Search A Chic Critique
Custom SearchConnect With Me
Archives
SOS! Necklaces
Smokin’, Oversized Statement necklaces.
Insert your “s” word of choice, be it “summery,” “stylish,” or “sultry,” – all of them fit the bill for the necklaces I have featured today. Bright, bold, and colorful, these pieces are meant to add an unexpected edge to your outfit, enlivening your color palette. I’d pair one with a simple black sheath dress for work, or with simple flats, tailored shorts, and a basic white tee.
Think of them as a finishing touch, adding instant glamour and polish to any summer ensemble.
Kate Spade Triple Chain Necklace, on sale for $78. Obsessed with the yellow! Try it with black shorts and a white top.
Milly Teardrop Statement Necklace, $375
ABS Pave Goldtone Chainlink Necklace, $195
Tory Burch Woven Multistrand necklace, $207 – Love the Mexican vibe of this one.
The queen of the statement necklace, Miss Olivia Palermo. Daffodil yellow & cobalt blue, cha-ching. (image via google)
Don’t play the safe card. Go a little wild with color – that’s what summer 2011 is all about.
Stay chic,
Annie
70’s Inspiration
Growing up, one of the eras I was most fascinated with were the 1960’s and 70’s. As a little girl, I always told myself I’d love to go back to Woodstock or the time of Dazed and Confused. From a fashion-standpoint, I was obsessed with the chunky wooden platforms, high-waisted jeans, peasant tops, and earthy beads.
Two fashion icons that inspired salient style trends in the 70’s that continue to exert their influence and legacy on designers to this day: Joan Baez & Jane Birkin.
High-waisted pants & jeans, suede bags and jackets, denim, peasant tops, platform heels and floppy, wide-brimmed hats. (google images)
This spring, I get my way.
A) Silk dress, Diane von Furstenberg, $445, DVF.com
B) Notify High-Rise Flare Jeans, $240
C) Seychelles Chant, $110
D) Hive & Honey Turquoise Bead Necklace, $48
E) Juicy Couture Silk Tiered Maxi Dress, $350
F) Halston Heritage Off-the-shoulder Dress, $395
G) Alternative The Petey, $138
H) Cotton crepe blouse, Marc Jacobs, $625, at Marc Jacobs, NYC
I) Current/Elliott Dorothy Stretch-Denim Pencil Skirt, $168
J) Tory Burch High-rise Flair Jeans, $195
K) Suede and lacquered platform, Laurence Dacade, $670, similar styles at laurence-dacade.com
L) Lucky Brand Seed Bead Bracelet, $45
M) La Garconne Saddle Bag, $310
Don’t forget a wide-brim hat – perfect in time for summer – to complete the 70’s vibe you’re going for. Love.
Stay chic,
Annie
Brights of Spring
If you haven’t already gotten the March issue of Elle, I’d encourage you to: as the cover suggests, COLOR is back for spring! Although 70’s neutrals and sheer whites are also on the horizon for warmer weather this year, spring collections are replete with pops of bright, bold colors – fuschias, neon pinks, lemon and citron yellows, turquoise and teal blues.
Miss Katy Perry looking fierce and glamorous on the March cover of Elle (note the combination of two dominant trends for spring: 70’s and color). Talk about being a “firework.”
Jewel tones and brights are uber-flattering on a multitude of skin tones. Neon pinks and citron yellows look fantastic and stunning against dark complexions. Medium to olive skin tones will notice that deep, rich jewel tones (emerald green, plum, teal) instantly brighten your appearance. If you have fair skin, purples and coral/bubblegum pinks, as well as true turquoises, will highlight your coloring and give you that “wow” factor. Color says: look at me!
Some ACC color inspiration:
a) Temperley London Mini-Marcia Embellished Silk-Chiffon Dress, $1,395
b) Naven Party Dress, $374
c) Tibi Bead-Embellished Silk Dress, $385
d) French Connection Bex Beads Tunic Dress, $228
e) Tibi One-Shouldered Silk Chiffon Dress, on sale for $189!
f) Herve Leger Jacquard Bandage Dress, $1,950
g) Rebecca Taylor Simply Shirt Dress, $350
h) Jil Sander Market Leather Bag, $895
i) Tory Burch Reva Satin Clutch, $295
Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match and combine colors together; the more, the merrier.
Stay chic,
Annie
Tribal Fever
It was love at first sight when I saw the Spring 2011 RTW collection from Tracy Reese this year. Playing on the ethnic trend other designers also nodded to this spring, she combined feminine, luxurious silks and chiffons with bold, eclectic tribal prints.
Boho-styling + Tracy Reese + tribal inspiration = yes, please.
Tracy Reese Spring 2011 RTW
This spring, nothing communicates “effortlessly chic” more than a breezy turquoise tunic, an aztec-inspired necklace, or a bright, ethnic-print bag. A simple statement cuff adds edge to any white t-shirt and jeans!
1) Tory Burch Tricia Wedge, $495
2) Mara Hoffman Chieftan Story Tribal Bikini, $170
3) Twelfth Street Cami Dress in Zulu, $425
4) John Hardy Sterling Silver Cuff, $895
5) BR Tribal Tubular Necklace, $39.50
6) Juicy Couture Vintage Orange Dress, $129
7) Tibi Beaded Chiffon Dress, $297
8 ) Cynthia Vincent Berkeley Bag, $295
9) House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Cuff Bracelet in Turquoise, $220
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,
Annie
Gorgeous Gifts for Her
A Chic Critique has put together some favorite gifts as a guide for all the ladies in your life – whether it be a girlfriend, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, wife, or sister.
The Perfect Hostess Gift
I have been a devoted fan of Seda France candles for almost ten years now. At only $29 for a large candle, these delicious-smelling votives come in darling, toile “pagoda” boxes – almost too pretty to unwrap! Favorites? The Holiday scent (pictured here) & nutmeg vanilla.
The Perfect Stocking Stuffers
NARS “Follow the Boys” Lipgloss Set, $40 (Can’t say enough about NARS. You must convert. Now.)
Tocca Bar Soaps, $12 each (grandmother / mom / mother-in-law will swoon).
The Perfect Sweet-Smelling Gift
Michael Kors 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $92 – I’m in love with this perfume, and it often competes with this one for my attention. Smell it & see why – feminine & breezy, with a intriguing, sexy twist. Perfect for your mother, wife or girlfriend.
The Perfect Gifts for your Gadget-Loving Girl
Tory Burch “Alice” Quilted Leather Labtop Case, $250 – Say goodbye to the old “blah” black laptop case & she will be the envy of every co-worker with this sophisticated piece.
Burberry I-pad Case, $475 – Every fashionable girl needs a sleek case for carrying an I-pad, and the bright yellow is so mod.
The Perfect Universally-Pleasing Gift
Polaroid 300 Instant Camera, $90, instant film ($10) – I adore this vintage throwback camera! No need for an I-phone app – get the real thing.
The Perfect Luxe Gifts
Crumpet Hooded Cashmere Sweater, $375 – Nothing says luxury more than a timeless & classic cashmere sweater. A beautiful investment for any woman’s wardrobe & a staple in her closet for years to come.
Chloe Paraty Leather Bag, $1895 – Spoil the high-maintenance loved one in your life. Or let Santa spoil YOU.
The Perfect Gifts for Pampering
You certainly can’t go wrong with a feminine, soft print robe. Josie Season of Love Print Robe, $88
My pick for mother? A shearling-lined TB slipper: chic AND comfortable. Tory Burch Coley Suede Slipper, $128
The Perfect Gift for your Best Gal friend (or your girlfriend)
What’s she into? Wine? Interior Design? Fashion? Photography? Buy a great coffee table book for her apartment: always fodder for conversation & fun to peruse. Or buy her a year’s subscription to her favorite magazine. She’ll love you for it.
Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue (price ranges)
Happy shopping!
Stay chic,
Annie
Chic Cosmetic Carryalls
A stylish, yet practical makeup bag is a must for toting around your best cosmetic essentials. Kate Spade has always designed chic printed cosmetic and jewelry totes, and designers like Tory Burch are constantly coming up with “not your grandmother’s makeup bag” styles.
Whether you prefer a larger cosmetic bag, or a three-piece travel set, there are a multitude of options for all you makeup lovers out there.
Tocca Blue Cosmetic Bag, $36. I love this preppy, geometric print, and it’s roomy and spacious!
Kate Spade Sant Elmo Stripe Large Cosmetic Bag, $125
Trina 3-Piece Travel Set, $32
Tory Burch Alice Large Cosmetic Case, $95. The orange is so mod and unexpected – not “cutesy” at all (so you’ll like it if pink isn’t your thing).
Please, ladies, be honest with yourselves. Is the bottom of your makeup bag covered in dried nail polish and caked in powder? If so, it might just be time to consider investing in a new bag. With a plethora of fashionable bags to choose from, there is no excuse not to keep your makeup clean and organized in style.
Stay chic,
Annie
Ready to Ride
One of my favorite looks from fall 2010 runway shows was the consistent equestrian theme found in the Dior, Hermes & AF Vandervorst collections. The low-heeled “riding boot” is now a ubiquitous trend for fall, and it just so happens that the riding boot is quite a classic style. As fashion is cyclical by nature, this boot has continued to make an appearance. A timeless, leather pair (1/2 inch to 1 inch-heeled) of riding boots will be in your closet for years to come.
AF Vandervorst Fall 2010 – images via here
Christian Dior Fall 2010 – images via here
My picks:
This Ralph pair of riding boots is my favorite choice, hands down. The slight stacked heel gives you just a little bit of height without compromising comfort, and the buckle detailing and cognac color make the boot extremely versatile (camel/cognac leather can easily be paired with black or brown). My birthday is October 9th if anyone would like to oblige. – Ralph Lauren Sahara Riding Boots, $975
Colin Stuart Leather Riding Boot, $148
Frye makes some of the most quality, stylish boots around. A favorite designer of mine! Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot, $348
Tory Burch Patterson Cognac Leather Riding Boot, $495
There are a multitude of ways to style these boots – wear them over leggings with a tunic or a chunky-knit sweater, or over skinny/straight-legged jeans with a blazer and a scarf. The whole point is to show these babies off – not hide them under your jeans.
Stay chic,