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!

Baubles, Baubles!

Never underestimate the importance of jewelry when planning your attire. The nice thing is that when it comes to jewels, there are very few rules. Whether you like to mix, match and stack or go with one statement pieces, you can't go wrong with a little bling!

It's almost considered a fashion faux pas to leave your house without some sort of adornment. This doesn't mean you have to break the bank to look like a rock star! Costume jewelry is everywhere!  We are also seeing beautiful silver, gold and pieces with gems that are affordable. Here are a few ways to make a statement (or not) with your jewelry.

Go all out by stacking. I love to stack different pieces of jewelry to make for an eclectic showing! For arms, try stacking bangles and chains to create a luxe look. Mix necklaces by using a chain and then intertwining a necklace with stones or gems in it. Mix some of your smaller rings together to create an oh la la effect. The only time to shy away from this is if you are going with an over-sized bib necklace or an overpowering arm cuff. Though hard to believe, there is such a thing as overkill!

If you want to keep is simple, then stick to what you are comfortable with. Try a gold watch with a small bangle and leave your other arm empty or add a simple ring to balance out the look. Studs are amazing because of how light weight they are. Plus, a simple gold or silver stud can go with you from outfit to outfit! Go dainty with an understated gold or silver chain with a small charm. One common misconception is that you can't mix metals; GO FOR IT! Mix your gold, silver, pearls, stones...whatever! The more the merrier!

For the Holiday Party Goer

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Present wrapping, festive cookies, holiday parties! Spread good cheer with holiday attire that is just right! With so many different directions you can go, make sure you are the perfect part goer this season! Here are a few options that are sure to get you noticed!

A one shoulder dress is not only flattering, but sexy! It shows off your shoulders while still looking sophisticated. Because of this neckline, it allows your to dazzle with a bold pair of earrings to complete the look.

Going from work to play? A fitted sheath dress will transition beautifully from day to night. Try a gold or shimmery skinny belt to add definition and finish it off with a statement necklace. A sheath looks amazing with boots or pumps.

Want a fashion forward option? The peplum has been a dear friend this season! It is not only playful, but super stylish as well! Try a peplum top over a skirt or black pants. We're seeing the peplum show up in all colors and materials! Choose a holiday hue or stand-out sequins! The peplum dress is also a great option to be paired with tights (make the textured if you are wearing a solid color and no prints).

Sequins are always a holiday favorite. Depending on your event, you can keep the sequins simple or be daring with colored sequins! I'm a fan of black sequins because you can't go wrong. The color is complementary on everyone, it won't wash you out and it's the ultimate when it comes to evening attire. If you choose color sequins, I suggest a deeper or muted color. Jewel tones are amazing for the season! They offer slightly deeper hues that are appropriate for chilly weather and aren't over-doing the trend. You also don't want to outshine the hostess of the party, so keep in mind her attire.

Happy party hoping and happy holidays!

Cozy Chic

It's officially that time of year where we sip on peppermint lattes, admire lights and decorations, and officially have brought our outerwear from the closet. One essential piece to your winter wardrobe is the scarf! They come in all colors, shapes, materials and sizes and are sure to dress up or down all attire. Whether a night at the theater or a Saturday shopping date....There is a scarf for every occasion!

If you want to go the casual route, bigger is better. This allows you to wrap up over a a comfy sweater, while adding laced boots or your flat riding boots over jeans. There's also nothing easier than to forget all the tying and twisting and simply drape the scarf over your neck for a relaxed look. this is also great when wearing a necklace that you still want to be seen. For a lighter weight scarf, don't hesitate to tie a simple knot lower on your neck for an easy fix. If you are worried it's too simple, go with a vibrant color or fun print.

Many scarves are transitional and can be worn with an unfussy outfit or your LBD. To dazzle a little more than you would at afternoon coffee, select something with metallic or shimmer in the scarf. I go for something a little more light-weight so you don't overpower your head-to-toe look. To amp up your glitz, go for a sequined skinny scarf that you simple drape over your dress or blouse. Try the loop through or button hole tie when layering the scarf under a pea coat or overcoat. The only time I would suggest shying away from the scarf as an accessory is when you are wearing fur. It can become overkill.

Whatever look you are going for, the scarf is an essential piece that needs to be added to your wardrobe for the chilly days and nights ahead!