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Get the Look: Midnight in Paris
Have you seen “Midnight in Paris” yet? I tend to empathize so much with the romantic ideals of the lead protagonist – who doesn’t love the idea of dancing with Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald? Dining with Dali? Critiquing literature with Gertrude Stein? Discussing prose with Ernest Hemingway? Arguing with Picasso? Brushing shoulders with the likes of Degas and Gauguin?
The latest film from iconic director Woody Allen doesn’t disappoint: neither does the cinematography, costume design and visual styling. The film’s costume designer, Sonia Grande, said (when referring to Rachel McAdam’s character, Ines):
“Ines is one of those women who comes from a rich and privileged world, one of those bourgeois women that exist in any one of our ‘globalized’ first world countries. She has the good taste that comes from an easy access to information and economic capacity or refinement, but perfectly recognizes fashion trends.”
Designers who Grande used to dress the contemporary Ines were Dior, Isabael Marant, Chopard, Chanel, and Hermes. Almost instantaneously, I started obsessing with the Chanel “Grand Shopping” tote bag that Ines carried in almost every scene – swoon! McAdam’s character lived in simple shirt-dresses, platform heels & espadrilles, wool jackets, jeans and hip-slung belts the entire time she was visiting Paris. Her collection of Chanel goodies were enough to squeal over.
Want to get Ines’ look?
Classic and simple, yet polished and sophisticated. Do you like her chic Parisian-tourist look?
Annie
Fall Preview: Colored Crazy
Colored denim has circulated in and out of the fashion world for decades, but this is one trend that’s slowly starting to edge its way into the “can’t go wrong / classic” category. What a refreshing departure from predictable, dark “blue” denim washes. Here’s how some celebrities are wearing the rainbow:
Notice a trend here? Pair your colored denim with neutrals and keep it simple on top. Black, white, nude/khaki blazers, etc.
All three ladies get a prize. Especially love LA’s colorful scarf (adds a nice pop) and Whitney’s denim button-up. (all 6 photos via fashionnews/google)
Here are some of my picks for bold, bright denim for late summer and fall:
Hudson May Five Pocket Skinny, $165
J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny, $176
Current / Elliott Skinny Stretch Ankle Jeans, $168
Marc by Marc Jacobs Jeans, $98
J Brand Mid Rise Skinny Pants, $176
Current / Elliott The Ankle Skinny, $138
How would I style colored denim jeans? With basic knits & blazers!
Look #1
Look #2
Don’t think you can pull them off? You can. Just remember to stick with basic neutrals; let the loud denim color speak for itself. If you’re not a fan of the brighter colors, stick with a more muted palette – blush pink, olive green, grays, or even burnt orange – all perfect for fall!
Stay chic,
Annie
SOS! Necklaces
Smokin’, Oversized Statement necklaces.
Insert your “s” word of choice, be it “summery,” “stylish,” or “sultry,” – all of them fit the bill for the necklaces I have featured today. Bright, bold, and colorful, these pieces are meant to add an unexpected edge to your outfit, enlivening your color palette. I’d pair one with a simple black sheath dress for work, or with simple flats, tailored shorts, and a basic white tee.
Think of them as a finishing touch, adding instant glamour and polish to any summer ensemble.
Kate Spade Triple Chain Necklace, on sale for $78. Obsessed with the yellow! Try it with black shorts and a white top.
Milly Teardrop Statement Necklace, $375
ABS Pave Goldtone Chainlink Necklace, $195
Tory Burch Woven Multistrand necklace, $207 – Love the Mexican vibe of this one.
The queen of the statement necklace, Miss Olivia Palermo. Daffodil yellow & cobalt blue, cha-ching. (image via google)
Don’t play the safe card. Go a little wild with color – that’s what summer 2011 is all about.
Stay chic,
Annie
No Party Like a Palette Party
I’m all for makeup palettes – they’re compact, convenient one-stop-shops. When I’m doing bridal makeup, it’s much easier to bring eyeshadow palettes as opposed to hundreds of smaller, individual eyeshadows.
Here are two of my go-to’s.
I couldn’t live without my Urban Decay “Naked” Palette ($48), with it’s panoply of browns, golds, mochas, and taupes. I love the blend of matte and metallic eyeshadows. With lighter shades for brow highlights, darker matte shades for liner and adding depth, as well as shimmery tones for your lid and inner eye corners, this set is both versatile and dynamic. How gorgeous are those 12 colors? Plenty of day-to-night makeup looks can be achieved, and I promise – it’s universally flattering on a variety of skin tones (and eye colors).
Another recent obsession is Bobbi Brown’s new Tortoise Shell “Sand” eyeshadow palette ($60).
I’m an avid supporter of all things Bobbi, especially her shimmer bricks and concealer / corrector. This palette is no exception. The terra cotta and apricot buff/matte shades (middle left) are beautiful on the eyelid, and although natural-looking, add depth to the eye. The colors are meant to be layered upon, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. My favorite part of this compact? The deep, chocolate matte brown which can be used as a liner: it’s rich, pigmented, and really pops against my green eyes. Chocolate brown is an ideal alternative to black liner – much less harsh and overpowering. Again, this palette can easily take you from day to night. (Note: if you’re fair or light skinned, I would suggest the “sand” tortoise compact. However, if you have olive or dark skin, I would suggest the “bronze” tortoise palette).
What are you waiting for? Go out and get one: you won’t regret your purchase. I used the Naked Palette on a test run for a bride last week, and plan on using both palettes at a wedding I’m doing the makeup for this weekend. Get gorgeous!
Stay chic,
Annie
Stylish Shoulder Satchels
Stylish shoulder satchels. Can you say that three times fast?
Versatile, low-maintenance, and polished, a shoulder strap bag is more compact and less bulky than it’s cousin, the hobo. It’s classic and sophisticated, so will perfectly accentuate a dressy, pulled-together look (i.e. pencil skirt, heels, etc.) for the office; however, it just as easily pairs well with jeans and a t-shirt.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite shoulder-strap bags for fall. Whether you’re into luxe or just the luxe-look, these bags are sure to whet your fashion appetite.
Sabina Leather Flap Shoulder Bag, $129.50
Originally $200 at Nordstrom, this beauty is on sale – and for a killer price. You’ve heard me state one of my fashion rules incessantly: always buy real leather and say NO to pleather. This bag is proof that you don’t have to break the bank for a quality, well-made handbag. Check out the variety of colors it comes in.
Love the tassel and boxy shape on this next one:
Gucci Marrakech Medium Leather shoulder bag, $1,990
Mulberry Lily Leather Shoulder Bag, $750
I was in J. Crew shopping with a client the other day, and I almost keeled over when I saw Miss Edie (see below) hanging out on a mannequin. Hello, lovely:
I’ve already convinced one client to get the Brompton hobo bag (a versatile classic in my opinion); however, the Edie is a bit smaller and more “lady-like,” according to J.Crew. This polished, boxy carryall has a shoulder strap that makes it the perfect on-the-go bag. The best part? It will easily transition into fall. I’m loving the burnt red (“flame”) and camel (“pecan”) colors. For $238, you’re getting a timeless wardrobe staple.
Miu Miu Small Leather Satchel, $1350
Are you a bag lady like me?
Stay chic,
Annie
Loving NOW: Eddie Borgo
Have you seen Eddie Borgo’s jewelry line for J. Crew? It’s kind of delicious. Rock-and-roll meets elegant sophistication in the latest collaboration between Borgo and J.Crew.
“To celebrate the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award runner-up Eddie Borgo, we’re excited to present a six-piece, limited edition collection made exclusively for J.Crew. Each punky yet polished accent captures Eddie’s signature take on street style and was created to earn his cult following some new recruits.” – J. Crew website
I. must. have. that. fringe. necklace.
I adore the juxtaposition of materials: raw, yet polished, feminine, yet edgy. Leather cuffs and bows adorned with grommets? A tassel fringe pendant paired with a pearl strand? Talk about interesting, one-of-a-kind jewelry that makes a statement (well-done, J.Crew, well-done). J. Crew has dubbed Eddie’s design aesthetic “rock-chic.”
In case you haven’t had enough, third time’s the charm. Eddie Borgo at J.Crew Fringed Mesh Pocket Necklace, $175
Like what you see? If so, you can peruse the entire collection, purchase, and gawk to your heart’s delight here. Now’s the time to strike – the collection is only available for a limited time, and according to my friends at J. Crew, they’re selling out quick!
Stay chic,
Annie
It’s a Lipstick Love Story
For the last couple of months, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect coral shade of lipstick.
Ever since I saw Taylor Swift perform her hit song “Mean” at the ACM Awards this year, I’ve been coveting her lip color (for an up-close & personal glance, see the performance here). As you can see, it’s not too orangey, and it’s not too pink.
Opinions aside, Miss Swift’s makeup always looks flawless and pristine.
Above: red carpet shot from the ACMs. Below: screen shot from her live performance at the ACM awards show.
When I saw this performance, I knew I had to find a similar lipstick – and bingo – I did.
Meet “Crosswires” by Mac.
Crosswires – Mac Cremesheen Lipstick, $14.50
In person, the tube looks like a classic, bright coral. It almost reminds me of a juicy watermelon color! In the picture above, it appears more red, but once applied, it’s THE perfect shade of coral – a reddish, pinkish-orange. It’s quite pigmented, but the cremesheen finish is glossy. Here’s what it looks like on:
I can’t wait to apply it to a client or as part of a beautiful bridal look.
Will you get caught in the Crosswires?
Stay chic,