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Wrap It With A Bow
It’s time to get in touch with your girly side: bows are back for fall, and this time they’re showing up on blouses for a feminine, delicate touch.
I get asked quite a bit for professional wardrobe ideas and outfits (i.e. what are some sophisticated pieces for the office, outside of a boring business suit?). I always opt for mixing separates: a blazer, a blouse, and a tweed skirt, for example. The blazer and skirt/bottoms don’t have to match – this is key for making your outfit look modern.
This fall, I’d start with a versatile bow-tie blouse; these tops are the perfect building blocks for a sophisticated ‘9 to 5′ look.
Some favorites:
Malene Birger, Tie-Neck Top, $270
French Connection Frill Bow Shirt, $54.89
Tara Jarmon Caramel Silk Top with Tie, $400
Zac Posen Jabot Chiffon Blouse, $890
Parker Silk Charmeuse Bow Blouse, $198
Oasis Bow Blouse, $38.42
Tuck one into a pencil skirt and pair with pumps, and add a fitted blazer once the weather gets cold – or, tuck into trouser pants for an effortless, cool look (perfect for a creative job). Here are two different ways to wear your bow blouse with a skirt (thanks, Style Bop!):
Look 1: Polished & Professional
Look 2: Laid-back Urban Cowgirl (think Austin, TX)
I think Dolly would be proud of this last 9-to-5 outfit.
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
5 Pairs of Shoes Every Man Should Own
Dear men,
I must insist that you take a look at your closet and honestly evaluate your lot: do you see these five pairs of shoes? If not, it’s time you consider expanding and making these essentials part of your wardrobe. If you’re a living, breathing, warm-blooded man, it’s imperative you have these foundational & versatile basics in your closet. No excuses.
1. Brown Wing Tips
Crockett & Jones Clifford Wing-tip, $695
Don Draper, eat your heart out. Wingtips are the crux of a businessman’s wardrobe! Sophisticated, handsome, and uber-professional, these shoes mean business. Look for a well-constructed, quality leather pair; and avoid the temptation to skimp on these. You’ll be able to wear these with black & navy trousers, making them well-worth the investment. Your brown pair should be supplemented with at least an additional pair, as well as a black pair.
2. Black Oxfords
Johnston & Murphy Georgetown II Cap-toe, Black Leather, $375
If you take care of your oxfords – keeping them polished & pristine – these shoes will carry you through every formal function, whether it be a black-tie wedding or a funeral. The cousin of the wingtip oxford, black leather oxfords are the perfect compliment to a well-tailored dress suit.
3. Loafers
Cole Haan Air Lorenzo Penny, $328
What screams business casual more than a loafer? Pair with khakis and a button-up for a less-structured, laid-back environment: date night, ‘casual Fridays’, dinner with the parents. You should already own a pair – and if you don’t – make that a priority, as soon as possible. All-American style right here, guys.
4. Casual Boots
Cole Haan Paul Chukka, $198
Every man needs a great-looking, casual pair of boots. Comfortable, durable, and stylish, these so called “dessert-boots” should make their way into your conscious. Invest in a black leather pair for work (remember to keep them polished), and have them easily transition from day to night. Another option? Brown suede boots are synonymous with “dressy casual.”
5. Sneakers / Running Shoes
New Balance 993, $89,99
Running errands, road trip, or grilling out with the guys on a Saturday – regardless, compliment your everyday sportswear (or Saturday best) with a pair of classic, sturdy sneakers.
Honorable Mentions / Seasonal Shoes
Sperry Top-Sider (the prepster’s casual shoe of choice for summer & ACC favorite) :
Classic Suede Bucks (pair with dark jeans or khakis, perfect for a “dressy casual” look) :
Cowboy Boots (ruggged & practical, “Marlboro” man style) :
Converse (a classic sneaker with a hipster leaning) :
Look sharp,
Annie
Need some help picking out the right colors and styles? Not sure where to find these aforementioned shoes? Completely overwhelmed with all the “do” and “don’ts”? Don’t waste anymore time, guys – let A Chic Critique assist in customizing your wardrobe for your lifestyle. I’ll show you what you need, what to throw out, and where to shop. The result? A refined, updated wardrobe that’s tailored for your body & your budget. The making of a modern man!
Hip & Handsome Gifts For Him
A few of A Chic Critique’s picks for all the men in your life this holiday season:
Saddle Leather I-Pad Cover, $59
Instead of suggesting the ubiquitous I-pad as a gift for the gadget-techie-lover in your life (oh, and it’s a great gift, trust me), I’m going to suggest it’s counterpart and companion. Sleek, handsome & preppy, this case is the perfect compliment to one such toy.
Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Cuff Links & Money Clip Set, $178
A set of classic cuff links are a welcome addition to any man’s wardrobe.
Weston Leather Cigar Case, $73
For the cigar-aficionado in your life.
Audio Technica Record Turntable, $225
Now your hipster, die-hard musician (or collector) has a cool place to play his ever-growing, extensive collection of vintage vinyl records.
Wolfgang Puck Reversible Grill & Griddle, $109
The grillmeister in your life will be thanking your for this portable Wolfgang Puck grille – makes gameday grilling with the guys easy, fun & delicious.
TAG Heuer “Grand Carerra” Automatic Chronograph Watch, $5,900
Perfect for the fashion-conscious, metrosexual male in your life who appreciates the finer things and has an eye for sophistication.
Paul Stuart Nigel Herringbone Phineas Cole Shirt, $228
If he’s allergic to the mass appeal of Brooks Brothers, he’ll love Paul Stuart’s English aesthetic. The fit of the Phineas Cole line shirts is trimmer, cleaner -and- the collars are cutaway.
Rubicon Estates Rubicon 2006 Vintage Notes ($145)
The winery formerly known as the Neibaum-Coppola Winery is renowned for it’s flagship wine – the Rubicon. The vintage is great, described as having a flavor that is “big and berrylike, with a round finish that trails on forever.” Perfect for your wine-snob father-in-law (or father).
Happy shopping – only 12 more days to get it done!
Stay chic,
Annie
White Out
Hello, little white dress.
Cool, sophisticated and an excellent alternative to the little black dress, the white dress is on my summer hot list. While it’s considered uncouth to don white to a wedding, there is a myriad of other events to rock a white frock.
From far left:
Alberta Ferretti Silk-Chiffon wrap dress, $1,820 – Lightweight & breezy, this wrap dress is perfect for a summer engagement party, or a wine tasting at that new restaurant you’ve been dying to try.
Carmen Marc Valvo Bandage dress, $690 – looking to show off your curves? A la Herve Leger, this svelte silhouette hugs in all the right places. A white bandage dress at a dressy summer cocktail party or charity event? Elegant.
Alice & Olivia Tie-Shoulder Dress, $396 – pockets + one shoulder + bow? Darling. Feminine, flirty, and playful, this frock could be worn to a shower with strappy sandals, or styled in an edgier way with platform-cage sandals for a night-out with the girls.
Shoshanna Beaded Dress, $385 – I love this sweet day-to-night piece. Paired with gladiators and a lightweight denim jacket for daytime errands or lunch with friends, or heels for a date night, this white number is a summer-must.
Stay chic,
Annie
Maxi(mize) Your Summer Style
Maxi dresses are back again this summer – looks like this style is here to stay! Favorites of celeb stylist (my favie) Rachel Zoe and trend-setter Nicole Richie, these floor-length frocks are both figure-lengthening and chic. An easy alternative in place of your favorite knit summer dress, the maxi is comfortable and universally flattering.
My favorite part about these dresses: they’re totally versatile! For a casual look, pair a maxi with gladiator or cage sandals, or embellished flats, and layered necklaces & bangles (the more, the merrier). Maxis are also the perfect cover up while lounging poolside (see Sex and the City 2 ladies in Abu Dhabi). To take this look from day to night, the key is to glam up the accessories. For a night on the town or a summer cocktail party, pair a maxi with sky-high platforms or strappy sandals and a diamond or sparkly cuff. For a dressier maxi, stick with luxurious fabrics such as silk or silk chiffon.
If you’re petite, pair a maxi with platform wedge sandals – add some height and elongate your frame (you don’t want the dress to swallow your figure).
La Perla Riddhi Silk-Blend Maxi Dress (yell0w), $540, via Net-A-Porter. Pair with this tres-chic trio of bracelets and these embellished flats.
Isn’t this Matthew Williamson just to DIE for? Beautiful. I love the whimsical gold and lavendar print and the detail on the neckline. It’s on my “dare to dream” list, sigh. Pure elegance.
Mariba Print Maxi Dress by Guess by Marciano, $178. I’d wear it with wedges and a silver cuff and bangles.
Whether your style is boho-chic or urban-sophisticate, a maxi is a summer-must for your closet.
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Trend: Cat-Eye Shades
‘Here comes the sun, little darling’…and these retro-glam cat-eye sunglasses are coming with it.
Above, from left: Cat eye frames on the spring 2010 runway at Giles, photo via Style.com; Mary Kate Olsen in Dior’s Diorette sunglasses, photo via Olsens Anonymous; the runway at Giles, photo via Style.com.
While classic styles like the aviator and over-sized round are still stylish & doable, the current trend in eyewear is the cat-eye. Seen all over the runways, this vintage style is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s famous attire in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and harkens our attention to the mod styles of the 60’s.
Celebrities like Olivia Palermo (image via here) & Mary-Kate Olsen are just a few celebs sporting this face-flattering style. The upwards-sweeping effect of the frame creates a slenderizing effect on your face and cheekbones, I might add!
Get the look:
Look for Less:
Top row, from left: Diane von Furstenberg Cat Eye Sunglasses, $145, via Saks ; Proenza Schouler Extended Cat Eye Sunglasses, $290.00, via lagarconne ; Emmanuelle Khanh, $640, via Net-A-Porter ; 2nd row: Chloe Tilia acetate sunglasses, $295, via Net-A-Porter . Look for Less: Kensie ‘Portia’ Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, $50, via Nordstrom
Stay chic,