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Coat of Arms
One must-have in your fall and winter wardrobe is a classic, wool overcoat. Fortunately, there are a host of sophisticated options in a variety of price points from which to choose from this season. From tailored trenches to single-breasted, belted numbers to timeless double-breasted peacoats, a well-made, warm, and versatile winter coat is both a functional necessity and a stylish statement.
Tips to keep in mind when shopping for a coat:
- A slightly flared A-line or tiered skirt will add curves to a boyish or athletic figure (narrow-hipped).
- A double-breasted (two rows of buttons) coat will enhance a smaller bustline.
- Ruffles or a gathered collar will add shape to a straight figure.
- If you’re voluptuous or curvy, a “bathroom-robe” style coat will highlight your small waist and define your hourglass shape.
- If you’re pear-shaped, detailing at the neckline will help draw the eye away from your torso and bottom, as will an empire-waist seam.
- If you’re petite, stay away from floor or ankle lengths, as they will easily overwhelm your frame.
- A single-breasted, A-line coat with streamlined, narrow lapels and contoured seaming is universally flattering.
Need List
J. Crew doublecloth metro coat, $298 – This coat is a favorite for clients of mine. Affordable and well-made, it also comes in a variety of bright colors. I love the oasis green and royal purple for fall; a coat is a great place to inject some COLOR into your winter wardrobe palette.
Michael Michael Kors wool-blend peacoat, $250. Can’t go wrong with a classic navy peacoat.
J. Crew Wool blend townhouse trench coat, $350
Want-List
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Wool & Cashmere blend coat, $800. This color is unusual and fun.
Vanessa Bruno Athe collarless wool-blend coat, $680. This coat would work with trouser pants and a blouse for work, and just as easily with jeans and flats. The seam at the waistline nips in your waist, and who doesn’t want that?
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Wool & Cashmere Blend coat, $765
Lust-List
Ralph Lauren Collection “Alexandria” camel hair coat, $4,900. A camel hair coat to last a lifetime.
Valentino Belted Wool & Silk blend coat, $3,980. Winter white is a DO.
Gucci Wool & cashmere-blend military coat, $3,590
Charcoal, camel, heather gray, navy, black and winter white are timeless choices; they’ll each complement any color palette as well as every ensemble. However, nothing is more striking than a bold, beautiful pop of color near your face, so my suggestion this season is to experiment with a colored piece of outerwear – think sumptuous jewel tones!
Stay chic,
Annie
Haute Hats for Fall
Fall obsession: wool, floppy hats.
Milly by Michelle Smith, Fall 2011 RTW
In keeping with the 70’s trend, runways were ablaze with floppy hats during Fall 2011 RTW shows. While wool fedoras, cloche hats and panama styles are still trending, this wide-brimmed style is current, cool, and effortless. You get sun-protection and bohemian flair in one hat – what’s not to like?
A Chic Critique likes:
Emilio Pucci Leather-trimmed wool felt hat, $355
Tarnish Floppy Hat, $38. One of my clients got it this past weekend; it’s actually more of a heather-plum than a brown. Looks killer on!
Eugenia Kim wide-brimmed rabbit felt hat, $395
Tarnish Laser-cut floppy hat, $32
This style will easily compliment most ensembles: try pairing yours with a peasant dress, a fur vest, and suede boots (for a boho-chic look). If polished and sophisticated is your preferred aesthetic, wear one with bootcut trouser jeans, a blazer, and pumps. You can’t go wrong – trust me.
images via google; various street styles
I’m all for rocking one, especially as the weather cools down. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, or you’re simply having a bad hair day, throw one on and head out the door.
Stay chic,
Annie
Have you entered my giveaway contest yet? You can win a pair of Kendra Scott earrings! For more information about how you can enter, see my last post.
Penchant for Pendants
One of the accessory trends for fall is a long, drapey statement necklace. I’ve always liked the ‘draping’ effect that pendants have; your gaze is automatically drawn vertically. For this reason, elongated pendant necklaces have a way of tricking the eye, making it appear as if you stand a bit taller. Who know an accessory could be flattering?
Simple, yet conspicuous, these necklaces marry well with almost anything: a little black dress, trousers and a flirty top, or my favorite – jeans and a t-shirt. You need little else to compete when wearing one, so keep your other jewelry understated.
A. Simpson via here; Frida Pinto via here; Lake Bell via here; Alexa Chung via here
Whether you’re attracted to organic, geometric, or feminine designs, don’t afraid to be a little expressive. Accessories are always the way to showcase your individuality!
My picks:
Oh, just moderately obsessed with this Robert Cavalli goodie ($620).
House of Harlow Metal Fringe Necklace, $135
Kenneth Jay Lane Sapphire Prism Pendant Necklace, $88
Dannijo Court Necklace, $320
Kendra Scott Statement Pendant Necklace, $57.90
Want.
Theodora & Callum Byzantium Necklace, $350
If you’ve ever seen my jewelry collection, it’s obvious I have a thing for long, lean necklaces – and the bigger, the better. Bring on the pendant party.
Stay chic,
Annie
Fall 2011: Tweed & Boucle Jackets
Ah, the timeless appeal and versatility of a classic wool jacket. The perfect transitional piece, this number compliments jeans, booties, and a t-shirt, and just as easily pairs well over a sheath dress for the office. Dress it up or dress it down; you’ll want at least one of these in your closet for fall.
See effortlessly chic this looks? image via here.
Some jackets for your perusal:
Oscar de la Renta tweed/wool jacket, $2,190
Moschino wool-blend bouclé jacket, $2,295
Markus Lupfer Wool-tweed biker jacket, $1,170
Steffen Schraut Green/Camel Bouclé Short Jacket, $405
Trina Turk Claudia Boucle Jacket, $398
The Look for Less:
BCBGeneration Bias-Trim Jacket, $148
Compagnia Italiana bouclè blazer, $119
Jersey Boucle Cropped Jacket, $90
Three ways to style a wool jacket:
1) Dressy: over a classic, Little Black Dress. Think sophisticated, Park Avenue-style.
2) For the office: pair with tailored trouser pants and a knit top. Add a cool, functional leather handbag + heels or slingbacks, and voila. Or, substitute the pants for a pencil skirt, and pair with a blouse.
3) Casually (or for a date night): pair with a fitted, hip-length knit tee in a neutral color (gray, white, black) and your favorite pair of jeans (straight, bootcut, or skinny). Top it off with a killer statement necklace. Add booties or pumps, or even flat riding boots.
Add one of these to your closet before cool weather hits, and you’ll be wearing it through February.
Stay chic,
Annie
Leopard Love
To say I have an affinity for leopard prints would be a gross understatement: this woman is obsessed. Nothing reeks of sophistication more. Leopard prints have a classic edge to them, a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends and fashions. I would argue that any leopard piece you invest in – be it a clutch, cashmere twinset, or pumps – will be in your closet for a lifetime, blending seamlessly with almost every ensemble. Fashion’s greatest style mavens and icons have delighted in and donned this chic print for years, not the least of which include Jackie O., Kate Moss, and Audrey Hepburn.
Image via here
This fall, in keeping with all the leopard love, the go-to accessory is a statement bag or clutch. If you're apprehensive about trying this print, keep in mind leopard doesn't have to read as kitchsy (you're not wearing it head-to-toe). Start small. I like to throw a pop of it against all black or neutrals - think camels, whites, grays. Here are my favorite bags:
A) Jimmy Choo Crocodile effect leather & calf hair clutch, $1,350
B) Valentino Double Handle Shoulder Bag, $2,575
C) Vince Camuto "Kate" Flap Bag, $158
D) Emilio Pucci Leopard print Flap Bag, $1,990
E) Miu Miu Leopard print calf-hair shoulder bag, $2,250
For the "luxe" look for less, check out this, this, and this (all under $150!) one.
I like to think of my Grandma Laura wearing leopard - I vaguely remember her leopard shoulder bags and coat. Fashion fades, but style is eternal, according to Yves Saint Laurent. Words to live by!
Stay chic,
Annie
The Zoe Report
To the delight of her loyal and devoted followers worldwide, stylist Rachel Zoe recently debuted her first RTW (ready-to-wear) collection in luxury department stores. Known for her boho-chic and glamorous style, Rachel has not only charmed the fashion world, but the mass-consumer market as well. Her fall 2011 collection is flying off the racks – and not surprisingly. With sumptuous fabrics, exceptional tailoring and a rich color palette, her pieces reflect her style aptitude and eye for luxury.
images courtesy of style.com
Here are some of my favorite RZ Collection pieces for fall:
Leopard LOVE. Must-have. Natalie Tie-Collar Blouse, $295. This is going on my birthday wish-list.
Belted Military Jacket, $525. Outerwear-lust.
I spy my go-to cocktail dress for fall. This would flatter anyone. Elizabeth dress, $395. Hello, velvet trim!
Do you DIE?
Love her.
Stay chic,
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
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
Flirty Fragrances
What does your perfume say about you? What would you like it to communicate? Sexiness? Strength? Confidence? Femininity? Are you attracted to musky scents? Earthy? Vanilla? Floral?
Regardless, I think the perfumes we love and wear are indicative of our personalities and preferences. Have you ever noticed how certain men always reek of cologne? You can smell them from a mile away – and that’s how they like it. Pungent. It might be overwhelming, bold and intense, but perhaps these men are, too!
Personally, I find myself inextricably drawn to feminine, floral scents. I like to smell “flirty,” but not overtly sexy: nothing too overbearing or fragrant. It comes as no surprise that I buy perfumes that possess these qualities. There’s a fine line between saturation and being devoid of a scent; I like to live in that delicate middle-ground.
Some perfumes that I wear:
Issey Miyake 2.5 oz, $95
Michael Kors Eau de Parfum, 1.7 oz, $70
Hands down, my two favorite perfumes in the world are Michael Kors and Issey Miyake. I get more compliments when wearing Michael Kors (from both men and women) than any other perfume I’ve ever worn. Issey is a wonderful daytime fragrance – light, floral, simple. MK is just an intoxicating, glorious fragrance; you’ll swoon when you smell it.
I had a brief affair with Lola by Marc Jacobs last summer, and she’s still my go-to for dates or weddings, or even those nights out when I want a little more spice in my step. (3.4 oz, $88). Marc even describes this perfume as “sexy.”
My current obsession is Coach “Poppy.” Just charming and delicious – smells fresh and sweet. (1.7 oz, $60)
I just can’t seem to stop wearing this, and with a name like “Poppy”, who wouldn’t want to wear it?
What are your favorite perfumes? How do you like to smell?
Stay chic,
Annie
Jean Week: White Hot
Forget your grandmother’s fashion rules (no white after Labor Day or before Memorial Day) – they’re obsolete. The new rule for wearing white: there IS no rule! White jeans are absolutely essential to any woman’s closet; they’re versatile, chic, and appropriate for all seasons. It’s all about how you wear them, and what you wear them with. How to wear white in winter is another discussion entirely – today’s focus is on styling white jeans for spring and summer.
First and foremost, ladies, now’s not the time to wear your sporty panties or cotton whites. With white jeans, it’s all about the nude thong – no exceptions allowed. You wouldn’t wear hot pink or black cotton bikini panties underneath a white sundress, would you? I think not. The thong is necessary because your white jeans should be fitted and body-skimming, and you don’t want to be dealing with a bad case of the ‘bunchies.’
My picks:
Paige Denim Lou-Lou Tulip Jeans, $179 – with a hint of spandex, there is a little bit more give and stretch. If you have curves, Paige understands.
Citizens of Humanity Ava Straight-leg Jeans, $154. A straight leg jean will always flatter and elongate your legs.
7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans, $169
Sold Spring Street Skinny Jeans, $98
A few more affordable options here and here; and if you adore skinnies, then here.
What to wear them with?
For spring, I would suggest going bold and wearing primary colors and jewel tones, which really pop against white. Pair your whites with hot pink, royal blue, coral, fuschia, teal, turquoise – any of which really contrast with the neutral. For an understated, sophisticated palette, pair your your white jeans with a soft camel, blush or gray cardigan.
If you don’t already own a pair (or five), invest in one for spring!
Stay chic,
Annie