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Going to great Lengths
There is something so easy and effortless about long dresses – there’s a sort of “casual” elegance about them that I find myself attracted to. Throw a jean jacket over one of these and pair with a cute pair of flats or wedges, and you’re ready for some spring shopping with girlfriends or an afternoon date at the park. Uber-slenderizing and elongating (the silhouette creates one continuous line), maxi dresses are flattering on a multitude of body shapes. My tip? Unless you’re tall and willowy, I’d suggest wearing wedges or platform sandals to lengthen your figure even more.
The versatility of a maxi dress demonstrated by some of Hollywood’s ladies. Image via google
Some of my picks:
A) Halston Heritage Coral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, $595
B) Tibi Paisley Long Chiffon Dress, $583
C) Thomas Wylde Peso-Printed Silk Maxi Dress, $1,850
D) Guess Floral Print Pink Maxi Dress, $138
E) Milly Rope-Print Stretch Maxi Dress, $420
F) Rebecca Taylor Tiered Matte-Silk Maxi Dress, $345
If you’re going for a daytime look, the hemline should brush the tops of your shoes/sandals. I’d style one with bangles and cocktail rings for a chic, free-spirited look; however, you also can’t go wrong with classic hoops.
Conversely, maxi dresses are also totally appropriate for night-time: just make sure the hem of the dress runs flush with the floor, especially if the event invites cocktail-attire. Pair with strappy gold heels, statement chandelier earrings and a clutch to create a sophisticated ensemble.
I can’t wait to wear them to weddings this summer; in the meantime, however, I’m planning on working the platforms, jean jacket, and maxi trio.
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Florals Pt. 2: Tops
I can’t get enough of floral prints for spring, and guess what? Neither can designers. From Tibi and D&G, to Rebecca Taylor and DVF, flowery prints (think orchids & peonies) are adorning dresses and blouses alike. In keeping with the 1970’s wave of nostalgia, flowing, bohemian peasant style-tops are very current for spring.
Remember: keep your proportions and body-type in mind as you shop and style yourself for warmer weather. While voluminous tops are of-the-moment, they can easily camouflage curves and add unwanted bulk. If you’re on the curvier side, a cinch belt should be your best friend. Avoid looking frumpy – highlight that slender waist and hourglass figure with a belt. A stylist’s best kept secret is the cinch belt (hint, hint).
Some lovelies to peruse:
Rebecca Taylor Meadow Silk Floral Printed Blouse, (was $275, now $220)
Tibi Genevieve Floral Print Silk Blouse, $112.50 (was $250)
Blue Moon Under the Tuscan Sun Top, $136
Tracy Reese Waves & Orchids Pintucked Blouse, $298
What Goes Around Comes Around Anais Peasant Top, $220
Dolce & Gabbana Off-the-Shoulder Peony Top, $400. I have a “thing” for tops and dresses that are off-the-shoulder – an unexpected way to look sexy by baring your shoulders without overdoing the cleavage. Yes, please!
Sunner Montage Floral Top, on sale for $99.97
With white jeans and wedge sandals, or dark skinny jeans and flat boots, a sweet and silky, floral peasant top smells of spring.
Stay chic,
Annie
Brights of Spring
If you haven’t already gotten the March issue of Elle, I’d encourage you to: as the cover suggests, COLOR is back for spring! Although 70’s neutrals and sheer whites are also on the horizon for warmer weather this year, spring collections are replete with pops of bright, bold colors – fuschias, neon pinks, lemon and citron yellows, turquoise and teal blues.
Miss Katy Perry looking fierce and glamorous on the March cover of Elle (note the combination of two dominant trends for spring: 70’s and color). Talk about being a “firework.”
Jewel tones and brights are uber-flattering on a multitude of skin tones. Neon pinks and citron yellows look fantastic and stunning against dark complexions. Medium to olive skin tones will notice that deep, rich jewel tones (emerald green, plum, teal) instantly brighten your appearance. If you have fair skin, purples and coral/bubblegum pinks, as well as true turquoises, will highlight your coloring and give you that “wow” factor. Color says: look at me!
Some ACC color inspiration:
a) Temperley London Mini-Marcia Embellished Silk-Chiffon Dress, $1,395
b) Naven Party Dress, $374
c) Tibi Bead-Embellished Silk Dress, $385
d) French Connection Bex Beads Tunic Dress, $228
e) Tibi One-Shouldered Silk Chiffon Dress, on sale for $189!
f) Herve Leger Jacquard Bandage Dress, $1,950
g) Rebecca Taylor Simply Shirt Dress, $350
h) Jil Sander Market Leather Bag, $895
i) Tory Burch Reva Satin Clutch, $295
Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match and combine colors together; the more, the merrier.
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Florals Pt. 1: Frocks
Roses are red, violets are blue, flowers are nice for Valentine’s, but floral frocks are, too.
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about those “transitional” items in your closet. By transitional, I mean jackets, dresses, skirts, and tops that can easily be combined with a spring (or winter) item, thus making the outfit more “in-between-seasons” appropriate. With the weather gradually getting warmer – but still very cool – it’s important to think in terms of layers.
One such transitional piece? A lightweight, floral dress. Pair one with your go-to winter standards: tights, tall, slouchy boots (or flat riding boots), and a jean jacket or hip-length cardigan. As the weather warms up, ditch the tights, and the jacket/cardigan will provide the perfect amount of coverage for those cool, spring days.
Wear one of these :
a) Thread Social Floral Dress, $452 b) Eight Sixty Floral Print Dress, $84 c) Diane Von Furstenberg Mya Printed Kaftan, $195 d) Rebecca Taylor Floral Print Silk Dress, $295 e) Elizabeth and James Floral Print Dress, $395 f) Rebecca Taylor Sweet Pea Floral Printed Dress, $375
and pair it with this:
Current/Elliot “Majorette” Denim Jacket, $268.95 (I adore Current/Elliot jean jackets – timeless, cool, & sophisticated. You can’t go wrong with one).
or perhaps this:
J. Crew Infinity Cardigan (hip-length), $89.50 (the curry is so perfect for spring)
and a pair of these:
Frye Taylor Pull-on, on sale for $239.99
Keep wearing your winter boots and sweaters – but pair them with lighter, flowery dresses. Remember: think layers! Stay tuned for another post on florals for spring – they’re everywhere.
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Stripes + the Breton
Nothing screams resort-wear more than stripes. Spring 2011 runway shows saw the use of this pattern relentlessly on dresses, tops, skirts, and bathing suits from numerous designers. Classic and preppy, stripes communicate a polished yet sophisticated approach to casual.
Lela Rose Resort 2011; DVF Resort 2011; Christian Dior Resort 2011; Jason Wu Resort 2o11 (all images via style.com)
There are a couple of tips to keep in mind while considering how to best wear stripes:
- Boyish figures look fantastic in stripes – stripes help create curves on petite, thinner frames.
- If you have a curvy or voluptuous figure, stay away from thick, horizontal stripes as they have an unwanted “expanding” effect on your silhouette. Offset this problem by wearing thin striped pieces, as they’re much more delicate and forgiving.
- Vertical stripes elongate your figure; horizontal stripes mimic a bias-cut and are uber-flattering.
images via the Sartorialist
The “Breton” striped top (seen above left) is considered a classic piece every woman should have in her closet. The “Breton” got it’s name from French sailors and fishermen, who traditionally wore the lightweight cotton-chambray, striped top with it’s wide, boat-neck. The style was popularized in the 1930’s when Coco Chanel adopted the look as her own while on vacation in the French Riviera. Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Edie Sedgwick were all fans of the Breton, solidifying it’s iconic place in style history.
The Breton THEN (image via Google), Audrey Hepburn
The Breton NOW, Claudia Schiffer (image via Google). Eternally chic.
A Chic Critique picks:
J. Crew St. James Naval II Tee, $115
Milly “Mariner” Sweater, $235
DVF Arely Bis Dress in Giant Balloon Stripe, $345. Oh Diane. You’ve done it again. Isn’t this wrap dress oh, so darling?
Rebecca Taylor Striped Jersey Top, $145
McGinn Ivy Stripe Tank Dress, $295
J. Crew Indigo Stripe Boatneck Sailor Tee, $65
Stripes are eternally stylish and foundational to your wardrobe. Channel your inner Audrey or Coco this spring, and stay chic.
Annie
All That Glitters…
Wearing something that sparkles and shines is just plain fun. New Year’s is one of the rare opportunities to wear sequins and glitter, and why not? Be a little indulgent – you’re allowed to.
Here are some of my favorite ball-dropping, show-stopping pieces to wear while you ring in the new year:
1. Mui-Mui Glitter-Finish Pumps, $595
2. Herve Leger Sequined Bandage Dress, $2500
3. Rebecca Taylor Strapless Silk Bustier Dress, $495
4. Adam Folded Silk-Sequin Organza Dress, $1495
5. Anya Hindmarch Sequin Glitter Clutch (out-of-stock, unfortunately). Obsessed.
6. Steve Madden “Scandall,” $109
7. OPI “Sparkle-licious,” $8.50
8. Velvet by Graham & Spencer Sequin Top, $163
9. Tibi One-shoulder Sequined Dress, $935
Are you a fan of making New Year’s resolutions? Mine are to spend less, save more, do what I love with passion & determination, pursue health, and use every opportunity to laugh and live. I encourage all of you to usher in the new year by making yourself a priority: be good to yourself, and always take care of yourself.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, and stay chic!
Annie
A wardrobe edit & consult makes a great last-minute present to Mom! With the new year approaching, remember, “Out with the old, dated, and frumpy, and in with the new & figure-flattering.” Let A Chic Critique help consolidate, organize, and prune your closet for 2011.
Best Coats for your Body Type
Winter is just around the corner, and as you begin to search for that perfect winter coat, here are some guidelines to help you in the process. Remember, there are specific silhouettes that flatter certain body types – so, keep these tips in mind as you shop. I’ve chosen my favorites for each body-type below.
Heavy-Chested
- Look for single-breasted styles as they won’t pull across your large chest. Steer clear of double-breasted! Trenched and belted styles also help create and/or emphasize a narrow middle.
- The ideal fit is slim, and you should be looking for a coat that is hip-length or longer.
J. Crew Italian Wool Blazecoat, now on sale for $222.40.
This Burberry Trench would also make another great option.
Curvy
- Look for a belted silhouette, or a seam than runs across your natural waist in order to highlight your hourglass frame. Show off that whittled middle! Single-breasted coats are a must for curvy figures.
- Stay away from bulky blends and materials. If you’re full-figured or plus-sized, look for an A-line cut.
Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Long Front Trench, $595
Pear
- Look for a waist-cinching silhouette that flatters your narrow upper-half. Also, look for details on the top (ruffles, embellishments) that draw the eye upwards.
- An A-line silhouette is your best friend, so look for a fit that is roomy throughout the hips and thighs (this will help camouflage unwanted bulk).
Anthropologie Cassonade Coat, $198
Another great (and uber-affordable) option for a pear-shaped figure would be this coat from Target.
Petite
- Look for sharp tailoring and lines in a coat. Length-wise, look for one that hits at the hip, or below (but not below the knees); you don’t want to overwhelm your frame.
- Try a bold, bright, “notice-me” color or print (such as houndstooth, plaid, etc.).
J.Crew Stadium Cloth Peacoat, $196
Another option for all you tiny-tater-tots to try would be this cute plaid ruffle coat.
Narrow/Athletic
- Try a double-breasted look if you’re smaller-chested and would like to create the illusion of curves.
- Look for detailing such as ruffles, hem-stitching, buttons or bows that draw the eye up and add volume.
Kensie Ruffled Bib Coat, $153
Another option for narrow, athletic figures is this Kate Spade belted coat. Killer color, curve-creating, and the A-line silhouette balances broad shoulders.
Stay chic,
Annie
Fabulous Faux Fur
I am all about faux fur. I may not be a devout PETA member, but I can say I am quite the avid animal lover.
If you know me, you’ll know I’m not an advocate of buying artificial replacements in lieu of the real thing. Ask my mother. At age 16, a fake Kate Spade just wouldn’t do – I wanted an authentic, original Kate bag. As a general rule of thumb, I think it’s important to invest in long-term, classic, quality pieces (that will be in your wardrobe for years to come) as opposed to buying trendy “of-the-moment” pieces on the cheap. However, fur would be the exception to this rule. ‘Faux’ fur is an excellent (not to mention, animal-friendly) alternative to the dreaded price tag of real fur.
One of my favorite style icons (not to mention, incredibly talented stylist) Rachel Zoe can be seen gallivanting around L.A sporting one of her go-to fur vests. I like how she pairs the vest over a black silk top and dark trouser jeans with a long, vintage-pendant necklace for a boho-chic look. My other inspiration comes from the lovely Olivia Palermo (another style icon I am obsessed with) who manages to effortlessly balance modern sophistication with timeless classics. Her black fur vest looks polished and glamorous worn over a feminine cream blouse paired with a two-toned black leather skirt.
image via here
image via here
Dressed up, dressed down – fur fests are au courant and versatile. So how do you wear one? Pair with jeans and a simple, long-sleeved white tee for fall, or over a knit dress with tights & boots. Another way I’d wear a fur vest is over a monochromatic outfit (black pants & top, or winter white pants & a camel or cream top). A fur vest is the perfect layering piece! Bring on those cool, fall nights out, or a tailgating party with friends.
My faux picks:
Tinley Road Faux Fur Long Vest, $69
Halston Heritage Faux Fur Vest, $375
Rebecca Taylor Faux Fur Vest, $395
So what about you? Do you prefer the real thing, or will you be sporting faux fur this season?
Regardless, stay chic.