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Monochromatic Mode
In today’s post, we’ll talk about how to pull off a flattering monochromatic color palette. While wearing all black head-to-toe is universally slenderizing and eternally chic, ‘black’ is a little too cliche and expected. I’ll offer some easy tips and suggestions for wearing one color and making it work for you.
Our inspiration? This picture of style guru/fashion blogger/model Olivia Palermo.*
Olivia is wearing a caramel/toffee colored silk blouse, and pairs it with high-waisted light mocha-tan jeans and a skinny brown belt. She tops off the outfit with a removable brown faux fur vest. Accent colors are a bright orange-red (still in the same palette, but with a little bit of pop), seen here on her I-pad case and nail polish.
How to get the look – and a few things to keep in mind:
- Pick a tonal family, and keep all of your pieces in the same “tone.” All the pieces don’t have to be the exact same shade of green (or gray, etc.), but rather, in the same family (i.e. charcoal gray mixed with heather gray and slate).
- Stick with a neutral shade – muted plums, olive greens, browns, grays, cool blues, camels, or blush and cream tones.
- Wearing the same shade from top to bottom creates one streamlined, continuous line.
- Feel free to inject little bits of contrasting color throughout your ensemble, such as a cocktail ring.
Since I have cool undertones in my skin, grays complement me best.
I also love olive greens and taupes.
A monochromatic outfit is both lengthening and sophisticated. Break of your little black rut and pick a palette that flatters your coloring this season.
Stay chic,
Annie
*image taken from here
Personalize It
Monogrammed and “initial” jewelry is in high demand this season – and I can see why. Simple and cool, these pieces reflect a sense of understated elegance that many women seek to convey through their accessory choices. Whether you prefer a cocktail ring or a statement bracelet, “initializing” is one of the salient jewelry trends that many celebrities are embracing this fall. If diamonds and fine jewelry best reflects your palette, there are even some beautiful, diamond-accented necklaces available, especially during the holidays (an excellent gift option for your mother, wife, or fiance).
Jennifer Meyer diamond & gold initial necklace ($,1775), seen worn by Katie Holmes on the August 2011 cover of In Style magazine
Some other modern, personalized pieces I love:
West End monogram ring, $675 (unexpected and sure to be a conversation starter!)
Emily & Ashley small monogram necklace, $765 (sweet & feminine)
Alex & Ani Script Initial Bangle, $24 (received these from a friend for my birthday)
Jennifer Zeuner Initial chain bracelet, $165 (a modern take on a monogram)
Roberto Coin “Tiny Treasure” diamond initial necklace, $580 (blingy bang for your buck)
With the holidays coming up, I’d suggest any of these for a stylish gift. Stay tuned for my annual holiday gift-guide; just around the corner!
Stay chic,
Annie
party frockin’
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…when the parties start flowing, and everyone’s shopping for dresses we cheer! Holiday fetes, soirees, and celebrations are just around the corner. What’s in your closet?
Here are some of my favorite party frocks to ring in the holidays, be it a work function, engagement party, family Christmas dinner, or just an upscale Thanksgiving get-together with friends. Whatever cocktail dress you end up sporting, here’s something to keep in mind. Remember to pair your dress with a pair of black opaque tights (a must for holiday attire). Legs need to be covered this time of year, plus, opaque tights are universally slenderizing, leg-lengthening, and flattering – who doesn’t love that? You’ll look classic and sophisticated, the epitome of holiday polish and style.
A) Trina Turk Lowell Silk Dress, $385
B) Shoshanna Draped Bodice Strapless Dress, $395
C) Parker Bugle Bead Dress, $319
D) Rachel Zoe Audrey Organza Dress, $395
E) Tibi Damask Jacquard Dress, $440
F) MM Couture Lace Mini Dress, $98
A new dress not in the budget? Saving money for Christmas gifts? Never fear! A little innovation is all you need. A “little black dress” re-vamped for 2011 is an easy and affordable way to get the most out of your cocktail attire. To update your favorite LBD, simply invest in a killer pair of glamorous chandelier or drop statement earrings, or even a jeweled collar necklace (in ruby red, emerald green, or black). Diamonds are a girl’s best friend this time of year, and a little bling around your wrist or neck will simply enhance your black frock. No one will even know it’s been recycled from last year if you add a metallic pair of gold heels, or perhaps a sexy pair of red peep-toe pumps. Invest in sophisticated holiday accessories, and wear your (gently) used black cocktail dress from last year – and just like that, what’s old has been made new.
To mistletoe, eggnog, thanksgiving dinners, and family!
Stay chic,
Annie
Hi-Lo: Leather Pants
If you’re a fashion neophyte or just a normal woman with a regular body hesitant to take risks, the concept of leather pants might elude you. A leather jacket is completely doable, of course, but leather pants? Before you disregard this post, bear with me. If you adore your black cigarette pants or your ponte knit leggings during the cold, winter months, why not try incorporating a less predictable piece? No, leather pants aren’t for everyone, and they’re certainly not for everyone’s budget, but they can be done.
images via here
Styling and Shopping Tips:
- Since they’re already edgy and eye-catching, it’s important to pair leather pants with basics – neutral knits, a structured blazer, clothes with clean lines.
- If you’re going for the look, invest in real leather. If the price-tag seems too heinous, opt for a legging or jean that has a “leather-looking” finish; at least you’re not wearing pleather (a no-no). No shame.
- Fit, fit, fit. Leather has a bit of stretch, so find a pair that fits your bottom and waist, yet doesn’t give you that squeezed-in effect. It’s not Halloween, and you’re not dressing as Catwoman.
Lust-List
Currently obsessing over anything and everything from The Row. The Row “Smashton” Leather Leggings, $1990
The Row comet paneled Leather leggings, $1770 (above and below)
And these Balmain Leather motocross pants, $5,575
Gorg.
Want to Have List:
If you’re not obsessing over the price tag of leather pants/leggings, may I make a suggestion? Try this Tabi Super Skinny Leather Pant from Revolve Clothing for $520.
NEED it List:
OR, if you really want the “Look for Less,” try this J. Brand “901 Waxed Legging Jean,” for only $174.
How I’d style leather pants: with a classic blazer, a neutral knit sweater top, simple black pumps, and an edgy bib necklace. The pants stand out, so the rest of the ensemble should streamline and polish your look. Again, think clean lines, basics, and neutrals. The jewelry adds just a little bit of pop without competing with the pants:
Stay chic,
Annie
Laura Mercier Holiday 2011
Laura Mercier’s Holiday 2011 collection is in, and my, her winter collection is pleasing to the eye. Her eyeshadow palettes have a gorgeous array of shades, and one even includes three eyeliner options. I love the rich, warm tones – purples, mauves and pinks (sure to be universally flattering to all eye colors) – as well as all of the neutral, earth tones.
Luxe Eye Portfolios, $98 each
Her highlighter has a nice, smooth texture, and the gold-champagne sheen provides a subtle wash of shimmer across your cheekbones. I was almost cooing over it on Saturday at the Laura Mercier counter.
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator, $42
Nail Lacquer in “Twilight,” $18
Last, but not least, I tried on this deep plum from her “Twilight” collection: sexy, yet subtle, and a beautiful, rich tone for the holidays.
Any of these palettes would be a popular gift to give your mom, sister, or girlfriend for Christmas – you can’t disappoint. Or, freshen up your makeup collection this fall and winter!
Stay chic,
Annie
A Flat Note
I love a festive flat for fall, particularly paired with a fitted pair of skinny jeans, a wrap knit cardigan or sweater, and a statement scarf. A classic shoe that will remain in your closet throughout the years and seasons, ballerina flats manage to be effortless and comfortable without sacrificing style. Getting ready to meet a girlfriend for weekend brunch? Run errands? Take your kids to soccer practice? Throw on a pair of jeans, a fitted tee, and a blazer – add a pair of girly or edgy flats – and voila! You’re polished, yet practical.
Olivia Palermo in an all-black ensemble with red, french-sole flats. image via here
While you can’t go wrong with a basic, black, ballerina flat this fall, designers like Lanvin and Valentino are dressing up this staple by adding interesting details like grommets, bows, studs, and beading. Look for elements that will give your outfit that bit of sophistication and eye-catching pizazz.
Here are some of my favies for fall:
Vera Wang Lavendar Landyn (on sale for $189.99). A client of mine recently purchased these feminine Vera’s. Dress up your basics easily!
Lanvin bow-front metallic leather ballerina flats, $595 – With the holidays coming up? Yes.
Ivanka Trump Annul in snake, $79.99. *This is what I like to call an “Annie” pair of flats: pointed toe for an elongated leg, and an ever-so-slight heel.* The metallic goes with everything.
Bottega Veneta patent leather ballerina flats, $490 – Orange patent leather is preppy, yet sassy. A great choice for fall.
J. Crew “Cece” studded leather ballet flats, $138 – A black ballerina updated with gold studs.
Stuart Weitzman “Lastikon” flat, $275. Oh, I just couldn’t resist. You know A Chic Critique loves her leopard.
Don’t hit a flat note this fall with your ballerinas – invest in a pair of statement flats that will enliven any ensemble and showcase your sense of style.
Stay chic,
Annie
*Admittedly, I’m personally not a fan of flat anything, be it a pair of boots or ballerinas; however, it should be noted this isn’t because I don’t APPROVE of or love flats – I absolutely do. I think they’re darling and extremely chic, especially on petite, tall, or leggy clients. You’ve heard me say not every trend or style is for every body-type, and my body (which happens to be voluptuous, hourglass, and average height) is most flattered by a heel, however so slight. I’m a sucker for heels.
Fall 2011: Posh Polish
Since the toes are in hibernation for the next five to six months, I regularly change up my nail polish color during the cold, winter months (let’s be honest, I change it weekly until it chips all year long). I’ve long been a fan of OPI’s “You don’t know Jacques!” and “Over the Taupe,” as I know many of my friends, clients, and readers are. Fortunately, the panoply of trendy neutrals we all loved last fall and winter are still popular choices this season. If you’re like me, however, and looking for a refreshing change of pace while still hovering in neutral territory, why not try another shade of gray, brown, or even navy? These beauties are worth the change.
Essie’s winter 2011-2012 collection, “Cocktail Bling” has some gorgeous shades I’m drooling over.
Essie’s “Cocktail Bling”- A warm, blueish gray. Photo courtesy here
A rich navy – Essie’s “Bobbing for Baubles”. Photo courtesy here
Can’t. stop. painting. my. nails. this. color. Metallic brown? Why, yes! OPI’s “Expresso your Style.” Photo courtesy here.
Do you like to change it up? What do you think of this season’s color palette? I’m going to continue rockin’ the metallic brown. For more fall nail polish color ideas, check out this post.
Stay chic,