Back to Basics

We saw slightly more defined runway looks this season. Looks that forwent the previous season's color splashing. While our love affair with neons, pastels and citrus combinations is still present; sometimes we have to get back to the basics. Black and white is such a fresh trend for spring, and HELLO!, everyone can wear it! 

Go beyond the standard black top, white bottom or vice-versa. Think nautical stripes, standout patterns, and eye-popping prints! Don't be afraid to mix prints and patterns for even more drama! The printed pant has proven to be a raging trend this season. What easier way to pull it off than in black and white? Choose a lovely gingham pattern or flaunt it in shimmery brocade. Pair with a solid black or white top with detail such as ruffles or sequins. 

Black and white is the ultimate when it comes to weekend/work wear. The best outfits are the ones that are versatile and are work appropriate, but you will also love to put back on for the weekend! By now, many of us have jumped on the stripes train...and for good reason! They are sexy and slimming and easily paired with other wardrobe staples. An elegant stripe fit and flare skirt is flattering on almost all body types. Mix texture by adding a black and white printed top. For weekend-wear, break out your classic white skinny jean and add a bold popover for a relaxed, but chic look. 

If you can't stand the thought of a world with no color, utilize accessories to the max! A bright bag or pump will do just the trick! We are drooling over some of the black and white pieces in the store. Stop by to check out our Rag & Bone alphabet tee and pair it with distressed skinnies by DL1961. You will fall in love with our sophisticated black sheath dress by Sachin + Babi with detailed sleeves. 

Just in Time: The Spring Scarf

A scarf doesn't has to be reserved for winter weather. The essentially effortless accessory can spruce up any outfit in seconds! Anna & Alice has an overwhelming selection of these amazing lightweight scarves to put the finishing touches on any outfit. Add color, print, or shimmer. Not to mention, a scarf is a great way to combat fickle spring weather! Don't get stuck in a scarf rut, there are many different ways to twist and tie this neck candy! 

Simply drape your scarf over your shoulders for the most simplistic way to flaunt your spring scarf. Because of the long length on either side, save this style for pants, denim or crop pants. Fold the scarf and loop through the loose end through the existing half loop. The loop through is more traditional and is likely to complement almost all attire. To create the illusion of an infinity scarf, loop the entire scarf around your neck and loosely tie it in the back. This looks shorter and not as chunky from the front but gives a little something extra to the back! The double wrap looks great with your hair up or if you opt for a hat. Simply place the middle of the scarf on your neck so the ends drape over your back, and pull the ends back around the hang parallel down your shoulders. Lastly, (another low maintenance trick) is the tie the scarf in front in a loose knot. 

A scarf can take you in so many different directions, so don't head out the door without one! Stock up with every color and pattern at great price points! 

Patterson J Kincaid

Patterson J Kincaid is an Anna & Alice fave! PJK truly embodies laid back California style. As the creative face behind PJK, Chelsey Santry is known for her individual sense of fashion and has a reputation for creating sexy, feminine and breezy pieces that can work in any woman's closet. The line is known for its naturally chic style that appeals to every woman both young and old, classy or trendy. The brand is a complete reflection of Sasntry's inspiration and love of effortless fashion. Santry is never in one place, traveling to over 15 cities a year in constant search for everything from the perfect fabric to unique patterns and prints. 

Though the brand came to life on the west coast, us east coasters are falling hard! The fun tops pair easily with our wardrobe staples from your favorite jeans to your must have wedges. Anna & Alice loves helping pair the items for our customers and we are finding that the opportunities are endless. Style the pieces with jean shorts for a day at the beach, with white skinnies for brunch or dazzle in a bold printed dress for an evening out with the girls! Add some shimmer with pieces from jewelry lines such as Lush or Sylvia Benson for the cherry on top! 

We spotted celebs that love her brand too! Kristin Cavallari looks flawless in a white easy-to-wear top and Khole Kardashion looks polished in a scattered star cardigan. Her newest items in for spring are show stoppers that come and go fast. We are constantly getting new shipments, so make sure to snatch that top or dress you have been swooning over! 

Getaway In Style

Whether you have spring plans poolside, strolling on the beach, or just relaxing in the sunshine, make sure to getaway in style! No matter the destination, don't let packing cramp your style. We have your spring break essentials to ring in spring.

Are you a sun worshiper that is will venture to a tropical resort? First on the packing agenda; your bathing suit! All you really needs is a bathing suit and sun, but in case you change out of your bathing suit make sure you have the vacay essentials. A straw hat will be a best friend on a hot, sunny day. Next, make sure you have a maxi skirt or dress in your bag. This can be thrown on over a swim suit or dressed up with heels and jewelry for evening. Try one of our printed T-Bags maxis for the ultimate in beach chic.Carry all your travel necessities in one of our Mara Hoffman beach totes!

Are you the adventurous type that insists on trekking into the wild? You can still uphold your fashion standards while doing so! Denim shorts and comfy and cool. Add a soft basic tee and thong sandals for functional and fashionable look. Layer a crop leather jacket (Like our Lovers + Friends jacket) for warmth. Again, the jacket can also be added over a jumper for night!

Sightseeing? A cotton jersey dress, wedges and a cross-body are casual enough for day while still having a touch of glam. Another great option is a printed short, solid tee and colorful scarf (such as our Shawlsmith London scarves) to pull together the look. Stomping around a big city? Stick with the classics. Pack our Rag & Bone denim jacket, an ultra flattering pair of skinny jeans, and a little black dress.

No matter where warm spring weather takes you, be prepared and look fabulous!

Warm Weather Leather

When you think leather, you equate it to your winter wardrobe. That has all changed for spring! There is an abundance of leather apparel out there to wear on the sunniest of days! Not only is leather iconic, but it adds a touch of luxe! Don't worry, you can avoid the head to toe rocker look and still look ultra feminine in these duds! It's time for you to embrace leather as an every day fabric.

Merge leather into day attire in pieces. It can be leather trimmed leggings, a top with a leather peplum, or pants with a leather panel. Start with leather accents. Panels and trim were all over the runways. It's a simplistic way to incorporate the trend into your every-day wear. A leather peter-pan collar add the extra ump you are looking for without taking the look overboard. A subtle day time look is the leather short. It is fresh, young and perfect for temperatures on the rise! Lastly, dazzle in a little arm candy with a leather wrap bracelet or a leather cuff for a downtown look.

If the leather trend is one you are no stranger to, step it up and go bold in a leather dress or mini skirt. Black leather is slimming and doesn't have to be drastic! A black leather shift dress with a colored bag is super sultry for a night out. The leather jacket is an investment piece that is worth every penny! It can be worn all season and can be found on the shoulders of almost every fashion forward celebrity! So versatile because it can be paired with a simple tee, jeans and long necklace or over a cocktail dress! It looks great with leggings and boots as well. It's clear from the past two seasons that leather pants are here to stay. Leather is limitless, so don't just envision black. This spring we welcome all colors for the trend. Pastel as well as bright leather is everywhere and there's always the classic tan or white leather that is the ultimate for mixing and matching! Don't be afraid to take on this new endeavor of leather!

Bright Brigade

Want to instantly freshen your wardrobe for spring? Color is infectious and nothing is juicier for spring than citrus! Get inspired by your favorite fruits and think lemon, melon and lime. You are sure to standout in this color palette.

Citrus colors work so well in spring and summer and the combinations are endless. Bright orange shorts and a muted top, a brilliant yellow maxi skirt paired with a tied chambray blouse, or vibrant skinny jeans and a classic white tank. The nude shoe is everywhere and is the ultimate companion for your show stopping brights! A camel, nude or brown wedge will complement your stylish color boast.

Mixing colors is the perfect dose of glam. Color-blocking is here to stay and the citrus palette can easily be mixed and matched. Don't go overboard! Limit yourself to two colors and keep the rest of your outfit neutral. The look is dramatic but you want it to be functional as well.

Colorful accessories are a swanky way to amp up your attire. A large lemon-lime bangle, or a luxurious statement necklace will do just that; make a statement! Wedges and sandals are showing up in these vibrant colors as well, so use these as your pop of color if you dare!

In the store we have all your citrus needs covered. Stop in to try on our Jay Godfrey orange shorts or bright Monrow frock that will be perfect as we head into spring. Finish the look with a pair of Cynthia Vincent wedges or any of our fun jewelry!

Maximillion

And yet again the trend continues for this spring and summer; the maxi dress! Long, romantic and flowing, this pret-a-porter piece has fallen in the ranks of other wardrobe staples. This season brings a riot of different shapes, colors, prints and embellishments. This maxi serves as a tropical getaway style to a black tie affair! This is one trend that is also age appropriate for all. There are so many different options and directions you can go in this simple, yet elegant dress.

It's all in the fabric! Take a relaxing day by the pool or beach in a light-weight jersey maxi. If it gets damp, it is quick to dry and you can throw this get-up on with your favorite flat sandals, a straw hat and you are beach chic! As always, dress for the occasion. You will want to portray a softer "I'm on vacation" look, so choose a looser fitting maxi. Save the curve-hugging attire for your night out!

Once the weather warms up, we know how to throw a good barbecue! Again, think maxi! Day events such as a brunch, birthday party or shower is the perfect time to pull out vibrant prints and colors through a maxi dress. Patterns that are wowing include ikat, chevron, and damask to name a few! The is the perfect opportunity to incorporate color as well. If you go solid, you can pair it with a gold long necklace or statement necklace. Whether you choose sky high wedges or a jeweled sandal, you are sure to arrive looking stunning!

The maxi has evolved into exquisite evening wear as well. The weight of the fabric makes the statement, so choose a silk or chiffon to create the look of elegance. You can also depend on the neckline to conger the look of sophistication. A halter can offer a beaded neck in place of a necklace. As in most cases, finish the look with a strappy sandal or wedge for the ultimate in evening attire.

Seek out the most flattering look for you and enjoy the sunshine and blooms while looking like a million bucks!