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…and a happy NEW YEAR!
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and I’m sure many of you are shopping for a bold, statement top or dress to ring in the new year. If your discretionary budget is a bit lower after shopping for holiday gifts and presents – never fear. I’ve scoured my favorite online shops and stores to find some gorgeous, glittery pieces, all well under $200 (and most are closer to $50!).
Pair any of these with a pair of black skinny pants (or dark straight leg jeans), sky-high heels, a killer clutch, and your best “wow-me” jewelry for a night on the town or soiree. For chilly temperatures, don a simple, black tailored blazer, or a faux fur coat for that extra bit of polish and panache. I’m a jeans and dressy top girl myself, so no cocktail dress this year for me!
A) Sabine Sequin Zigzag Top, $60
B) Ark and Co. Sequin Sheer Top, $59
C) Topshop Sequin Front Tank, $64
D) French Connection Silver Simmons Top, $158
E) Madison Marcus Spectacle Sequin Tunic, $107
F) Rachel Zoe Sequin Dolman Top, $99
Whatever the dress code might be for you January 31st, why not watch the ball drop in style? Cheers to the new year, to good friends and family, to happiness, and of course, to staying chic!
Annie
Happy holidays to all from A Chic Critique! Signing off until I see you in 2012. Stay tuned!
Fall 2011: Tweed & Boucle Jackets
Ah, the timeless appeal and versatility of a classic wool jacket. The perfect transitional piece, this number compliments jeans, booties, and a t-shirt, and just as easily pairs well over a sheath dress for the office. Dress it up or dress it down; you’ll want at least one of these in your closet for fall.
See effortlessly chic this looks? image via here.
Some jackets for your perusal:
Oscar de la Renta tweed/wool jacket, $2,190
Moschino wool-blend bouclé jacket, $2,295
Markus Lupfer Wool-tweed biker jacket, $1,170
Steffen Schraut Green/Camel Bouclé Short Jacket, $405
Trina Turk Claudia Boucle Jacket, $398
The Look for Less:
BCBGeneration Bias-Trim Jacket, $148
Compagnia Italiana bouclè blazer, $119
Jersey Boucle Cropped Jacket, $90
Three ways to style a wool jacket:
1) Dressy: over a classic, Little Black Dress. Think sophisticated, Park Avenue-style.
2) For the office: pair with tailored trouser pants and a knit top. Add a cool, functional leather handbag + heels or slingbacks, and voila. Or, substitute the pants for a pencil skirt, and pair with a blouse.
3) Casually (or for a date night): pair with a fitted, hip-length knit tee in a neutral color (gray, white, black) and your favorite pair of jeans (straight, bootcut, or skinny). Top it off with a killer statement necklace. Add booties or pumps, or even flat riding boots.
Add one of these to your closet before cool weather hits, and you’ll be wearing it through February.
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
Lovely Lace
Lace was ubiquitous in both Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 RTW runway collections this year. I can assure you, your lace dresses and tops will be in your closet for years to come – this is one trend that stands the test of time. Classic and sophisticated, lace is appropriate for all ages. The key to keep in mind is that less is more when wearing lace: remember to keep your accessories and other pieces of clothing simple and complimentary. Don’t compete with the lace (and avoid being too “matchy-matchy” with other lace pieces, shoes, etc).
(Above) The always-beautiful, stylish, and effortless Olivia Palermo. Sweet & demure in a lace frock. image via here
Valentino Spring 2011 RTW; via here
January Jones styled this look perfectly. She keeps her accessories minimal, and her skinny jeans and black pointy-toed pumps simply add polish to the overall look. The lace top speaks for itself. Image via here
Tibi Short-Sleeved Lace Top, $230
Um, there is a reason why I heart Marc Jacobs. YES, PLEASE. Marc by Marc Jacobs Bronte Lace Top, $574. (January is wearing this top in black).
Topshop Long-sleeved Lace top, $80
L’Agence Chantilly Lace Halter, $380
Beyond Vintage Lace Dolman Top, $180
Do:
- Keep the look simple. Lace is intrinsically feminine and fancy, but feel free to balance a lace top with simple jeans and flats. Or pair a lace top with a leather jacket (the juxtaposition of hard and soft is unexpected & current). Another look is to wear a blazer over a lace top for work so as to avoid being “too” sexy in the workplace.
- Choose a classic color (black, navy, cream, off-white). Not only are these colors more timeless – they avoid looking cheap.
Don’t:
- Overdo it. No need to wear a lace top with lace-detailed shoes and lace-covered pants – choose one item and go with it.
- Skimp on the undergarments: always, always wear a cami under a lace top. Baring too much skin is a no-no, Madonna. (No one wants a peep show – keep it in the bedroom, ladies).
I love, love, love lace for fall and winter – so romantic and classic.
Stay chic,
Annie
“You can be my leather, take from me…my lace.” – Stevie Nicks
Chunky & Cozy Knits
I’m giddy with excitement this fall. With the advent of cooler temperatures, it’s time to bring out those warm cardigans, sweaters, boots and scarves from hibernation. I love nothing more than a comfortable, chunky sweater over a pair of black, chocolate brown or slate gray leggings. So easy and simple, yet still totally chic. Fall’s color palette is all about rich camels, taupes, grays and plums – think earthy and natural.
Don’t these knits just make you want to cozy up beside a fire and drink a hot cup of chai tea or a glass of pinot noir? I just want to wrap myself up in one and read Harry Potter the November issue of Elle.
Fall 2010 (from left to right): Dior; Banana Republic; Ralph Lauren; Michael Kors (photos via First View from New York Mag)
My picks:
Patterson J. Kincaid Chunky Cocoon Sweater, $198
“Luck is in the Cardigan,” sweater, $82.99, Modcloth. Unfortunately, we are all plumb out of luck on this one: out of stock! I still just had to post it because it’s so yummy.
Steffen Schraut Belted Poncho, $805 – - The cinched waist-tie brings the eye in, giving your silhouette definition.
Knitted Stitch Slouch Cardigan, Topshop, $90
One note about chunky knits to keep in mind – the more substantial and weighty the knit is, the more bulky it will appear on your body. Look at the weave and hand (feel of the material). If it’s cable-knit, it tends to be a much heavier sweater. If you’re voluptuous or fuller-figured, stay away from super-chunky cable knits, as they will only add more volume to your frame. Stick with finer knits.
Stay chic,
Annie
Miss Kitty
I take inspiration (as many of us do) from my very beautiful & charming mother who instilled in me an appreciation for animal prints at a very early age. She’ll deny (profusely) that her sophistication and fashion-sense are inherent, but don’t let her insistence prevent you from believing her: this woman is the epitome of taste and effortless style.
And she. loves. her. animal. prints.
It just so happens that I do, too.
Leopard prints are timeless, and I believe every woman – regardless of her age, body-type, and lifestyle – should have at least one fun, leopard accessory in her closet. Be it a clutch, light-weight scarf, pair of flats, or an insanely killer pair of pumps, leopard prints are classic and chic, not to mention sexy.
I am kind of having a moment right now.
Kitten-heel pumps, $139
Tory Burtch Leopard Pumps, $350
Topshop Leopard Purse, $50
Use a leopard scarf as an interesting pop of detail with your normal jeans and going-out top, or pair a leopard clutch or pumps with a LBD at the next wedding you go to. I love my skinny, leopard haircalf belt from J.Crew, and wear it all the time over long cardis or to give definition to an otherwise shapeless dress.
Jimmy Choo Pumps, $695
Ann Taylor Leopard Skinny Belt, $48
Jimmy Choo Leopard Print Clutch, $625
Steven Wedge Pump (out of stock, but I love this little wedge!)
If I had my way, my closet would be full of leopard flats, scarves, clutches and pumps (but I exercise restraint so as not to go overboard). Don’t want to be known as ‘that crazy cat lady.’
My shopping tip? Check out local antique and vintage stores for stellar finds. Even better? Ask your grandmother if she’s holding onto any vintage leopard print bags, scarves or hats. This print is eternal.
Stay chic,
Annie
Fall…into Cropped Jackets
I’m dying to get one of my clients in one of these structured, cropped jackets for fall. This classic piece automatically glams up any casual oufit – try wearing one over a blouse (or even a tee) with jeans and heels for a sophisticated feel. A few of these beauties are reminiscent of a classic Chanel suit – polished, demure, and feminine. What’s not to love?
Another way I’d style this jacket (especially, any of the wool/boucle blend ones) is to pair it with a LBD for work or a party. Extremely versatile, a cropped jacket is a great fall wardrobe investment staple.
Stay chic,
Annie
My favies, clockwise, from top-left: