Month: March 2019

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‘The Wolf And The Watchman’ Has Some Serious Bite

The Wolf and the Watchman, by Niklas Natt och Dag

Niklas Natt och Dag’s new novel is both ornate period piece — set in the grit and grime of late-18th-century Stockholm — and riveting murder mystery starring a mismatched pair of proto-gumshoes.

(Image credit: Beth Novey/NPR)

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The Best Street Style Looks We’ve Spotted Lately

Elements of high shine, whether via leather, vinyl, or silk, as shown here, crept their way into the outfits of street style stars all around the world. The key to pulling off a glistening look is to one, mix and match textures for a more well-rounded feel, and two, accessorize minimally. We recommend simple, everyday jewelry such as gold stacking rings or subtle hoops and classic carryalls.
Grandma dressing is the trend that keeps on trending. What started with the rise of ladylike bags and silk scarves has quickly escalated to oversize ruffled collars, lace tights, and cozy cardigans. Essentially, when it comes to this way of dressing, if it looks like it could have come from the depths of your grandmother’s closet, put it on.
This fashion week, attendees stuck to leathery separates like glue, opting for belted trenches, buttery trousers, and all the accessories to match. The look featured above takes luxe leather to new heights, leaving no room for any other material to shine, and in this case, that’s an approach we’re championing. When it comes to styling leather looks, the variations are endless, but this Matrix-inspired getup, in particular, is giving us all the feels.
What’s splotchy and swirly and retro all over? The tie-dye trend, of course. This nostalgic pattern has been taking the sartorial world by storm, and it’s thanks to fashion month and the street style stars in attendance that we now have a clearer idea of how to wear the trend IRL. From dip-dyed jeans to multicolored tie-dye tees, this is one trend that has quickly turned your everyday basics into something spectacular.
Ask any editor, influencer, or celebrity, and they will quickly admit to the weather during fashion week being particularly horrid. If it’s not sweltering temperatures in New York, it’s massive rain storms in London, and this year, attendees were ready for anything, especially the rain. Street style stars arrived at the shows decked out in vinyl bucket hats, raincoats, and wellies galore, but this coordinating duo made us want to buddy up and dress for wetter days stat. 
News flash: Beige is no longer boring. In fact, the more of it you wear at once, the cooler you’ll become, at least according to the street style stars. This whole notion of wearing as many neutral colors at once has turned into somewhat of a lifestyle, starting with the rise of the #StickofButter clan on social media and ending with, well… To be honest, there really isn’t an end in sight.
Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. Heritage handbags—whether you’re opting for the latest version of the Fendi Baguette Bag or stalking The RealReal for the best price on a Dior Saddle Bag—are officially the biggest handbag trend of the year. Every major luxury house from Prada to Gucci is churning out bags that are reminiscent of ones you’ve either had or will have for years. The Prada Sidonie was particularly popular this fashion week, alongside the new Chloé C Bag and many more.
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These Are the Only Spring Trends You Need to Know About

I have to admit I’ve had spring fashion on my mind since all my favorite designers showed their S/S 19 collections last September and October, but the official start of the season is (finally) only two weeks away—which means that it’s time to get serious about what we’re going to wear. If this sounds daunting, prepare to cast your worries aside because, as always, we’ve curated the only major trends you need to know about for spring, along with our top shopping picks for each one.

From easy-to-incorporate items such as structured bags and nude wardrobe basics to far-out trends including our favorite California-inspired motif for the season ahead, we’ve got everything you’ll want to see—and buy—to achieve a well-balanced and fashion-forward wardrobe for the coming months. Whether you’re looking to up your office style or your weekend look, you have a stylish vacation on the horizon, or all of the above, you’re guaranteed to find something in these trends that speaks to you. Just keep scrolling to read about each one and, of course, shop our picks.

From Altuzarra’s shell-embellished crochet pieces to Acne Studios’ and Paco Rabanne’s worldly prints, designers are taking us on a trip (or two) around the globe for the coming season. How does it translate into everyday style? Think an outfit that looks entirely composed of mementos you picked up on various vacations yet still somehow just works—and quite well, at that.
Why bossy? Well, for one, “highly structured, midsize shapes with shorter straps” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. Also, they are, in fact, bossy. These bags are the types that pull a work wardrobe together while also adding a sleek element to your weekend look—even if there are leggings involved.
If you’re thinking California style can mean a lot of things, you’re right. That’s actually one of the best things about this trend. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into tie-dye, board shorts and bucket hats, skater subculture, or you fancy yourself a surfer, there’s an on-brand approach for you—at every price point.
Leather? For spring? Yes, you read that correctly. In both real and faux, leather dresses, outerwear, and separates were seen on more S/S 19 runways and in presentations than we could count. From light colors to neutrals, the trend is one of my personal favorites because, aside from being seasonally unexpected, it’s also one we can start wearing now and hold on to for years to come thanks to its timeless nature.
Since dabbling into the world of bike shorts as a fashion item toward the end of last summer, just as it was about to turn too cold to continue wearing them, I’ve been anxiously awaiting their return to the high- and fast-fashion worlds. Whether you’d like to splurge on a designer pair from the likes of Area and Jacquemus or save via an affordable Nordstrom find, the product is abundant, and so is the runway inspiration.
I’ll admit this one scared me at first, but after seeing iterations from brands like Nanushka, Chanel, and Zara that spoke more to my style, personally, than the classic black fabric versions you imagine when you think of this trend, I’ve really come around to the sporty sandal. Even Teva, which can largely be credited with forging a path for the silhouette, has released a crushed-velvet version that I can see myself wearing. In short, there’s a sporty sandal for everyone this spring.
It doesn’t get easier, or more accessible, than the omnipresent beige trend for spring, but that’s not even why we love it. The historically underrated hue is getting some much-deserved time in the spotlight while reminding us that, like its cousin camel, the neutral possesses the ability to elevate any outfit thanks to its luxe-looking nature and easy-to-incorporate tone. Whether you opt for head-to-toe beige or simply sprinkle in an item here or there, don’t sleep on this one.