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to Catch a Clutch
I’m loving the jute, rattan & straw woven clutches that are showing up for summer. Tory Burtch makes a few of my favorites. Pair with a sweet sundress for The Derby or Steeplechase, or a classic frock for an afternoon wedding, and your look is instantly pulled together. Great with jeans for a night out on the town, too. The perfect summer bag!
Clockwise, from top left: Folley beach makenzi, $225, via Kate Spade; SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Trimmed Raffia Clutch, $45, via Piperlime; Tory Burtch Rattan Clutch, $275 via Shopbop; Big Buddha Martini Clutch, $45, via Piperlime
ACC tip: want vintage? Try your grandmother’s (or mother’s) closet for some jute or rattan bags (trust me, they rocked em’ in the 70’s) or even a local antique shop. 
Stay chic,
Annie
How cute is that pink turtle? Love. Rattan Turtle Handbag by Lotus Arts de Vivre, $850.00, via Vivre
Spring Trend: Cat-Eye Shades
‘Here comes the sun, little darling’…and these retro-glam cat-eye sunglasses are coming with it.
Above, from left: Cat eye frames on the spring 2010 runway at Giles, photo via Style.com; Mary Kate Olsen in Dior’s Diorette sunglasses, photo via Olsens Anonymous; the runway at Giles, photo via Style.com.
While classic styles like the aviator and over-sized round are still stylish & doable, the current trend in eyewear is the cat-eye. Seen all over the runways, this vintage style is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s famous attire in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and harkens our attention to the mod styles of the 60’s.
Celebrities like Olivia Palermo (image via here) & Mary-Kate Olsen are just a few celebs sporting this face-flattering style. The upwards-sweeping effect of the frame creates a slenderizing effect on your face and cheekbones, I might add!
Get the look:
Look for Less:
Top row, from left: Diane von Furstenberg Cat Eye Sunglasses, $145, via Saks ; Proenza Schouler Extended Cat Eye Sunglasses, $290.00, via lagarconne ; Emmanuelle Khanh, $640, via Net-A-Porter ; 2nd row: Chloe Tilia acetate sunglasses, $295, via Net-A-Porter . Look for Less: Kensie ‘Portia’ Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, $50, via Nordstrom
Stay chic,
Annie
Makeup Must-Haves
Many times I get asked what favorite makeup products are. Where do I begin? There are simply too many to list, but I’ll begin with those that come with my highest recommendation – my daily go-to products and essentials.
My #1, must-have, can’t-live-without-it product is Bobbi Brown’s Rose Shimmer Brick Compact (image via Nordstrom).
I often get compliments on my skin, but ladies, I cannot tell a lie: Bobbi Brown takes ALL the credit for anything happening there. I was introduced to the Shimmer Brick in 2006 after I graduated from college. My girlfriend’s skin was constantly glowing, and she always had this beautiful sheen across her cheeks and cheekbones. Needless to say, I was converted, and I’ve been having a love affair with the BBSB ever since (and I’m oh, so faithful).
The BBSB comes in five color palettes: rose, pink quartz, nectar, bronze and beige. I have pink undertones in my skin, so I use the rose (right) compact, but if you have golden or yellow undertones, the nectar would be beautiful. If you have olive skin, the bronze or beige would be complimentary.
The brick is great because it comes in shades of five different colors – blended together, this makes for a beautiful flush of color on your cheeks/cheekbones. First, I put blush on the apples of my cheek, then I rub my brush in a circular motion on the BBSM, and then brush the shimmer over my cheekbone in an upwards motion. The result is a subtle pinkish, shimmery sheen on my cheekbones and under my eyes (note: not glittery – we don’t want to look like we went crazy at Clarie’s in 2000).
The shimmer brick highlights your cheekbones and provides a flawless, glowy effect on your skin. I love it.
For $38, the brick lasts about a year – not bad! You can buy online or in person at Nordstrom, or online at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. For you Nashville gals, you can buy Bobbi Brown products at Woo Skin Care & Cosmetics on Bandywood in Green Hills. (2154 Bandywood Drive, Nashville, TN 37215-2703 (615) 383-2170). Tell them Annie Heyward sent you.
My second must-have is BADgal lash mascara (I just like the name). You can buy online at Benefit Cosmetics, or online or in store at Sephora. This is what Carmindy (love.her.) uses, too, and I have to say, I’m quite an avid fan.
I’m always searching for the best mascara, but when I met BADgal, I never looked back. Virtually clump-free, this mascara both lengthens/extends and volumizes your lashes. I don’t have particularly dark or long lashes, but this gives them that come-hither look.
A Chic Critique tip: always use an eye-lash curler. If you don’t now, get one. It doesn’t matter if you use $45 Chanel mascara: if you don’t curl your eyelashes, the mascara will do very little for them.
Benefit makes fabulous products that I find myself suggesting all the time to friends and clients. These two are Annie’s makeup bag staples. Want to make your eyes appear larger and less tired? Want that wide-awake look?
One makeup tip I suggest is to highlight the inner corners of your eyes (think where the tear duct is) with a pale shimmery white, pale pink, or pale shimmery gold color. Doing this brightens your eyes, makes them appear larger, and gives you a fresh, wide-awake look. Perfect for those on-the-go mornings where you have five minutes to put on your makeup!
Dab a little High Beam ($24) on the inside corners of your eyes, put on two quick coats of black mascara, and you instantly appear bright-eyed and ready to go. High Beam also doubles as a skin brightener, with it’s luminescent sheen – rub a little on your brow bones and cheekbones for a beautiful highlighting effect. Another great eye brightener is the Eye Bright ($20) pencil – I have both products, and either one will widen & brighten your eyes.
You can buy both at Sephora or order online at Benefit Cosmetics.
Stay chic! Annie
Meet Chambray (Denim’s Cousin)
Denim’s lightweight cousin Chambray has come to stay for spring and summer months. Usually reserved for menswear, this tightly-woven light-to-medium wash cotton fabric is making an appearance in women’s styles as well, one being the classic button-up. This unisex fabric is best paired with khaki or white (tip to both guys & dolls: refrain from pairing chambray with denim).
Women can wear chambray a few different ways – as a jumper, button-up shirt, top, or skirt. One great way to incorporate chambray into your wardrobe is to update the denim mini (chambray being a little dressier than denim). A chambray shirt can be worn buttoned, or unbuttoned over a graphic print or embellished tee, then paired with khaki shorts or white jeans, for a classic, all-American look that is both chic & current.
Washed Chambray Shirt, $59.50 via Gap
Rosa Cha Runway Chambray Dress, $550 via Shopbop
Madewell the Perfect Chambray Shirt, $68, via Shopbop
The same goes for men: unbuttoned or buttoned, chambray shirts are stylish, lightweight and perfect for summer. Paired with stone or khaki pants or shorts, the look can easily be laid-back and casual, or sleek and put-together, depending on how you style it.
Tommy Bahama Denim “Hatch it Out” Shirt, $88, via Nordstrom
Shades of Greige Wrangler Denim Chambray Work Shirt, $97, via Revolve Clothing
Burberry Brit Chambray Shirt, $225, via Nordstrom
(As a general rule of thumb, refrain from pairing chambray with denim, unless it’s a grayer wash chambray with a very dark wash denim, pictured here. Khaki, stone and white are better options, in my opinion).
This is not chambray, but it’s a “pebbled chambray” leather color Marc Jacobs bag. So it counts.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo, $398, via Shopbop
Check out J.Crew and Gap for more affordable options. Try incorporating a chambray piece into your spring & summer wardrobe for a lightweight alternative to denim!
Stay chic,
Annie
What to wear: Beach Chic at any age!
Spring is here: swimsuit season is on the horizon, and summer vacation plans are in the works. Whether you’re planning on attending a poolside soiree, or an island getaway (or a girls’ trip to Destin in May, in my case), looking stylish in the sun is a ‘breeze’ if you keep these few ideas in mind.
20’s Tips:
- Youthful looks abound this spring & summer. DO: try wearing a romper or sweet jumpsuit over your swimsuit. DO: wear fun, bright wedge or espadrille sandals poolside for an instant leg-lengthening effect. DO: think bold, neon colors and patterns. DO: protect your face from the sun (and premature aging) by wearing a straw fedora.
Yellow Pina Colada Jumper, $78, via Anthropologie; Blue and white DVF tank cover-up, $225, via Shopbop; Trina Turk ‘Loop de Loop’ Halter Bikini, $172, via Nordstrom; Melissa Odabash Tiana Purple Triangle Bikini, $210, via Net-A-Porter; DVF Knots Beach Tote, $75, via Piperlime; Straw Fedora, $38, via Nordstrom; Ralph Lauren Easy Aviators, $89, via Nordstrom; Chocolat Blu Gail (Pink Espadrille), $140, via Piperlime; Matt Bernson “The Flash” sandal, $170, via Piperlime
30’s Tips:
- DO: try wearing a sexy one-piece with a plunge neckline. DO: look for embellished cover-ups with pretty details (beading, appliques, etc.) in bright colors. DO: carry an over-sized statement beach bag. DO: shield your face from the sun with over-sized sunglasses (thank you, Audrey H.) and a wide-brimmed, floppy hat (love the look).
Ebbing Tide Maillot (purple suit), $178, via Anthropologie; Retro Gingham Halter Bikini, $55, via Topshop; Pink Medina Poncho, $198, via Anthro; Vix Daisy Studded Cover up, $132, via Shopbop; Jack Rogers Marbella Gold Wood Wedge, $168, via Piperlime; Belle by Sigerson Morrison 6187 gold sandal, $220, via Piperlime; Holey Weave Floppy Straw Hat, $40, via Topshop; Rebecca Minkoff ‘Cherish’ Canvas Tote, $102.90, via Nordstrom; MARC BY MARC JACOBS Oversized Square Sunglasses, $98, via Nordstrom
40’s & 50’s Tips:
- DO: invest in a large, printed scarf (think Pucci-style) in bright, bold colors, to wear over your head or in your hair. DO: pair black pieces with pops of color for a slenderizing, put-together look. DO: try a tankini if you prefer something with a little less coverage, but DON’T: wear the string bikini you wore in college. DO: accessorize (turquoise bangles, beaded thong sandals).
DVF Leopard-Print One-Piece Swimsuit, $220, via Saks; Zimmermann Strapless Orchid Twist, $245, via Net-a-porter; Carmen Marc Valvo ‘Tanzania’ Tankini Set, Sale, $78.90, via Nordstrom; Tommy Bahama Midnight Pearl (pink) tankini, $98, via Nordstrom; DVF Beach Tabalah Black Cover-up, $240, via Shopbop; Milly Floral Marmont Cover-up, $298, via Shopbop; Emilio Pucci Medea silk-satin scarf, $150, via Net-a-porter; Tory Burch Quilted Cire Beach Tote, $295, via Shopbop; Dior ‘Classic 1′ Oversized Square Sunglasses, $275, via Nordstrom; Kate Spade Bali Orange Wedge Sandal, $198, and Mystique 1641 Turquoise Thong, $155, both via Piperlime
You don’t have to look like frump girl by the pool. A cute cover-up is an absolute must for summer, and a great way to camouflage and minimize problem areas you might have (cellulite, a less-than-firm derriere, a little pooch or love-handles). Gone are the days of baggy t-shirts and over-sized shorts: think bold, bright neons, and black. Paired with a pair of embellished wedges, a cute hat, and a mod pair of sunglasses, you’ll be poolside ready, chic and styled, in no time!
Stay chic. And stay posted (more tips to come about the best bathing suit style for your body type).
Annie
Make a statement
Looking for an easy way to update your spring wardrobe? Accessorize with a statement choker or bib necklace.
Shopping for a client’s trousseau the other day, I shared with her one of the best ways to dress up simple knits for her honeymoon: pair them with a bold, statement bib or choker necklace. Perfect with a white tee and a boyfriend blazer, these striking pieces are the newest accessory for spring. In an instant, your go-to jeans and basic knit tops will transform from dull to glam. When you pair the jeans/tee ensemble with wedge sandals and one of these necklaces, you’re all set to meet the girls for lunch on Saturday or run errands (without resorting to your old yoga pants and flip flops).
Some favorites (just click the mosaic image to see where your favorite is from):
Spring Statement Necklaces/Chokers by achiccritique featuring
Kenneth Jay Lane Wooden Stone Drop Necklace, $528, via Shopbop
Millie’s Jet Bib Necklace, $198, via Shopbop
Betsey Johnson ‘Iconic Collection’ Layered Necklace, $195, via Nordstrom
Kate Spade faceted stone statement necklace, $195, via Nordstrom
The bolder, the better, as far as this trend is concerned. These necklaces look equally stylish when paired with a cocktail dress for an engagement party, wedding or date night. A stand-out necklace will revamp and update your favorite little black dress in an instant. Just remember to pair with basics – black dress, solid cotton tee, simple knit (you get the idea). The necklace should be doing the talking. Either way, investing in one of these versatile necklaces for spring is a must!
Looking for some looks for a bit less? For you Nashville gals, check out Hemline & Francesca’s (in the Hill Center). Hemline is one of my favorite boutiques, and they have fabulous, inexpensive costume jewelry (same goes for Francesca’s).
Stay chic!
Annie
Who wears short shorts?
It’s that time.
Break out the self-tanner, lunges & squats – shorts are here for spring (and summer).
from left to right, image credit: Jen, Lauren, Kate, Olivia
One of my favorite trends for spring are tailored shorts and denim, rolled-cuff shorts. The former being an unexpected alternative to your typical nighttime attire (dressy jeans & going-out top, or a LBD), tailored shorts are both sophisticated and polished . In order to take the look from simple to night-on-the-town chic, try wearing the shorts with a silk, blousey top, a crisp, white button-up, or silk cardigan. Because this look highlights and showcases your legs, opt for more coverage on top – nothing too revealing (think classic vs. too-short Daisy Dukes). Finish off the outfit with a pair of substantial pumps or wedges for a feminine, put-together look. Olivia Palermo does this well (see far right image, and below).
Olivia Palermo
image via here
Pair more casual shorts – denim, cotton, chino – with ballet flats or gladiator sandals for a cute daytime look. Try wearing a simple cotton knit (some favorites being Splendid, American Apparel, Three Dot & Michael Stars) with a pair of jorts jean or khaki shorts, or a cute embellished, floral top from J.Crew. Keep in mind that ankle-strap gladiators truncate the gams, so if you’re not particularly leggy (see Gwyneth Paltrow), opt for sandals with straps that go behind the heel or over the top of your foot.
Alice + Olivia Pinstripe Tab Shorts with Rolled Cuff, $198, via Shopbop
Elizabeth and James Rumpled Taffeta Hudson Short, $225, via Piperlime
Alice + Olivia Cady Cuff Shorts, $154, via Shopbop
Diane von Furstenberg Taipa Short, $198, via Shopbop
Diane von Furstenberg Nassir Shorts, $185, via Shopbop
Patch & repair jean shorts, $49.50, via Gap
Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Cutoff Short, $130, via Piperlime
Joe’s Jeans Rolled Cuff Shorts, $143, via Shopbop
A Chic Critique tip – Not every style is best for every body type: if your legs aren’t your best asset (or super toned), don’t feel like you have to try short shorts. Wear what looks best on your particular figure- whether that’s a pair of knee-length shorts or cropped pants. Not every woman has Jennifer Anniston’s legs (and that’s okay) but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off shorts. The key is length and cut. Go with a longer short (above the knee) or a cropped pant and wedge heels if you want or need more coverage.
So who’s wearing short shorts this summer?
Stay chic,
Annie