the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on bracelets

boho jewels

July 17th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ bohemian bracelets charms jewelry looks necklaces rings

Adorn yourself in a daring combination of jewelry - raw stones, intricate bead work, feathers, crystals and leather. These are pieces that connect you to the powerful Boho movement as well as our beloved earth. These downright earthy and decadently glamorous pieces are available on many well-visited websites as well as tons of indie boutiques online! Lovemadds, Free People, and Made with Love in Brazil are great resources for these pieces if you really want to tap into the natural aspect of this trend, while sites like Pretty Black and Erica Weiner offer a different Bohemian approach incorporating rhinestones, faux tiger teeth and other wildly interesting imagery. If you think you already own some pieces that fall into this category, then go get them! Combine looks reminiscent of Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins - looks that emanate wild freedom, yet have been beautifully put together. Other style icons who are glammed out boho style and may offer some inspiration are Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Maggie Gylenhall, Carrie Bradshaw and Kate Moss. The Boho style, full force, may not be for everyone, but you can certainly find your niche with the wide varieties it has to offer. Things to look for when picking out Boho jewelry are the use of lavish icons and imagery, bold stones, flowing pieces like fringe and strands of leather or fabric, lots of layering and grouping, wild use of color, and an over all look of achieving a perfected look through minimal effort. We Boho chic queens like to give off the idea that we just threw on whatever was on top and came out looking marvelously planned out.

Boho pieces in this observation (clockwise):

  • Devendra necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Crystal Tourism necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Sword & Stone necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • charm 40 @ Pretty Black
  • charm 28 @ Pretty Black
  • crossed-stich cuff @ Free People
  • Kingston bangle @ Free People
  • Shoreline ring @ Free People
  • Imenja necklace @ Made with Love in Brazil
  • citta bracelet @ Lovemadds
  • love to go around charms @ Lovemadds

  • how to dress your black dress for summer

    July 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ $$$$ ALexander McQueen Anya Hindmarch Atelier Marisa Catherine Malandrino Cathy Waterman Christian Louboutin L.A.M.B. Marco Bicego accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings glamorous handbags jewelry looks shoes

    You’ve got another party to go to, and you’ve run out of Summer ideas. Don’t be afraid to pull out your favorite black dress. The way to work a black dress into Summer style is with accessories. Go for a Grecian sun-kissed look. Black will simply glow with brushed gold accents. Pull your hair up with modern edge, and now this dress works from the suburbs to the city. Another way to dress your black dress for Summer is to kick it up with some color. Bring the color of the sea to the dress by popping on some refined turquoise earrings. Mix pieces of white and gold in for a polished look. A creamy white clutch will give it an elegant summer edge. Pull your curled hair back loosely so the pieces fall gracefully from your face. You’ll be relaxed and refined, and people will naturally be drawn to you. It’s not always about buying something new to wear. Sometimes it’s about redefining what you already have.

    2 examples in this observation:

    Left:

  • Cathy Waterman green tourmaline leaf earrings @ Ylang|23
  • Catherine Malandrino Spaghetti strap dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Marco Bicego confetti bracelet 5-strand graduated with lemon citrine and peridot @ JR Dunn
  • Christian Louboutin Frescobaldi sandals @ Net-a-Porter
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Libertines’ woven leather clutch


  • Right:

  • Atelier Marisa turquoise orbit earrings with diamonds @ Ylang|23
  • Alexander McQueen Balconette fitted dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • L.A.M.B. stitched pumps @ Asos
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Madia’ cream leather clutch

  • beneath bohemian style

    June 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Vivienne Westwood accessories bohemian bracelets dresses earrings handbags hats jewelry necklaces scarves shoes sunglasses

    Have you met her? The girl who has the entire room watching her as she walks past. The one who has the power to stop you dead in your tracks. She has a confidence that makes others uneasy at first, but also an illuminating warmth that holds you close. She explores and appreciates all forms of art. She embraces individuality, and finds joy in expressing creativity. This freedom of expression comes across in they way she presents herself to the world, it comes across in her style choices. Bohemian style is no longer about peasant skirts, Birkenstocks, and unshaved armpits. It’s about mixing it up, and making fashion your own. It’s not predictable, and the fact that it doesn’t work makes it even more fantastic. It’s an intriguing style, that draws us in. She’s different, she feels the freedom to take risks in fashion, and own it. That… is what fashion icons are made of.

    bohemian expressions in this observation:

  • black dangles with rough cut diamond @ shop twigs
  • Dita Voluez Vous sunglasses @ Shop Intuition
  • Vivienne Westwood Anglomania New Drape striped dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Adventurine Maltese Cross @ Kara Ross
  • Muxo Totisse cross body bag @ Shopbop
  • NAIK FuR spiral crochet cloche @ Smashing Darling
  • Christian Louboutin Trottinette ankle boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • Tolani Honeycomb scarf @ Shop Intuition
  • wooden hinge bangle @ Asos

  • how to work summer pieces into fall

    June 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Beirn Loeffler Randall Monica Vinader T-Bags accessories belts bracelets clothing coats dresses earrings handbags jewelry shoes

    It’s simply not realistic for all of us to have four seasons of clothing. So, we’re going to show you how to make a piece multi-seasonal. We all have our favorite “go-to” jersey dress for Summer. It feels light and airy on a hot humid day. In the summer you’re wearing it with bamboo bracelets, gladiator sandals, and a shot of turquoise in a Beirn bag. To make that dress work into the fall, put it with leggings or skinny jeans and a pair of tall boots. On cooler days, pop on a leather bomber jacket. Make a Fall statement by keeping the details in darker colors like an aubergine belt and handbag. Voila! You’ll get another couple of months out of one dress.

    items in this observation:

    Summer:

  • Beirn turquoise “Jenna” bag @ shop clothesline
  • T-Bags V-neck jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • wood and shell bangles @ Topshop
  • FARO flat hoop sandal @ Topshop


  • Fall:

  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings
  • Be & D Garbo mini shoulder bag
  • Nikki Jaggs Marie tie belt in aubergine @ revolve clothing
  • pocket hooded jacket ! Topshop
  • Loeffler Randall Carine suede boot @ Singer 22

  • sale items that translate beautifully into fall

    June 17th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Diane Von Furstenberg Fendi Kenneth Jay Lane MARC by Marc Jacobs Madison Marcus Monica Vinader Patricia Underwood accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings handbags hats shoes

    If you have it in you to brave the stores at sale time, there can be some great finds. However, you’re best bet for finding pieces that work right through Fall is on the web. You can easily pull together a look with designer pieces that will not break the bank. The key is to look for more classic pieces (not boring pieces), not ones that scream last year’s trend. The idea is to keep the dress simple yet sophisticated. The boots should be classy with modern detail. The bag should work with it all and accessories are the place to have fun. Go for it with a leather jacket in a color like red or tan. Pop on some bangles, earrings, and a playful hat. The look is sleek, with a vintage feel, sexy, with classic grounded pieces. The best part about it all, is that you’re left with articles of clothing that you can work into your wardrobe without hesitation. Happy hunting ladies!

    sale items in this observation:

  • Patricia Underwood ribbon crochet beret @ Intermix
  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings @ Net-a-Porter
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs JJ leather bowling bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Diane von Furstenberg Baker jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Fendi patent leather boots @ eLuxury
  • Kenneth Jay Lane Leopard print bracelet @ Saks
  • Madison Marcus putty leather jacket @ Singer 22

  • rebirth in butterfly style

    June 5th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Betsey Johnson Kenneth Jay Lane Tory Burch bracelets charms clothing dresses earrings jewelry necklaces tops trends

    It’s no secret the symbolism that accompanies the image of the beautiful butterfly. I can’t help but stare in amazement as this stunning creature flitters past. It’s not just their fairy-tale like beauty that strikes me, it’s the the journey the butterfly has taken to emerge so glorious. It’s the hope we all have for ourselves, that when it’s all said and done we debut as a superb being. The butterfly signifies change, rebirth, growth, and grace. Designers have officially been pulled by the power of the butterfly. They are everywhere from hair pieces to jewelry, t-shirts to lavish dresses. This summer is the perfect time to grab onto the magic of the angelic butterfly. If you have an appreciation, then it will be a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Butterflies are always welcome in the fashion world.

    butterflies in this observation:

  • leather butterfly hairstick @ Urban Outfitters
  • ‘Butterflies are Free’ necklace @ Urban Outfitters
  • Mikey large butterfly pendant @ Asos
  • Burnout butterfly top @ Topshop
  • Antica Veneziana butterfly pendant @ Forzieri
  • butterfly tube dress @ Guess
  • Tory Burch Bailey butterfly top
  • Kenneth Jay Lane butterfly necklace @ Shopbop
  • Mary L Couture Butterfly Charmeuse halter dress @ Nordstrom
  • Jessica Kagan Cushman butterfly big cuff
  • Filigree butterfly drop earrings @ Asos
  • lace butterfly twist top @ Topshop
  • Betsey Johnson ‘Sweetie Pie’ long strand necklace @ Nordstrom

  • 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

  • stars… how to embrace a fleeting trend.

    May 21st, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$$ Chanel Yves Saint Laurent accessories belts bracelets clothing earrings jewelry necklaces shoes tops trends

    Are you over the moon for stars?
    Ever notice those fleeting fashion concepts? One month every woman’s got it on and the next month, that “it” thing makes itself comfortable in the back of your closet. The good thing about this month’s star trend is its impeccable timing with Memorial Day Weekend. You can be patriotic and fashion forward all at once. More importantly, we’re going to help you figure out a practical, affordable, and fashionable way to approach this shiny trend.

    Over the top stars: If you want to grab on to this trend with full force, keep the price point on the low end. That way, when it’s out in a couple of months you won’t have buyers remorse. Check out the cute top from Asos. It makes a bold starry statement. Or give your stars a little color with a red strapless cotton dress. It’s a great piece for daytime or a family BBQ.

    Subtle stars: Jewelry is an easy way to embrace this trend. Have the stars fall from your ears, cascade down your neck, or adorn your arm. A blouse with a subtle star print will keep you on trend, but will also stand the test of time. It’s a top that will always look great with jeans.

    Funky stars: There are even stars out there for the edgy girls. Bring the stars over your knees with a fun pair of tights. Go for the gold with the YSL sandal. Or be mysterious with the Superfine tank, the stars have their eye on you with this one.

    While this starry trend won’t be around for long, it’s certainly fun and oh so “au current!” So, grab a bit of it before it shoots away!

    stars in this observation:

  • TFNC silk star print chiffon blouse @ Asos
  • Superfine Racer back tank @ Net-a-Porter
  • Pepe star print boobtube dress @ Asos
  • star print tie-neck blouse @ Asos
  • elastic star buckle belt @ Topshop
  • Emilio Cavallini stars over-the-knee holdups @ Asos
  • Yves Saint Laurent star sandal @ Barney’s
  • multi star drop pendant necklace at ASOS
  • Chanel Black Star Logo cuff bracelet at Bag Borrow or Steal™
  • star drop earrings @ Asos

  • the miraculous maxi dress

    May 14th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$$ $$$$$ Commando Gap Jeanine Payer Joie Kenneth Jay Lane Missoni Miu Miu Temperley London Tory Burch Via Spiga Victoria's Secret accessories belts bracelets clothing designers dresses earrings jewelry lingerie/sleepwear shoes

    It’s a sweltering summer day and you’ve got some errands to run. Your kids have a play date at the park, you’ve got a lunch date with the girls, some shopping of course, and then a romantic dinner by the water. You swing open the doors of your closet and the last thing you want to step into is your tight jeans — just then you make eye contact with your maxi dress and it beckons to be worn… you happily oblige. It’s cool, sexy, flowing and versatile for all of your errands and dates for the day!

    how to wear a floral patterned maxi
    A floral patterned maxi dress alone is perfect for a hot summer day when all you want is one, long, flowing piece to make up your entire outfit. When choosing a patterned maxi, don’t overdo it with tons of jewelry. Opt for simple, hanging earrings. You can also ‘accessorize’ with your hair. Pamper your locks with rollers, hot or velcro (which Jean swears by), to get those oh so fabulous grecian goddess tendrils. It will fall beautifully with the free-spirited flow and pattern of the dress. If it’s too hot out, you can opt for a loosely coiled bun or simple low side pony.

  • Missoni karolina silk gown @ Net-a-Porter
  • Joie roll the dice floral maxi dress @ bloomingdale’s
  • Kenneth Jay Lane light multi hoops @ Shopbop


  • the transformable nature of the maxi
    If you decide to wear your maxi into the night, trade those flip flops for a sexier, strappy gladiator sandal and you’ll be ready to come off the beach and saunter into a romantically candle lit cafe. A belt doesn’t necessarily make your maxi day or night time worthy, but it will refresh the outfit and accentuate different aspects of the dress. Enhance a simple, solid colored maxi with a woven leather or suede belt right under the bust or loosely draped around the hips. If your maxi has gathers around the waist or underneath the bust then that’s where your belt should go. If your maxi has lots of ornamental details, a busy pattern or lots of layering and gathering then a belt is a no-no; you don’t want to wear your entire wardrobe. Finally, add a simple cuff bracelet, to top off the look.

  • terry halter maxi dress @ Victoria’s Secret
  • Joie sunny hills maxi dress @ Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Tory Burch alexis patent gladiator @ bloomingdales
  • Miu Miu woven leather belt @ Net-a-Porter
  • Kenneth Jay Lane pearl cuff @ Neiman Marcus


  • waistlines, shoes and panties, oh my!
    While some maxi’s gather under the bust or at the waistline to accentuate a curvy waist or create a waistline, other maxis shoot straight down to accentuate a thinner frame. For those maxis that are long enough to gracefully sweep the floor (creating a game of hide and seek with whatever fabulous shoes you have chosen to wear) opt for a sexy, simple gladiator sandal that contrasts the full coverage of the dress. For a shorter maxi, an open, sexy shoe will do the trick as well because you don’t want to cut off the length of the leg. Another maxi dress necessity is seamless underwear that won’t interrupt the cascading and sometimes clingy drapery of the dress. A visible panty line may distract onlookers when they should really be focussing on the outfit as a whole. Top off the look with a unique cuff bracelet.

  • tie-shoulder dress @ Gap
  • Temperley London long isaline gown @ Net-a-Porter
  • Via Spiga campus patent flat sandal @ Bloomingdale’s
  • Jeanine Payer palmer cuff @ Barneys
  • Commando: CYA bikini panty @ bare necessities

  • Keep in mind, your maxi doesn’t have to max you out!!
    From Gap to Missoni, this summer promises to maximize the availability of maxi dresses!

    how to update your khaki look

    May 13th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$$$ Camilla Skovgaard Celina Olga Pauric Sweeney Pringle of Scotland accessories basics bohemian bracelets casual clothing handbags jewelry pants scarves shoes skirts tops

    Khaki made it’s first appearance in the late 1800’s, as a part of a military dress code. Over the years it has made its way to the mainstream. It has become an American classic, and a staple that has a presence in every girl’s wardrobe. As of late, khaki has gone more modern. It’s no longer reserved for country club bound conservatives or prep school boys. Back in the day, khaki had a unisex feel to it. Khaki shorts and pants were boxy and not exactly flattering to the female form. Thankfully that is no longer the case. Now, there are a million ways to wear khaki and still look like a lady. We’ve put together two of our favorite ways to wear khaki this season. We love a full khaki skirt. It looks great with neutral, and even better with a pop of color. It’s incredibly versatile, and very functional. We also love the khaki pants in a modern cut. Consider a high waisted full pant, paired with an earthy top for a more bohemian feel. How are you wearing your khaki’s? If you have any new ideas, we would love to hear from you!

    items in this observation:

    left look:

  • Pringle of Scotland disc detail top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Nanette Lepore ‘Buy Me Love’ skirt @ Nordstrom
  • Camilla Skovgaard open toe upfront high heel pump @ Shopbop
  • Olga Coated canvas bowler @ hayden-harnett


  • right look:

  • Leopard hairband @ Topshop
  • Afra overprint knit tunic/wrap skirt @ hayden-harnett
  • Pauric Sweeney python shoulder bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Celina signature cuff @ hayden-harnett
  • Nine West beaded toe Thong flat sandal @ Asos
  • pleat front wide leg linen pants @ Asos