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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!
party frockin’
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…when the parties start flowing, and everyone’s shopping for dresses we cheer! Holiday fetes, soirees, and celebrations are just around the corner. What’s in your closet?
Here are some of my favorite party frocks to ring in the holidays, be it a work function, engagement party, family Christmas dinner, or just an upscale Thanksgiving get-together with friends. Whatever cocktail dress you end up sporting, here’s something to keep in mind. Remember to pair your dress with a pair of black opaque tights (a must for holiday attire). Legs need to be covered this time of year, plus, opaque tights are universally slenderizing, leg-lengthening, and flattering – who doesn’t love that? You’ll look classic and sophisticated, the epitome of holiday polish and style.
A) Trina Turk Lowell Silk Dress, $385
B) Shoshanna Draped Bodice Strapless Dress, $395
C) Parker Bugle Bead Dress, $319
D) Rachel Zoe Audrey Organza Dress, $395
E) Tibi Damask Jacquard Dress, $440
F) MM Couture Lace Mini Dress, $98
A new dress not in the budget? Saving money for Christmas gifts? Never fear! A little innovation is all you need. A “little black dress” re-vamped for 2011 is an easy and affordable way to get the most out of your cocktail attire. To update your favorite LBD, simply invest in a killer pair of glamorous chandelier or drop statement earrings, or even a jeweled collar necklace (in ruby red, emerald green, or black). Diamonds are a girl’s best friend this time of year, and a little bling around your wrist or neck will simply enhance your black frock. No one will even know it’s been recycled from last year if you add a metallic pair of gold heels, or perhaps a sexy pair of red peep-toe pumps. Invest in sophisticated holiday accessories, and wear your (gently) used black cocktail dress from last year – and just like that, what’s old has been made new.
To mistletoe, eggnog, thanksgiving dinners, and family!
Stay chic,
Annie
A Vested Interest
Guess what’s back? Break out your faux fur from last year, because this wardrobe staple has edged its way into fashion’s fall repertoire. Particularly, the faux fur vest is making an appearance again. Boho-chic with a sophisticated edge, this versatile outerwear piece can easily compliment your standard blouse and trouser pants for work; additionally, it works with jeans and a long-sleeved tee for those chilly Saturday game-days.
image via here
Faux fur is animal-friendly and inexpensive; how can you resist? Here are some of my picks at a variety of price points.
Faux Fur Vest by T Los Angeles, $196
Janika Faux Fur Vest, $57
Trina Turk Braden Vest, $298
Sabine Faux Fur Vest, $75
Alice + Olivia Faux Fur Vest, $330
Cool, effortless, and appropriate for all ages, one of these vests is a must for fall festivities and everyday ensembles. Try one over a tunic and leggings with booties, or over a flowy, bohemian dress with tall, suede boots.
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
Loafing Around
Now that we’re nearing the cusp of fall, I have my eye on chunky platform loafers and heels. This style might harken your memory back to a childhood wardrobe staple: the flat, androgynous loafer. Reminiscing yet? Fortunately, these aren’t your dated and boring loafers of old. This fall, we’re seeing a remake of this oldie but goodie. Feminine, powerful heels combined with masculine flair result in the newly reformed, modern loafer.
Joe Fresh Style Fall 2011 (google)
Chic and sexy – these loafer pumps are the perfect blend of structure, utility, and sophistication. My favorite styles have a thick, chunky heel, which makes for a much more tolerable (not to mention, comfortable) work day, running around in heels. DVF has a gorgeous suede number I’m loving (b) and I think Boutique 9’s (e) would make any boyfriend or hubbie jealous. Celebrities like Katie Holmes have been seeing wear this pair of Prada loafer pumps.
a) Elizabeth & James “Mae,” $325 b) DVF Roxanne Loafer Pump, $280 c) N.Y.L.A. “Bowie,” $89 d) Plenty by Tracy Reese, “Emmy,” $150 e) Boutique 9 “Night,” $160 f) Nine West “Abalene,” $89
I envision wearing loafer pumps with straight leg or skinny jeans, a white tee, and a blazer. They would also pair perfectly with a pencil skirt and a fitted sweater for the office this fall!
Stay chic,
Annie
Go 4th with Style
Happy 4th of July weekend, fashionable readers. What are your go-to essentials for a hot holiday vacay?
4th of July weekend Getaway packing list:
A) BCGeneration Aztec, $98 (perfect for toting around your sunnies & magazines or book club read)
B) Aubin & Wills striped cotton tank, $70 (a classic)
C) Steve Alan Carla straw fedora, on sale for $75.60 (stylish and a skin-protector)
D) Missoni Hugo Beach Towel, $205 (Missoni is a print-master)
E) J Brand low-rise rigid denim shorts, $150 (easy & cool)
F) La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60, $29.50 (voted best sunscreen in Allure for 2011. Say no to wrinkles & sun damage!)
G) Sunnies – my favorites right now are any of Karen Walker’s. “Perfect Day Crazy Tortoise,” $210, by KW
H) Tibi silk crepe de chine playsuit, $300 (sophisticated and effortless, yet casual). Pair with some gladiators or flats like these:
I) Dolce Vita Bree, $130
J) Melissa Odabash Equador Bandeau Bikini, $170 (bright & uber-chic)
K) Dolce Vita Idalia, $99
image via google
Happy 4th of July! Have fun and be safe – and don’t forget to stay chic.
Annie
Pinterest: Take Cover
My new obsession? Pinterest. As a stylist and fashion-enthusiast, I’m constantly poring over magazines and high-fashion blogs. All of my magazines are doggy-eared, folded, and torn up. I have stacks of articles and pictures I’ve tacked to my huge corkboard for my business, and my computer desktop is overwhelmed with inspiration folders entitled, “Summer Trends,” “Resort Wear,” “Wedding Inspiration,” and “Client “X”, etc.
Pinterest takes my love of magazines, photo-journalism, fashion, and collective-itis and merges them into one: I can now create virtual “pin-boards” and keep them all in one place. For someone so visually-oriented, this takes the phrase “creative outlet” to a whole new level. Sheer genius, and uber-addicting.
One of my first boards is for summer cover-ups. I love these breezy kaftans and tunics for poolside lounging and stylish sun-bathing. Resort-wear, here we come!
Anthro “Fade Into Green Cover Up,” $118
Missoni Zigzag Crochet Playsuit, $760
Vix Ikat Vintage Cover Up, $242
Nanette Lepore Crochet Dress, $173
Lotta Stensson Tie Dye Maxi Kaftan, $515
DVF Printed Short Dress, $195
Tibi Beaded Drape Silk Dress, $297
To see more comments and thoughts on these summer cover-ups, click here – and feel free to follow A Chic Critique on Pinterest as I collect photos and style inspiration. In fact, start pinning yourself. Watch out – once you start, you can’t stop.
Stay chic, pinners.
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