Here’s a sleek pull on bootie that’s a subtle nod to the sci-fi trend. I like the graphic integrity of the silver colour blocking, the one inch circular heel, and the close fit on the ankle. I have not fitted on the ASOS Allure ankle bootie in person, but have a hunch that it will be comfortable because of the elastic inserts and what appears to be a suede-esque upper. For almost $80 full price, it could be worth a try. It would certainly shine up your Autumn outfits and add a fun edge to a jeans, shorts or trouser outfit.

There is nothing that inspires my own style and my general thoughts on style more than watching people on the streets of a city. From Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam and Vancouver, to Barcelona, Cape Town, Singapore, Zurich, London, Tel Aviv and Paris. I am fascinated by how people of all ages and sizes dress to suit their needs on a daily basis. Whether they are rushing off to work, traipsing kids off to school, having coffee at a cafe, biking, meeting friends, shopping, or going out for supper — I love to observe what people wear in all of these everyday situations. And you see it all. Classic, frumpy, trendy, retro, dated and avant-garde. Sporty, traditional, super tight and super baggy looks too. 

My love for urban style watching is the reason I enjoy street style photography. One of my favourite parts of worldwide Fashion Week coverage is looking at the photos of the fashion that is off the runway. It’s the next best thing if you can’t physically be there. Up to a point. 

YLF forum member Cocolion posted a comment about my interview with Stacy London that made me think more about the relationship between street style photography and actual street style. Commenting on NY Magazine’s In the Cut section, she said:

“Sometimes I look at street style pics and think, “free model, free clothes, free stylist” as in, the publication/website gets free material. Even though I love seeing real people. So many of them looked like models in this feature, it made me appreciate the real looking bloggers like Susie Bubble even more”.

The problem is that street style photography is not a very good substitute for what you actually see on the streets. The style you see in the photographs is very filtered by the selection process of the photographers. Generally, the most dramatic, eccentric, edgy, interesting, daring, on-trend, or fashion forward outfits are the ones that are shot. Or photographers will focus on celebrities, influential fashion industry insiders, models, or people who look like models. Case in point, most of the 50 Street Style All-Stars in this slide show are fashion magazine editors, famous fashion stylists, or models wearing expensive designer items.

Of course, street style photographers aren’t doing anything wrong by filtering street style. Their goal isn’t to create a perfectly representative view of street style. Rather, it might be to draw us in with what they think are unique, aspirational, eye-catching or sensational pictures. And this is inspiring too, especially for designers who are looking for creativity, latitude, and potentially trend setting looks. 

So although street style is not representative of what you really see on the street, I will continue to browse street style sites because it’s fun to do so. It’s eye candy. I love looking at what the big wigs in fashion are wearing. I love to see what it was about an outfit that motivated the photographer to take the photo. My Pinterest board is full of street style outfits that have inspired me in some way, be it the specific outfit combination, or the general concept.

But if I want to be truly inspired by authentic street style in all its wonderful variety, I have to travel and physically walk the streets.

This is a great chunky cardigan for a relaxed setting. It has fun colour blocked faux leather panels on the inside of the lapels that look interesting and attractive. It also has the same panels on the outside side seams. You can wear the cardigan to showcase them more, or keep the panels subtle in the way the model is wearing the sweater. The cardigan has pockets and the long ribbed cuffs add extra drama and tailored polish. It’s great over jeans, slim cut trousers, a pencil skirt or sheath dress. A great vehicle to dress down your look.

I fitted this onto a petite client, and the cardigan did not look overwhelming. Runs true to size and is fairly lightweight despite the volume. It drapes well for a chunky knit and it does not itch. A fab item for $79 full price.

Carrying a clutch handbag during the day seems like a bad idea because it’s impractical for a myriad of reasons. They won’t hold all your stuff. They aren’t hands-free. You might leave them behind after you’ve set them down. The concept is just really awkward. I know. I thought exactly the same thing, leaving all my clutches for evening dates and fancy occasions. 

Yet, I persevered because I love the look of a daytime clutch. After my first road test of the concept, I was surprisingly hooked. I am now comfortable enough to shop with a client all day, or do errands with a daytime clutch, and not feel hindered in the slightest. Granted, I do not carry a lot in my handbag to start off with, and apart from the Chanel clutch, the ones I use are all mid-sized. I’ve just added an oversized clutch to my handbag capsule and like carrying that too, although my preference is for the mid-sized.

Here’s why I’m a daytime clutch carrying convert:

1. They look modern: There is something about the aesthetic that screams “graphic modern fabness” to my eye, especially when the clutches are rectangular with sharp corners.
2. They look minimal: Their strap-free integrity adds a simpler element to your outfit, which personally speaks to my minimal style.
3. They look different: Wearing a clutch during the day makes a different type of fashion statement to the oversized handbag.
4. They are unfussy: I’ve found carrying a clutch less fussy when they are mid-sized or smaller. Less bag equals less fuss. The fact that they are not hooked onto a body part, like a shoulder or elbow, makes me feel more carefree. And when I need both hands, I pop my clutch under my arm. That little trick works like a charm.
5. They are kind to your neck and shoulders: I generally don’t carry bags on my shoulder or across my body because I find these styles less comfortable. Neck and shoulder pain is often the result of this type of bag style. So I clutch the straps of my satchels in one hand, or hook them into the crook of my arm. The way I already carry my satchels made carrying a daytime clutch less of a stretch.
6. They force you to carry fewer items: I’ve pared down the contents of my handbag even further to accommodate my smaller clutches. Lighter handbags make me happy.
7. You need a style change: Handbags are my favourite wardrobe item and very much part of my outfit. I’m enjoying how a clutch makes my daytime outfits look and feel different.

I still carry my satchels with pleasure, and prefer non-clutch handbags when I’m wearing a wool coat. Most of all I’m enjoying the change of switching out my satchels for clutches. The effect, for the moment, feels fresh.

Have I converted anyone to Team Daytime Clutch, even if it’s just over the weekend and for a short space of time? If you’re not convinced, I challenge you to road test the concept just once!