the style observer is about putting it all together

how to wear liquid leather leggings

October 13th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$$ Christian Louboutin Steve Madden Vivienne Westwood accessories clothing coats handbags pants shoes sunglasses tops trends

Well, a couple of months ago I asked how people were wearing liquid leather leggings. Since I didn’t get the trend, I wanted to see how others were embracing it. I’m happy to say, you have had some very good ideas. It basically breaks down like this:

In your 20’s: The girls in their twenties are wearing them with fluid tops and chunky heels. For the most part, this age group is wearing them at night. There were some who live in a big city that are wearing them in the day with a more casual top. Overall, this age group is dressing them down a bit and try to balance out the glimmer and shine.

  • Members Only liquid fold over leggings @ Shopbop
  • lace embroidered top @ Forever21
  • suede boot @ Steve Madden

  • In your 30’s: The girls in their thirties have been giving the leggings a more sophisticated party girl look. Pairing them with sequin tops or a top in a bold color.

  • metallic feather sweater tunic @ Forever21
  • Members Only liquid leggings @ Revolve Clothing
  • Vivienne Westwood ‘Anglomania’ overcoat @ La Garconne
  • Steve Madden ‘Stackedd’ pump

  • In your 40’s: At first I didn’t believe women in their forties were sporting the trend, until someone sent me a picture of Victoria Beckham wearing a pair. Victoria is only 34, but her outfit is a good example of how someone in their late thirties - early forties should wear the trend. I must say, she did it well. She added a classy feel to a funky pair of leggings by pairing them with a fitted blazer. She also added upscale elegance by carrying a Birkin bag, and a pair of Christian Louboutins.

  • sport sungalsses @ 80’s Purple
  • James Perse double-breasted blazer @ Net-a-Porter
  • Members Only liquid leggings @ Revolve Clothing
  • Andi Tote croc print tote @ Baghaus
  • Christian Louboutin New Simple pump


  • While this isn’t a trend I think I’ll be wearing, I can appreciate how the look will work for others. Thank you for sharing your ideas with me.

    age appropriate beach wear

    March 26th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$ Alex and Ani Anya Hindmarch Dolce and Gabbana Lotus London Melissa Odabash Tory Burch accessories clothing handbags looks shoes swimsuits tops

    It’s almost that time of year, bathing suit season. Getting beach bound ready can be a bewildering task. What suit should I wear? What suit looks good on me? Should I buy a new beach bag? What type of cover-up should I wear? Your head starts to spin, and sometimes that can cause you to make some bad decisions. We are here to give you a little head start, by breaking it all down for you. Hopefully, this will help you organize your thoughts.

  • The 20 something’s : Ok young lady, you can have some fun with your beach look. Choose fruit colors like apple red, or kiwi green. A bright bikini or one piece, topped off with an eyelet tunic. Forget the average beach bag, grab a fashion forward, unexpected bag instead. It will catch people’s eye, and you will intrigue them. Don’t forget a little jewelry. This year, go with bracelets. It’s a fresh, crisp, youthful look. You are no longer a teen, so stay away from wearing old gym shorts over your suit, or even a ratty t-shirt. You are at an age where you should look pulled together, yet maintain a youthful edge.

  • Red bikini by Cia Maritima @ Molly Brown Swimwear (page 16)
  • Skulls tunic by Letarte @ Canyon Beachwear
  • Tory Burch “T” Contrast Patent Tote @ Nordstrom
  • Alex & Ani expandable bangle @ Saks
  • White Leather Gizeh sandal by Birkenstock
  • The 30 something’s: You’ve done it; you’ve hit the sweet spot. You are a woman with a little experience under your belt. You spent your twenties getting to know exactly who you are and what you want. Now, take it out for a test drive. Choose a sophisticated suit, with a more serious tone to it. One that exudes confident sexuality, without being overt. Earth tones are your best bet, and they mix beautifully with the minerals. A multi-tonal suit in a mixture of browns, greens, and yellows looks beautiful with gold jewelry and sandals. A caftan cover-up, and a linen bag completes the look. It’s pulled together, and stylistically confident - it reflects the woman you’ve grown into.

  • Ana bikini by ViX @ InStyleSwimwear
  • Silk Beaded Caftan by Lotus London @ Vivre
  • Caribbean Sun Bag by Mayle @ Shopbop
  • Single Stone Cuff by Kara Ross @ Shopbop
  • Dolce Vita ‘Athens 38′ sandal @ Nordstrom
  • The 40 something’s: You’ve still got it, you know it, and you don’t feel the need to prove it. Choose a one piece with intricate design or embellishment. One piece no longer equals frumpy and boring. There are a lot of sophisticated one piece suits designed to be fashionable and flattering. Cover-up with a tunic in a luxurious fabric, it’s a smart piece to invest in. A silver sandal will reflect the outfit nicely, and a refined straw bag that goes beyond the beach. Resist the urge to look younger than you are, 40 is fabulous. Stay away from the starlet look, it can come across as trying too hard - or trying to look like you’re 20. A little self -tanner, a big hat, sunglasses, and they’ll all be saying “what an elegant woman.”

  • Brown one-piece by Odabash at Molly Brown Swimwear (page 4)
  • Printed Chiffon Beaded Tunic by MB Beach Couture @ Vivre
  • Mirror Straw Tote by Anya Hindmarch @ Vivre
  • Tory Burch silver Ali sandal @ Jildor
  • The 50 something’s: You’re more interesting than ever, and it shows. All the silly little things you used to worry about now seem irrelevant; you are comfortable in your body. Choose a one piece in a beautiful jewel tone. They have a number of “miracle” suits on the market, so you can feel confident that everything is where it should be. Pair your suit with a print pareo tied under your arms. Add gold bracelets and earrings, leaving your neck bare. For a beach bag, go for a woven leather tote. It’s a rich texture that looks brilliant on the beach. Voila! You look fantastic at fifty!

  • Shape fx® Bejeweled Control Surplice Maillot @ Spiegel
  • Devi Pareo sarong @ Caylpso Christian Celle
  • Golden Stones bracelet by H.Stern @ Neiman Marcus
  • Dolce & Gabbana large Raffia tote @ Bergdorf Goodman