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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
The LWD (Little White Dress)
Summer is an ideal time to show off your bronzed legs and arms – why not in a lovely white frock? The little white dress (LWD) is quickly becoming another wardrobe must and style staple. Chic, elegant and polished, white dresses are unfussy and sophisticated. Whether you opt for a cocktail dress or a day dress, make no mistake: you can’t go wrong with white.
Bright “white, white” is a hard color to pull off, but it can be done. Winter whites and off-whites look beautiful against a peaches and cream complexion (pink undertones), whereas those with olive and golden undertones in their skin can typically pull off a “bleached” white. Self-tanner, anyone?
image credit: 1; 2; 3; 4
Splendid stretch cotton & modal-blend T-shirt dress, $110
Versatile t-shirt dresses and simple knits like this (above) should be at the core of your wardrobe. White goes well with a tan, as well as bold, bright accessories (i.e. a clutch or sandals).
Tibi sequin-embellished asymmetric silk dress, $375
Get your party on in this rockin’ white number by Tibi (the sequin detailing is to die for).
Elizabeth and James Anita Kimono Maxi Dress, $485
Put this E&J on my lust-list. A dreamy, easy, vacation piece.
Antik Batik Embroidered Cotton Dress, $245
+ platform chunky sandals & bangles.
Mui Mui Ruffled cady shift dress, $903
The ruffle adds an unexpected touch and sophisticated polish to a basic shift dress. I love this for a going-away dress after a wedding, or for an engagement party.
J. Crew Heirloom Cotton Dress, $495
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
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
Mad for Military
I’m not one for focusing on “trends” on my website: I’d rather point my readers and clients to classic, timeless wardrobe essentials that will be in your closet for years to come. Having said that, I’m allowed to deviate from time-to-time for trends that I think are actually recyclable, right? One such piece this fall? The military jacket.
image via here
Marc Jacobs (image via here)
So how do you wear it?
A twill military jacket is perfect for fall because it’s a lightweight outerwear option. Versatile & cool, this jacket can be worn casually with jeans or black pants over a white, basic tee. Dress it up by wearing it over one of your flowy, summer dresses and belting it (yet another way to get a few more weeks of use out of your summer frocks). The olive color works as a neutral so you can use it in a multitude of looks.
My picks:
Burberry Prorsum Military Brass-Button Jacket, $1,795
Juicy Couture Twill Military Jacket, $298
Elizabeth and James Shrunken Military Jacket, $395
Phillip Lim Skylar Twill Military Jacket, $298 – such a chic option.
Sanctuary Military Jacket, $130 – The nipped-in waist and hip-length perfect accentuate and follow the contours of your body. I love the detailing! This is my favie.
All in all – a great piece for your fall wardrobe.
Stay chic,
Annie
Peep Show
As we’re halfway through summer, I have my eye on transitional (i.e. season-to-season) pieces. Meet the perfect pair of warm-to-cool weather kicks: the peep-toe bootie. Pair with straight-leg or skinny jeans, a tunic and leggings, a floaty chiffon dress, or even a pencil skirt for work. Tip: to avoid truncating your legs, look for a low cut bootie (no higher than your ankle bone) when wearing with skirts or dresses.
A style for all seasons = a peep-toe shoe.
Images via InStyle
My picks:
This scoop cut-out Vince Camuto automatically lengthens your gams.
Oh, Elizabeth and James ($375), how I love thee. Suede, foldover bootie in nude? Go for it.
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,