the style observer is about putting it all together

Entries from March 2008

how to wear a bright colored bag

March 30th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ $$$ Gustto Estiva Kooba MARC by Marc Jacobs Steven by Steve Madden Theory Vince looks

You can’t help but feel the energy from the rainbow of bags that are in stores right now. It’s such a refreshing change from the blacks and browns, that we’re simply drawn to the brighter colors. Though, just as we contemplate which color to buy, a million questions come to mind. What will I wear it with? How often can I really use a bag of this color? Will it be out of fashion next season? Is it worth it? Well, we can’t answer all those questions for you, but we can help you with the first one. You would be amazed at how many ways you can wear a vividly colored bag. One way is to pair it with a print. A bright bag makes a great anchor for a floral or a pattern. Another way is to pair it with another bright color, like a yellow bag with a bright blue dress. The idea is not to be too matchy, a bright blue bag with a green dress is unexpected but looks fabulous. Also, a bright bag can punch up a neutral or a basic color. A bright green bag with navy, or a yellow bag with grey will make the outfit pop into the now. Of course, it always look great with jeans and a white t-shirt. Basically, have fun with this trend. Don’t over-think it. Pick a bag in a shade that you love, and ultimately you’ll be happy with your purchase.

items in this observation (l to r):

  • Theory ‘Louni - Tangiers’ dress @ Nordstrom
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs turquoise airline captain bag @ START London

  • Vince printed stretch-silk dress @ Neiman Marcus
  • Kooba Callie @ Kooba

  • Theory sleeveless bubble dress @ Neiman Marcus
  • Kooba Nelli leather hobo @ Neiman Marcus

  • Theory racerback shift dress @ Neiman Marcus
  • Steven by Steve Madden Ruched purse @ Victoria’s Secret

  • Bop Basics cashmere relaxed v-neck sweater @ Shopbop
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs Faridah leather bag @ Net-a-Porter

  • Theory Laina Alibi combo dress @ Bloomindales
  • Gustto Estiva leather shopper @ Bloomindales
  • from dressy to downtown

    March 28th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$$ $$$$ Chloé Ella Moss Elsa Peretti Giuseppe Zanotti Jimmy Choo Lee Angel Mike and Chris Rodnik accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings handbags jewelry looks shoes

    So, you have to buy a dress for an event this Spring, but you want a dress you can wear more than once. That’s not just pipe dream, it’s actually a real possibility. If you choose properly, you can wear the dress to the event and then easily wear it to dinner with friends on another night. Choose a style that is flirty but with simple modern lines. This Ella Moss passionate pink dress can easily be dressed up for a party, or dressed down for an evening out with friends.
    For a dressier look, add an exaggerated evening trench, shoes with shine, dazzling dangling earrings, and a whimsical bag. To take the dress downtown, give it some mod details. Top it off with a cropped leather jacket, add some black accent pieces like shoe boots, bracelets, and a bag that brings it all together. This outfit looks great going to a club or a hot new restaurant. You may even consider going into your closet and checking out some of the dresses you have. Maybe they can make the transition from dressy to downtown.

    items in this observation (l to r):

  • Rodnik Horror Show trench coat @ Net-a-Porter
  • Carrie Drop earrings by Lee Angel @ Shopbop
  • Jimmy Choo Pilar Box clutch @ Net-a-Porter
  • Giuseppe Zanotti metallic sculpted wedges @ Net-a-Porter
  • Ella Moss Black Label Samantha one shoulder dress @ Shopbop
  • Elsa Peretti bangle @ Tiffany
  • Mike & Chris Kelvin leather jacket @ Net-a-Porter
  • Jimmy Choo Polly glazed canvas bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Chloé Leather shoe boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • age appropriate beach wear

    March 26th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$ Alex and Ani Anya Hindmarch Dolce and Gabbana Lotus London Melissa Odabash Tory Burch accessories clothing handbags looks shoes swimsuits tops

    It’s almost that time of year, bathing suit season. Getting beach bound ready can be a bewildering task. What suit should I wear? What suit looks good on me? Should I buy a new beach bag? What type of cover-up should I wear? Your head starts to spin, and sometimes that can cause you to make some bad decisions. We are here to give you a little head start, by breaking it all down for you. Hopefully, this will help you organize your thoughts.

  • The 20 something’s : Ok young lady, you can have some fun with your beach look. Choose fruit colors like apple red, or kiwi green. A bright bikini or one piece, topped off with an eyelet tunic. Forget the average beach bag, grab a fashion forward, unexpected bag instead. It will catch people’s eye, and you will intrigue them. Don’t forget a little jewelry. This year, go with bracelets. It’s a fresh, crisp, youthful look. You are no longer a teen, so stay away from wearing old gym shorts over your suit, or even a ratty t-shirt. You are at an age where you should look pulled together, yet maintain a youthful edge.

  • Red bikini by Cia Maritima @ Molly Brown Swimwear (page 16)
  • Skulls tunic by Letarte @ Canyon Beachwear
  • Tory Burch “T” Contrast Patent Tote @ Nordstrom
  • Alex & Ani expandable bangle @ Saks
  • White Leather Gizeh sandal by Birkenstock
  • The 30 something’s: You’ve done it; you’ve hit the sweet spot. You are a woman with a little experience under your belt. You spent your twenties getting to know exactly who you are and what you want. Now, take it out for a test drive. Choose a sophisticated suit, with a more serious tone to it. One that exudes confident sexuality, without being overt. Earth tones are your best bet, and they mix beautifully with the minerals. A multi-tonal suit in a mixture of browns, greens, and yellows looks beautiful with gold jewelry and sandals. A caftan cover-up, and a linen bag completes the look. It’s pulled together, and stylistically confident - it reflects the woman you’ve grown into.

  • Ana bikini by ViX @ InStyleSwimwear
  • Silk Beaded Caftan by Lotus London @ Vivre
  • Caribbean Sun Bag by Mayle @ Shopbop
  • Single Stone Cuff by Kara Ross @ Shopbop
  • Dolce Vita ‘Athens 38′ sandal @ Nordstrom
  • The 40 something’s: You’ve still got it, you know it, and you don’t feel the need to prove it. Choose a one piece with intricate design or embellishment. One piece no longer equals frumpy and boring. There are a lot of sophisticated one piece suits designed to be fashionable and flattering. Cover-up with a tunic in a luxurious fabric, it’s a smart piece to invest in. A silver sandal will reflect the outfit nicely, and a refined straw bag that goes beyond the beach. Resist the urge to look younger than you are, 40 is fabulous. Stay away from the starlet look, it can come across as trying too hard - or trying to look like you’re 20. A little self -tanner, a big hat, sunglasses, and they’ll all be saying “what an elegant woman.”

  • Brown one-piece by Odabash at Molly Brown Swimwear (page 4)
  • Printed Chiffon Beaded Tunic by MB Beach Couture @ Vivre
  • Mirror Straw Tote by Anya Hindmarch @ Vivre
  • Tory Burch silver Ali sandal @ Jildor
  • The 50 something’s: You’re more interesting than ever, and it shows. All the silly little things you used to worry about now seem irrelevant; you are comfortable in your body. Choose a one piece in a beautiful jewel tone. They have a number of “miracle” suits on the market, so you can feel confident that everything is where it should be. Pair your suit with a print pareo tied under your arms. Add gold bracelets and earrings, leaving your neck bare. For a beach bag, go for a woven leather tote. It’s a rich texture that looks brilliant on the beach. Voila! You look fantastic at fifty!

  • Shape fx® Bejeweled Control Surplice Maillot @ Spiegel
  • Devi Pareo sarong @ Caylpso Christian Celle
  • Golden Stones bracelet by H.Stern @ Neiman Marcus
  • Dolce & Gabbana large Raffia tote @ Bergdorf Goodman
  • the bohemian bride

    March 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ $$$$ Claire Pettibone Gabrielle Sanchez Melissa Sweet Suzanne Kalan bohemian clothing dresses earrings jewelry rings trends

    Most girls have a picture in their mind of what a bride should look like. It’s usually an image conjured up from reading fairy tales at a young age. The funny thing is, that vision doesn’t always reflect the woman behind the veil. So, before you lose yourself in a heap of organza and tool, be sure that personifies your style. Otherwise, after the cake is gone, and the honeymoon is over, you may look back at the pictures and wonder “who is that girl?”. Wedding dresses have evolved quite a bit in the last 15 years. Designers realized that there’s a place for fashion in the wedding gown world. Since then, the designs have broadened and the style choices are endless. One of those styles is the “bohemian.” This bride is at ease with herself, and feels a freedom to express who she is. The dress she wears is easy going, and gives her the ability to move freely. The bohemian bride embraces the beauty and warmth of nature, and it’s reflected in all the things she chooses for her wedding. The colors are earthy, and mixed in an unconventional way. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who knows who she is, and portrays it fearlessly. We encourage you to consider your many options, and look at all that the designers have to offer. Your spirit should resonate on that day. Forget the fairy tales from your childhood, make your own magic. Who even knows what became of Cinderella? She could be trapped in a castle somewhere, or drunk in an English pub, or maybe she did live happily ever after. Who knows…..

    items in this observation:

  • “Yolanda” wedding dress by Claire Pettibone @ Brides.com
  • Ruby Flyer earrings by Gabrielle Sanchez @ Moondance
  • Smokey Quartz ring by Suzanne Kalan @ Fragments
  • Plum Perfect bridesmaid dress by Melissa Sweet@ Brides.com
  • the new face of animal fashion

    March 22nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ tops trends

    What’s going on in the world always makes an impression on the fashion industry. As such, we have noticed a shift in the portrayal of animals and wildlife. At a time when protecting our environment has become a priority, we find ourselves less intrigued by the skin of the animal and more intrigued by the animal itself. It’s no longer about killing the beast, it’s about protecting it. In response, designers have focused our attention on the face of the animal, and we are drawn in by its beauty. When you look deep into the face of an animal, you can’t help but feel an instant connection. These faces are for all to wear - men, women, and children. We’ve selected a handful of our favorites that would look great with a pair of jeans. We’ve even included some Tees, by Salvor, for the little ones in your life. So, hopefully this is more than just a passing trend and we embrace the animal in this way forever!

    items in this observation:

  • (Tiger) Torn by Ronny Kobe @ Shopbop
  • (Zebra) Torn by Ronny Kobe @ Madison Los Angeles
  • (Bear) Salvor @ Design Public
  • (Gorilla) Salvor @ Design Public
  • (Horse) Crystal @ Intermix
  • (Lion) Harajuku Lovers @ Karma Loop

  • denim for all women

    March 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ 7 For All Mankind Hudson J Brand Notify clothing pants

    Denim has reached unbelievable heights in the last ten years. Currently it is one of the most versatile fabrics in the fashion world. Denim goes with everything. You can dress it down with a simple white tee, or go as far as to dress it up with a Chanel jacket. There are no limits. Designers have gone wild creating different cuts, colors, and textures. There is an excellent range of styles available to women. Now, everyone can find a pair that fits well. We’ve pulled some of our favorite styles to show you. First there is the boot cut, which is probably the most universally flattering style. It’s a well proportioned cut that works on most body types. Next, the straight leg. This style has a straight line from the hip down. It’s a narrow cut, and may prove to be too slender for some women. Then there is the wide leg. This jean fits lean through the thigh, and flares below the knee. It’s cut makes the leg appear longer and slimmer. Another style is the skinny jean. The fit is tight to the leg. It’s probably one of the more difficult styles to wear; it’s very unforgiving. Another style that has recently resurfaced is the high-waisted jean. It sits high on the waist, and accentuates a woman’s body beautifully. As you can see, there are plenty of styles to choose from. There are also a lot of washes and colors to choose from. First, every girl should have a pair of dark denim. They are easier to dress up, and look clean, classic, and smart. There is also the slightly worn wash. This works really well for everyday and casual events. Lighter denim washes have appeared for Spring. We’re leery of the very light wash denim; it’s not nearly as forgiving as the dark denim. If you want to grab on to the trend, you may need to go up a size. The sizing is the same for white denim, you may want to go up a size. We love white denim for summer, it’s crisp and clean. Hopefully this helps you in your search for the perfect pair of jeans. Remember, you should buy what you feel most comfortable and confident in. That will shine through, and you will radiate.

    the sun inspired jewels of Marco Bicego

    March 18th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ Marco Bicego bracelets earrings jewelry necklaces rings

    You can practically feel the warmth of the sun when you look at Marco Bicego’s jewelry. While the collection is from Italy, it exudes a Grecian spirit. Each piece is lit from within as if Apollo, God of the Sun, himself had a hand in its creation. It’s the type of jewelry you would expect to see on women wandering through the town of Thera, on the island of Santorini. It expresses effortless, everyday, luxurious style. You can wear his jewelry with everything from a chic maxi dress, to a beautiful bathing suit by the beach. The collection is perfectly suited for the summer months, when the sun’s rays reflect a light that makes everything look gilded. The pieces will compliment not only your glowing skin, but your wardrobe as well. I’m loving this illuminating look, and the feeling it gives off. I’m thinking a Marco Bicego bracelet would make an excellent Mother’s Day gift! What do you think? I know, I know, I should stop dreaming! Hopefully, some of you will get the chance to glisten wearing Marco Bicego’s fabulous collection.

    Danskin, an oldie but a goodie

    March 17th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Danskin clothing lingerie/sleepwear tops

    Danskin Prima line

    Do you remember Danskin? If you giggled to yourself, then you remember. I cringe a little bit when I look back at pictures of myself in my Danskin outfits. But back then, I loved them. They were always comfortable, always easy, and always reliable. Danskin is best known for its dance wear. They were the first to have knit tights and leotards. Girls everywhere were wearing these fashionable leotards, tights and leg warmers to tap, jazz, and ballet class. Fashions changed in the eighties, as they always do, and Danskin fell off the radar. Well, they are making a comeback. They’re taking everything we loved about them, and modernizing it. That seems to be the theme in fashion right now - reinventing styles that we are already comfortable with. Women want that familiarity right now, a brand they can trust. Danskin left a good impression on us once, and they are about to do it again. It’s Prima line is ultra feminine, has great fluidity and comfort. So, we encourage you to take an old friend out to dinner. Rediscover them and see how they have grown. You may be pleasantly surprised.

    Zara

    March 16th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Zara clothing coats dresses tops

    Zara logo
    Zara grey blouseZara linen jacketZara  tweed coatZara sheath dress

    Saturday morning I had a rare treat, a couple of free hours. So, I decided to go shopping. I started out in one of the major department stores, where I browsed the racks for about an hour. I tried on 15 things, but was disappointed with the options. Nothing knocked my socks off. It was the same stuff I was seeing everywhere else. Yawn! Feeling unsuccessful as I walked out of the store, I noticed a Zara International. I wandered in, and was immediately intrigued. The clothing looked fabulous. The pieces had nice detail, and the designs looked beautiful. It was the perfect combination of fashion, style, and elegance. I found myself pulling several items. I glanced at one of the price tags, and practically fainted. Could the price be right? How is it possible that this couture-esque coat could only be $150? A designer coat in a department store starts at $350. I frantically started checking all the other price tags. They were all even lower! The prices ranged from $29 - $150. Fabulous fashion at a really low price! Was I dreaming? I figured the price would show itself in the fitting room, and the clothing would be constructed terribly. Aside from the sizing running small, everything had really nice lines. I was shocked, because the fashions were so tangible. They certainly didn’t feel like they were made as cheaply as they were priced. Usually when you come across a store with clothing as affordable as Zara, you can tell immediately. The clothing is either made from cheap fabric, or the design is inferior. Zara gives us great fashion at affordable prices. We are in love with the entire picture! Could Zara be the elegant woman’s Gap? Finally!! Unfortunately, Zara does not have an online presence. So, you have to find a store to view the fabulous collections.

    tricks for summer style

    March 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ accessories

    Certain summer styles can seem unrealistic to most women. It’s all about strapless, plunging, backless, spaghetti straps, high heeled sandals… the list goes on. How do we wear these fashions without falling out or falling over? We’ve pulled together a few things that should help you feel comfortable and confident in the “barely there” styles of summer. If you’re wearing something backless, a halter top, or spaghetti straps - try the adhesive NuBra. It provides support and protects against conspicuous boob reveal. If you’re fond of a racer back cut, but you hate the bras that are made for that style, then you should try the Braza bra clip. This fabulous invention makes it possible for you to turn your favorite bra into a t-back. Then there’s always the sexy low cut dress that you’ve been dying to buy, but were convinced you would either fall out or sag too much. Worry no more! First put on the adhesive bra, and then tape the garment to you with Hollywood Fashion Tape. Hello, plunging neck line! Now, onto the dreaded white pants. If you feel they reveal too much, try Spanx shape-wear. It will pull you in and smooth you out. Do you have a muffin top you want to control? Try the Yummie Tummie tank. It will smooth you out in all the right places, it’s practically a tummy tuck in a box. We love that! Finally, shoes, glorious shoes. It’s not easy to wear the unbelievably high heels that are in fashion today, but some of us really want to. So, try Foot Petals. They have several different styles to help you strut your stuff comfortably. Our favorite are the sole stopperz. They keep you from slipping and sliding across the floor. There you have it, our favorite tricks for summer style. It’s all about smoke and mirrors in the fabulous fashion world. If they can airbrush, we can stick it on and suck it in. Go make style magic this summer.

    items in this observation:

  • Braza Magic Clip @ Zodee
  • Yummie Tummie Tank @ Purple Poppy
  • Hollywood fashion tape @ A Brief Affair
  • NuBra Adhesive Bra @ Maidenform
  • Spanx Hide & Sleek HiRise @ Bare Necessities
  • Silver Rose Sole Solutionz @ Footpetals