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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 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
Michelle Armas
Happiness is…
a Michelle Armas painting.
“Sari”, Acrylic, 20 x 20
“Rose Gold,” Acrylic, 16 x 20
“Cassandra,” Acrylic, 20 x 20
Prices available on website. Click here to see more of her lovely paintings, prints and more.
A piece of colorful, whimsical artwork is a wonderful way to make a sophisticated statement in your home – in a dining room, a foyer, or over a bed. Because Michelle’s paintings are so vibrant, I like the idea of juxtaposing the painting next to a neutral color (a stark white, pale gray, etc.).
In here, perhaps. (image via Skona Hem). Just a wee pop of color would do (although this dining room is close to perfection).
Stay chic,
Annie
I heart Karen Walker
It’s June, folks – that means it’s time for backyard BBQ’s, music in the garden, and long drives at sunset with the top down. My go-to summer essentials? SPF 30, a wide-brimmed floppy hat, and a chic pair of oversized sunglasses! In addition to laying out and romping around the city this summer, you might see me sporting my Karen Walker sunnies.
Karla donning her “Deep Freeze” KW’s. image via here.
“Perfect Day” Sunglasses, about $180
Karen Walker, you say? Move over Chanel, Gucci and Ray Ban. Haven’t been introduced to her yet? Get ready to believe in love at first sight, because her eyewear collection will knock you over. Celebrities like Alexa Chung, Joy Bryant, and Florence Welch all wear and adore her shades. She also happens to be one of the most sought-after, prominent fashion designers in Hobbiton New Zealand.
New Zealand: home, sweet home to fashion designer Karen Walker. Okay, so she doesn’t actually live in the Shire. Sue me. (google images)
Her sunglasses are fabulously modern and chic; I like the “retro” vibe many of them have, harkening our ears and eyes back to the 1960’s. My favorite pair is the “Deep Freeze” – large (but not too large), and rectangular shaped. In tortoise shell, these could be considered a classic go-to pair of sunnies for your collection: they ooze sophistication. Another lovely choice is the “Perfect Day” pair, if you like the dramatic, “cat-eye” shape.
Blair Eadie wearing the “Deep Freeze.”
Street style and some Karen Walkers from here.
Karla in her Deep Freeze KW’s.
And last, but not least, Miss Blair in her Deep Freezes. Do you love?
I love how Walker’s designs blend timeless shapes with a current aesthetic. Aren’t they to die for? To say I am obsessed would be an understatement.
KW sunnies are available for purchase from Barney’s, or online from Shop Bop and Gargyle.
Stay chic (and safe from the sun),
Annie
Secret Garden
Right now I am loving breezy, lightweight knits paired with vintage-inspired key pendants. I find myself drawn to jewelry that marries simplicity and sophistication; these necklaces define that understated elegance.
A) I picked this lovely, versatile stunner out for one of my client’s last week, and we were absolutely crazy over it. Jigsaw-London Brass Key Long Necklace, $115
B) Max & Chloe Clover in Oval Key Necklace, White Gold & Diamond, $397
C) Aurelie Bidermann, Sterling Silver Key Pendant Necklace, $700
D) Three Leaf Clover Key Necklace, Gold, $429
E) Monserat De Lucca, Bird Key Necklace, $64
F) Not2much2Ask Heart Key Necklace, $95
Imagine a minimalist palette – creams, whites, and neutrals – in luxurious and supple fabrics such as cashmere and silk. This Net-A-Porter image does the trick:
Featuring a Calvin Klein cashmere and silk-blend cardigan; Ralph Lauren Black Label Pants; Donna Karan shoes; Bottega Veneta bag
Now imagine that outfit styled to perfection with the addition of a key-pendant necklace – that’s all the statement it needs.
I personally love the “unfinished,” antique-look of the brassier and gold keys. However, for more sparkling eye-candy and ’secret-garden-esque’ inspiration, Tiffany has an exquisite collection of keys always worth perusing.
beautiful.
Stay chic,
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.