the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on tops

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

  • lost art found

    July 15th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Jordan Betten clothing tops

    He refers to himself as “an outsider artist”, but I think he’s the purest form of an artist that there is. Jordan Betten may not have any formal training, but his absorption of life and all the characters in it helped him find an outlet in his raw talent. It’s his experiences that have given his art existence, and the utter reveal of his core in his work has brought him great success. The free-spirits of the world were among the first to feel the magnetizing nature of his designs. So, it’s no surprise that the Rock & Roll culture loves his stuff. Jordan has created a label that is perfectly suited for some of your favorite bands. Lost Art is sexy, earthy, edgy, and cool. When you look at his work, you become intent on seeing more. It is soon obvious that you’re seeing more than Jordan’s art, and for a moment you’re a voyeur looking into his soul. That is the kind of experience you only get when someone becomes one with their craft. You may be wondering how you can become part of the magic that he creates… grab one of his T-shirts or Tank tops. That way, his art can serve as an inspiration to you daily.

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Kate Boggiano - a great fit

    July 1st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Kate Boggiano clothing tops

    What’s more classic than a crisp white shirt? The only problem seems to be finding one that fits properly. For so long, women’s tailored shirts were “tailored” more for men. They weren’t constructed for the female body, leaving us with no shape. Kate Boggiano’s collection is all about a beautifully constructed shirt. Her shirts are contoured to a woman’s body, nipped and tucked in all the right places. There’s nothing sweeter than finding a shirt that fits so well you can wear it as easily with slacks as you can with a pair of jeans. Her shirts are made from the best materials, using the highest quality construction and fitting technology. Aren’t you tired of seeing everyone in the same mass-produced garments? Wouldn’t you rather have something made by an Indie designer who put her heart and soul into her work? Someone who makes and designs clothing because it is their passion? Now, that is a piece of clothing I want to wear.

    Note: Check out the just launched new version of Smashing Darling, leading the Indie fashion revolution.

    great fitting shirts in this observation:

  • Kate Boggiano “Isadora” @ Smashing Darling
  • Kate Boggiano “Lexi” @ Smashing Darling
  • kate Boggiano “Issie” @ Smashing Darling
  • Kate Boggiano extra long skinny Oxford @ Smashing Darling

  • 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

  • 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 dress the arms you hate

    June 12th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Diane Von Furstenberg Milly Tibi Tracy Reese clothing flounce tops

    Summer can be the hardest time of year to camouflage the areas of our body that we don’t particularly like. A common body part that we hear women complain about is their arms. During the hot months when everything seems to be sleeveless, how can a woman who hates her arms dress? Well, we have a few tips for you. If you’re very sensitive about your arms, you can go for tops that have 3/4 sleeves. That way, you can cover the part of the arm that you probably object to the most. You don’t have to completely cover up, simply transition from top to arm gracefully. For example, the DVF yellow top has an open flutter sleeve that the arm extends from beautifully. The orange DVF dress has a similar sleeve that will showcase the part of your arm that you feel more confident about. You don’t have to completely sacrifice sleeveless items. If you come across a sleeveless dress, like the Milly maxi dress, that you can’t live without … simply throw a cropped cardigan with 3/4 sleeves over it. You can conceal your upper arm without compromising the effect of the dress. Another way to cover your arm without looking too covered up, is to choose a top or dress with a sheer sleeve. It’s covered while still giving a glimpse of skin. When all else fails, self-tanner can serve as a smoke screen to any perceived problem areas. There’s nothing wrong with a little smoke and mirror magic during the horrific summer months. Good luck Girls!

    A special shout out to Trish Ginter, Founder of Smashing Darling for suggesting this post topic. We’d like to do more posts on topics you care about most. Send you ideas to: suggestions@giftgirl.com

    items in this observation:

    top row:

  • Diane von Furstenberg Chiwah silk seersucker top @ Net-a-Porter
  • flounce tbd Scoop Neck Tee @ Nordstrom
  • Tracy Reese Flutter sleeve blouse @ Net-a-Porter


  • bottom row:

  • Tibi Off-the-shoulder silk dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • knitted Pointelle cardigan @ Topshop
  • Milly Santorini puzzle print dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Diane von Furstenberg Tuvallu jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter