the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on designers

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 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

  • high-waisted skintight short shorts - who would wear this look?

    July 10th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ 18th Amendment clothing pants

    At first, I was speechless. Now, I’m wondering what designers were thinking when they designed the high-waisted skintight short shorts. There are very few woman who can wear them, and millions who really shouldn’t wear them. A basic rule of thumb is, if it looks bad on the model then it probably won’t make you look great either. I actually like a high-waist. I think it accentuates curves, and emphasizes one of the best parts of the female body. However, it doesn’t have the same appeal when it’s paired with a tight short. It goes from elegant to trashy in an instant. The proportion of a high-waist should be paired with a wide leg pant, because it makes the waist look even smaller. The shorts emphasize the widest part of a woman’s leg, and because they are so tight they cut into the skin making the leg appear fatter than they actually are. So, I’m back to my original question… what were designers thinking? Let me know what your thoughts are, and point out if I’m way off base with my assessment. How many of you would embrace this look?

    if you must:

  • Cassette high-waisted short @ Revolve Clothing
  • Rock & Republic ‘Goldie’ leather corset shorts @ Revolve Clothing
  • 18th Amendment ‘Bacall’ high-waist short @ 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