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!

Patriotic Picks

The summer solstice has arrived and we are welcoming warmer temperatures with open arms! As we gear up for barbecues, beach getaways, or cruising the lake, nothing puts us in the mood for summer quite like celebrating our country's independence. Plus, there are tons of great attire options to have you looking chic as your salute our flag! 

As a general rule of thumb, don't go overboard and stick to two of the 3 American colors. Avoid mimicking the flag. Accent your red, white or blue withe neutral accents such as a brown cross-body or add a little shine with gold or silver jewels. 

If you are participating in events where you will be bathing suit clad, a chic cover up can be sultry for summer. Break out your white sandals, navy tunic cover up and complete the look with a straw hat. You can even dress things up a bit with neutral stud earrings. (for those of you that feel absolutely naked with no jewelry) Simplicity is best when rocking a swim suit. You can still look couture with the basics. 

Take full advantage of the nautical trend, but you don't have to limit yourself with red, white or blue. Add accessories such as a yellow acrylic necklace or a cropped blazer over shorts. Choose one nautical focal point and layer it with unexpected pieces to pull the summer look together. 

If you are attending a formal soiree, a simple sheath dress piled high with jewelry will work perfectly. A red sleeveless dress piled with gold, tortoise, or a subdued colored necklace will dress up or down the look. Gold accents such as a clutch, heels or jewelry will be eye-catching against your red, white or blue. 

Plan to keep it chic with patriotic flair for a flawless 4th of July look! 

BB Dakota

BB Dakota is a modern lifestyle brand designed by mother-daughter team, Gloria and Katharine Brandes. Each of the women brings their distinct viewpoint to the design process, which is what gives the BB Dakota look its compelling duality. Gloria and Katharine are united in the goal of bringing good, smart design to strong women and to create clothing whose sexiness emanates from its subtlety and sense of humor. 

Gloria Brandes founded BB Dakota in 2005 to fill a void she perceived in the market - highly-coveted, trend-driven apparel with quality construction in the contemporary market. Two years later, Jack was launched to appeal to a slightly younger,edgier contemporary customer.

We at Anna & Alice love BB Dakota and carry a variety of the brand from great layering tees to Aztec print dresses.  The line is affordable and appeals to all ages. BB Dakota offers casual day wear to the perfect date night outfit! Taylor Swift even took notice of this trendy line. This summer stock up with printed tanks, flirty dresses or laid back tops. 

Resort Ready

Summer is here and what better way to make waves than with the perfect warm weather attire? Whether your goal is to look beach chic or look like a sun-worshiping goddess by the pool, Anna & Alice has all of your resort-wear needs! Look effortlessly HOT in one of our T-Bags bikinis and top it off with a saucy strapless coverup. You are sure to fall in love with some of our beach retreat looks!

T-Bags bathing suits - We have a great selection of suits including chevron patters, or a solid teal! Kick off the fourth of July in style with a red and white bikini!

The Beach Dress - This is a dress that takes you from the beach to the streets. It can be worn separately or in combination with a fashionable swimsuit. It can be worn over a bathing suit or to lunch. Our ruffle tube maxi is perfect to pair over a strapless suit! This is a step up from your typical beach coverup. Choose a tunic with jeweled embellishments on the neckline and you will be the standout beach goer.

Casual Beach Babe - Use summer essentials straight from your closet to put together a look that is laid back but stands out! Pull out those denim cutoff shorts and a soft cotton tee or tank! You can't go wrong! Finish the look with simple pair of thong sandals such as our Tkees. We are in love with our Rag & Bone shorts paired with the nautical striped Monrow tank.

Whether you crave the glamorous beach look or prefer to sit pretty in short shorts, Anna & Alice has your summer essential list covered!

Minimalist

Sometimes less is more and this summer trend lends itself nicely to warm weather. Sometimes you have to look back to basics and focus on clean lines, a streamline look and crisp natural color palettes. Welcome to the no-nonsense approach to style!

A minimalist style doesn't force you to think so hard. Forget mixing prints, color-blocking, or worrying about what pattern looks best on you. This  summer trend is simple, yet stunning. Start with colors such as nude, white, champagne, gray, or black. All of these uphold the minimalist trend standards. Shift your focus on crisp construction and architectural shapes.The splashes of color are minimal and are replaced with edgy geographic shapes, texture and boldness.

Keep it simple! This style is throw on and go. A white or black dress with a v-neck and cinched at the waist with a neutral belt will do just fine! Keep accessories dainty. Small stud earrings and a thin chain necklace or one simple longer necklace. Shoes are easy because these colors can all be combined for maximum effect. Create as much or as little shape as you want. From a pencil skirt to over-sized knit sweater and shorts, the soft colors are what hold the look together. Don't hesitate to layer the pieces or opt for forms of texture through pleating, organza or a sheer panel or application within the outfit.