the apache

the apache dance was popular in Parisian street culture at the beginning of the 20th century. supposedly it was a kind of reenactment of a violent "discussion" between a pimp and prostitute...a theatrical rendition of street savagery and the struggle of survival.

a single dose is all it takes

keira knightley

(image via posh 24)

claudia schiffer

(image via rdujour)

kate moss

(image via mystic medusa)

elle macpherson

(image via rdujour)

All of these women have tapped into something pretty simple— a single spectacular dose of leopard print can make all the difference. The print brings an instant cool factor to pretty much any outfit, taking someone from plain Jane territory into the realm of rebels, sex kittens, trailblazers, class acts, and bon vivants. It's not for the faint of heart or shrinking violets, it's for those who want to cut a wide swath for themselves and know how to keep their cool along the way.

back on the map

(image via elliebalfe)

This look from Derek Lam's Spring 2011 collection takes a classic 70's silhouette out of the fashion archives and makes it current. The high waist and wide legs of the jeans are slimming, the blouse is crisp, and the thin belt sleekly emphasizes the waist. This outfit could easily move from day to night, delivering impact at every turn. It's a look that embodies a pared down modernity that is so 2011, yet still manages to reference the easy, carefree spirit that the 70's were all about.

as good as gold

(image via sneakerfreaker)

(image via nah right)

(image via dallas observer)

santigold is rad. her whole deal is genre-less, indefinable... she is just a mash-up of influences, a rare bird of style and substance. and if you didn't know that she used to be in a punk/ska band called stiffed, you need to listen to this song...

plain & simple

miranda july

(image via venuszine)

josephine de la baume

(image via the vivian girl)

liv tyler

(image via joujou villeroy)

the plain white tee. preferably cotton. preferably 100%. there is nothing quite like it. understated, classic, crisp...but somehow managing to convey a sense of toughness too... i think of cowboys and mechanics and james dean. i think of cigarettes rolled up in the sleeves. it's simple, it's perfect, it's straightforward american cool.

want list

the lake and stars business model pebble knit bra

(image via journelle)

matt and nat zocalo bag

(image via arcadia boutique)

adam shearling trimmed cotton jacket

(image via the clothes whisperer)

turquoise triangle ring with wedding band

(image via hotpieceofclass)

rachel comey hitch boot

(image vis solestruck)

bardot, bringing it

because i can never get enough of her.

(image via pie shops)