Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
Haute Hats for Fall
Fall obsession: wool, floppy hats.
Milly by Michelle Smith, Fall 2011 RTW
In keeping with the 70’s trend, runways were ablaze with floppy hats during Fall 2011 RTW shows. While wool fedoras, cloche hats and panama styles are still trending, this wide-brimmed style is current, cool, and effortless. You get sun-protection and bohemian flair in one hat – what’s not to like?
A Chic Critique likes:
Emilio Pucci Leather-trimmed wool felt hat, $355
Tarnish Floppy Hat, $38. One of my clients got it this past weekend; it’s actually more of a heather-plum than a brown. Looks killer on!
Eugenia Kim wide-brimmed rabbit felt hat, $395
Tarnish Laser-cut floppy hat, $32
This style will easily compliment most ensembles: try pairing yours with a peasant dress, a fur vest, and suede boots (for a boho-chic look). If polished and sophisticated is your preferred aesthetic, wear one with bootcut trouser jeans, a blazer, and pumps. You can’t go wrong – trust me.
images via google; various street styles
I’m all for rocking one, especially as the weather cools down. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, or you’re simply having a bad hair day, throw one on and head out the door.
Stay chic,
Annie
Have you entered my giveaway contest yet? You can win a pair of Kendra Scott earrings! For more information about how you can enter, see my last post.
Kendra Scott Giveaway
I’ve mentioned my love for Kendra Scott jewelry a couple of times on my blog, but let me reiterate how much I adore her pieces. I was first introduced to the line back in 2010, but my passion for her bright, eye-catching, and beautiful statement jewelry has continued to grow. Her whimsical and feminine cuff bracelets are conversation pieces, and her chunky, collar necklaces with their bold color selection can dress up any basic white tee or black dress.
A Chic Critique is excited to announce a Kendra Scott giveaway – I’m giving away a brand new pair of Kendra’s “Danielle” earrings in turquoise (retail value $60).
This happens to be one of my favorite pairs of earrings; I can’t tell you how many compliments I get when I wear them! I was in Nordstrom shopping with a client the other day, and at least four sale associates mentioned how much they liked them.
“Worn by Hilary Duff on Access Hollywood Live and featured in People Style Watch, People Magazine and on The Today Show, the simple elegance of the Danielle earring is sure to please with its big bold pop of turquoise color!” – www.kendrascott.com
Seen here in People Style Watch:
image via here
Here’s how you can enter to win this fabulous pair of earrings:
1. Sign up for the “A Chic Critique” email list on the homepage. Comment in the comment section below this post for one entry.
2. Tweet about my giveaway and follow @achiccritique, my twitter account, then post the link for two entries. Please leave the comment twice below in the comment section so that all of your entries get counted.
3. Blog about this giveaway for three additional entries. Please leave a link in the comment section three times, so that all of your entries get counted.
4. “Like” my Facebook page for two more additional entries. Please comment two times more on my Facebook page so that each of your entries get counted.
All entries must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 12th at 6PM CDT. The winner will be chosen that night! Good luck and thank you for following my blog!
Stay chic,
Annie
Capetown
Fall 2011 runway shows were peppered with variations on the cape, from edgy Rag & Bone ponchos to sophisticated leather pieces and fringed numbers from L’Agence. When it comes to outerwear, you have a plethora of options to choose from this season.
Fall 2011: J.Crew; DKNY; Rag & Bone
Tommy Hilfiger (1, 2), YSL, Zero + Maria Cornejo
A Chic Critique likes:
Diane von Furstenberg “Holmes” Cape, $695
Calvin Klein Belted Cape, $148
L’ Agence Fringed Cape, $595
Vince Camuto Button-neck Cape, $195
Here’s how I’d style the L’ Agence one:
The material and cut of the cape will inform how you wear it. If it’s more of a structured, heavy wool coat (like the Calvin Klein number), you can wear it over a dress with tights, or even jeans or trousers. The black DVF cape would look beautiful over a sheath dress and tights for work, for example. If it’s more of a “poncho” sweater cut (drapey), you can wear it over leggings.
While this style isn’t for everyone, I think it’s an interesting take on traditional outerwear (trenches, peacoats, etc.).
Stay chic,
Annie
Go Shortie, It’s your Birthday
I won’t lie – I’m constantly compiling a “want-list” (or should I say, “need-list”). We all do it, don’t we? However, this time I’m giving myself an excuse to publish this indulgent pastime: my birthday is just around the corner, and I’m in the market for some fall goodies.
Bernardo Zip Front Leather Jacket from Nordstrom
Hello, lover. This sandstone gray is a refreshing neutral choice for fall. Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Helene Leather Tote
Lordane Leaf Earrings from Mimi (private label). Obsessed. Have you shopped Taigan yet?
I have been on a major oversized watch kick the last year. Add this Michael Kors Oversized Chronograph Goldtone watch (44 mm) to my collection, please.
Mixing gold & silver is so current – plus, I have had my eye on these beauties for a while. Losselliani Feather & Rhinestone Stacked Rings
A girl can never have enough leopard print-anything.
A Tolani Leopard Scarf? Safe to say I would wear the spots out of this thing. A must-have accessory for your fall & winter wardrobe!
I’ve also been oogling this “Willis” Coach classic bag, seen displayed by blogger & fashionista Blair Eadie here:
Uber-versatile, no? The perfect everyday bag for fall.
What’s on your fall wish list?
Annie
Marrakesh Chic
Who wouldn’t want their makeup to look like this? Simple, pretty, fresh.
Model wearing Rich Lip Color SPF 12 in “Desert Rose.”
Fortunately, you can achieve this look with Bobbi Brown’s new Fall 2011 makeup collection, “Marrakesh Chic.”
This fall collection is sublime (not that I would expect anything less from Bobbi). What I love about her eyeshadows is how easily they layer and mix well with other shades. The sand dune and pink silk colors work well as all over lid or highlight shades, and any of others could be used in the crease for added depth or a smokey look (try wine or coffee bean). Any combination of these warm colors could be used to create multiple daytime and nighttime looks, and the pigmented, darker colors can double as liner. (Rich Color Eyeshadow, Limited Edition, $24 each). I want all eight!
How rich are these glowing and vibrant shades of pink? Universally flattering, rosy, and completely natural for fall. Lip colors, $23 each
This line has just recently hit department stores for fall, and I’m itching to add it to my makeup collection.
Stay chic,
Annie
images via here & here
A Vested Interest
Guess what’s back? Break out your faux fur from last year, because this wardrobe staple has edged its way into fashion’s fall repertoire. Particularly, the faux fur vest is making an appearance again. Boho-chic with a sophisticated edge, this versatile outerwear piece can easily compliment your standard blouse and trouser pants for work; additionally, it works with jeans and a long-sleeved tee for those chilly Saturday game-days.
image via here
Faux fur is animal-friendly and inexpensive; how can you resist? Here are some of my picks at a variety of price points.
Faux Fur Vest by T Los Angeles, $196
Janika Faux Fur Vest, $57
Trina Turk Braden Vest, $298
Sabine Faux Fur Vest, $75
Alice + Olivia Faux Fur Vest, $330
Cool, effortless, and appropriate for all ages, one of these vests is a must for fall festivities and everyday ensembles. Try one over a tunic and leggings with booties, or over a flowy, bohemian dress with tall, suede boots.
Stay chic,
Annie
ACC: Bridal Makeup
I loved working with Dawn on her very special wedding day. Almost immediately, I felt a connection with her charismatic personality, and to say the least, we hit it off (both sharing an obsession and love for healthy, beautiful skin and beauty products). We giggled and gabbed as I did her makeup, as her husband-to-be, Sean, waited patiently in their hotel room (he’s a keeper, that one) while she primped.
Sean and Dawn got married outside of the historic Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville in an intimate, personal ceremony. Cheers to love renewed and to this handsome couple!
Isn’t she stunning?
I’m happy to say I also got to help plan these impromptu nuptials. The beautiful bouquet was done by Hilary Yeager over at Brocade. If you need a florist who has impeccable taste and creative acumen, Hilary is your girl. She’s also willing to work within your budget, without sacrificing quality and design (a rare feat for a florist, in my opinion). My sweet and talented friend Ashley Coleman did the wedding hair (isn’t it gorgeous?), and yet another dear friend and gifted Nashville photographer, Amber Beckham, takes all the credit for capturing these memorable, special moments.
I have a feeling this isn’t the last time I’ll see Mr. and Mrs. Levy – I sure hope not!
Stay chic,
Annie
Penchant for Pendants
One of the accessory trends for fall is a long, drapey statement necklace. I’ve always liked the ‘draping’ effect that pendants have; your gaze is automatically drawn vertically. For this reason, elongated pendant necklaces have a way of tricking the eye, making it appear as if you stand a bit taller. Who know an accessory could be flattering?
Simple, yet conspicuous, these necklaces marry well with almost anything: a little black dress, trousers and a flirty top, or my favorite – jeans and a t-shirt. You need little else to compete when wearing one, so keep your other jewelry understated.
A. Simpson via here; Frida Pinto via here; Lake Bell via here; Alexa Chung via here
Whether you’re attracted to organic, geometric, or feminine designs, don’t afraid to be a little expressive. Accessories are always the way to showcase your individuality!
My picks:
Oh, just moderately obsessed with this Robert Cavalli goodie ($620).
House of Harlow Metal Fringe Necklace, $135
Kenneth Jay Lane Sapphire Prism Pendant Necklace, $88
Dannijo Court Necklace, $320
Kendra Scott Statement Pendant Necklace, $57.90
Want.
Theodora & Callum Byzantium Necklace, $350
If you’ve ever seen my jewelry collection, it’s obvious I have a thing for long, lean necklaces – and the bigger, the better. Bring on the pendant party.
Stay chic,