What Chic American Women Wear To Work Out, New York

Does your personal style translate to your workout?

I know I always look forward to exercising more if I have gear that I like. When I look like a slob, I usually work out like a slob.

Am I overthinking this?

What Chic French Women Wear To Kayak, Adirondacks, NY

Yes, I was with the only woman on Friends Lake, in upstate New York, wearing leopard pants to kayak. It's so fun to learn about the French concept of exercise and sporty activities.

Truth be told, Garance can say that she was with the only guy that tipped over his kayak twice while trying to take pictures. Now I know why they make underwater cameras silver, so you can see them while trying to fish them off of the bottom of the lake.

The Button-Up, Florence

Are we ready for the button-up again?

It looks so great in old movies but can it be modern?

On the Street....Summer Suited, Milan

On the Street....City Surfing, New York

On the Street....The Strand, New York

On the Street....Fifth Ave., New York

On the Street....Zipped & Cuffed, New York

On the Street....Proportion Play, New York

Our eyes play tricks on us.

This young lady looks almost provocative with her tailored jacket and long, summer legs. However, under that jacket, she was wearing the same jean shorts that all the other young ladies are wearing this time of year. From the front she would seem unremarkable, but from the back it's a whole different story.

On the Street....Denim Italiano, Milan

On the Street....Eighth St., New York

On the Street....Beppe, Milan

I think if I ever did a men's style guide, I would have to call it "What Would Beppe Do?"

On the Street....Lafayette St., New York

Get Ready Italy, Starbucks Can't Be Far Behind

(Garance and her "to go espresso" in Florence)

I was more than a little surprised during my last trip to Italy to see espresso "to go".

The French fell to Starbucks a few years ago and they have never looked back. I have always heard the excuse that Italian coffee culture is so strong that they would never offer coffee "to go" but these new shops are the beginning of the end for that dream.

The flip side of the debate is that coffee is different from espresso, just like linguine is different from spaghetti. I would think the two could coexist.

UPDATE- already in the comments, people are commenting that one should sit and casually enjoy a coffee. However, in Italy, no one sits to have an espresso, they stand at the bar. I think people are confusing the French coffee experience with the reality of Italian coffee culture.

This is a great little cafe down the street from the hotel we stay at in Milan.

They are trying to offer a slice of American coffee culture to Italians but without serving actual American coffee. It's a fun idea but the tiny espresso cups only last about one city block before it's empty.

So, how do we feel about Starbucks in Italy?

The Augustus Hotel, Forte dei Marmi, Italy

If you are ever in Italy during the Summer you've got to try the Augustus Hotel in Forte di Marmi. As beautiful as this place looks, it smells even better.

On the Street....Boho Couple, Florence

I love couples that dresses in the same spirit. It seems to show a bond or a personal secret they have together.

On the Street....Italian Bling, Florence

Summer in the City, NYC

First Steps Towards Fall!!

Finally, a belted cardigan that is cozy but still slim and chic.

The Knit Proportion, Florence

I've talked alot about the proper amount of shirtcuff to show with a suit.

Well, I think there's a similar proportion to consider with the relation of a shirtcuff to a knit.

I'm using the above image as a good standard.

ps. note how much better this gentleman looks with a fitted knit. Oversized knits aren't hiding anything.