Essential. That word has become so prevalent in our lives. But what does it mean? The fashion culture has experienced a monumental shift. But now as the world rediscovers stability, it’s been fascinating to watch effortless, modern staples reenter our focus in a fundamental way. When things get complicated, we seek out effortless solutions that are as adaptable as we’ve become. One such piece, the timeless button down blouse.
While a blouse is a quintessential piece in everyone’s wardrobe, I’ve found it to be even more relevant in my newly adapted at home lifestyle. The truth is, this isn’t just a roadblock or pause on life anymore.
We’re living in the new normal.
A normal where we work, play and create a new life for ourselves from our own homes. We have embraced the positive aspects of solitude, finding tranquility in the serene environment that’s created some space from the chaos happening all around us.
With those vitals at the heart of our evolution, this editorial is important to me in not only the direction of luxury fashion, but also what it means to live a luxurious lifestyle from home.
In this outlet of expression, I’ll be presenting you four elements of my new lifestyle from home, and the quintessential blouses that support that lifestyle by the wonderfully brilliant designer, Anne Fontaine.
I’ve now worked alongside Anne Fontaine for years with a strong admiration for her essential approach to luxury fashion. Most recently on introducing her pre-fall collection from last season, and first back in 2017. By the way, I still own and wear the pieces from our first partnership on a weekly basis. Her pieces are effortless with sculptural details that define refined style for the modern woman.
Her silhouettes transcend generations, and each piece is an uncomplicated masterpiece that allows you to experience luxury everyday. The Anne Fontaine blouse is the nucleus of the collection.
In fact, in 1993, Anne Fontaine created “an entire feminine universe around the white shirt, the perennial staple and effortless chic.” – Anne Fontaine History Since then, she’s opened boutiques in around the world in Paris, Boston and Tokyo.
The concept is simple. The white blouse is an essential every woman needs. Simplicity is found in essentials. Luxury is found in the details. And so her line of luxury essentials was born.
LOOK #1: The new normal: everyday chic in an essential silhouette Anne Fontaine blouse
This first look highlights Anne Fontaine blouses as a part of the new normal: Being comfortable in your own skin, and embracing empowerment over challenges.
For this look, I styled the Anne Fontaine Leozane white poplin shirt with textured yoke. For me this is the perfect white blouse for everyday wear. The silhouette is classic and timeless, and this poplin is their crisp white signature fabric.
The fabric is truly amazing.
It’s the first thing I noticed back when I received my very first piece from Anne Fontaine years back. Imagine your perfect button down. Soft, crisp, just the right thickness. You can roll up the sleeves or wear them down. They wash well, so you won’t mind having them in your everyday rotation.
“The long cotton fibers originate in South America with a percentage of elastane for added comfort. The poplin is woven tightly to avoid transparency and to add lasting durability” – Anne Fontaine
You will feel the difference in this poplin cotton. If I could have just one blouse in my efforts to reduce to a capsule wardrobe, this would be it.
The details on the yoke make it just a bit more interesting that a basic blouse. Though of course, my first pick was actually quite similar minus the yoke detail. This one I like because it’s more special, without being more complicated.
For summer style, I paired it with a satin finish white short, and loungewear bra. Because there’s no need to be all buttoned up at home. This look is made to relax, while maintaining a collected, sophisticated style. I’d also wear it dressed up with suiting, or even more casual with high waisted denim essentials.
LOOK #2: Work from home: adapt to a new lifestyle, Zoom and take over the world in a bit of vintage heritage style
Working from home was not a novel concept for me even prior to Covid. When I returned to Virginia from NYC, my work as Creative and Marketing Director allowed me the freedom to work remote as I choose. However, the ratio of time spent in my home versus in the office took a dramatic shift in recent months.
I’m enjoy quite and serenity while working from home, so it’s always been my ideal. Plus, it allows a bit more time spent with my four legged best friend.
Now, I work from home most days, unless a day in the office is required. I’ll pop in for meetings, pickup and drop off of items, or to use the industrial printer for in-hand materials.
My days however, have not grown to be any lighter. Actually, I’m busier than ever, recreating a strategy for our new evolving world and the consumer market place that’s so dramatically changed.
I’m Facetiming our Chief Designer, joining Zoom calls, reading countless sources of fresh information and inspiration. We’re watching changes, closely. Curious about the new world and determined to conquer it with dauntless pursuit each and every day.
After that, I come here. Joining you all in a written release of all things fashion and luxury sharing new inspirations, exciting designers and trends for the new season. The hustle is still real, and I need to dress the part to feel collected and presentable for no matter what the day might bring.
For this look, I selected the Anne Fontaine Enza white poplin shirt with a triple cuff accent. I can’t think of a better work than charming for this style. It has sort of an iconic vintage feel, in the same poplin fabric mix as the Leozane blouse.
With a mostly monochrome wardrobe, this look is one way I can embody professionalism while remaining comfy at home.
Still seeking effortless luxury, I’ve paired it with white chino pants in a relaxed fit. Tonal and especially all white looks are mindless masterpieces of style. You’ll always match. It’s also office ready should I need to dash out for a meeting, or take an unscheduled Skype call.
Look #3: Lounge: relax and unwind time, discover self care and happiness in a stretch fit Anne Fontaine blouse
On weekends, unrestrained comfort is what I seek, with the most scintillating part of my day being cold pressed iced coffee served in bed. For this look, the Anne Fontaine white blouse Nuage is my select. Nuage is an Anne Fontaine best seller, it’s not difficult to understand why.
Its most notable feature is the jersey prima cotton-poplin mix with a slim fit. The body of the shirt is stretchy, like your favorite worn-in t-shirt that has a lot of stretch.
It is so. Comfy. The silhouette remains a quite elemental style that can be worn with anything. The collar, sleeve cuffs and button placket are made in the crisp signature poplin so even though you’ll feel the bliss of stretch cotton, the details come together in a sharp way.
It’s relaxed enough for play with a combination that’s just as pulled together. Really the possibilities for this piece are endless.
Look #4: Home resort wear: embrace summer in sophisticated style, making heat waves in an oversized Anne Fontaine blouse loaded with artisanal details
Lastly, get ready for a heat wave. This summer is going to be a scorcher, and you’ll want to take advantage of those extra weekend hours.
At last, we take a dive into the indulgence of summer in full swing. Aliana is the Anne Fontaine blouse that’s ideal for an oversized, relaxed fit you can wear as a loungewear or poolside cover. It is also made with my favorite Anne Fontaine signature poplin,
but it’s the details of this shirt that make it truly exceptional.
The two pocket design compliments the concealed center button placket. This gives it a sort of reserved, composed feel when buttoned. Open, the pearly white buttons can stand out in a more intrinsic way.
The back of the shift is also unique, with subtle pleated darts on the sides and back of the garment. In addition, the shirt also has a detachable color, making this a two-in-one silhouette.
Worn sleeves down, you can swap the cufflinks for Anne Fontaine’s signature collection of blouse accessories. Or, you can cuff them up for a more carefree style.
While we sought out extreme comfort and decompression before, we’ve evolved. We’re ready for something new. Not just in our fashion choices, but at the core of our humanity.
We have chosen empowerment over challenges. We are an era of dauntless men and women. Fearless in the eye of the storm. Ready to try new things. Able to embrace ourselves with confidence and a focus on wellbeing. Regardless of our environment, we will continue to take the world by storm. And we will present our new selves to the world, exactly as who we choose to become. Nothing more.
The classic Anne Fontaine blouses are the perfect compliment to today’s uncomplicated approach to luxury.
They have been staples in my wardrobe for years, and each of these new pieces serves a unique purpose in a capsule wardrobe that embodies what life is like today in the new normal. You can sign up for their newsletter to catch our collaboration highlight in the mail this Sunday, or check back and I’ll update this post with a link to more of my favorite styles.
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, the featured post is in collaboration with Anne Fontaine. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!