the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on casual

what are you wearing on the plane?

November 21st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ 7 For All Mankind Rick Owens casual clothing jewelry looks necklaces pants tops

Some of us are going to have the opportunity to travel this holiday season, possibly as early as Thanksgiving. Sometimes I find the hardest part of the packing process is figuring out what to wear on the plane. I like to try to pack efficiently, and that is much harder than it sounds. Ideally, you should pack a bunch of pieces that can all work well together. Well…that’s what they tell you on all the morning shows, but I need options. I want to be able to change my mind if I don’t feel like wearing the top I brought. This is precisely why I always end up packing too much. I go through the same struggle when I’m trying to figure out what to wear on the plane. I want to be smart about it by trying to wear pieces that will also work once I arrive at my destination. So, I’ve decided on my favorite “daytime” jeans a knit tee,, a comfy sweater, and motorcycle boots. My thinking is I can always use a pair of jeans for hanging around during the day, a knit tee and comfy sweater will work beautifully if an evening chill sets in, and motorcycle boots for walking around with the kids. PHEW - I did it! The question is … will all my planning pay off? Or will I get there and never touch my travel clothes until I go to get dressed to come home? Oh well, at least I made an effort. What are you going to wear?

Items in this observation:

  • 7 for all mankind Bootcut stretch jeans
  • Rick Owens Crew neck T-shirt
  • James Perse Open draped cardigan
  • Camper Motorcycle Boot
  • Toss Design Duffel
  • Toss Design Make-up Bag
  • Toss Design Small Make-up Bag
  • Toss Design Travel Set
  • Lucid New York Plane Necklace
  • Lucid New York Infinity Circle Necklace


  • BONUS: If you like Anna Sabino’s jewelry at LucidNewYork (last 2 above) enter the code LN10D for a 10% discount. Nice!

    cozy-chic

    November 13th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ French Connection Juicy Couture accessories bracelets casual clothing coats designers handbags jewelry looks pants scarves shoes tops

    There’s a chill in the air, and you’re so tempted to throw on a fleece and a pair of Uggs. WAIT! There’s a better way to actually be cozy and look chic. It’s true! You just need to bridge the gap between comfy and sloppy. Leggings are really in fashion right now, and they happen to be pretty comfortable. Pop on a pair of dark leggings, with a knit tunic, or long somewhat fitted tee. You shouldn’t go too tight on top, you want to balance out the tight leggings on the bottom. This works as a good base, and now you can add accessories that will define the style. A pair of motorcycle boots gives the look a bit of a rugged edge. Atop the entire outfit with a long cardigan, or an unstructured coat. It should look relaxed, and easy. A scarf and a hobo bag completes the look. All the pieces in the outfit feel comfortable, but also look good pulled together. Comfort doesn’t always have to mean sweats and a tee, although I must admit I love to slip into my sweats at the end of a long day. In public, I try to keep my cozy closer to chic.

    Items in this observation:

  • arabian cat sweater@French Connection
  • Olivia Morris Didi biker boots
  • Treesje Sophia Bag in Berry
  • Cable Scarf
  • Gilded Rubber Bangles
  • Unique Army Jacket
  • Black Leggings

  • boots that are aged to perfection

    November 6th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ Golden Goose accessories casual shoes

    High school was when I discovered the brilliance of “All American” style. The alluring quality behind a pair of Levi’s, a white t-shirt, and an old pair of boots. It’s the innocence and familiarity behind the style that draws people in. We know that girl, we’re comfortable around her. This style used to be much harder to achieve than you might think. It took at least six months to get a pair of new boots to look aged. Levi’s had to be washed over and over again to get that perfectly “worn” look. Now, all that aging is done for you. The catch - it doesn’t come cheap! A pair ofGolden Goose boots will run you over $1000.00. I mean, hats off to designers for realizing they could make a ton of money for producing old boots. As much as I love the look of these boots, I’m not sure I’m willing to fork over that kind of money for a pair of s**t kickers. How much would pay for a pair of perfectly worn boots?

    Boots in this observation:

  • Golden Goose Charlye pull on boot
  • Golden Goose Black Kate motorcycle boot
  • Golden Zip Cowboy boots

  • 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

  • Ed Hardy for your inner wild side

    August 5th, 2008 · posted by Maxime Keyson in $ $$ Ed Hardy accessories casual clothing hats lingerie/sleepwear prints/patterns shoes sunglasses swimsuits tops trends

    What happens when the “Godfather of the modern tattoo” teams up with “the king of jeans”? An original, artistic clothing line is born. In January 2005, Christian Audigler and Ed Hardy joined forces and created one of the hottest brands on the market today. Celebs like Madonna, Britney, and Snoop Dogg were immediately drawn to the edgy artistic collection.
    Ed Hardy’s passion for tattoo artistry started when he was just a young boy. When he was 10 years old he would draw cars and eagles on the back of his friend’s arms with an eyeliner pencil. Whether you like it or not, Ed Hardy is an artist. Some shy away from tattoo art because it can seem a bit “biker” meets “punk” with the skulls, hearts and banners announcing “love kills slowly”. However, Ed Hardy’s collection brings an appreciation for tattoo art to the masses - without having to fully commit to a lifelong body tattoo. Now, we can change our tattoo with our mood, wear a different one everyday. These colorful Japanese art-inspired clothes will always look best with dark jeans. Keep it simple by only showcasing one item at a time - don’t overdo it. It’s a sexy, rock and roll chic look - go for it.

    items in this observation:

  • trucker hat @ 80s Purple
  • halter swimsuit “Mermaid” in Lime Green @ Ed Hardy Shop
  • ‘Death is Certain’ sunglasses @ Ed hardy Shop
  • Yellow tattoo sleeve @ Zappos
  • Ed Hardy ‘Platinum’ Embellished Tunic @ Nordstrom
  • purple tank top @ Ed Hardy Shop
  • bright yellow tote @ Fashion Flairs
  • drawstring lounge pants ‘Battle’ @ Ed hardy Shop
  • ‘Eagle’ strap boots @ Ed Hardy Shop

  • tibi transitions to early Autumn

    July 28th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ Tibi casual dresses looks pants prints/patterns tops

    tibi’s pre-fall collection is perfectly suited for those in-between months. Before you know it August will quickly turn into September. And while you may have Fall on the brain, you may still be sweating like it’s July. The pieces in this collection are filled with rich fall colors and the fabrics are light, airy, and free. It’s the kind of collection that can make you feel updated for fall, as well as comfortable and functional. This is the perfect time of year to wear open toe booties. They will make a tibi dress look funky for fall. Don’t be afraid to walk some extra miles in your gladiators through September. Gladiators paired with dark denim and a rich red tibi top is pure perfection. So, before you find yourself in the middle of September with nothing to wear, check out what tibi has to offer.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • tibi floating feather dress @ Active Endeavors
  • tibi paisley emprire dress @ Active Endeavors
  • tibi scoop neck dress @ Active Endeavors
  • tibi ‘Frisco’ paisley tunic @ Active Endeavors
  • tibi ‘Addison’ road tunic @ Active Endeavors
  • tibi wide leg trouser @ Active Endeavors

  • how to wear the universally unflattering capri

    June 23rd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Eight14 Hudson Tory Burch basics casual clothing pants

    We’ve all heard it a thousand times, capris are not flattering on most women. Yet, we can’t seem to get away from wearing them. For whatever the reason, capri’s seem to function for women. They function especially well for someone who is not comfortable in shorts, and it’s too hot out to wear full length pants. So, what’s a girl to do? Ok, we have found some variations that are flattering AND functional. The capri pant that looks the worst on women is the boxy cut that ends mid-calf. They don’t look very good because they make your legs look shorter and your body appear wider. Try going for a tapered capri - along the lines of a pedal pusher. It’s a more feminine cut and will narrow the leg. Another style that works as well as the capri is a longer short. This particular short will come to the knee or just below. Proportionally it works better on most than the capri does, and it’s more modern. We know you’re comfortable in your dependable capris, and they have become an easy “go to” piece. But check out a new style, and see if one of these cuts work for you. Who knows, you may like them better than the capris.

    “Yes” capris in this observation:

    Top Row:

  • The Kate Fit crop pant in stretch twill @ Victoria’s Secret
  • Hudson Stretch Denim Bermuda Shorts @ Nordstrom
  • cuffed seersucker shorts @ Newport News
  • The Marisa Fit wide leg crop pant in linen @ Victoria’s Secret


  • Bottom Row:

  • Foldover cargo crop pant in Tencel® @ Victoria’s Secret
  • Eight14 brushed twill trouser shorts @ Nordstrom
  • Tory Burch ‘Phillip’ crop pants @ Nordstrom
  • cuffed linen walk shorts @ Newport News

  • 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