Minimalist

Sometimes less is more and this summer trend lends itself nicely to warm weather. Sometimes you have to look back to basics and focus on clean lines, a streamline look and crisp natural color palettes. Welcome to the no-nonsense approach to style!

A minimalist style doesn't force you to think so hard. Forget mixing prints, color-blocking, or worrying about what pattern looks best on you. This  summer trend is simple, yet stunning. Start with colors such as nude, white, champagne, gray, or black. All of these uphold the minimalist trend standards. Shift your focus on crisp construction and architectural shapes.The splashes of color are minimal and are replaced with edgy geographic shapes, texture and boldness.

Keep it simple! This style is throw on and go. A white or black dress with a v-neck and cinched at the waist with a neutral belt will do just fine! Keep accessories dainty. Small stud earrings and a thin chain necklace or one simple longer necklace. Shoes are easy because these colors can all be combined for maximum effect. Create as much or as little shape as you want. From a pencil skirt to over-sized knit sweater and shorts, the soft colors are what hold the look together. Don't hesitate to layer the pieces or opt for forms of texture through pleating, organza or a sheer panel or application within the outfit.

Summer Lust

It's time we say goodbye to chilly temperatures and rainy afternoons. As we welcome summer with open arms, what's on your shopping list? Think of the wardrobe staples that can take you from spring to summer in flawless fashion.

Colored Pants - We are seeing color splashed everywhere! Colored pants are an irresistible way to brighten any day. They also can take you day to night with ease. They can easily transition into your wardrobe because all of us own a few (or a million) neutral tops. Whether you choose to be pretty in pastel denim or show stopping orange trousers, you won't regret such a vivid purchase.

A Florescent Frock - Add glow with neon brights. A solid neon piece won't fail you. Go dressy in a yellow cocktail dress or dazzle in a hot pink cotton maxi. These colors are the statement of the summer and not to mention, will enhance your tan (whether via sunless tanner or sunshine).

The Cotton Dress - Every girl wants to have that comfy piece that she can throw on in an instant. A cotton dress is just that. It's that dress that you can throw on with any shoe, pile on the jewelry or nothing at all. Stick to white or black or venture to a warm weather hue.

Maxi - The maxi has taken over and we couldn't be happier. They are comfortable and extremely wearable. A silk maxi is dressy enough for a summer soiree or wedding. A cotton maxi is ideal by the pool, while hanging beach-side, or brunch with the girls! Whether a maxi dress or skirt, make sure it is hanging in your closet for summer months.

Tote Bag - Think one size fits all. In the summer we stock on up sunscreen, lip gloss, water bottles, wallets. These can't fit in your cross-body, so invest in a great tote. A straw tote for travel or a nude leather bag for every day, you can't go wrong and will be able to fit all of your must-have hot weather items in one place!

Weekend Wear

What better way to stay casual and cool than to flaunt a pair of denim shorts? The denim short has been around for centuries, and this season is no different. You are in luck with all the options; colored, distressed, high-waisted, dark wash, light wash...they are all summer hits.

Casual - Slouchy and over-sized is the ultimate for comfort. A white or colored tank along with a pair of gladiator sandals will complete the look. If you dare to bare, the cutoffs are a cute option, especially if you are beach combing. Stay comfy in one of our soft cotton tees or graphic tee.

Romantic - Floral prints are back this spring and translate well onto denim. Tuck in a pastel or light shaded blousy top. Think linen for comfort on hot days, or sleeveless silk for a dressier option. A pair of nude or metallic flats will anchor the rest of the look.

Chic - The high-waisted short might be your new best friend. The  high-waisted design makes your hips look thing and your back extremely sexy. Tuck in chambray, or a structured blouse as to not hide the flattering figure.

Edgy - An ultimately weekend look includes studded or tie dyed denim. A top with dolman sleeves or a relaxed thin knit sweater will help you channel your inner Boho.

What style is best for you? We have great denim looks and combos currently in stock. We are currently loving DL1961 tie dye, cutoffs, and colored shorts and can't get enough!

Just in Time for Summer

Summer is just around the corner and many of us are day dreaming of a tropical getaway complete with cobalt blue water and pristine beaches. OH, you can't make it to Tahiti this year? No worries! Try Kai! 

Gaye Straza spend her youth vacationing in the tropics and longed for a scent that embodied the laid-back, tropical lifestyle. After years of avoiding mainstream perfumes, she decided to create a scent of her own that was as exotic as the white flowers she loved. After months of perfecting the scent and working tirelessly with a small boutique fragrance house, she developed Kai Frangrance. 

The first time Straza wore Kai, she was stopped mid-stride by a beauty editor on Madison Avenue in New York City, asking where she could buy the scent. Straza soon worked to make the fragrance available in her own upscale women's fashion boutique in Malibu. Soon, Kai took on an life of its own. After so much deamn for her fragrance, Straza sold her boutique in 1999 to develop the line and launching Kai as its own company. Today, Kai is sold exclusively at boutiques and spas all over the world. At Anna & Alice we swoon over the soft and calming scents. Customer favorites include the body lotion, spray and perfumes. Many devotees to the brand include Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, Naomi Watts among others. If you can't sink your toes in the sand (or even if you can) soothe your skin with the exotic scents. Consider Kai a summer essential; right up there with your sun hat, denim shorts and flowy silk top. 

Tribal Inspiration

What are we loving? Bright patterns, edgy graphics and tons of accessories! The tribal trend is taking over spring and summer store windows with a vengeance. It's a fresh take on patterns and creates a sophisticated but bohemian vibe.

Choose colors based on your style from bright neons to dusty earth tones  Combine the bold patterns with solid colors to anchor the look. Spring weather can be somewhat unreliable, so stick to a recent wardrobe staple, your printed denim! choose a lightweight style with Aztec prints or geometric graphics. Simply pair a light knit sweater or dolman top over these to let the print pop! Go with natural accessories to build on the bohemian theme. You can integrate color such as turquoise or stick to your metals such as gold, rose gold, or silver. A day look calls for a simple sandal or short boot.

Planning to go out and about? These prints translate well even on cocktail dresses! Keep it short and sweet in a relaxed fit mini dress or even dress things up in cocktail attire. For the ultimate in comfort and style, go maxi! Pair either with a wedge or strappy heel to complete the evening look! As always, jewels can easily dress up the frock. For a more sophisticated look, stick to metals or gemstones.

As always, fit is important. Be aware of assets you want to draw attention to and ones you don't. Strategically place the print on an asset you are proud of! Prints and patterns are everywhere, but because of the drama a tribal print brings, tone it down and little and avoid mixing prints. If the trend is a little much for you, start with aztec jewelry or a tribal clutch to ease into it. As always, have fun with the trend!