We Believe in Style

BY NOEMI

FASHION

SO TAKE YOUR GLOVES AND GET OUT

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I don’t know about you, but I can’t live without gloves. They are (together with scarves) my winter must-haves accessories. If you can relate, this post is for you. Its title comes from the song by My Chemical Romance “I Don’t Love You” (which I like very much) where Gerard Way sings “so take your gloves and get out”.

Some history, information and curiosity about gloves.

It seems that we (humans) wore something similar to gloves, mittens to be precise (fingerless gloves), already in the Ice Age. But the oldest existing gloves are a linen pair found in the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamun. In ancient times gloves only had a practical purpose.

As often happens, what initially was born as a practical accessory, became a sign of prestige, a luxury item. So gloves became a must-have accessories for kings, queens, aristocrats, prelates, and the Pope himself.

It is said that “Beau” Brummell, one of the most famous dandies in history, wore bespoke gloves cut and crafted by three different tradesmen: one for the hand, one for the fingers, one for the thumb. We don’t know if it’s true but Brummell believed a true gentleman should have changed his gloves six times a day, since at his time, the 19th century, men wore gloves almost all day long.

Gloves are difficult in the making, that’s why they became a luxury accessory. Have you noticed that in many paintings that portray clergy and aristocracy all the subjects wear gloves? Sometimes they wear one glove and hold the other. One of my favorite portrays is “Man with a Glove” by Tiziano (Vecellio) that you can admire at Louvre Museum. It seems the young man portrayed by Tiziano was an nobleman fond of fashion.

If you watched “Titanic” and like Kate Winslet’s amazing costumes, you can buy the same pair of gloves she wore in the film. Yes, “The Rose”, those beautiful white gloves with purple cuff Rose wears when boarding the Titanic can be yours. But you can also have a similar pair because Chester Jefferies, the manufacture which made the gloves for the film, allows you to have your pair choosing among different combinations of colors.

I don’t wear leather accessories, except for shoes, but I cannot but admire the craftmanship behind accessories like bespoke gloves. 

I found all these for you, they are both for men and women.

Gala Gloves is an Italian manufacture established in 1930. They makes incredible gloves. I particularly like this pair with fringes.

Photo via Gala

I also like these gloves for men, the woven leather is classy.

Photo via Gala

Loro Piana made cashmere gloves embellished with tiny sequins (yes, they are expensive, but you can embellish a much more affordable pair, if you like to sew).

Photo via Net-à-Porter

These cashmere gloves by Johnstons of Elgin are much more affordable.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

Chester Jefferies “The Felicity”. The contrasting panels are such an exquisite detail that you can personalized.

Photo via Chester Jefferies

These are by Zara. Faux leather, wool and nylon.

Photo via Zara

Not warm, but lovely for sure. By Zara.

Photo via Zara

Leather and wool-blend for these gloves by & Other Stories.

Photo via & Other Stories

H&M. For men.

Photo via H&M

These Manokhi embellished gloves are so cute.

Photo via Farfetch

Manokhi also made these fringed gloves.

Photo via Farfetch

H&M. For women. I find long gloves so chic.

Photo via H&M

Stone Island added to these gloves a clip, so you can’t lose just one 😄 I’m joking, I think it’s such a good idea, but it works only for sporty models.

Photo via Mr Porter

There’s a lot of black in this post. Here’s some color with these gloves by Paul Smith.

Photo via Mr Porter

Wood Wood. They seem black but they’re navy.

Photo via Ssense

Chester Jefferies “The Top Gear”. Available in many colors, don’t they look so soft and comfortable?

Photo via Chester Jefferies

I love the decoration on these studded gloves by Agnelle.

Photo via Farfetch

Such a beautiful tone of blur for these gloves by Saint Laurent.

Photo via Farfetch

A COOL OUTFIT PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS

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Zara always provides inspiration to dress in a cool way. I love those outfits that look like someone has just randomly chose some clothes but that are actually well-thought.

I was browsing to look for accessories for a post I’m writing (spoiler: it’s about gloves) when I saw this look, which I looove.

I immediately thought that it’s a perfect, casual look for Christmas. But that you can wear whenever you like to look “casual with a twist” or “sparkling casual”.

Of course the necklace makes the difference. But you can easily replicate this outfit. Do you like as much as I do? Also, I saw some interesting pieces on Zara website so I’ll write a post about them, stay tuned!

Photo via Zara

FEMININE, COSY, AND WARM KNITTED DRESSES

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Do you have a knitted dress in your closet? If the answer is no, it’s probably time to get at least one. Not because they seem to be among the must have of this season, but because they are warm, comfortable, and versatile. You can wear them from daytime to nighttime and accessorize them as you like and they are perfect if you are pregnant.

Chunky, light, tight, loose, long, short. There’s the right knitted dress waiting for you out there!

COS offers an interesting selection of knitted dresses. If you like cable-knit you may find this dress perfect for you.

Photo via COS

This one, also by COS, can be worn with a light, fitted t-shirt underneath.

Photo via COS

This dress is made of boiled merino wool. I don’t like its felted texture, but I know many people does, because it wool looks more like a fabric.

Zara offers plenty of choice, too. These ones are my favorite knitted dresses among the selection of the Spanish brand.

Make this dress more fitted adding a belt/belt bag.

Photo via Zara

This dress is lovely. I like the ruffled neck, vaguely Victorian, and the velvet bow.

Photo via Zara

I’m not a fan of zip + knitwear but this dress seems so cosy. And I like the sleeves.

Photo via Zara

H&M made this dress with lateral splits in two colors, black and beige.

Photo via H&M

And also this chunky knitted dress, available in vintage pink, black and grey.

Photo via H&M

Net-à-Porter has an interesting selection of knitted dresses. These are my favorite ones.

Saint Laurent. Black, minimalist, with a turtleneck. I know, it’s nothing new but it’s timeless and you can wear it as a dress or as a maxi sweater. Perfect from daytime to nighttime. And it’s 100% cashmere, so warm and soft.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

Another minimalist turtleneck knitted dress, by MICHAEL Michael Kors.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

A blend of wool and cashmere and statement sleeves make this dress by Isabel Marant absolutely perfect (except for the price).

Photo via Net-à-Porter

And here’s some outfit inspiration.

Photo via Instagram – Credits @solomia

Photo via Instagram – Credits @c_illidge

Photo via Instagram – Credits @sylwiapabian

Photo via Instagram – Credits to @mrskunz_

Photo via Instagram – Credits to @mrskunz_

Photo via Instagram – Credits: @georgie_carman

FASHION PILLS {COMBAT BOOTS}

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Like many garments and accessories that became iconic and classic, for example jeans and the trench coat, combat boots were born to be military footwear. Then they became fashionable. What was designed to be practical, stable and protecting, now has to guarantee a fair amount of style and coolness.

Edith Head, one of the best costume designers in the history of cinema, said that “you can have anything you want in life, if you dress for it”. I often wonder if this statement is true but it seems particularly reliable when it comes to military and workwear clothing. It’s hard to work well or win a war without the right equipment. It is believed that some crucial wars were lost/won due to the wrong/right clothing and footwear, most of all in case of cold weather.

A sort of military boots were even used by Assyrians, that is to say more than a thousand years before Christ. Ancient Roman legionary soldiers used to wear a boot-sandal, called caligae (Caligola, the Roman emperor, was nicknamed after them), which would look more like a trekking sandal, today, but that was considered a boot in ancient times. Caliage was later modified and made more enclosed, warm and protective. The name was changed into calceus.

The first army boot that looked a lot like the ones we use now was introduced in US in 1816, with the peculiarity that there wasn’t a right and a left foot. The difference between the two feet was introduced after the Civil War, so many decades later.

The modern version of combat boots date back to the nineties century. After every war they have been updated, based on the needs of the army. The most famous combat boots are probably Dr. Martens. The brand was started by the Griggs family, who made work shoes since 1901! I had a pair of Dr. Martens when I went to high school, I basically lived in them and they still look pretty good, I think.

Punk cultured and cinema contributed to make combat boots popular. Sex Pistols, The Clash  (but also London’s teddy boys), Steve McQueen and the cast of “The Great Escape” made combat boots look stylish and cool. In the ’90s they were particularly popular. Liv Tyler, Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder all wore combat boots, like Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber do nowadays.

 

 

 

Photo by Image by Brian Merrill from Pixabay

Preview image via Net-à-Porter

SEPTEMBER MOOD

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September has always been one of my favorite months, because it leads to autumn, my favorite season (together with spring).
This year, autumn will inevitably be different because we are still in the middle of the pandemic. Some said that when everything is uncertain, anything is possible. It’s true, after all. So I hope that anything will be possible, for you. And for me, like finally move to a new apartment, which I still have to find!

I decided to write this post because I thought that the first of September needed one, to try to start off on the right foot. 

These are some inspiring words, music, and style ideas I have in my mind, now.

Discipline is something I need, now, because I have the bad habit of procrastination and I easily get distracted, if I’m online. As a lover of quotes, I find these two particularly motivating.

Did Abraham Lincoln ever say something that wasn’t inspiring?

When I’m sad I often listen to this song by Placebo. “All it takes is one decision, a lot of guts, a little vision to wave your worries and cares goodbye”. 

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Speaking about fashion, I would like to add to my closet some pieces, like boots with heels high enough to make me fell like I’m wearing heels, and steady enough to make me comfortably walk. I’d like something I could wear with leggings and maybe skirts (I wrote maybe). 

These booties by Miista are so beautiful, I still have a thing for faux crocodile accessories.

Photo via Shopbop

Talking about skirts, it seems that denim skirts will be going strong next fall. I’d like to have a pencil skirt to wear with pretty sweatshirts, knitwear or blazers.

I like this one by H&M, which would be much longer, on me!

Photo via H&M

I also like this one, by H&M too.

Photo via H&M

ABOUT PERSONAL STYLE – PART ONE

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These words about fashion and style by Scottish novelist and historical writer Margaret Oliphant (1828 – 1897) are so modern that one could easily mistake them for a statement by someone like Coco Chanel, Iris Apfel, Diana Vreeland, or Franca Sozzani. Every time I mention these words people are surprised to learn they’re from a woman who lived in the 19th century.

I published Oliphant’s quotation years ago, few months after starting We Believe in Style. The blog was so different, back then, so I decided to update this old post.
People with great style usually state they don’t follow trends and their style icons (because everybody is inspired by someone, after all) are often from the past and not strictly part of the fashion business. Actors, musicians, socialites, artists… no matter their career, people with great style march to the beat of their own drum.
I’ve been thinking a lot about my style and how I want it to be, recently. I realized my inspiration comes mainly from very few persons, who kind of dress the way I already do and the way I would if my life was a bit different (if I was less sensitive to the cold or had a driving license, or if wearing skirts didn’t make me feel naked, for example). I also realized the statement “dress for the life/job you want” totally makes sense and “make sure to dress for the person you want to be” is even more sensible. The latter statement is my style mantra, now.
Fashion designers recognize the big difference between style and fashion. Oscar de la Renta said that “fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself”. But being yourself is not easy, for many people; it can even be scary for some, because being yourself often means being different and being different often means not being accepted. I still remember how some of my classmates once looked at me like I was weird because of my cobalt blue tights, which I loved and made me feel cool and stylish.
An article on Man Repeller about all the outfits worn by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at the Met Gala during the years enlightened me a bit more about the definition of style. Someone wrote that all their outfits look similar and Leandra Medine replied with “that’s kind of the point, it is SUCH personal style. Different but the same. The same but different“. So I guess Medine defined in few words the basis of personal style adding that “style icons are just that, iconically recognized for their ~style~”.
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen are among my style icons, for the record. And I admire them for being private persons.
As Scott “The Sartorialist” Schuman once wrote “great personal style is made up of a certain percentage of ‘always’ items and methods, mixed with a certain percentage of ‘sometimes’ and a certain percentage of ‘nevers’”.
These words by Apfel are so true. It takes years to know who you are (even if I think some people are blessed and know it since they are children), but once you know, everything is clear and easy, at least when it comes to get dressed. I spend a lot of time browsing and looking for items to share here with you, but now I immediately recognize something I like but I wouldn’t wear. Not because I’m afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone, but because I know that particular piece of clothing or accessory is not me.
The next post about personal style will be about some ways to find your personal style.

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LOVE IS IN THE HAIR (HAIR ACCESSORIES)

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I don’t know about you but wearing a face mask (and I hope you do, when you are close to strangers and in closed places) makes me realize even more the importance of the way I style my hair. With half of the face hidden by the mask, the attention is shifted to eyes and hair, and hair is such a great “accessory”.

I usually style my hair in a ponytail or I wear it loose but this summer I would like to vary a bit and use some accessories and use hair clips and barrettes. I already wrote a post about using scarves to tie the hair.

These are some hair accessories that will beautifully adorn your mane and updos.

A pretty bun is even prettier thanks to these two hair clips by Valet.

Photo via Shopbop

H&M made such a beautiful hair pin.

Photo via H&M

Such a pretty hair clip, by Petite Grand (which means small big).

Photo via Petite Grand

Velvet is not the freshest fabric in summer but this big embellished bow by Miu Miu is so cute (and it could be an easy diy project).

Photo via Net-à-Porter

This barrette by Jennifer Behr is pricey but absolutely beautiful.

Photo via Shopbop

This precious headband by SARAH & SEBASTIAN is one of the most beautiful and chicest ones I’ve ever seen. It’s pricey because it’s gold-plated and the pearls are real. And it’s flexible, which is a big plus.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

Clips for each day of the week, by Bershka.

Photo via Bershka

A beautiful crystal clip by Shashi. This is one of my favorite finds for this post.

Photo via Shopbop

This padded headband by Prada is sooo pretty, I love the bow placed on the front of it. It almost make the headband look like a fascinator. It’s available in red, too. For your inner Blair Waldorf ?

Photo via MyTheresa

Adorn your hair with this beautiful ruffled hair clip by Loeffler Randall.

Photo via Shopbop

Bluetiful Milano is one of those brands I follow on Instagram for the aesthetic of the photos. Of course the hair pieces are beautiful!

This bow by Anouki is made of faux leather. 

Photo via LuisaViaRoma

Topshop metal daisies hair clips that you can place wherever you like.

Photo via Topshop

 
 
 
 
 
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Valet Studio is another brand with a beautiful Instagram feed. And this clip is one of the chicest I’ve ever seen.

 
 
 
 
 
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YES, YOU CAN WEAR A MASK AND LOOK STYLISH

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A couple of days ago I saw a photo on Scott “The Sartorialist” Schuman’s Instagram. A woman wearing a dress, heeled sandals and, of course, a face mask. I guess the sight of that stylish woman made Schuman’s day (professionally speaking). Fashion slowly coming back to NYC, a city so struck by Covid19. It seems like such a good sign!

 

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I’m sure many of us, once we realized that this situation would have last more than two or three weeks (like we initially hoped), started wondering how social distancing and the fear of being infected would change our life. Can fashion coexist with fear and uncertainties? Yes, it always have had. Fashion is the mirror of society. It always had been.

I don’t know about you but I feel the need to start thinking about style and makeup, again. After the end of the first phase of the lockdown I am, for instance, looking forward to wearing heels again and styling my hair in a way that is more than staying comfortable and not having the need to touch it when I’m outside. I’ve always been cautious and started social distancing before it was requested by Italian government. That was more than three months ago! Last Thursday, I finally went to the hair salon to get my hair cut and dyed. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know how it was gonna be, and it’s been like it has always been, but with surgical masks, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizing gel. My hair looks good again. And I need to look good, again.

These photos prove we can be stylish, even during a pandemic. We don’t need to give up being ourselves, being stylish, and a bit vain. You may think “but these photos show wealthy people, their  lives are so different from ours!” and yes, you would be right, in a certain way. But yesterday, while I was waiting to enter a store, I saw a woman quietly walking on the sidewalk and she looked so well put together. She was wearing a loose sweater, a loose pair of pants, sneakers and she was carrying a red work bag. Her hair was tidy and her sunglasses beautiful. It’s been a while since I’ve seen somebody so stylish, in person.

But now, take a look at these photos. Aren’t these women inspiring?

 

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I think the women of the previous photo are too close to each other but they don’t live in my country so I don’t know if they just break the rules to have the photo taken.

Some wrote this is Ashley, some thought she’s Mary-Kate Olsen.

 

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Simona Bertolotto has many pretty masks, she makes by herself.

 

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Dakota Johnson always looks good. Her outfit is simple and practical. I have a thing for her, she’s so lovely.

 

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Olivia Palermo’s chicness hasn’t been affected at all by the pandemic. She always looks great.

 

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Hailey Bieber shows off her beautiful legs wearing an expensive sporty outfit.

 

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This photo made me think “It looks like Sex and the City” at the time of a pandemic.

 

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FASHION PILLS {BLUE JEANS}

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I decided to start this new series, Fashion Pills, which I’ve been thinking about for a while. Just facts and curiosity about fashion that maybe you don’t know about. 

On May, 20 1873 Levi Strauss, the owner of a wholesale business, and Jacob Davis, a tailor who was one of Strauss’ customers, patented blue jeans. At first a garment for workers, worn by miners and cowboys, blue jeans become the epitome of coolness and rebellion, thanks to Hollywood stars like Gary Cooper and rock legends like Elvis Presley. Almost 150 years later, they are still one of the coolest garments ever and despite luxury brands regularly include denim in their collections, this amazing fabric is still democratic.

The word denim derives from Nîmes, a town in the South of France. Serge de Nîmes was a twill fabric made of wool and silk used to make clothes for its citizens. Wool and silk were later replaced by cotton. When, in 1685, King Louis XIV (aka the Sun King) revoked the Edict of Nantes, a decree which granted freedom of religion signed by King Henry IV of France in 1598, many Protestants decided to leave France and went to countries like England, Italy, Netherlands and America. Among them there was a family of merchants, who moved from Nîmes to Gênes, that is to say Genoa, in Liguria. Obviously they took serge de Nîmes with them.  Then, one day, an American merchant come into possession of the fabric and the rest is history.

Who knows what would have happened without an unfair law? Of course there are different (but similar) versions about the origin of denim. I chose this one, since I found different sources that confirmed it.

“I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”

Yves Saint Laurent

It’s Cher’s birthday, today, and this is a photo of this amazing artist wearing jeans. Two icons in the same, beautiful photo.

Screenshot from Vogue – Photo by Universal Music Group

Great songs ? to listen to: 

Lana Del Rey “Blue Jeans”

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David Bowie “Blue Jean”

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Neil Diamond “Forever in Blue Jeans”

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I hope you enjoyed Fashion Pills and learnt something new!

The preview image is from Tumblr. 

DENIM DREAMS

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Denim is one of my favorite fabrics and I often write about it and look for great pieces to share here on the blog. I hope this year summer won’t arrive too early (but I’m afraid I will be disappointed) because it’s my least favorite season while spring is my favorite season, even when it comes to dress myself.

Right now I dream of wearing some denim pieces, even if I don’t have particular places to go, due to the lockdown. But I still enjoy searching for great clothes, it’s kind of relaxing.

These are the denim pieces I found.

A H&M denim blouse with a romantic hem.

Photo via H&M

This H&M belted shirt which is on sale.

Photo via H&M

A Zara shirt dress that you can even wear with leggings or biker pants.

Photo via Zara

This dress because of its dark wash and puffy sleeves.

Photo via Zara

Such a beautiful Courrèges jacket with detachable sleeves.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

Wear this Pushbutton skirt with a tee or a top and high heels. The cut of the hips is so Eighties.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

I like these jeans by Rag & Bone so much. They seem so flattering and I like the split hems.

Photo via Shopbop

Another piece with ’80s vibes, a Bershka jacket.

Photo via Bershka

Still uncertain about this Bermuda by Mango, but with the right styling they can be pulled off with style. Not sure how I could do it, due to my “height”.

Photo via Mango

A Versace mini dress. I love everything about it.

Photo via Net-à-Porter

These jeans by Reformation are so feminine and look so flattering! I love the dark wash.

Photo via Shopbop

Interesting skirt by Mara Hoffman.

Photo via Shopbop

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