Spring 2012 Runway: Tory Burch; Luca Luca; Adam; Suno – photos via style.com

I love how pretty and feminine polka dots are – a simple, yet classic print that will remain in your closet for years. If you’re a little leery of prints, they’re much less overwhelming than a large floral or graphic pattern. Keep in the mind: the smaller the dot, the more monochromatic and tonal the effect will appear. (Tip – if you’re petite or you have a slender frame, look for a medium-sized polka. If you’re curvy or voluptuous, stick with a tinier polka dot). Minnie mouse-size polka dots don’t flatter any body type!

Ali Ro Polka Dot Dress, $298

Tulle Polka Dot Dress, $69

Lipsy Polka Dot Shirt, Asos, $62.97

Tory Burch Ruth Polka Dot Top, $225

Dot It Made Top, Modcloth, $47.99

Michael Kors Polka Dot Shirtdress, $120

Marc by Marc Jacobs cream polka dot dress, $355

Sonia Rykiel Polka Dot Voile Top, $295

A little girlish and sweet, they are an absolute must in my book for spring.

Stay chic,

Annie

Regardless of whether you actually pick out your cake first or not (I would suggest securing your venues, photographer, and band first), it’s true that it does reflect the overall tone and flavor, so to speak, of your wedding reception. Years ago I worked for a wedding & event planner in Nashville, and during our initial meetings with brides, we would ask them to describe the wedding of their dreams in just three adjectives. How would you like your wedding to look and feel? What’s the vibe and aesthetic you’d like? We’d hear responses ranging from “down-home, Southern, and quaint” to “glamorous, opulent, and elegant.” Your cake should reflect these adjectives.

Then there’s the question of fondant vs. butter-cream and the overall flavor(s) of your cake. To tackle this question, I would most definitely schedule a tasting with two to three different reputable wedding cake bakers.

Here are some lovelies to whet your appetite:

Simple and understated.

Prefer the less traditional approach? Why not offer various cakes and flavors to your guests? With a panoply of choices, every guest is sure to be satisfied.

This is a very classic and traditional cake in my book. The ribbons, color, and flowers could all be customized to your color palette, and the pattern could even reflect some detail from your dress.

Sweet, feminine, and floral.

Hope you had a happy & love-filled Valentine’s day!

Stay chic,

Annie

J. Crew Marina Necklace – wear with white jeans! $125

A Peace Treaty, Tubar Ring, $132

The Serenity Stone Necklace, $198, from Stella & Dot (as seen in People Style Watch). 12 carat gold plated, mix of smooth, faceted glass stones and turquoise & dyed jade. A gorgeous, versatile statement piece for summer!

Diya Chandeliers, Anthropologie, $298

Lust-worthy Irene Neuwirth earrings, $3,370

I love how refreshing these shades are: simple, yet classic and sophisticated. Colors like jade, aquamarine, and ocean-blue will complement your neutral basics and really pop against your black and whites for spring!

Stay chic,

Annie

A must-see in ACC’s book. Go. rent it. now.

The daunting task comes when choosing a bridesmaids dress that every bridesmaid will love. A shade that flatters one woman’s skin tone may be disastrous against another skin tone: likewise, one skirt style might slenderize one woman’s frame, while overwhelming another.

My solution?

1) Pick a color palette and length (short, long, etc.). Let your maids shop for and pick out their own dress, staying within the defined color scheme. This way, they can dictate the price, cut, silhouette and fabric. The pro? Each dress will reflect each individual bridesmaid’s style personality and preferences, but the group color scheme and length will be harmonious.

flowers & decor – Brocade/Hillary Robson – image via Skip Hopkins – styling & wedding design via A Chic Critique

image via google

image via Stephen Devries

2) Pick one designer – then pick one fabric, color and length. Let each girl choose the actual style & silhouette that she prefers. The result is a unified effect with varying styles.

image via pinterest

image via google – Jose Villa

If you’re the sort of bride who likes uniformity and wants to capture a sense of oneness amongst your maids, this idea might prove a little counter-intuitive or unappealing. Different strokes for different folks – the important thing is to do what makes YOU happy! Having all the maids wear the same matching dress is always a classic and beautiful choice.

Stay chic,

Annie

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)!

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.

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:

Longsleeve Tops by Old Navy
Flats by Shoebox

And:

Skinny Denim by Nobody
Boots by Dolce Vita

Two of my clients got a pair this week – a great transitional piece for your winter wardrobe.

Stay chic in those baby blues,

Annie

“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*

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

]]> http://achiccritique.com/2012/01/going-to-the-chapel-and-im/feed/ 0 http://achiccritique.com/2011/12/and-a-happy-new-year/ http://achiccritique.com/2011/12/and-a-happy-new-year/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:09:22 +0000 admin http://achiccritique.com/?p=3843 New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and I’m sure many of you are shopping for a bold, statement top or dress to ring in the new year. If your discretionary budget is a bit lower after shopping for holiday gifts and presents – never fear. I’ve scoured my favorite online shops and stores to find some gorgeous, glittery pieces, all well under $200 (and most are closer to $50!).

Pair any of these with a pair of black skinny pants (or dark straight leg jeans), sky-high heels, a killer clutch, and your best “wow-me” jewelry for a night on the town or soiree. For chilly temperatures, don a simple, black tailored blazer, or a faux fur coat for that extra bit of polish and panache. I’m a jeans and dressy top girl myself, so no cocktail dress this year for me!

A) Sabine Sequin Zigzag Top, $60

B) Ark and Co. Sequin Sheer Top, $59

C) Topshop Sequin Front Tank, $64

D) French Connection Silver Simmons Top, $158

E) Madison Marcus Spectacle Sequin Tunic, $107

F) Rachel Zoe Sequin Dolman Top, $99

Whatever the dress code might be for you January 31st, why not watch the ball drop in style? Cheers to the new year, to good friends and family, to happiness, and of course, to staying chic!

Annie

Happy holidays to all from A Chic Critique! Signing off until I see you in 2012. Stay tuned!