the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on accessories

head gear that’s earthy with urban appeal

July 22nd, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in accessories trends

It looks as though the headband trend is making a resurgence! No surprise given that it goes perfectly with the of the moment bohemian style. It’s an earthy, yet urban, way to wear your hair. It’s reminiscent of the flower child of the 60’s, but modernized and glamorized. I have a feeling people either totally love these headbands or think they are completely awful. Personally, I am a huge fan. Similar to when the jumpsuit trend presented itself earlier this summer I’m sure some of you are saying, “are you kidding!”, but why not give it a try! The other fun thing about this hippy-like trend is the possible “do it yourself” factor. Head over to Michaels, A.C. Moore, or your local mom and pop fabric store, locate your favorite ribbon, lace, leather or elastic and a few bucks later bring home this stretch of wonderful headband-to-be and stitch it heavily where the ends meet. Even easier - simply knot it and, Viola! You’ve got yourself a headband! Now, the trick is to wear it out and keep it on your forehead all night. Pair this bandeaux trend with some comfy jeans and a peasant top for the ultimate laid back hippy look or you can opt for an Olsen type of feel by donning one of these with a boho chic ensemble or a goddess-like maxi gown. Other celebs that totally rock the bandeaux band - Mischa Barton, Molly Sims, Sienna Miller, and Nicole Richie.

free-spirited headgear in this observation:

Top Row:

  • feather suede headband @ Urban Outfitters
  • double braided headband @ Urban Outfitters
  • ‘The Starlet’ headband @ Lavender Girl


  • Middle Row:

  • fine jersey braided belt in asphalt @ American Apparel
  • daisy strand stretch band @ Free People
  • kimono head band @ Free People
  • linked head wrap @ Urban Outfitters


  • Bottom Row:

  • chain headband @ Free People
  • beaded stretch headwrap @ Urban Outfitters
  • shiny royal blue headband @ American Apparel

  • 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

  • how to dress your black dress for summer

    July 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ $$$$ ALexander McQueen Anya Hindmarch Atelier Marisa Catherine Malandrino Cathy Waterman Christian Louboutin L.A.M.B. Marco Bicego accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings glamorous handbags jewelry looks shoes

    You’ve got another party to go to, and you’ve run out of Summer ideas. Don’t be afraid to pull out your favorite black dress. The way to work a black dress into Summer style is with accessories. Go for a Grecian sun-kissed look. Black will simply glow with brushed gold accents. Pull your hair up with modern edge, and now this dress works from the suburbs to the city. Another way to dress your black dress for Summer is to kick it up with some color. Bring the color of the sea to the dress by popping on some refined turquoise earrings. Mix pieces of white and gold in for a polished look. A creamy white clutch will give it an elegant summer edge. Pull your curled hair back loosely so the pieces fall gracefully from your face. You’ll be relaxed and refined, and people will naturally be drawn to you. It’s not always about buying something new to wear. Sometimes it’s about redefining what you already have.

    2 examples in this observation:

    Left:

  • Cathy Waterman green tourmaline leaf earrings @ Ylang|23
  • Catherine Malandrino Spaghetti strap dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Marco Bicego confetti bracelet 5-strand graduated with lemon citrine and peridot @ JR Dunn
  • Christian Louboutin Frescobaldi sandals @ Net-a-Porter
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Libertines’ woven leather clutch


  • Right:

  • Atelier Marisa turquoise orbit earrings with diamonds @ Ylang|23
  • Alexander McQueen Balconette fitted dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • L.A.M.B. stitched pumps @ Asos
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Madia’ cream leather clutch

  • Barbara Bui for Fall

    July 11th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ Barbara Bui accessories shoes

    Let’s face it, Fall is all about finding the right pair of boots. The perfect pair, ideally, will make almost any outfit a hit. You know… the pair you can wear with jeans, a dress, and a skirt. Or, at least, that’s what we tell ourselves right before we shell a thousand bucks for a pair of boots!
    Barbara Bui’s Fall collection is looking pretty close to perfect. She has certainly managed to create a classic boot with serious modern edge. The boots are sexy, and really wearable. Each style appeals to a certain type of girl, or lends itself to a particular mood. One pair’s a little bit country, another pair is all about urban, and the last pair bridges the gap. So, while it may be too early to commit to a Fall boot, keep Barbara Bui in your mind for consideration.

    Barbara Bui items in this observation:

  • platform high heel cuff boot @ Shopbop
  • high heel biker bootie @ Shopbop
  • pull on round toe flat boot @ Shopbop

  • 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

  • what is your hat style?

    July 7th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Badgley Mischka Eugenia Kim Miss Sixty accessories hats

    Hats have certainly been around for a long time, an accessory not all of us wanted to adorn. They’ve have gone from being a little bit prissy and kind of silly to edgy and of the moment. The quickest way to take an outfit from weak to chic is to pop on a cool hat. The fedora has been seen on celebrities galore, from Justin Timberlake to Kate Moss. We’re even seeing a straw version of the fedora replace the common wide brim hat at the beach. You may not think you can pull off the look, but in the right situation, you’ll look great. For example, the zebra emi hat would look great at a luncheon. You’ll come across as confident, and a girl who’s willing to try new things. The summer fedora can be worn to the beach, or around town doing errands. The Eugenia Kim hat is perfect for walking around the city. The Miss Sixty beanie hat adds dimension and intrigue to anything from jeans and a tee to a full black skirt with heels. It’s a good idea to go try on some hats, and play for a bit before determining which look suits your style. When you find the right one, you’ll know and you will rock the look. Have fun!

    stylish hats in this observation (clockwise):

  • straw fedora @ Arden B.
  • knit cabbie hat @ Urban Outfitters
  • Chola straw hat @ Madison Los Angeles
  • Eugenia Kim cap w/ patent buckle @ Asos
  • Badgley Mischka Gayle hat @ Bloomingdales
  • Miss Sixty stripe mix beanie hat @ Asos
  • UGG Australia crochet cowboy hat @ Bloomingdales
  • Chapeau Claudette Zebra emi hat @ Asos

  • support your stars and stripes

    July 4th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Levi's Marc B accessories clothing handbags pants sunglasses tops

    Happy Fourth of July! Before you rush out to the BBQ, think about what you’re going to wear. Today is the day to whip out your red, white, and blue. As well as your stars and stripes, in favor of our country. Show flag colors on top, supported by some All-American Levi’s on bottom. Mix that with a celebratory star quilted bag, and classic Ray-Bans. While you’re certainly not looking like you’re at a costume party, you do look festive! Have fun today, enjoy the fireworks, and belt out “Born in the USA” with the Boss!!

    patriotic items in this observation:

  • RayBan aviators @ Asos
  • Gino Franco Men’s Aria Sport Chronograph Rubber Watch @ Amazon
  • Levi’s women’s jeans @ YOOX
  • “Millions of Smiles” stripe boatneck sweater @ Intermix
  • Marc B star quilted chain shoulder bag @ Asos

  • playing with color and texture

    July 3rd, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ Chanel Fallon T-Bags Wendy Nichol accessories clothing designers dresses handbags shoes sunglasses

    It’s time to accessorize those bright, bold items in your closet - this is your mix and match challenge! Now, don’t get overly excited and leave the house looking like you just played dress up with a trunk of grandma’s old clothes! Instead, walk out looking like you rose to the challenge of coordinating a well-rounded look. It’s not necessary to match exact colors and fabrics or textures, but rather try to think of an outfit as artwork - giving yourself the opportunity to create a piece, which emphasizes colors and textures that compliment each other. With this outfit, suede grey pumps and a red jersey dress happen to look fabulous together. Choose a clutch that is somewhere in the middle - like the detailed, grey one here with slight red undertones. Mix up jewelry, but stay within one ‘family’ - so if you are going to go with varied textures - romantic script on a cuff, a smooth, simple ring, bumpy bangles, and tiny, yet bold earrings, stay with all gold. Finally, top it off with some oversized shades that are in the same color family as the greys and browns and… Bam! You have just used clothing as your medium to create a well-rounded outfit full of complimenting texture and color!

    mixed and matched items in this observation:

  • T-Bags embellished jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • oversized round glasses @ TOPSHOP
  • multi bangles @ Urban Outfitters
  • Lauren Merkin louise lambskin clutch @ Neiman Marcus
  • Report signature women’s guarda @ shoes.com
  • Chanel engraved gold bracelet @ bagborroworsteal
  • Fallon plate ring @ bagborroworsteal
  • Wendy Nichol kyung bolt earrings @ bird

  • 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