the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on $$$$$

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

  • the miraculous maxi dress

    May 14th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$$ $$$$$ Commando Gap Jeanine Payer Joie Kenneth Jay Lane Missoni Miu Miu Temperley London Tory Burch Via Spiga Victoria's Secret accessories belts bracelets clothing designers dresses earrings jewelry lingerie/sleepwear shoes

    It’s a sweltering summer day and you’ve got some errands to run. Your kids have a play date at the park, you’ve got a lunch date with the girls, some shopping of course, and then a romantic dinner by the water. You swing open the doors of your closet and the last thing you want to step into is your tight jeans — just then you make eye contact with your maxi dress and it beckons to be worn… you happily oblige. It’s cool, sexy, flowing and versatile for all of your errands and dates for the day!

    how to wear a floral patterned maxi
    A floral patterned maxi dress alone is perfect for a hot summer day when all you want is one, long, flowing piece to make up your entire outfit. When choosing a patterned maxi, don’t overdo it with tons of jewelry. Opt for simple, hanging earrings. You can also ‘accessorize’ with your hair. Pamper your locks with rollers, hot or velcro (which Jean swears by), to get those oh so fabulous grecian goddess tendrils. It will fall beautifully with the free-spirited flow and pattern of the dress. If it’s too hot out, you can opt for a loosely coiled bun or simple low side pony.

  • Missoni karolina silk gown @ Net-a-Porter
  • Joie roll the dice floral maxi dress @ bloomingdale’s
  • Kenneth Jay Lane light multi hoops @ Shopbop


  • the transformable nature of the maxi
    If you decide to wear your maxi into the night, trade those flip flops for a sexier, strappy gladiator sandal and you’ll be ready to come off the beach and saunter into a romantically candle lit cafe. A belt doesn’t necessarily make your maxi day or night time worthy, but it will refresh the outfit and accentuate different aspects of the dress. Enhance a simple, solid colored maxi with a woven leather or suede belt right under the bust or loosely draped around the hips. If your maxi has gathers around the waist or underneath the bust then that’s where your belt should go. If your maxi has lots of ornamental details, a busy pattern or lots of layering and gathering then a belt is a no-no; you don’t want to wear your entire wardrobe. Finally, add a simple cuff bracelet, to top off the look.

  • terry halter maxi dress @ Victoria’s Secret
  • Joie sunny hills maxi dress @ Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Tory Burch alexis patent gladiator @ bloomingdales
  • Miu Miu woven leather belt @ Net-a-Porter
  • Kenneth Jay Lane pearl cuff @ Neiman Marcus


  • waistlines, shoes and panties, oh my!
    While some maxi’s gather under the bust or at the waistline to accentuate a curvy waist or create a waistline, other maxis shoot straight down to accentuate a thinner frame. For those maxis that are long enough to gracefully sweep the floor (creating a game of hide and seek with whatever fabulous shoes you have chosen to wear) opt for a sexy, simple gladiator sandal that contrasts the full coverage of the dress. For a shorter maxi, an open, sexy shoe will do the trick as well because you don’t want to cut off the length of the leg. Another maxi dress necessity is seamless underwear that won’t interrupt the cascading and sometimes clingy drapery of the dress. A visible panty line may distract onlookers when they should really be focussing on the outfit as a whole. Top off the look with a unique cuff bracelet.

  • tie-shoulder dress @ Gap
  • Temperley London long isaline gown @ Net-a-Porter
  • Via Spiga campus patent flat sandal @ Bloomingdale’s
  • Jeanine Payer palmer cuff @ Barneys
  • Commando: CYA bikini panty @ bare necessities

  • Keep in mind, your maxi doesn’t have to max you out!!
    From Gap to Missoni, this summer promises to maximize the availability of maxi dresses!

    how to update your khaki look

    May 13th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$$$ Camilla Skovgaard Celina Olga Pauric Sweeney Pringle of Scotland accessories basics bohemian bracelets casual clothing handbags jewelry pants scarves shoes skirts tops

    Khaki made it’s first appearance in the late 1800’s, as a part of a military dress code. Over the years it has made its way to the mainstream. It has become an American classic, and a staple that has a presence in every girl’s wardrobe. As of late, khaki has gone more modern. It’s no longer reserved for country club bound conservatives or prep school boys. Back in the day, khaki had a unisex feel to it. Khaki shorts and pants were boxy and not exactly flattering to the female form. Thankfully that is no longer the case. Now, there are a million ways to wear khaki and still look like a lady. We’ve put together two of our favorite ways to wear khaki this season. We love a full khaki skirt. It looks great with neutral, and even better with a pop of color. It’s incredibly versatile, and very functional. We also love the khaki pants in a modern cut. Consider a high waisted full pant, paired with an earthy top for a more bohemian feel. How are you wearing your khaki’s? If you have any new ideas, we would love to hear from you!

    items in this observation:

    left look:

  • Pringle of Scotland disc detail top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Nanette Lepore ‘Buy Me Love’ skirt @ Nordstrom
  • Camilla Skovgaard open toe upfront high heel pump @ Shopbop
  • Olga Coated canvas bowler @ hayden-harnett


  • right look:

  • Leopard hairband @ Topshop
  • Afra overprint knit tunic/wrap skirt @ hayden-harnett
  • Pauric Sweeney python shoulder bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Celina signature cuff @ hayden-harnett
  • Nine West beaded toe Thong flat sandal @ Asos
  • pleat front wide leg linen pants @ Asos

  • 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
  • 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