I just popped Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, the impressive film adaptation of John le Carré’s famous espionage novel, into YLF Books. It’s the early 1970s, the Cold War is in full swing, and MI6 has reason to believe there is a Soviet mole in the highest echelon of the British Secret Intelligence Service. His treachery has already blown some of their vital operations and their best networks. “Brought out of retirement to expose the potential mole, veteran spy George Smiley is the only one who can be trusted to expose one of their own. Or can he? As the emotional and physical stress take their toll on the high-ranking suspects, Smiley is forced into the ultimate international spy game where everyone’s motives are in question.”

This was one of my best movies of 2011. Top-notch acting by British heavyweights Gary Oldman, John Hurt and Colin Firth. A plot line that requires a good deal of thought. Suspense slowly building, and the oppressive atmosphere of everyone suspecting everyone cleverly emphasized by the gloomy, soulless decor at SIS headquarters. And then there’s the main characters’ wardrobes. Absolutely spot on! From the conservative dark-coloured suits Control and Smiley are sporting, over Bill Haydon’s more dandy-esque outfits, to the casual leather jacket Jim Prideaux prefers for undercover action…

To be sure, there has never been a shortage of well-clad gentlemen on TV and the silver screen. I could go on and on about all the actors who have rocked my sartorial boat over the years, but here’s my personal top 5:

1. Big screen legend Cary Grant in his iconic grey three-button suit, as worn in the Alfred Hitchcock thriller North by Northwest. With a nod to other Hollywood legends such as Gregory Peck and Gene Kelly, who always looked impeccable and handsome in all their movies.
2. Michael Caine sporting a splendid three-piece suit, sharp shirts, black trench and buckets of attitude in Get Carter. Come to think of it, I do seem to have a soft spot for rogues and gangsters in sleekly cut suits, à la Reservoir Dogs, for example.
3. John Lurie’s 1980s hipster style in Stranger Than Paradise – understated cool with patterned shirts, black fedora, sunglasses, suspenders and grandpa cardigan. 
4. James Bond in a tux! From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, wouldn’t you agree that every single actor portraying debonair 007 has cut a dashing figure wearing a tuxedo?
5. Benedict Cumberbatch in the latest reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes. Tailored shirts, bespoke suits, full-length wool coat, tweed accents and traditional dressing gown – this is exactly how I imagined the master of deduction would be solving crimes in the 21st century.

Your turn now. Who gets your vote for best dressed male character in the movies?

There is something about an ultra shiny lip that makes for a sumptuous, attractive and alluring effect. One way to add the shine without adding colour is lip gloss. It is another layer of polish that contributes to a well groomed look. And it can make your lips look more full. 

But the gloss also has its drawbacks. For example, the texture of lip gloss feels awful, which is why I prefer to wear lipstick. It’s terribly sticky and unless someone can recommend a truly NON-STICKY gloss, I will never wear it again. It is also a recipe for disaster when you have long loose hair and it’s windy out. And I think when women already have full lips, the gloss can make them look too full.

That’s my take on the good and bad of lip gloss. What’s yours?

The luggage experts at Louis Vuitton have created an interactive packing guide for those of us planning a trip. Just in time for the Summer holiday! 

Are you still debating what to bring along on your next vacation? Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen recently returned from her family holiday at the lakeside and very helpfully breaks down her casual travel capsule for us.

Where do you put your suitcases once you’re back home if you don’t have a basement, attic, garage or closet space to spare? Apartment Therapy provides some good suggestions, be sure to read the comments here for extra ideas.

Fab Links from Our Members

Lisa always enjoys outfit remixes and recommends this Elle slide show on how to turn your Summer items into Fall wear.

Rae was chuffed to find Little Contessa, a blog dedicated to narrow-shaft boots. In her reviews she includes measurements and tells readers what calf size will fit the boot best.

Lace, shorts, fun patterns, flirty frocks and lots more, Krishnidoux says that’s how Summer street style is done in Canada.

Makrame loves her Botkier bag and points us to a Wall Street Journal interview with designer Monika Botkier. She found her tips on how to pick out a bag for the office especially practical.

This Hamburg street artist added a Photoshop toolbar to H&M’s large outdoor ads. Greg thought it was a clever way to draw attention to the use of digital post production tweaks in advertising.   

Annagybe read an interesting article on how Priscilla Chan, now wife of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, chose her wedding gown. Since the wedding Claire Pettibone, who designed the high-necked lace dress, has seen a 300% increase in sales.   

Diana loved this Etsy article with outfits inspired by women in sci-fi. There are lots of Urban Warrior Princess looks here, ladies!

Ornella firmly believes that beauty and style are not limited to the young only, and found the caption with this photograph very thought-provoking. Hear, hear!

Before every runway show models undergo quite the transformation. Ironkurtin enjoyed this feature on makeup masters performing their magic.

Cocolion loves the “What do you think of this look?” feature on FabOverFifty, and adored the fashion-forward outfit this handbag designer is sporting, but was shocked by the negative reader comments. 

Angie wants this stunning shirt to magically appear in her wardrobe, and loves how edgy classics are worn with conviction and slouch. Also: look at those fantastic flat sandals!  

Laurinda informs us that this fun infographic with 17 Ways to Tie your Shoelaces has been making the rounds on Pinterest.

Today we bring you the second in a series of five everyday Summer outfits modeled by my beautifully elegant and graceful client, Karen. Of all Karen’s Summer outfits this year, this combination is her favourite because she’s a HUGE fan of black and white outfits. The ensemble is simple, bold, modern, crisp, polished, comfortable and covered, all of which are important components of Karen’s style. If Karen had to wear one colour palette, this would be it. 

Karen didn’t even wear jeans when we first started working together five years ago. Well, we sorted that out chop-chop. Now Karen can’t imagine her life without her jeans because she wears them all the time. We bought a few pairs of premium label blue jeans on our first shopping trip and they are still going strong many years later. But even more than blue jeans, Karen loves to wear white jeans. Like me, she feels that white jeans look graphic and pretty, and scream Summer. 

Karen enjoys wearing a tailored, high-necked, sleeved and patterned T-shirt or knit top made of substantial fabric with her jeans because the vibe is extra casual. This one is a tie dye and has a peace sign on the front. So cute. Although you can’t see the Tee on its own, it has three quarter length sleeves because Karen must feel covered when she takes off her jacket. Anything shorter than elbow length and Karen is an unhappy camper. 

The Gibson Structured One Button Jacket with built in scrunched sleeves was one of my top picks from Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale in May. Karen snapped it up because the curved “high-low” hemline really spoke to her. She likes the way it covers up the top part of her hips, thereby streamlining a thigh curve that Karen prefers to keep covered. 

Her favourite colour is black, a signature colour, and Karen’s wardrobe will never be without it! But black can look harsh, especially as you get older. So we make a point of softening Karen’s look whenever she wears black close to her face. Here, the patterned Tee works wonders to lighten the effect. The pearl earrings are the next softening  tool, as is the raspberry lipstick. And of course, Karen’s built in chic grey streaked hair is the softening cherry on top. 

The virtually flat sandals are fab find Clarks Thimble Clovers from last season, a lovely dove grey that elongate the leg line because they create a low contrast against the white jeans. We finished off the look with  earrings and cuff because Karen is not a necklace gal. And sunglasses follow Karen around most days because her eyes are very sensitive to light. 

This is another example of an ageless ensemble. Classic bootcut jeans, hip and fun t-shirt, trendy and tailored jacket, and pretty shoes. An easy, relaxed and comfy, yet pulled together outfit formula for Karen’s retired lifestyle. And in her favourite colour combination to boot. Karen, I’m so glad that you love your white jeans because they love you back. Thanks for being my white jeans kindred style spirit.

Also on Karen’s Summer Style

1. Skirt and Denim Jacket
2. White Jeans, Tee and Jacket (this post)
3. Cropped Pants and Fuchsia Flats
4. Denim Skirt and Linen Blazer
5. Cold Shoulders with Flares