the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on Alice and Olivia

why pay more when you can payless.

September 22nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Abaete Alice and Olivia Lela Rose accessories handbags shoes sunglasses

Designer style at discount prices, it sounds too good to be true. Payless seems to have perfect timing by getting designers like Alice&Olivia, Lela Rose, and Abaete to design for them. Could it finally be true, great style at a great price? We are thrilled to report that there are some very fashionable choices in these collections. Payless even designed some shoes for New York Fashion Week, and those styles will hit stores in the Spring. With the market behaving the way it has, and the stress the economy is under, it’s encouraging to know there are options for the self-proclaimed fashion obsessed like myself. Phew… I can keep it up without breaking the bank.

paying less in this observation:

  • Abaete for Payless Kaya Sunglasses
  • Abaete for Payless Ysabel Pleated Bootine
  • Koko Gilley Pump
  • Lela Rose for Payless Kildare Clutch
  • Lela Rose for Payless Maxwell Wedge
  • Abaete for Payless Mirabelle Studded Boot

  • how to enjoy the versatile ruffle trend

    May 27th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Alexander McQueen Alice and Olivia Anya Hindmarch Express Lipsy Loeffler Randall Morgan accessories clothing designers dresses handbags lingerie/sleepwear pants shoes tops trends

    Embrace your femininity this summer by stepping out in ruffles! This girly embellishment enhances the look of any outfit.

    Going to an event? Try a sexy, sophisticated puff dress with pleats, dramatic in color, texture and design. Pair a ruffled sensation like this with some basic, but edgy, pumps. The bag should compliment the edgy nature of the shoes.

    Meeting the girls for a poolside brunch? Choose a loose, comfortable ruffled dress in neutral colors. This dip dyed silky dress is smooth to the touch and balanced with ruffles from front to back. (Dip dye & ruffles! How fun!) With its lightweight and flowing nature, any woman will feel comfortable and fashionable in a sexy and feminine piece like this. It also makes a sophisticated cover-up!

    If you need to run some errands and pick up the kids, but you just can’t resist the urge to look really cute, then go for a basic but stylish look. (Don’t you always end up running into someone you know?) Pair some dark skinny shorts with a pastel colored, ruffled top, some ruffled sandals and your favorite leather tote. Pop on your favorite shades and you’ll be the talk of the town… Get going!

    Enjoy a summer picnic in a sexy, ruffled, sleeveless halter top, and some plain white sateen shorts. This is how the city girl does a picnic - toss some white with her standard black. The keyhole in the back of this halter permits a peep of what lies beneath in a very classy manner. Compliment the black and white theme with some black and white peep toe espidrilles and a striped hobo. This outfit works well from day into night.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

    going to an event:

  • Loeffler Randall ruffled calfskin clutch @ eLuxury
  • Alice + Olivia pleated puff dress @ Neiman Marcus
  • Alexander McQueen Crocodile pumps @ Net-a-Porter


  • meeting the girls for brunch:

  • Anna Corinna City Tote in pewter patent/canvas @ shoptwigs
  • Lipsy silk dip-dye ruffle empire @ Asos
  • Solid Ruffle Triangle @ dELiA’s
  • Solid Side-Tie Skirtini @ dELiA’s
  • Loeffler Randall Metallic Gathered T-Strap Sandal @ eLuxury


  • Running errands:

  • Olga coated canvas bowler @ Hayden-Harnett
  • Valerie Ruffle Top @ dELiA’s
  • Morgan low-rise skinny short @ dELiA’s
  • Hubiscus frill detal sandal @ Topshop


  • a Summer picnic:

  • sleeveless frill halter top @ Topshop
  • cotton sateen shorts w/ belt @ Express
  • Vegan peep-toe espadrille @ Vegetarian Shoes & Bags
  • Katheryn Hobo @ Shop Suey Boutique