Inspired by: La Marinière

Patti Smith ('70s photo Judy Linn)

Brigitte Bardot ('60s photo via pinterest)

Emmanuelle Alt (photo via Vogue)

Marinière, striped shirts are a rather obvious piece of clothing to be inspired by -- but still deserve plenty of praise as a must-have staple in every garconne's closet. Armor Lux and Saint James are the top picks for quality, comfort, and authenticity.

Style Staple: The Blazer

(From left to right: Martin Margiela, Isabel Marant, Ann Demeulemeester)

Speaking of Patti Smith, you'll seldom see her without a blazer (that goes double for Lee Ann). We've read that Patti favors those from Ann Demeulemeester – the coveted prototypes for that borrowed-from-the-boys look. They are slouchy but flattering = perfect! Kristin found one on eBay. Also check out Yoox.


As much as we love blazers, here in California, people don't wear them much (and regard them as ‘office wear’). However, one photo of Vogue Paris editor Emmanuelle Alt will snap anyone out of that misconception. Voilà! She shows you how it's done, without looking uptight or conservative (it's no secret that Parisian girls always get it right).

Cool with a t-shirt, white button down, or cashmere sweater – and we think best with jeans – a blazer can make you look effortlessly chic and perpetually pulled together.

Emmanuelle again via stockholm street style

Emmanuelle via jak and jil

Monday Mood Lifter: Layer like Patti

  

  Robert Mapplethorpe, 70s

Annie Leibovitz, 00s

Patti Smith is not only the high priestess of punk, she is also an inspiring style icon. 

Patti has remained true to her aesthetic over the years, masterfully layering t-shirts, white button downs, blazers and 'garconne' coats -- without fussiness, with an ease we aspire to recreate for ourselves.