Tribal Inspiration

Prints and patterns were a fashion favorite on the runways for spring and at Anna & Alice, we couldn't agree more! Taking bohemian inspiration, Mara Hoffman knows prints! Show off your vibrant side with bold colors, ikat patterns, and exotic shapes! Mara's collection is timeless, but not for the novice when it comes to color and eye-catching edge.

Mara Hoffman was born in Buffalo, New York and is now a New York city based fashion designer. She graduated from Parsons School of Design and studied at Central Saint Marins College of Art and Design in London before launching her first ready-to-ear collection in 2000. Beginning with one of a kind pieces, she often hand-dyed her fabrics and adorned the garments with African inspired touches. In 2005 she began to focus on dramatic designs and from there, her unique prints began to define the collection. In 2008 she launched her swimwear collection, which followed the trend of funky and urban pops of color and design. Hoffman's designs continue to evolve creatively with her team in Manhattan where she draws her inspiration from her affinity for travel, nature, mythology and magic!

Her style is dramatic, but her clothes are function with everything from a flowing swim cover-up to a long gown adorned with a heavily beaded neckline. Her use of color and tribal inspiration create fearless designs. Lovers of the line include Rihanna and Kim Kardashion! As warmer weather slowly arrives, this is the perfect time to experiment and drape yourself with this show-stopping collection!

Think Pink

On the tail of New York Fashion Week, we are seeing so many trends! As we transition into spring, the fashion industry is starting to warm up. Edible spring hues took over the runways and you could say pretty in pink was trending! All shades of pink are fair game; raspberry, coral, rose and blush! If NYFW didn't get you in the pink mood, maybe this Valentine's Day will! Whether you want to look sweet in pink or hot in the hue, think pink!

Pink was once thought of as girly and feminine. While still true in some cases, you can turn up the heat and create an edgy look that can be far from a country club luncheon! Go as sophisticated as you want with softer shades of the pallet. This lighter hue translates well with chiffon or lighter fabrics. It is ultra flirty and great for date night or brunch with the girls.

In love with neon? (Aren't we all?) Hot pink is, well, HOT! Neon is here to stay and electric pink is no exception. For a go big or go home look, think texture. Play with tulle, silk or a heavy taffeta for an upscale look. The fabric can make all the difference between looking like a circus performer and the ultra chic dame that you are!  Hot pink can complement more than just a neutral such as nude. It can easily be paired with equally bold colors.

Need to ease into the trend? As always you can add that pop of color with accessories. The pink trend will also mix well with gold or rose gold metals. Mix and match your gold jewelry with a soft rose colored bag or express your inner punk with a pink clutch adorned with studs.  Try a hot pink cross-body bag or pink flats. Be lively with a pink jeweled necklace and truly make a statement!

Sweet Shades

Got spring fever? It's February, when your any last remnants of a tan have faded, you are ready to push the black tights to the back of the closet and summer highlights can't come soon enough! You are in luck because your future looks bright! Kick those blues and make way for pastels! Think Easter egg hues such as guava, lavender, mint, and buttercup! Say goodbye to your primary colors of winter and welcome the lighter shades with open arms.

When wearing your colored denim, remember that this is considered your pop of color. The safest and most reliable pairing with your pastels is a neutral. The best for the season include ivory, white and light gray. Look as structured or as casual as your like from your trusty white cotton tee to a silk ruffle blouse! Feeling risky? Take neutrals to the neck level with prints in neutral tones such as leopard. You can also add some "umph" with accessories such as a leopard belt or polka dot bag. Just make sure you aren't too matchy-matchy with your accessories. For example: if you go with the leopard top, you don't need the leopard shoes as well!

Anyone divulged in the fashion world has noticed the trend...COLOR! Be brave and experiment with dual colors! Make sure the colors complement one another, but try buttercup jeans with a baby blue top. In this instance bring in your neutrals when adding accessories. Lastly, go monochromatic. You can absolutely use the same color on top and bottom. Break up the pattern with a neon belt or a slightly darker hue than your primary accents.

Stay fresh this spring and stand out in pastel!

Joie xoxo

If you have discovered Joie, then you know what an obsession the clothing line can become. It has been one of the most sought after contemporary brands catering to the savvy, fashion minded, modern woman. Understatedly chic, Joie's designs are constantly inspired by the Southern California lifestyle and its casual, yet sophisticated way of life. Joie has emerged as a lifestyle brand including a complete collection of ready to wear and accessories. The Joie girl enjoys wearing casual, comfortable clothes accented by her travels throughout the world.

The entire collection features comfort, but also effortless style. Joie encompasses everything from your basic white tee to dresses covered in unique prints. Their sweaters are irresistible in the cooler months as they are cozy yet overly stylish. A popular item has been their silk blouses. You can find them in every color and they can be considered a wardrobe essential.

As they branch out into the shoe, handbag and accessory market, the chic trend continues. You've seen Joie boots all over fashion blogs as well as splashed throughout your favorite fashion magazines! They have been the rage of the season and their resort collections is equally as promising! You can see brightly colored loafers, strappy leather sandals and bold cross-body bags to come!

Joie holds a strong presence in prestigious department stores and specialty boutiques all over the world. Anna & Alice is excited to share the coveted brand with our Triangle fashionistas!

Be Bold

Shake off those winter blues as we prepare for spring attire. Any time I start to see the slightest hint of pastel or neon I get a little giddy. (Not to mention ready for warmer weather!) You can be sure that a 2013 spring trend is going to be prints! You have seen them in the past, but they are everywhere! Pants, tops, handbags, accessories! Prints are guaranteed to brighten any mood! No need to be daunted by the bold patterns, embrace it! With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find print perfection!

Anyone can wear prints! As always, remember your body type. If you are top-heavy, distract with a printed skirt or crop pants. To draw attention away from your hips choose a silk patterned blouse. For a sweet and feminine look, go floral. Though great for every day, florals are ideal for an afternoon brunch or bridal shower. For more of a bohemian look, try mixing prints. Don't be afraid of patterned jeans with an edgy printed top. Patterned pants are IN! Go for a busy crop cotton pant, a wax patterned jean, or denim with brocade. All great options as we transition into spring months.

If you aren't ready for such a bold move, get sassy with accessories. A bright bag with an animal print is always a conversation starter and easy to pair with most color pallets. Try a gingham or polka dot shoe with a solid color dress to make a statement. Have an eye for jewelry with exquisite details such as tortoise or a bright colored necklace with edgy prints. Bad hair day? Fold over a bright and bold silk scarf to double as a head-piece. (this Boho look is gaining more and more popularity!)

Perfectly Distressed

You don't have to be a rock star to rock the distressed denim look! I will admit, there is a fine line between looking like you took a time capsule back to the early 90's and coming off as urban chic. 

One of the things I love about the worn in jean look, is that it gives you the opportunity to play around with texture. In order to avoid the grunge look, remember that opposites attract. Pair feminine options with the casual denim. A delicate sweater, a ruffled blouse, or or a sequin tank all turn the look into something slightly sophisticated. Look polished by tucking in a structured blouse and adding a belt. Finish the look with a colored cross-body purse or bowling bag. Another way to dress up the look is with delicate jewelry. Think chunky layered pearls or bright gem stones. Lastly, I suggest adding the most womanly element of all...high heels! Whether you choose a classic black pump, your favorite peep toes, or something more strappy, you are sure to turn heads! 

If you roll out of bed on a Saturday and the last thing you feel like doing is getting snazzed up, pull the go-to Boho! Throw on  your favorite boyfriend distressed jeans and a slouchy sweater or dolman top. For chilly weather, an over-sized off the shoulder sweater assembles perfectly. An easy fix is also your favorite cotton tee. Go totally urban with a leather jacket over it. Top things off with an easy top knot and a slouchy over-the-shoulder bag.

Don't take the look too far. Stay away from overly masculine attire such as combat boots, baseball caps, or a long tunic that is going to make you look short and stubby in combination with the ripped jeans. The holes in the denim are enough, no rips or shreds in any other article you pair with the jeans.

Borrowed from the Boys

We are seeing more and more masculine clothes transition into a woman's wardrobe. You can't hide from camouflage this season. Look bold and beautiful in camo while still keeping it feminine. Get fatigue inspired! Historically intended for disguise, wearing it is sure to get your noticed! Here are some do's and don't of camo.

Don't go head to toe! Unless you are duck hunting at 5 am, there is simply no need for this! Pick one piece and stick with it. ie: jacket, shirt, boots or pants. Only one! Remember that camo on women is a statement piece, but don't make the wrong statement. Don't choose a garment that is unflattering or shapeless. Choose items that still have a feminine cut to them or use them as embellishment. (ruffles or ribbons)

Because of it's muted nature, this allows you to really accessorize. While a scarf or great pair of shoes can work wonders, bold jewelry mixes two ends of the spectrum. Shine in gold, gunmetal or silver! Don't be afraid to dazzle even in your incognito getup. Same goes for makeup, don't skimp! You still need to pull out your beauty tricks to avoid looking masculine. Though buns are in, when wearing camo, this is not the day for a tight bun. Wear your hair down. Lastly, (this goes for any attire in my opinion) own the look! Confidence radiates and will show!

There you have it, you can still look gorgeous in camouflage!