the style observer is about putting it all together

holiday dresses for the plus-size girl

December 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Fendi Jessica Simpson Kooba accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings glamorous handbags jewelry shoes

Show off your curves this holiday season, don’t hide them under baggy clothing. It’s a mistake almost every curvy girl makes, thinking that if they layer on the clothing it will make them look thinner. Nope! We want to point out why these two outfits will work well.

This dress is really fun, festive, and flirty. It accentuates the waist, which is exactly what you want to do. The full skirt makes it a good cut for all body types. Keep the accessories elegant. Simple patent pumps, a patent bag, and some gold jewelry is all you need to complete this look.

Items in this observation:

  • Maggy London tiered mesh dress with charmeuse waist (Plus) @ Nordstrom
  • Anne Klein pump @ Nordstrom
  • Nordstrom linear ring earrings
  • Semi-precious stackable bangles @ Banana Republic
  • Rope bangle @ Banana Republic
  • Fendi large patent baguette @ Eluxury

  • Don’t feel like you have to avoid color. This color purple is a rich tone, that will make your face shine! This dress also does a great job of accentuating the waist, and well as the chest. The flutter sleeve is a nice element for girls who don’t want to have a bare arm. The key to making this dress work, is to make sure it’s not too tight. It should fall nicely, and should not pull. It’s such an elegant look for a party or dinner with friends. You will WOW them.

    Items in this observation:

  • Adrianna Papell flutter sleeve tiered dress (Plus) @ Nordstrom
  • Jessica Simpson pump @ Zappos
  • Semi-precious drop earring @ Banana Republic
  • Kooba Handbags Penelope clutch metallic leopard @ Revolve Clothing

  • earrings that add some sparkle to your holiday outfit

    December 15th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Kenneth Jay Lane earrings glamorous jewelry

    Sparkle, shimmer, and shine! This is the best time of year to go a bit overboard on the glisten and the glam. Popping on a pair of crystal chandelier earrings makes even the most basic dress more festive. Keep in mind, when you wear statement earrings, like these, you want to leave your neck bare. If you wear a necklace, it will dilute the importance of the earrings. You can wear a cuff, or some kind of bracelet. The bracelet should relate to the earrings. It doesn’t have to be a set, but they should make sense together. You could also wear a cocktail ring. Cocktail rings are a big trend right now, the bigger the better. If you go with a big ring, don’t wear the bracelets. You can choose one other piece to balance out the earrings, but you don’t want to pour it all on. Keep it modern, and the focus on a couple of special pieces.

    Items in this observation:

  • Kenneth Jay Lane rectangular droplet earrings @ Net-a-Porter
  • Nadri triple drop coin earrings @ Nordstrom
  • crystal lace clip-on earrings @ Vivre
  • chandelier earrings @ Vivre
  • silver Montana branch earrings @ Vivre
  • long snowflake earrings @ Lucid New York
  • Nadri Doorknocker earrings @ Nordstrom

  • save Lipstick Jungle

    December 10th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in Off Topic

    The word on the street is that NBC may cancel Lipstick Jungle, and I’m saddened by the thought. When I first watched the show, I didn’t think it would stick. However, I was sucked in pretty quickly! It’s a peak into the lives of three New York career women, with just enough glitz and glamour to make you lose yourself in fantasy for an hour. Wendy - the movie executive, Nico - the glamorous magazine editor, and Victory - the fashion designer. It’s refreshing to see three women who are independent, successful, powerful, and not portrayed as a “bitch”. It’s fast paced NYC vibe combined with big city fashion sense makes it sexy and intriguing. Dare I say … I like it as much, if not more than Sex and the city. My favorite character is Victory Ford played by Lindsey Price - she’s fabulous!!!! Let’s all email NBC, and beg them not to cancel the show. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck watching reality TV shows like Wife Swap!

    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

  • festive feathers

    November 25th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Milly clothing dresses glamorous looks

    It’s not news that feathers are hot right now, but they’re even hotter for the holidays. Fab celebs like Kimora Lee, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Mischa Barton all look fierce in feathers. It’s a really fun party look, because the feathers will dance with every move you make. They also add dimension to the dress, making it much more interesting than a basic black dress. It’s a little more risky, a little more playful, and a lot more fabulous. Go for it!

    Items in this observation:

  • Juicy Couture Feather Hem Fitted Dress
  • Feather Dress
  • Milly Ostrich Fringe Dress

  • sexy in strapless

    November 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Anya Hindmarch Brian Atwood Christian Louboutin French Connection Jimmy Choo Mint Jodi Arnold accessories clothing dresses glamorous handbags looks shoes tops trends

    This season we’re seeing more strapless dresses, and they no longer have to be for ultra formal events. You’re wearing strapless to cocktail parties, dinner with friends, a work party, or a charity function. We’ve put some looks together to show you what we mean.

    Look #1:

    A strapless dress in a rich cocoa color will warm up any skin tone. This dress works well for a cocktail party as well as for dinner with friends. It’s not super dressy when you accessorize with gold pieces and a funky animal print bag.
    Items in this observation:

  • Jimmy Choo Elazer metallic sandals
  • Wonder Dress
  • Lana Jewelry Solar Earrings
  • Judith Lieber Bag
  • Alex Woo Cuff


  • Look#2

    Everyone will turn to see the lady in red. You will walk with confidence into any party for work or dinner. It’s elegant. The woman who wears this has certitude, spirit, and grace. When you meet her you’re not likely to forget her.
    Items in this observation:

  • BI LA LI Strapless cotton dress
  • Brian Atwood Starlet suede pumps
  • Rachel Reinhardt earrings
  • Judith Lieber Bag


  • Look#3

    The perfect party dress! It’s a fun and flirty dress to wear to a charity event, or a black tie. It also makes a statement at a holiday party. It’s a return femininity - embrace it!
    Items in this observation:

  • Christian Louboutin Alta Perla Strass slingbacks
  • Mint Strapless Dress
  • Anya Hindmarch Clutch
  • Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring, 18KW Gold

  • your slip is showing

    November 17th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ shopping

    Have you ever put on a dress and wondered: “is this a dress or a tunic?” Or tried on a dress from your closet, and thought:”This used to be longer! Did it shrink?” You may still love those pieces, but don’t feel comfortable going that short anymore. Your slip is showing, is a fabulous idea. Pull on a slip with beautiful detail on the bottom, and give a sneak peak. You’ve just reinvented about a ten things in your closet. Now, these slips do not come cheap AT ALL. So, you need to ask yourself how often you think you’ll realistically wear it. The possibilities are endless though. You can mix it up, and throw it under all kinds of skirts and dresses. My favorite is the black and white feather. I don’t think I will pay $300 for it though. I’d probably pay $100, but no more than that. What do you think? How much would you pay for one of these slips? If it were $50-100 would you be more willing?

    Sex and the City gives pearls new life

    June 2nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in jewelry necklaces trends

    Have the power of pearls caught our attention once again? Or is it just that Carrie Bradshaw wore them with almost everything in the new movie? I saw many different styles in Sex and the City, but only a few I felt I could realistically work with. One of those things was a single strand long pearl necklace. Aside from Chanel, we haven’t seen many long pearl necklaces since the 80’s. I think it may be time to revisit it. They’re glamorous, sexy, and very feminine. The new take on pearls is that they go with almost anything. In the movie, Carrie wore them with everything including her pajamas. I imagine the day when I can sit on a chaise lounge in my bedroom wearing silk pj’s with a long pearl necklace draped from my neck, but that image quickly gets squelched when my two boys come crashing into my room. Oh well! I will just have to think of other ways to embrace my new found love for perfectly pretty pearls. So, do we really think that one movie has the power to pull pearls out of the attic? Yes! This particular movie can take what once was considered a granny necklace to an edgy, but glorious place. That is the whole point of the styles in Sex and the City, to show us new ways of putting things together. It opens our eyes, and gives us a fresh take on fashion and style. The magic really happens when each one of us translates those ideas into our own personal style.

    check out the Majorica extra long single strand 8mm pearl necklace @ Nordstrom

    what to wear on a girl’s shopping trip to paris?

    April 10th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$$ $$$$$ Chanel Chloé L.A.M.B. Oliver Peoples Paul and Joe Sonia Rykiel Valentino accessories bracelets clothing coats handbags hats jewelry looks pants sunglasses tops

    From the minute you get off the plane, you can feel the energy that illuminates the city of light. The ride to the hotel is like driving through a beautiful painting. You want to immerse yourself as fast as you can, so that no time is wasted. A group of girls away for a few days, to do all the things girls like to do in Paris. The excitement bubbles up inside you. Free in a glamorous city, shopping, eating, and enjoying life. You’ve arrived! As you walk through the revolving door at The Ritz, you are immediately reminded of a famous Princess who walked through the same revolving door hours before her death. You briefly pause, and then walk to your room to get ready for your first day in Paris. What on earth are you going to wear shopping in the most glamorous city in the world? Well, one thing to remember is that you will be doing a lot of walking. So, choose your most comfortable, stylish shoes. The fashion should be urban chic with a sense of haute couture. It should be casual enough to wear all day, and fabulous enough to stop at a random cafe for lunch. You’ll want to have a bag big enough to carry all that you will need for the day ,including maps and all information on the city. You’re in Paris, so play the part. Kick your normal fashion up with a fun piece like a knit cap, or big sunglasses. Paris is about glamour, glamour, glamour. Embrace it, live the dream while you’re there. At the end of the day, you’ll crawl into your room, order cookies and hot chocolate, and wonder what they’re doing back home.

    items in this observation (clockwise):

  • Zig Zag knit beret @ Miss Selfridge
  • Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cotton trench @ Net-a-Porter
  • Oliver Peoples Ilsa sunglasses @ Net-a-Porter
  • Paul & Joe Miette smock top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Chanel Purple Logo cuff bracelet @ BagBorrowOrSteal
  • Chloe patent trim boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • L.A.M.B. “Margate” high waist stretch jeans @ Nordstrom
  • Valentino Nuage bag @ Saks
  • it was a foreign affair

    February 7th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ DVF fashion shows

    dvf-fall2008.jpg

    Diane Von Furstenberg took us on a journey when presenting her fall line. Her collection masterfully moved us from Berlin, on to Shanghai, landing us in New York. Her focus (as always) was on the independent modern woman, which is truly the essence of Diane. While her collections are usually driven by the dress, this one consisted mostly of separates. The line used rich colors, lots of layers, and feminine lines. She used a skinny leather belt to enhance the waist, which is a nod to the past. The entire show had a forties feel, a throw back to old world glamour when women took pride in being beautifully dressed. What we love about DVF is how well she dresses the female form. Her fashions are always ladylike, a bit sexy, and never vulgar. Her designs really are “ready to wear” and very easy for women to work with. We loved this collection and hope to see most of the pieces make it to the retail stores.