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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*
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.
SOS! Necklaces
Smokin’, Oversized Statement necklaces.
Insert your “s” word of choice, be it “summery,” “stylish,” or “sultry,” – all of them fit the bill for the necklaces I have featured today. Bright, bold, and colorful, these pieces are meant to add an unexpected edge to your outfit, enlivening your color palette. I’d pair one with a simple black sheath dress for work, or with simple flats, tailored shorts, and a basic white tee.
Think of them as a finishing touch, adding instant glamour and polish to any summer ensemble.
Kate Spade Triple Chain Necklace, on sale for $78. Obsessed with the yellow! Try it with black shorts and a white top.
Milly Teardrop Statement Necklace, $375
ABS Pave Goldtone Chainlink Necklace, $195
Tory Burch Woven Multistrand necklace, $207 – Love the Mexican vibe of this one.
The queen of the statement necklace, Miss Olivia Palermo. Daffodil yellow & cobalt blue, cha-ching. (image via google)
Don’t play the safe card. Go a little wild with color – that’s what summer 2011 is all about.
Stay chic,
Annie
Monogram Me
I’ve never been one for monograms (shocking, seeing that I’m from the South where we’re known for our excessive tendency to stamp our initials on anything and everything we own). Done well, they can be elegant; however, they always seem a bit expected, even trite. A bit too “cutesy” for my taste.
These chic necklaces have me reconsidering my stance on monograms.
Jennifer Zeuner Large Swirly 3-initial pendant, $264 (also comes in sterling silver)
West Avenue Large Monogram Necklace – from Max & Chloe, $210
Blaire Eadie (Gap merchandiser and blogger extraordinaire) is partly to blame. As you can see, her monogram necklace is subtle yet makes a statement: nothing ‘cutesy’ here. If you like what you see, she’s wearing a Max & Chloe number (above).
image via here
Miss Taylor Swift and Lauren Conrad are fans of Jennifer Zeuner’s monogram pieces, which have been around for a couple of years.
The verdict is out: I’m obsessed with monogram necklaces (these, in particular). Sweet, simple, and the perfect addition to your accessory collection. Do you like to wear your name proudly, or will you be keeping your monogram under the radar? I won’t.
Stay chic,
Annie
Arm Party
Have you all joined the arm party yet? This mix-and-match bracelet trend is on the up and up.
I love the juxtaposition of textures, shapes and sizes – a diamond link next to a rough leather band, positioned next to a vintage oversized watch, topped off with jeweled encrusted cuffs. Silver mixed with gold, brights mixed with neutrals. The end result? This eclectic, frenzied display of arm candy somehow manages to look chic and polished.
image via here
image via here
image via here
image via here
How to wear it? The more, the merrier. Don’t be afraid to mix hard metals with supple leathers, high with low, or bold bangles with a subdued, classic gold watch. David Yurman next to Forever 21; rough chain links next to pearls. You get the idea.
Here are a couple of different looks I put together:
Depending on your personality, you can add a string of pearls, some neon bands, or a vintage cuff. Mix it up and have fun with accessories – showcase your own personal style, be it funky, retro, sophisticated, feminine or glam.
Stay chic,
Annie
Mad Hatter
One of my favorite accessories for fall is a wool or felt fedora hat. Easy, current, cool and totally practical. It’s casual chic and ready-to-wear for your day out shopping, running errands, or lunch with friends. This fall, details like studs and feathers are adorning some of last season’s more simple designs.
Some hats I’m mad over:
Eugenia Kim Wool Maxine Feather Fedora, $320
Birthday wish list? Yes, please. I a-dore this olive green number by Aqua, $48
Hollywood Trading Company, Vintage Hat, $264
Bop Basics Floppy Fedora, $78
Another reason I am loving the fabulous fedora? Hello, bad hair day. Throw one of these babies on and – voila! – instantaneous damage control.
What’s not to love?
Stay chic,
Annie
obsessed: kendra scott
Lately, I have a slight obsession with Kendra Scott Jewelry.
Isn’t this pair of “Danielle” earrings just to die for? I love the oblong shape of the turquoise with the gold-plated rim detailing – so beautiful. At $60 (which is very reasonable, in my opinion), this style comes in an array of 12 colors (including cobalt, black & tigers eye) and are the perfect ‘drop’ of color for your ears.
Seen here in People Style Watch (my favorite mag, along with InStyle)
The other pair I fell in love with recently is the “Nyla,” earring (in hot pink, of course).
After seeing the Nyla pair in InStyle (spread below) this month, it’s official: I’m a fan of Kendra Scott’s exquisite, feminine pieces.
See them here in the July issue of InStyle:
Keeping with the trend of bold and bright colors for summer, KS’s pieces are the perfect accessories to compliment your white jeans and going-out top, cocktail dress, or jeans & simple white tee.
If you know anything about me, I adore earrings (specifically, statement earrings – the bigger, the better!), so I can’t wait to add a Kendra Scott pair to my collection.
Stay chic,
Annie
Currently Obsessed: Leopard Scarves
My latest obsession is any and every leopard-print scarf: tiny print, large print, black & white or camel & brown, I am l.o.v.i.n.g. it. A scarf is the perfect accessory to add personality and flavor to any outfit, and I find a scarf often pulls a whole look together – kind of like the icing on the cake.
Nicole Richie; Sarah Jessica Parker; Sienna Miller; Zoe Saldana
A LPS works for a couple of reasons – an animal-print is timeless and classic (you can’t go wrong) and specifically, a leopard print scarf is uber-versatile! Jeans + white tee + flats + scarf = casual & ready to go. LBD + heels + scarf = dinner-party chic. I love that this accessory can easily dress up or dress down.
Get the look:
Rachel Roy Leopard Eternity Loop, $38 Meow.
Tolani Leopard Print Scarf, $99 (my favie)
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Print Scarf, $395
Leopard Print Scarf, $35
You’ll have one in your closet for years to come.
Stay chic,
Annie
Put a ring on it
One of my must-have accessories is a statement cocktail ring: the bigger, the better! Whether your style is feminine and classic, or edgy and urban, there is an impressive, eclectic array of rings to choose from this summer. I have a slight obsession with Alkemie Jewelry right now – l.o.v.i.n.g. this eco-friendly collection (favorites being this elephant cocktail ring & this Peace Dove). All of the jewelry is made from reclaimed metal – eco-chic!
Versatile and unexpected, these day-to-night cocktail rings are sophisticated, fun, and the perfect compliment to any outfit.
My picks:
Elizabeth & James Tiny Feather Ring, $55 (top left)
Gara Danielle Gold Druzy Ring, $144 (top right)
Gara Danielle Turquoise Ring, $89.60 (2nd row)
Kendra Scott Cocktail Ring, $75 (pictured right)
Stay chic,
Annie
to Catch a Clutch
I’m loving the jute, rattan & straw woven clutches that are showing up for summer. Tory Burtch makes a few of my favorites. Pair with a sweet sundress for The Derby or Steeplechase, or a classic frock for an afternoon wedding, and your look is instantly pulled together. Great with jeans for a night out on the town, too. The perfect summer bag!
Clockwise, from top left: Folley beach makenzi, $225, via Kate Spade; SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Trimmed Raffia Clutch, $45, via Piperlime; Tory Burtch Rattan Clutch, $275 via Shopbop; Big Buddha Martini Clutch, $45, via Piperlime
ACC tip: want vintage? Try your grandmother’s (or mother’s) closet for some jute or rattan bags (trust me, they rocked em’ in the 70’s) or even a local antique shop. 
Stay chic,