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5 Summer Must-Haves
This summer, A Chic Critique won’t be going anywhere without:
1. a wide-brimmed hat or fedora
2. 60 SPF oil-free sunscreen for face (I am militant about this, if you know me)
3. a cold libation
4. a super chic cover-up
5. and a F.A.B. pair of over-sized sunglasses (no wrinkles, please!)
You can find me in a hammock on some beach, somewhere. Oh, you know, staying here, of course. Or maybe I’ll be here. You never know these days.
Enter reality.
Whether you’re jet-setting around the country on vacation (does Destin count?), attending summer soirees, or spending time in your humble abode, these pieces will have you looking put-together, polished, and stylish wherever you go!
While this certainly isn’t a comprehensive list by any means, invest in these few staples, and you will have plenty of options to mix-and-match in your closet.
1. White Jeans
Joe’s Jeans White Muse Highrise Bootcut, $172
The building block of a summer wardrobe, virtually anything goes well with white jeans. Sophisticated & chic, whether you pair them with a navy and white striped cotton tee, black silk blouse, or knit jewel-toned top.
My personal favie is the Joe’s Jeans “Honey,” which is the perfect jean for an hourglass shape. If you’ve got a shapely derriere but have a smaller waist, you probably have issues with the waistband gaping. Problem solved! The “Honey” was designed with curvier girls in mind. Thanks, Joe!
2. Knit Dress
Ella Moss Ruffle T-Back Dress, $148
Easy. Comfortable. Versatile. A knit dress is a great day-to-night piece. Dress it up with heels and a lightweight cardigan for work, or dress it down with flat sandals on the weekend for a more casual look. I live in these during the summer.
3. Tribal-Inspired Top
Luxor Tank, $128
Tribal-inspired details and prints are abundant this season. Add some pops of color to your wardrobe with an ethnic-print blouse or a beaded top.
4. Cargo Pants
Joie Mailyn Cropped Cargo Pant, $188
They’re back – and a perfect alternative to jeans. Go casual with flats and a cotton tank or tee, or dressed up with platform heels or a wedges and a silky tank. Jennifer Anniston has the idea. Want something a little more sleek? Try the J.Brand skinny cargo pant.
5. Hobo Bag
MARC by MARC JACOBS Leola Zipped-Detailed Hobo, $498
A rockin’ everyday bag is a must. Enough said.
Stay chic, jetsetters.
Annie
Meet Sara Claire & Esther
If any of you watch Project Runway (religiously, as I do), you’ll know how much vision, thought, and creativity goes into designing and executing a line. From embroidered sleeve detail to fabric construction and fit, every aesthetic element is considered meticulously.
Enter Sara Claire & Esther.
Founded in 2008 by Sara Jordan and Aimee (formerly Wolk) Mars, this “vintage-reimagined” ready-to-wear clothing is not only chic and modern, but innovative and interesting. Now based in New York City, I think you’ll find this up-and-coming label worth looking into! I grew up with Aimee in sweet home Alabama, and have followed the evolution of SC&E the last couple of years. In the words of PR Manager, Sara Jordan:
“Sara Claire & Esther is already widely-known for their “Vintage Re-imagined” garments, inspired by specific eras in the lives of their grandmothers, Esther Wolk and Sara Claire Peacock. These collections feature vintage inspired silhouettes and trim.
The Fall 2010 collection is inspired by confident women entering the work force in 1974 and the strength of Sara Claire during her stint as a librarian and Esther as a secretary. This standout collection features vintage silhouettes paired with mustard gold, hunter green, rust and beige colors in luxurious silks and jacquards. Details include bows, leather and gold topstitching. Sara Claire and Esther celebrate the power and success of women in the workforce today by adding a daring twist to these classic styles exuding confidence in the modern woman.”
Sara sent me the lookbook for their Fall 2010 Collection and I have to say I have developed a slight love affair with these pieces. This circa-1974-inspired collection combines feminine elements such as a Silk Crepe de Chine oversized bow with intricate details such as gold-topstitching.
This Farrah blouse has to be my favorite in the whole collection – a great day-to-night top. I adore the over-sized bow! Pair with a fitted blazer or long cardigan and a belt for work, and later transition easily into cocktail hour (sans cardi/blazer) with a clutch and a pair of heels. Jet-set and ready to go!
Loving this flat-front wool twill “Stones” skirt (below). Charlotte York, anyone? Perfect for work. Pair with pumps (or boots, as pictured here) – who says a working gal can’t look totally fabulous while making that presentation?
The “Mary Tyler” is an urban girl’s dream. I just want to put it on for a stroll through Central Park or shopping on the Upper East Side (or the Hill Center, for us Nashville gals). A piece like this would be an ideal frock for your fall wardrobe!
ACC’s take: Sara Claire & Esther’s vintage-inspired, ready-to-wear pieces are clearly designed with the modern woman in mind. Using luxurious fabrics and feminine details, SC&E’s pieces exude both confidence and strength. Innovative designs combined with the fashion-forward eye of both Aimee & Sara, make for one impressive Fall 2010 collection.
See more of the Fall Collection here.
Stay chic, ladies.
Annie
If you’re interested in purchasing any of these looks, here is the online order form.
Maxi(mize) Your Summer Style
Maxi dresses are back again this summer – looks like this style is here to stay! Favorites of celeb stylist (my favie) Rachel Zoe and trend-setter Nicole Richie, these floor-length frocks are both figure-lengthening and chic. An easy alternative in place of your favorite knit summer dress, the maxi is comfortable and universally flattering.
My favorite part about these dresses: they’re totally versatile! For a casual look, pair a maxi with gladiator or cage sandals, or embellished flats, and layered necklaces & bangles (the more, the merrier). Maxis are also the perfect cover up while lounging poolside (see Sex and the City 2 ladies in Abu Dhabi). To take this look from day to night, the key is to glam up the accessories. For a night on the town or a summer cocktail party, pair a maxi with sky-high platforms or strappy sandals and a diamond or sparkly cuff. For a dressier maxi, stick with luxurious fabrics such as silk or silk chiffon.
If you’re petite, pair a maxi with platform wedge sandals – add some height and elongate your frame (you don’t want the dress to swallow your figure).
La Perla Riddhi Silk-Blend Maxi Dress (yell0w), $540, via Net-A-Porter. Pair with this tres-chic trio of bracelets and these embellished flats.
Isn’t this Matthew Williamson just to DIE for? Beautiful. I love the whimsical gold and lavendar print and the detail on the neckline. It’s on my “dare to dream” list, sigh. Pure elegance.
Mariba Print Maxi Dress by Guess by Marciano, $178. I’d wear it with wedges and a silver cuff and bangles.
Whether your style is boho-chic or urban-sophisticate, a maxi is a summer-must for your closet.
Stay chic,
Annie
The Gingham Girl
Clockwise, from top left: Blue Gingham Top, $39.99, via Gap; A.P.C. Madras Checked Navy Gingham Tunic, $120, via Lagarconne; Steven Alan Gingham Shirt, $160, via Net-A-Porter; Pink Gingham Cotton Top, $120, via Net-A-Porter
I can’t get enough of this cute cotton woven fabric! Once used for pattern-making material on dress forms, this iconic print has made appearances in the likes of Dorothy’s famous frock and Bridget Bardot’s wedding dress. What goes around comes around, right?
Gingham is the perfect summer fabric because it’s lightweight, breathable and low-maintenance. So how do you wear it (and keep from looking like a farm girl or a walking tablecloth)?
1. Keep accessories sweet and simple. Think flats or sandals.
2. Pair a gingham blouse with solid, classic basics, such as crisp, white jeans (my personal pick) or khaki shorts. Steer clear of pieces like cut-off denim shorts/skirts so as to avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume.
3. Reserve gingham for more informal outings – errands, lunch-date, barbeque.
4. Be mindful of the print. Larger checks will make you appear larger, so use sparingly.
Note – Lauren Conrad pulls off the look well by pairing this sweet gingham wrap dress with flat thong sandals and a simple white headband. Accessories are minimalistic. Image via Fab Sugar
You can also be a gingham guy. Want to look polished and preppy, but still feel cool & comfortable? Try a lightweight gingham button-up this summer. Pair with jeans or khakis and your look is instantly pulled-together! Here are some of my favorite picks:
Fine Slim Custom-Fit Gingham Shirt, $125.00, via Ralph Lauren
Secret Wash Shirt, $59.50, via J.Crew
Stay chic,
Annie
styled pretty.
Pretty, feminine details are finding their way onto summer tops and dresses – from lace appliques & embellishments to flirty and demure ruffles. Get in touch with your feminine side with a silky tank or an eyelet blouse with a scalloped hem this spring!
Robert Rodriguez Ruffle Twist Top, $242, via Nordstrom
Leifsdottir Washed Silk Blouse, $228, via Nordstrom
Yes, I’ll have this dolman-sleeved top with white jeans and a side of wedge espadrilles, please. (L.O.V.E.) Uber-feminine, but not too girly.Dripping Lotus Poncho, $128, via Anthro.
Eight Sixty Ruffle Front Tank, $78, via Nordstrom
ACC Tips:
A strategically-placed ruffle is a great way to highlight your decolletage, or create curves if you have a boyish figure (slight hips, small chest). To create the illusion of curves on a slender, boyish frame, look for tops with ruffle-detail and embellishments across the chest.
If you’re fuller-chested, or rocking an hourglass figure, less is more – stay away from heavily-ruffled tops, as they will only add unwanted volume and bulk. Look for details that are subtle (a smaller ruffle that lays flat and runs vertically, or detailing around the waist for a cinching effect). Perfect example from Anthro:
Lacey Lanes Tank, $88, via Anthro
Not crazy about going pink and girly (pastels)? Go with grays and blues to achieve that girl-next-door look. (How’s that for a flash back?)
Want to enhance a small chest or create curves on a boyish frame? Look for something like this navy (see above) MM Couture Halter Top with Ruffles, $70, from Piperlime.
Trina Turk ‘Sayulita’ Ruffled Wrap Top, $158, from Nordstrom
Be sugar and spice and everything nice.
Stay chic,
Annie
Nautical Nuances
Nautical themes are showing up everywhere for summer – whether in braided rope detail, classic stripes, or gold embellishments. Shades of navy, red, and white define this palette, accentuated with pops of gold. To keep from looking like you’re competing in the Team USA Olympics, it’s best to pair a nautical piece with a simple, understated classic, such as a navy trouser pant or white jeans. Gold jewelry looks best against this patriotic palette.
Backyard barbeque with the family? White shorts + 3/4 sleeve red stripe knit top + boat shoes = casual chic.
Music in the park date night? Navy Milly dress + espadrilles & gold accessories = preppy & polished.
1st Row, left to right: Milly Navy Rope Silk Tunic Dress, $375; Michael Kors Cashmere Batwing Sleeved Top, $336; See by Chloe Nautical Pump, $320
2nd row, left to right: Sperry Topsider Original Boat Shoes, $98; Mille Lucci Nautical Vermeil Bracelet, $75; Gap Striped Silk Blend V-Neck, $19.99
3rd row, left to right: Alexander Wang Silk Oxford Shirt, $440; Diane Von Furstenberg Sailor Trousers, $273; Style Portfolio Libby Striped Blazer, $136
Stay chic,
Annie
Tut-tut, it looks like rain!
If you’re going to be doing any of this today,
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (great movie to watch if you’re stuck in your ark, or your home). via here
you’ll probably want to to throw on a pair of these first. Just a thought.
Hunter “Original Tall” High Gloss Rain Boot, $115, via Nordstrom
I’m not a fan of epic floods and floating cars, but I do l.o.v.e. my Hunter boots. Well worth the investment, these classic wellies have been around for years, and are favorites of celebrities such as Kate Moss & the ever-so-chic Rachel Bilson. Surprisingly comfortable, these British-born Hunter boots come in an assortment of styles, shapes & colors. The “Original” Women’s Tall boot is seen here. I am crazy about the panoply of hues they come in (fuschia, turquoise, lemon yellow, bright red, pea/apple green, olive, pink). Who says the weather has to “rain” on your parade style?
Hunters come in whole sizes, but they still have a little extra room. I wear a 7 1/2, but the 7 fits me perfectly. I have them in lovely lavendar.
Chooka Posh Dots Lime, $70, via Piperlime
Women’s Zetta Solid Rainboots, Yellow, $24.99 (a steal!) via Target
Rain, rain, go away!
Exactly. I feel the same way. (via BF Keith Theater ad)
Stay dry!
Annie