the striped tee: April 2011

hello, i love you, won't you tell me your name

You're probably already aware we at the Striped Tee, ok ok well at least one half of us, are a bit prone to the occasional stalking - here, oh and here... guilty as charged! And, for this reason we know a little bit about muscle dreamboat above a.k.a. David 'man candy' Gandy, such as his height (6'2"), shoe size (10 1/2) as well as chest, waist, inseam and shirt measurements (40": 32": 34":15.5"), marital status (currently dating model Chloe Pridham)... we're actually beginning to feel we almost know the guy personally, and from here can only continue edging closer to that subsequent court order that prohibits us from being within one hundred metres of the man.

The Essex-born 31-year-old was cemented as an object of lust for countless women and men across the world in 2006 thanks to that memorable spread wearing a tiny pair of white pants and the Brit now stands as the world's highest paid male model. Best known as the face - not to mention the body - of Dolce & Gabbana's 'Light Blue' fragrance, he has appeared in numerous campaigns and catwalk shows over a career spanning nine years, and was credited for transforming the landscape of male modelling with his more 'masculine' build. Not bad for a guy who got his start in the industry by chance after he was unknowingly entered in a modelling competition by a friend.

These days 'man candy' Gandy is a busy dude, on top of modelling he also blogs for Vogue.com, reviews cars for GQ magazine and has just launched his one-stop iPhone app Style Guide for men (check out the video below). Whew! Now, somebody give the man an acting contract! Wait, he's already done that too, having made his debut appearance on film as an actor in August last year kissing none other than iconic super Helena Christensen. Rumour had it Gandy was right up there as a possible successor to Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond and what's more, he has expressed keen interest before about making a transition from modelling into acting. Well, we say cross that bridge! If there's anything this man needs, it's more screen time! Are you with us, or are you with us?

Currently coveting

Lover Ivory dress

$341 - bonadrag.com

Isabel Marant jumper sweater
$455 - net-a-porter.com

Theyskens theory foldover skirt
$330 - farfetch.com

Theyskens theory twill skirt
$295 - barneys.com

J Brand low rise love story jeans
210 GBP - harveynichols.com

Stella McCartney lace bra
$160 - journelle.com

Alexander Wang high heel boot
$262 - theoutnet.com

Acne wedge heels
287 GBP - net-a-porter.com

Marais USA ankle boot
$120 - moxsie.com

Balenciaga vintage style handbag
$1,995 - cultstatus.com.au

Pamela Love stamped jewelry
455 GBP - brownsfashion.com

Mania Mania Immortals Ring
388 AUD - mycatwalk.com.au

Illesteva tortoise sunglass
$160 - lagarconne.com

House of Harlow 1960 glass shade
$138 - boutiquetoyou.com

OK, so I'm a little bit obsessed.

But I really had to post this little chat between Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Seinfeld. Jerry himself also makes an appearance for just about as long as he can stand girlie cookbook talk; but back to Gwyn & Jess in this video. If you ignore the very fancy apartment and the fact that they are very famous peeps, watch and you'll see that they're just two friends and fellow foodies (or as Jerry says and Jessica prefers, 'eaties') dishing on their favourite dishes from Gwyneth's cookbook, My Father's Daughter. Speaking of which, Amazon.com, when is my copy going to arrive? It's been 2 weeks already!!

Video via doitdelicious

trouser love

Forget for a minute that these pants are on Ashley Tisdale. Not that I have anything against her, she seems perfectly lovely, it's just that I associate her with Disney and tweens. Based on the awesomeness of this outfit I may have to redefine my opinion. Anyway, back to the reason for this post - those pants. Hot. Smokin' in fact. They are from Alice & Olivia and you can buy them here.

Pic: The Vogue Diaries

LC and her hair donut

Courtesy of Paula Joye's LifeStyled, I shared the secret to the perfect bun a while back (hello hair donut), and here we have Lauren Conrad sporting a very fine example of this 'do' at the US Weekly Hot Hollywood Awards. LC looks adorable, as usual, in a nude blouse and navy skirt, both from her own label Paper Crown. Whilst it's a wee bit casual for the red (cream?) carpet, she's upscaled the look with her camel Louboutin Pumps and Chanel Bag. Extra points for the navy nails too.

Pics: Zimbio

this is Rob.

She is my Mum's best friend. I took these two pics of her over the Easter weekend just past. The first day, she caught my eye with her colour blocking ensemble, featuring a royal blue top and beads, navy jeans, red ballet flats and lime green bag (very Columbine Smille). The second day she showed up in these absolutely delightful shoes. So of course, I had no choice but to photograph her fashionable forays for our blog. Thanks Rob!

gary pepper vintage

I am totally fashion crushing on professional blogger Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Vintage right now. Possessing a keen stylists eye combined with a model-like knack for making pretty much anything look amazing, her blog and online vintage store have fast become go-to destinations for those seeking for a little special fashion inspiration.

Independent Fashion Bloggers recently sat down and asked Nicole a few questions on how Gary Pepper Vintage became, well, Gary Pepper Vintage. Get the the low-down below:

Tell us a little bit about Gary Pepper Vintage.
Gary Pepper Vintage is an idea I had back in high school, which was launched in late 2009. It’s an online vintage boutique that specialises in vintage one of a kind clothing and accessories that are sourced from all over the world (www.garypeppervintage.com). I started this as a small project which I ran alongside my full time job, interning and studying. After two months I quit my job and took Gary Pepper Vintage full time, four months later it was published in some of the biggest Australian magazines and six months later it was established as a company with three staff members. What started as a small idea has blossomed into my life long dream and I’m very blessed to call this my work.

How did you monetize Gary Pepper Vintage?
When I opened my store it was hosted via eBay, which comes with user friendly options and weekly updates about sales. I also have Google Analytics linked to my blog and website which gives me a good indication of how many visitors I have and where they are from. In regards to consulting and ads, I am still a small company so believe it or not but I don’t have this in my budget, so everything you see is a result of my initiative and hard work.

How has blogging affected your career?
My blog is just as important as the stock I sell. It provides a clear insight into my life and helps my customers relate to me on not only a personal level but also on how I dress and my sense of style. I am confident every customer I’ve ever had is a reader and follower of my blog. I have been offered so many amazing opportunities purely because I’ve been perceived as a “blogger,” which is amazing to think about.

What are you working on now?
I recently launched my own e-store which has been six months in the making. It’s been a tedious and long process but I couldn’t be happier with the results. This project is something that is taking 100% of my time and focus right now. I plan to expanding the line and working on exposing the brand on an international level.

What is the most important piece advice would you give aspiring bloggers?
Look at your blog as a business. It helps to have a plan. Think about branding, how you would like your blog to look, what your content will focus on, what projects you can do, how can you keep your readers interested, but more importantly how you can gain exposure for your blog. There’s nothing better than a visually pleasing blog to look at. They say when we meet strangers we judge and make our own assumptions within the first 30 seconds, so think about this as what people will see when they first “meet” your blog. And of course, be yourself.