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Wrap It With A Bow
It’s time to get in touch with your girly side: bows are back for fall, and this time they’re showing up on blouses for a feminine, delicate touch.
I get asked quite a bit for professional wardrobe ideas and outfits (i.e. what are some sophisticated pieces for the office, outside of a boring business suit?). I always opt for mixing separates: a blazer, a blouse, and a tweed skirt, for example. The blazer and skirt/bottoms don’t have to match – this is key for making your outfit look modern.
This fall, I’d start with a versatile bow-tie blouse; these tops are the perfect building blocks for a sophisticated ‘9 to 5′ look.
Some favorites:
Malene Birger, Tie-Neck Top, $270
French Connection Frill Bow Shirt, $54.89
Tara Jarmon Caramel Silk Top with Tie, $400
Zac Posen Jabot Chiffon Blouse, $890
Parker Silk Charmeuse Bow Blouse, $198
Oasis Bow Blouse, $38.42
Tuck one into a pencil skirt and pair with pumps, and add a fitted blazer once the weather gets cold – or, tuck into trouser pants for an effortless, cool look (perfect for a creative job). Here are two different ways to wear your bow blouse with a skirt (thanks, Style Bop!):
Look 1: Polished & Professional
Look 2: Laid-back Urban Cowgirl (think Austin, TX)
I think Dolly would be proud of this last 9-to-5 outfit.
Stay chic,
Annie
A Chic Critique + Bridal Makeup
Here’s a little sneak peek into what ACC has been up too lately: beautifying brides and bridesmaids for weddings (plus, editing and cleaning out closets for new clients for fall). I always love the process of helping a bride’s “dream look” come to fruition on her wedding day, and I’m no less thrilled to see the final product!
Better late than never, here are a couple shots from two different brides I did the wedding makeup for recently:
Tinsley Davidson Shedd, July 16, 2011
How gorgeous is Tinsley? And so sweet! I gave her a soft, smokey eye and a natural, rose-pink lip.
The bride is wearing Monique Lhuillier’s “Monet” gown. How stunning is that lace overlay? The detail is exquisite. All photography from Tinsley’s wedding courtesy of Kerry Brooks Photography.
The beautiful bride, Tinsley Shedd, with her sister and matron of honor, Emily Sayers, another pretty palette I enjoyed working with. I also had the honor of doing the makeup for three other bridesmaids as well.
Anna Hildebrand Guessetto, October 16, 2010
This Chattanooga wedding was almost a year ago, but I am just now getting around to posting the pictures. Anna wanted to look natural and “like herself,” but with an “old Hollywood” twist. I emphasized her baby blues with champagne and gold shadow, and used black liner for added definition to her long lashes. We finished with a glamorous cherry-red lip (her signature).
The epitome of a beaming, blushing bride! All smiles here.
Those curls are au-natural, although her updo was inspired by Taylor Swift. Photography by Ernie Brown.
I can’t wait to share with you all of the weddings I have lined up for fall – stay tuned.
Stay chic,
Annie
Fall 2011: Tweed & Boucle Jackets
Ah, the timeless appeal and versatility of a classic wool jacket. The perfect transitional piece, this number compliments jeans, booties, and a t-shirt, and just as easily pairs well over a sheath dress for the office. Dress it up or dress it down; you’ll want at least one of these in your closet for fall.
See effortlessly chic this looks? image via here.
Some jackets for your perusal:
Oscar de la Renta tweed/wool jacket, $2,190
Moschino wool-blend bouclé jacket, $2,295
Markus Lupfer Wool-tweed biker jacket, $1,170
Steffen Schraut Green/Camel Bouclé Short Jacket, $405
Trina Turk Claudia Boucle Jacket, $398
The Look for Less:
BCBGeneration Bias-Trim Jacket, $148
Compagnia Italiana bouclè blazer, $119
Jersey Boucle Cropped Jacket, $90
Three ways to style a wool jacket:
1) Dressy: over a classic, Little Black Dress. Think sophisticated, Park Avenue-style.
2) For the office: pair with tailored trouser pants and a knit top. Add a cool, functional leather handbag + heels or slingbacks, and voila. Or, substitute the pants for a pencil skirt, and pair with a blouse.
3) Casually (or for a date night): pair with a fitted, hip-length knit tee in a neutral color (gray, white, black) and your favorite pair of jeans (straight, bootcut, or skinny). Top it off with a killer statement necklace. Add booties or pumps, or even flat riding boots.
Add one of these to your closet before cool weather hits, and you’ll be wearing it through February.
Stay chic,
Annie
Leopard Love
To say I have an affinity for leopard prints would be a gross understatement: this woman is obsessed. Nothing reeks of sophistication more. Leopard prints have a classic edge to them, a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends and fashions. I would argue that any leopard piece you invest in – be it a clutch, cashmere twinset, or pumps – will be in your closet for a lifetime, blending seamlessly with almost every ensemble. Fashion’s greatest style mavens and icons have delighted in and donned this chic print for years, not the least of which include Jackie O., Kate Moss, and Audrey Hepburn.
Image via here
This fall, in keeping with all the leopard love, the go-to accessory is a statement bag or clutch. If you're apprehensive about trying this print, keep in mind leopard doesn't have to read as kitchsy (you're not wearing it head-to-toe). Start small. I like to throw a pop of it against all black or neutrals - think camels, whites, grays. Here are my favorite bags:
A) Jimmy Choo Crocodile effect leather & calf hair clutch, $1,350
B) Valentino Double Handle Shoulder Bag, $2,575
C) Vince Camuto "Kate" Flap Bag, $158
D) Emilio Pucci Leopard print Flap Bag, $1,990
E) Miu Miu Leopard print calf-hair shoulder bag, $2,250
For the "luxe" look for less, check out this, this, and this (all under $150!) one.
I like to think of my Grandma Laura wearing leopard - I vaguely remember her leopard shoulder bags and coat. Fashion fades, but style is eternal, according to Yves Saint Laurent. Words to live by!
Stay chic,
Annie
Pretty Little Things
Is your jewelry collection continually expanding? If you’re like me, it’s a challenge to make room for your jewelry, much less keep it organized and accessible. Instead of digging through countless stacks of cocktail rings and bangles, why not invest in a jewelry stand that takes some of the work out of accessorizing? These stands are pretty, modern, and whimsical, a welcome addition to your vanity or closet.
Two’s Company Gold Leaf Birds Jewelry Holder, $43.49
Anthropologie Wish Tree Jewelry Holder, $98. The height on this one suits long pendant necklaces.
Little Birch Jewelry Stand, Urban, $32
Another creative way to showcase your necklaces (and to keep them from tangling up) is to invest in a couple of vintage-inspired hooks (Anthropologie has a delicious assortment). Fasten three on your closet door, inside an armoire, or even on the wall beside your vanity, for a functional, yet decorative touch.
Key Hook Rack, $24
And last, but not least, one of my favorite ways to display accessories: take an old frame, remove the back and replace with corkboard, and voila! All you need are pushpins.
I’ve seen this done in a couple of boutiques- an innovative merchandising technique. Image via here.
How do you like to store and display your pretty little things?
Stay chic,
Annie
The Zoe Report
To the delight of her loyal and devoted followers worldwide, stylist Rachel Zoe recently debuted her first RTW (ready-to-wear) collection in luxury department stores. Known for her boho-chic and glamorous style, Rachel has not only charmed the fashion world, but the mass-consumer market as well. Her fall 2011 collection is flying off the racks – and not surprisingly. With sumptuous fabrics, exceptional tailoring and a rich color palette, her pieces reflect her style aptitude and eye for luxury.
images courtesy of style.com
Here are some of my favorite RZ Collection pieces for fall:
Leopard LOVE. Must-have. Natalie Tie-Collar Blouse, $295. This is going on my birthday wish-list.
Belted Military Jacket, $525. Outerwear-lust.
I spy my go-to cocktail dress for fall. This would flatter anyone. Elizabeth dress, $395. Hello, velvet trim!
Do you DIE?
Love her.
Stay chic,
Annie
Blaze of Glory
One of the trends for fall is yet again, a menswear-inspired aesthetic: think clean and minimalist lines. Blazers are the epitome of masculine fashion, but combined with figure-skimming cuts and supple fabrics, a blazer is easy transformed into a versatile basic for any woman’s closet. Add sophistication to both daytime and nighttime ensembles with this modern classic.
image via stockholm-streetstyle.com
Here are some of my favorites for fall:
1. Bop Basics, The Fiance Blazer, $198
2. Paul & Joe Blazer, $490
3. BOY. By Band of Outsiders. Wool & Matte satin cropped blazer, $1,090
Love the satin panel – a luxurious touch.
4. Topshop Black Boyfriend Blazer, $130
This Topshop beauty is a steal.
5. Vanessa Bruno Tie-front Crepe Blazer, $702
Look for a nipped-in waist and darts to flatter your curves – and keep in mind, single-breasted jackets are universally flattering. Pair one with anything from a chic cocktail dress and booties, to riding boots and skinny jeans this fall. Or update your standard pencil skirt and blouse for work by adding this contemporary touch!
Stay chic,
Annie
Polished Up: Fall 2011 Nails
Meet the three amigos: Quartz, Peridot & Graphite.
Chanel LE VERNIS Nail Color Illusions D’Ombre (Illusions D’Ombre Fall 2011 Line), $25/each
Typically, I’m not an avid fan of metallic nail color; however, this trio of shades from Chanel Fall 2011 are totally lust-worthy. Quartz is a metallic, warm, sandy-taupe; Peridot is a metallic gold with a bit of a mustard tint; Graphite is a gunmetal, smoky metallic gray. All of them are eye-catching, yet subdued and sophisticated.
Glam and perfect for fall: graphite. Image by Vincent Lappartient
Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel makeup, debuted the new “Graphite” shade (almost chrome-like) at the Chanel 2011 fall runway show. As you can see, it’s a metallic green-gray, and my, oh my, is it hot. I can’t wait to rock it this fall – it’s edgy and exciting.
Stay chic,
Annie
Loafing Around
Now that we’re nearing the cusp of fall, I have my eye on chunky platform loafers and heels. This style might harken your memory back to a childhood wardrobe staple: the flat, androgynous loafer. Reminiscing yet? Fortunately, these aren’t your dated and boring loafers of old. This fall, we’re seeing a remake of this oldie but goodie. Feminine, powerful heels combined with masculine flair result in the newly reformed, modern loafer.
Joe Fresh Style Fall 2011 (google)
Chic and sexy – these loafer pumps are the perfect blend of structure, utility, and sophistication. My favorite styles have a thick, chunky heel, which makes for a much more tolerable (not to mention, comfortable) work day, running around in heels. DVF has a gorgeous suede number I’m loving (b) and I think Boutique 9’s (e) would make any boyfriend or hubbie jealous. Celebrities like Katie Holmes have been seeing wear this pair of Prada loafer pumps.
a) Elizabeth & James “Mae,” $325 b) DVF Roxanne Loafer Pump, $280 c) N.Y.L.A. “Bowie,” $89 d) Plenty by Tracy Reese, “Emmy,” $150 e) Boutique 9 “Night,” $160 f) Nine West “Abalene,” $89
I envision wearing loafer pumps with straight leg or skinny jeans, a white tee, and a blazer. They would also pair perfectly with a pencil skirt and a fitted sweater for the office this fall!
Stay chic,