the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on Steve Madden

is goth really happening this fall?

September 17th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Chan Luu Chanel Gucci Miu Miu Steve Madden Thomas Wylde accessories bracelets clothing designers dresses earrings handbags jewelry necklaces shoes

Get ready for sexy, glamorous goth. Yup, black is in, but this time it doesn’t stop at the little black dress. From dark lipstick and Wednesday-like accessories to porcelain pale skin, it’s time to go ‘glam goth’. We had an idea it was on its way, thanks to all of the deep dark nail polish hues that have graced the fingers of celebs and fashion icons for the past year or so. This look, in full effect, is definitely not for everyone, especially those of you who thrive on colorful clothing. But, if you’re the gal who can pull off a Batman-black outfit from head to toe then this is right up your alley. It’s a very sexy, mysterious look if you do it right. Play around with textures, but don’t overdue it because you may look like you’re going trick or treating. This is a great look for a night out on the town!

  • Chan-Luu charm necklace @ Bagborrowsteal
  • Luella dougie bomber jacket @ Net-a-Porter
  • Urban Decay lipstick @ Sephora
  • Thomas Wylde zanzibar leather clutch @ Net-a-porter
  • Falk graphic chic leggings @ Bare Necessities
  • Miu Miu bustier prom dress @ Net-a-porter
  • ASOS mesh cuff zip shoes @ ASOS
  • slasssh @ Steve Madden
  • Gucci babouska studded bootie @ Bergdorf Goodman
  • ASOS spike stone encrusted bangle @ ASOS
  • ASOS pearl and mixed bangles @ ASOS
  • Chanel cross earrings @ Bagborrowsteal

  • investing in a vest

    August 27th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Free People Gap Genetic Demin J Brand Juicy Couture Karen Zambos Makie Members Only Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Steve Madden Steven by Steve Madden Todd Lynn Toki & Nabi Tory Burch Vanessa Bruno Wayne accessories clothing designers dresses earrings jewelry necklaces pants shoes sunglasses tops



    Vests are everywhere right now. Similar to the long cardigan trend there are a million different styles and a million different ways to wear them. Where to begin…

    The sweater vest. We’re not talking about a mothball tainted sweater vest you might find in grandpa’s wardrobe, but rather a sleeker and sexier, yet casual cut. These vests have embellishments and themes that vary across the board. If your vest is noticeably textured, balance out the look with some simple jeans or dark pants. Toss on a fun tee shirt under the vest, but make sure it’s not too detailed if the sweater vest has embellishments. Throw on some sexy heels for a night out, or opt for ballerina flats if you’re running errands. While this look might be too hot for daytime these next few weeks, it is absolutely perfect for nightfall, not to mention the onset and duration of Autumn!

    sweater vests in this observation:

  • knitted gold waistcoat @ TOPSHOP
  • Wayne sweater vest @ La Garconne
  • winslow sweater vest @ Forever21
  • knitted waistcoat @ TOPSHOP
  • sport sunglasses @ 80’s PURPLE
  • Toki & Nabi waistcoat cardigan @ pret a portobello
  • Sonia by Sonia Rykiel face t-shirt @ Net-a-Porter
  • double strand necklace @ FOREVER21
  • embossed bangles @ ASOS
  • morgan skinny black @ dELiA*s
  • Tory Burch ballet flats @ Net-a-Porter
  • shaq peep slip on @ TOPSHOP


  • The Funky Vest. Yes, you can actually wear these if you wear them right. We don’t want to look like we just came home from marching band practice, correct? So if you can help it, avoid the huge hat with chin strap and plume. But in all seriousness, when you go for this vest, you must stay simple with every other aspect of the outfit. Basic boot cuts, a black pant, or bland colored skinny jean will do the trick (avoid fancy pockets or seam work). As with the rest of the outfit, the shirt under the vest should be simple, simple, simple. Want to take the hipster route? Toss on a long, but fitted tee shirt and some leggings. Simple stud earrings is as far as the jewelry should go.

    over the top items in this observation:

  • military style waist coat @ TOPSHOP
  • military style waistcoat @ TOPSHOP
  • Todd Lynn Jackson waistcoat @ Net-a-Porter
  • Alexander Wang leather vest @ La Garconne
  • Makie organic cotton vest @ La Garconne
  • Ecote fringe vest @ Urban Outfitters
  • DAY Birger et Mikkelsen waistcoat @ Net-a-Porter
  • Toki & Nabi waistcoat @ pret a portobello
  • quinn oversized sunglasses @ 80’s PURPLE
  • oversize studs @ ASOS
  • deep v tunic @ dELiA*s
  • tartan bow waistcoat @ TOPSHOP
  • modal legging @ dELiA*s
  • Anlo button trouser @ NJC
  • Tory Burch flats @ Net-a-Porter


  • The cropped vest. NOTE: I would suggest always wearing an under layer. Unless of course you want to wear it with Jean’s least favorite wedge sneaker and call it a day! Since most of these short looks have plummeting v-necks, you can play with a ruffled or texture embellished shirt as an under layer. The short vest is one of the styles that has the amazing ability to be totally dressed up or down, and for that reason alone we love it. In order to dress it down, toss aside the ruffled tee shirt and replace it with a simple top. You can also play with a dress as an under layer - try to find one that shoots straight down and does not gather at the waist in order to avoid awkward and conflicting lines.

    cropped items in this observation:

  • plaid short vest @ Heritage
  • candy stripe vest @ FOREVER21
  • herringbone vest @ FOREVER21
  • cotton tweed waistcoat @ Bunny Hug
  • camilla ruffle shirt @ dELiA*s
  • woven vest @ Free People
  • striped cropped vest @ Gap
  • Members Only mini dress @ NJC
  • cropped tie back vest @ wet seal
  • Juicy Couture love t-shirt @ Net-a-Porter
  • heart pendant @ ASOS
  • Genetic cigarette jean @ NJC
  • Steven by Steve Madden booties @ Bloomingdale’s


  • The Simple Vest. These vests are just simply…vests. There is no hoo-rah about them - no crazy shortness, buttons, patches, stripes, fur or peep holes. Yes, some of them have a bit of gather or are made with unique fabric or material, but they are all pretty classic in cut, length and overall ‘vest-ness’. These can be worn with anything underneath including a simple dress (which looks so great) to practically any pant. You might even opt out of a top under layer, (bow chikka wow wow), that’s if the neck line is appropriate. Again, toss on some sassy heels and you’re good to go! If the vest is super simple, pump it up by layering two completely different necklaces. Errands? Dress it down with a basic tee shirt, skinnies and your favorite Converse.

    classic items in this observation:

  • Vanessa Bruno sleeveless blazer @ Net-a-Porter
  • veronica vest @ dELiA*s
  • Lux halter denim vest @ Urban Outfitters
  • feather pendant @ ASOS
  • tassel pendent @ TOPSHOP
  • knot snake bracelet @ ASOS
  • adrianna Dress @ C&C California
  • gizma @ Steve Madden
  • rainbow stripe shirt @ American Apparel
  • J Brand 912 skinny jean @ NJC
  • Converse ox @ dELiA*s


  • To top it all off, the vest trend gets a big gold star for being totally transitional!

    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

  • fringe-tastic Fall

    August 6th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$$ Burberry Gucci Steve Madden Thomas Wylde accessories clothing coats handbags jewelry necklaces shoes tops trends

    There is something so sexy about fringe and how it dances with every move you make. It goes to the heart of American style, along with denim and a classic white tee. The fringe of this season has graduated to the next level. High end designers like Gucci, Prada, and Thomas Wylde have used the best materials and design to create “über” fringe fashion. Retail shops like Asos, Topshop, and dELiA’s have fabulous fringe styles at more affordable prices. You don’t have to be completely country, or even a little cowboy to pull of the fringe of Fall 2008. Don’t go overboard; choose one item to showcase. A bag is a great way to pop in some fringe. Throw it over your shoulder and you immediately look current. Or pull on a pair of black boots over your jeans, and you’re look is a bit more modern and urban. To pull it off, you’ve got to love the piece you buy. That way, your love will inevitably enhance your creativity with the item. Enjoy!

    observations with fringe:

    Left side:

  • Burberry Cable knit shawl @ Net-a-Porter
  • chain wrapped necklace @ Forever21
  • ‘Dakota’ fringe tote @ Nine West
  • Thomas Wylde ‘Nomad’ fringe bag @ eLuxury


  • Middle:

  • Whitehorse couture Cherokee Fringe Tank @ Singer22
  • Steve Madden ‘Bijou’ fringed open tow sandals


  • Right Side:

  • fringe ‘Bolero’ jacket @ Topshop
  • ‘Tasha’ fringe hobo @ dELiA’s
  • Gucci ‘Devendra’ fringe bootie @ Neiman Marcus
  • leather fringe casual boot @ Asos

  • Steve Madden is one smart copy cat

    May 31st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Christian Dior Steve Madden accessories shoes

    Let the copying begin! The hottest shoe for the summer comes to us directly from, where else, Sex and the City. The shoe everyone is already wild about is a Dior. It’s worn by Carrie throughout the movie, and she makes it look fabulous. It has a New York edge that only Carrie can bring us. Smartly, Steve Madden realized that everyone would want them but not everyone would be able to afford them. So, he brings us a shockingly similar shoe for just over $100. Now you can be fabulous, fearless, and funky .. for a lot less money. Go grab your shoes girls, because they are going to fly! Thanks Steve.

    Get the ‘Madalynn’ multi @ Steve Madden for $108
    Note: This hottie is back ordered until June 24th….of course
    Get the Christian Dior extreme cutout sandal @ Neiman Marcus for $780