i-stylis: September 2012

Italian Portraits

I realized that most of my posts lately have been a little feminine side so I thought I'd post a little something for my male readers. Although, I do realize that the ladies will also enjoy it. I don't want to be accused of being sexist again. (It's always something.) Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal mentioned that Tods has published a follow up to their first book Italian Touch called Italian Portraits. It highlights some of the best dressed men in Italy and just as many well dressed interiors. When I started looking for more photos, I noticed that my friend Blue Carreon just posted about the book on his site Style Intel so I'm borrowing some of his images.

I can always spot an Italian man in New York because he's usually wearing colored pants and a luxurious cashmere sweater. Unlike most American men who wear baggy over sized apparel, his clothes will be tailored to perfection and fit like a glove. He's usually pretty darn handsome too. Now I'm excited to have a book full of them in Italian Portraits. Ciao!

Photos via Italian Portraits

Lookmatic Glasses Giveaway

After years of squinting, I finally gave in and got glasses. Once you start wearing them, you realize that one pair just isn't enough. You need multiple pairs so you can coordinate with all your outfits. That's why I love Lookmatic. You can buy beautiful glasses and sunglasses online without breaking the bank. They even let you virtually try frames on so you can choose the best style for your face. Not only will they let you see better, but they also make you look smarter too!

Lookmatic is giving one lucky Habitually Chic reader a free pair of optical glasses with your prescription or a pair of sunglasses! To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your name and favorite Lookmatic style. You can always choose a different pair if you win. (Exempt from the giveaway are the limited edition collaboration pairs from Loeffler Randall, TenOverSix, and Jason Schwartzman.) One entry per person will be accepted until 11:59pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012. A winner will be announced on Wednesday, October 3, 2012. Good luck!

N.B. There seems to be some confusion on how to leave a comment from those of you who receive the Habitually Chic email subscription which arrives the day after posts are uploaded on the blog. The blog is where all posts originate and is where you must leave a comment. If you click on the title of the post in your email, it takes you directly to the blog post where you can scroll to the bottom and click on "Post a Comment." If you are the main page of the blog, you have to click on the hyperlink that says for example "8 Comments" at the bottom of the post to leave a comment. Please note that all comments are moderated which means you won't see your comment automatically appear. Your comment will be approved later so please do not leave multiple comments. If you email me directly to enter, you will be disqualified.

UPDATE: This giveaway has ended and a winner has been chosen.

Shown above are my pair of Lookmatic Apprentice frames in tortoise.

Chic in Milan

The fashion flock have moved onto Paris but let's take a minute to review some street style looks from Milan. The main problem with most street style looks is that people are trying too hard. I've chosen these ensembles because they actually look relatable, even the colorful ones. And while most of us wouldn't leave the house in a crop top you could replicate a similar look with a longer tank or throw a blazer over a crop top for a more modest look.

I need this dress in my life!

I also need leather leggings and picked out this pair from Vince.

For the record, I don't advocate smoking. One reader accused me of being a smoker because I posted pictures of people smoking which I am not. People in Europe smoke, that's just the way it is.

The clutch is the bag of choice during this fashion month. I'd carry one too if I had a car and driver to stove all my other stuff but until then, I'll continue to carry a tote.