the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on J.Crew

mom - the weekend warrior

October 23rd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ J.Crew accessories basics clothing coats gloves pants scarves shoes tops

It’s odd how quickly weekends go from being about sleeping in, sipping coffee, and reading the paper to driving from sporting event to sporting event. So, how are you going to look pulled together when you really want to stay in bed? The colder months are easier to pull off than you think. It’s all about the outerwear. If you have a good looking puffer jacket, simple yoga style pants, a scarf to bring it all together, you’ll be fine. It almost doesn’t even matter what you have on under the jacket as long as you looked pulled together on the outside. I’m not even against wearing comfy UGG style boots as long as they are more rugged looking and less slipper like than the classic UGG. The weekend look is all about sporty-chic. You don’t want to look too dolled up, but you don’t want to look like a college freshman either. Think sleek, sophisticated, performance gear. Grab a big cup of coffee, and enjoy these years, because soon enough they will be driving themselves around.

warrior gear in this observation:

  • earmuff @ Target
  • Rossignol Belukha Down Ski Jacket @ Sierra Trading Post
  • Cashmere long gloves @ J.Crew
  • Blu Chic yoga pants @ Charlotte Russe
  • UGG Australia ‘Metro Tas’ Cuff Ankle Boot @ Nordstrom
  • all sport half-zip @ Lucy
  • Charter Club cashmere polka-dot scarf @ Macy’s

  • shop in style & comfort

    September 1st, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ Frye J.Crew Tory Burch accessories clothing designers dresses lingerie/sleepwear shoes

    True, it’s only September but the Holidays will be here before you know it. You’re going to be doing some serious shopping. This year go prepared, and ready to scour the stores. You certainly don’t want aching feet or uncomfortable clothing to slow you down. Here are some tips on how to shop comfortably and in style.

    Seamless underwear. Go with seamless panties to avoid any treacherous panty lines. Your backside will look beautiful in any clingy dress or snug pair of jeans you try. Also, wear a bra that you would normally wear with whatever type of clothing you’re shopping for. It might even be a smart move to bring another bra for those strapless or racer back tops.

  • commando low rise girl short panty @ Bare Necessities
  • Calvin Klein hipster panty @ Bare Necessities
  • commando printed low rise thong panty @ Bare Necessities


  • The ideal one piece garment. Keeping in mind that you will take your clothes off at the beck and call of every cute garment you spot in the stores, you should select a ’shopping outfit’ that is nice and simple! These dresses will easily slip on and off, they have no buckles, straps, or complicated layers, and they never require tucking in, cinching, tying or adjusting.

  • Desiree Cashmere Turtleneck Dress @ C&C California
  • scoop neck dress @ Heritage 1981
  • wool dress @ J.Crew

  • Comfortable shoes. Wear a pair of shoes that will be comfortable for the entire day, and more importantly a pair that slips on and off with ease! They should also compliment the clothing you will be trying on. You can’t go wrong with a simple sandal, ballet flat, or clogs that have a bit of a heel. Stay away from those ultra high, uncomfortable wedges that you just purchased and definitely don’t go for the stilettos that will maybe, possibly, probably give you a huge blister - if your feet aren’t happy, shopping will not be fun!

  • Tory Burch leather flip flop @ Bloomingdale’s
  • Tory Burch ballet flats @ Bloomingdale’s
  • Frye low slide @ Zappos

  • 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

  • hit the links in style

    May 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Brontibay Paris Express J.Crew Kangol Ralph Lauren Stella McCartney Virginia Johnson accessories clothing handbags hats pants shoes tops

    When Tiger Woods hit the scene, the game of golf had a complete facelift. It’s no longer considered the dowdy, boring game it used to be. Now it’s youthful, cool, and even sexy. Inevitably, the fashions on the course have gone through a slight transformation. Nothing too drastic, because it’s a conservative game with a lot of dress-code rules. However, we’re finally seeing designers like Stella McCartney offering fashionable alternatives. We’ve put together a couple of looks that are pulled together and sporty. The first, is a sleek modern take. We’ve selected slim black slacks paired with a white polo. The Kangol hat and the Stella McCartney shoes give the look a youthful feel. Don’t forget a sleek tote, like the Brontibay, for hitting the locker room after the round. The second look is a bit more classic-preppy. A pair of slim bermudas paired with a bright colored polo. All the pieces are in the same color family, and blend beautifully with the accessories. It’s an outfit you could easily wear into town after your round to do some errands. It’s feminine and sporty. To make your sport outfits work seemlessly, buy pieces that you can mix and match. Keep in mind your accessories, like your golf bag, tote, and golf shoes. That, way you will always look pulled together.

    items in this observation:

    sleek modern golf

  • Kangol Argyle 504 Ivy cap @ Village Hat Shop
  • Hansell Lurex stripes polo @ Ralph Lauren
  • Brontibay Paris Venise nylon tote @ Shopbop
  • Golf woven pants @ Adidas Online
  • Garbato golf shoes @ Adidas Online
  • Nike women’s Brassie golf bag @ World of Golf


  • classic preppy golf

  • Tennis CU visor by Stella McCartney @ Adidas Online
  • flower diamond earrings @ Ben Bridge
  • Parisian polo @ J.Crew
  • Virginia Johnson giant tote @ Shopbop
  • luxury stretch Editor city short @ Express
  • Garbato golf shoe @ Adidas Online
  • Callaway women’s golf bag @ World of Golf

  • 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.