the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on necklaces

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

  • 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

  • dress up your jeans

    June 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Brian Atwood Chanel Gap Julie Haus Alice accessories clothing earrings handbags jewelry necklaces pants shoes tops

    Jeans are considered one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. They go with everything and go everywhere. In Manhattan, it’s practically a uniform to wear jeans dressed up to dinner. There are a few things to keep in mind to pull off this look. First of all, jeans are dressier looking in dark denim. Dark denim is much more forgiving, you can get away with ultra skinnies as easily as boot cut. To get a cool dressed up look, the key is to accent with dressy accessories. Wear jewels that you might wear to cocktail party. Pair it with a silk blouson top, and a fitted jacket for a finished look. The shoes and bag should stand out. We like the shine added by a patent pair of high heels and clutch. It’s a style that looks great in black and white, or with bold color popped in. Have fun with it!

    Thanks to Trenny Lynn, one of our fav Twitter fashion friends for this great post idea. She’s at the DMA Showroom in New York. Find her online here

    items in this observation:

  • Julie Haus Alice everyday top @ basic boutique
  • Chanel Signature earrings @ bagborroworsteal
  • Chanel Long Glass pearls @ bagborroworsteal
  • Brian Atwood patent platform sandals @ Saks
  • Hollywood Hills ‘Midnight Shadow’ jeans @ Paige Premium Denim
  • Tube patent clutch @ Jimmy Choo
  • quilted cropped blazer @ The Gap

  • 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

  • Sex and the City gives pearls new life

    June 2nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in jewelry necklaces trends

    Have the power of pearls caught our attention once again? Or is it just that Carrie Bradshaw wore them with almost everything in the new movie? I saw many different styles in Sex and the City, but only a few I felt I could realistically work with. One of those things was a single strand long pearl necklace. Aside from Chanel, we haven’t seen many long pearl necklaces since the 80’s. I think it may be time to revisit it. They’re glamorous, sexy, and very feminine. The new take on pearls is that they go with almost anything. In the movie, Carrie wore them with everything including her pajamas. I imagine the day when I can sit on a chaise lounge in my bedroom wearing silk pj’s with a long pearl necklace draped from my neck, but that image quickly gets squelched when my two boys come crashing into my room. Oh well! I will just have to think of other ways to embrace my new found love for perfectly pretty pearls. So, do we really think that one movie has the power to pull pearls out of the attic? Yes! This particular movie can take what once was considered a granny necklace to an edgy, but glorious place. That is the whole point of the styles in Sex and the City, to show us new ways of putting things together. It opens our eyes, and gives us a fresh take on fashion and style. The magic really happens when each one of us translates those ideas into our own personal style.

    check out the Majorica extra long single strand 8mm pearl 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

  • girls night out & Sex and the City movie… what are you going to wear?

    May 26th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Beirn Christian Dior J Brand accessories clothing jewelry necklaces tops

    Four years ago, my sunday night with the girls came screeching to a halt. What was I going to do now? It was like I had been brutally frozen out of the cool click, and all I was left with was a group of mobsters. My Sunday night went from Barney’s to the Bada-Bing, and while I liked my mobsters they didn’t compare to my girls. Finally, the girls are back! I can’t wait to see what they’ve been up to and, more importantly, what they’re wearing. I think every girl who watched the show loved to see how the outfits were put together. It wasn’t always the most wearable clothing, but it was edgy and had a fresh way of presenting self-expression. So, you’re going to the movie with a group of friends. What on earth are you going to wear? Go for a top in a luscious fabric that feels good against your skin, paired with some super skinny jeans. Skinny jeans will help showcase your shoes. When it comes to the shoes… go for it! It’s all about the shoes tonight! We’ve selected a pair of Dior shoes that Carrie is wearing in the movie (only in a pewter), but there are a million copies out there. The bottom line is, make a statement with your shoes and bag on this particular night. The orange bag we’ve selected is another piece from Carrie’s movie wardrobe. It’s very accessible, and will last well beyond your night at the movies. I hope the movie transports you to a fabulous moment in New York City, and you leave with a smile on your face. Have fun, and a lot of laughs. Oh yeah… and look fabulous!

    fabulous items in this observation:

  • Citrine triple pendant necklace @ Satya Jewelry
  • oversized rope belt top @ Topshop
  • Beirn orange snake ‘Jenna’ hobo @ Plaza Too
  • Christian Dior extreme cutout sandal @ Neiman Marcus
  • J Brand ankle jean @ CO-OP Barneys

  • 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

  • Our 3 favorite ways to wear gladiator sandals

    April 29th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Cynthia Vincent Diane Von Furstenberg Francisco French Connection L.A.M.B. MARC by Marc Jacobs Tory Burch accessories bracelets clothing dresses handbags jewelry necklaces pants shoes



    Gladiator sandals are one of the biggest trends of the season. Last month’s post on the Gladiator ignited a firestorm of questions: How do I wear them? We’ve put together three of our favorite looks to help you out.

    Gladiator look 1

  • MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Hillier Hobo @ Bloomingdales
  • Striped Danni Tunic @ C&C California
  • Francisco High Leg Sandal @ Topshop


  • The first look has a tall gladiator paired with a summer cotton dress. The key to this look, is to keep the dress flowy and unconstructed. The cut of the dress will balance out the tall gladiator sandal, making your legs look slim. A big hobo bag completes the look beautifully.


    Gladiator look 2

  • Diane Von Furstenberg Alcamo silk top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Jonah’ shorts @ Nordstrom
  • Accessories & Beyond gold braided cuff @ Fragments
  • Tory Burch North/South tote @ Bloomingdales
  • Cynthia Vincent ‘Dinah” tobacco sandal


  • The second look has a short gladiator paired with shorts, a billowy top, bangles, and a textured tote. The key to this look is to lean toward the bohemian, not preppy. It should look relaxed and sophisticated. It translates into a perfect day to evening summer look.


    Gladiator look 3

  • Anya Hindmarch mirror straw tote @ Vivre
  • French Connection ‘Betty Block’ jersey dress @ Nordstrom
  • Twelve by Twelve charm necklace @ Forever 21
  • L.A.M.B. ‘Gina’ metallic gladiator platform sandal @ Shopbop


  • The third look is a more dressed up version of the gladiator sandal. Again, the dress is free flowing which helps to balance the bulk of the shoe. The gladiator we chose is metallic, and reflects beautifully as opposed to drag the outfit down. We paired the outfit with a linen bag with gold accents, to tie it all together. The dress becomes the focus, with very fashion forward accessories that don’t take over the outfit.

    We hope some of these looks inspire some of your own creations. Have fun with it, and relax into a pair of gladiator sandals this season.

    the sun inspired jewels of Marco Bicego

    March 18th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ Marco Bicego bracelets earrings jewelry necklaces rings

    You can practically feel the warmth of the sun when you look at Marco Bicego’s jewelry. While the collection is from Italy, it exudes a Grecian spirit. Each piece is lit from within as if Apollo, God of the Sun, himself had a hand in its creation. It’s the type of jewelry you would expect to see on women wandering through the town of Thera, on the island of Santorini. It expresses effortless, everyday, luxurious style. You can wear his jewelry with everything from a chic maxi dress, to a beautiful bathing suit by the beach. The collection is perfectly suited for the summer months, when the sun’s rays reflect a light that makes everything look gilded. The pieces will compliment not only your glowing skin, but your wardrobe as well. I’m loving this illuminating look, and the feeling it gives off. I’m thinking a Marco Bicego bracelet would make an excellent Mother’s Day gift! What do you think? I know, I know, I should stop dreaming! Hopefully, some of you will get the chance to glisten wearing Marco Bicego’s fabulous collection.