Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
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
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
Best Coats for your Body Type
Winter is just around the corner, and as you begin to search for that perfect winter coat, here are some guidelines to help you in the process. Remember, there are specific silhouettes that flatter certain body types – so, keep these tips in mind as you shop. I’ve chosen my favorites for each body-type below.
Heavy-Chested
- Look for single-breasted styles as they won’t pull across your large chest. Steer clear of double-breasted! Trenched and belted styles also help create and/or emphasize a narrow middle.
- The ideal fit is slim, and you should be looking for a coat that is hip-length or longer.
J. Crew Italian Wool Blazecoat, now on sale for $222.40.
This Burberry Trench would also make another great option.
Curvy
- Look for a belted silhouette, or a seam than runs across your natural waist in order to highlight your hourglass frame. Show off that whittled middle! Single-breasted coats are a must for curvy figures.
- Stay away from bulky blends and materials. If you’re full-figured or plus-sized, look for an A-line cut.
Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Long Front Trench, $595
Pear
- Look for a waist-cinching silhouette that flatters your narrow upper-half. Also, look for details on the top (ruffles, embellishments) that draw the eye upwards.
- An A-line silhouette is your best friend, so look for a fit that is roomy throughout the hips and thighs (this will help camouflage unwanted bulk).
Anthropologie Cassonade Coat, $198
Another great (and uber-affordable) option for a pear-shaped figure would be this coat from Target.
Petite
- Look for sharp tailoring and lines in a coat. Length-wise, look for one that hits at the hip, or below (but not below the knees); you don’t want to overwhelm your frame.
- Try a bold, bright, “notice-me” color or print (such as houndstooth, plaid, etc.).
J.Crew Stadium Cloth Peacoat, $196
Another option for all you tiny-tater-tots to try would be this cute plaid ruffle coat.
Narrow/Athletic
- Try a double-breasted look if you’re smaller-chested and would like to create the illusion of curves.
- Look for detailing such as ruffles, hem-stitching, buttons or bows that draw the eye up and add volume.
Kensie Ruffled Bib Coat, $153
Another option for narrow, athletic figures is this Kate Spade belted coat. Killer color, curve-creating, and the A-line silhouette balances broad shoulders.
Stay chic,
Annie
Chic Cosmetic Carryalls
A stylish, yet practical makeup bag is a must for toting around your best cosmetic essentials. Kate Spade has always designed chic printed cosmetic and jewelry totes, and designers like Tory Burch are constantly coming up with “not your grandmother’s makeup bag” styles.
Whether you prefer a larger cosmetic bag, or a three-piece travel set, there are a multitude of options for all you makeup lovers out there.
Tocca Blue Cosmetic Bag, $36. I love this preppy, geometric print, and it’s roomy and spacious!
Kate Spade Sant Elmo Stripe Large Cosmetic Bag, $125
Trina 3-Piece Travel Set, $32
Tory Burch Alice Large Cosmetic Case, $95. The orange is so mod and unexpected – not “cutesy” at all (so you’ll like it if pink isn’t your thing).
Please, ladies, be honest with yourselves. Is the bottom of your makeup bag covered in dried nail polish and caked in powder? If so, it might just be time to consider investing in a new bag. With a plethora of fashionable bags to choose from, there is no excuse not to keep your makeup clean and organized in style.
Stay chic,
Annie
Chic Travel: Carryall
Now that many airlines require you to pay if you check a bag, it can be daunting to consolidate and pack only the essentials. A chic, roomy carryall is the perfect solution when traveling: store your magazines, I-pod, bottled water, book, wallet/passport, sunglasses & even a small makeup bag. In addition to your luggage, it can be overwhelming to keep track of both a purse & a carry-on bag. Never fear! The carry-all is your saving grace, my friends.
Clockwise, starting from top left:
1. Kate Spade “Willa,” $365
2. J. Crew Exhibitor “Mega Tote,” $375
3. Longchamp ‘Le Pliage Large‘ Tote Bag $145 (Longchamp is a favorite handbag & luggage designer of mine. Their easy to care for, water-resistant nylon totes are great multi-purpose bags, and I am a huge fan of their entire luggage line. The “Le Pliage” bags come in numerous different colors!
4. Robe di Firenze Leather Carry-all, $515
My recommendation is to purchase a neutral-colored carryall as it will be more versatile from season-to-season.
Stay chic,
Annie
Contact A Chic Critique (annie@achiccritique.com) to help you pack for your impending getaway or vacation.
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,