the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on Alex and Ani

modish maternity

August 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Alex and Ani Chloé Dolce and Gabbana Lee Angel Roberto Cavalli T-Bags accessories clothing designers dresses handbags pants shoes tops

Maternity clothing has come a long way even in the six years since I’ve been pregnant. I remember quite well the day I walked into A Pea in the Pod and found a pair of Seven jeans… MATERNITY. If you’ve ever been pregnant, then you know how incredible it felt to pull on a normal looking pair of jeans. It’s a lot like getting into bed after an arduous day at work, or hugging a close friend you haven’t’ seen in a while. When you’re pregnant, it’s all about finding a comfortable place somewhere between the body you used to know and it’s bizarre transmutation. When it comes to your maternity wardrobe, stay true to yourself. Choose pieces that resemble your individual style, pre-pregnancy. Isabella Oliver has some beautiful pieces, like wrap dresses and tops, that grow with you. We also found a great top at figure8maternity, beautifully bohemian with a pair of jeans and boots. Luckily, empire tops have been in fashion for a couple of years. Check out what T-bags has to offer. You can easily wear it in your first trimester, maybe second, and definitely after the baby comes. Keep your accessories current and on trend. It will keep you from looking and feeling dated during the long nine months. Actually, it’s a good place to have a little fun. Choose a fun animal print that will really pop! Good luck girls, don’t be too hard on yourselves. In the end it’s all worth it when you see that beautiful face looking up at you!

Shout out to Jennifer, one of my readers, who suggested this post.

modish items in this observation:

top row:

  • Lee Angel jewel link necklace @ Intermix
  • ruffle wrap dress @ Isabella Oliver
  • Dolce & Gabanna leopard print bowler @ Bergdorf Goodman
  • wrap around top @ Isabella Oliver
  • khaki benaline pants @ bellablumaternity
  • Alex and Ani beaded wire bangles @ maxandchloe

  • middle row:

  • pintucked overshirt @ figure8maternity
  • patent tote @ Toss designs
  • peekaboo wrap top @ Isabella Oliver
  • Roberto Cavalli cashmere cardigan @ Net-a-Porter
  • T-Bags floral top @ Net-a-Porter
  • leather diaper bag @ Stella maternity

  • bottom row:

  • henrietta shoe @ French Sole
  • lounge pant @ A Pea in the Pod
  • maternity stretch jeans @ Nordstrom
  • Chloe ankle boots @ 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