the style observer is about putting it all together

Entries from May 2008

Steve Madden is one smart copy cat

May 31st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Christian Dior Steve Madden accessories shoes

Let the copying begin! The hottest shoe for the summer comes to us directly from, where else, Sex and the City. The shoe everyone is already wild about is a Dior. It’s worn by Carrie throughout the movie, and she makes it look fabulous. It has a New York edge that only Carrie can bring us. Smartly, Steve Madden realized that everyone would want them but not everyone would be able to afford them. So, he brings us a shockingly similar shoe for just over $100. Now you can be fabulous, fearless, and funky .. for a lot less money. Go grab your shoes girls, because they are going to fly! Thanks Steve.

Get the ‘Madalynn’ multi @ Steve Madden for $108
Note: This hottie is back ordered until June 24th….of course
Get the Christian Dior extreme cutout sandal @ Neiman Marcus for $780

Summer style fix for your pants

May 29th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Christian Louboutin French Sole accessories clothing pants shoes

You have just purchased the perfect pair of slingback heels that are going to bring you joy all Summer long. You’re thrilled you found a pair that will work with almost everything in your closet and bonus.. you love them! Tonight is the perfect night to whip them out; suddenly your excitement turns to panic. The shoes that you just spent hundreds of dollars on keep getting caught up in the hem of your pants. What are you going to do? Luckily, there is a solution. Kix by Katie has a product that attaches to the back of your hem. It provides enough weight to secure the pants, and they will stay put! You can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Your summer wardrobe woes are solved. Thanks to Katie.

Another dilemma we gals sometimes face is wearing our favorite jeans with heels and flats. Do we always need to buy two different lengths? Not necessarily, you can try Zakkerz. This little device secures your hem with a magnet so you can temporarily make you pants any length you want. I think I’m in love!

Our goal is to bring you all the style help that we can. So, when we come across products that can give you a quick fix we love to share it with you. We would love to hear if any of you know of any other style fixes.

items in this observation:

  • Christian Louboutin Catenita platform pumps @ Net-a-Porter
  • Kix by Katie
  • Zakkerz
  • French Sole season flat @ Nordstrom

  • sail away in style

    May 28th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Banana Republic J.Crew Juicy Couture Louis Vuitton accessories bracelets clothing handbags jewelry necklaces pants scarves shoes skirts sporty sunglasses swimsuits tops

    It’s crisp, refreshing, and an All-American look. Nautical inspired pieces make an appearance every summer. It’s a consistent, classic style that women always seem to welcome. Jackie Kennedy pulled this look off brilliantly. She looked great in a blue and white striped shirt with white pedal pushers and her signature giant sunglasses. There are so many ways to wear this style, we’re going to show you four. The first look is perfect for cocktails on the boat. White linen pants with sailor buttons, a yellow and white stripe tank, a bag made from recycled sails, an anchor necklace for added detail… and, of course, yellow aviators. It’s a relaxed casual chic that doesn’t come across as trying too hard. The next look is perfect for a day of boating. You’ll need your suit to catch some rays, a wide blue and white stripe is a classic. You might get cold after water skiing, so throw on a cute pair of anchor sweats, and a pop of red with a hoodie. Don’t forget your boat shoes, and a navy tote to hold your towels and ipod. The third look is great for everyday running around. A sailor tunic, paired with leggings or denim shorts. A boat bag that makes a great tote, and a pair of flat espadrilles. Add some fun jewelry, like an anchor necklace and a rope bracelet. You’ll look good and feel comfortable all day. The last look is a bit dressier. A white skirt with sailor button detail, mixed with an ocean colored striped sweater. Pop in a denim luxury bag, and tie an anchor scarf around the handle for effect. It’s the perfect outfit for an evening poolside or party on the beach. Even if you’re not near the ocean, this is a great style to embrace. Trust us, this style will be around for a long time, so it’s a good place to invest in important pieces. All aboard!

    items in this observation (clockwise):

    Top:

  • sailing beach bag @ Rugby (offline)
  • metal aviators @ Topshop
  • ‘Et Vous’ sailor pants @ La Redoute
  • Juicy Couture anchor pendant necklace @ Net-a-Porter
  • nautical striped tank @ Forever21


  • Right:

  • Xhilaration® stripe swim halter top with Owl embroidery @ Target
  • zip through hoody @ Asos
  • canvas beach tote @ J.Crew
  • Sperry Top-Sider® vulcanized boat shoe @ Nordstrom
  • Primp crop sweat pants @ lisa kline


  • Bottom:

  • anchor pendant necklace @ Banana Republic
  • Organic Stereo sailor stripe smock top @ Asos
  • Tidepool boat and tote @ L.L.Bean
  • Nantucket rope bracelet @ J.Crew
  • Unisa Brunello espadrilles @ Zappos


  • Left:

  • Selima aviators @ J.Crew
  • sheer rugby sweater @ Forever21
  • Laura Clement Crepe sailor’s skirt @ La Redoute
  • silk anchor handkerchief @ Forever21
  • Louis Vuitton monogram denim Néo cabby @ eLuxury

  • how to enjoy the versatile ruffle trend

    May 27th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Alexander McQueen Alice and Olivia Anya Hindmarch Express Lipsy Loeffler Randall Morgan accessories clothing designers dresses handbags lingerie/sleepwear pants shoes tops trends

    Embrace your femininity this summer by stepping out in ruffles! This girly embellishment enhances the look of any outfit.

    Going to an event? Try a sexy, sophisticated puff dress with pleats, dramatic in color, texture and design. Pair a ruffled sensation like this with some basic, but edgy, pumps. The bag should compliment the edgy nature of the shoes.

    Meeting the girls for a poolside brunch? Choose a loose, comfortable ruffled dress in neutral colors. This dip dyed silky dress is smooth to the touch and balanced with ruffles from front to back. (Dip dye & ruffles! How fun!) With its lightweight and flowing nature, any woman will feel comfortable and fashionable in a sexy and feminine piece like this. It also makes a sophisticated cover-up!

    If you need to run some errands and pick up the kids, but you just can’t resist the urge to look really cute, then go for a basic but stylish look. (Don’t you always end up running into someone you know?) Pair some dark skinny shorts with a pastel colored, ruffled top, some ruffled sandals and your favorite leather tote. Pop on your favorite shades and you’ll be the talk of the town… Get going!

    Enjoy a summer picnic in a sexy, ruffled, sleeveless halter top, and some plain white sateen shorts. This is how the city girl does a picnic - toss some white with her standard black. The keyhole in the back of this halter permits a peep of what lies beneath in a very classy manner. Compliment the black and white theme with some black and white peep toe espidrilles and a striped hobo. This outfit works well from day into night.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

    going to an event:

  • Loeffler Randall ruffled calfskin clutch @ eLuxury
  • Alice + Olivia pleated puff dress @ Neiman Marcus
  • Alexander McQueen Crocodile pumps @ Net-a-Porter


  • meeting the girls for brunch:

  • Anna Corinna City Tote in pewter patent/canvas @ shoptwigs
  • Lipsy silk dip-dye ruffle empire @ Asos
  • Solid Ruffle Triangle @ dELiA’s
  • Solid Side-Tie Skirtini @ dELiA’s
  • Loeffler Randall Metallic Gathered T-Strap Sandal @ eLuxury


  • Running errands:

  • Olga coated canvas bowler @ Hayden-Harnett
  • Valerie Ruffle Top @ dELiA’s
  • Morgan low-rise skinny short @ dELiA’s
  • Hubiscus frill detal sandal @ Topshop


  • a Summer picnic:

  • sleeveless frill halter top @ Topshop
  • cotton sateen shorts w/ belt @ Express
  • Vegan peep-toe espadrille @ Vegetarian Shoes & Bags
  • Katheryn Hobo @ Shop Suey Boutique

  • girls night out & Sex and the City movie… what are you going to wear?

    May 26th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Beirn Christian Dior J Brand accessories clothing jewelry necklaces tops

    Four years ago, my sunday night with the girls came screeching to a halt. What was I going to do now? It was like I had been brutally frozen out of the cool click, and all I was left with was a group of mobsters. My Sunday night went from Barney’s to the Bada-Bing, and while I liked my mobsters they didn’t compare to my girls. Finally, the girls are back! I can’t wait to see what they’ve been up to and, more importantly, what they’re wearing. I think every girl who watched the show loved to see how the outfits were put together. It wasn’t always the most wearable clothing, but it was edgy and had a fresh way of presenting self-expression. So, you’re going to the movie with a group of friends. What on earth are you going to wear? Go for a top in a luscious fabric that feels good against your skin, paired with some super skinny jeans. Skinny jeans will help showcase your shoes. When it comes to the shoes… go for it! It’s all about the shoes tonight! We’ve selected a pair of Dior shoes that Carrie is wearing in the movie (only in a pewter), but there are a million copies out there. The bottom line is, make a statement with your shoes and bag on this particular night. The orange bag we’ve selected is another piece from Carrie’s movie wardrobe. It’s very accessible, and will last well beyond your night at the movies. I hope the movie transports you to a fabulous moment in New York City, and you leave with a smile on your face. Have fun, and a lot of laughs. Oh yeah… and look fabulous!

    fabulous items in this observation:

  • Citrine triple pendant necklace @ Satya Jewelry
  • oversized rope belt top @ Topshop
  • Beirn orange snake ‘Jenna’ hobo @ Plaza Too
  • Christian Dior extreme cutout sandal @ Neiman Marcus
  • J Brand ankle jean @ CO-OP Barneys

  • ease into summer swimsuits

    May 22nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Bottega Veneta French Sole Melissa Odabash Tara Matthews accessories clothing handbags iLuck pants shoes swimsuits

    Let the festivities begin! Memorial day is upon us and we can smell summer in the air. Cruising with the top down, grilling in the backyard, hanging on the beach… HANGING ON THE BEACH… OH NO! That’s always how it happens; it sneaks up on us. We are quickly reminded that with all of summer’s delights also comes bathing suit season. The first few trips to the beach can prove to be the toughest. Getting beach ready is something you have to ease into. It’s a process for most of us. We are not entirely ready to shed all our clothing on the first day. I guess you could say, we like the summer to court us a little bit. I want to feel comfortable peeling off the layers, and exposing myself to the sun little by little. So, if you have to be poolside or on the beach this weekend, no worries. We’ve got a plan for you. A one piece is a good place to start. Go for a basic but sophisticated color like black or red. Cover it up with one of this season’s hottest trends, a jumpsuit. A jumpsuit will come across as playful while still maintaining it’s elegance. Pull out your summer accessories this weekend. If you’ve got a great summer tote, it should make it’s first appearance this weekend. Reminder, the tote should blend with the suit and cover-up. Slip into your new summer sandals and you’re ready. Oh, don’t forget a great big pair of sunglasses! They’ll be dying to know how you pulled it all together so early in the season.

    items in this observation:
    top look:

  • ‘Osmond’ shoulder bag @ Anya Hindmarch
  • ‘Knock’ thong by Miss Trish of Capri @ Zappos
  • Tara Matthews Zigzag silk jumpsuit @ Net-a-Porter
  • Melissa Odabash Torina swimsuit @ Net-a-Porter
  • iLuck mini eye bracelet (multi color) @ Shop Intuition
  • iLuck satin cord Hamsa charm bracelet @ Shop Intuition
  • iLuck crystal charm bracelet @ Shop Intuition


  • bottom look:

  • Melissa Odabash Frances halter swimsuit @ Net-a-Porter
  • French Sole ‘Sand Dollar’ thong sandal @ Zappos
  • Tara Matthews Ikat jumpsuit @ Net-a-Porter
  • Bottega Veneta oversized bucket bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • ‘Caravan’ collection bracelets @ Scosha NY

  • stars… how to embrace a fleeting trend.

    May 21st, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$$ Chanel Yves Saint Laurent accessories belts bracelets clothing earrings jewelry necklaces shoes tops trends

    Are you over the moon for stars?
    Ever notice those fleeting fashion concepts? One month every woman’s got it on and the next month, that “it” thing makes itself comfortable in the back of your closet. The good thing about this month’s star trend is its impeccable timing with Memorial Day Weekend. You can be patriotic and fashion forward all at once. More importantly, we’re going to help you figure out a practical, affordable, and fashionable way to approach this shiny trend.

    Over the top stars: If you want to grab on to this trend with full force, keep the price point on the low end. That way, when it’s out in a couple of months you won’t have buyers remorse. Check out the cute top from Asos. It makes a bold starry statement. Or give your stars a little color with a red strapless cotton dress. It’s a great piece for daytime or a family BBQ.

    Subtle stars: Jewelry is an easy way to embrace this trend. Have the stars fall from your ears, cascade down your neck, or adorn your arm. A blouse with a subtle star print will keep you on trend, but will also stand the test of time. It’s a top that will always look great with jeans.

    Funky stars: There are even stars out there for the edgy girls. Bring the stars over your knees with a fun pair of tights. Go for the gold with the YSL sandal. Or be mysterious with the Superfine tank, the stars have their eye on you with this one.

    While this starry trend won’t be around for long, it’s certainly fun and oh so “au current!” So, grab a bit of it before it shoots away!

    stars in this observation:

  • TFNC silk star print chiffon blouse @ Asos
  • Superfine Racer back tank @ Net-a-Porter
  • Pepe star print boobtube dress @ Asos
  • star print tie-neck blouse @ Asos
  • elastic star buckle belt @ Topshop
  • Emilio Cavallini stars over-the-knee holdups @ Asos
  • Yves Saint Laurent star sandal @ Barney’s
  • multi star drop pendant necklace at ASOS
  • Chanel Black Star Logo cuff bracelet at Bag Borrow or Steal™
  • star drop earrings @ Asos

  • hit the links in style

    May 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Brontibay Paris Express J.Crew Kangol Ralph Lauren Stella McCartney Virginia Johnson accessories clothing handbags hats pants shoes tops

    When Tiger Woods hit the scene, the game of golf had a complete facelift. It’s no longer considered the dowdy, boring game it used to be. Now it’s youthful, cool, and even sexy. Inevitably, the fashions on the course have gone through a slight transformation. Nothing too drastic, because it’s a conservative game with a lot of dress-code rules. However, we’re finally seeing designers like Stella McCartney offering fashionable alternatives. We’ve put together a couple of looks that are pulled together and sporty. The first, is a sleek modern take. We’ve selected slim black slacks paired with a white polo. The Kangol hat and the Stella McCartney shoes give the look a youthful feel. Don’t forget a sleek tote, like the Brontibay, for hitting the locker room after the round. The second look is a bit more classic-preppy. A pair of slim bermudas paired with a bright colored polo. All the pieces are in the same color family, and blend beautifully with the accessories. It’s an outfit you could easily wear into town after your round to do some errands. It’s feminine and sporty. To make your sport outfits work seemlessly, buy pieces that you can mix and match. Keep in mind your accessories, like your golf bag, tote, and golf shoes. That, way you will always look pulled together.

    items in this observation:

    sleek modern golf

  • Kangol Argyle 504 Ivy cap @ Village Hat Shop
  • Hansell Lurex stripes polo @ Ralph Lauren
  • Brontibay Paris Venise nylon tote @ Shopbop
  • Golf woven pants @ Adidas Online
  • Garbato golf shoes @ Adidas Online
  • Nike women’s Brassie golf bag @ World of Golf


  • classic preppy golf

  • Tennis CU visor by Stella McCartney @ Adidas Online
  • flower diamond earrings @ Ben Bridge
  • Parisian polo @ J.Crew
  • Virginia Johnson giant tote @ Shopbop
  • luxury stretch Editor city short @ Express
  • Garbato golf shoe @ Adidas Online
  • Callaway women’s golf bag @ World of Golf

  • tennis attire psychology

    May 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$ Cartier Louis Vuitton Oakley Prada Stella McCartney accessories clothing handbags shoes skirts sunglasses tops

    As you may already know, tennis is not only a physical sport, it’s also a mind game. Do you want to intimidate them by dressing the sleek athlete? Or maybe you want to trick them with sweet deception? Either way, you’ll shake the very ground they stand on. You can walk out onto the court wearing a modern black and white tennis dress, terminator like sunglasses, and a mod Manhattan-esque tennis tote. You’ll be feared as the type-A woman, who will stop at nothing to win. That impression alone will give you a leg up by provoking anxiety. Or you could go the complete opposite way by dressing in demure fashion forward pieces. A pale pink jacket with a white skirt, a fun & feminine tote, and a classic tennis bracelet will have you pegged as a pleaser who just wants to play for fun. Little do they know you are a natural born athlete who goes after the sport she’s playing. They will quickly learn not to judge a book by it’s cover when you put away every one of your serves. Some may say that’s not playing fair, but every athlete knows that the mind is the most important part of the game. Cute tennis outfits are, of course, another very important element to the game! So, if you can’t play well - at least look good out there. Good Luck, and knock ‘em dead.

    gear in this observation:

  • Prada ‘Tessuto’ sport tote @ Neiman Marcus
  • polarized “Breathless” sunglasses @ Oakley.com
  • Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet @ any Cartier Boutique
  • Nike women’s doubles dress @ Midwest Sports
  • purple training jacket @ Fila Online
  • Adidas ‘Barricade’ women’s tennis shoe @ Zappos

  • Adidas tennis cover-up blouse jacket @ Adidas Online
  • ‘Belong’ sunglasses @ Oakley
  • diamond tennis bracelets @ Blue Nile
  • Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis skirt @ Adidas Online
  • Prince T20 tennis shoe @ Zappos

  • how to embrace one of the season’s hottest shoes: the sandal bootie

    May 16th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ 18th Amendment Anna Sui Barbara Bui Express Stella McCartney Theory accessories clothing dresses pants shoes skirts tops trends

    In a matter of weeks, the sandal bootie shoe will be on everyone’s hot list. Sarah Jessica Parker wears a similar style throughout the movie Sex and the City. Initially it comes across as a hard, edgy shoe. However, when you pair it with softer pieces it is instantly elevated to high fashion status. To soften the look of this shoe, pair it with pretty prints or florals. It’s an unexpected combination, which will undoubtedly intrigue people. In the movie, Carrie wears them with a full green floral dress. The femininity of the dress shines new light on the shoe. That way, you trade the S&M look for a sophisticated look. If you want to wear them with skinny jeans, make sure the top is blousy to balance out the weight of the shoe. It looks great with dresses, skirts, as well as with black slacks and more urban pieces. If you think you can make the sandal bootie work, you should go grab a pair before the movie hits theatres. Good luck and happy hunting!

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • Barbara Bui braided pump @ shop Jake
  • Theory ‘Simms - Crunch’ dress @ Nordstrom
  • Stella McCartney floral print blouse @ Net-a-Porter
  • 18th Amendment Lollobrigida high-waisted jeans @ Net-a-Porter
  • silk floral skirt ‘Green Meadows’ @ Express
  • tapered crop ‘Luxury Stretch’ pants @ Express
  • Anna Sui chevron stripe chiffon blouse @ Nordstrom