the style observer is about putting it all together

how to brighten a dreary winter day

January 8th, 2009 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ MARC by Marc Jacobs accessories clothing coats handbags pants shoes tops

Let the sun shine in! A great way to chase away the gray is with a pop of color. Yellow is an especially happy color, and will lighten up your face. I like this coat because it’s classic but bold. It’s color is grounded with a brown faux fur hood and brown buttons. So, you can easily pair it with your winter colors. It will look great over charcoal, brown, navy, and green. So, let all the other girls fade into the crowd - be the one who stands out.

Items in this observation:

  • Logan Hooded Peacoat @ Delia’s
  • Kara Colorblock Scoopneck @ Delia’s
  • Rock & Republic Ruby Wideleg in Backseat @ Revolve Clothing
  • Paul Green ‘Volume’ Flat @ Nordstrom
  • Marc by Marc Jacobs Satchel @ Bloomingdales

  • border brights with a black edge

    December 9th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Alexander McQueen Banana Republic Bottega Veneta Emilio Pucci accessories clothing dresses handbags shoes tops trends

    The most modern way to bring in the ultra brights, right now, is to edge them out with black. The black will give the color some weight for winter.

    Items in this observation:

  • Erickson Beamon Studded felt cuff
  • Miu Miu Dress
  • Alexander McQueen Shoes
  • crystal drop earrings


  • Perfectly suited for a luncheon, or meeting in the city. It’s brilliant but mod.

    Items in this observation:

  • Bottega Veneta dress
  • Banana Republic clutch
  • Theory pumps
  • floral brooch


  • Fabulous for a fashion show, or a festive dinner party with friends. It’s powerful, yet feminine! You’ll knock ‘em dead.

    Items in this observation:

  • Zac Posen
  • Erickson Beamon Teardrop chain earrings
  • Marc Jacobs Pumps
  • Clutch


  • Can you say… Palm Beach? Yes, it’s perfect for warm weather locations during the winter months.

    Items in this observation:

  • black glass bracelet
  • Pucci Tunic
  • Sandals

  • make a statement with your necklace

    November 27th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Catherine Malandrino clothing dresses jewelry necklaces

    A statement necklace is a great way to freshen up an old dress. However, don’t think you can take out your taffeta prom dress from the 80’s and give it new life by adding a bold necklace. The reason being your dress from the 80’s probably has too much going on in style and design. If you want to make a statement with a large gemstone necklace, keep the dress modern and simple. It’s a perfect match with all the strapless dresses out there right now, it gives the necklace the perfect amount of attention. We’re going to show you three great examples of how to wear a statement necklace.

    Items in this observation:

  • Gerard Yosca Bib Necklace
  • Bounkit for Vivre
  • Teardrop Crystal Necklace
  • Amethyst and Turquois Necklace
  • Chandelier Necklace
  • Kendra Scott Necklace
  • Catherine Malandrino Ruffle shoulder dress
  • Luella Cassie Dress

  • candy-shop colored watches

    June 3rd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Gino Franco Gucci Nike Technomarine jewelry trends watches

    Let’s play a little bit with color this summer. Bold colors have been everywhere all spring long, it’s no surprise it’s a trend that translates right into summer. A watch is great place to show some color and you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. Tons of companies have a bold colored watch in their collections. You can go ultra-feminine with a more delicate watch, or a sport watch in a big bold beautiful color. We love to see a brightly colored sports watch, because it’s a masculine watch in a feminine color. It becomes a more unexpected and intriguing piece. Grab a blue watch that’s the color of the summer sky. Or a yellow one that is as brilliant as the sun. There’s even candy colored pink, and tangerine orange. The colors are refreshing and completely cool for the summer. I’m considering the Gino Franco with the yellow band and the pink face. It’s like a combination of lemonade and pink grapefruit juice - love it!

    watches in this observation:
    1st Row:

  • Ike Gommato Collection watch @ Nordstrom
  • Nike women’s Imara run multi-function
  • Officina Del Tempo women’s Agadir Turqouise Stingray @ World of Watches
  • Gucci Unisex 101 @ World of Watches
  • 2nd Row:

  • Glam Rock ‘Cruise Line’ embossed silicone strap @ Nordstrom
  • Invicta men’s Quinotaur Russian Diver watch @ Overstock
  • Technomarine women’s diamond chronograph @ World of Watches
  • Zodiac round face rubber band watch @ Nordstrom
  • 3rd Row:

  • Gino Franco pink & yellow men’s sport @ Amazon
  • Gino Franco blue men’s sport @ Amazon
  • Gino Franco red men’s sport @ Amazon

  • 9 ways to update your summer wardrobe

    April 21st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Adam Lippes Cynthia Rowley Elsa Peretti Gap J Brand J.Crew Kooba Tracy Reese Zoey accessories belts bracelets clothing coats dresses handbags jewelry pants shoes skirts tops

    1. Bold color - meant to be mixed with all kinds of colors, and can be worn with everything.

    2. Skinny belt - cinching your waist is an easy way to update.

    3. Patent leather - shine on! It can be black, neutral, or bold.

    4. Dip-dye - An updated version of Tie-Dye. It’s done in soft colors this season, which looks good on all.

    5. Wide leg denim - a great way to update. It’s clean, classic, and fresh.

    6. Metallic - should be worn like a neutral, and goes with everything.

    7. Full skirt - easy to wear with a fitted top or tee.

    8. Bracelets - lots and lots of bracelets. Bangles are fun for this season.

    9. Tribal prints - young, fun, urban, and edgy.

    trenchtastic

    March 2nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Burberry Gryphon Juicy Couture clothing coats trends

    Every spring we are reminded just how versatile and classic a trench coat can be. It’s probably one of the best wardrobe investments you will ever make, because it will never go out of fashion. If you currently have one from years past, you can easily update it by shortening it to the knee or slightly above.  If you happen to be in the market for a trench, there are two ways to go: 1. You could go for a trench in a bold color, which is very au courant. Or, 2. You can choose a classic black or tan trench. The latter may be the smarter buy if you don’t have a trench. However, if you already have a classic then you may want to consider punching your wardrobe up a little with a bold color. Or you can choose one with a modern take on the classic design like the Gryphon trench pictured above. It’s no loner about the rain, this coat goes anywhere, anytime, and with anything. It looks sassy and sophisticated with jeans and a tee. It also looks sexy and mysterious belted over a skirt or dress.  Either way, a trench is smart looking and makes any look polished and pulled together. It’s a must; ponder the purchase no more!

    bold & beautiful

    January 27th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ trends

    The BOLD colors of spring are a welcome change from the usual palette of springs past. It’s all about bright blues, eye popping pinks, lush grass greens, and lemony yellows. All you need to determine is how bold you want to be. You can go all over bold, or add a simple splash of color. For a subtle look, pair a brightly colored top with a pair of white jeans. For the daring, go for a dress in a lively hue. Pull it all together with a fun clutch.