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!

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!