The modern power suit gets a lift at AvaMaria. Here stands a summer office outfit, turban and all. Store owner Katherine Virketiene is an expert on taking a look from evening out dancing to professional, and vice versa, because she was a professional ballroom dancer for so many years, and made costumes for Dancing with the Stars. Here is Boutique Critique's most professional look yet.

The Skirt: Myth & Ritual, $178

My mind scarcely runs to any sort of business wear, but this skirt seemed more versatile than that. Though it would feel at home in the office, try it at a picnic.Peer at the careful detailing on the pockets and waistband. Blue velvet panels do more for a garment than you might think.

The Lace Shouldered Tank: Vanessa Bruno, $178

A little lace lining at the sleeve cap gives this slightly slouchy tank an edge. The sides have a different textured gusset and add dimension. Alone it would have been just enough for a late spring after work drink.  Danish born, Paris based Vanessa Bruno creates unexpected shapes with cutouts and wrapping straps while mixing patterns and textures with a deft hand.

The Cropped Lady Sport Jacket: Lover, $450

This jacket kicked the power up a notch. The bold shoulders add a touch of welcomed severity, while the above-the-elbow sleeve and short cut keep it fresh. Started in 2001 by two Australian Lovers Susien Chong and Nic Briand, they have taken their creations of romantic, ethereal, loud and irreverent designs from a market stall all the way to Vogue and into the hearts of celebs and It girls like Keira Knightly and Alexa Chung.

The Blue Suede Shoe: Repetto, $250

This heeled and ever so slightly platformed lace up jazz shoe seemed the ideal fit for this work and play ready look. Rose Repetto began making ballet shoes in 1947 for her son real ballerinas point shoes. That has been the backbone of the company, revered by professional and amateur dancers alike, but she expanded to all kinds of shoes to make Repetto a part of every day life. Like dance, our designs take skill and knowhow. Expect a seriously well-worked shoe from Repetto. Perhaps AvaMaria owner Virketiene knows of Repetto from her ballroom dancing history.

The Ombré Turban: Cashmere, $80

No brand in particular, gradient blue cashmere scarf has been reworked into a turban for this particular look. It gives the office aesthetic both a more playful and more intimidating edge simultaneously. Learn how to tie a turban like this in a minute.

The Delicate Cuff: Nagicia, $248

Part of the butterfly collection by Tricia Kim, this skeletal cuff is barely there but vibrant at once. She chooses her materials. When she uses gemstones, they are hand-made with love in Bali. Kim feels that she is the loving intermediary of beauty.

The Home Sweet Home Ring: J. Davis Studio, $138

Brooklyn based silversmith Jill Davis takes her jewelry home with miniscule house imagery. On this ring, the homes are sitting within a circle, perhaps of trust. Outfit complete.

 

AvaMaria | 107 Crosby Street, New York, NY 212.966.0909

Photography by Christopher Hall