Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
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
Meet Chambray (Denim’s Cousin)
Denim’s lightweight cousin Chambray has come to stay for spring and summer months. Usually reserved for menswear, this tightly-woven light-to-medium wash cotton fabric is making an appearance in women’s styles as well, one being the classic button-up. This unisex fabric is best paired with khaki or white (tip to both guys & dolls: refrain from pairing chambray with denim).
Women can wear chambray a few different ways – as a jumper, button-up shirt, top, or skirt. One great way to incorporate chambray into your wardrobe is to update the denim mini (chambray being a little dressier than denim). A chambray shirt can be worn buttoned, or unbuttoned over a graphic print or embellished tee, then paired with khaki shorts or white jeans, for a classic, all-American look that is both chic & current.
Washed Chambray Shirt, $59.50 via Gap
Rosa Cha Runway Chambray Dress, $550 via Shopbop
Madewell the Perfect Chambray Shirt, $68, via Shopbop
The same goes for men: unbuttoned or buttoned, chambray shirts are stylish, lightweight and perfect for summer. Paired with stone or khaki pants or shorts, the look can easily be laid-back and casual, or sleek and put-together, depending on how you style it.
Tommy Bahama Denim “Hatch it Out” Shirt, $88, via Nordstrom
Shades of Greige Wrangler Denim Chambray Work Shirt, $97, via Revolve Clothing
Burberry Brit Chambray Shirt, $225, via Nordstrom
(As a general rule of thumb, refrain from pairing chambray with denim, unless it’s a grayer wash chambray with a very dark wash denim, pictured here. Khaki, stone and white are better options, in my opinion).
This is not chambray, but it’s a “pebbled chambray” leather color Marc Jacobs bag. So it counts.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo, $398, via Shopbop
Check out J.Crew and Gap for more affordable options. Try incorporating a chambray piece into your spring & summer wardrobe for a lightweight alternative to denim!
Stay chic,
Annie
Make a statement
Looking for an easy way to update your spring wardrobe? Accessorize with a statement choker or bib necklace.
Shopping for a client’s trousseau the other day, I shared with her one of the best ways to dress up simple knits for her honeymoon: pair them with a bold, statement bib or choker necklace. Perfect with a white tee and a boyfriend blazer, these striking pieces are the newest accessory for spring. In an instant, your go-to jeans and basic knit tops will transform from dull to glam. When you pair the jeans/tee ensemble with wedge sandals and one of these necklaces, you’re all set to meet the girls for lunch on Saturday or run errands (without resorting to your old yoga pants and flip flops).
Some favorites (just click the mosaic image to see where your favorite is from):
Spring Statement Necklaces/Chokers by achiccritique featuring
Kenneth Jay Lane Wooden Stone Drop Necklace, $528, via Shopbop
Millie’s Jet Bib Necklace, $198, via Shopbop
Betsey Johnson ‘Iconic Collection’ Layered Necklace, $195, via Nordstrom
Kate Spade faceted stone statement necklace, $195, via Nordstrom
The bolder, the better, as far as this trend is concerned. These necklaces look equally stylish when paired with a cocktail dress for an engagement party, wedding or date night. A stand-out necklace will revamp and update your favorite little black dress in an instant. Just remember to pair with basics – black dress, solid cotton tee, simple knit (you get the idea). The necklace should be doing the talking. Either way, investing in one of these versatile necklaces for spring is a must!
Looking for some looks for a bit less? For you Nashville gals, check out Hemline & Francesca’s (in the Hill Center). Hemline is one of my favorite boutiques, and they have fabulous, inexpensive costume jewelry (same goes for Francesca’s).
Stay chic!
Annie
Who wears short shorts?
It’s that time.
Break out the self-tanner, lunges & squats – shorts are here for spring (and summer).
from left to right, image credit: Jen, Lauren, Kate, Olivia
One of my favorite trends for spring are tailored shorts and denim, rolled-cuff shorts. The former being an unexpected alternative to your typical nighttime attire (dressy jeans & going-out top, or a LBD), tailored shorts are both sophisticated and polished . In order to take the look from simple to night-on-the-town chic, try wearing the shorts with a silk, blousey top, a crisp, white button-up, or silk cardigan. Because this look highlights and showcases your legs, opt for more coverage on top – nothing too revealing (think classic vs. too-short Daisy Dukes). Finish off the outfit with a pair of substantial pumps or wedges for a feminine, put-together look. Olivia Palermo does this well (see far right image, and below).
Olivia Palermo
image via here
Pair more casual shorts – denim, cotton, chino – with ballet flats or gladiator sandals for a cute daytime look. Try wearing a simple cotton knit (some favorites being Splendid, American Apparel, Three Dot & Michael Stars) with a pair of jorts jean or khaki shorts, or a cute embellished, floral top from J.Crew. Keep in mind that ankle-strap gladiators truncate the gams, so if you’re not particularly leggy (see Gwyneth Paltrow), opt for sandals with straps that go behind the heel or over the top of your foot.
Alice + Olivia Pinstripe Tab Shorts with Rolled Cuff, $198, via Shopbop
Elizabeth and James Rumpled Taffeta Hudson Short, $225, via Piperlime
Alice + Olivia Cady Cuff Shorts, $154, via Shopbop
Diane von Furstenberg Taipa Short, $198, via Shopbop
Diane von Furstenberg Nassir Shorts, $185, via Shopbop
Patch & repair jean shorts, $49.50, via Gap
Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Cutoff Short, $130, via Piperlime
Joe’s Jeans Rolled Cuff Shorts, $143, via Shopbop
A Chic Critique tip – Not every style is best for every body type: if your legs aren’t your best asset (or super toned), don’t feel like you have to try short shorts. Wear what looks best on your particular figure- whether that’s a pair of knee-length shorts or cropped pants. Not every woman has Jennifer Anniston’s legs (and that’s okay) but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off shorts. The key is length and cut. Go with a longer short (above the knee) or a cropped pant and wedge heels if you want or need more coverage.
So who’s wearing short shorts this summer?
Stay chic,
Annie
Shirtdress Sass
Universally flattering (kind of like Diane von Furstenberg’s famous wrap dresses), this dress is a classic silhouette and a great investment piece for your wardrobe – the perfect spring transition piece! Whether you prefer a more utilitarian, military-inspired look (think khaki or olive cotton twill) or a feminine, silk version with a bow around the waist, you absolutely can’t go wrong with the shirtdress.
image via here
Pair with clogs or nude pumps to work, and accessorize with a great belt or vintage necklace. Some favorites of mine are below (and notice the diversity in style, color and fabrics).
1: “Look-Sharp Tunic,” $88 via Anthropologie
2: DIANE von FURSTENBERG “Anina” Parachute Sportswear Shirtdress, $325, via Bloomingdales
3: BCBGMAXAZRIA Shirtdress, $238, via Nordstrom
4: Petite crinkle shirtdress, $120, via Banana Republic
5: Vince Belted Denim Shirtdress, $295, via Nordstrom
6: Staring at Stars Belted Shirtdress, $58, via Urban Outfitters
Stay chic,
Annie
crazy for braids.
Starting from top left, going clockwise, images via: 1) Audrina: here 2) Kate Hudson: here 3) Kate Bosworth: here and 4) Diane Kruger via http://www.allemohairstyles.blogspot.com
One beautiful hairstyle celebrities and models on the runway are sporting this spring is a loose, side-swept braid. I love this look because it’s effortless and low-maintenance, yet still totally chic!
This look is perfect for those on-the-go days where you don’t feeling like shampooing your hair. The key to wearing this style is to keep the braid loose and swept over one-shoulder. For added volume and hold, try rubbing a little texturizing spray through your tresses before braiding.
Whether you make a fishtail, french braid, or a traditional plait, the point is to keep it simple – even a little messy. Try this sweet, boho style this spring & summer!
Alexander Wang via here
Stay chic.
Annie
Flirty Florals
Image via here
I can’t get enough of floral prints right now – I am head over heels in love with this flowy Rebecca Taylor jumper that Vanessa Hudgens is wearing! (The color is to die-for). A must-have for your spring wardrobe is a sweet, floral-print frock. These dresses are great transition pieces because you can wear one now (while it’s still cold outside) with a long cardigan, tights and slouchy boots, and when it gets warmer, pair with heels or cute, flat sandals (like Taylor Swift) for a look that’s effortlessly chic. I love these dresses because they’re feminine without looking too overdone or dressed up.
image via thepoplook.blogspot.com/
Get the look:
$49.99 www.urbanoutfitters.com
Rebecca Taylor, $315 www.nordstrom.com
This little Free People number + gladiator sandals = YES, please.
$98, Free People @ www.nordstrom.com
$58 @ www.ardenb.com
$350, Rebecca Taylor @ www.shopbop.com
$58 @ www.urbanoutfitters.com
$88 @ www.freepeople.com
$58 @ www.victoriassecret.com
$148 @ www.frenchconnection.com
Stay chic,
Annie
Photo credit: 1- T.Swift photo via www.thepoplook.blogspot.com, 2 & 7 via www.urbanoutfitters.com, 3 & 4 via www.nordstrom.com, 5 via www.ardenb.com, 6 via www.shopbop.com, 8 via www.freepeople.com, 9 via www.victoriassecret.com, 10 via www.frenchconnection.com