the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on skirts

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

  • Lara Miller, an indie designer worth checking out!

    June 4th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ Lara Miller clothing dresses skirts tops

    Lara Miller seems have her finger on the pulse of women at this exact point in time. Her collection is modern yet soft, elegant, sophisticated, and really wearable. Honestly, what more could we ask for? Earlier in her career, she collaborated with dance companies in chicago. She watched and learned a lot about the movement of the female body. That knowledge is clearly reflected in her work. Simply take one look at the collection, and you will feel refreshed. The pieces hang beautifully, and showcase the female form. There’s a flexible nature to the collection that’s rooted in realty. It’s as if she imagined you playing with looks and working the pieces into your current wardrobe. So, there’s plenty of room for your own style to come across in the clothing. As such, you can own the piece by walking it with sheer confidence. That should be what every designer hopes for.

    Lara’s collection is available at Smashing Darling, our favorite destination for finding Indie designer “gems.”

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    let the belting begin

    February 7th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ accessories belts clothing dresses looks skirts tops trends

    belting.jpg

    Belting was big on the fashion runways for fall, and we welcome back the waist. There is still plenty of room in the closet for the flouncy top, but for fall we suggest giving it a cinch with a leather belt. It may be hard to get used to since we really haven’t been belting since the late seventies/early eighties, but it’s a nice departure from the unconstructed fluidity from the past few seasons. There is a sexiness associated with defining the waist and showing our curves in an elegant way. There are plenty of ways to ruin this look, so do a little research and play a bit before you take it to the streets. Take cues from DVF, she’s belting over layers using sweaters and blouses to refine the look - it’s pure sophisticated style. For an everyday look, belt a gray cashmere cardigan over a blouse paired with dark denim, and you have a sensational look.