the style observer is about putting it all together

looking like an angel in loungewear

November 28th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ clothing lingerie/sleepwear

If you’re anything like me, you love to slip into comfy’s at the end of a long day. I know the temptation is there to throw on a pair of ratty old sweats from college (sometimes my BC sweats are all I want to slip into)! Although, over the holiday season, or when I have house guests, I like to at least try to make an effort. I’m over the whole “Juicy” obsession; I want something a little different. Twisted heart has some great fitting pieces that are cozy and look great. I love the angel wings on the back of one of their hoodie designs! It’s sweet, angelic, and innocent. You know… it would make a great gift as well.

Items in this observation:

  • Twisted Heart Hoody
  • Twisted Heart ‘Cosmo”

  • boyfriend jeans

    October 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ Levi's clothing pants

    We’ve all seen the celebrities wearing baggy “boyfriend” jeans lately. The question is, have they done it well? For the most part, they could have done it better. The celebs I’ve seen wearing the trend, got it wrong by pairing it with a loose cardigan and tee. The look fell flat, and looked frumpy. In order to get this look right, you need to pay attention to proportion. Since you’re baggy on the bottom, you want to stay fitted and feminine on top. The truth is, there is something so sexy about pulling on your boyfriend’s jeans after spending a night in his arms. And … I’ll be honest, if my boyfriend looked like one of these guys I would gladly wear his jeans. It’s all about hanging on to the moment, basking in the after-glow of love. I’m guessing there is a necessary element to this look that only some of us will have. The rest of us will simply have to fake it, or remember when we felt it!

    boyfriend jeans in this observation:

  • Current/Elliot boyfriend cropped jean @ ShopBop
  • Levis 501 boyfriend jean @ Free People

  • modish maternity

    August 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Alex and Ani Chloé Dolce and Gabbana Lee Angel Roberto Cavalli T-Bags accessories clothing designers dresses handbags pants shoes tops

    Maternity clothing has come a long way even in the six years since I’ve been pregnant. I remember quite well the day I walked into A Pea in the Pod and found a pair of Seven jeans… MATERNITY. If you’ve ever been pregnant, then you know how incredible it felt to pull on a normal looking pair of jeans. It’s a lot like getting into bed after an arduous day at work, or hugging a close friend you haven’t’ seen in a while. When you’re pregnant, it’s all about finding a comfortable place somewhere between the body you used to know and it’s bizarre transmutation. When it comes to your maternity wardrobe, stay true to yourself. Choose pieces that resemble your individual style, pre-pregnancy. Isabella Oliver has some beautiful pieces, like wrap dresses and tops, that grow with you. We also found a great top at figure8maternity, beautifully bohemian with a pair of jeans and boots. Luckily, empire tops have been in fashion for a couple of years. Check out what T-bags has to offer. You can easily wear it in your first trimester, maybe second, and definitely after the baby comes. Keep your accessories current and on trend. It will keep you from looking and feeling dated during the long nine months. Actually, it’s a good place to have a little fun. Choose a fun animal print that will really pop! Good luck girls, don’t be too hard on yourselves. In the end it’s all worth it when you see that beautiful face looking up at you!

    Shout out to Jennifer, one of my readers, who suggested this post.

    modish items in this observation:

    top row:

  • Lee Angel jewel link necklace @ Intermix
  • ruffle wrap dress @ Isabella Oliver
  • Dolce & Gabanna leopard print bowler @ Bergdorf Goodman
  • wrap around top @ Isabella Oliver
  • khaki benaline pants @ bellablumaternity
  • Alex and Ani beaded wire bangles @ maxandchloe

  • middle row:

  • pintucked overshirt @ figure8maternity
  • patent tote @ Toss designs
  • peekaboo wrap top @ Isabella Oliver
  • Roberto Cavalli cashmere cardigan @ Net-a-Porter
  • T-Bags floral top @ Net-a-Porter
  • leather diaper bag @ Stella maternity

  • bottom row:

  • henrietta shoe @ French Sole
  • lounge pant @ A Pea in the Pod
  • maternity stretch jeans @ Nordstrom
  • Chloe ankle boots @ Saks

  • 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

  • Beijing anyone?

    July 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Birkenstock Chloé Rosae Nichols Shanghai Tang accessories bracelets clothing designers dresses handbags hats jewelry necklaces shoes sunglasses

    All the excitement over the Olympics has us quite interested in Beijing. If you’re lucky enough to be going to Beijing, then you might be wondering what to wear. We’ve done some research for you. First of all, it’s going to be a little more conservative than you may be used to. You’ll want to choose pieces that are appropriate, but they can still be fashion forward. It’s summer there, and you can bet that it will be very hot. Some liken it to being in a sauna day and night. A dress is probably your best option. Make sure the dress you bring hits at the knee or just below. Bring your most comfortable sandals. Whether you’re sightseeing or going to the games, you’ll be walking a lot. During the hot daytime hours, many women carry an umbrella to shade themselves from the sweltering sun. Grab a hat and shades as well. For travel purposes, bring one bag that blends with all your outfits. A textured straw shoulder bag, like the Anya Hindmarch, is beautiful and functional. It comes with an added strap so you can secure it across your body. Jazz it up with some jewelry, and you’ll be good to go. Now, you can do Beijing in style and be comfortable at the same time. Travel apparel doesn’t always mean fanny packs, sneakers, and shorts. In fact… should it ever?

    olympic items in this observation (L to R):

  • Mod leaf ivory umbrella @ pare umbrella
  • straw fedora by John @ Vivre
  • Chloe Myrte sunglasses @ Net-a-Porter
  • wooden hinge bangle @ Asos
  • silver Birko-Flor Gizeh sandal @ Birkenstock
  • Rosea Nichols peasant strap dress @ Kate Boutique
  • ”Osmond’ woven leather bag @ Anya Hindmarch
  • “Dunhuang” print crinkle silk dress @ Shanghai Tang
  • Dolce Vita ‘Bermuda’ gold snakeskin sandals@ Jildor
  • ‘Open Flower’ neckalce @ Ele Keats
  • Temple St. Clair small hoops with diamond amulet drops @ Ylang|23

  • the maxi: dress or glorified nightgown?

    July 23rd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in clothing dresses trends

    We’ve all heard how popular maxi dresses are right now. Everywhere you look, people are writing about how to wear them. So, why is it that every time I try one on - I feel like I’m wearing a nightgown? It always seemed to be too much fabric for me to manage, I was practically sweeping the floor as I walked across it. At first I thought I was too short to carry off the trend, but as I watched other women wearing the maxi, I began to question who they are actually built for? They look smashing on the tall lean girls of the world, but where does that leave the rest of us? They have been promoted as the dress that is built for all body types, but we’re not convinced. I’m not completely panning the maxi dress, because it has its positives too. For starters, it’s really comfortable and easy to throw on. On the right person, it’s a seriously chic look. How many of you out there have a hard time making the maxi work? If you can make it work, please tell us how. Send us a photo of yourself making maxi magic, and you could be the topic of a post!

    how to look good in your gym clothes all day long

    July 9th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Gucci Prada Tory Burch accessories clothing handbags lululemon pants shoes sunglasses tops

    We’ve all been there, too busy to get dolled up after we hit the gym. So, how do we do it without looking a mess? Easy… plan ahead. Pack a bag with a fresh pullover or wrap shirt, include some flip-flops, so you can get out of your sweaty sneaks, face wash, and your favorite make-up. Don’t go overboard with the make-up, you want to look sporty. Remember to choose pieces that dry easily and quickly. Wear sleek bottoms that work as well outside the gym as they do in. Or, you could always change into a pair after the workout. With all the new yoga clothing out there, you’re bound to find a perfect pair. Toss your hair back in a low pony-tail, throw on some shades, and you’re good to go - for a few hours anyway.

    gym clothes in this observation:

    Left:

  • Prada square sunglasses @ Neiman Marcus
  • ‘Around Town’ wrap @ lululemon
  • TechFit yoga knit pants at @ Adidas
  • 3T printed flip-flop @ Tory Burch


  • Center:

  • ‘Katherine’ Tank @ zobha
  • nylon duffel @ Gucci
  • Bliss ‘Tried & Blue’ travel kit @ Sephora
  • creamy concealer kit @ Bobbi Brown
  • Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks @ Saks
  • Bobbi Brown Mini Tube Tints Set @ Saks


  • Right:

  • Prada Shield sunglasses @ Neiman Marcus
  • Fluid pullover @ lululemon
  • Adilibria gym kickpants @ Adidas
  • Reef Stash flip-flops @ Piperlime

  • finding the perfect 18 hour shoe

    June 18th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Cole Haan Prada Steven by Steve Madden Studio Pollini accessories designers shoes

    It’s a constant struggle for women to strike the balance between what is fashionable and what is comfortable. The biggest challenge seems to be finding a pair of fabulous shoes that don’t make you scream in pain. Does that even exist? Well, we think it does. We have some ideas, but it may mean making some changes. First of all, put away the super comfy, super ugly shoes. It’s not necessary to resort to Crocs when there are other options. Secondly, NEVER be the friend who complains about her feet all night and heads home early! And lastly, carrying emergency flip-flops around all night might seem like a good idea until you realize that your uncomfortable and oh-so-heavy wedges don’t exactly fit in your dainty little clutch - Yelp!

    If you’re convinced that the only 18 hour piece of wardrobe is the bra, then think again. With this season’s myriad of fabulous flats, sexy sling backs, Greek goddess gladiator sandals, and sexy, slouchy boots, that perfect pair of shoes does exist! That is, the shoe that will carry you through a day of work, a night of cab-hopping, dancing and then some! So toss aside those blister bearing pumps and pamper your feet with something more comfortable!

    comfortable items in this observation:

  • Christian Louboutin Prive suede pumps @ Saks
  • Studio Pollini suede skimmers @ Saks
  • Xhilaration® taima jeweled flat sandals @ Target
  • Cole Haan Air Elly OT ballet @ Cole Haan
  • Steven by Steve Madden ‘Insist’ ankle Boot @ Nordstrom
  • Cole Haan fiona air sling @ Zappos
  • Prada jeweled skimmers @ Saks
  • Cole Haan Carma OT Air sling @ Zappos

  • Treat your feet to comfort and style!

    Prairie New York

    June 11th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ Prairie New York

    For those of you old enough to remember… there is certainly no little house in this Prairie. Prairie New York is fresh, sophisticated and fun. It’s a collaboration of modern style and the elements of nature, giving us fashion that is high in design but grounded by the components of the earth. These are pieces you will look forward to putting on, even on the hottest summer day. The fabrics will graze your body, giving you a comfortable sense of freedom. Enjoy!

    items in this observation:

  • (Top Left) The Column Top
  • (Top Right) Ruched Strapless Dress
  • (Center) Strapless Ballerina Top(Bottom Right) Strapless Ballerina Dress
  • (Bottom Left) One Shoulder Dress

  • Danskin, an oldie but a goodie

    March 17th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ Danskin clothing lingerie/sleepwear tops

    Danskin Prima line

    Do you remember Danskin? If you giggled to yourself, then you remember. I cringe a little bit when I look back at pictures of myself in my Danskin outfits. But back then, I loved them. They were always comfortable, always easy, and always reliable. Danskin is best known for its dance wear. They were the first to have knit tights and leotards. Girls everywhere were wearing these fashionable leotards, tights and leg warmers to tap, jazz, and ballet class. Fashions changed in the eighties, as they always do, and Danskin fell off the radar. Well, they are making a comeback. They’re taking everything we loved about them, and modernizing it. That seems to be the theme in fashion right now - reinventing styles that we are already comfortable with. Women want that familiarity right now, a brand they can trust. Danskin left a good impression on us once, and they are about to do it again. It’s Prima line is ultra feminine, has great fluidity and comfort. So, we encourage you to take an old friend out to dinner. Rediscover them and see how they have grown. You may be pleasantly surprised.