Fashion Above the Neck, New York
This look is really about focus. This young lady knows that the drama of her look is in her asymmetrical haircut, strong contrasting eyebrows, bubblegum pink Chanel lipstick and her quirky tomboy hat.
Let's not forget that clothes can be just a distracting as they are alluring, and by keeping her clothes very simple she's creating a clear "take-away" statement for the viewer.
The more I do this blog the more I believe that great hair and well choosen accessories can be the raison d'être for a whole look.
Remember this young lady from Savannah? I do.
Her sexy, shaggy cut created a mysteriousness about her (something I see often in France - I think French girls in particular are very good at this). Again, by keeping the fashion simple she has created a very strong and concise fashion message.
Were I a young lady I would easily spend as much on a good haircut/styling as I would on a Celine dress - after all, it's something you wear every day.
Let's not forget that clothes can be just a distracting as they are alluring, and by keeping her clothes very simple she's creating a clear "take-away" statement for the viewer.
The more I do this blog the more I believe that great hair and well choosen accessories can be the raison d'être for a whole look.
Remember this young lady from Savannah? I do.
Her sexy, shaggy cut created a mysteriousness about her (something I see often in France - I think French girls in particular are very good at this). Again, by keeping the fashion simple she has created a very strong and concise fashion message.
Were I a young lady I would easily spend as much on a good haircut/styling as I would on a Celine dress - after all, it's something you wear every day.
In fact, if it's a really good cut, you can also wear it in a variety of ways - not always the case with clothing.
Comments on "Fashion Above the Neck, New York"
I love the way you write. And agree with everything you'd said above.
look so gorgeous!
Perfection! These ladies are fenomenal
Lee x
http://leeoliveira.com
Loooove these pics...
They have amazing look... love ;)
STREET LIFE: New CHANEL BOOTS AW 11-12
http://magmoiselle.fr
I love the first hair cut
Http://www.copperetiquette.com
SHOP DRESSES
Lovely... just lovely
i like second photo's hair.
Don't you have a plan "hair recommend for boy/man"???
Agreed! Though I do think that good fashion investments should be versatile too.
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
i am a hairdresser Great hair is everything I can make an older women look 20 yr younger I like hair to be sexy and timeless Also color & finish is just as important as the cut
i completely agree with whatever you've just said.
and i think i'm gonna do something about my hair. ha!
I love the first one..
If you wanna see something new, come to see my new personal blog..
http://bonton-camilla.blogspot.com/
Have a nice day
I hear Altered Images in my head and smell Halston perfume when I look at this. Very nice indeed!
I totally agree on hair as an important elemnt. Hair is the most abused element of style. Too many women equate 'good hair' with long hair. The cut and style and overall quality of both should not be underestimated.
And on that note... I'm going to put my tax refund towards a great haircut. I've been feeling like I need one for sure, I have one picked out, and all I have to do is figure out where to go. Your words have moved me to pick a more upscale place than where I've gone in the past.
Second foto shows a Longchamp bag ... a French statement for its own right.
I do not quite understand what you mean by 'take away' statement...
I like the way she looks with the exception of the contrasting hair -eyebrows.. I have never liked that on anyone.. it must be me :-)
i love the hat look - in for summer
I love the first photo, although I think her purse is a tiny bit fussy for the overall look. But I agree that hair and accessories can turn a fairly basic outfit into anything you want.
I totally agree: on some people it's not all about the clothes...
And I love natural and healthy looking hair like the girl in the second pic! The girl in the first pic has very striking features :)
http://leblogdecitadine.wordpress.com
i so agree with what you said about the haircut.evenn if i will do dyi things for the rest of my body i won't cringe to spend a good amount on my hair in a parlour.and i always get compliments on my hair!
http://flysongbirdblogspot.com
loveeee
I totally agree! Besides hair and accessories really brings out the individual personalities.
theBohmerian.com
I agree on the simplicity. Thank you for pointing that out with the hair being the focus. Sometimes you point things out to me that I would have not noticed as much if you would not have pointed it out. I have the book of your photo's as well. I really appreciate your input on fashion and the photos you take.
great post--could you perhaps focus on interesting hair styles in the future? curly hair would be nice--it gets difficult to pick a versatile cut...
me encanta el primer look!
eli
http://vistetequevienencurvas.blogspot.com/
I love these two girls, and completely agree with you about the impact of a good hairstyle and accessories.
I get a new hair cut every september to make sure that I stay fresh, and can find interesting ways to make my hair look like I get it done every day!
X Zoe X
http://intrepidinspirations.blogspot.com
Great post and great point. You recently posted a photo of your friend with a chic hairdo and a simple slouchy dress. Since then I've been putting WAY more effort into my hairstyles. I'm a new mom and my clothes either don't fit quite right or I can't breastfeed in them so I'm wearing a lot of simple black! I was feeling frumpy but now I'm styling up my makeup and hair and I feel great! Thanks!
Kacie
www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com
Amazing what a touch of calm restraint can do for a look.
www.thesluicebox.com
great perspective and apt observations - still the reason why this place remains a go-to for me. a reminder to book my next hair appointment, too!
wow! never tought of that, maybe i'll spend some in a new hair cut! Good point!
xx
My Fashion Bug
That's exactly true--when I made the conscious decision to care more about my overall style, the first thing to go was my hair.
the hair in the first picture is absolute perfection.
i would love to have a pretty hair...it is so damage because of the iron :(
http://fashionindahat.blogspot.com/2011/06/cold-day-inspiration.html#comments
Would agree with that, great hair and well chosen accessories can imo create a completely different look altogether. Hairstyles such as chignons and other elaborate coiffures are an excellent way to dress up and can provide the central theme to your look...
This makes me feel so much better (justified) about the $400 hair cut and colour I got on the weekend.
Great points. I believe you need a lot of confidence in your look to pull it off because you can't hide behind an outfit.
yes!
hair can be a very important factor of a look, especially in evening wear.
She reminds me of the Ellsworth Kelly paintings I saw this past winter...QUIETLY INTENSE!
You are COMPLETELY right.A good haircut does miracles only seemingly invisibles.
The first girl looks so unique. How gorgeous with an Asian-looking blonde HOTTIE. I love her simple tom boy style too.
Karoline Kalvo
Love that brimmed hat, never could pull it off. But love it.
DoublClik Photo Blog
Such a great point--could not agree more. Style is so much more than simply clothing or accessories and sometimes, less is more.
What do I love about this post? Let me count the ways.
1. Yes, let's hear it for a great haircut. Even if its a bit expensive, a really good haircut lasts and lasts.
2. The post suggests that there are ways to look great and have style even if you are on a tight budget.
3. This post is ageless -- women and men of any age can make this advice work for them.
Huzzah!!
Such a great point! A bad haircut can turn even the most spectacular of outfits into a complete horror show- celebrit award ceremonies are usually a judge to that!
I love her hair and her hat, its just a great relaxed daytime look, with a fierce edge! Love it!
http://fight-fires-in-your-best-clothes.blogspot.com
Well put, and the photos are as beautiful as always...
marc
http://twofoureightonenine.blogspot.com/2011/06/shanghai-lauren.html
Love the classic simple style. x
http://londonbeanlovesfashion.blogspot.com/
She's like a recent Ellsworth Kelly painting--but with a dash of color--quietly intense.
I AGREE whole heartedly!!!! Hair and accessories can make a BIG difference.
hair cut and makeup are really important, yes.
In the first photo it's her eyebrows that really caught my attention in addition to her hat
Grey on grey with black and that beautiful bag strap are stunning, as is the photo. However that shaggy hair style goes nowhere for me in the repeat photo :(
It's absolutely right !
http://monsacbyme.com
I love your commentary, Scott. Very insightful.
Great post. I often see people who forget that their hair, face and body in general are just as important as the clothing they wear when it comes to style and fashion.
And yet even though the focus point of this post (and my comment) is 'above the neck', I love the trousers & muddy shirt in the second photograph!
styleflourish.blogspot.com
Oooh, this is a nice outfit.
I love the hat.
Good shot Sart.
windowshopz.com
ironic that I always notice the hair on the girls in your photos, and love that they are a lot of different NATURAL,healthy looks and textures. I notice because they are not smooth/perfect/blown out straight hair. I know when you said good hair that is not the ideal you mean and really appreciate it!
I love the advice you sometimes give on this blog, it is so timely and I try to keep it in mind.
Your blog is quite an inspiration, I am following so I'll be back! xx :)
I completely agree about spending good $$ on hair!
Now, who is your favorite hair stylist in NYC?
I need a recommendation.
Sleek, short, edgy, classy, and color.
Hair yes.
But for me, one of the ultimate fashion pieces that someone wears is their BODY LANGUAGE. It's the walking, the sitting, the reaching, the bending, the hand gestures, the neck turns, the head tilt, the crossing the streets, the adjusting of their clothes...all of it...that speak style, confidence, status, freedom, luxury, sexual happiness, place in life, health, aesthetics, and so much more...
If someone has good body language, they could literally be wearing a potato sack and still come off looking extremely attractive. These people may have very ugly or plain facial features, and they may not even be photogenic. But in person, when you're in their presence, you feel their essence.
In all of your pictures of these well dressed women, their body language is amazing. There's some curve in there in an intuitive way.
Conversely there is nothing more disappointing to see a beautifully dressed person who fidges, slouches, or generally acts like they are not confident. A seductively dressed woman who walks like a man? Not attractive. I feel like European women have amazing body language. Literally, they're telling something about themselves to you without even saying a word. Hence, it's a language.
I think body language is one of the most underestimated, under rated, and under utilized fashion accesories. Close to second to body language, is facial expression. Hey but that's for another post.
As Jack on 30 Rock says...
"After all, your hair is your head suit."
VERY well observed! :)
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Both cuts are really beautiful! First looks reminds me my beloved Agyness Deyn!
I think You're right. That thing about hair and well choosen accessories is true. I try to adhere to this everyday.
Totally agree with you. Love the shaggy hairstyle on the second girl.
www.rachaeldiab.blogspot.com
love the eyes from the girl in the hat..
I just bought a Canon EOS 600D, i wanted your opinion on it, if it's n ot asking too much!
thank you, butterscotch-sundae.blogspot.com
beautifull written X lou
You write beautifully.
that face!
Truly hair is really making up the moods.
stunning photos! I love the long skirt, gray shirt & purse outfit! Such inspirational fashion ideas.
http://bohochiccafe.blogspot.com
Adore the girl from Savannah's hair!
Cool cut!!
Agree with you!
XOXO
http://teenagedream-mo.blogspot.com/
I totally agree!
But what if I think I look better in a ponytail? Is it worth it?...
www.thebeautylover.blogspot.com
her look is so great!!!!! I love it.
Adorable...Casual..Sweet..
http://mysocalledboringlife-evan.blogspot.com
I love how her hair just... works.
I love how the second girl is just chillen and crocheting. lol. so chill.
http://the-conceptual.blogspot.com/
Scott -
I LOVE your comments re: hair. It's important, and yes, an outfit you wear every day. I've always had long-ish to long hair, and did the whole angled bob thing for a long time. I finally got an asymmetrical cut - short over one ear!! - and love it. Change is good, and my new hair sets off my cool clothes WAY better! Thanks for your continued thought-provoking comments!
LIZPR
love the way your wrote this. that girls hair in the second picture is fantastic
francesca
http://www.frankvinyl.com
wow. i actually saw the girl in the first picture buy a burrito at chipotle and wanted to compliment her outfit but was too afraid to. hahaha
I want to marry the girl in the hat ........ so enchanting, so beautiful x
Hair is crucial. I am growing out a short cut and have never felt so awkward. Nothing I wear looks right.
You make some very good points. Hair can really change the execution of a look, though I often wear my hair in a ponytail no matter what. I love it when you include your thoughts on a look. It's nice to know exactly what compels you to take the shot.
thanks scott for the wonderful
hair/accessory advice how-to.
Great point made!
http://theskyofstars.blogspot.com/
I agree - the simple outfits bring out the beautiful styled hair and makeup! Great photos!
XX
the sydney girl
I love the way your word things, I agree completely with what you're saying. My haircut is a huge part of my look, and I'm happy to spend money on making sure that it adds to my look. As you say, it's something that I wear every day.
xx
I've certainly discussed this as one of my favourites with my friends!
Girl in the first picture is awesome! She should model . . . so striking.
very true monsieur sartorialist... gosh, i learn so much from you... now i just have to apply it! thank you!
i really love the girl with the short blond hair. And the fact that the girl in the bottom picture is knitting is even better! knitting is a skill!
Neither of these women are beautiful, however. Layers and layers of whatever trend don't make up for it. No one is fooled.
I am so agree with you!
I agree, the hair is always what I notice first on a person. It speaks out loud the type of personality one has.
~ Natalie
Hairdressers everywhere, including myself thank you for this. :)
Scott - Your so on point with how this girl's look is above the neck. I love how wide rimmed, wool fedoras are coming back. They're definitely going to be a huge trend this Fall given that Lanvin and other designers have included the infectiously fashionable hats in their collections.
Bravo,
http://www.viviid.thesweetstruggle.com
As a fashion designer, I'm unusually obsessed with hair... both these shots are a exquisite examples of hair done just right. Love them both.
everything about these two girls is so memorable, exactly because of what you mentioned. their personality shines because of how they wear what they wear. beautiful.
also, the second girl's bag, i see it everywhere (not sure if it's just me) but does anyone know where i can get it?
WEMAKEPLANS
Absolutely! I see the amount I pay on haircuts as an investment. It's the same as good skincare products - having great healthy hair, and healthy skin, never goes out of style.
The young woman in the second photograph is making me reconsider bangs, even though I just finished growing mine out. I really like the quiet moment you captured in that image.
great shots, both of 'em.. particularly the highwaisted skirt and greywashed T... always great shots, always ;)
http://oslolook.blogspot.com/
forgot to mention the Carlos looks great. In fact, better than great... What I love about this photo is that while the clothes make the man, what you see is actually the MAN. Confident, smart, and a look that shows his own style, not someone elses.. http://oslolook.blogspot.com/
Wow, this very nice!
Now you are getting to the real meaning of style...
Well done!
I agree BUT the underlying message here is really about budget. For people with a modest budget, a celine dress isn't practical if you're a regular person with a casual life style and not attending red carpet events. Simple, staple items that can be worn to class, work and date night are a better way to spend your money. So yeah my carry-all, hair and skin care mean more to me than a fancy dress I'll wear once to the office chritmas party. You photogragh varying demographics that's why you are seeing this happening.
Well said. Excellent shots to prove your point. I love the picture with the asymmetrical haircut; it shows off not only her personal style, but I think it says a lot about her personality. I like to think she's a badass girl. The young girl from Savannah stood out to me as well. I love how she's barefoot without a care in the world. Lovely.
Absolutely agree with you. Our haircut and our skin are what we wear every day. And definitely they need a lot of attention.
amour-passionate.blogspot.com
I totally agree with your comments on having a great hair cut. Love the composition of your shots!
Great shots - particularly love the second one with the girl totally chilled and knitting away.
that's a really good point, I never thought of it that way! making me rethink the total lack of haircuts I've had in the last year...
also, I love it when you explain what it is that caught your eye about the person, that made you have to stop them and take their photograph. I find your reasoning always different and always interesting. please keep that up!
thanks for the inspiration with my cup of coffee every morning.
rebekah
You are so very right about investing the money in a good haircut. I never thought about it in that way.
You should speak more often in the blog...it´s great!!
Kisses from Madrid,
María
This young lady's outfit is perfect in its simplicity. I'd love to dress that way every day!
The Styleseer
http://styleseer.blogspot.com
When it comes to hair I couldn't agree with you more. I am a stylist working in a high end salon in the midwest and something that is far too common in this part of the country is that women think its ok to spend $10 on a haircut... This, in my mind, is tragic because when it comes to hair you get what you pay for.
Your hair is the ultimate accessory, it says more about you because you never take it off, you can change it for drama, or to better suit your style and face shape... which is why I love it!
Thank you for this post, I love your work and look forward to seeing more insights such as this in the future.
When it comes to hair I couldn't agree with you more. So many people think its just hair so its ok to only spend $10 on a cut. But the truth is you truly do get what you pay for.
Your hair is the ultimate accessory. You never take it off but how you wear it and what you do with it can take a look to a whole other level. I love that you can change your hair to suit your mood, your style and your face shape to enhance how you look.
This post was fabulous. I love your work and look forward to more insights like this in the future.
Those are some great tips and I completely agree!! I recently had a haircut and even though it takes some time to get used to it, how I can style it at least I´m not hiding it away in a daily bun:)
xx
Emy
http://emykoster.com/
this whole collection of photos (ie your blog) is inspiring, Mr. Satorialist. it has changed the way i view fashion and people. i find myself admiring the way a young man will roll his jeans or the way an old woman shopping for groceries throws together inadvertent but beautiful and modern pairings of color. your photos, especially of women, are iconic. i appreciate your openmindedness and humility.
sincerely,
Lori in Winnipeg
Agreed!
so good nice outfits!!! very fashion andd i very looove the looks....!!!! NICE!
In the second picture (the girl sitting down), what is the brand of that large tote?
I see it on every girl these days and I'm dying to figure it out.
Lovely pic (no1).
The brand is LONGCHAMP
You were right on about the focal points of the 1st photograph! I'm off to get that hairstyle in the 2nd photograph tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration! Please continue the excellent work! You are truly teaching us well!
Well said! Goal for the week: focus on the hair...
Theresa
the first girl's face is one of the most beautiful i've ever seen. not many asian-looking women can pull off blonde hair and this gem has it done to perfection. thank you for this.
I agree that a good haircut makes the difference. My hair designer (she's not just a hair dresser, she's an artist) does whatever she wants with my hair, and since I wear it quite short, I get to change styles very often. Plus, since the cut is well done, I can wear it a million different ways.
I even see kids at school trying to copy my hairstyle... (I'm a high school teacher).
The first picture just reminded me that I'm going to try to be blonde for the summer!
Why not!
Great post, sir!
http://omgwtfjklmao.blogspot.com/
the first photo channels early madonna and that lower east side hip look from the 80's.
yes!
everyone should invest in a fantastic haircut.
what makes french women's style work is that though they follow fashion, they are not obsessive about it.
things and kept simple & 'natural'..and sometimes slightly askew..and that is what makes it visually appealing.
So striking! I love the fearlessness and self confidence of her look.
I love this look! So fearless & striking.
First girl looks awesome - think my bob will have to go even shorter!
Total agreement here - a fabulous haircut is the best way to spend one's money, I do it every 5 weeks plus a professional color (dark, rich red). Then nails - fingers and toes - after that nothing else is difficult because I like classic, basic colored clothing, no prints, and good accessories.
BTW - I'm in my sixties - so lots of practice and always a lover of fashion! My first asymmetrical haircut was by Vidal Sassoon, the master and inventor of the blow dryer. He brought freedom from rollers and sitting under hoods, what a great time the 1960's were! Being English helped - we have always been very adventuresome when it comes to hair styling.
I'm pleased with the positive feedback on Camille Corazon's hair (top girl). I'm Dan Islava, her hairstylist :) (benedictyeosalon.com 212-966-6001)
Hello,
I really like your writting and I have to say that I, as a French girl, feel flattered by your compliment! I accept it lol
If you're interested in Parisian style, please do visit my blog www.larueadustyle.com meaning the street's got style (freshly started and in need of some good advice ;-)) And if you need a guide on you next trip to PAris, i'll be honored!
Talk to you soon!
Dlight
I wholeheartedly agree.
now this is enlightening.
nouveauskin.blogspot.com
Interesting ... with garments playing a supporting role by drawing the eye to the most interesting point: the hair. Like some of the others commenting above, this makes me feel inspired to do something different with my hair.
Really a very nice blog. I love the way you write. And agree with everything you'd said above. Thanks for sharing this...
True, French women wear their hair with a casualness that seems effortless.
The key to this look -and something American women should really learn from them- is to embrace your hair type and PLEASE LADIES! no more flat iron.
Wavy hair is way sexier.
"Were I a young lady I would easily spend as much on a good haircut/styling as I would on a Celine dress - after all, it's something you wear every day. "
Im taking away those words and quoting you...they will be the decision makers every time I get confused about my hair..Thanks for the words!
this post made me get my hair cut. It looks amazing - and looong overdue. Thanks!!
Love the look on the first girl. The haircut is so sexy! And the combinations of her outfit let all of us ladies know that you can combine style and comfort.
Her hair and style are sensational. I hope one day that I will be able to pull that off.
I agree that it's more visually powerful to create a focal point in one's look. It's also less stressful for the audience when the message is clear. Wonderful photos and examples.
dear scott,
before i thought shoes were important, investing in a pair of shoes and it can finish my outfit and style. but i'm wrong! when my hair grew out longer and straight with no style... plain and simple. my style was plain and simple as well, just men graphic t's and jeans and a pair of leather boots of any kind. eventually i felt bored. i discovered how much i used to dress up when my hair was a bit shorter with bang. then one day i decided to cut my hair short again about pass my shouder and dyed it short of red blonde... and VOILA! my old self is back, i wear more color and i feel like dressing up just like how i feel like dressing up my hair.
My hair uplifted everything.
Good hair cut doesnt have to be expensive( since i cut it myself) but rather experience with different styles and see what make me feel confident and stylist.
Also you forgot about good skin! i would say invest in good moisturizer
The first girl is gorgeous
www.wangsfactory.blogspot.com
Agreed that the cut defines the look. Hair is an accessory that can give a look edge, femininity, mysteriousness, anything... and this girl can rock that asymmetrical haircut!
http://fashionindie.com/
True what you say about the importance of investing in a good cut. Doesn't the first girl remind you f the 80's? It's not just the brows but the tilt of her hat, the Vidal Sassoon looking cut...
http://inherentstylela.blogspot.com/
I was just browsing for fashion and hair websites and came across your blog. I absolutely love all the pictures and seeing such great fashion! I am a hair stylist out of Fort Collins, CO and I am very passionate about anything fashion-like you! I love this picture and love the hair. And it is always great to see hair from all around the world and find inspiration! If you would like-check out my website www.carlymcbeth.com
Thank you for providing us with great fashion!
I love that she is knitting! Seriously who has that skill?
I kept going back to this photo when you posted it the first time. What kept me coming back was the color of her hair and the simplicity of her style of dress that only brought her hair color(s), the slight wave, and heavy bang more to the forefront. Her hair is sexy, on accident seemingly...something I always try to achieve.
good, but seems she needs to make more foot treatment
love the first girl with the hat, she's so cool, has an exotic Asian beauty,such a fashionista, love her style.
I have a great Fekkai cut and color is just a few highlights on my natural base. However, living in NYC? you can have the best cut in the world but fighting humidity will be an ongoing battle.
Sometimes a scarf is your best friend :) - just sayin'
Bubblegum pink lipstick? It looks like her natural lip color.
love love love the first girls' haircut, and her strong brows, she is so striking.
I'm the Savannah girl's stylist. I live and work in Norfolk VA and often wonder if Im on the right path career wise because people always tell me that people ask them where they got their cut but I still have a wide open schedule. Young people in this area wont spend money on a decent cut nor will they drive across town. Its so strange and sad... but when the Sartorialist validates my work it gives me comfort and makes me know im going the right direction. Its tough living in a town where people rarely value or recognize a good cut.
I completely agree! That's what my site is all about.
http://www.hairromance.com
vidalsassy1:
where can i find you? i live in savannah and have had horrible luck with stylists. do you ever come to town?
Yeah actually near end of august I will be there. Catch me at wjadroid@gmail.com. We'll have a chat :)
¿which brand of handbags is that? I love it!!