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Meet Stella & Dot
I’m excited to announce that A Chic Critique has recently partnered with Stella & Dot!
Stella & Dot is a fabulous line of luxury, boutique-inspired modern jewelry and accessories – you may have seen their pieces featured in Vogue, In Style, ELLE, People, Lucky, US Weekly and Redbook magazines as well as The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Their pieces have been worn on the wrists and necklines of some of today’s noted celebrities like Giuliana Ransic, Heidi Klum, Kelly Ripa, Penelope Cruz, and Barbara Walters, and featured on TV shows such as The Today Show, Oprah, The View and the Bachelorette. Their irresistible custom designs are runway-inspired, sophisticated, artisan crafted and handmade, as well as lead and nickel safe. Exclusively designed in NYC, these pieces can be ordered directly from A Chic Critique’s own Stella & Dot website at http://www.stelladot.com/sites/achiccritique.
via S&D
the Leona – a favorite of mine for clients! As seen in Lucky Magazine. $98
I’ve been fawning over Stella & Dot’s jewelry for years; additionally, I have been putting my clients in their on-trend statement necklaces, cuffs, earrings and cocktail rings at every opportunity I get. At reasonable price points, they have collections geared towards every style personality, whatever it may be: classic, bohemian, preppy, simple, feminine, edgy, and/or glamorous. For more fabulous pieces, visit my website, or you can check out their Spring 2012 Collection & Look Book here!
Some favorites of mine from the Spring 2012 collection:
The Sierra Necklace, $148
A bib of shimmering 12k gold finished brass discs drape gracefully from a brass arc. Backed with a 12k gold finished disc chain.
Serenity Stone Drops, $49
Hand cut polished semi-precious dyed jade drops are handset in a shiny 12k gold plated hammered brass bezel. Lead & Nickel Safe. 2 inches. Gold plated brass fish hook ear wire.
In honor of this announcement, I’m running a special for the next two weeks: when you make any purchases (of $50 or more), your name will be entered into a drawing – the winner will receive one free piece of Stella & Dot jewelry! All you have to do is start shopping! At check out, enter hostess name: “Launch Party” (you’ll see a drop-down menu under ‘hostess name’).
I’m always telling clients to invest in wardrobe basics and foundational garments – but add polish and style to any ensemble with statement jewelry, such a bold cuff or killer pair of chandelier earrings. What better way to showcase your sense of fashion and personality?
Stay chic,
Annie
Update: A Chic Critique is now working with clients in both St. Louis, MO, and Nashville, TN! Available for travel. Contact annie@achiccritique.com for your spring wardrobe tune-up, personal shopping trip, or closet edit. Refer two new (booked) clients to me, and you’ll receive a complimentary style assessment & wardrobe consult (a 2-hour value)!
Wedding Wednesday #1: Film Photography
I’ve long been an avid fan of film photography. What I love about film is how raw and organic it is, and how perfectly it seems to capture natural light. Because my affinity for film has only deepened over time, I knew it was precisely the medium I would choose for our wedding. This girl has entire Pinterest boards dedicated to it!
Here are just a few of my favorite shots from some noted (and much loved) film photographers. How brilliant and exquisite is their work?
S-w-oooo-n. Napa wedding by the one and only Jose Villa – featured on Style Me Pretty.
Look at that sunset peaking through, and notice how “organic” these shots look. Obsessed. (images above courtesy of Jose Villa Photography)
Texas-based Ryan Ray’s (who happens to be one of the more thoughtful, sincere and kind-hearted photographers I’ve come across in this industry) work is equally stunning and beautiful. What an eye!
images above courtesy of Ryan Ray Photography
And our dear Nashville’s own Tec Petaja? As Frank from “Father of the Bride” would say: genius. Sheer Genius.
Sucker for black and white film shots…
the two shots above are courtesy of Tec Petaja
One thing I will guarantee: there will be no “posey-posey” traditional church shots of my family and bridal party at my wedding. Loathe. I’m much more apt to gravitate towards candid, informal “formals,” if that makes sense. Tec’s shot above fits the bill.
Can you see why I love it so? I haven’t even touched the tip of the iceberg – there are so many more talented photographers whose work I adore and respect (both film and digital alike).
Stay chic & stay tuned!
Annie
I can’t wait to share the film photographer we decided to go with (after a detailed and thorough search process). His work is beautiful, and I’m anxious to see some of the more tender, candid moments he’ll capture on film.
Baby Blues
One point I’m always stressing with clients is the importance of having at least two pairs of tailored, well-made, fitted jeans: one pair hemmed to wear with flats, and one straight or bootleg dark-wash pair hemmed to wear with heels. Of course, once you have those basics, any supplemental pairs are a welcome addition (skinny, trouser, boyfriend, etc.). Many of you collect jeans like shoes!
I like seeing the seasonal twists designers put on this timeless wardrobe staple. One salient trend the last couple of years has been colored or dyed denim/twill jeans – and fortunately, it’s a trend I can endorse, especially when the color is an electric, cobalt blue. A “blue” jean really acts as a neutral, and although these shades are bolder and brighter than your typical denim wash, they can be just as versatile.
Here are some of my picks for winter, transitioning into spring (any of these would be an excellent choice for early pre-spring in February & March).
Gap 1969 Legging Jeans in Blue, $69.95
Paige Denim “Verdugo” Stretch Denim Leggings, $179
J. Crew Toothpick jean in garment-dyed twill, $108
Blue Essence (Nordstrom) Colored Skinny Jean in Cobalt, $98
Here’s how I would style them:
And:
Two of my clients got a pair this week – a great transitional piece for your winter wardrobe.
Stay chic in those baby blues,
Annie
ACC Favie: Jewel Mint
Have you discovered Jewel Mint? Designed by style icon and actress Kate Bosworth and her stylist, Cher Coulter, Jewel Mint is an exclusive collection of costume jewelry available online on a membership basis.
“Experience an exclusive jewelry collection designed by actress and fashion icon, Kate Bosworth, and her celebrity stylist, Cher Coulter. Inspired by the runway, vintage pieces and places they love, Kate and Cher design a versatile collection each month, so we can recommend the perfect pieces to match your style.” – Jewel Mint
One thing I’m always stressing with my clients is the importance of accessorizing. Invest in basic wardrobe staples (black blazer, neutral knits, a great pair of fitted dark jeans, riding boots, etc.), then express your personal style and taste through your jewelry, handbags, etc. The reason why I post so often on statement necklaces, cocktail rings and the like is because accessories are an easy, affordable way to update your wardrobe, infuse some sophistication and pull an outfit together.
I love how cool and unusual Kate and Cher’s one-of-a-kind designs are. Some of my favorites:
Just got my pair of wing-it earrings the other day – obsessed.
How does it work?
Jewel Mint makes this process simple – sign up to become a member of Jewel Mint, then fill out their personal style profile so they can make specific jewelry recommendations based on your preferences. What’s your style? Bohemian? Glamorous? Classic? Edgy and avant garde? As a member, you get free shipping and members-only pricing. For $29.99 a month, you get one jewelry credit for one piece of jewelry – your choice – from the Jewel Mint collection, a plethora of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. At such a reasonable price, who can resist? And the great thing is – if you decide you don’t want to pay $29.99 that month, you can opt out and wait until the next month to buy a piece.
If you’re in a bit of a post-holiday funk, some new jewelry might just be the spice you need. In my opinion, it’s worth checking out: a new year’s online shopping trend I’m partial to.
Stay chic,
Annie
all images via Jewel Mint site*
Going to the chapel, and I’m…
Going to get married!
In the midst of travels and a very busy holiday season, Santa managed to bring me a thrilling and heart-warming gift: an engagement ring! I couldn’t be happier to be engaged to such a kind, genuine, funny, and selfless man: one who, in just a few short months, I will have the honor of calling my husband. 2011 was sweet to me, indeed.
sweet note from pinterest – and so true.
In the midst of wedding details, I am going to be hosting a series of “Wedding Wednesday” posts every other Wednesday through April. I’ll chronicle my planning journey (without giving away all of my surprises), as well as make some wedding style tips and suggestions. I can’t wait to unveil my aesthetic and vision; planning a wedding is right up my creative and style-obsessed alley.
a gorgeous photo by the talented Elizabeth Messina
Regular ACC posts will resume next week, so stay tuned for winter and spring wardrobe and fashion entries. On Wednesday, January 18th: What’s Your Bridal Style?
Cheers to the new year, to pursuing what you love, and to staying chic!
Annie