Outfit Formula: Street Style Stalker

By those nearest and dearest to me, I have often been accused of being a terrible person with whom to walk down the street. I turn abruptly one way or the other, rarely communicating the directions of my chosen path. I’m not trying to be rude-- what these loved ones don’t quite understand is that every second I am on the streets of New York, I am on the hunt. A part of it is the chance to spot all the new restaurants, shops, and bars, not to mention the ever so wonderful opportunity for famous people sightings. (Is that really you, Mario Batali??) But the real reason? Walking down the streets of NYC is the best inspiration for dressing there is around. It’s like a living, breathing Pinterest. Sure, some of the things you see people wearing are utterly insane… half of my morning commutes are spent wondering where people are going in that sort of outfit at 8 AM (ahem, I can see your ENTIRE bra). If you push aside the craziness, there is a treasure trove of awesomeness at your disposal to inspire your next dressing session. Plus, it’s officially Fashion Week in New York. People are literally here to be photographed for their dressing brilliance. So sorry I can’t tell you beforehand that we are turning right here-- did you see that girl walking in front of us? Her pattern mixing was playing on loop in my brain. And I was creepily considering following her for another block. Don't worry. Talked myself out of that one.

That’s what happened last week while walking home from work. I saw a woman who was dressed in an outfit that was so inspiring, I tried my best to recreate it the next day. It was so simple-- just a drape-y black top, pants, and slides. And then she added on a textured coat that was absolutely swoon worthy. The effect was a streamlined look that seemed so professional and casual at the same time, otherwise known as my goal for dressing. For this week’s outfit formula, I have re-imagined it in sustainable and ethical finds.

ONE: If I did not already own a black and white textured cloth coat, I would purchase this one immediately. Feels like a sweater, looks like a coat-- the creme de la creme of transitional dressing. The colors are simple and streamlined but the coat has major depth (my apologies for the bad image above) that makes it a super interesting addition to any outfit. Plus, this was handcrafted in India.
TWO: Is there anything better than a silk drape-y black sleeveless top? No. It is the most dependable, stalwart member of my clothing regime, providing consistent support throughout the seasons. This was produced in one of Everlane's partner factories in China which benefited from the company's Black Friday Fund and received a basketball court + recreation area--see the factory here.
THREE: These Amour Vert pants are the carbon copy of the pants worn by the street style star (or really just a normal lady walking done the street) In perfect harmony with your new coat, these were also made in India using fair trade manufacturing.
FOUR: I am in love with this structured, ladylike purse. In truth, I'm still in the life stage where I am schlepping a serious amount of stuff to work (snacks! workout clothes! all the layers necessary for A/C battles!), but I dream of the day that I would carry something like this around. Street lady was this type of person. We don't judge her for that. We just envy her all the more. Cuyana designed this bag in SF and it was then handcrafted by artisans in Italy. Even better? You can add a leather charm with gold embossed monogram. Touchdown! (It's football season. Can't say I'm not totally with the times.)
FIVE: I have been eyeing this Akola charmer for a while now. Given the predominance of black and white in my wardrobe, I think it would fit right in to the swing of things.
SIX: The street style star was wearing a pair of shoes strikingly similar to these. They have the air of being appropriate for work while also looking fantastic on the weekend. These made-in- Italy-beauts were crafted by 3rd generation shoemaker and will go seamlessly with your Cuyana bag.