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Chunky Monkey
With the 70’s bohemian trend dominating this fall, shoe collections are full of platform, wedge and chunky, wooden heels. While a classic low-heeled or flat riding boot is still a versatile and stylish everyday choice, I love the look of a chunky-heeled boot. Stacked and cone heels are much more comfortable than a stiletto heel; additionally, they still give you a boost of height as well as a coveted and lengthening lift to your leg.
Here are my picks:
Top row, from left: YSL New Chyc leather knee boots, $1295; Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather & Corduroy Knee Boots, $580; Woper by Steve Madden, $239
Bottom row, from left: Loeffler Randall Lidia, $525; Vince Camuto Braden, $149; Kamila by Ivanka Trump, $260
Flat boots and riding boots look fantastic with skinny jeans and leggings; however, if you’re short or voluptuous, a ‘flat’ heel doesn’t give you the illusion of height and elongation that a mid to high heeled boot will give you. These chunky heeled boots are sexy without being racy, and any of these would pair well with a skirt and opaque tights in the office, or jeans and a wrap sweater on the weekend. A neutral boot will complement any ensemble in your closet. My choice for clients is often to put them in a cognac, tan, or camel-leather colored boot with a medium heel: not too high, not too low, and entirely polished and sophisticated. A neutral color goes with everything, and a little bit of a heel is always flattering, regardless of your height or body shape!
Stay chic,
Annie
Update: The Kendra Scott giveway winner will be announced the morning of Thursday, Oct. 13th! Stay tuned.
Fall Must-Have: Printed Scarves
Every woman needs to have at least one bold, oversized, statement scarf in her closet this fall. This accessory wins first place in the versatility department, and defines the phrase “effortlessly chic.” Not only will a bright pop of color next to your face bring out your eyes and hair color, a whimsical scarf can add instantaneous polish and pizazz to a basic tee, sweater dress, or blazer and jeans. Tip: for extra warmth this season, look for scarves that are made out of a wool or cashmere blend.
Here are some of my favorites for fall:
A) Marc by Marc Jacobs Jungle Animal Print Wool Scarf, $180
B) Halogen Snake Challis Scarf, $58
C) Lulla Collection Chevron Striped Scarf, $29
D) Theodora & Callum Aztec Blanket Scarf, $175
E) YSL Leopard print wool & cashmere blend scarf, $995
F) Halogen Optic Scarf, $38
G) Stella McCartney cashmere/silk/wool blend Fern print scarf, $685
H) Theodora & Callum Paint Burst Scarf, $155
Printed scarves are on trend, but still remain a classic wardrobe staple. Throw one on as you head out the door for work; it will give any outfit a colorful and stylish edge, especially if you pair yours with simple basics (tee, neutral knits, jeans, etc.). The ways to style and tie a scarf are endless:
image via here
Rosie rockin’ a large and in-charge scarf.
image via here
Get your scarf on.
Stay chic,
Annie
Go Shortie, It’s your Birthday
I won’t lie – I’m constantly compiling a “want-list” (or should I say, “need-list”). We all do it, don’t we? However, this time I’m giving myself an excuse to publish this indulgent pastime: my birthday is just around the corner, and I’m in the market for some fall goodies.
Bernardo Zip Front Leather Jacket from Nordstrom
Hello, lover. This sandstone gray is a refreshing neutral choice for fall. Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Helene Leather Tote
Lordane Leaf Earrings from Mimi (private label). Obsessed. Have you shopped Taigan yet?
I have been on a major oversized watch kick the last year. Add this Michael Kors Oversized Chronograph Goldtone watch (44 mm) to my collection, please.
Mixing gold & silver is so current – plus, I have had my eye on these beauties for a while. Losselliani Feather & Rhinestone Stacked Rings
A girl can never have enough leopard print-anything.
A Tolani Leopard Scarf? Safe to say I would wear the spots out of this thing. A must-have accessory for your fall & winter wardrobe!
I’ve also been oogling this “Willis” Coach classic bag, seen displayed by blogger & fashionista Blair Eadie here:
Uber-versatile, no? The perfect everyday bag for fall.
What’s on your fall wish list?
Annie
Fall Preview: Colored Crazy
Colored denim has circulated in and out of the fashion world for decades, but this is one trend that’s slowly starting to edge its way into the “can’t go wrong / classic” category. What a refreshing departure from predictable, dark “blue” denim washes. Here’s how some celebrities are wearing the rainbow:
Notice a trend here? Pair your colored denim with neutrals and keep it simple on top. Black, white, nude/khaki blazers, etc.
All three ladies get a prize. Especially love LA’s colorful scarf (adds a nice pop) and Whitney’s denim button-up. (all 6 photos via fashionnews/google)
Here are some of my picks for bold, bright denim for late summer and fall:
Hudson May Five Pocket Skinny, $165
J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny, $176
Current / Elliott Skinny Stretch Ankle Jeans, $168
Marc by Marc Jacobs Jeans, $98
J Brand Mid Rise Skinny Pants, $176
Current / Elliott The Ankle Skinny, $138
How would I style colored denim jeans? With basic knits & blazers!
Look #1
Look #2
Don’t think you can pull them off? You can. Just remember to stick with basic neutrals; let the loud denim color speak for itself. If you’re not a fan of the brighter colors, stick with a more muted palette – blush pink, olive green, grays, or even burnt orange – all perfect for fall!
Stay chic,
Annie
Shades of Gray
I’m not sure if it’s my current obsession with OPI’s “Skull & Glossbones,” (the perfect manicure shade for summer), or the soothing effect of Benjamin Moore’s “Cliffside Gray” (thanks, Katie Lee), but I can’t seem to get enough of gray. I even styled my bedroom after Miss Lee’s house, which is replete with this color. From rich purple grays to understated blue and white-grays, this color palette is both soothing and current. Chevron pillows, statement cocktail rings, and washes of bedroom color all look cool and effortless in a shade of gray.
Some favie gray pieces and inspiration for you:
Top row, from left: Madeline Weinrib Organic Gray Chevron Pillow; Jolie B. Ray Moonstone Cocktail Ring, $2,400; Maison Scotch Leather Shopper, $178
Middle row, from left: Katie Lee (Joel)’s guest bedroom (image via Google) – color on walls is Benjamin Moore’s Cliffside Gray – this is the color on my bedroom walls!; OPI “Skull & Glossbones,”; Essie “Great Expectations“
Third row, from left: Soft Joie Redmond Long Skirt, $118; Marc by Marc Jacobs Faceted Ring, $68; Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent Jaden Sandals, $245
Can anyone guess the bottom right picture?
Another reason to wear gray? It’s timeless, versatile, and acts as an instant neutral: wear anything gray against a pop of vibrant, summer color to balance your look. Tired of your basic black and white pieces? Take the modern route and go gray. I’m in love!
Stay chic,
Annie
April Showers
…bring rain coats!
Although I loathe dreary weather (namely, getting wet), it certainly helps to wear a sophisticated rain coat. Rain never stopped Carrie Bradshaw from looking chic, right? Don a waist-cinching trench or a curve-skimming rain coat, and you’ll kill two birds with one stone. Functional? Check. Stylish? Check.
clockwise, starting top left: images via Joris Bruring; Alan Davidson; Google; Rona Keller
My picks:
Fashion Rain Coats:
Burberry Check Packaway Hood Field Jacket, $750 (obsessed, obsessed). Burberry is known for designing timeless, classic outerwear; this piece indicates no less. The longer length and cinched waist follow the contours of your body without adding unwanted bulk.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Celeste Rain Jacket, $328. Simple yet elegant – ideal for those rainy days on the way to work. The neutral color compliments virtually any outfit. Worth the investment!
Anthropologie Weather Report Cape, $595 (How darling is the bright yellow?)
Forzieri (Italia) Blue Metallic Wind Coat, $492. I love the structured femininity of this coat, and the navy blue adds a rich pop of color.
Sporty / Casual Raincoat I love:
NF Women’s Venture Jacket, $99 (Inexpensive and durable, this lightweight jacket comes in a plethora of cheerful spring colors (coral, mint green, turquoise, bright orange), so what’s not to love? Great for those cool, misty spring days.)
A dressier, weather-resistant trench is foundational to any woman’s closet – wear it with a skirt and heels to the office, or over a cocktail dress on a night out. A more casual, sporty rain coat is also a necessity if you want something versatile and low-maintenance.
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Preview: Handbags
Spring is just around the corner, and as such, I have some perfect transitional bags to whet your style-appetite.
1. Cole Haan Valise Jenna (Nougat), $428
2. Melie Bianco Margo, $98 – What a steal for such a darling, canvas tote. Utilitarian-chic.
3. Elliott Luca Tarrasa Tote, $198
4. Tiffany & Co. Reversible Tote, $595 (more colors available) Don’t shy away from pops of color in your wardrobe this spring. This versatile Tiffany-blue bag is reversible: suede on one side, metallic on the other!
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Leather Bag, $350
6. Miu Miu Matelasse Shoulder Bag, $1,695
7. Diane Von Furstenberg Laragh Wide-Striped Canvas Hobo (red interior), $185 – To die for. I am crazy about DVF’s Spring 2011 resort line of handbags: the prints are ethnic-inspired, bold & whimsical. Itching to see more? You can check them out here.
Which one is your favorite?
Stay chic,