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Summer Scarves
Nothing complements an outfit more than a bold, beautiful scarf. During warm summer months, I love pairing basics – a simple white knit and a great-fitting pair of jeans – with a lightweight, breezy scarf. A pop of color or a whimsical print can enliven and spruce up any ensemble, whether it be a solid-colored dress or a peasant top and shorts.
Fortunately, stores are replete with an abundance of easy and effortless scarves this season. Here are some of my picks:
Need a summer wardrobe update? Invest in one of these lovelies, and add instantaneous panache.
If you tend to gravitate away from printed garb and towards solids, scarfs are a perfect way to incorporate prints into your style without having to sacrifice your comfort level. A drapey scarf is a must-have accessory and style staple for summer: an inexpensive and welcome addition to any woman’s closet. I live in mine (you might say they’re my vice).
I’m off to a much-needed vacation the next week or so. Until we meet again, stay chic & Happy Memorial Day!
Annie
DYE-ing for Ikat
I’m having an Ikat print moment this summer- and apparently, so are many designers and retailers. This eclectic, geometric print can be found on anything from handbags and scarves to rugs and decorative throw pillows.
Fahion fact: “Ikat” is an ancient weaving process that uses “resist-dyeing” to dye the threads before the fabric is woven (similar to tie-dyeing). Ikat has long since migrated from being a popular interior design motif to textiles and apparel.
(Left to right: Dries Van Noten, Gucci, Matthew Williamson)
Some happiness-inducing Ikat pieces I love:
Madewell Electric Ikat Top, $95
Banana Republic Silk Ikat Twist-Strap Dress, $130
Nanette Lepore Ikat Cover Up, $163
Joie Kaori Ikat Print Silk Blouse, $208
Georgie Rafina Skirt, $145
What to wear it with? Ikat really pops against white, and neutral accessories always balance a whimsical, bright color palette.
Stay chic,
Annie
Color Block
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, color is all the rage for summer 2011 – and the brighter and bolder, the better.
Color blocking is basically a design in which colors are juxtaposed next to one another, typically in a symmetrical “blocking” pattern. The result is a visually stimulating and eye-catching color palette: just in time for warm, summer days.
Here are some favorite pieces (click on the image to link to retailer):
Not sure this look is for you? Start small and keep it simple. Stackable rings are current and fresh, and the Kate Spade scarf is a great example of a minimalist approach to color-blocking. Personally, I like the fuschia and coral-peach DVF frock – fun and flirty! Perfect for a rehearsal dinner or summer wedding.
Keep in mind that darker colors minimize and camouflage; lighter colors highlight and emphasize. For example, if you’re bottom-heavy (and want to experiment with color-blocking), opt for a dress/top that’s navy or black on the bottom portion (Milly dress). A bright, light color on top will draw the attention upwards and away from your trouble spots.
Stay chic,
Annie
Pinterest: Take Cover
My new obsession? Pinterest. As a stylist and fashion-enthusiast, I’m constantly poring over magazines and high-fashion blogs. All of my magazines are doggy-eared, folded, and torn up. I have stacks of articles and pictures I’ve tacked to my huge corkboard for my business, and my computer desktop is overwhelmed with inspiration folders entitled, “Summer Trends,” “Resort Wear,” “Wedding Inspiration,” and “Client “X”, etc.
Pinterest takes my love of magazines, photo-journalism, fashion, and collective-itis and merges them into one: I can now create virtual “pin-boards” and keep them all in one place. For someone so visually-oriented, this takes the phrase “creative outlet” to a whole new level. Sheer genius, and uber-addicting.
One of my first boards is for summer cover-ups. I love these breezy kaftans and tunics for poolside lounging and stylish sun-bathing. Resort-wear, here we come!
Anthro “Fade Into Green Cover Up,” $118
Missoni Zigzag Crochet Playsuit, $760
Vix Ikat Vintage Cover Up, $242
Nanette Lepore Crochet Dress, $173
Lotta Stensson Tie Dye Maxi Kaftan, $515
DVF Printed Short Dress, $195
Tibi Beaded Drape Silk Dress, $297
To see more comments and thoughts on these summer cover-ups, click here – and feel free to follow A Chic Critique on Pinterest as I collect photos and style inspiration. In fact, start pinning yourself. Watch out – once you start, you can’t stop.
Stay chic, pinners.
Annie
Black + White
A black and white palette is clean, modern and refreshingly appropriate for summer. I love the chic simplicity of these two basic colors paired together – minimalism at it’s best.
Here are some of my favorite B&W pieces:
From the top, from left: 1st row: Diane Von Furstenberg, Jersey & Silk Chiffon Dress, $345; Viktor & Rolf Tuxedo Suiting Blazer, $1,395; French Connection Summer Thistle Dress, $128
2nd row, from left: Pippa Basket-Wrap Skirt, $148; Oscar de la Renta Ruffled Silk and Modal-blend Dress, $3,490; Phillip Lim Calder T-Strap Pump, $850
3rd row from left: Moschino Cheap & Chic Boucle Wool Blend Jacket, $1,395; Rachel Pally for Piperlime, Zuma Top, $87; Yves Saint Laurent Lucky Chyc Canvas Medium Tote, $895
From the splash of white on the lapel of the Viktor & Rolf tuxedo jacket, to the jagged black and white striped, flirty DVF frock, these aren’t your predictable, tried B&W designs. Fortunately, black and white has a way of flattering a multitude of skin colors. With pops of red (or even turquoise) accessories, you’ll look polished and sophisticated. What’s more timeless than a black and white ensemble with fire-engine pumps or a cherry-hued clutch?
Stay chic,
Annie
Bow Tie Love
What comes to mind when you think of bow ties? Charming. Quirky. Smart. Preppy. Whatever adjective you might use to describe these timeless neckties, it can’t be argued that they remain a classic style staple for men. 
Photos via: the Sartorialist; trendycrew; flickr; sebastian; suitupplease; 500daysofbowties; dollydotgirl; fashion indie
What I find most appealing about bow ties is how versatile and adaptable they are to a man’s lifestyle and sense of style. Regardless of your fashion aptitude, the bow tie you wear is indicative of your personality and preferences. Are you the bookish, intellectual type? Artsy and eccentric? Conventional and old-school? Perhaps you scorn trends and gravitate towards the basics.
The consensus here at A Chic Critique is that bow ties are a major do – at a wedding, for work, for play, for a date, for a show, for studying, dates, and derby days. I love one paired with a formal, fitted suit, or worn casually with a blazer and jeans; I also think they look cool and effortless paired with suspenders. However you style them – uptown businessman, or downtown hipster – don’t try too hard. Let the bow tie simply enhance your attire, not overtake it.
J. Crew Thin Stripe Bow Tie, $49.50
Polo Ralph Lauren Handblock Bow Tie, $70
Carrot & Gibbs Silk Bow Tie, $59.50
Brooks Brothers Link Print Bow Tie, $55
Blending modern sensibility with old-school style: that’s a bow tie for you.
Look sharp,
Annie
Secret Garden
Right now I am loving breezy, lightweight knits paired with vintage-inspired key pendants. I find myself drawn to jewelry that marries simplicity and sophistication; these necklaces define that understated elegance.
A) I picked this lovely, versatile stunner out for one of my client’s last week, and we were absolutely crazy over it. Jigsaw-London Brass Key Long Necklace, $115
B) Max & Chloe Clover in Oval Key Necklace, White Gold & Diamond, $397
C) Aurelie Bidermann, Sterling Silver Key Pendant Necklace, $700
D) Three Leaf Clover Key Necklace, Gold, $429
E) Monserat De Lucca, Bird Key Necklace, $64
F) Not2much2Ask Heart Key Necklace, $95
Imagine a minimalist palette – creams, whites, and neutrals – in luxurious and supple fabrics such as cashmere and silk. This Net-A-Porter image does the trick:
Featuring a Calvin Klein cashmere and silk-blend cardigan; Ralph Lauren Black Label Pants; Donna Karan shoes; Bottega Veneta bag
Now imagine that outfit styled to perfection with the addition of a key-pendant necklace – that’s all the statement it needs.
I personally love the “unfinished,” antique-look of the brassier and gold keys. However, for more sparkling eye-candy and ’secret-garden-esque’ inspiration, Tiffany has an exquisite collection of keys always worth perusing.
beautiful.
Stay chic,
Annie
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
It’s time for marked adoration, sweet treats and doting on the women who matter most in our lives. Whether your mother (or wife) is an on-the-go businesswoman, a homebody, a fashionista, or a bookworm, here are some goodies bound to lavish her. Need a little last-minute shopping inspiration? It’s never too late.
DVF Labtop Case, $150
Tilo Leopard Print Scarf, $140
Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Robe, $98
Smashbox Softbox Eyeshadow Palette, $48
L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, $39
Gwynnie’s new cookbook! My Father’s Daughter, $15.42
Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold-Plated Glass Ring, $250
Or, of course, you can always give her a custom wardrobe edit, style consultation or personal shopping trip with A Chic Critique. What mother wouldn’t like a style makeover? Email annie@achiccritique.com for more information and for a special gift certificate. 10% off, just for Mother’s Day.
Stay chic, and love on those mommas of yours.
Annie
Shellac your heart out
“Say goodbye to nicks, chips and smudges. Say hello to the first hybrid nail color.” – Shellac website
Sounds too good to be true. Is it?
“Shellac” is basically a new type of professional gel nail polish that claims to resist chipping, smudging and nicking for up to 14 days. From the website: “The patent-pending formulation of solvents, monomers and polymers is why Shellac goes on like polish, wears like gel, and removes in minutes. Plus, it’s hypo-allergenic and 3-free, containing no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. Featuring UV3 technology.”
When I first heard of Shellac, I was a bit skeptical. Is this $40 manicure really all it’s hyped up to be? I decided to take the plunge and try it myself. Here’s my review:
I went to Signature Nails in Green Hills (Nashville) on Friday, April 15th, to get my Shellac mani, and once there, I chose a simple, pale, clear-ish pink (after being told by a friend to avoid dark colors because of the regrowth factor). The “Shellac” section of polish is ample. While there aren’t quite as many color options as the regular nail polish, I was still pleased to be confronted with so many choices. The main difference in the manicure application process is that your hands are placed under UV lamps to dry. This solidifies and hardens the gel resin in the polish. The result? Shiny, beautiful, chip-proof nails.
Here’s a picture one day after the manicure (apologies for the fuzzy image – it was taken with my phone):
Boring color, but what can I say? I like pink. I played it safe the first time around.
After five days passed, I was impressed. Not one chip, not one smudge, kink or scratch in my nails. I waited anxiously for Day 14, and…
17 days later (and counting), my manicure remains devoid of flaws. Unchipped, unsmudged, and shiny as new. If you look closely, however, you can see where the new nail as grown out, so there’s a small gap of new nail until the polish starts. If you’re getting a Shellac mani, my suggestion is to go with a color that’s light and natural. Anything darker (pewter, hot pink, etc.) would be too obvious (with new nail growth) after two weeks. However, if you don’t mind the regrowth, stick with your normal mani color of choice.
In conclusion, I’ve loved my Shellac manicure. I can’t wait to try it as a Pedicure (sandals easily smudge my regular pedi polish). I’d suggest doing Shellac for a wedding weekend or vacation when you don’t have the time (or patience) for touch-ups. The downside? Getting Shellac repeatedly will weaken your nails over time. If you’ve ever had acrylics, you know how weak and brittle the natural nail is after removing the acrylic nail. My nails were soft and weak after removing the polish, unfortunately. However, I plan on being a repeat offender for future events and special occasions! This shiny perfection is too hard to resist.
Hate it or love it?
Stay chic,