Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
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
DYE-ing for Ikat
I’m having an Ikat print moment this summer- and apparently, so are many designers and retailers. This eclectic, geometric print can be found on anything from handbags and scarves to rugs and decorative throw pillows.
Fahion fact: “Ikat” is an ancient weaving process that uses “resist-dyeing” to dye the threads before the fabric is woven (similar to tie-dyeing). Ikat has long since migrated from being a popular interior design motif to textiles and apparel.
(Left to right: Dries Van Noten, Gucci, Matthew Williamson)
Some happiness-inducing Ikat pieces I love:
Madewell Electric Ikat Top, $95
Banana Republic Silk Ikat Twist-Strap Dress, $130
Nanette Lepore Ikat Cover Up, $163
Joie Kaori Ikat Print Silk Blouse, $208
Georgie Rafina Skirt, $145
What to wear it with? Ikat really pops against white, and neutral accessories always balance a whimsical, bright color palette.
Stay chic,
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
Watchmen
I’ll be honest: I’m not much of a “watch” girl. Never have been. These days, all the “utilitarian” reasons for buying a watch seem obsolete with the advent of I-phones & blackberrys (who needs a watch to find the time?). However, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much I am swooning over this year’s menswear watches. Chunky, substantial, and handsome, these watches are the antithesis of dainty and “girly.” I’m particularly drawn to the oversized faces and chain links, and I find the crystal & diamond detailing (on some) a subtle, feminine touch to an otherwise masculine look.
Marc Jacobs Glitzy Henry Chronograph Watch, Gold, $250. This MJ watch is simply exquisite, and you can’t go wrong with classic gold. I’ll add this to my holiday “favorites” list.
Michael Kors Silver Round Chronograph Watch, $225
Michael Kors Rose gold-plated Stainless Steel Watch, $250 (My favorite MK rose-gold watch is encircled with Swarovski crystals! See it here at Bloomies.) I love how versatile and unexpected the rose-gold color is ; flattering on a variety of skin types!
Michael Kors Jet Set Sports Watch, Gold, $250
These menswear-inspired watches might have just converted me into a watch-girl. Add one to your holiday wish list this season!
Stay chic,
Annie
Winter Knit Hats
As chilly temperatures are beginning to set in, it’s time to invest in some winter accessories to keep those fashionable little noggins warm and cozy. The beanie/beret/knit hat is the perfect solution: slouchy, easy, and chic, these wool numbers are appropriate for both day & night.
(from left) 1st image via here; 2nd via here; 3rd via here; 4th via here
I love the idea of pairing a classic, wool coat in a neutral color (camel, black, gray, winter white) with a bold, bright accessory, such as a rich, purple beret or a deep red wool hat. Liven up those basics with a pop of color this winter! You certainly can’t go wrong with a timeless black or cream wool hat, however.
My picks:
Love this little red number from Free People, $28.
Bop Basics Thick Knit Beret, $58
To-die-for Eugenia Kim Madeline Beret, $165
Remember not to pull the hat too far down on your forehead – keep it somewhere between the top of your forehead and 1 – 1 1/2 inches back from your hairline. Effortless is the word.
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