Lovers + Friends

Lovers + Friends is for the girl who is a go-getter and fun-seeker. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She is in the know and on the scene, an early morning riser and late night explorer. She works hard and plays harder. She is a lover and a friend.

Constantly inspired by the laid back Los Angeles lifestyle in which the brand was founded, Lovers + Friend exudes ease and wearability, creating an effortlessly chic look that is California cool. Although our roots are on the west coast our designs grab the attention of fashionista’s worldwide. From Venice beach to the streets of Manhattan, our clothes allow you to go from boho-chic to city sleek in seconds. Whether sporting her flawless blazer look to the office or a flowly floral dress while digging her toes in the sand, she always radiates confidence and grace with a side of sexy.

Some of our favorite celebrities are fans of the brand as well. You can catch Katy Perry, Hilary Duff, and Rihanna rocking Lovers + Friends. We have new fall arrivals coming in and Lovers + Friends articles are going fast. We are loving the simplicity of cotton dresses all the way to the vibrant, fun tops! Stop by to pick up fall essentials! 

Summer to Fall

As August days fly by, we are finding that September is creeping up on us! Fall catalogs are arriving at our doorsteps and store windows fill with vests, sweaters and boots! While NC boasts sweltering summer days well into fall months, we find ourselves asking the question on how to transition? It can be tricky, but you can combine fall and summer pieces for the ideal balance.

Certain colors are acceptable year-round. When in doubt, certain color palettes can work for humid August afternoons or crisp September mornings. Nude tones work well no matter what the season. Try a nude dress with a pop of color cardigan and gold or silver jewelry. A nude pump may become your best friend for the next few months. They are acceptable with most any attire. Black and white a great transitional color combo. It has been hot all season and the trend will continue into autumn months.

Denim is perhaps the easiest to transition. Break out your favorite jeans and throw on a light-knit top or even a summer sweater that is still full of color! A light scarf is the ultimate accessory. Pile it on over any top to update any outfit!

 Don't hesitate to layer! As with the scarf, try an open cardigan or sheer cotton sweatshirt as a casual day look. Structure the outfit with the addition of a blazer. Another hot garment for the season; it can be neutral with a camel or navy color or a vibrant hot pink or red! We are seeing  a rise in the denim jacket trend! Layer it over a silk blouse and shorts or over your maxi.

Don't be afraid to dabble in fall hues with your current closet favorites. Mix in fall signatures such as red, orange, rust or mustard.

Not sure if you are ready to pull out the black or deep chocolate colored bag? Stick to neutral during the transitional months. A nude, taupe or gray will work well against any hue, summer of fall.

We have pre-fall goodies in the store with your fall faves arriving all the time!

The Addison Story

With each and every fall arrival, we can't wait for cooler temperatures and pumpkin latte's to come back! We are receiving cozy sweaters, wax denim, and unique tops that we mix and match for fall fashion perfection. Each week we open new boxes of a brand we love, ADDISON. Don't miss out on these fall favorites in store now! 

ADDISON is a New York City-based label that beckons to a breed of city girls who understand the art and attitude behind creative street-style fashion. Guided by a pretty-meets-gritty aesthetic, their look is always pulled together, yet exudes a distinct edge. From season to season, ADDISON draws inspiration from the lives of these imaginative tastemakers, as well as unique art, music, cinema and design.

Founder and Head Designer Amy Hsiung is Brooklyn-born and currently calls the West Village home. From an early age, she was transfixed by fashion, often altering her own clothes and developed a keen eye for proportion and a renegade sense of personal style. Hsiung attended Parson’s School of Design beforerefining her craft in creative roles at DVF, DKNY, Proenza Schouler and Calvin Klein.

ADDISON creates layerable, refined pieces that artfully fuse together feminine with borrowed-from-boys aesthetics. The goal is to dress ADDISON girls with a polished and casual cool sense of purpose and style.

Pre-Fall Arrivals

We can all agree that we aren't quite ready to hang up our tanks and replaces them with a chunky pull-over. But, the reality is that Anna & Alice is receiving shipments of pre-fall wardrobe options in! We must admit, we love what we see. One garment that is filling our shelves is the light-weight sweater. Turning heads are colorful knits, and wool-blends. The beginning of fall brings light layers and mixing and matching seasonal pieces.

Denim will be your best friend moving forward. Transition with a mid summer top over your denim when a chilly morning won't allow for shorts. If you are adamant on showing off what is left of your summer tan; keep rocking your printed shorts, but add a crocheted sweater for laid back style or dress up the look with a colored blazer. Learn to love your leather! It will surly be a fall favorite and this is another piece that is easily layered for conundrum fall temps. Throw on the rocker-chic jacket for a breezy outside brunch or date-night once the sun has gone down. Sticking with our leather trend; be a style icon in a pair of leather pants (real or faux). These can take the place of your four season old leggings! They are perfect to pair with a comfy tank or bedazzled tunic.

Looking for the ultimate in transitional for a fall bag? Choose a lighter leather such as camel or caramel. They easily blend with many color palettes and are a great seasonal item that can take you through many months at a time. We love a great cross-body or an edgy suede hobo bag with tassels.

Layer it on! We have new all items arriving almost daily! Enjoy our sweaters, denim, scarves and jacket collection for the autumn months ahead!

The Glam Kaftan

This summer take a break from your good ol' maxi dress and set your sights on something with a little more glam to it. The caftan is a magical, elegant, flowing garment made of luscious printed cotton or silk which instantly transforms the wearer into a truly ethereal creature. The Middle Eastern inspired garment is oh-so versatile and makes for a way to beat the heat in style. The kaftan looks great when dressed up for an evening or as a beach cover-up. The breezy summer piece can be worn almost any time or anywhere. Think beach, spa, night on the town, or mid-summer getaway.

A summer kaftan is the way to be ready for all eventualities from morning to late evening. It works perfectly for the beach matched with a bikini and a maxi bag, but can also be used as a stylish outfit for a party during the evening, worn with wedges and finished off with a clutch.

For day, wear a kaftan around town with a thick leather belt of skinny jeans. If you are petite, you will be able to pull off the kaftan dress look. Just make sure the garment is not too short to avoid showing a little too much. Depending on the length, you can wear wedges or flats.

Kaftans are pretty and exotic and can take you from the beach to an elegant summer dinner. Experiment with different materials such cotton, silk or linen. Each fabric holds a different style and look.

All in the Jeans

For some, they can't get enough. For other, it's their worst nightmare...denim! We love to hate all the different style of denim that are on the fashion scene. With so many options, it's difficult to know if your direction is skinny, bootcut, or flared. Jean shopping can be a truly mind-boggling experience. At times it seems this closet staple seems to complement everything...except our physique. Here's the SKINNY on the perfect style for you.

Minimize your Midsection: The rise of the jean is important. Choose a mid-rise that will draw attention to your natural waist instead of your hips. A little stretch goes a long way, gravitate towards a high cotton, denim without all the stretch. The cotton classics won't cling and you will be able to avoid the dreaded muffin top! Avoid buttons or embellishments at the front pocket.

A Slimming Effect: A darker wash is the way to go to look picture perfect. Generally, a straight-legged that is slightly form fitting or a trouser complements a fuller figure.

Counteract Curves - If you are pear-shaped, it is most important to choose a fit that is a little higher on the hips and over the rear to keep you covered. Steer clear of anything super tapered to create an overall balance which helps keep your hips looking slim and streamlined.

Thin Thigh Illusion: A flare can counterbalance your proportion and draw the eye down. Believe it or not a skinny jean can create this illusion as well. A darker wash is more forgiving and paired with a non-fitted top will again, draw the eyes down taking the attention off your thighs.

Add Umph: If you have a boyish figure and you crave curves, have no fear. A slight bootcut or flare will create a curvier silhouette from top to bottom. Pay attention to detail. Denim with zipper pockets on the upper thighs will draw attention outward to round you out. A detailed back pocket will also give a flat bottom some dimension. Avoid the boyfriend jean.

Got the Blues

Do you find yourself scanning your closet and finding a plethora of black? We all fall in the trap. Black is an easy, neutral color to wear, so when in doubt we buy a black dress, black pants, or a black top. It is slimming and easy to match. I'd like to let you in on a little secret; blue is almost just as simple! It is easy to pair and looks good on the majority of skin tones, hair and eye colors. What are you waiting for? Get the blues!

Many designers looked into the water and sky for inspiration this season and translated these themes onto the runway with pretty cloud prints, varying shades of blue and fluid fabrics. Currently trending is cobalt blue. It is bright, bold and guaranteed to get you noticed. Going with cobalt for your 9-5, choose one piece such as a top or skirt and pair it with a neutral white or black. It is sophisticated but still fun for the office. Take a traditional turn on blue with a softer edge by combining the blue with white. This print combination makes for an easy breezy summer frock. It complements an olive skin tone as well as porcelain skin. If you are convinced that blue isn't for you. Stick to tried and true denim. You can't go wrong with a medium wash denim pant or short. This is the easiest of the blue family to match. Literally, you can get away with almost any color of the rainbow with denim.

If you are worried about skin tone, keep in mind that lighter shades tend to complement darker skin tones and a deeper blue looks perfect on lighter tones. If you are sun-kissed, gravitate towards teal, sky blue. If you haven't made it to the pool this summer, try a navy or royal blue. The color of the season; cobalt will work on almost all tones!

Ease yourself into the trend with stand-out blue accessories. Bags, shoes and even socks in the bright blue all pack  real sartorial punch. Find your hue in blue this summer!