the style observer is about putting it all together

Entries from April 2008

the styleobserver on Posh Mama

April 30th, 2008 · posted by Michael J. Pratt in admin

We’re very excited to announce that Jean is now contributing to a very cool and hip community called Posh Mama. This network features a ton of cool chicks who just happen to be very posh, many of whom are also posh mamas . If you’re either (or wanna be!) then join! A true measure of a great community is involvement and Posh Mama members are amazing. You’ll see that the moment you click off this post, which you should be doing right now!

Our 3 favorite ways to wear gladiator sandals

April 29th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Cynthia Vincent Diane Von Furstenberg Francisco French Connection L.A.M.B. MARC by Marc Jacobs Tory Burch accessories bracelets clothing dresses handbags jewelry necklaces pants shoes



Gladiator sandals are one of the biggest trends of the season. Last month’s post on the Gladiator ignited a firestorm of questions: How do I wear them? We’ve put together three of our favorite looks to help you out.

Gladiator look 1

  • MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Hillier Hobo @ Bloomingdales
  • Striped Danni Tunic @ C&C California
  • Francisco High Leg Sandal @ Topshop


  • The first look has a tall gladiator paired with a summer cotton dress. The key to this look, is to keep the dress flowy and unconstructed. The cut of the dress will balance out the tall gladiator sandal, making your legs look slim. A big hobo bag completes the look beautifully.


    Gladiator look 2

  • Diane Von Furstenberg Alcamo silk top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Jonah’ shorts @ Nordstrom
  • Accessories & Beyond gold braided cuff @ Fragments
  • Tory Burch North/South tote @ Bloomingdales
  • Cynthia Vincent ‘Dinah” tobacco sandal


  • The second look has a short gladiator paired with shorts, a billowy top, bangles, and a textured tote. The key to this look is to lean toward the bohemian, not preppy. It should look relaxed and sophisticated. It translates into a perfect day to evening summer look.


    Gladiator look 3

  • Anya Hindmarch mirror straw tote @ Vivre
  • French Connection ‘Betty Block’ jersey dress @ Nordstrom
  • Twelve by Twelve charm necklace @ Forever 21
  • L.A.M.B. ‘Gina’ metallic gladiator platform sandal @ Shopbop


  • The third look is a more dressed up version of the gladiator sandal. Again, the dress is free flowing which helps to balance the bulk of the shoe. The gladiator we chose is metallic, and reflects beautifully as opposed to drag the outfit down. We paired the outfit with a linen bag with gold accents, to tie it all together. The dress becomes the focus, with very fashion forward accessories that don’t take over the outfit.

    We hope some of these looks inspire some of your own creations. Have fun with it, and relax into a pair of gladiator sandals this season.

    Banana Republic doubles as Bottega Veneta

    April 25th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$$$ Banana Republic Bottega Veneta accessories handbags

    Bottega Veneta is known for their woven leather bags; it has practically become their label. If you haven’t noticed, Bottega doesn’t have any conspicuous labels on their bags. The identity of the brand has become synonymous with their specific woven leather. If you want this luscious leather, though, you’re going to pay for it. Their bags range from $1200 to over $5000. If you can’t afford that hefty price tag, we have the bag for you. Banana Republic has made a few bags that more than resemble the unreachable Bottega Veneta. They even have a similar sandal that blends beautifully. You may have just found your perfect summer bag! It’s big enough to take to the beach, structured enough to take to work, and comfortable enough for everyday. No matter where you go, or what you wear, this bag brings it to a chic level. How can you beat a reasonably priced, well made, fashionable, designer look-alike bag? We don’t think you can beat it, but we do think you should go for it!

    items in this observation (L to R):

  • Metallic large woven tote @ Banana Republic
  • ‘Gaia’ woven leather sandal @ Banana Republic

  • Bottega Veneta burnished tote @ Saks
  • Bottega Veneta flat slingback thongs @ Saks
  • 9 ways to update your summer wardrobe

    April 21st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Adam Lippes Cynthia Rowley Elsa Peretti Gap J Brand J.Crew Kooba Tracy Reese Zoey accessories belts bracelets clothing coats dresses handbags jewelry pants shoes skirts tops

    1. Bold color - meant to be mixed with all kinds of colors, and can be worn with everything.

    2. Skinny belt - cinching your waist is an easy way to update.

    3. Patent leather - shine on! It can be black, neutral, or bold.

    4. Dip-dye - An updated version of Tie-Dye. It’s done in soft colors this season, which looks good on all.

    5. Wide leg denim - a great way to update. It’s clean, classic, and fresh.

    6. Metallic - should be worn like a neutral, and goes with everything.

    7. Full skirt - easy to wear with a fitted top or tee.

    8. Bracelets - lots and lots of bracelets. Bangles are fun for this season.

    9. Tribal prints - young, fun, urban, and edgy.

    catching up with Sex and the City designer Gilles Montezin

    April 16th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in Gilles Montezin

    As I crossed the threshold into the seven story townhouse, it was like I walked through the wardrobe into the wonderful world of Narnia. The environment was the most magical I had ever experienced. Gilles is upstairs sewing dresses while Andrew, his partner and concert pianist, plays music that soars through the house. The creative energy that radiates from this place penetrates the soul. It’s no wonder that celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Debra Messing gravitate toward his brilliant designs. There’s an addictive quality to his clothing. The moment you slip into one of his pieces, you’re hooked. The design, the fabric, the detailing, all make for unbelievable synergy. His collection is currently touring the country, but can also be seen on is website: www.GillesMontezin.com. Words do not do Gilles’ designs justice, so we created a video. Enjoy and tell us your thoughts!

    ease into summer with Ella Moss.

    April 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in Ella Moss clothing dresses tops

    Summer fashion is all about ease, comfort, and uncomplicated style. The last thing you want to do on a hot day is wear layers of clothing. That’s precisely why The Ella Moss Collection works so well during the summer months. It’s a collection that is virtually fuss-free. You can literally throw one of her dresses on with sandals, a straw bag, and be out the door. There is very little closet time required to make the pieces work, they just do. The shapes are simple, wearable, and accessible to almost all body types. The fabric is ultra soft, feels gentle on the skin, and moves beautifully with the body. The designs are feminine in a truly modern way, allowing women the freedom and flexibility they need to run around all day long, and still look great. This summer, don’t sweat it, go with the effortless fashions of Ella Moss.

    items in this observation (clockwise) :

  • ‘Grace’ color block dress @ Nordstrom
  • ‘Abby’ floral applique camisole @ Nordstrom
  • ‘Palisades” hooded mini-dress @ Nordstrom
  • sapphire crochet mini-dress @ Fashion Chateau
  • ‘Joni’ colorblocked tank @ Nordstrom
  • ‘Holly’ dress @ Nordstrom
  • polished comfort for a saturday in spring

    April 10th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Miu Miu Souchi Stella McCartney

    You’ve been cooped up all winter long, and now have severe spring fever. You can feel it, the bright sun beaming through your window on Saturday morning. It’s so inviting that you actually hop out of bed on the one day you get to sleep in. You fling open the window to let the fresh air in. Duke jumps up on the window sill wagging his tail, practically begging for a long walk! What better way to start off this beautiful day than a walk in the park with your old friend. You figure, a walk will probably lead to lunch with friends. So, while you want to be comfortable, you don’t want to look sloppy. First, you throw on a pair of comfy sport pants that don’t look ratty. Then, your favorite tee. Be sure to throw on a sweater over your tee, because there is still a morning chill in the air. It will also make the outfit look polished, and appropriate for lunch. Finish the look off with a fun pair of sneaks, and classic sunglasses. You’re done! Grab his leash, a poopy bag, and enough money for lunch. Drink this day in, it will replenish your spirit.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • Miu Miu engraved detail aviators @ Net-a-Porter
  • Retro Sport women’s NY Knicks tee @ 80’s Purple
  • Souchi hoodie Sky @ Kate Boutique
  • Adidas by Stella McCartney gym studio leggings @ Net-a-Porter
  • Roxy logo dog leash @ Phish Dry Goods
  • women’s Chuck Taylor All-Star Ox @ Piperlime
  • what to wear on a girl’s shopping trip to paris?

    April 10th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$$ $$$$$ Chanel Chloé L.A.M.B. Oliver Peoples Paul and Joe Sonia Rykiel Valentino accessories bracelets clothing coats handbags hats jewelry looks pants sunglasses tops

    From the minute you get off the plane, you can feel the energy that illuminates the city of light. The ride to the hotel is like driving through a beautiful painting. You want to immerse yourself as fast as you can, so that no time is wasted. A group of girls away for a few days, to do all the things girls like to do in Paris. The excitement bubbles up inside you. Free in a glamorous city, shopping, eating, and enjoying life. You’ve arrived! As you walk through the revolving door at The Ritz, you are immediately reminded of a famous Princess who walked through the same revolving door hours before her death. You briefly pause, and then walk to your room to get ready for your first day in Paris. What on earth are you going to wear shopping in the most glamorous city in the world? Well, one thing to remember is that you will be doing a lot of walking. So, choose your most comfortable, stylish shoes. The fashion should be urban chic with a sense of haute couture. It should be casual enough to wear all day, and fabulous enough to stop at a random cafe for lunch. You’ll want to have a bag big enough to carry all that you will need for the day ,including maps and all information on the city. You’re in Paris, so play the part. Kick your normal fashion up with a fun piece like a knit cap, or big sunglasses. Paris is about glamour, glamour, glamour. Embrace it, live the dream while you’re there. At the end of the day, you’ll crawl into your room, order cookies and hot chocolate, and wonder what they’re doing back home.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • Zig Zag knit beret @ Miss Selfridge
  • Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cotton trench @ Net-a-Porter
  • Oliver Peoples Ilsa sunglasses @ Net-a-Porter
  • Paul & Joe Miette smock top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Chanel Purple Logo cuff bracelet @ BagBorrowOrSteal
  • Chloe patent trim boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • L.A.M.B. “Margate” high waist stretch jeans @ Nordstrom
  • Valentino Nuage bag @ Saks
  • 50’s inspired fuller skirts are perfect for pear shapes

    April 8th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Isaac Mizrahi L.A.M.B. Rosae Nichols Tracy Reese clothing dresses looks

    This spring, fuller skirts are all around us, and I can’t help but be reminded of the fashions of the 1950’s. Cinched waists, fuller skirts, and full figures were all the rage. An hourglass shape was considered the ideal; round hips were the ultimate in femininity. This spring, we are embracing a bit of our past once again. Fuller skirts are perfect with a fitted top, and sandals. You can also dress it up with pumps or espadrilles. This particular cut works well on pear shaped women, it accentuates the tiny waist that is created by fuller hips. This is a feminine, flirty trend - have fun with it!

    items in this observation:

  • Plenty by Tracy Reese strapless flared dress @ Nordstrom
  • L.A.M.B. Lucille satin dress @ Bloomingdales
  • Rosae Nichols pleated grey skirt @ Kate Boutique
  • Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Taffeta Couture Dress - Fandago Red
  • refined punk is alive and well at Topshop

    April 4th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ looks

    Leave it to a London-based store to keep punk alive in the most avant-garde way. Topshop is known for their funky, street chic , well priced fashions. They manage to blend the edgy and the haute, making it ultra appealing to women of all ages. If you are interested in embracing punk style, Topshop’s pieces are urban and authentic. They make it easy to pull off without looking like a bad fashion flashback. It’s modern, and the pieces are on target with what’s on trend right now - punk-fusion. We love this look. It’s Sienna Miller meets Madonna in the eighties. I was first introduced to punk in the eighties, when my sister lived in London. She walked me down King’s road, and I was completely intrigued by the people I saw. I loved seeing personal expression come across in the fashions they wore. Come to think of it, that is exactly what fashion is. A personal expression of how we are feeling on any given day. So, do you feel punk today?

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • Tails Blazer @ Topshop
  • Lipstick Ombre Blouse @ Topshop
  • Coloured Wood Bangles @ Topshop
  • Wide Spot Elastic Belt @ Topshop
  • Star Print Legging @ Topshop
  • Premium High Shoe Boot @ Topshop
  • Stripe Trouser @ Topshop
  • Leather Chain Shopper Bag @ Topshop