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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
Tribal Fever
It was love at first sight when I saw the Spring 2011 RTW collection from Tracy Reese this year. Playing on the ethnic trend other designers also nodded to this spring, she combined feminine, luxurious silks and chiffons with bold, eclectic tribal prints.
Boho-styling + Tracy Reese + tribal inspiration = yes, please.
Tracy Reese Spring 2011 RTW
This spring, nothing communicates “effortlessly chic” more than a breezy turquoise tunic, an aztec-inspired necklace, or a bright, ethnic-print bag. A simple statement cuff adds edge to any white t-shirt and jeans!
1) Tory Burch Tricia Wedge, $495
2) Mara Hoffman Chieftan Story Tribal Bikini, $170
3) Twelfth Street Cami Dress in Zulu, $425
4) John Hardy Sterling Silver Cuff, $895
5) BR Tribal Tubular Necklace, $39.50
6) Juicy Couture Vintage Orange Dress, $129
7) Tibi Beaded Chiffon Dress, $297
8 ) Cynthia Vincent Berkeley Bag, $295
9) House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Cuff Bracelet in Turquoise, $220
Stay chic,
Annie
Pretty Please, Ponte
I went on a little getaway this past weekend to Chicago, and being the ardent consumer I am, did more than my fair share to stimulate the economy. When traveling, especially by plane, I find it essential to master both comfort and style simultaneously. The solution? The ponte-knit legging/pant.
Kristin Stewart wearing the Juicy Couture Ponte Knit Straight Pant, on sale for $62.97
I lived in my PNL (literally) for days in Chicago. They are comfortable, flattering, and versatile, and can easily be worn with flats and a tunic on the plane, or riding boots and a knit wrap sweater walking around the city during the day. Thicker and a bit more structured than regular spandex/cotton blend leggings, ponte knit pants are more appropriate for nights out, and certainly more forgiving than your typical pair of go-to leggings.
These favie babies of mine are now on sale at Piperlime for $85.99 (down from $123)! Tested, tried & true.
Have you ever seen someone walking around with leggings or tights as pants? Yikes. It’s not pretty. Leggings and tights were NEVER meant to be worn alone – they’re designed as layering pieces to be worn under tunics, dresses, skirts, or with a longer top that hits well below your bottom. If your little bottom is uncovered in tights and leggings, you’re not allowed to leave the house. Period.
A PNL or pant, however, can be worn with regular-length tops and sweaters because of it’s jean-like design and thicker fabric. My favorite pair? The James Jean PNL (see above). Another pair I love:
Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Ponte Pant, $138
Yes, you can wear PNL’s if you’re over 40! A ponte knit pant is age-appropriate for women in their 50’s and 60’s – just remember they should be fitted, but not too tight. Pair yours with flats or pumps and a winter white or camel knit sweater or a classic white button-up / oxford.
Regardless of your age, remember that as a general rule of thumb, the thinner the material, the more coverage you’ll need. Tights & leggings don’t equal pants! Invest in a pair of PN pants, and you’ll see the difference. Comfort, check. Style, check. Versatility? Check, check.
Stay chic,
Annie
Shopping sidenote: a MUST-see store in Chicago is Akira. This “Chicago-based” store is replete with designer duds in mid-price levels. They had an incredible denim selection (Genetic Denin, Seven for All Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, etc.) and a to-die-for collection of cocktail dresses, belts, and scarves. Boutique-y and trendy, I’d take Akira’s personal attention and customer service any day over the crowds and mass-produced clothes of H&M. Brands include House of Harlow, TOMS, Chinese Laundry, and Akira’s own line. You’ll find some one-of-a-kind pieces at this windy city boutique! A big thanks to Chicago’s own stylist & shopper extraordinaire, Heather Kenny, for recommending it to me.
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
Fall Preview: Leather Jackets
With the impending arrival of fall, I find myself gravitating towards cropped leather jackets. With fitted and body-conscious silhouettes, these little leather beauties aren’t anything like your dad’s leather jacket. While initially an investment (yes, sometimes it hurts at first to buy those lasting, quality pieces), a leather jacket will be in your wardrobe for years to come: trust me. The perfect blend of masculine and feminine, this versatile style can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on what you wear it with.
Trouve Quilted Leather Jacket – ON SALE TODAY for $198 for Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale! Usually $298. This is my favie!
Juicy Couture Cropped Leather Jacket, $698
BB Dakota Jacket, $240, in cream beige, via Piperlime
Doma Asymmetric Leather Jacket, $310
What I would wear one with:
Look 1: boot-cut jeans + a white knit tee + layered chain necklaces = more casual look (running errands, lunch with friends)
Look 2: straight leg black slim pants/jeans + long, flowy, going-out top + cage sandals or booties = edgy look for a night out or date!
Play with proportions – a cropped jacket looks great layered over a longer top and straight leg or skinny jeans (depending on your body type).
I heart leather jackets – don’t you?
Stay chic,
Annie
Neon Noise
Get ready to break out your shades: these hues are attention-grabbing and bold! Perhaps inspired by the 80’s, designers are choosing bright, neon-infused fabrics for summer. Recently at the SATC 2 premiere in NYC, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis both donned this latest color trend – the former wearing a neon yellow-green Valentino Couture gown, and the latter wearing a bright pink Jean Desses vintage gown.
SJP looks ah-mazing in that lime Valentino dress – agreed? Photo via here.
Every gal needs a neon tee, top, bathing suit or dress this summer – it’s simply a must! These colors are loud and proud and the perfect hues to accentuate your golden summer glow. From hot pinks and lemon yellows to neon greens, purples, and oranges, these colors are fun and skin-flattering (who doesn’t like that?).
CC Skye Day Glo Neon Cuff, $84
Splendid Vintage Whisper Shirt in Neon Pink, $48
Splendid Jersey Racer-back Tank, $44
Juicy Bracelet/Watch, Orange, $195
Smythson Travel Wallet and Passport holder, $340
Are you ready to rock the neon, ladies? Be loud and proud.
Stay chic,