Nordstrom GQ Menswear Collection - Bellevue Fashion Week

When you see runway shows, the majority of the looks are all for women, but what about the fellas? Doesn't a Jaunty Gentleman deserve to feel stylish and be a fashionable standout?? Nordstrom and GQ Magazine was the match made in heaven at this year's Bellevue Fashion Week. For the last few years, the Nordstrom show has always been one of my favorites, putting some really beautiful ready-to-wear looks together, reminding you that you don't have to do haute couture to make a statement. This year, they made the bold choice to go with nearly all menswear (as you can see from this shot of the final runway lap, there were a few ladies in the mix!). This was a great decision, not just for bolstering the spirits of fashionable fellows wanting inspiration, but for this annual fashion week as a whole, mixing things up and showing that style is not owned by any single person or gender, it's an expression we can all participate in.

This Bird appreciates being able to wear pieces from the Jaunty Wardrobe all season, but it's tricky to get perennial with tweedy, fall-appropriate items. I was particularly Inspired by the lovely Emily Blunt, seeing a red carpet snapshot wearing a lovely combination of bright turqoise and a neutral skirt, all in a lovely, ladylike silhouette. Of course her outfit is a single dress that's meant to look like separates, but as always, the point of these posts is to pull something together from an existing wardrobe, without buying anything new.

I liked the idea of pairing something totally summery with something on the opposite end of the seasonal spectrum. I hadn't worn my high-waisted grey tweed skirt in a while -- why would I? It's so fall/winter, right? But I was pleased to say the light, fluttery blouse lightened things up and balanced the skirt out for summer wear. I wore this combination to a cocktail party and the flat silver sandals made it friendly for all types of terrain, be it grass or concrete, plus comfort to be able to walk about for a few hours. The statement necklace had a similar color range with the blouse, so they spoke in unison for a pleasant overall hue.

Cheers to perennial menswear and tweed! From the Jaunty Wardrobe: blue blouse from Forever 21, grey tweed skirt from Express, silver sandals by Tommy Hilfiger, faux croc green handbag from JCPenney, vintage charm bracelet, glass jade necklace from Macys.


Jaunty Fine Print:  image from InStyle.com and wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki

Ever take a wandering gaze through the closet and literally just grab whatever tickled your fancy and - voila - crazy thrown-together outfit? This Bird meandered through the Jaunty Wardrobe and pieced this kooky getup together. A mix n' match of menswear, textures and patterns, it's combining the use of masculine fabrics and the rebel yell of mixing different prints.

The original thought came from putting together something with my favorite pair of grey tie-waist shorts after seeing this simple style from Tommy Hilfiger. And then it all went to crazytown after picking some different favorite pieces from the Jaunty Wardrobe. Outfit includes: ruffled tie-waist jacket and printed top and tights from The Limited, tie-waist shorts from Macys, brown oxfords from Steve Madden, jewelry and handbag are vintage.


Jaunty Fine Print:  wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki, Tommy Hilfiger runway photo from Elle.com

 

We seem to be nearing that in-between seasonal period, where the days still linger, but the evenings start to whisper of an autumn chill. But the Magpie wants her summer parfait and to eat it, too! Inspired by looks in Proenza Schouler's and Yigal Azrouël's 2010 resort collection, this little birdy rummaged through her wardrobe to follow their jaunty lead. Combined with a new fitted vintage-style tee, this Inspiration has hints of herringbone in a lightweight vest and baggy shorts, aviator sunglasses, and a few notes of polished bohemia to lighten the menswear touches. This little ditty is meant to celebrate the remaining afternoons of ice cream and flipflops, and herald the days of galoshes and peacoats to come.