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.

On the Street....Full with Flair, Paris

Summer in New York is full of young women in long print dresses. Too often though the dresses are bland, overly basic and usually carrying a cheap looking print. Sometimes they seem like the modern version of the thoughtless housedress.

I think it is so fresh to see a long dress done with a little flair. The fullness of this young lady's dress doesn't dwarf her size but does create a beautifully dramatic silhouette when she walks.

Polo with a Suit, Florence

Polo with a suit?

That's tricky.

Too often it comes off as Master Champ. I think the real key is to wear polo as sleek as the suit.

The next critical question would then be, collar in or out?

On the Street....Viale Piave, Milano

My Favorite Off-Runway Look, Paris

On the Street....Happy Clothes, Florence

On the Street....Rugged & Refined, Florence

Rugged and refined, think Steve McQueen or Gene Kelly.

On the Street....Sartorial Denim, Florence

On the Street....Country Style, Milan

While I was working on this image Garance mentioned that it was the perfect way to end the week that started with the young Mennonite girl from last Monday's post.

The Italian Fit? Try A Back Dart

What makes Italians looks so slim?

What helps them look so refined when casually dressed?

The back dart on their shirts is a big factor.

ps. also note how meticulously the sleeves are rolled-up in both examples

On the Street....The Summer of The Blue Shoe, New York

On the Street....Milan in Color, Milan

On the Street....The Combination, Milano

I love the fit and proportion of the suit but ,for me, this shot is really about the super sophisticated tie-to-suit combination.

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

On the Road....Route 45, Woodward, Pennsylvania

(click on image to enlarge)

On the Road....Route 45, Woodward, Pennsylvania

On the Street....The Rubinacci, Milano