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Shirtdress Sass
Universally flattering (kind of like Diane von Furstenberg’s famous wrap dresses), this dress is a classic silhouette and a great investment piece for your wardrobe – the perfect spring transition piece! Whether you prefer a more utilitarian, military-inspired look (think khaki or olive cotton twill) or a feminine, silk version with a bow around the waist, you absolutely can’t go wrong with the shirtdress.
image via here
Pair with clogs or nude pumps to work, and accessorize with a great belt or vintage necklace. Some favorites of mine are below (and notice the diversity in style, color and fabrics).
1: “Look-Sharp Tunic,” $88 via Anthropologie
2: DIANE von FURSTENBERG “Anina” Parachute Sportswear Shirtdress, $325, via Bloomingdales
3: BCBGMAXAZRIA Shirtdress, $238, via Nordstrom
4: Petite crinkle shirtdress, $120, via Banana Republic
5: Vince Belted Denim Shirtdress, $295, via Nordstrom
6: Staring at Stars Belted Shirtdress, $58, via Urban Outfitters
Stay chic,
Annie
crazy for braids.
Starting from top left, going clockwise, images via: 1) Audrina: here 2) Kate Hudson: here 3) Kate Bosworth: here and 4) Diane Kruger via http://www.allemohairstyles.blogspot.com
One beautiful hairstyle celebrities and models on the runway are sporting this spring is a loose, side-swept braid. I love this look because it’s effortless and low-maintenance, yet still totally chic!
This look is perfect for those on-the-go days where you don’t feeling like shampooing your hair. The key to wearing this style is to keep the braid loose and swept over one-shoulder. For added volume and hold, try rubbing a little texturizing spray through your tresses before braiding.
Whether you make a fishtail, french braid, or a traditional plait, the point is to keep it simple – even a little messy. Try this sweet, boho style this spring & summer!
Alexander Wang via here
Stay chic.
Annie
Clog Heaven
When I say clog heaven, I mean this:
Jeffrey Campbell’s Charli Clog, $178, via www.freepeople.com
Not this:
image via http://1.bp.blogspot.com
Just so we’re on the same page.
Ever since Karl Lagerfield and Chanel donned the runway with mile-high, wooden platform clogs in the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 show, these wooden lovelies have been ubiquitous! Alexa Chung was seen wearing a pair of the teetering Chanel clogs on the cover of British Vogue recently.
Chanel Spring 2010 via http://heycrazy.wordpress.com
Chanel clogs! via http://4.bp.blogspot.com
Check out Jeffrey Campbell’s Charli clogs – they look just like the Chanel ones! The natural (above) is backordered, but I found them at Nordstrom in black & tan. Steve Madden & Jeffrey Campbell both offer stylish, uber-high platform clogs for a bit less than other designers. Michael Kors & DVF also carry a few I love. If the platform heels look a bit daunting to you, try a lower-heeled clog; however, the emphasis this spring is on high, I might add!
Top row, left to right: Jeffrey Campbell ‘Charli-C’ Clog, $124.95 from Nordstrom; then Stuart Weitzman “Sequoia” Clogs, $375.00, from Bloomingdales, 2nd row, from left: KORS Michael Kors “Sassy” High Heel Clogs, $250.00, also from Bloomingdales, then Steve Madden Bresi Clog, for $99.95 from Steve Madden.
So what do you wear these with this spring & summer? You can’t go wrong with a flowy, feminine skirt or a bohemian print dress (so effortless). For a cleaner, more polished look, try wearing them with a pair of tailored shorts or skirt and a blouse (see Chanel photo), or a pair of trouser jeans. Stay away from boot-legged, bell-bottom jeans so as not to appear as if you’ve stepped right off the set of Dazed and Confused.
What do you think of this spring’s clog? What would you wear them with?
Stay chic,
Annie
Your new best friend: The Cinch Belt
Want to know an easy, inexpensive way to take basic, shapeless pieces in your wardrobe from drab to fab? Ladies, it’s time to make friends with the cinch belt! This accessory is an absolute must-have for me – I’m not sure how I’d do without it. Perfect for cinching in a shift dress, simple knit top, or flowy, chiffon blouse, this thick belt accentuates your waist and gives definition and shape to any garment. I find myself recommending them to friends all the time.
A simple mistake many ladies make: buying a shapeless, loose-fitting, otherwise trendy top/dress, yet finding it swallows your petite frame, hides your curves, or adds unwanted bulk to your figure (who wants that?). A quick fix – the cinch belt. Highlighting a slender waist, minimizing volume, and creating a flattering, hourglass shape in an instant, these belts really DO make a difference.
I pair mine with knit cotton dresses in the summer, and my favorite billowing, hippie (okay, Anthro) tops in the spring. Try one over a vest, flowy dress, shift, long cardigan, or ruffled top this spring – you can’t go wrong.
Here are just a few I found while browsing online (note: I also saw some cute budget-friendly steals at Forever 21 if you want the look for less!). Anthropologie always has the best belts.
Top left: Fina Firenze Studded Double Buckle Belt, $45. Top row right; Betsey Johnson Crystal Buckle Stretch Belt on SALE for $31.90, both belts via www.nordstrom.com; bottom left, Infinity Belt, $38, and bottom right, Over Under Belt, $38, both via www.anthropologie.com
Stay Chic.
Annie
Photo credit: 1st board – from left to right: www.lpcollection.com, www.celebrity-gossip.net, www.thefashionreview.files.wordpress.com, www.sugarscape.com
Stay Neutral
I am absolutely loving the soft neutral color palettes that designers are using this spring! Shades of pale blush, ballet pink, cream, sand/stone, camel & soft gray are everywhere – from dresses to silk blouses and paneled skirts – and are oh, so pretty. Rachel Zoe, Whitney Port, and Melissa George are just a few celebrities donning this latest color trend:
image via www.instyle.com
Feminine & sophisticated, these shades work great for basic wardrobe pieces. Try wearing a few neutral-toned pieces together – a cream trouser pant with a flesh-colored tank, or a camel colored jacket & white jeans. Don’t be afraid to go all neutral: a monochromatic look is both slenderizing & lengthening. Sophisticated & classic, you can’t go wrong with this look – try it this spring!
Stay classic & chic!
Annie
Photo credit – starting clockwise from top left: 1 via www.piperlime.com, 2 & 3 via www.anthropologie.com, 4 & 6 via www.saksfifthavenue.com, 5 via www.bcbg.com, and 6 via www.jcrew.com
enTRENCHed.
One wardrobe staple I would encourage a client to invest in is a classic Trench coat – an absolute must! When I think of a Trench, the phrase “eternally chic” comes to mind. Trenches can be made out of various fabrics – cotton, denim, polyester/poplin/cotton blends – but are designed for versatility throughout all four seasons. Many are given weather-resistant finishes so as to provide protection from the rain. Structured, yet sophisticated, a Trench coat is an ideal, practical piece of outerwear to compliment any outfit in your closet!
A few CC tips:
To accentuate your waist or to highlight an hourglass figure, look for belted Trenches. For those of us that are fuller-chested, stick with single-breasted coats and wide lapels. For thin, boy-shaped builds, look for double-breasted coats. Petite builds need to look for trenches that hit halfway down the thigh, below the hip, so as not to overwhelm your figure.
Calvin Klein Belted Trench Coat $128
MICHAEL Michael Kors Belted Trench Coat, $138
Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Eudora' Belted Trench Coat, $179
Diane von Furstenberg 'Spy' Crinkled Trench Coat, $465
Tory Burch 'Jim' Belted Trench Coat, $495
Burberry Double Breasted Trench Coat, $795
Trench yourself & stay classic!
Annie
Photo credit: all photos via www.nordstrom.com
Cuff Love.
One of my favorite trends for spring is the cuff bracelet. Cuffs are a perfect accessory to spice up any outfit – try wearing one with a simple black or white knit top, and let the cuff speak for itself. These bracelets are definitely statement pieces! One of my favorite things to do on the weekend to make a classic knit go from basic to glam is to add a bold, chunky, cuff – the bigger, the better!
Silver Gothic Cuff, $25, via http://www.guess.com
Stud Textured Bracelet, $28, via www.guess.com
Stacked Etchings Cuff, $38, via www.anthropologie.com
Alethia Cuff, $39.50, via www.bananarepublic.com
House of Harlow (Nicole Ritchie's jewelry line!) 1960 Gladiator Cuff, $55, via www.piperlime.com
Fretworks Flower Cuff, $178, via www.anthropologie.com
House of Harlow 1960 Peacock Cuff, $185 via www.piperlime.com
Kenneth Jay Lane Sculpted Cuff Bracelet, $190 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
Alexis Bittar Molten Bracelet, $375 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
Oscar de la Renta Chalcedony & Turquoise Bracelet, $390 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
I have my eye on the Kenneth Jay Lane cuff – loving the grecian-inspired look!
Outfit your wrist with one of these lovelies and make a statement.
Annie
Images 1 & 2 via www.guess.com, 3 & 6 via www.anthropologie.com, 4 via www.bananarepublic.com, 5 & 7 via www.piperlime.com, 8,9, & 10 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
Spring Style: Cage-Sandals & Platforms
A must-have staple in your wardrobe this spring is the platform sandal! With a little added height in the front (1/2 – 1 inch, depending), a platform heel helps to evenly distribute your weight, making the shoe much more comfortable than say, a stiletto. While most high heels aren’t uber-comfortable, looking for sandals with a chunky heel and a platform sole can go miles (no pun intended) as far as comfort and longevity throughout your day and/or night. You’ll notice the difference – promise. I’m all for feeling comfortable AND sexy on a night out – who isn’t?
Some looks that stand out this spring: cage-sandals, woven-leather details, metal studs & buckles, cork & wooden soles, and neutral tones (grays, taupes, camels, etc.). Neutrals are more versatile, and you’ll find these sandals will look great with everything, whether you pair them with tailored shorts and a blouse, jeans and a going-out top, or a cute spring frock (see last entry!).
If you’re looking for a sexy, stylish pair of sandals this spring, check out these chunky-heeled, platform favorites of mine.
I’ve had my eye on those Miss Sixty sandals with the cork sole/heel for about two months now. To borrow Rachel Zoe’s (my favorite celebrity stylist) famous line: “I DIE.”
Stay chic!
Annie