Tuesday, June 23, 2009

LOOKBOOK.nu

I love following so-called street fashion and every once in a while I take an interest in putting together some outfits with style. Lately has not been one of those times, but a serendipitous stop at LOOKBOOK.nu has me dreaming up what I can wear while the gloomy New England June weather sticks around.

LOOKBOOK.nu is, as writer Dana Oshiro aptly put it, a Digg for fashion insiders. This invite-only service was recently launched by a San Francisco couple as a way for regular people with extraordinary style to post full body shots, vote up outfits that turn them on, and give fellow users friendly commentary and praise. Members can also dole out one heart to their favorite look of the day.

It's my first look around, and for the most part I like what I see. Some girls manage to put together a fresh and age-appropriate look, like 16-year-old Lovisa B. from Sweden.



Sweden in general seems to be blossoming with willowy blonde beauties. I love 18-year-old Elina A.'s sets, particularly this pretty floral ensemble:



On the other hand, there are some scary looking subjects. This girl may only be 13, but it's upsetting that her twig-like legs and arms didn't give anyone pause in the comments:



But there are plenty of women who look perfectly at ease with themselves. Lola D. looks completely comfortable in her nautical-inspired ensemble, and I love how the few feminine touches are miles from frilly. The masculine influence is also remarkably understated, and her unbound hair is the perfect touch. It's a perfect example of heels-with-jeans, completely reinvented.



And let's not forget the menfolk. This 18-year-old student looks like he stepped out of the Sartorialist:



Charles J., you win my heart-for-a-day.

After viewing dozens of pictures, my inherent belief that over-sized shoulders can't look fresh remains intact. The high-waisted silhouette, though, is something I love wearing, and after viewing a few fine specimens, I'm ready to overhaul my closet searching for a way to pull it off.



See how the summery, unadorned shoulder straps contrast so well with the structured waist? A boxy blazer would be perfect over Mayo W.'s outfit—but no shoulder pads, please.