrad Collection because the stretchy jersey allows you to wear it high on the waist or low, depending on your mood/ outfit.

I love this deep-red vest from Monrow. While a dark navy or purple vest would also look great with this outfit, I couldn’t help throwing in a pop of color. It’s the holidays after all!

Add your own finishing touches- flats, heels, headband, clutch, hobo bag- there are a million ways to accessorize this simple but chic outfit.

Image Source: ELLE.com