the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on $$

flirty skirts for Fall

July 21st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ $$$ $$$$ Christian Louboutin D&G Dolce & Gabanna Diane Von Furstenberg Jimmy Choo MARC by Marc Jacobs Proenza Schouler accessories clothing shoes skirts tops

The skirt to have for Fall has a sassy silhouette. It’s full but fitted at the waist, enhancing our womanly curves. It’s a skirt that you’ll feel confident and comfortable in all day long. It looks great with opaque stockings, ankle boots, tall boots, or even ballet flats. The best part about this skirt is it’s flexibility. You can dress it up with a silk blouse or throw a belted cardigan on for a more casual feel. If you’ve got great stems, go for it in a mini. If you’re not as confident about your legs, choose a knee length version. It will come in all sorts of fabrics for fall, but we’re loving it in a tweed. Tweed is a substantial fabric that captures the feeling of Fall. Go grab your Fall skirt before they all sold out!

Fall skirts and more in this observation:

Left:

  • MARC by Marc Jacobs black lightweight sateen jersey @ Chick Downtown
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs runway high-waist skirt @ eLuxury
  • Jimmy Choo ‘George’ patent leather booties @ Saks


  • Middle:

  • Dolce & Gabbana wool mini skirt @ Saks
  • Christian Louboutin Trotte Avec Moi boots @ Net-a-Porter


  • Right

  • Diane von Furstenberg ‘Club Tatum’ blouse @ Chick Downtown
  • Proenza Schouler felted pintuck-waist skirt @ eLuxury
  • ‘Henrietta’ ballet flat @ French Sole

  • boho jewels

    July 17th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ bohemian bracelets charms jewelry looks necklaces rings

    Adorn yourself in a daring combination of jewelry - raw stones, intricate bead work, feathers, crystals and leather. These are pieces that connect you to the powerful Boho movement as well as our beloved earth. These downright earthy and decadently glamorous pieces are available on many well-visited websites as well as tons of indie boutiques online! Lovemadds, Free People, and Made with Love in Brazil are great resources for these pieces if you really want to tap into the natural aspect of this trend, while sites like Pretty Black and Erica Weiner offer a different Bohemian approach incorporating rhinestones, faux tiger teeth and other wildly interesting imagery. If you think you already own some pieces that fall into this category, then go get them! Combine looks reminiscent of Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins - looks that emanate wild freedom, yet have been beautifully put together. Other style icons who are glammed out boho style and may offer some inspiration are Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Maggie Gylenhall, Carrie Bradshaw and Kate Moss. The Boho style, full force, may not be for everyone, but you can certainly find your niche with the wide varieties it has to offer. Things to look for when picking out Boho jewelry are the use of lavish icons and imagery, bold stones, flowing pieces like fringe and strands of leather or fabric, lots of layering and grouping, wild use of color, and an over all look of achieving a perfected look through minimal effort. We Boho chic queens like to give off the idea that we just threw on whatever was on top and came out looking marvelously planned out.

    Boho pieces in this observation (clockwise):

  • Devendra necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Crystal Tourism necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Sword & Stone necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • charm 40 @ Pretty Black
  • charm 28 @ Pretty Black
  • crossed-stich cuff @ Free People
  • Kingston bangle @ Free People
  • Shoreline ring @ Free People
  • Imenja necklace @ Made with Love in Brazil
  • citta bracelet @ Lovemadds
  • love to go around charms @ Lovemadds

  • how to look good in your gym clothes all day long

    July 9th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Gucci Prada Tory Burch accessories clothing handbags lululemon pants shoes sunglasses tops

    We’ve all been there, too busy to get dolled up after we hit the gym. So, how do we do it without looking a mess? Easy… plan ahead. Pack a bag with a fresh pullover or wrap shirt, include some flip-flops, so you can get out of your sweaty sneaks, face wash, and your favorite make-up. Don’t go overboard with the make-up, you want to look sporty. Remember to choose pieces that dry easily and quickly. Wear sleek bottoms that work as well outside the gym as they do in. Or, you could always change into a pair after the workout. With all the new yoga clothing out there, you’re bound to find a perfect pair. Toss your hair back in a low pony-tail, throw on some shades, and you’re good to go - for a few hours anyway.

    gym clothes in this observation:

    Left:

  • Prada square sunglasses @ Neiman Marcus
  • ‘Around Town’ wrap @ lululemon
  • TechFit yoga knit pants at @ Adidas
  • 3T printed flip-flop @ Tory Burch


  • Center:

  • ‘Katherine’ Tank @ zobha
  • nylon duffel @ Gucci
  • Bliss ‘Tried & Blue’ travel kit @ Sephora
  • creamy concealer kit @ Bobbi Brown
  • Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks @ Saks
  • Bobbi Brown Mini Tube Tints Set @ Saks


  • Right:

  • Prada Shield sunglasses @ Neiman Marcus
  • Fluid pullover @ lululemon
  • Adilibria gym kickpants @ Adidas
  • Reef Stash flip-flops @ Piperlime

  • 7 keepers for Fall

    July 8th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Ava Chelsea Flower Chloé J Brand Jimmy Choo Mike and Chris Stella McCartney Vince accessories clothing coats designers handbags pants shoes tops

    1. The Slouchy Boot
    This sexy style boot looks great going into fall. Tuck in a pair of jeans, and throw on a long cardigan and you’re understated gorgeous.

  • Gucci Ginevra high-heel boots @ Saks
  • Stella McCartney Suedette boots @ Net-a-Porter


  • 2. Patent Leather
    No need to put away your patent leather from spring, unless it’s in a spring color. Designers are shining up wool and cashmere with a pop of patent for fall.

  • Anya Hindmarch Naplak tote bag @ Saks
  • Jimmy Choo Peony leather boots @ Net-ap-Porter


  • 3. Leather Bomber Jacket
    The leather bomber jacket is also going strong into the fall. It will look great with a pair of jeans, a tee, wrapped with a scarf.

  • See by Chloe leather bomber jacket
  • Mike & Chris ‘Seth’ leather jacket @ Ron Herman


  • 4. Ruffles
    Ruffles remain! A ruffle top will look great under your leather bomber, or a long cardigan. Pair it with skinny jeans, some slouchy boots, and you’re on it!

  • Stella McCartney Ruffle trim dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Chelsea Flower teal silk chiffon ruffle blouse @ Bluefly


  • 5. Skinny Jeans
    At times we all wish the skinny jean would go away, but you’ll be glad they’re around when it’s time to tuck them into your tall boots. So, don’t burn them yet!

  • Ava skinny jean @ Forever 21
  • J Brand 12″ pencil jean in ink @ Ron herman


  • 6. The Clutch
    Clutch it, because it’s clearly a trend that’s going to stick.

  • Stella McCartney textured patent clutch @ Intermix
  • tube patent cluctch w/ eyelets @ Jimmy Choo


  • 7. A Long Cardigan
    It’s an easy style that’s low key and can work over anything. We’re seeing it well into fall. It looks great over jeans, or belted over a dress.

  • Vince cashmere ‘Boyfriend’ cardigan @ Neiman Marcus
  • Vince cashmere ‘Ensign’ cardigan @ Bergdorf Goodman

  • reinvent the 70’s jumper and be that mystery girl…

    July 2nd, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$$ BCBGirls D&G Dolce & Gabanna Emilio Pucci Franco Ferrari Mint Jodi Arnold accessories clothing designers handbags pants scarves shoes sunglasses tops

    Don’t let the placid, gray undertones of this outfit fool you, there is nothing quiet about this ensemble (although it is quite mysterious and intriguing!) Wear this type of outfit when you feel like being a mystery - when you wanna be that gal who looks like she just threw together the most perfect outfit in less than a minute - the woman that everyone would love to watch get ready in the morning. This season’s jumpsuit is a little intimidating, but if you compliment it with just the right pieces then you are looking at an outfit sent from heaven. Pop on some vintage inspired shades, that will add to your unique and mysterious presence. Fill up a soft, piglet-pink, feminine hobo, and slide your feet into a pair of darling shoes, topped off with a giant statement bow. Finish off the look with an “I just don’t care” toss of the scarf around your neck. These scarves look best when they’re messy and tangled.

    Voila! You are a mystery girl with an eye-catching, minute-made outfit, or at least they’ll think it only took a minute!

    mysterious items in this observation:

  • Mint Jodi Arnold collarless playsuit @ Net-a-Porter
  • Emilio Pucci vintage-inspired sunglasses @ eLuxury
  • D&G Dolce & Gabanna linda medium hobo @ eLuxury
  • BCBGirls ‘Mariyah’ Pump @ Nordstrom
  • Franco Ferrari nora scarf @ La Garconne

  • indulge… and love yourself

    June 25th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Fendi Leaves of Grass MAXSTUDIO Marcia Moran accessories bohemian clothing designers earrings handbags jewelry rings shoes tops

    Bring out your inner Summer goddess! Transform yourself into a mesmerizing mermaid, a freely flowing, sexy and powerful woman! With pride, stroll down the sandy beaches or down your local village streets, dine with style in that favorite restaurant of yours. It’s that outfit that is so perfect because it can take you anywhere - even from a sandy beach into the night. This look is inspiring, fresh, romantic, and makes a powerful statement with its golden embellishments and accessories. It’s decedent in that it stands for wearing all of your special pieces at once. It’s romantic in that it its visual details create a story line representative of love and lust. So ladies, love yourself in a look that is easier to wear than you think.

    mesmerizing items in this observation:

  • leaves of grass amoreuse chiffon top @ Net-a-Porter
  • ethnic tassle disc earrings @ Topshop
  • MAXSTUDIO ‘Xaria’ leather sandal @ Nordstrom
  • Marcia Moran rings @ Wink
  • Fendi forever clutch @ eLuxury

  • beneath bohemian style

    June 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Vivienne Westwood accessories bohemian bracelets dresses earrings handbags hats jewelry necklaces scarves shoes sunglasses

    Have you met her? The girl who has the entire room watching her as she walks past. The one who has the power to stop you dead in your tracks. She has a confidence that makes others uneasy at first, but also an illuminating warmth that holds you close. She explores and appreciates all forms of art. She embraces individuality, and finds joy in expressing creativity. This freedom of expression comes across in they way she presents herself to the world, it comes across in her style choices. Bohemian style is no longer about peasant skirts, Birkenstocks, and unshaved armpits. It’s about mixing it up, and making fashion your own. It’s not predictable, and the fact that it doesn’t work makes it even more fantastic. It’s an intriguing style, that draws us in. She’s different, she feels the freedom to take risks in fashion, and own it. That… is what fashion icons are made of.

    bohemian expressions in this observation:

  • black dangles with rough cut diamond @ shop twigs
  • Dita Voluez Vous sunglasses @ Shop Intuition
  • Vivienne Westwood Anglomania New Drape striped dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Adventurine Maltese Cross @ Kara Ross
  • Muxo Totisse cross body bag @ Shopbop
  • NAIK FuR spiral crochet cloche @ Smashing Darling
  • Christian Louboutin Trottinette ankle boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • Tolani Honeycomb scarf @ Shop Intuition
  • wooden hinge bangle @ Asos

  • dress up your jeans

    June 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Brian Atwood Chanel Gap Julie Haus Alice accessories clothing earrings handbags jewelry necklaces pants shoes tops

    Jeans are considered one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. They go with everything and go everywhere. In Manhattan, it’s practically a uniform to wear jeans dressed up to dinner. There are a few things to keep in mind to pull off this look. First of all, jeans are dressier looking in dark denim. Dark denim is much more forgiving, you can get away with ultra skinnies as easily as boot cut. To get a cool dressed up look, the key is to accent with dressy accessories. Wear jewels that you might wear to cocktail party. Pair it with a silk blouson top, and a fitted jacket for a finished look. The shoes and bag should stand out. We like the shine added by a patent pair of high heels and clutch. It’s a style that looks great in black and white, or with bold color popped in. Have fun with it!

    Thanks to Trenny Lynn, one of our fav Twitter fashion friends for this great post idea. She’s at the DMA Showroom in New York. Find her online here

    items in this observation:

  • Julie Haus Alice everyday top @ basic boutique
  • Chanel Signature earrings @ bagborroworsteal
  • Chanel Long Glass pearls @ bagborroworsteal
  • Brian Atwood patent platform sandals @ Saks
  • Hollywood Hills ‘Midnight Shadow’ jeans @ Paige Premium Denim
  • Tube patent clutch @ Jimmy Choo
  • quilted cropped blazer @ The Gap

  • how to work summer pieces into fall

    June 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Beirn Loeffler Randall Monica Vinader T-Bags accessories belts bracelets clothing coats dresses earrings handbags jewelry shoes

    It’s simply not realistic for all of us to have four seasons of clothing. So, we’re going to show you how to make a piece multi-seasonal. We all have our favorite “go-to” jersey dress for Summer. It feels light and airy on a hot humid day. In the summer you’re wearing it with bamboo bracelets, gladiator sandals, and a shot of turquoise in a Beirn bag. To make that dress work into the fall, put it with leggings or skinny jeans and a pair of tall boots. On cooler days, pop on a leather bomber jacket. Make a Fall statement by keeping the details in darker colors like an aubergine belt and handbag. Voila! You’ll get another couple of months out of one dress.

    items in this observation:

    Summer:

  • Beirn turquoise “Jenna” bag @ shop clothesline
  • T-Bags V-neck jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • wood and shell bangles @ Topshop
  • FARO flat hoop sandal @ Topshop


  • Fall:

  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings
  • Be & D Garbo mini shoulder bag
  • Nikki Jaggs Marie tie belt in aubergine @ revolve clothing
  • pocket hooded jacket ! Topshop
  • Loeffler Randall Carine suede boot @ Singer 22

  • finding the perfect 18 hour shoe

    June 18th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Cole Haan Prada Steven by Steve Madden Studio Pollini accessories designers shoes

    It’s a constant struggle for women to strike the balance between what is fashionable and what is comfortable. The biggest challenge seems to be finding a pair of fabulous shoes that don’t make you scream in pain. Does that even exist? Well, we think it does. We have some ideas, but it may mean making some changes. First of all, put away the super comfy, super ugly shoes. It’s not necessary to resort to Crocs when there are other options. Secondly, NEVER be the friend who complains about her feet all night and heads home early! And lastly, carrying emergency flip-flops around all night might seem like a good idea until you realize that your uncomfortable and oh-so-heavy wedges don’t exactly fit in your dainty little clutch - Yelp!

    If you’re convinced that the only 18 hour piece of wardrobe is the bra, then think again. With this season’s myriad of fabulous flats, sexy sling backs, Greek goddess gladiator sandals, and sexy, slouchy boots, that perfect pair of shoes does exist! That is, the shoe that will carry you through a day of work, a night of cab-hopping, dancing and then some! So toss aside those blister bearing pumps and pamper your feet with something more comfortable!

    comfortable items in this observation:

  • Christian Louboutin Prive suede pumps @ Saks
  • Studio Pollini suede skimmers @ Saks
  • Xhilaration® taima jeweled flat sandals @ Target
  • Cole Haan Air Elly OT ballet @ Cole Haan
  • Steven by Steve Madden ‘Insist’ ankle Boot @ Nordstrom
  • Cole Haan fiona air sling @ Zappos
  • Prada jeweled skimmers @ Saks
  • Cole Haan Carma OT Air sling @ Zappos

  • Treat your feet to comfort and style!