Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
Wedding Makeup Preview
Cue Darlene Love (what you must listen to while reading this post). For those that grew up with “Father of the Bride“, you know there are certain songs that evoke those special bridal feelings.
One of my favorite moments as a stylist is being able to interact with brides as they anticipate their impending nuptials – the excitement, the nervous flush – all culminating in the moment they walk down the aisle and lock eyes with their groom. Surrounded with bridesmaids and sometimes the photographer, the bride meticulously prepares for the moment that will be her “unveiling”: pinning her hair in place, perhaps the veil, and of course, last-minute lipstick blots. Whether your makeup style is loose and ethereal, or glamorous and sexy, there’s a reason a bride always looks “blushing!”
Carla wanted a natural-looking palette, with the emphasis on the eyes. No ’smokey’ eye look – just soft pinks and raspberries with a subdued, brown eye, and a bit of shimmer for a fresh, “dewy” appearance.
Stunning.
Flowers and dresses and cake, oh my! Wedding season is just around the corner.
Stay chic,
Annie
1st four photos via Memories are Forever Photographers (St. Louis, MO); 2nd via Suzanne Thrower
Spring Stripes + the Breton
Nothing screams resort-wear more than stripes. Spring 2011 runway shows saw the use of this pattern relentlessly on dresses, tops, skirts, and bathing suits from numerous designers. Classic and preppy, stripes communicate a polished yet sophisticated approach to casual.
Lela Rose Resort 2011; DVF Resort 2011; Christian Dior Resort 2011; Jason Wu Resort 2o11 (all images via style.com)
There are a couple of tips to keep in mind while considering how to best wear stripes:
- Boyish figures look fantastic in stripes – stripes help create curves on petite, thinner frames.
- If you have a curvy or voluptuous figure, stay away from thick, horizontal stripes as they have an unwanted “expanding” effect on your silhouette. Offset this problem by wearing thin striped pieces, as they’re much more delicate and forgiving.
- Vertical stripes elongate your figure; horizontal stripes mimic a bias-cut and are uber-flattering.
images via the Sartorialist
The “Breton” striped top (seen above left) is considered a classic piece every woman should have in her closet. The “Breton” got it’s name from French sailors and fishermen, who traditionally wore the lightweight cotton-chambray, striped top with it’s wide, boat-neck. The style was popularized in the 1930’s when Coco Chanel adopted the look as her own while on vacation in the French Riviera. Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Edie Sedgwick were all fans of the Breton, solidifying it’s iconic place in style history.
The Breton THEN (image via Google), Audrey Hepburn
The Breton NOW, Claudia Schiffer (image via Google). Eternally chic.
A Chic Critique picks:
J. Crew St. James Naval II Tee, $115
Milly “Mariner” Sweater, $235
DVF Arely Bis Dress in Giant Balloon Stripe, $345. Oh Diane. You’ve done it again. Isn’t this wrap dress oh, so darling?
Rebecca Taylor Striped Jersey Top, $145
McGinn Ivy Stripe Tank Dress, $295
J. Crew Indigo Stripe Boatneck Sailor Tee, $65
Stripes are eternally stylish and foundational to your wardrobe. Channel your inner Audrey or Coco this spring, and stay chic.
Annie
Spring Preview: Handbags
Spring is just around the corner, and as such, I have some perfect transitional bags to whet your style-appetite.
1. Cole Haan Valise Jenna (Nougat), $428
2. Melie Bianco Margo, $98 – What a steal for such a darling, canvas tote. Utilitarian-chic.
3. Elliott Luca Tarrasa Tote, $198
4. Tiffany & Co. Reversible Tote, $595 (more colors available) Don’t shy away from pops of color in your wardrobe this spring. This versatile Tiffany-blue bag is reversible: suede on one side, metallic on the other!
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Leather Bag, $350
6. Miu Miu Matelasse Shoulder Bag, $1,695
7. Diane Von Furstenberg Laragh Wide-Striped Canvas Hobo (red interior), $185 – To die for. I am crazy about DVF’s Spring 2011 resort line of handbags: the prints are ethnic-inspired, bold & whimsical. Itching to see more? You can check them out here.
Which one is your favorite?
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring 2011 Makeup Trend: Corals & Oranges
Bright coral-oranges were ubiquitous at New York Fashion week this year. From Alice + Olivia and Marc by Marc Jacobs to Jill Stuart and J. Mendel, this fresh & flirty color has made it’s way into spring 2011 makeup color palettes. Youthful and vibrant, corals and oranges have a way of making your skin look luminous and bringing out the highlights in your hair. Surprisingly, this is actually a color that is universally flattering and easy to pull off – regardless of your age or skin type!
Orange lips on the Spring 2011 runways of J. Mendel, Ohne Titel, Imitation, and Milly. Photos: Amy Sussman, Getty Images | Astrid Schwiarz, Getty Images| Andy Kropa, Getty Images| Frazer Harrison, Getty Images (clockwise from top left)
According to Charlotte Tilbury, makeup artist (and Jill Stuart makeup colorist), “This color suits most people. It’s more modern than last season’s red lip and it complements every skin tone and makes your eye color pop. It’s incredibly effective!” says Tilbury.
Orange lips on the Spring 2011 runways of Jill Stuart, Isaac Mizrahi, Lela Rose, and Luca Luca. Photos: Thos Robinson, Getty Images | Frazer Harrison, Getty Images | Jemal Countess, Getty Images | Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
- To pull off this look for day-time, use a semi-sheer lipstick or gloss; this keeps the color from looking too harsh & overwhelming. Matte colors are appropriate for nighttime.
- Not sure which shade of coral is for you? Fair skin tones should look for shades with pink or blue undertones. Medium-to-dark skin tones can go with a more concentrated wash of color with warmer undertones; these colors really pop against dark skin tones.
ACC picks & suggestions:
Fair
Stick with cool corals in pinkish shades if you have porcelain to light skin.
Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip Stain in Jive, $19
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Shimmer, $6
Medium
Jemma Kidd Makeup School High Shine Silk Touch Lipgloss in Coral, $32
Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain, Coy Coral, $7.28
Olive / Dark
Enprani Dear Nature Lightsome Lip Gloss in Shine Coral, $20
Sue Devitt Microquatic Lip-Enhancing Gloss in Coral Sea, $22
Spring is on the horizon – more previews to come.
Stay chic,
Annie
Style Face-off: Leather vs. Pleather
From a very early age I acquired a taste for quality and the “finer” things, much to the chagrin of my parents. Deviating from the protestant values of modesty and simplicity they attempted to ingrain in me, I developed a refined palette for luxury. As a young girl, I wasn’t content with anything “faux;” an artificial replacement might as well be considered blasphemous in my eyes. Case in point: a “fake” Kate Spade for one teenage Christmas resulted in a complete and total prepubescent unraveling (cue screenshot – “THIS is a fake. I want the real thing!”)
Humor aside, as an adult woman and wardrobe consultant these days- I must confess my sentiments remain unaltered. By no means am I a designer, brand, or pricetag snob; I am, however, a slave to quality, construction, and well-made clothing. I stand firmly by the belief that fine, timeless clothing and accessories are well-worth the investment. While I understand the temptation to get “the look for less,” some items are simply irreplaceable.
One such example? Leather.
When it comes to fashion do’s and don’ts, pleather is an absolute DON’T. Yes, it’s cheap and affordable – but with the skimpy price tag, you’re paying for what you get. If it’s shockingly inexpensive, it most likely looks and feels that way. Real leather is sumptuous, durable, and long-lasting. My advice? Stick to leather, and avoid pleather like the plague. Way harsh, you say? I think not.
While it’s rare to find authentic leather jackets under $200, post-holidays provide a plethora of steals and sales on leather. Now’s the time to strike! You don’t have to spend a fortune on authentic, quality pieces – you just have to be a patient, smart shopper.
Deals:
DKNY Quilted Leather Scuba Jacket, $149.97 (was $350)
Michael Kors Quilted Leather Jacket, $159.90 (was $278)
BB Dakota Avery Leather Jacket, $209
Lust-Worthy:
White House/Black Market Perforated Leather Jacket, $348. This shell pink / flesh-tone is oh-so-beautiful.
Sword Biella Leather Jacket, $682
Hello, camel. I think I’m in LOVE. Vince Motocross Leather Jacket, $845.
Say no to pleather, ladies; be a smart investor when it comes to shopping!
Stay chic,
Annie
Large & In-Charge: Oversized Clutches
Tired of the teeny, tiny clutches of old? Instead of reaching for your hobo bag or leather tote this winter, opt to spring for an unexpected look. Oversized clutches are uber-chic and undoubtedly make a statement: the bigger, the better.
Dries Von Noten
Obsessed with Michelle Trachtenberg’s statement clutch below. Glamorous, modern, and pleasantly unpredictable.
Loving it, too? It’s Reece Hudson’s Oversized Envelope Clutch, $1,020.
Graham & Spencer Suede Foldover Clutch, $137
I love this mediterranean blue – a nice pop of color for your wardrobe in the midst of a drab winter. Inge Christopher Aegean Oversized Flap Clutch, $228
Marni Oversized Embellished Clutch, $1,345
Always a favorite: Marc Jacobs Sandy Quilted Metallic Oversized Leather Clutch, $595
With a little black dress, jeans & a t-shirt, or a fun top & heels, go big and bold.
Stay chic,
Annie
5 Pairs of Shoes Every Man Should Own
Dear men,
I must insist that you take a look at your closet and honestly evaluate your lot: do you see these five pairs of shoes? If not, it’s time you consider expanding and making these essentials part of your wardrobe. If you’re a living, breathing, warm-blooded man, it’s imperative you have these foundational & versatile basics in your closet. No excuses.
1. Brown Wing Tips
Crockett & Jones Clifford Wing-tip, $695
Don Draper, eat your heart out. Wingtips are the crux of a businessman’s wardrobe! Sophisticated, handsome, and uber-professional, these shoes mean business. Look for a well-constructed, quality leather pair; and avoid the temptation to skimp on these. You’ll be able to wear these with black & navy trousers, making them well-worth the investment. Your brown pair should be supplemented with at least an additional pair, as well as a black pair.
2. Black Oxfords
Johnston & Murphy Georgetown II Cap-toe, Black Leather, $375
If you take care of your oxfords – keeping them polished & pristine – these shoes will carry you through every formal function, whether it be a black-tie wedding or a funeral. The cousin of the wingtip oxford, black leather oxfords are the perfect compliment to a well-tailored dress suit.
3. Loafers
Cole Haan Air Lorenzo Penny, $328
What screams business casual more than a loafer? Pair with khakis and a button-up for a less-structured, laid-back environment: date night, ‘casual Fridays’, dinner with the parents. You should already own a pair – and if you don’t – make that a priority, as soon as possible. All-American style right here, guys.
4. Casual Boots
Cole Haan Paul Chukka, $198
Every man needs a great-looking, casual pair of boots. Comfortable, durable, and stylish, these so called “dessert-boots” should make their way into your conscious. Invest in a black leather pair for work (remember to keep them polished), and have them easily transition from day to night. Another option? Brown suede boots are synonymous with “dressy casual.”
5. Sneakers / Running Shoes
New Balance 993, $89,99
Running errands, road trip, or grilling out with the guys on a Saturday – regardless, compliment your everyday sportswear (or Saturday best) with a pair of classic, sturdy sneakers.
Honorable Mentions / Seasonal Shoes
Sperry Top-Sider (the prepster’s casual shoe of choice for summer & ACC favorite) :
Classic Suede Bucks (pair with dark jeans or khakis, perfect for a “dressy casual” look) :
Cowboy Boots (ruggged & practical, “Marlboro” man style) :
Converse (a classic sneaker with a hipster leaning) :
Look sharp,
Annie
Need some help picking out the right colors and styles? Not sure where to find these aforementioned shoes? Completely overwhelmed with all the “do” and “don’ts”? Don’t waste anymore time, guys – let A Chic Critique assist in customizing your wardrobe for your lifestyle. I’ll show you what you need, what to throw out, and where to shop. The result? A refined, updated wardrobe that’s tailored for your body & your budget. The making of a modern man!
Winter Style: Turtleneck Dresses
If you’ve yet to invest in a chunky, knit turtleneck dress (or two) for winter, I highly recommend one. Turtlenecks are a staple in any wardrobe, and I love the idea of expanding on a classic style by making a dress. An easy, versatile piece to incorporate into any closet.
How do you wear one?
Pair with knit leggings, skinny pants, or thick, opaque tights. Remember that wearing pieces in the same tonal family or color palette is body-lengthening. Shoes? Ankle booties, riding boots, tall boots, flat boots, slouchy boots – you get the idea. Comfy, cozy, and chic.
BCBG Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $348. Combining neutral shades of camel, brown, and oatmeal is always sophisticated.
Tucker Shirred Turtleneck Dress, $286
Rick Owens Lilies Wool-Jersey Turtleneck Dress, now $343 – Pair with a faux-fur or black vest for a hip, edgy look.
Tory Burch Jacinthe Sweater Dress, $372
Nili Lotan Triangle Sweater Dress, $293 – Isn’t this army green to die for?
These dresses are both pretty and practical – and the best part? This look is appropriate for all ages. If you’re in your 40’s or 50’s, just remember to stay away from thigh-high & too-tight; look for a dress that hits no more than a couple of inches above your knee.
A turtleneck sweater dress is the ideal layering piece – so layer, rinse, and repeat!
Stay chic while braving the cold,