Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
Skinny Britches
If you haven’t befriended Spanx yet, it’s never too late. Regardless of your body type, age, height & weight, don a pair of Spanx, and you’ll instantly find your hips slimmed, tummy flattened, and every little imperfection nipped & tucked. I lie not. These figure-fixing shapewear pieces are favorites of the likes of Oprah, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani & Renee Zellweger (so everyone reaps the benefits). I find myself recommending them to clients & friends all the time!
Let me introduce you to Spanx new “Skinny Britches.” My favorite part about these is that the fabric lays flat against your skin and eliminates bulges without digging into your skin or creating the dreaded “muffin-top.” Lightweight and breathable, they compress, firm, lift, flatten and slim your tummy, rear, thighs & hips – yes, please.
The best part? They come in 11 cute colors (nude, black, pink, light blue, etc.). Short ($42-45)/Hipster ($32-35)
You’re not doing yourself any favors by wearing ill-fitting underwear that causes unwanted bumps and a frumpy, unflattering look. By sporting a pair of Spanx underneath that LBD, slim-fit top, or black pencil pants, you’re creating the illusion of a smooth, bump-free silhouette. I know women who wear them underneath work-out clothes!
Here’s to all the skinny britches out there.
Stay chic,
Annie
White Out
Hello, little white dress.
Cool, sophisticated and an excellent alternative to the little black dress, the white dress is on my summer hot list. While it’s considered uncouth to don white to a wedding, there is a myriad of other events to rock a white frock.
From far left:
Alberta Ferretti Silk-Chiffon wrap dress, $1,820 – Lightweight & breezy, this wrap dress is perfect for a summer engagement party, or a wine tasting at that new restaurant you’ve been dying to try.
Carmen Marc Valvo Bandage dress, $690 – looking to show off your curves? A la Herve Leger, this svelte silhouette hugs in all the right places. A white bandage dress at a dressy summer cocktail party or charity event? Elegant.
Alice & Olivia Tie-Shoulder Dress, $396 – pockets + one shoulder + bow? Darling. Feminine, flirty, and playful, this frock could be worn to a shower with strappy sandals, or styled in an edgier way with platform-cage sandals for a night-out with the girls.
Shoshanna Beaded Dress, $385 – I love this sweet day-to-night piece. Paired with gladiators and a lightweight denim jacket for daytime errands or lunch with friends, or heels for a date night, this white number is a summer-must.
Stay chic,
Annie
Currently Obsessed: Leopard Scarves
My latest obsession is any and every leopard-print scarf: tiny print, large print, black & white or camel & brown, I am l.o.v.i.n.g. it. A scarf is the perfect accessory to add personality and flavor to any outfit, and I find a scarf often pulls a whole look together – kind of like the icing on the cake.
Nicole Richie; Sarah Jessica Parker; Sienna Miller; Zoe Saldana
A LPS works for a couple of reasons – an animal-print is timeless and classic (you can’t go wrong) and specifically, a leopard print scarf is uber-versatile! Jeans + white tee + flats + scarf = casual & ready to go. LBD + heels + scarf = dinner-party chic. I love that this accessory can easily dress up or dress down.
Get the look:
Rachel Roy Leopard Eternity Loop, $38 Meow.
Tolani Leopard Print Scarf, $99 (my favie)
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Print Scarf, $395
Leopard Print Scarf, $35
You’ll have one in your closet for years to come.
Stay chic,
Annie
Nail Alert
If you’re like me, one of the most-anticipated rituals about summer is the pedicure! To keep those fingernails and toes looking polished and pretty, try one of this season’s hottest color palettes.
For toes, blues, teals, and turquoise are the ‘it’ colors for warm summer days – breezy, bright, and totally unexpected.
NARS Blue Lagoon, $16
OPI Torrid Turquoise, $8.50
The trend in finger-nail color is towards blush tones, nudes, and other putty-colored shades. These colors elongate your nails, almost as an extension of your fingers: sweet, simple, and completely natural.
Chanel La Vernis Nail Color: Inattendu, $23
You still can’t go wrong with oranges, corals & hot pinks (my personal favorite) for summer – bold, electric & oh, so fun.
POP Beauty Nail Glam, $10
Sephora by OPI Caliente Coral, $9
What are your favorite nail polish colors this season? What are you wearing?
Stay chic,
Annie
Swimsuits for Every Shape
ACC Style Tips: The best suits for YOUR body
Yes, it’s that time again, but have no fear – problem areas solved!
1. Small-chested: look for details on bikini tops such as ruffles or patterns, which will help create the illusion of curves. A push-up top and extra padding, as well as an underwire, can help lift and create extra cleavage. Halter tops will give you the flexibility of adjusting to create even more lift (triangle-tops are great for smaller chests).
2. Short legs/torso: remember, the higher-cut bottom is your best friend! A swimsuit that is cut higher on the leg will elongate your legs and accentuate your waist. Stay away from boy-shorts & skirted bottoms as they will only truncate your legs – no, thank you. Another great lengthening tip – wear a solid-colored bottom with a patterned top – this will draw the eye up!
3. Voluptuous and/or fuller-figured: a deep V-neckline automatically lengthens your torso and creates a sexy silhouette. Look for suits in darker colors (a monochromatic palette is always slenderizing) as opposed to light pastels. Avoid too much fabric, as “more” sometimes adds unwanted bulk (fit & cut are more important).
4. Large-chested (D/DD & up): Everything But Water and even J.Crew offer swim separates, and this is absolutely the way to go if you’re a D-cup or larger. It’s imperative to look for tops that provide adequate support – an underwire, soft foam cups, halter-top style – at the very least, a shelf bra. Wider straps often provide more support. Stay away from triangle tops as they simply provide minimal support & coverage (don’t want those babies falling out at the pool, do you?)
5. Tummy control/camoflage: if you are insecure about your tummy, try one of the new “Miraclesuits” from Bloomies, or even one of the Spanx swimsuits. With slimming panels and tummy control, these suits help flatten and streamline a curvier middle. Not crazy about a one-piece? Look for a tankini: more tummy coverage, but with a little more exposure, and still totally stylish.
6. Larger on bottom (pear-shaped): look for a smooth, slimming skirt that will cover up any problem areas or imperfections. Ruching also helps to minimize hips (like this skirt from Everything But Water). Again, avoid boy shorts or too many ruffles/details on the skirt, as it will only add unwanted volume. Look for a stream-lined style.
7. Long torso: your body will look more proportionate if you break up your torso line with a two-piece suit. A tankini is a great suit that will balance your top and lower half, while lengthening your legs. Another flattering option to choose this summer: a one-piece with a cut-out in the stomach area.
There’s no reason why you can’t look stylish, sexy and FANTASTIC, regardless of your body type- it’s all about fit, proportion, and the most flattering style for your body. Say no to stodge!
Stay chic,
Annie
Photo credits: 1 via J.Crew; 2 via J.Crew; 3 via Anthropologie; 4 via J.Crew; 5 via Bloomingdales; 6 via Everything But Water; 7 via Victoria’s Secret
Dare to go Nude
While shopping with a client, I always encourage them to invest in classic, timeless pieces (i.e. fitted navy and/or black blazer, trouser pants, tailored jeans, black sling-backs, cashmere cardigans, etc.) that can be used as the foundation of a wardrobe, and the basis for numerous different looks. One such piece that is an absolute must is the nude pump.
ACC picks:
My favorite part about a nude pump? They make your legs look like Miranda Kerr’s or Gisele Bundchen’s. (Okay, maybe not quite, but we can all try, right?) The nude pump instantly elongates your legs: hello gorgeous gams! Heels always serve to lengthen and slenderize your legs, but a nude pump gives the illusion of legs that go on for miles. Perfect with a fitted pencil skirt & blouse for work, a shift dress, or your favorite LBD, going nude is always a good choice.
Stay chic,
Annie
Starting clockwise, from top-left:
Jimmy Choo Lilac Point-Toe Pumps, $495
Martinez Valero Ona Platform Pump, $154.95
Nine West Bonfire, $34.99 (I just got these before they were on sale, and absolutely LOVE them. They do wonders for short legs – promise.)
Christian Louboutin Gabin, $612.50
Put a ring on it
One of my must-have accessories is a statement cocktail ring: the bigger, the better! Whether your style is feminine and classic, or edgy and urban, there is an impressive, eclectic array of rings to choose from this summer. I have a slight obsession with Alkemie Jewelry right now – l.o.v.i.n.g. this eco-friendly collection (favorites being this elephant cocktail ring & this Peace Dove). All of the jewelry is made from reclaimed metal – eco-chic!
Versatile and unexpected, these day-to-night cocktail rings are sophisticated, fun, and the perfect compliment to any outfit.
My picks:
Elizabeth & James Tiny Feather Ring, $55 (top left)
Gara Danielle Gold Druzy Ring, $144 (top right)
Gara Danielle Turquoise Ring, $89.60 (2nd row)
Kendra Scott Cocktail Ring, $75 (pictured right)
Stay chic,
Annie
Guy Style: Top-Siders
The Sperry Top-Sider is the summer shoe for any guy – I find myself recommending these to men all the time! A classic casual shoe, the Top-Sider is not just for “dads” anymore. Versatile, polished and preppy, this ‘boat shoe’ can be worn to virtually any summer function, whether it be a poolside barbeque, outdoor concert, or dinner date.
Sperry Top-Sider® ‘Authentic Original’ Canvas Boat Shoe, $69.95
Men’s Authentic Original Boat Shoe, $75
Men’s Authentic Original Seasonal Boat Shoe, $85
So what do you wear them with?
Go casual with these J.Crew Stanton shorts and a short-sleevved pique polo shirt, such as this or this. Don’t be hum-drum predictable in white! Go for a salmon-colored chino or a pink shirt: I dare you. Try dressing your Top-Siders up (and look handsome on that date) with flat-front chinos from J.Crew and a linen polo button-up or oxford from Ralph Lauren. Add a preppy belt and you’re dressed to impress!
I admit it: I’m a sucker for a man wearing boat shoes. Yes, please.
Look smart, guys.
Annie
Neon Noise
Get ready to break out your shades: these hues are attention-grabbing and bold! Perhaps inspired by the 80’s, designers are choosing bright, neon-infused fabrics for summer. Recently at the SATC 2 premiere in NYC, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis both donned this latest color trend – the former wearing a neon yellow-green Valentino Couture gown, and the latter wearing a bright pink Jean Desses vintage gown.
SJP looks ah-mazing in that lime Valentino dress – agreed? Photo via here.
Every gal needs a neon tee, top, bathing suit or dress this summer – it’s simply a must! These colors are loud and proud and the perfect hues to accentuate your golden summer glow. From hot pinks and lemon yellows to neon greens, purples, and oranges, these colors are fun and skin-flattering (who doesn’t like that?).
CC Skye Day Glo Neon Cuff, $84
Splendid Vintage Whisper Shirt in Neon Pink, $48
Splendid Jersey Racer-back Tank, $44
Juicy Bracelet/Watch, Orange, $195
Smythson Travel Wallet and Passport holder, $340
Are you ready to rock the neon, ladies? Be loud and proud.
Stay chic,