the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on Michael Kors

a laundry list of ways to wear the long cardigan

August 13th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ All Saints Banana Republic Donna Karan Manolo Blahnik Michael Kors Rick Owens Steve Madden Vince accessories belts casual clothing designers dresses looks scarves shoes sunglasses tops

The long cardigan is one of the biggest and most versatile trends of the season, not to mention an ideal transitional piece for your wardrobe. There are countless looks and ways to wear this fabulous piece - enjoy!

If you’ve got a longer, leaner physique, go for the lengthiest of the lengthy cardigans - one that shoots straight down to the floor. Underneath, toss on some wide legged pants to create a beautiful silhouette. If you’d like to enhance or create an hourglass look, simply wrap a skinny belt around your natural waistline. To bring a shine to the look, incorporate some long, layered necklaces.

long items in this observation:

  • multi-layer necklace @ Banana Republic
  • leather racer tank @ CYANA
  • Michael Kors wide-leg @ Net-a-Porter
  • DV by Dolce Vita ‘olive’ sandal @ Nordstrom
  • Donna Karan cashmere cardigan @ Net-a-Porter
  • peyton belt @ dELiA*s
  • ‘Supadupa’ sunglasses @ Harmony Lane


  • For women who are not as tall, look for a cardigan that falls above the knees. Choose a petite, simple dress that will serve as an under layer and keep the cardigan open. Make the outfit pop, and enhance your figure with a striking belt around the whole ensemble. Toss on some neutral colored heels to lengthen your legs and a patterned neck scarf to add some ‘flava’. Voila! A combo that you probably never dreamed of wearing suddenly makes you look fashionable and fabulous.

    petite items in this observation:

  • Vince oversized cardigan @ Net-a-Porter
  • KW sunglasses @ papaya
  • striped henley dress @ FOREVER21
  • piya @ Steve Madden
  • basketweave belt @ FOREVER21
  • floral silk scarf @ TOPSHOP

  • The next set is for the woman who wants to approach a fun version of this trend, the Gossip Girl, varsity version, if you will. It is a version of the long ‘cardi’ that resembles a school uniform (but in a chic way, not a sleazy way). These pieces are embellished with stripes or faux badges and other details. Probably for the 20 somethings and under, these pieces paired with a long T-shirt and leggings will tip you toward the hipster realm of fashion, which is becoming more and more mainstream these days. If you really want to have fun, get a pleated skirt but, um, don’t wear a backpack with this look!

    preppy hipster chic items in this observation:

  • cassidy 3Q sweater cardigan @ FOREVER21
  • jersey crew t-shirt @ American Apparel
  • wide stripe cardigan @ FOREVER21
  • cotton spandex legging @ American Apparel
  • blair preppy cardigan @ dELiA*s
  • risky business sunglasses @ fredflare

  • If you’d like to tap into a glamorous version of this long cardigan look, choose a piece that is intricately draped. The long cardigans with great detail are best worn with simple accessories, such as opaque tights or skinny jeans and some sexy heels. (Only go for the tights look if the cardigan is knee length or longer)

    glamorous items in this observation:

  • shadow cardigan @ All Saints
  • skinny jean @ TOPSHOP
  • Rick Owens tie-front cardigan @ Net-a-Porter
  • opaque tights @ Nordstrom
  • patent Manolo mary Janes @ Neiman Marcus

  • michael kors takes us on safari

    February 5th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ Michael Kors looks

    It seems every spring at least one designer hears the call of the wild, and is inspired to design. This year one of those designers is Michael Kors. He has designed some classic safari pieces that transition us beautifully from spring into summer. Safari chic is a style that we will continue to see, probably because it consistently looks great on most women. What we love most about Michael Kors’ safari inspired pieces is that they are infused with an American style. He really tips his hat to the American woman, and her undeniable presence in the fashion world. One of our favorite looks is the khaki field jacket with white slacks, it’s professional and pulled together. The black shirtdress looks great too, especially paired with sandals, and gold accessories. You’ll look fantastic walking the urban jungle in these pieces; have fun with it.