the style observer is about putting it all together

on trend and on sale!

September 16th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in trends

Ok, this isn’t the first time you’re hearing that plaid is big for Fall/Winter. If you want to get a bit of the look without committing to a dress, top, or jacket - throw a plaid bag over your shoulder. The look will still have an impact, without going overboard. The red plaid speaks to the ‘Oh so current’ while the navy plaid is more subdued - which one suits you?

Find these bags at CoolComputerBags

purple is in, but not in retail stores

August 26th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in trends

Purple is everywhere, it’s being called the color of the moment. Almost every style blog has written something about purple, including us! Yet, you certainly wouldn’t know it walking through a retail store. Did they miss the meeting? Or did someone forget to let them in on it? Did they misjudge how big purple would be? I mean, we have been told ’till we are blue in the face that purple is the color to have; we want it, but we can’t seem to get it. I expected to walk into the store and see purple everywhere, but sadly no. I will say, the shoe and accessory retailers are on it. Places like Nine West, Steve Madden, Gucci, and Baker Shoes have a beautiful representation of the purple trend. So, if you’re desperate to add a pop of purple to your life, you have your pick of handbags and shoes. Or you can scour the web, like I’m going to do, to find that great top or dress. Heck, now I’m obsessing that I might just paint my car purple. Happy purple hunting!

Fall’s passion for purple

August 4th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Banana Republic Botkier Burberry Diane Von Furstenberg Lee Angel Miu Miu Nancy Gonzalez Vivienne Westwood accessories clothing coats handbags shoes skirts tops uncategorized

We usually associate Fall with colors like brown, red, green, and deep yellow. This year we’re seeing shades of purple appear in Fall collections across the board. A color that was once associated with royalty, wealth, and power is now to be worn by woman everywhere. It’s commonly thought that people who embrace the color purple are creative, eccentric, independent, and mysterious. This intriguing color brings sophistication to our usual measure of fall colors. It works beautifully with grays, blacks, and denim. It’s a quick way to update your wardrobe for the season, without having to spend a fortune. Try to work at least one piece of purple into your story this season, even if it’s only a scarf. Be a bit mysterious, and let out your inner royal. Let the majestic color work magic on you!

purple items in this observation:

Middle Row:

  • frilly wool belted coat @ Topshop
  • Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Jabot bow blouse @ Net-a-Porter
  • Lee Angel ‘Risa’ multi layer necklace w/ stones @ Shopbop
  • Cape frill blouse @ Topshop
  • Burberry Privet packaway trench @ Net-a-Porter


  • Bottom Row

  • matte opaque tights @ Banana Republic
  • Miu Miu Lurex tweed pencil skirt @ Net-a-Porter
  • ‘Whittemore’ pointed-toe flat @ Banana Republic
  • Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile hobo @ Saks
  • Prada ruffle sandals @ Saks
  • Diane von Furstenberg suede ‘Pharaoh’ high heel boot @ Topshop
  • Botkier ‘Morgan’ fringe tote

  • 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

  • flirty skirts for Fall

    July 21st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ $$$ $$$$ Christian Louboutin D&G Dolce & Gabanna Diane Von Furstenberg Jimmy Choo MARC by Marc Jacobs Proenza Schouler accessories clothing shoes skirts tops

    The skirt to have for Fall has a sassy silhouette. It’s full but fitted at the waist, enhancing our womanly curves. It’s a skirt that you’ll feel confident and comfortable in all day long. It looks great with opaque stockings, ankle boots, tall boots, or even ballet flats. The best part about this skirt is it’s flexibility. You can dress it up with a silk blouse or throw a belted cardigan on for a more casual feel. If you’ve got great stems, go for it in a mini. If you’re not as confident about your legs, choose a knee length version. It will come in all sorts of fabrics for fall, but we’re loving it in a tweed. Tweed is a substantial fabric that captures the feeling of Fall. Go grab your Fall skirt before they all sold out!

    Fall skirts and more in this observation:

    Left:

  • MARC by Marc Jacobs black lightweight sateen jersey @ Chick Downtown
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs runway high-waist skirt @ eLuxury
  • Jimmy Choo ‘George’ patent leather booties @ Saks


  • Middle:

  • Dolce & Gabbana wool mini skirt @ Saks
  • Christian Louboutin Trotte Avec Moi boots @ Net-a-Porter


  • Right

  • Diane von Furstenberg ‘Club Tatum’ blouse @ Chick Downtown
  • Proenza Schouler felted pintuck-waist skirt @ eLuxury
  • ‘Henrietta’ ballet flat @ French Sole

  • 7 keepers for Fall

    July 8th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Ava Chelsea Flower Chloé J Brand Jimmy Choo Mike and Chris Stella McCartney Vince accessories clothing coats designers handbags pants shoes tops

    1. The Slouchy Boot
    This sexy style boot looks great going into fall. Tuck in a pair of jeans, and throw on a long cardigan and you’re understated gorgeous.

  • Gucci Ginevra high-heel boots @ Saks
  • Stella McCartney Suedette boots @ Net-a-Porter


  • 2. Patent Leather
    No need to put away your patent leather from spring, unless it’s in a spring color. Designers are shining up wool and cashmere with a pop of patent for fall.

  • Anya Hindmarch Naplak tote bag @ Saks
  • Jimmy Choo Peony leather boots @ Net-ap-Porter


  • 3. Leather Bomber Jacket
    The leather bomber jacket is also going strong into the fall. It will look great with a pair of jeans, a tee, wrapped with a scarf.

  • See by Chloe leather bomber jacket
  • Mike & Chris ‘Seth’ leather jacket @ Ron Herman


  • 4. Ruffles
    Ruffles remain! A ruffle top will look great under your leather bomber, or a long cardigan. Pair it with skinny jeans, some slouchy boots, and you’re on it!

  • Stella McCartney Ruffle trim dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Chelsea Flower teal silk chiffon ruffle blouse @ Bluefly


  • 5. Skinny Jeans
    At times we all wish the skinny jean would go away, but you’ll be glad they’re around when it’s time to tuck them into your tall boots. So, don’t burn them yet!

  • Ava skinny jean @ Forever 21
  • J Brand 12″ pencil jean in ink @ Ron herman


  • 6. The Clutch
    Clutch it, because it’s clearly a trend that’s going to stick.

  • Stella McCartney textured patent clutch @ Intermix
  • tube patent cluctch w/ eyelets @ Jimmy Choo


  • 7. A Long Cardigan
    It’s an easy style that’s low key and can work over anything. We’re seeing it well into fall. It looks great over jeans, or belted over a dress.

  • Vince cashmere ‘Boyfriend’ cardigan @ Neiman Marcus
  • Vince cashmere ‘Ensign’ cardigan @ Bergdorf Goodman

  • how to work summer pieces into fall

    June 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Beirn Loeffler Randall Monica Vinader T-Bags accessories belts bracelets clothing coats dresses earrings handbags jewelry shoes

    It’s simply not realistic for all of us to have four seasons of clothing. So, we’re going to show you how to make a piece multi-seasonal. We all have our favorite “go-to” jersey dress for Summer. It feels light and airy on a hot humid day. In the summer you’re wearing it with bamboo bracelets, gladiator sandals, and a shot of turquoise in a Beirn bag. To make that dress work into the fall, put it with leggings or skinny jeans and a pair of tall boots. On cooler days, pop on a leather bomber jacket. Make a Fall statement by keeping the details in darker colors like an aubergine belt and handbag. Voila! You’ll get another couple of months out of one dress.

    items in this observation:

    Summer:

  • Beirn turquoise “Jenna” bag @ shop clothesline
  • T-Bags V-neck jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • wood and shell bangles @ Topshop
  • FARO flat hoop sandal @ Topshop


  • Fall:

  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings
  • Be & D Garbo mini shoulder bag
  • Nikki Jaggs Marie tie belt in aubergine @ revolve clothing
  • pocket hooded jacket ! Topshop
  • Loeffler Randall Carine suede boot @ Singer 22

  • sale items that translate beautifully into fall

    June 17th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Diane Von Furstenberg Fendi Kenneth Jay Lane MARC by Marc Jacobs Madison Marcus Monica Vinader Patricia Underwood accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings handbags hats shoes

    If you have it in you to brave the stores at sale time, there can be some great finds. However, you’re best bet for finding pieces that work right through Fall is on the web. You can easily pull together a look with designer pieces that will not break the bank. The key is to look for more classic pieces (not boring pieces), not ones that scream last year’s trend. The idea is to keep the dress simple yet sophisticated. The boots should be classy with modern detail. The bag should work with it all and accessories are the place to have fun. Go for it with a leather jacket in a color like red or tan. Pop on some bangles, earrings, and a playful hat. The look is sleek, with a vintage feel, sexy, with classic grounded pieces. The best part about it all, is that you’re left with articles of clothing that you can work into your wardrobe without hesitation. Happy hunting ladies!

    sale items in this observation:

  • Patricia Underwood ribbon crochet beret @ Intermix
  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings @ Net-a-Porter
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs JJ leather bowling bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Diane von Furstenberg Baker jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Fendi patent leather boots @ eLuxury
  • Kenneth Jay Lane Leopard print bracelet @ Saks
  • Madison Marcus putty leather jacket @ Singer 22