Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
You know the ‘drille
Spring is finally here – or is it? Here’s to hoping the groundhog got it right this year. I wouldn’t want to break out my sandals and peep-toes prematurely only to have my enthusiasm drenched with another round of winter chills! Are you with me?
I’m inundated with spring shoes collections right now, and the espadrille is more vocal than ever this season. Classic black, white and nude remain wardrobe staples, while variations using bold, bright colors (orange is hot) and prints (ikat, stripes, etc.) are a welcome departure from the espadrilles of yesteryear.
As always, here are some of my favies:
Rebecca Minkoff Suri, $295 (for legs a mile long)
Seychelles “Memories of You“, $90
Jimmy Choo Perry Platform Espadrille, $550 (to die for with white, tailored shorts)
Ivanka Trump Halyn, $150
Sam Edelman Leroy, $150
Calvin Klein Harlo, $99
Stuart Weitzman Alex, $365
Mark & James by Bagdley Mischka, Reza II, $245 (with any sundress)
Are your mouths salivating? Looking at these make me hungry for resort-wear, maxi dresses and the Caribbean.
Stay chic,
Annie
Note – apologies for slacking on the blog-posts and Wedding Wednesdays! I haven’t forgotten you, but I’ve been busy! Just wrapped up a shoot for Southern Living magazine, among a few other shoots, which I can’t wait to share with you all.
Baby Blues
One point I’m always stressing with clients is the importance of having at least two pairs of tailored, well-made, fitted jeans: one pair hemmed to wear with flats, and one straight or bootleg dark-wash pair hemmed to wear with heels. Of course, once you have those basics, any supplemental pairs are a welcome addition (skinny, trouser, boyfriend, etc.). Many of you collect jeans like shoes!
I like seeing the seasonal twists designers put on this timeless wardrobe staple. One salient trend the last couple of years has been colored or dyed denim/twill jeans – and fortunately, it’s a trend I can endorse, especially when the color is an electric, cobalt blue. A “blue” jean really acts as a neutral, and although these shades are bolder and brighter than your typical denim wash, they can be just as versatile.
Here are some of my picks for winter, transitioning into spring (any of these would be an excellent choice for early pre-spring in February & March).
Gap 1969 Legging Jeans in Blue, $69.95
Paige Denim “Verdugo” Stretch Denim Leggings, $179
J. Crew Toothpick jean in garment-dyed twill, $108
Blue Essence (Nordstrom) Colored Skinny Jean in Cobalt, $98
Here’s how I would style them:
And:
Two of my clients got a pair this week – a great transitional piece for your winter wardrobe.
Stay chic in those baby blues,
Annie
…and a happy NEW YEAR!
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and I’m sure many of you are shopping for a bold, statement top or dress to ring in the new year. If your discretionary budget is a bit lower after shopping for holiday gifts and presents – never fear. I’ve scoured my favorite online shops and stores to find some gorgeous, glittery pieces, all well under $200 (and most are closer to $50!).
Pair any of these with a pair of black skinny pants (or dark straight leg jeans), sky-high heels, a killer clutch, and your best “wow-me” jewelry for a night on the town or soiree. For chilly temperatures, don a simple, black tailored blazer, or a faux fur coat for that extra bit of polish and panache. I’m a jeans and dressy top girl myself, so no cocktail dress this year for me!
A) Sabine Sequin Zigzag Top, $60
B) Ark and Co. Sequin Sheer Top, $59
C) Topshop Sequin Front Tank, $64
D) French Connection Silver Simmons Top, $158
E) Madison Marcus Spectacle Sequin Tunic, $107
F) Rachel Zoe Sequin Dolman Top, $99
Whatever the dress code might be for you January 31st, why not watch the ball drop in style? Cheers to the new year, to good friends and family, to happiness, and of course, to staying chic!
Annie
Happy holidays to all from A Chic Critique! Signing off until I see you in 2012. Stay tuned!
Shake your Glitter
One of my favorite parts about the advent of the holiday season (in addition to copious amounts of Nat King Cole “Christmas” music, eggnog, present wrapping, and reruns of “Elf,”) is the release of festive nail polish collections. What other time of the year can you get away with wearing virtual disco balls on your fingertips? Since these colors aren’t always “office-appropriate,” (hey, unless you work at a graphic design office or for a fashion magazine), why not don one for a New Year’s soiree, or perhaps that holiday ball or Dirty Santa cocktail party you’re going to in a few days?
Deborah Lippmann’s holiday collection is bright, girly, and bold; I love how she uses teal and magenta instead of traditional red and green.
Deborah Lippmann “Dance Music” Holiday Mini Trio, $29
If you prefer to exercise a little more restraint with your polish choices, stick with a classic, simple gold or deep red. I love this “Butter by London” collection because the shimmer is subtle and minimal – understated, yet sophisticated.
Butter London Holiday Glitter Trio, $36
Since I’m a pink girl at heart, I’m drooling over Essie’s “A Cut Above” (middle, clear pink). It can be layered over a pale, opaque pink, or worn alone as a transparent glitter finish, whichever you prefer.
Essie Luxe Effects Collection, Holiday 2011
Spruce up your nails and get in the holiday spirit – and bring on the glitter parade!
Stay chic,
Annie
Personalize It
Monogrammed and “initial” jewelry is in high demand this season – and I can see why. Simple and cool, these pieces reflect a sense of understated elegance that many women seek to convey through their accessory choices. Whether you prefer a cocktail ring or a statement bracelet, “initializing” is one of the salient jewelry trends that many celebrities are embracing this fall. If diamonds and fine jewelry best reflects your palette, there are even some beautiful, diamond-accented necklaces available, especially during the holidays (an excellent gift option for your mother, wife, or fiance).
Jennifer Meyer diamond & gold initial necklace ($,1775), seen worn by Katie Holmes on the August 2011 cover of In Style magazine
Some other modern, personalized pieces I love:
West End monogram ring, $675 (unexpected and sure to be a conversation starter!)
Emily & Ashley small monogram necklace, $765 (sweet & feminine)
Alex & Ani Script Initial Bangle, $24 (received these from a friend for my birthday)
Jennifer Zeuner Initial chain bracelet, $165 (a modern take on a monogram)
Roberto Coin “Tiny Treasure” diamond initial necklace, $580 (blingy bang for your buck)
With the holidays coming up, I’d suggest any of these for a stylish gift. Stay tuned for my annual holiday gift-guide; just around the corner!
Stay chic,
Annie
Python Panache
Chloe, 2011-2012 Fall & Winter runway – images via here
I’ve been inspired by this young woman from Stockholm Streetstyle. Notice how she pairs a tailored, streamlined python pencil skirt with basics: navy blue pumps, a simple leather handbag, and most importantly, an understated, neutral knit top. The neckline and the top don’t compete for attention with the print, and her statement necklace is the perfect accessory. The result? The python print isn’t overdone and manages to look very sleek and polished. I’d like to “copy and paste” this outfit onto a couple of clients.
Here are some python pieces for your perusal (try saying that three times fast):
Valentino Python bag, $3,845
Of Two Minds Sago Suede Trim skirt, $262
Chloe two-tone elaphe pumps, $695
Parker Batwing Dress, $253
This Parker dress is gorg! I’d pair it with a leather jacket, pumps, and black opaque tights for a date night. Substitute a blazer for the leather jacket and you’re office-chic in no time.
All Saints bleach Python scarf, $150
MICHAEL Michael Kors python printed skirt, $79.50
Mix it up a little with some python this fall and winter – I dare you.
Stay chic,
Annie
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
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.
Capetown
Fall 2011 runway shows were peppered with variations on the cape, from edgy Rag & Bone ponchos to sophisticated leather pieces and fringed numbers from L’Agence. When it comes to outerwear, you have a plethora of options to choose from this season.
Fall 2011: J.Crew; DKNY; Rag & Bone
Tommy Hilfiger (1, 2), YSL, Zero + Maria Cornejo
A Chic Critique likes:
Diane von Furstenberg “Holmes” Cape, $695
Calvin Klein Belted Cape, $148
L’ Agence Fringed Cape, $595
Vince Camuto Button-neck Cape, $195
Here’s how I’d style the L’ Agence one:
The material and cut of the cape will inform how you wear it. If it’s more of a structured, heavy wool coat (like the Calvin Klein number), you can wear it over a dress with tights, or even jeans or trousers. The black DVF cape would look beautiful over a sheath dress and tights for work, for example. If it’s more of a “poncho” sweater cut (drapey), you can wear it over leggings.
While this style isn’t for everyone, I think it’s an interesting take on traditional outerwear (trenches, peacoats, etc.).
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