by LOOKBOOK, featuring Beatrice Gutu of The Fashion Cuisine • December 1, 2015
It's been quite the whirlwind for Beatrice Gutu of The Fashion Cuisine this season. After being whisked away to the magical city of Paris for the first time in her life, she comes home only to discover that a horrendous tragedy has occurred in the city within days of her departure. This past month has become a wake-up call for many, and for Beatrice, a journey of highs and lows.
As the air gets colder and ominous clouds fill the skies, we’re thankful for the spirit of the holidays, and its ability to bring about a fresh perspective and a renewed hope. Beatrice quotes human rights’ trailblazer Martin Luther King, Jr., reminding us that only light can drive out the darkness.
This 21-year old beauty from Germany possesses a level of sophistication and intelligence that is well beyond her years — evidenced by both her sense of style and perceptive insight of the world. Like a fine wine, her outfits are full of rich colors and sharp-looking silhouettes. We love her simple, chic, slightly moody festive looks, beckoning visions of mistletoe by the fire and sweet holiday cheer — and of course, fresh hope in the morning.
It's not news that borrowing from the boys is a big thing this season. So, I suggest you go and grab that hip blazer from your boyfriend's closet and those classic brogues you've been eyeing for months. Masculine style is definitely one I feel comfortable wearing.
Two basics I cannot go without this season are the trench coat and the striped shirt. As long as I have these two, I know what to grab in the spur of the moment. Stripes, burgundy, patent shoes and neutral tones are just a few things I'm currently obsessed with — and nothing can be better than combining all of these into one look. That, and some tortoise sunglasses if you want to look 10x chicer.
Me being me, I also couldn't resist the urge to dress this super elegant trench down, with some ripped knee jeans. Hope you like this outfit as much as I do!
I was over the moon when I discovered I'd be traveling to Paris this year. This was one of my favorite looks for the trip. My Maison Scotch coat is certainly one of the best and most timeless pieces in my wardrobe. I can't even begin to tell you how much I wanted a classic black coat and now that I finally have one, nothing seemed more appropriate to wear it for, than my first time in Paris.
Chic to me obviously associates with black, as well as Paris — the original city of lights.
I can't exactly pinpoint what is so special about Paris but there is just something that makes you want to become a part of it. I must have walked at least 10 km my first day here and there wasn't a second where I would have rather taken the subway. The tricky part is choosing an outfit that can be both comfortable and chic enough for traveling — which is why I've developed a recipe for the perfect travel look throughout the years.
I always start with wardrobe staples. In this case, a classic coat, a white shirt and a pair of black high-waisted jeans. I then add some small accents, like wearing my new bandana as a neck scarf for that final Parisian touch.
We know an all-black outfit can get a bit dull at times, so I spiced it up with a grey hat and a statement red tote. What do you usually wear while traveling?
I have some serious love for this fringe jacket, which I've wanted since I was about 15. I usually wear it with my pointy ankle boots, but I decided to switch things up this time with my Stan Smith sneakers. As you know, I'm the type of girl who will always try to combine opposites, so I just couldn't resist putting these two together.
It's good to be back in ol' Dusseldorf!
I posted this look during one of the darker days in Paris, just a couple days after I left. It was originally going to be about my love for black and how to style a bow tie blouse, but my thoughts were elsewhere at the time.
Walking on those streets just a few days earlier, I couldn't imagine something like this happening. My heart breaks from all the cruelty we have in the world right now. If we've learned anything from the horrible things that not only occurred there, but continue to occur around the world, it's to be more kind to one another, to help and support each other, and to live for the happiness of others.
Only we have the power to make this world better.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." #spreadthelove
I'm very excited that checked blazers are kind of a thing this season. I've owned this vintage Cerruti 1881 one for three years, but it hasn't stopped me from making room for more of them to come.
Neck scarves are quite the lifesaver when I feel like I have nothing to wear (or when I get bored with my wardrobe items). It's a small accessory, but what a difference it makes!
Pair some high-waisted tailored trousers with Stan Smiths and the magic neck scarf, and everyone will start confusing you for a fashion editor. Believe me — it works every time.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! A magical time of the year when they turn on all the lights in the center of the city and you simply can't pass by a market without buying something festive. I absolutely love dressing up for the holiday parties that will ensue, but don't get me wrong. Dressing up for me usually means putting on some ankle boots with track sole and pairing a super cozy oversized coat with a deep red 60's-inspired dress.
The outerwear piece is the one item I can't go without. Whether at a Christmas party or a meal out with friends, it needs to be warm for me to totally enjoy it. Other than that, this is all I basically need for the perfect party outfit. What about you?