Women Wednesday: How to Wear Suspenders

I am not entirely sure where to find suspenders. I find that when fashion decides something is not in style for women, it is absolutely extinct from the world. That’s why vintage stores are so great. I was lucky enough to find my suspenders in a male relatives’ closet. Other than vintage or relatives, any classic men’s store may have them hidden away in the back room.

How to wear Suspenders:

1. The ideal and classic way to wear suspenders is with button holes, yet this would require investing in a pair of suspender-able pants which may not be practical for a work wardrobe. The next best thing is clip-ons and although this can look slightly tacky, I will forgive the lack of sartorial edge since well, I am not wearing it myself.
2. The whole point of wearing suspenders is a replacement for a belt; a way to keep you pants up. In this case, wear the suspenders with a loose and wide leg pair of classic wool trousers.
3. As for the top, wear a tight fitting collared shirt to show the femininity of the outfit. Here I have on a tuxedo inspired shirt, but any shirt will work.
4. Finally, spice it up with pearls, large earrings, stilettos, or bright lipstick for an androgenised look.

What I Wore – my new suit

Here it is, my new suit! I know I preach about getting a black suit first. (I do have one but not made by me – gasp!) It’s a little more trendier than my usual style – shorter jacket, shorter arms, 1 button, and popp-able collar. Yet, the jacket remains fairly classic - it has a sit-breath-comfort worthy fit.

Black cropped blazer with high waisted skirt – Savillian
Aqua blouse – Banana Republic
Black and white pearls – Aldo Accessories
Aqua tights – Nine West
Heels – Divna Shoes

Location: TFI

Photographer: John Medalla

Defining Personal Style: 3 steps to Audacity

After my sleep was rudely interrupted by a guitar playing/singing house co-inhabitant, I lay wide awake in bed for hours fuming. I questioned her audacity, but then it hit me – she was utterly clueless. She had no idea that her noise was disturbing me down the hall. Then, I thought about personal style and how most people fall into two categories: being completely audacious or completely clueless. I think about Cher in Clueless – how ironic – she was clueless but she was audacious when it came to her style.

I have a friend who claims to have no fashion sense and does not think about what to wear, yet to me, he stands out through interesting fabric choices, well fitted jackets and vintage (looking) aviators. Is he clueless or does his audacious girlfriend dress him? I have another friend who appears to have studied and passed the GQ magazine style exam. From his well placed cuff, to fitted jackets to sweater-collar combinations – his outfits work so well, it’s like he spends an hour styling each day or perhaps coordinates his outfits on Sundays? Is he audacious or playing it too safe? There is also those that point blank refuse to try a bowtie – for absolutely no logical reason – perhaps he feels his neck is too fat?

I feel like my style has evolved from jogging pants and $5 tank tops to now – bespoke tailored suits. I must say, I awkwardly made the transition and lately I have completely veered off course. With my style muscles flexed, one day I had the audacity to steal my brother’s white shirt which was displayed on my studio mannequin and start wearing it in my weekly rotation. Later that week, I became obsessed with fedoras and now wear one almost every day.

How did I get to this place of complete audacity – well it wasn’t easy. You must be a person who has no qualms or care of what others may think of you. Here are my 3 steps to audacity.

1. Find a style mentor that is in your industry. The person should be of the same height and body type and most importantly is someone that you admire in style. You may look to family, friends or someone in your company. Choosing a model in a magazine or celebrity is unrealistic so stay away from that. This is an important step as it will build your confidence.
2. Shop Vintage! Some of my most treasured  (and audacious) items are vintage – such as my leather laptop bag, my brother’s Dior tie, and my beloved pink check tweed blazer. These will very much make you stand out from the crowd.
3. Start small. Don’t go overboard on your first trip to audacity. Things to try are a colourful pocket square, a tie clip, a blazer with jeans and shocking white shoes, or a bowtie with a t-shirt. Of course, these small steps all depend on your industry and your style mentor – the point is to trust your gut and not be afraid – let your inner style instinct guide you.

When someone looks at you with a bit of a raised eyebrow or an incredulous look – than you know they are thinking how can you have the audacity to wear what you are wearing – then you know you are on the right track.

 

the downtown reality

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

top wearing: navy blue 3 peice suit with brown accents in shoes, belt and tie. Yes, you can wear brown with navy blue!

bottom wearing: Banana Republic aqua top tucked into a Savillian high waisted grey wool skirt. Matching jacket folded in purse, no wrinkles present later that night.

Location: King St W & Portland

the Patio Man

 

Amongst the greenery, there is a strong presence of grey. This three piece suit is paired with Versace smugness. A unique fine print with brown stripes compliments the brown belt, shoes and tree trunk.

check mate

Introducing our exclusive Savillian hand woven silk scarf $45.

To wear: fold into a triangle and twist to preferred look. This look shows a tighter twist, which can be worn professionally with a collared shirt. Looser twists can be wrapped twice and tied at the neck for a casual and trendier look.

the Wedding Man

A pop of baby blue is seen in the paisley tie which blends well with the rich grey 3 peice suit. A crisp white shirt and matching pocket square seals the deal.

Made for a Woman

Welcome to our Savillian showroom..

Standing strong and tall in a navy blue pinstripe suit. The classic cut of the peak lapel is embraced by the light pink, green and blue pinstripes.

The masculine cut is made feminin by the light grey vest and trendy collared shirt.

the Suburban Man

Business Call

On a call of dire importance..

Power red tie complements the black pinestripe suit and crisp white shirt.