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Ocean of Color
Rich, blue-green jewelry is in abundance for spring – signaling the promise of warm weather, vacations and resort-wear ahead. These ocean-inspired jewelry pieces are organic, natural and earth-inspired.
J. Crew Marina Necklace – wear with white jeans! $125
A Peace Treaty, Tubar Ring, $132
The Serenity Stone Necklace, $198, from Stella & Dot (as seen in People Style Watch). 12 carat gold plated, mix of smooth, faceted glass stones and turquoise & dyed jade. A gorgeous, versatile statement piece for summer!
Diya Chandeliers, Anthropologie, $298
Lust-worthy Irene Neuwirth earrings, $3,370
I love how refreshing these shades are: simple, yet classic and sophisticated. Colors like jade, aquamarine, and ocean-blue will complement your neutral basics and really pop against your black and whites for spring!
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
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
Penchant for Pendants
One of the accessory trends for fall is a long, drapey statement necklace. I’ve always liked the ‘draping’ effect that pendants have; your gaze is automatically drawn vertically. For this reason, elongated pendant necklaces have a way of tricking the eye, making it appear as if you stand a bit taller. Who know an accessory could be flattering?
Simple, yet conspicuous, these necklaces marry well with almost anything: a little black dress, trousers and a flirty top, or my favorite – jeans and a t-shirt. You need little else to compete when wearing one, so keep your other jewelry understated.
A. Simpson via here; Frida Pinto via here; Lake Bell via here; Alexa Chung via here
Whether you’re attracted to organic, geometric, or feminine designs, don’t afraid to be a little expressive. Accessories are always the way to showcase your individuality!
My picks:
Oh, just moderately obsessed with this Robert Cavalli goodie ($620).
House of Harlow Metal Fringe Necklace, $135
Kenneth Jay Lane Sapphire Prism Pendant Necklace, $88
Dannijo Court Necklace, $320
Kendra Scott Statement Pendant Necklace, $57.90
Want.
Theodora & Callum Byzantium Necklace, $350
If you’ve ever seen my jewelry collection, it’s obvious I have a thing for long, lean necklaces – and the bigger, the better. Bring on the pendant party.
Stay chic,
Annie
Blaze of Glory
One of the trends for fall is yet again, a menswear-inspired aesthetic: think clean and minimalist lines. Blazers are the epitome of masculine fashion, but combined with figure-skimming cuts and supple fabrics, a blazer is easy transformed into a versatile basic for any woman’s closet. Add sophistication to both daytime and nighttime ensembles with this modern classic.
image via stockholm-streetstyle.com
Here are some of my favorites for fall:
1. Bop Basics, The Fiance Blazer, $198
2. Paul & Joe Blazer, $490
3. BOY. By Band of Outsiders. Wool & Matte satin cropped blazer, $1,090
Love the satin panel – a luxurious touch.
4. Topshop Black Boyfriend Blazer, $130
This Topshop beauty is a steal.
5. Vanessa Bruno Tie-front Crepe Blazer, $702
Look for a nipped-in waist and darts to flatter your curves – and keep in mind, single-breasted jackets are universally flattering. Pair one with anything from a chic cocktail dress and booties, to riding boots and skinny jeans this fall. Or update your standard pencil skirt and blouse for work by adding this contemporary touch!
Stay chic,
Annie
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
Shades of Gray
I’m not sure if it’s my current obsession with OPI’s “Skull & Glossbones,” (the perfect manicure shade for summer), or the soothing effect of Benjamin Moore’s “Cliffside Gray” (thanks, Katie Lee), but I can’t seem to get enough of gray. I even styled my bedroom after Miss Lee’s house, which is replete with this color. From rich purple grays to understated blue and white-grays, this color palette is both soothing and current. Chevron pillows, statement cocktail rings, and washes of bedroom color all look cool and effortless in a shade of gray.
Some favie gray pieces and inspiration for you:
Top row, from left: Madeline Weinrib Organic Gray Chevron Pillow; Jolie B. Ray Moonstone Cocktail Ring, $2,400; Maison Scotch Leather Shopper, $178
Middle row, from left: Katie Lee (Joel)’s guest bedroom (image via Google) – color on walls is Benjamin Moore’s Cliffside Gray – this is the color on my bedroom walls!; OPI “Skull & Glossbones,”; Essie “Great Expectations“
Third row, from left: Soft Joie Redmond Long Skirt, $118; Marc by Marc Jacobs Faceted Ring, $68; Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent Jaden Sandals, $245
Can anyone guess the bottom right picture?
Another reason to wear gray? It’s timeless, versatile, and acts as an instant neutral: wear anything gray against a pop of vibrant, summer color to balance your look. Tired of your basic black and white pieces? Take the modern route and go gray. I’m in love!
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
Style Face-off: Leather vs. Pleather
From a very early age I acquired a taste for quality and the “finer” things, much to the chagrin of my parents. Deviating from the protestant values of modesty and simplicity they attempted to ingrain in me, I developed a refined palette for luxury. As a young girl, I wasn’t content with anything “faux;” an artificial replacement might as well be considered blasphemous in my eyes. Case in point: a “fake” Kate Spade for one teenage Christmas resulted in a complete and total prepubescent unraveling (cue screenshot – “THIS is a fake. I want the real thing!”)
Humor aside, as an adult woman and wardrobe consultant these days- I must confess my sentiments remain unaltered. By no means am I a designer, brand, or pricetag snob; I am, however, a slave to quality, construction, and well-made clothing. I stand firmly by the belief that fine, timeless clothing and accessories are well-worth the investment. While I understand the temptation to get “the look for less,” some items are simply irreplaceable.
One such example? Leather.
When it comes to fashion do’s and don’ts, pleather is an absolute DON’T. Yes, it’s cheap and affordable – but with the skimpy price tag, you’re paying for what you get. If it’s shockingly inexpensive, it most likely looks and feels that way. Real leather is sumptuous, durable, and long-lasting. My advice? Stick to leather, and avoid pleather like the plague. Way harsh, you say? I think not.
While it’s rare to find authentic leather jackets under $200, post-holidays provide a plethora of steals and sales on leather. Now’s the time to strike! You don’t have to spend a fortune on authentic, quality pieces – you just have to be a patient, smart shopper.
Deals:
DKNY Quilted Leather Scuba Jacket, $149.97 (was $350)
Michael Kors Quilted Leather Jacket, $159.90 (was $278)
BB Dakota Avery Leather Jacket, $209
Lust-Worthy:
White House/Black Market Perforated Leather Jacket, $348. This shell pink / flesh-tone is oh-so-beautiful.
Sword Biella Leather Jacket, $682
Hello, camel. I think I’m in LOVE. Vince Motocross Leather Jacket, $845.
Say no to pleather, ladies; be a smart investor when it comes to shopping!
Stay chic,
Annie
Winter Style: Turtleneck Dresses
If you’ve yet to invest in a chunky, knit turtleneck dress (or two) for winter, I highly recommend one. Turtlenecks are a staple in any wardrobe, and I love the idea of expanding on a classic style by making a dress. An easy, versatile piece to incorporate into any closet.
How do you wear one?
Pair with knit leggings, skinny pants, or thick, opaque tights. Remember that wearing pieces in the same tonal family or color palette is body-lengthening. Shoes? Ankle booties, riding boots, tall boots, flat boots, slouchy boots – you get the idea. Comfy, cozy, and chic.
BCBG Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $348. Combining neutral shades of camel, brown, and oatmeal is always sophisticated.
Tucker Shirred Turtleneck Dress, $286
Rick Owens Lilies Wool-Jersey Turtleneck Dress, now $343 – Pair with a faux-fur or black vest for a hip, edgy look.
Tory Burch Jacinthe Sweater Dress, $372
Nili Lotan Triangle Sweater Dress, $293 – Isn’t this army green to die for?
These dresses are both pretty and practical – and the best part? This look is appropriate for all ages. If you’re in your 40’s or 50’s, just remember to stay away from thigh-high & too-tight; look for a dress that hits no more than a couple of inches above your knee.
A turtleneck sweater dress is the ideal layering piece – so layer, rinse, and repeat!
Stay chic while braving the cold,