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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
Loafing Around
Now that we’re nearing the cusp of fall, I have my eye on chunky platform loafers and heels. This style might harken your memory back to a childhood wardrobe staple: the flat, androgynous loafer. Reminiscing yet? Fortunately, these aren’t your dated and boring loafers of old. This fall, we’re seeing a remake of this oldie but goodie. Feminine, powerful heels combined with masculine flair result in the newly reformed, modern loafer.
Joe Fresh Style Fall 2011 (google)
Chic and sexy – these loafer pumps are the perfect blend of structure, utility, and sophistication. My favorite styles have a thick, chunky heel, which makes for a much more tolerable (not to mention, comfortable) work day, running around in heels. DVF has a gorgeous suede number I’m loving (b) and I think Boutique 9’s (e) would make any boyfriend or hubbie jealous. Celebrities like Katie Holmes have been seeing wear this pair of Prada loafer pumps.
a) Elizabeth & James “Mae,” $325 b) DVF Roxanne Loafer Pump, $280 c) N.Y.L.A. “Bowie,” $89 d) Plenty by Tracy Reese, “Emmy,” $150 e) Boutique 9 “Night,” $160 f) Nine West “Abalene,” $89
I envision wearing loafer pumps with straight leg or skinny jeans, a white tee, and a blazer. They would also pair perfectly with a pencil skirt and a fitted sweater for the office this fall!
Stay chic,
Annie
Color Block
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, color is all the rage for summer 2011 – and the brighter and bolder, the better.
Color blocking is basically a design in which colors are juxtaposed next to one another, typically in a symmetrical “blocking” pattern. The result is a visually stimulating and eye-catching color palette: just in time for warm, summer days.
Here are some favorite pieces (click on the image to link to retailer):
Not sure this look is for you? Start small and keep it simple. Stackable rings are current and fresh, and the Kate Spade scarf is a great example of a minimalist approach to color-blocking. Personally, I like the fuschia and coral-peach DVF frock – fun and flirty! Perfect for a rehearsal dinner or summer wedding.
Keep in mind that darker colors minimize and camouflage; lighter colors highlight and emphasize. For example, if you’re bottom-heavy (and want to experiment with color-blocking), opt for a dress/top that’s navy or black on the bottom portion (Milly dress). A bright, light color on top will draw the attention upwards and away from your trouble spots.
Stay chic,
Annie
Pinterest: Take Cover
My new obsession? Pinterest. As a stylist and fashion-enthusiast, I’m constantly poring over magazines and high-fashion blogs. All of my magazines are doggy-eared, folded, and torn up. I have stacks of articles and pictures I’ve tacked to my huge corkboard for my business, and my computer desktop is overwhelmed with inspiration folders entitled, “Summer Trends,” “Resort Wear,” “Wedding Inspiration,” and “Client “X”, etc.
Pinterest takes my love of magazines, photo-journalism, fashion, and collective-itis and merges them into one: I can now create virtual “pin-boards” and keep them all in one place. For someone so visually-oriented, this takes the phrase “creative outlet” to a whole new level. Sheer genius, and uber-addicting.
One of my first boards is for summer cover-ups. I love these breezy kaftans and tunics for poolside lounging and stylish sun-bathing. Resort-wear, here we come!
Anthro “Fade Into Green Cover Up,” $118
Missoni Zigzag Crochet Playsuit, $760
Vix Ikat Vintage Cover Up, $242
Nanette Lepore Crochet Dress, $173
Lotta Stensson Tie Dye Maxi Kaftan, $515
DVF Printed Short Dress, $195
Tibi Beaded Drape Silk Dress, $297
To see more comments and thoughts on these summer cover-ups, click here – and feel free to follow A Chic Critique on Pinterest as I collect photos and style inspiration. In fact, start pinning yourself. Watch out – once you start, you can’t stop.
Stay chic, pinners.
Annie
Spring Staples: The Lightweight Jacket
I have a thing for lightweight, springy jackets. Utilitarian, yet current, they’re the quintessential companion for temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. For the office, I love an olive military jacket over a knit LBD, or paired with a slim-fitting tank and skirt. The 2010-2011 menswear-inspired trend still hasn’t run it’s course, and although it’s been tested, the blazer remains a classic wardrobe staple. For added polish and warmth, throw a light-colored blazer (think neutrals, creams, etc.) over a dress for a spring cocktail party, or add one to your nighttime ensemble of jeans, a silky top, and heels – the perfect amount of coverage for transitional weather.
Some ACC favies:
Elizabeth and James Codi Jacket, $395. Love, love, love this black & white striped number. Hot over a black dress or with skinnies & heels.
Anthropologie Airborne Jacket, $198
Free People Military Puff-Sleeve Jacket, $128. Easy & effortless with jeans.
Amanda Uprichard Relaxed Blazer, $99. This also comes in gray, but how a-mazing is this peachy nude? Great on warm, sunny blondes, or anyone with a tan (not me).
Elizabeth and James Rolled Sleeve Elizabeth Blazer (off-white), $395
You can find great, fitted blazers and jackets at a variety of stores within different price points. You don’t have to shop ‘high’ to get the look. Love the Stella McCartney at Barney’s, and that DVF at Net-A-Porter, but can’t afford the pricetag? Places like Piperlime, Nordstrom, J.Crew and Loft will give you the trendy look without the hefty pricetag. Just be a savvy shopper (now’s a great time to find jackets on sale), and look for quality and fit – or make an appointment with me to help you make smart, stylish choices. That’s what I’m here for!
Stay chic this spring – and rock a lightweight jacket.
Annie
70’s Inspiration
Growing up, one of the eras I was most fascinated with were the 1960’s and 70’s. As a little girl, I always told myself I’d love to go back to Woodstock or the time of Dazed and Confused. From a fashion-standpoint, I was obsessed with the chunky wooden platforms, high-waisted jeans, peasant tops, and earthy beads.
Two fashion icons that inspired salient style trends in the 70’s that continue to exert their influence and legacy on designers to this day: Joan Baez & Jane Birkin.
High-waisted pants & jeans, suede bags and jackets, denim, peasant tops, platform heels and floppy, wide-brimmed hats. (google images)
This spring, I get my way.
A) Silk dress, Diane von Furstenberg, $445, DVF.com
B) Notify High-Rise Flare Jeans, $240
C) Seychelles Chant, $110
D) Hive & Honey Turquoise Bead Necklace, $48
E) Juicy Couture Silk Tiered Maxi Dress, $350
F) Halston Heritage Off-the-shoulder Dress, $395
G) Alternative The Petey, $138
H) Cotton crepe blouse, Marc Jacobs, $625, at Marc Jacobs, NYC
I) Current/Elliott Dorothy Stretch-Denim Pencil Skirt, $168
J) Tory Burch High-rise Flair Jeans, $195
K) Suede and lacquered platform, Laurence Dacade, $670, similar styles at laurence-dacade.com
L) Lucky Brand Seed Bead Bracelet, $45
M) La Garconne Saddle Bag, $310
Don’t forget a wide-brim hat – perfect in time for summer – to complete the 70’s vibe you’re going for. Love.
Stay chic,
Annie
Wrap It Up
When asking for feedback from my blog readers, a couple of different women responded that they would like different suggestions and options for cute, dressy-casual outfits for work. Tired of the all-too-predictable and recurrent “suit,” and perhaps aching for a wardrobe update, these women expressed the need for both style and functionality. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll continue to share my ideas for office attire, starting with today: the wrap dress.
Now considered “iconic” due to the famous designs of Diane Von Furstenberg, the wrap dress is universally flattering and always office-chic. While many WD’s are made of stretch jersey, some dressier silk versions have been updated as cocktail attire. Because the silhouette of the wrap follows the natural contours of a woman’s body – highlighting and emphasizing the waist (in particular, right under the ribcage) – the overall effect is a slenderizing one, regardless of weight, body shape or size. Keep in mind: the length of the dress should be no higher than a couple of inches above the knee in order to be appropriate for a law firm or classroom. If you’re large-chested, wearing a cami underneath is a must; don’t skimp on the necessary undergarments!
Pair a springy wrap frock with nude pumps or slingbacks for a formal office setting – in a more casual setting, pair with espadrilles or strappy sandals.
Images 1, 3, & 4 DVF / Image 2 BR
A wrap dress is not only office-appropriate, but is also perfectly suited for a bridal luncheon, meeting the parents, a date-night, or a country-club lunch. Effortless, yet sophisticated, a wrap dress is both versatile and slimming. I would encourage every woman to stock up on as many wrap dresses as possible; this style will withstand the test of time. A wardrobe staple like this is always worth the investment. Trust me.
Tibi Printed Silk Wrap Dress, (was $385, now $173!) A dressier option I adore.
Just Cavalli Printed Jersey Wrap Dress, $450
Diane Von Furstenberg Naudia Wrap Dress, $365 – This is an ideal option for spring office attire.
Lauren by Ralph Lauren “Cathleen” Stretch Cotton Wrap Dress, $134. Yet another office-friendly frock.
DVF “Rilia” Silk Dress, $345 – Cute, casual & cool.
Tibi Draped Twill Wrap Dress, $380
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Florals Pt. 1: Frocks
Roses are red, violets are blue, flowers are nice for Valentine’s, but floral frocks are, too.
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about those “transitional” items in your closet. By transitional, I mean jackets, dresses, skirts, and tops that can easily be combined with a spring (or winter) item, thus making the outfit more “in-between-seasons” appropriate. With the weather gradually getting warmer – but still very cool – it’s important to think in terms of layers.
One such transitional piece? A lightweight, floral dress. Pair one with your go-to winter standards: tights, tall, slouchy boots (or flat riding boots), and a jean jacket or hip-length cardigan. As the weather warms up, ditch the tights, and the jacket/cardigan will provide the perfect amount of coverage for those cool, spring days.
Wear one of these :
a) Thread Social Floral Dress, $452 b) Eight Sixty Floral Print Dress, $84 c) Diane Von Furstenberg Mya Printed Kaftan, $195 d) Rebecca Taylor Floral Print Silk Dress, $295 e) Elizabeth and James Floral Print Dress, $395 f) Rebecca Taylor Sweet Pea Floral Printed Dress, $375
and pair it with this:
Current/Elliot “Majorette” Denim Jacket, $268.95 (I adore Current/Elliot jean jackets – timeless, cool, & sophisticated. You can’t go wrong with one).
or perhaps this:
J. Crew Infinity Cardigan (hip-length), $89.50 (the curry is so perfect for spring)
and a pair of these:
Frye Taylor Pull-on, on sale for $239.99
Keep wearing your winter boots and sweaters – but pair them with lighter, flowery dresses. Remember: think layers! Stay tuned for another post on florals for spring – they’re everywhere.
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Shoe Alert: Cone Heels
Fashion – by nature – is cyclical. Certain classics remain stylish wardrobe staples throughout the years; others revolve in and out of fashion by season, or even by decade.
For spring 2011, we’re seeing the appearance of cone heels yet again, much to my joy and excitement. Cone heels & platforms help diffuse the weight of your body and evenly distribute it along your foot. The result? A heel that’s much more forgiving and comfortable to wear. Wood heels and cork are still au courant, as is Fall 2010’s clog trend: think 1970’s with a modern twist.
1) Stuart Weitzman Codex Slide, $345
2) Nine West Alsace, $89
3) Franco Sarto Hot, $79
4) Jimmy Choo “Urban” Sandal, $395
5) N.Y.L.A. Poin, $59.99
6) DVF Flynn Platforms, $295
7) Michael Kors Dove Sandal, $98
Stay chic & happy Friday!
Annie
Spring Stripes + the Breton
Nothing screams resort-wear more than stripes. Spring 2011 runway shows saw the use of this pattern relentlessly on dresses, tops, skirts, and bathing suits from numerous designers. Classic and preppy, stripes communicate a polished yet sophisticated approach to casual.
Lela Rose Resort 2011; DVF Resort 2011; Christian Dior Resort 2011; Jason Wu Resort 2o11 (all images via style.com)
There are a couple of tips to keep in mind while considering how to best wear stripes:
- Boyish figures look fantastic in stripes – stripes help create curves on petite, thinner frames.
- If you have a curvy or voluptuous figure, stay away from thick, horizontal stripes as they have an unwanted “expanding” effect on your silhouette. Offset this problem by wearing thin striped pieces, as they’re much more delicate and forgiving.
- Vertical stripes elongate your figure; horizontal stripes mimic a bias-cut and are uber-flattering.
images via the Sartorialist
The “Breton” striped top (seen above left) is considered a classic piece every woman should have in her closet. The “Breton” got it’s name from French sailors and fishermen, who traditionally wore the lightweight cotton-chambray, striped top with it’s wide, boat-neck. The style was popularized in the 1930’s when Coco Chanel adopted the look as her own while on vacation in the French Riviera. Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Edie Sedgwick were all fans of the Breton, solidifying it’s iconic place in style history.
The Breton THEN (image via Google), Audrey Hepburn
The Breton NOW, Claudia Schiffer (image via Google). Eternally chic.
A Chic Critique picks:
J. Crew St. James Naval II Tee, $115
Milly “Mariner” Sweater, $235
DVF Arely Bis Dress in Giant Balloon Stripe, $345. Oh Diane. You’ve done it again. Isn’t this wrap dress oh, so darling?
Rebecca Taylor Striped Jersey Top, $145
McGinn Ivy Stripe Tank Dress, $295
J. Crew Indigo Stripe Boatneck Sailor Tee, $65
Stripes are eternally stylish and foundational to your wardrobe. Channel your inner Audrey or Coco this spring, and stay chic.