the style observer is about putting it all together

the price of a good t-shirt

October 21st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ clothing tops

So, when did the price of a good tee go from being about $20 bucks to closer to $65-80? I think I could understand it if the t-shirt was made of such exceptional cotton that you could wear for more than a season. The cotton of choice these days is not much thicker than tissue paper, making it impossible to wear alone. So now, the price just went up $40-$50 dollars, because you’ll need to buy a tank to go underneath. Really? $120 for a tee and tank combo shirt? I’m slightly horrified by that number. Sure, the fit of the classic white tee has improved. It’s no longer a boxy boy t-shirt, but one that’s specifically made for a woman. I still don’t think it’s worth the price. Do you? How do you feel about paying around $100 for a t-shirt? And please let me know if any of you are “in the know” on where to get good t-shirts for less money. I’m anxious to hear your feedback!

tees in this observation:

  • James Perse two pack cotton t-shirts @ Net-a-Porter
  • Monrow basic Tissue V Neck in Plum @ Pink Mascara
  • Torn by Ronny Kobo eagle tunic @ Shopbop
  • LnA long sleeve button Henley @ Pink Mascara
  • Vavoom scoop neck short sleeve top @ C&C California
  • 2B FREE t-shirt @ Revolve CLothing
  • scoop back tank @ C&C California

  • how to rock cowboy boots… yeehaw!

    August 18th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ accessories bohemian clothing dresses hats jewelry looks necklaces pants shoes tops

    So, they’ve been around for a while and like most trends they should be on their way out, right? Wrong! Cowboy boots are not going out of style anytime soon, they have become a staple. Designers are not letting up - even European designers love the classic American boot. Now, cowboy boots are available in an array of colors and styles ranging from distressed and slouched boho-chic looks to the traditional “these will last you for 100 years” look.

    So, with what can we wear these fabulous boots? Try mixing it up Sienna Miller style with a dainty, romantic sundress and fedora or take the Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood route with some laid back, sexy denims and a cute graphic tee. Either way you really can’t go wrong! What else do we love about cowboy boots? They’re the superwoman of transitional shoes that will help you strut your stuff into Autumn, through Winter and eventually into Spring. Giddyup!

    look one:

  • straw fedora @ Urban Outfitters
  • silk dress @ pret a portabello
  • archie boot @ TOPSHOP
  • j’taime necklace @ Urban Outfitters
  • horseshoe necklace @ Dogeared

  • look two:

  • foil feather tee @ dELiA*s
  • fit n flare @ Lucky Brand
  • cowboy boots @ BOOT CITY

  • 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

  • the perks of a transitional outfit and how to get one

    July 29th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$$ All Saints Christian Louboutin LOVEMADDS Prada accessories clothing designers handbags pants scarves shoes sunglasses tops

    It’s a beautiful day at Central Park as you indulge in your favorite novel. The greenery slowly succumbs to Autumn (well, not yet, but soon!) and suddenly you remember you’ve got a date with the girls at an oh-so-far-away cafe. You have no time to run home and change, and even if you did it would still be a drag! This is why we love the ‘transitional’ outfit that can be worn comfortably all day and serve many purposes. This means more time enjoying your day, less time pondering (or pouting) in front of the closet and of course, less laundry… it’s a beautiful thing.

    As we approach Fall it will be fun to start mixing shorts with sweaters - especially ‘blousy’, roomy sweaters if the shorts happen to be itty-bitty. Zip on some hot, black, strappy Louboutins that are ideal for all day use, throw on a long, bohemian necklace, a fringe-fabulous Prada, a laid back yet glamorous neck scarf, some rimless aviators and strut your stuff from the grass to the glass (cappuccino glass, that is). You have just successfully worn one single outfit for the entire day. Can you rise to the challenge? Seriously, how many of you change more than 2 or 3 times a day? Let us know!

    transitional items in this observation:

  • Ray Ban rimless aviators @ 80sPURPLE
  • bandana scarf @ All Saints
  • perfume cowl neck @ All Saints
  • bronze, bronze baby @ LOVEMADDS
  • Lillian medium wash denim shorts @ Abercrombie
  • Christian Louboutin zipette @ Barneys
  • Prada fringed tote @ Bag Borrow or Steal

  • how to wear gladiator sandals

    April 2nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Adam Lippes Giuseppe Zanotti Sam Edelman Sigerson Morrison Tibi accessories clothing coats dresses shoes trends

    This isn’t exactly ancient Rome, although sometimes our lives can seem like a battle in the gladiatorial games. Lucky for us, this season we can actually dress for it. As you may already know, gladiator sandals are a big trend this season. Like a lot of things lately, the ancient sandal has been modernized. It now comes in all shapes and sizes, and is accessible to more women. Gladiator sandals can be tricky for some. The question “what would I wear them with?” is on the minds of a lot of women. We have picked a few of our favorite styles and put together some outfit ideas. For instance, a simple gold gladiator can take a gold shimmery evening dress from ultra formal to ultra fabulous. It’s a look that can easily be worn to a cocktail party on the beach. The classic brown leather gladiator looks great with a white cotton summer dress. It’s a “bohemian meets roman goddess” look that is perfect for running around on a hot summer day. The snakeskin gladiator is another style that we love. This one is perfect for casual chic days, or casual fridays at work. It’s a more sophisticated gladiator, and can easily be dressed up or down. You can pair it with white jeans, slacks, or shorts. Finally, the high leg gladiator. Keep it simple on top with this style. Let the sandal be the focus. We’ve paired it with a basic black summer dress, which works for day or night. The high leg gladiator sandal is the riskiest of the styles we’ve selected. It makes more of a statement than the other styles. Hopefully, this will help you pull your gladiator together. What makes women crazier than Russell Crowe portraying a sweaty, muscular, man of honor? Well, shoes of course.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • Tibi Sequinned T-shirt dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Belle by Sigerson Morrison gladiator sandal @ Bloomingdales

  • Halle Berry scalloped edge sundress @ ASOS
  • Giuseppe Zanotti gladiator sandals @ Barneys

  • Adam Lippes denim flounce sleeve jacket
  • Sam Edelman Gilda sandal @ Piperlime

  • Pomona by Velvet @ Active Endeavors
  • Leather High Leg Gladiator Sandal @ ASOS
  • a jumpsuit that works

    March 12th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Ba&sh Carlos Santana Franco Sarto Mayle Simon Alcantara Tom Ford clothing handbags looks pants shoes sunglasses tops trends

    For some reason, jumpsuits have always been a little scary to us. They were never on our radar as a realistic trend. However, we’ve managed to find one with real possibilities. It’s light, airy, and will bring a breezy sensation to the most stagnant summer day. You can wear it casual with sandals, a bohemian bag, a cuff, and fun hoops. Or you can dress it up with strappy heels, a clutch, and some fabulous gold bangles. This jumpsuit is easy going, and adaptable with a Grecian goddess quality. The key is not to overdo it. If you do bangles and earrings then forgo a necklace. Let the jumpsuit be the focal point. Conveying a relaxed, casual-chic feeling is essential for making this look work. Therefore, it’s key that you actually feel that way in the jumpsuit. And if you do, you’ll carry it like a model wearing couture on the runway … except you’ll be happy and hopefully well nourished.

    items in this observation:

  • Tom Ford Aviator sunglasses @ Net-a-Porter
  • Simon Alcantara White Topaz Hoop earrings @ Bagborroworsteal
  • Bohemian Paisley cuff @ Jacarandastyle
  • Mariachi Sun bag by Mayle @ Shopbop
  • Franco Sarto “Kyra” thong sandal @ Nordstrom
  • Carlos Santana “Mechanic” sandal @ Zappos
  • Noel Jumpsuit by Ba&sh @ MyWardrobe
  • Mirror Straw Buckle clutch @ Vivre
  • Champagne Citrine Bonbon bangle @ Ippolita
  • Mixed Stone charm bracelet @ shoptwigs
  • #2 Hoop earrings @ Ippolita
  • friday fashion transition

    February 28th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ looks

    friday-fashion-transition.jpg

    Dressing the transition from work to play is something we all struggle with. You want to look professional during the day, yet relaxed and at ease at night. How do you pull it off? We think you can do it seamlessly by choosing a few basic pieces and punching it up with accessories that pop. For starters, choose fabrics that are silky, soft, and move with the body. You’ll feel carefree, and blissfully unconstrained. Next, choose a sporty, modern jacket that brings your workday outfit to a cool, casual place. Then, choose accessories that can bridge the gap between work wear and evening wear. A good place to introduce some color is with your handbag. A bold patent bag adds brilliance, and will radiate a festive feeling for the evening. Lastly, don’t forget about jewelry. Bring some fun hoops and bangles to throw on after work. Voila! You’ve achieved professional by day, and relaxed sexy by night.