Blazin'

This 2009 collection by Band of Outsiders put the brand on my radar.

The east coast had a hard winter, I know. 

But in San Francisco, the summer is tough. I am east coast born and raised and a sworn lover of heat and humidity. Temperatures in the low 60s with almost 20 MPH winds - in late June - is no fun.

Before I get carried away, this post is really about clothes. Working in the start-up world for the past few months, my wardrobe has shifted toward jeans and linen t-shirts and away from dresses and heels. I still want to look polished, but without being too conservative or overdressed. Then add the complication of San Francisco's cold summer.

Blazers are the perfect layering item, but they remind me of my corporate days. I have been looking for a fresh take on the standard blazer, and my current favorite is made by Los Angeles based Band of Outsiders. Its designer, Scott Sternberg, is best known for menswear, and the label broke out after his 2008 CFDA emerging menswear designer of the year award and his 2009 CFDA award for menswear designer of the year. The women's clothing, sold under two labels, Boy by Band of Outsiders and Girl by Band of Outsiders, strikes a sophisticated balance between tomboy and feminine style. 

Band of Outsiders, Pre-Fall 2014. From Style.com

Pre-Fall collections are great for San Francisco's climate and often seem to go on sale [use code SS40 for 40% off] early in the summer. Since it doesn't make sense to stock up on cute summer dresses, at least I can invest in stylish pieces that I know will last. Check out the brand, and the blazers.