{International} Aqua Giveaway
I’m a huge fan of the traditional black blazer – It’s a versatile, classic piece and no woman should be without one. I practically live in my Aqua cropped black blazer, both at work and on the weekends.
{MCLV Style: Lady Of The Night}
And since I truly believe that this fabulous little blazer is a Must Have I’m going to give away one to a lucky reader.
Entering this little contest is QUICK & EASY – I promise – There are TWO different ways to enter so pick either of the simple options below and you’ll have this fun new piece to play with in just a few days!
- Leave a comment below on this post telling me what you’d pair this blazer with
- Leave a comment on Facebook telling me what you’d pair this blazer with
{Size Medium}
Easy, right?
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead & enter either on the blog or on Facebook and I will randomly pick a winner a week from today – Next Friday, February 22nd!
* Please note that this is NOT a sponsored post – I purchased this blazer in order to give it away on MCLV
What’s Your Fashion Statement?
One of my favorite fashion & fashion blogging-related communities to be a part of is The Girls Inspired Group – It’s supportive, fun, and brings you in contact with so many talented bloggers and their fabulous sites. There seriously aren’t enough hours in the day for me to check out as many lovely blogs as I’d like to!
In addition to introducing all of us blogger to one another, the group is also inspiring us with fun spotlight topics for us to write posts about. This week’s topic is a great one so I felt like I needed to participate – GIG Spotlight #2 Fashion Tag: What’s Your Fashion Statement?
So here goes… I would describe my personal style as classic with a twist – I love basic black & chic, timeless pieces – But with a fun, eye-catching twist like the addition of statement jewelry or an on-trend accessory.
{Examples of my ever-evolving style – Caped Crusader, Lady of the Night & Striped Leopard}
My closets are filled to the brim with basics like perfect Little Black Dresses, trench coats, quality striped & polka-dotted pieces, chic blouses, classic pumps, great fitting jeans, season-less bags…
{See Real Girls Need Real Closets, Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition, and Closet Organization for suggestions & recommendations for what basics you can try out!}
But I also do a seasonal refresher every few months in order to add new accessories, pieces in fun, on-trend colors & prints, and maybe collect a new bag. Or two. 🙂 This process definitely involves a trip to Zara & some online shopping at my favorite go-to stores.
{Some recent acquisitions that have made their way into my closet via the Paragon Outlets in Livermore, Zara, Forever 21, BCBG, Neiman Marcus & Bloomingdale’s}
So tell me, what’s YOUR fashion statement?
Join me and follow my daily life, and the fun I have cooking, shopping, styling for events, and enjoying San Francisco on these platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moicontrelavie
- Twitter: @moicontrelavie
- Instagram: @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mclv/
MCLV Style: Striped Leopard
Mixing and matching patterned pieces can be such a creative exercise – Deciding what pieces go together, which prints would look good with which patterns, and putting the finishing touches on a look without going too over-the-top.
That’s my idea of a good time! 🙂
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Midi Skirt – Aqua via Bloomingdale’s, Faux Fur & Leather Jacket – Ellen Tracy via Saks, Leopard Print Peep-Toe Booties – BCBGMaxAzria, Crocodile Tote – Furla, Bracelet – H&M, and Rings – Tiffany’s & JewelMint}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
These peep-toe leopard print booties are a new acquisition. I was thrilled to discover that the Paragon Outlets in Livermore are not only close enough for a day-trip, they also feature outlets for Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys NY.
It’s heaven in other words, so stay tuned for more of my fabulous finds from this great girls trip to Paragon!
What are you favorite prints or patterns to mix?
MCLV Style: Lady of the Night
If you’re a MCLV regular you’ve probably noticed that most of the personal fashion featured on my site is either work-related or geared toward daytime styling – I’m not much of a late night girl these days. My weeks are filled to the brim with stress, deadlines, To Do Lists, and social obligations, so when the weekends roll around I’m much more interested in sleeping in, running errands, and relaxing than I am in partying the night away. Clubbing, dancing, and all-night bar hopping are things of the past it would seem.
But every once in a while there’s a social obligation or outing that requires dressing up and getting off my laptop for a night of fun and frivolity – And I definitely enjoy those evenings!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Printed Trousers – Zara, Narciso Rodriguez Sequined Top – Kohl’s, Blazer – Aqua via Bloomingdale’s, Clutch – Express, Ankle Strap Heels – Fendi, Skull & Spike Bracelets – Asos.com, Chainlink Bracelet – JewelMint, Star Ring – BCBG, Swarovski Crystal Ring – Gift & Elephant Pendant – Sasha Maks Vintage from her recent Holiday Trunk Show}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
That being said, on occasion I relish the opportunity to enjoy a night out on the town – Whether it’s a date night, a girls night out, or just dinner and drinks in the neighborhood – Sometimes it’s fun to get all dressed up and enjoy some cocktails & laughs.
When I get dressed for a night out I like to pair something fun – And maybe new – With my favorite tried and true pieces. This blazer is one of my all time favorites {Aque via Bloomingdale’s} and I’ve come to love this tank for its layering capabilities.
I’m a skirt & dress girl through-and-through but I’m absolutely mad about all of the great pants for Fall and Winter this season. Prints, brocades, plaids, lace & stripes… Are you stocking up on pants this season as well?
Hippie Love
As Hippie Chic is one of the most highly viewed posts since MCLV started last spring, I decided to do a follow-up post to celebrate the fabulous 60’s & 70’s inspired looks that are all the rage this fall.
Now follow me down the rabbit hole and let’s revisit some of our favorite hippies of all times… (Cue the Jefferson Airplane soundtrack)
Boho-Chic:
Boho is short for Bohemian, which is defined as: “a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices. ” The boho styles of the 60’s were more than just a fashion statement, they were an escape for women from the confinement of the clothes and social norms prevalent in the 50’s. They were free, loose and created a new style that trickles down to us today.
Original boho-chic icons: Janis Joplin, Talitha Getty, Stevie Nicks & Steven Tyler
Characterizations of the style: Loose layers, beads, tinted round sunglasses, bright colors, tie-dye, vests, boots, headbands, chunky jewelry, scarves, stacked bracelets, floppy hats, patchwork
Modern day equivalents: Kate Moss, The Olsens, Sienna Miller & Johnny Depp
Fashion Show Love: Matthew Williamson Fall 2011 RTW
What to buy for Fall: Maxi & midi length skirts & dresses, flowy blouses and boots.
{Aqua Paisley Dress – $110 @ Bloomingdale’s}
{Polka dot blouse by Free People – $100 @ RevolveClothing.com}
Mod: The other fashion sub-culture of the 60’s was known as Mod, short for Modernist, which originated in London and was heavily influenced by the music of the time and the all night dance clubs that started appearing.
Original Mod icons: Twiggy, Edie Sedgewick, Jean Shrimpton & The Beatles
Characterizations of the style: Shift dresses, mini skirts, go-go boots, monochromatic suits, flats, knee socks, plaid coats, colored tights, Peter Pan collars, fake eyelashes, exaggerated eyeliner
Modern day equivalents: Nicole Richie, Zooey Deschanel & Alexa Chung
Fashion Show Love: Prada Fall 2011 RTW
What to buy for fall: It’s all about the dresses & outerwear, think shifts & dropped, belted waists. Love!
{Ali Ro Printed Shift dress – $140 (on sale) @ Neiman Marcus}
{Faux-Fur Collar Peacoat – $100 (on sale) @ Victoria’s Secret}
Rock n’ Roll Hippie: The hippie trend of the 1970’s was a continuation of the 60’s Boho style, with some serious rock star additions, and was incredibly popular with both the men and women of the psychedelic rock era.
Original Hippie icons: The Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry & The Rolling Stones
Characterizations of the style: Bell bottoms, suede, fringe, halter tops, hip huggers, leather, bandanas, jean jackets, studs, chains
Modern day equivalents: Taylor Momson, Avril Lavigne & K$sha
Fashion Show Love: Emilio Pucci
What to buy for fall: In a perfect world we would all be ready to hop up on stage to channel our inner rock star with this bag, but given the price tag I think we can live with more – ahem – reasonably priced accessories…
{Top left: BebStu Riga belt – $65 @ Zappos.com, Top right: Martin & Ricci Gunmetal Plated Feist Bracelet – $90 @ Max & Cleo, Bottom: Rockstar Wristlet – $70 @ Bebe}
Disco Era: Drugs, sex & rock n’ roll! 70’s disco was all about music, dancing all night at clubs and was heavily influenced by the smaller factions that it was composed of (gays and minorities like African-Americans & Latinos). If you visualize one thing when you hear the word “disco,” it should be STUDIO 54!
Original Disco icons: YSL, Bianca Jaggar, Ziggy Stardust (aka David Bowe) & John Travolta
Characterizations of the style: Platforms, sequins, glitter, wrap dresses, hotpants, le Smoking Suit, high-waisted jeans, lamé suits for men & women
Modern day equivalents: It’s still ALLLLL about Iman. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Fashion Show Love: Balmain
What to buy for fall: Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dresses & anything by Halston Heritage. Fine, those were the easy answers. But honestly, I’m loving all of the disco-inspired separates out there, that way you can inject a little glam into your wardrobe without risking overload (and please, for the love of all that is holy, only resort to this if it’s a Halloween costume. Thank you. From all of us.)
{Karen Kane Sequin Blazer – $180 @ Bloomingdale’s}
{Martinez Valero ‘Chase’ Sandal – $75 (on sale) @ Nordstrom}
{Runway photos from Style.com}
Still in the mood for some more inspiration before you hit the stores to stock up on hippilicious goodies? Here’s some help from The Outnet and TopShop.
Now be off my little hippies – Peace!
Moi Contre La Vie 