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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
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
Get the Look: Midnight in Paris
Have you seen “Midnight in Paris” yet? I tend to empathize so much with the romantic ideals of the lead protagonist – who doesn’t love the idea of dancing with Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald? Dining with Dali? Critiquing literature with Gertrude Stein? Discussing prose with Ernest Hemingway? Arguing with Picasso? Brushing shoulders with the likes of Degas and Gauguin?
The latest film from iconic director Woody Allen doesn’t disappoint: neither does the cinematography, costume design and visual styling. The film’s costume designer, Sonia Grande, said (when referring to Rachel McAdam’s character, Ines):
“Ines is one of those women who comes from a rich and privileged world, one of those bourgeois women that exist in any one of our ‘globalized’ first world countries. She has the good taste that comes from an easy access to information and economic capacity or refinement, but perfectly recognizes fashion trends.”
Designers who Grande used to dress the contemporary Ines were Dior, Isabael Marant, Chopard, Chanel, and Hermes. Almost instantaneously, I started obsessing with the Chanel “Grand Shopping” tote bag that Ines carried in almost every scene – swoon! McAdam’s character lived in simple shirt-dresses, platform heels & espadrilles, wool jackets, jeans and hip-slung belts the entire time she was visiting Paris. Her collection of Chanel goodies were enough to squeal over.
Want to get Ines’ look?
Classic and simple, yet polished and sophisticated. Do you like her chic Parisian-tourist look?
Annie
Arm Party
Have you all joined the arm party yet? This mix-and-match bracelet trend is on the up and up.
I love the juxtaposition of textures, shapes and sizes – a diamond link next to a rough leather band, positioned next to a vintage oversized watch, topped off with jeweled encrusted cuffs. Silver mixed with gold, brights mixed with neutrals. The end result? This eclectic, frenzied display of arm candy somehow manages to look chic and polished.
image via here
image via here
image via here
image via here
How to wear it? The more, the merrier. Don’t be afraid to mix hard metals with supple leathers, high with low, or bold bangles with a subdued, classic gold watch. David Yurman next to Forever 21; rough chain links next to pearls. You get the idea.
Here are a couple of different looks I put together:
Depending on your personality, you can add a string of pearls, some neon bands, or a vintage cuff. Mix it up and have fun with accessories – showcase your own personal style, be it funky, retro, sophisticated, feminine or glam.
Stay chic,
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
Summer Scarves
Nothing complements an outfit more than a bold, beautiful scarf. During warm summer months, I love pairing basics – a simple white knit and a great-fitting pair of jeans – with a lightweight, breezy scarf. A pop of color or a whimsical print can enliven and spruce up any ensemble, whether it be a solid-colored dress or a peasant top and shorts.
Fortunately, stores are replete with an abundance of easy and effortless scarves this season. Here are some of my picks:
Need a summer wardrobe update? Invest in one of these lovelies, and add instantaneous panache.
If you tend to gravitate away from printed garb and towards solids, scarfs are a perfect way to incorporate prints into your style without having to sacrifice your comfort level. A drapey scarf is a must-have accessory and style staple for summer: an inexpensive and welcome addition to any woman’s closet. I live in mine (you might say they’re my vice).
I’m off to a much-needed vacation the next week or so. Until we meet again, stay chic & Happy Memorial Day!