Styling 101: Tweed + Vintage Pearls
What’s great about this little neon shift dress is its versatility – It looks great alone as a statement piece, and it can be easily dressed up or dressed down with the right accessories. Sandals and a low-key tote make it perfect for daytime while piling on strand after stand of vintage beads and pearls make it the ideal dress for a hot Summer night.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Dress – Asos, Heels – Zara & Bag – Vintage}
Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage
The key to styling a piece like this dress, which is eye-catching on its own, is to pair it with high impact accessories. Trying to match the threads of the dress will give you a look that’s too matchy-matchy. By styling it with bold statement necklaces and simple black accessories you take the whole look to the next level.
Would you make this neon shift dress a daytime or a nighttime look?
MCLV Style: Shorts Suit
I recently attended the Blogger Brunch SF hosted by Nicole of Vanilla Extract and Camille of PR Girl Camille at The Social Beauty Co in the Marina. Not only did I have a great time chatting with other bloggers, I fell in love with the sweet little spa and am planning a lady date to go back in the near future.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Shorts Suit – Aqua, Tank – Banana Republic, and Shoes, Bag & Necklace – Zara}
{Photos by Bethann of Beth Animal Print}
I paired this same shorts suit with a similar white tank and black heels in April for Lucky FABB in Los Angeles, but this time around I wanted to try a more Summery spin on the styling with colors and neutrals.
Do you prefer the simple accessories and black heels I paired with this suit in April or the bright, Summery styling in the pictures above?
MCLV Style: Polka Dots
Wrap dresses are a very flattering style that works great on most body types and are easy to style for everything from daytime to work to nighttime with the right accessories.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Wrap Dress – Lilly Pulitzer, Sandals – Zara, Wristlet – Mango, and Jewelry – JewelMint & Vintage}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This two-toned polka dot wrap dress is one of my favorites – I love the way it fits and the combination of colors and prints gives you so many options when it comes to styling and accessorizing.
What’s your favorite silhouette or style of dress? Are you also a fan of wrap dresses?
Styling 101: Cocktail Attire
The Little Black Dress is the perfect choice for a cocktail party – Not only is it a timeless style, it’s also easy to personalize your look with bold, eye-catching jewelry and accessories.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{Caity: Dress – Diane Von Furstenberg, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti & Clutch – Ted Baker, and Sasha: Top – Chaiken & Capone, Lace Pencil Skirt – Anna Sui & Ankle Boots – Costume National}
{Photos by Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography – Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage}
This dress is one of my favorites – It’s a universally flattering style, a simple silhouette that I can easily accessorize or dress up, and the lace overlay gives it a little boost. But if a cocktail dress isn’t your style then try a two-piece look like Sasha’s, her lace pencil skirt and tiered black top are chic and the textures & fabrics give her a flapper-esque vibe.
What’s your go-to look for a cocktail party?
MCLV Style: Casual Fashion
Stripes are the perfect Spring and Summer daytime look – They go with everything and are easy to spice up to make a nighttime look. Here I paired a basic striped top with cuffed, slim-fitting jeans, and animal print accessories to make it a bit more interesting.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – J Brand, Top – H&M, Bag – Zara, Necklace – Asos & Heels – ShoeMint}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
Despite normally being a dress girl I’ve been living in these jeans on weekends lately – So comfortable and so flattering. They look great with heels as well as flats, and I really like the dark wash which hasn’t faded at all.
What’s your favorite brand of jeans? Why are they your favorite?
How To Wear White Jeans: Dressing Up
After last week’s How To Wear White Jeans casual look I wanted to give you some ideas for how to take these same chic white jeans from casual daytime to a more formal setting – Perfect for drinks after work or meeting the in-laws this Summer.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – Sonas Denim, Peplum Top – Kensi, Heels – Fendi & Clutch – Gigi New York}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Lydia Hudgens}
The most important part about taking a look from day-to-night is the accessories. Add a statement piece like dangling earrings or a dramatic collar necklace, include some color with a bold bag, and throw on some heels – And you’re ready to go.
What’s your rule of thumb for taking a look from day-to-night?
I have some great news for you Sonas Denim lovers – While supplies last you can get a pair of these killer jeans for $89-$99 online through their Indiegogo page here {normally $250}.
Don’t waste any time!
MCLV Style: Colorblocking
Shift dresses and drop waists have long been a staple in my closet so I was thrilled when The Great Gatsby sparked a flood of retro-inspired collections for Spring and Fall 2013. This simple yellow & white colorblock shift caught my eye immediately – It’s simple in design & a classic silhouette but still manages to be bold.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Colorblock Dress – Zara, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti, Clutch – BCBG, and Bracelets – BCBG & Anne Taylor}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photographs by Lydia Hudgens}
Another bonus of this dress is it’s versatility – Since it’s such a clean piece you can take the look any direction you’d like. For nighttime I’d add a blazer and killer strappy heels, while you could put together a sweet Summer look with ballet flats and a floral headscarf.
What’s my favorite part of these pictures? The photographer who shot them! ❤ I’ve been a longtime fan of Lydia Hudgens and was thrilled to not only get a chance to meet her but to shoot with her. Stay tuned for three more great looks!
Are you a fan of retro silhouettes and styles like shifts and colorblocking like me?
San Francisco Fashion: Sonas Denim, Sasha Maks Vintage + The Factory
This past week was a whirlwind and between the Sonas Denim launch party and doing some really fun work with Ajent, I was honored to attend two events that featured clothes from The Factory and jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage.
I’ll let the pretty pictures do the talking!
Stunning, no? Even if you’re not in the Bay Area you can still indulge in these lovely pieces, the clothes AND the baubles can be shopped online. And be sure to keep an eye out for the Sonas Denim kickstarter video out next week!
How To Wear White Jeans
One cool Summer look I’ve always loved is a great pair of white pants – Whether they’re cropped twill or denim – It’s the perfect way to stay cool when the temperatures start to climb. Especially if you’re not a dress or skirt kind of girl! They’re also a really versatile piece and with a great pair of white pants you can easily put together picture perfect daytime looks, chic nighttime styles, or more relaxed weekend outfits.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – Sonas Denim, Chambray Shirt – TopShop, Heels – ShoeMint}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Ozan Ulucan}
Finding the perfect pair of white jeans can be broken down into three steps:
- Length – Find a silhouette that suits your body. If you have long legs try a slim fitting pair, while if you’re more petite try a length that ends around mid calf so you don’t shorten your stems!
- Fit – When it comes to a pair of pants in an unforgiving color like white you need to be cognizant of fit & beware of the too-tight pant. No one likes to look at a tag & see a bigger number than they’re used to, but you’ll be glad you got a size up if it means no bunching or muffin top.
- Fabric – Similar as with your Little White Dress you need to spend some quality time in front of a mirror to ensure that the pants aren’t see through. Double check the pockets especially, if you can see the fabric outline of the pocket through the pants then you should try another pair or size.
Are you a fan of white pants for Spring and Summer? What’s your favorite way to style them?
Stay tuned for two more easy-to-wear looks featuring these great white jeans from Sonas Denim.
Styling 101: Great Gatsby Fashion
The Great Gatsby is everywhere right now – Between the movie finally coming out in theaters to the actors appearing at the Cannes Film Festival to the endless number of magazine editorials out there celebrating the unique, eye-catching styles from the era.
Personally, what I’ve always adored about the 1920’s is the jewelry – Art Deco is by far my favorite style so when they announced that they were remaking The Great Gatsby I just knew there would be stunning new collections put out to celebrate.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Dress – Diane Von Furstenberg, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti & Clutch – Ted Baker}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography – Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage}
So how do you get a little bit of Gatsby in your life without looking like you’re auditioning for a period drama? Try layering long chains or beaded necklaces or find an oversized vintage lariat that’ll really give your look an authentic retro feel.
Do you love this style jewelry as much as I do? Check out this other Great Gatsby inspired look that we put together last Fall – Styling 101: Gatsby Girl.
Would you like a chance to see the latest glam jewelry finds from Sasha Maks Vintage and the beautiful clothes from The Factory’s stunning Voyage To Marrakech collection? Join me on Tuesday, June 4th for a private showing – You can RSVP here.
Blogger Fashion: 1 Striped Shirt – 5 Ways
Welcome to the first post of a fun new Blogger Fashion series which features the lovely Alex of SF Shop Girl, Julia of Once Upon A Blog, Bethann of Beth Animal Print & Cara of Cara’s Cliché.
Tell me the truth… Is there anything better than buying a new piece and discovering that it’s incredibly versatile and goes with everything in your wardrobe? Well today’s Blogger Fashion post is all about multitasking – Today we’re sharing five different ways to wear this great striped blouse for Spring.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Top – Zara, Pleated Skirt – Zara, Clutch – Gigi New York, Heels – JustFab & Necklace – JustFab}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography & Makeup by Michael Bondi}
When I first saw this shirt I knew it needed some color. My initial instinct was to tuck it into this green skater skirt but ultimately I decided to make it more of a nighttime look and paired it with this great mint green clutch & yellow animal print heels.
So tell me, how would YOU wear this striped blouse?
Stay tuned for the next post in our Blogger Fashion series and don’t forget to check out the fabulous blogs listed above!
Styling 101: Weekend Style
When you think “statement piece” do you imagine a nighttime or more formal look? Today Sasha Maks Vintage and Moi Contre La Vie are here to show you how easy it is to wear beautiful, dramatic jewelry on a daily basis.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Cropped Pants – Forever 21, Printed Blouse – Zara, Heels – Madden Girl & Crossbody Bag – Hobo International}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
By adding a statement necklace, a pair of eye-catching earrings, or stacking some fun bracelets you can add a touch of personalization to your daytime look. I for one don’t step outside without a cuff or a necklace, no matter how casual my look – It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Here are my go-to tips for weekend dressing that keep me out of a fashion rut:
- Mixing & Matching – By pairing separates in new & fun ways you’re bound to put together a new-to-you look you’ll love!
- Get Girlie – Whenever I’m starting to feel like I’m in a rut I get back to basics and throw on a flirty dress that makes me feel feminine. It’s a great way to break out of a jeans and t-shirt habit.
- Make A Statement – As I said above, adding a statement piece is my favorite way to take a look to the next level. So next time you look in the mirror and think “bleh” I challenge you to add a fun statement piece like a dramatic necklace, a pair of great shoes, or an eye-catching bag, belt, or pair of sunglasses.
*Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage
And if you’d like a chance to see the beautiful clothes from the stunning Voyage To Marrakech collection from The Factory you can join me on Tuesday, June 4th for a private showing!
ShoeMint, JustFab & JewelMint: Subscription Shopping Sites
An interesting recent trend are subscription shopping websites where you pay a monthly recurring fee that goes towards the cost of the pieces you select. You answer a handful of questions about your personal style and each month you receive a curated selection of pieces chosen to suit your personal style.
Over the last few years I’ve tried a few of these services and today I’m going to share my thoughts so that you can make the best choice for your needs! 🙂
- Cost: $79.98 a month
- Selection: Seriously cute selection of shoes & accessories – Though fewer bags than shoes. Narrowing down my choice was the hardest party, luckily they list the heel height so once I realized that I was looking at shoes I couldn’t walk in for more than 3 minutes I moved on.
- Overall Impression: This site provides as a well curated collection of pieces that not only updates frequently but stays on top of fashion trends.
- Cost: $39.95 a month
- Selection: The site is pretty large and includes clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. While some of the pieces didn’t really strike my fancy (shoes too high, not enough material…), I’ve had great success with the items that I’ve ordered.
- Overall Impression: You’ll have to hunt through the website but you’ll likely find something you’ll love. The heels that I ordered I got more compliments than any other pair of shoes in my closet ever have! 🙂
I got a chance to meet the ladies of JustFab while I was in Los Angeles for Lucky FABB in April so I got a chance to see the pieces in person which was great. I also got a chance to see these lovely heels in person and fell in love!
- Cost: $29.95 a month
- Selection: JewelMint has a great, great selection – Not only do you get a specialized collection based on your personal taste and purchase history, but you can also shop boutique collections, sales & other pieces available on the site.
- Overall Impression: I’ve actually been a client of JewelMint since 2011 and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I love vintage jewelry so in general my style tends to be classic and timeless, I love gold, statement pieces, and layering bracelets – And JewelMint has never disappointed.
Have you tried any of these services or any other similar ones? If you haven’t, would you try one?
MCLV Style: San Francisco Style & My Graphic Tee
These shots were taken in the bustling Union Square area of San Francisco after a beautiful Saturday spent shopping and celebrity sighting with some of my favorite ladies – Donna of So You Agree, Alex of SF Shop Girl, and Sasha of Sasha Maks Vintage.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Cropped Jeans – Paige Denim, Tee – Zara, Blazer – Aqua, Bag – Givenchy & Heels – Zara}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Donna of So You Agree}
This look ended up being a great choice for this long day – We started at the Rebecca Minkoff handbag sale at 9:30am and ended with photos in front of Macys at 4:30pm. Like I said. Long day! 🙂 Graphic tees are a fun trend to try out this Spring and the perfect way to spice up a simple jeans and t-shirt look is by adding heels and a statement bag.
And this wasn’t just any day – Definitely not – I was in Union Square to meet the beautiful and oh-so-talented Aimee Song of Song of Style at the Macy’s American Icons event.
I had gotten a chance to say hello to Aimee while I was at IFBCON earlier this year but I was still pretty excited to get a chance to chat with her on Saturday – The five of us talked blogging, shopping, and the differences between the San Francisco and LA fashion blogger scenes.
Do you have a favorite t-shirt for Spring? Have you tried out any of the cute graphic tee yet this season?
{Collaboration} Voyage To Marrakech: Lookbook II
Did you enjoy the first lookbook from my recent shoot with The Factory? If you missed it you can see it here – {Collaboration} Voyage To Marrakech.
What I love most about this new collection is the vibrancy. The colors, the prints, the fabrics – They’re all dramatic and bold, they transport you to a bustling marketplace in Marrakech where you’re surrounded by people and sights and sounds.
{Clothing by The Factory}
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{Photography – Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling – Sasha Maks Vintage & Clothing – The Factory}
I’m a dress girl through-and-through so I was a little surprised by just how much I adored those sporty powder blue shorts that I’m holding above. Not only does the casual style & relaxed fit make them PERFECT for Spring & Summer, they also come in various colors, prints & fabrics. They’d look great with a blouse, a cute graphic tee, or a tank paired with a blazer for nighttime. Definitely planning to pick myself up a pair for the hot Summer weekends in Sacramento!
What’s your favorite style of shorts for warm weather?
MCLV Style: Black And White Florals
Even on lovely Spring days I’m not always in the mood for color – That’s why my wardrobe has a hefty dose of moody black & white prints. They’re dramatic and eye-catching without being overly in-your-face which I especially like for hot Summer nights.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Dress – Vintage, Belt – Banana Republic, Shoes – BCBG Generation, Crossbody Bag – Hobo International, Scarf – TopShop, and Jewelry – JewelMint & Vintage}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
My favorite way to spice up a clean black & white look is with a statement piece – A killer necklace, a dramatic shoe, or, as in this case, a bold scarf. I raved about this fun TopShop scarf earlier this Spring {Transitioning From Winter-To-Spring} and clearly the love affaire continues! 🙂
What’s your favorite way to spice up a simple look?
Camille K: Vintage Jewelry For Spring
I saw a picture of the Camille K Palladio necklace a few weeks ago and it was love at first sight. It’s dramatic and bold – The perfect statement piece for Spring – And it comes in a gorgeous warm gold that’s really flattering and versatile.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Dress – Zara, Bag – MICHAEL Michael Kors & Shoes – Zara}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
I love mixing styles of jewelry and I love mixing metals so I was thrilled with the pieces I wore in this look – The silver bracelet & ring paired with the dramatic antique gold necklace was a stunning combination.
You can shop these one-of-a-kind pieces and more on the Camille K website right here. Can you imagine a more gorgeous gift to get your mom for Mother’s Day?
Do you prefer gold or silver? Or do you like to mix metals like I do?
Want more clutch goodness? Check out the amazing clutch-centric posts over on IFB.
{Collaboration} Voyage To Marrakech
One of my favorite trends in stores this Spring are all the fabulous retro-inspired pieces {Looks of the Week – Retro Edition} so I was thrilled to get a chance to wear the newly launched Marrakech-inspired collection from The Factory. Combine these vibrant colors & bold prints with gorgeous vintage costume jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage and you’ve got a winning look!
{Clothing by The Factory}
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{Photography – Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling – Sasha Maks Vintage & Clothing – The Factory}
If you enjoyed these pieces as much as I did you’ll have to join Sasha Maks & I to celebrate the launch of this beautiful collection tomorrow at The Factory – You can RSVP here.
I hope to see you there!
MCLV Style: Classic Workwear
I’ve shown some love for the classic pencil skirt before {Pencil Skirt: Day-To-Night} but I wanted to share an example of my work style. No, I don’t usually wear head-to-toe black during the Spring, but it was a Friday and I prefer clothes that don’t show stains when I’m traveling! 🙂
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pencil Skirt – BCBG, Peter Pan Top – Forever 21, Heels – Zara & Bag – Just Fab}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
I fell in love with this Peter Pan Top when it arrived – It’s a really versatile, fun piece. I’m a fan of Peter Pan collars and the studs are perfect for Spring, this piece looks great with jeans, shorts, or for work with a classic pencil skirt like this one.
What’s your go-to style for work?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
MCLV Style: Floral Shorts in L.A.
Last week I shared some of the amazing women that I met at Lucky FABB West {Lucky FABB: Bloggers You’ll Love} as well as my first look for the conference {Tribal Prints at Lucky FABB West} – For Day Two of the conference I doned this adorable floral shorts suit and snapped some fun photographs with Beth of Beth Animal Print in the hotel lobby.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Shorts + Blazer – Aqua, Heels – Zara, Necklace – Zara & Bracelet – BCBG}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{How ridiculously cute is this Just Fab bag? Tres chic!}
I ordered this shorts and blazer combo from Bloomingdale’s back in February and have been waiting with bated breath for an opportunity to wear it. What better place than Los Angeles in the Spring and what better venue than a Fashion Blogger conference? 🙂
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
MCLV Style: Maxi Skirts For Spring
What better way to spend a sun-drenched Sunday in Spring than wandering around a gorgeous river-adjascent backyard? The thing I miss most now that I live in San Francisco is nature – Being surrounded by trees and flowers, hearing birds and animals. This lovely house is on a cliff over the American River and between the gorgeous landscaping and hearing the river rushing past it’s utterly peaceful and relaxing.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Maxi Skirt – Macys, Tank – GAP, Wallet – Kate Spade & Blazer – Aqua}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
When the Winter weather starts to fade my thoughts always immediately turn to maxi lengths – There’s something about having those soft fabrics wrapping around your legs that just screams vacation. I recently made a trip to Macys with a friend and while we searched high and low for the perfect pink wedges for her, I spotted this Macy’s Impulse skirt and knew that I just had to have it!
Do you enjoy wearing maxi and midi lengths during the Spring?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
MCLV Style: Tribal Prints at Lucky FABB West
Last week I packed my favorite Tumi weekend bag and headed down to Los Angeles to attend Lucky FABB West – A Fashion & Beauty Blogger conference hosted by Lucky Magazine.
{Photos by Donna Hale}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Printed Dress – River Island via Asos, Heels – Madden-Girl, Belt – TopShop, and Jewelry – JewelMint, Vintage & Nordstrom}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Left to Right: Brittany of The Subtle Statement, Beth Ann of Beth Animal Print, Donna of So You Agree, and Alex of SF Shop Girl}
As you can see, I was joined by some amazingly stylish ladies during this trip. We had a great time listening to the panels, networking, and meeting new bloggers & brands. Without a doubt my favorite part of this conference was getting to meet so many lovely, talented writers – There’s more to come on my Lucky FABB West adventures so be sure to stay tuned!
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moicontrelavie
- Twitter: @moicontrelavie
- Instagram: @moicontrelavie