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Plum Pretty
One of the wonderful things about being a woman, in my opinion, are the little rituals we get to indulge in: spa pedicures, massages, lounging around in a luxurious silk robe. Why? Because we can. If you’re like me, however, sometimes “getting ready,” can be tedious (frankly, the repetition of putting makeup on most days and drying/straightening your hair for 30 minutes can just get old). However, I’ve found simple enjoyment in these little rituals because of my silk kimono robe (which has seen better days, admittedly).
Ladies, soft ‘loungerie’ is a must for your morning routine. Let me introduce you to Plum Pretty Sugar:
Image via PPS
Swoon. Swoon. Image via Lane Dittoe Photography
These lovelies are each donning a Plum Pretty Sugar robe.- How fabulous are they? I’m kind of obsessed with their whimsical, sweet flora & fauna prints, and the kimono style wrap robes are universally flattering (a great present for your bridesmaids, all you bride-to-be’s out there). This company designs beautiful, ethereal robes in gorgeous silhouettes. Totally swoon-worthy.
At only $65 (or $124, if you want luxurious silk) these robes make great gifts for your mother, your girlfriend, or gasp – yourself. Feel sexy, beautiful, and comfortable as you get ready in style with one of these beauties.
Beckoning Creatures Cotton Voile Robe, $65
Silk Road Sweet Kimono Robe, $124
Wrap yourself in one of these soft, flowy robes and indulge a little.
Stay chic,
Annie
Hot Cross Buns
Buns are back for fall, and they’re not your typical tight, matronly, constricted ballerina buns. Occasionally, I’ll come across a red-carpet or runway hairstyle that makes me “ooh” and “ah.” This is one such look:
A-MAH-zing. Love, love, love at first sight. Gillian Zinser really captures “effortlessly chic” with this updo : it’s easy, modern, and youthful.
I am crazy about the messy “un-done” look of GZ’s bun: it sits high on top of her head, and it’s piece-y, unkempt and playful. It’s a perfect style for those on-the-go days where you don’t have time for a blow-out, and you’re tired of your old, blah ponytail.
Whereas the buns of latter days are typically thought of as being appropriate for corporate functions and black-tie events, this season we’re seeing a fresh, new, casual interpretation of this classic updo.
The “Minimalist” bun : light makeup, red lip, simple.
If you crave something a little more polished and refined, try the look on the right.
So how do you pull off this hairstyle, anyway?
I’m all for laid-back, easy elegance.
Stay chic,
Annie
Photo credit: Photo 1 here, Photo 2 here, Photo 3 here
Best Coats for your Body Type
Winter is just around the corner, and as you begin to search for that perfect winter coat, here are some guidelines to help you in the process. Remember, there are specific silhouettes that flatter certain body types – so, keep these tips in mind as you shop. I’ve chosen my favorites for each body-type below.
Heavy-Chested
- Look for single-breasted styles as they won’t pull across your large chest. Steer clear of double-breasted! Trenched and belted styles also help create and/or emphasize a narrow middle.
- The ideal fit is slim, and you should be looking for a coat that is hip-length or longer.
J. Crew Italian Wool Blazecoat, now on sale for $222.40.
This Burberry Trench would also make another great option.
Curvy
- Look for a belted silhouette, or a seam than runs across your natural waist in order to highlight your hourglass frame. Show off that whittled middle! Single-breasted coats are a must for curvy figures.
- Stay away from bulky blends and materials. If you’re full-figured or plus-sized, look for an A-line cut.
Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Long Front Trench, $595
Pear
- Look for a waist-cinching silhouette that flatters your narrow upper-half. Also, look for details on the top (ruffles, embellishments) that draw the eye upwards.
- An A-line silhouette is your best friend, so look for a fit that is roomy throughout the hips and thighs (this will help camouflage unwanted bulk).
Anthropologie Cassonade Coat, $198
Another great (and uber-affordable) option for a pear-shaped figure would be this coat from Target.
Petite
- Look for sharp tailoring and lines in a coat. Length-wise, look for one that hits at the hip, or below (but not below the knees); you don’t want to overwhelm your frame.
- Try a bold, bright, “notice-me” color or print (such as houndstooth, plaid, etc.).
J.Crew Stadium Cloth Peacoat, $196
Another option for all you tiny-tater-tots to try would be this cute plaid ruffle coat.
Narrow/Athletic
- Try a double-breasted look if you’re smaller-chested and would like to create the illusion of curves.
- Look for detailing such as ruffles, hem-stitching, buttons or bows that draw the eye up and add volume.
Kensie Ruffled Bib Coat, $153
Another option for narrow, athletic figures is this Kate Spade belted coat. Killer color, curve-creating, and the A-line silhouette balances broad shoulders.
Stay chic,
Annie
Chic Cosmetic Carryalls
A stylish, yet practical makeup bag is a must for toting around your best cosmetic essentials. Kate Spade has always designed chic printed cosmetic and jewelry totes, and designers like Tory Burch are constantly coming up with “not your grandmother’s makeup bag” styles.
Whether you prefer a larger cosmetic bag, or a three-piece travel set, there are a multitude of options for all you makeup lovers out there.
Tocca Blue Cosmetic Bag, $36. I love this preppy, geometric print, and it’s roomy and spacious!
Kate Spade Sant Elmo Stripe Large Cosmetic Bag, $125
Trina 3-Piece Travel Set, $32
Tory Burch Alice Large Cosmetic Case, $95. The orange is so mod and unexpected – not “cutesy” at all (so you’ll like it if pink isn’t your thing).
Please, ladies, be honest with yourselves. Is the bottom of your makeup bag covered in dried nail polish and caked in powder? If so, it might just be time to consider investing in a new bag. With a plethora of fashionable bags to choose from, there is no excuse not to keep your makeup clean and organized in style.
Stay chic,
Annie
Grecian Goddess
I have to introduce you to Eddera (Paris) and their line of beautiful, ethereal headbands. I’ve always loved taking an ordinary, standard ponytail or bun and adding a unexpected accent, such as a vintage scarf wrapped around my head, or a jeweled pin. A headband is an easy, stylish way to spruce up (shall we say) an everyday look and the perfect glamorous accessory for a night-out on the town or a black-tie event.
I am swooning over these grecian-inspired gold-filled Eddera headbands. There is something so effortless about pulling your hair off of your face and using one of these headbands as a statement piece.
Eddera Orties Headband, $150
Eddera Greek Leaf Headband, $150 (Rachel Zoe and Victoria Beckham are huge fans of these headbands).
Nicole Richie rockin’ her own House of Harlow Seven Strand Coin Head Piece, $455. (image via Google)
If you are not too keen on spending extra for the gold detail, here are some looks for less:
Anthro Over-Under Headband, $32 (I have this one in silver, and absolutely love it)
Fan of the homemade, artsy look? Support a hand-made jeweler and purchase this Etsy Aphrodite headband, $29.
Let one of these headbands be your crowning glory, and add instant polish and glamour to any up-do.
Stay chic,
Annie
Bows for All Ages
Bows aren’t just for birthdays and little girls in Strasburg lace dresses anymore. A strategically-placed bow can instantly add a sophisticated, feminine touch to any top, dress, or shoe. I love how sweet and demure a bow can make an outfit look.
Fall 2010 Sonya Rykiel (photo via here)
Taylor Swift sporting a Lauren Moshi bow-printed top. I A-D-O-R-E. (photo via here)
The key to pulling off bows at any age is to keep it age-appropriate and effortless. Don’t overdo it with a bow-dress, and matching bow-shoes & bow-earrings (you get the point). Do keep your age and lifestyle in mind. Here are my picks for all ages:
20’s:
Love Taylor’s top like me? Here it is. Lauren Moshi Devon 3/4 sleeve boyfriend, $127. Obsessed.
30’s:
Red Valentino Bow-Embellished T-shirt, $240
40’s:
See by Chloe wool-blend top (once $290, now only $87!)
50’s-60’s:
Lanvin Classic Bow Blouse, $1545
It’s all about the styling. For an older client, the “See by Chloe” top could be paired with ballerina flats, black pencil pants and pearls. The Lanvin top could also be worn by a younger woman in her 20’s with a pencil skirt to work. Just by alternating your accessories, an outfit can be made to look more youthful, work-professional, or mature.
Here’s to pulling off bows – well!
Stay chic,
Annie
Chunky & Cozy Knits
I’m giddy with excitement this fall. With the advent of cooler temperatures, it’s time to bring out those warm cardigans, sweaters, boots and scarves from hibernation. I love nothing more than a comfortable, chunky sweater over a pair of black, chocolate brown or slate gray leggings. So easy and simple, yet still totally chic. Fall’s color palette is all about rich camels, taupes, grays and plums – think earthy and natural.
Don’t these knits just make you want to cozy up beside a fire and drink a hot cup of chai tea or a glass of pinot noir? I just want to wrap myself up in one and read Harry Potter the November issue of Elle.
Fall 2010 (from left to right): Dior; Banana Republic; Ralph Lauren; Michael Kors (photos via First View from New York Mag)
My picks:
Patterson J. Kincaid Chunky Cocoon Sweater, $198
“Luck is in the Cardigan,” sweater, $82.99, Modcloth. Unfortunately, we are all plumb out of luck on this one: out of stock! I still just had to post it because it’s so yummy.
Steffen Schraut Belted Poncho, $805 – - The cinched waist-tie brings the eye in, giving your silhouette definition.
Knitted Stitch Slouch Cardigan, Topshop, $90
One note about chunky knits to keep in mind – the more substantial and weighty the knit is, the more bulky it will appear on your body. Look at the weave and hand (feel of the material). If it’s cable-knit, it tends to be a much heavier sweater. If you’re voluptuous or fuller-figured, stay away from super-chunky cable knits, as they will only add more volume to your frame. Stick with finer knits.
Stay chic,
Annie
Ready to Ride
One of my favorite looks from fall 2010 runway shows was the consistent equestrian theme found in the Dior, Hermes & AF Vandervorst collections. The low-heeled “riding boot” is now a ubiquitous trend for fall, and it just so happens that the riding boot is quite a classic style. As fashion is cyclical by nature, this boot has continued to make an appearance. A timeless, leather pair (1/2 inch to 1 inch-heeled) of riding boots will be in your closet for years to come.
AF Vandervorst Fall 2010 – images via here
Christian Dior Fall 2010 – images via here
My picks:
This Ralph pair of riding boots is my favorite choice, hands down. The slight stacked heel gives you just a little bit of height without compromising comfort, and the buckle detailing and cognac color make the boot extremely versatile (camel/cognac leather can easily be paired with black or brown). My birthday is October 9th if anyone would like to oblige. – Ralph Lauren Sahara Riding Boots, $975
Colin Stuart Leather Riding Boot, $148
Frye makes some of the most quality, stylish boots around. A favorite designer of mine! Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot, $348
Tory Burch Patterson Cognac Leather Riding Boot, $495
There are a multitude of ways to style these boots – wear them over leggings with a tunic or a chunky-knit sweater, or over skinny/straight-legged jeans with a blazer and a scarf. The whole point is to show these babies off – not hide them under your jeans.
Stay chic,
Annie
Miss Kitty
I take inspiration (as many of us do) from my very beautiful & charming mother who instilled in me an appreciation for animal prints at a very early age. She’ll deny (profusely) that her sophistication and fashion-sense are inherent, but don’t let her insistence prevent you from believing her: this woman is the epitome of taste and effortless style.
And she. loves. her. animal. prints.
It just so happens that I do, too.
Leopard prints are timeless, and I believe every woman – regardless of her age, body-type, and lifestyle – should have at least one fun, leopard accessory in her closet. Be it a clutch, light-weight scarf, pair of flats, or an insanely killer pair of pumps, leopard prints are classic and chic, not to mention sexy.
I am kind of having a moment right now.
Kitten-heel pumps, $139
Tory Burtch Leopard Pumps, $350
Topshop Leopard Purse, $50
Use a leopard scarf as an interesting pop of detail with your normal jeans and going-out top, or pair a leopard clutch or pumps with a LBD at the next wedding you go to. I love my skinny, leopard haircalf belt from J.Crew, and wear it all the time over long cardis or to give definition to an otherwise shapeless dress.
Jimmy Choo Pumps, $695
Ann Taylor Leopard Skinny Belt, $48
Jimmy Choo Leopard Print Clutch, $625
Steven Wedge Pump (out of stock, but I love this little wedge!)
If I had my way, my closet would be full of leopard flats, scarves, clutches and pumps (but I exercise restraint so as not to go overboard). Don’t want to be known as ‘that crazy cat lady.’
My shopping tip? Check out local antique and vintage stores for stellar finds. Even better? Ask your grandmother if she’s holding onto any vintage leopard print bags, scarves or hats. This print is eternal.
Stay chic,
Annie