the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on Prada

the perks of a transitional outfit and how to get one

July 29th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$$ All Saints Christian Louboutin LOVEMADDS Prada accessories clothing designers handbags pants scarves shoes sunglasses tops

It’s a beautiful day at Central Park as you indulge in your favorite novel. The greenery slowly succumbs to Autumn (well, not yet, but soon!) and suddenly you remember you’ve got a date with the girls at an oh-so-far-away cafe. You have no time to run home and change, and even if you did it would still be a drag! This is why we love the ‘transitional’ outfit that can be worn comfortably all day and serve many purposes. This means more time enjoying your day, less time pondering (or pouting) in front of the closet and of course, less laundry… it’s a beautiful thing.

As we approach Fall it will be fun to start mixing shorts with sweaters - especially ‘blousy’, roomy sweaters if the shorts happen to be itty-bitty. Zip on some hot, black, strappy Louboutins that are ideal for all day use, throw on a long, bohemian necklace, a fringe-fabulous Prada, a laid back yet glamorous neck scarf, some rimless aviators and strut your stuff from the grass to the glass (cappuccino glass, that is). You have just successfully worn one single outfit for the entire day. Can you rise to the challenge? Seriously, how many of you change more than 2 or 3 times a day? Let us know!

transitional items in this observation:

  • Ray Ban rimless aviators @ 80sPURPLE
  • bandana scarf @ All Saints
  • perfume cowl neck @ All Saints
  • bronze, bronze baby @ LOVEMADDS
  • Lillian medium wash denim shorts @ Abercrombie
  • Christian Louboutin zipette @ Barneys
  • Prada fringed tote @ Bag Borrow or Steal

  • 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

  • finding the perfect 18 hour shoe

    June 18th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Cole Haan Prada Steven by Steve Madden Studio Pollini accessories designers shoes

    It’s a constant struggle for women to strike the balance between what is fashionable and what is comfortable. The biggest challenge seems to be finding a pair of fabulous shoes that don’t make you scream in pain. Does that even exist? Well, we think it does. We have some ideas, but it may mean making some changes. First of all, put away the super comfy, super ugly shoes. It’s not necessary to resort to Crocs when there are other options. Secondly, NEVER be the friend who complains about her feet all night and heads home early! And lastly, carrying emergency flip-flops around all night might seem like a good idea until you realize that your uncomfortable and oh-so-heavy wedges don’t exactly fit in your dainty little clutch - Yelp!

    If you’re convinced that the only 18 hour piece of wardrobe is the bra, then think again. With this season’s myriad of fabulous flats, sexy sling backs, Greek goddess gladiator sandals, and sexy, slouchy boots, that perfect pair of shoes does exist! That is, the shoe that will carry you through a day of work, a night of cab-hopping, dancing and then some! So toss aside those blister bearing pumps and pamper your feet with something more comfortable!

    comfortable items in this observation:

  • Christian Louboutin Prive suede pumps @ Saks
  • Studio Pollini suede skimmers @ Saks
  • Xhilaration® taima jeweled flat sandals @ Target
  • Cole Haan Air Elly OT ballet @ Cole Haan
  • Steven by Steve Madden ‘Insist’ ankle Boot @ Nordstrom
  • Cole Haan fiona air sling @ Zappos
  • Prada jeweled skimmers @ Saks
  • Cole Haan Carma OT Air sling @ Zappos

  • Treat your feet to comfort and style!

    tennis attire psychology

    May 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$ Cartier Louis Vuitton Oakley Prada Stella McCartney accessories clothing handbags shoes skirts sunglasses tops

    As you may already know, tennis is not only a physical sport, it’s also a mind game. Do you want to intimidate them by dressing the sleek athlete? Or maybe you want to trick them with sweet deception? Either way, you’ll shake the very ground they stand on. You can walk out onto the court wearing a modern black and white tennis dress, terminator like sunglasses, and a mod Manhattan-esque tennis tote. You’ll be feared as the type-A woman, who will stop at nothing to win. That impression alone will give you a leg up by provoking anxiety. Or you could go the complete opposite way by dressing in demure fashion forward pieces. A pale pink jacket with a white skirt, a fun & feminine tote, and a classic tennis bracelet will have you pegged as a pleaser who just wants to play for fun. Little do they know you are a natural born athlete who goes after the sport she’s playing. They will quickly learn not to judge a book by it’s cover when you put away every one of your serves. Some may say that’s not playing fair, but every athlete knows that the mind is the most important part of the game. Cute tennis outfits are, of course, another very important element to the game! So, if you can’t play well - at least look good out there. Good Luck, and knock ‘em dead.

    gear in this observation:

  • Prada ‘Tessuto’ sport tote @ Neiman Marcus
  • polarized “Breathless” sunglasses @ Oakley.com
  • Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet @ any Cartier Boutique
  • Nike women’s doubles dress @ Midwest Sports
  • purple training jacket @ Fila Online
  • Adidas ‘Barricade’ women’s tennis shoe @ Zappos

  • Adidas tennis cover-up blouse jacket @ Adidas Online
  • ‘Belong’ sunglasses @ Oakley
  • diamond tennis bracelets @ Blue Nile
  • Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis skirt @ Adidas Online
  • Prince T20 tennis shoe @ Zappos