Welcome to Inspiration Quotidienne (which means Daily Inspiration). On this blog I post about what I find inspiring with style, and keep each item under $50 as of this year. I hope that through this blog you can find some inspiration and style tips to incorporate into your wardrobe here.
This look is so summery, and I love it. This is probably the first summer I've seriously considered buying sandals (as opposed to just flip-flops), and I may just invest in this particular kind. These two-strap sandals don't hurt in between your toes like flip-flops do, and are usually more supported for your ankle and the back of your foot. If you pick a kind with decent cushioning, they could be potentially extremely comfortable, as well. And, of course, these will make you look endlessly chic.
I know, I know. Another western. This one is another one that western-haters would probably do best to skip. But if you don't mind them, this could be a pretty interesting movie. It explores interesting themes and American ideas. It's a famous film, and definitely worth looking at. It has a great actress in it, Jean Arthur, who you may remember from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, although this flick is from 1953.
The country club look strikes up the perfect balance between nautical, preppy, and dressy. Sometimes it can verge on being too preppy, which I don't like, but often enough this look is very pretty. It employs bright, crisp colors like white, red, yellow, green, and blue, and sometimes has stripes or floral patterns.
The Cincinnati Kid is a western from 1965 starring Steve McQueen about a young man who is supposedly amazing at five-card poker, and challenges the local old expert. My boyfriend and I watched this before playing some Texas Hold 'Em, and although it wasn't the same kind of poker, it definitely got us riled up. It's a pretty cool film, but if you have a vendetta against westerns, skip it. The movie is full of girls in old 1800s clothing, with tight bodices and flattering cuts.
It's a common belief that leather can't be worn when it's warm outside, but I rather disagree. Unlike wool, leather can be used sparingly as a fabric for an accessory that could be very much warm-weather appropriate. Here are some items that are proof.
1. Leatherette Toe Ring Sandals, $15, forever21.com 2. Multi Keeper Belt, $30, gap.com 3. Vest in Light Gray, $100, hm.com 4. Peugeot Silver-Tone Crystal Leather Watch, $54, kohls.com
The Usual Suspects is a great crime film from 1995 starring Kevin Spacey. I love this movie so much. It's really for everyone. It's also one of those must-see, everyone-talks-about-it movies. Not really sure what to do for fashion inspiration, but here's a couple of pieces that remind me a little bit of the film.
1. BKE Rhinestone in the Rough Earring, $12, buckle.com 2. Flair Scalloped Pleplum Dress in Charcoal, $100, calvinklein.com
I probably push this trend more than any, but I really can't emphasize enough how pieces that are feminine and/or bright really pop and show off your personality. As long as you pick something relatively within your comfort zone and fashion taste, this look will succeed, and be fun to boot. Everyone's closet needs great pieces like this.
1. Andara Pink Mother of Pearl Gemstone Ring, $100, maxandchloe.com 2. Unalloyed Scarf in Sangria, $195, anthropologie.com 3. Silk Printed Cascade Ruffle Tank in Baja Blue, $70, bananarepublic.com 4. "Lily" Crepe Tad Dress, $345, Diane von Furstenburg, bloomingdales.com
I don't want to hear anything about the new, remade Arthur, with Russell Brand. Let me put it this way: he was the only good part about it. End of story. On a happier note, the original (with Liza Minnelli, fashionista extraordinaire, and fun fact, Judy Garland's daughter) is absolutely incredible and amazing and I love it. It's not only cute and witty, but everything about it is so perfect. I would completely recommend it to everyone.
These purses are so cute. They also come in tons of different styles and colors. I love them in soft leathers. To get this look right, just find a slouchy purse with a drawstring and one strap. They're so chic, and so amazing for spring.
The French Connection is a crime film from 1971 starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. To tell you the truth, I don't love it, but I appreciate it in relation to how influential it has been on the film industry. If you're a movie buff or love crime films from the 70s, see it. But if you prefer light-hearted films, skip it. It doesn't have a lot of fashion, but the girl in Marseilles who's seen for just a few minutes has some serious style.
It's surprising sometimes what items of clothing can become basics. Like red shorts, for example. In the late spring and all through the summer, red shorts can keep you cool while making you look cool. Red is so fab and punchy. It can make you look fancy, or casual, or chic, and it's all in which ones you pick and what you wear it with. I recommend black and white to wear with them, obviously, if you want to play it safe, but if you want to experiment, use any colors with your red shorts that you'd like.
All the President's Men is a film made in 1976 starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford. I love so many of their films; they're fantastic actors. This is a great film about the Watergate scandal and the great journalism done by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. There aren't many female characters in this, but Jane Alexander does a wonderful performance, with a waif-like 70s appeal, so that's the look I chose for today.
1. "Mandell" Linen Cotton Striped Ruffle-Front Blouse, $63, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, bloomingdales.com 2. Modern Art Shirtdress, $99, calvinklein.com
A look that I love for spring is a print of color combinations that include pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, tans, and browns, like a desert sunset. It can be potentially gorgeous, given the right type of clothing. It is usually flattering on something long and flowing. If the print seems too bold, balance it out with a piece that is khaki or tan.
Billy Crystal, anyone? I personally love him, and Mr. Saturday Night did not disappoint. This film from 1992 takes place partly in 1992 and partly in the 1950s. The parts that take place in 1992 have Billy Crystal playing his character as an old man. The film is both very funny and very serious, but very good. So today (surprise, surprise) I picked out some more 50s clothing. But, what can I say? I love the era.
It's difficult to convey exactly what I mean when I say "retro girly," but the word that ultimately comes to mind is "punchy." This look can be found in fun, bright colors or crisp white, and embodied in any type of clothing, though most likely accessories. Pick items that have a slightly retro feel, while still keeping a contemporary touch. This look is best pulled off when it includes something that is fun and girly, such as bows, fruit, polka dots, hearts, stars, or other symbols of light-heartedness and happiness.
1. Steve Madden Women's Kortship in Lavender Leather, $79. shoes.com 2. My Cherry Cherie Ring, $13. modcloth.com 3. Large Polka Dot Handbag, $19. forever21.com 4. Cross-Neck Halter Dress in White, $80. victoriassecret.com
