MCLV Style: Date Night
There’s an important Friday night ritual that I’d like to share with you – It’s called Date Night. It involves great wine, great food, and great company.
And a cute dress doesn’t hurt.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Multi-Color Dress – Victoria’s Secret, Heeled Purple Sandals – Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Nude Wristlet – Mango, Textured Gold Cuff – Ann Taylor, Star Cocktail Ring – BCBG & Art Deco Earrings – Zara}
{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view
This is what I wore for my recent trip to Park Tavern SF on Washington Square Park. Our dinner was on the earlier side since I was leaving for NYC bright and early the next day and since it was still light out we decided to take a few shots in the park. We got some pretty funny looks as Sean was directing me so that we could try to get pictures without loungers in the background – but the killer Malbec once we got inside more than made up for it!
Do you like to dress to the nines for date night? Maybe every once in a while? What’s your standard going-out-to-dinner get up for a Friday or Saturday night during the Summer?
Links You’ll Love
Health & Nutrition:
Sometimes going to the gym sounds like the worst thing in the world. Sometimes the weather is awful when you were dying to go for a run. Well if you have a set of dumbbells (or you could easily use a kettlebell or weighted bosu ball) you can tackle this rainy day workout!
I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting smoothie recipes so when I was browsing Organice Your Life and saw this Raw Green Coconut Shake recipe I was thrilled.
Don’t think you have time for a full workout? Why not try this Women’s Health Get Fit In Only 15 Minutes: Skinny Jeans Workout which includes the very important squats & lunges or FitSugar’s BOSU Circuit Workout.
In the mood for something sweet? Or do you want a treat for family or friends that’s healthy as well as tasty? Check out the super healthy and oh-so-simple Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies over at Peas And Thank You or
I always get excited when I can add a fun new recipe to my rotation of favorites. Something quick, easy, and delicious. Well, if you’re like me, you’ll want to try Choosing Raw’s Curried Quinoa & Aduki Bean Patties – They’re savory and filling, and easily adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand, a home run in my book.
Fashion:
Whenever I want a dose of inspiration one of my go-to websites is WhoWhatWear – From Style Stalker posts to reviews of new collections to street style breakdowns, they’ve always got you covered – Styling Tips For September.
Street style is a fun and evolving part of fashion and fashion blogging and I’ve been enjoying the pictures online for ages – From bloggers to fashion insiders to models to celebrities. It’s a great way to get inspired or to see what’s trendy and hot right now. And with four Fashion Weeks coming up, it’s time to give it a closer look – A Street-Style Primer For The September Shows. Or check out one of my favorite model street style blogs out there for up to date shots from the shows – Altamira: Models Off Duty.
The accessories are probably my favorite part about dressing for Fall and Winter. Scarves, gloves, hats, outerwear… Swoon! FabSugar agrees – Best Fall Scarves 2012: It’s a Wrap — Shop the Best Layering Scarves For Early Fall.
I love vintage-inspired styles and loved this post on finding some great pieces that are perfect for Fall and fabulously retro – Finding the perfect 1970s shoulder bag.
I’m a bun girl through and through so I was excited by all of the buns on the runways for Fall. If you’re of a similar mind, check out Harper’s Bazaar’s The Return Of The Bun or Best Celebrity Top Knots: The Fun Bun Hall of Fame.
Looks of the Week
Raise your hand if you hate the Monday after a short week… Me! Me! {Picture me jumping up & down} Well, there’s nothing like some fabulous Summer fashion to help you cope with a rough day. So here’s a little something to help you take the edge off.
Yes, this is a sundress, but it’s so much more. The darker, moodier florals and the blue platforms take it from basic to fabulous. Well done.
Such a sweet, retro-inspired Summer look. Love the lacy white top & shorts, but the white sunglasses & bow-topped headband stole the show in my opinion.
Can you picture a cuter travel outfit? Chic and put together, but not overly fussy. Love the black & white, killer bag & accessories, and that hat is adorable!
Killer!
So cute! Chic and perfect for summer. Wouldn’t change a thing!
This dress reminds me of the Kate Moss for Mango tuxedo dress that I bought earlier this year.
Fabulous. Head to toe fabulous. Love the colors and the cut & silhouettes of the separates.
These boots are fabulous but I especially love them paired with this patterned sweated and scarf. Great layering.
While I’m definitely a sucker for a Peter Pan collar, I have to admit that the overall sweet retro feel to this look is what really got my attention. Those shorts are too cute!
Check out some fabulous Do It Yourself projects here for a too cute Leather Peter Pan Collar Necklace DIY that you can easily do if you’re feeling crafty this weekend.
This look has a little edge, and after all of the maxi dresses, sundresses, and pleated skirts I’ve been seeing all Summer, this type of look is really appealing. Killer accessories!
This is just the type of look that I like to throw together during the day on weekends, casual but a chic combination of great pieces – love the coat – and accessories. J’adore those shoes!
How was everyone’s weekend? Did you relax after a hectic 4th of July week or continue the celebrating and make it a long holiday weekend?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Need a project for this weekend? I present – DIY Studded Sneakers – from Honestly… WTF? If you’d pick Vans or Chucks over ballet flats on any given day, this is the Do It Yourself project of your dreams. Trust me.
If you’ve in the mood for fabulous summer fashions check out this season’s Resort Collections – Chanel Resort 2013, Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013, and the rest of the 2013 Resort Collections – From Rachel Zoe, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors to Stella McCartney, Preen, and L’Wren Scott.
I’m the first one to admit that I’m completely incapable of doing my hair. I pull it back into a simple bun 95% of the time, work or play. This however is a totally doable updo, even for the hairstyling-challenged. A Cup Of Jo’s Three Twisted Buns. Simple and adorable.
Interested in seeing how the experts handle their daily makeup & hair routines? Check out how frequent Looks of the Week contributor Sincerely Jules gets herself camera ready with her post Make-Up Wear, and what the famous LA blonde Cheyenne Meets Chanel does to maintain her lovely locks.
If you love fashion as much as I do, you’ve probably found yourself wondering how to revamp your wardrobe each season without going broke. Gets some tips and ideas from the experts, read IFB’s How Not To Go Into Debt Over Personal Styling and Refinery 29’s How JUST Accessories Can Transform An Outfit.
http://galadarling.com/article/carousel-why-french-women-dont-burn-out#
Health/Fitness:
Does the cost of classes and workouts affect your motivation to try them? Well MCLV is here to save your checkbook:
- Self’s Barre Workouts are Expensive! Try This At-Home Alternative
- FitSugar’s A Total-Body Workout You Can Do in Your Chair
- Prevention’s 7 Slimming Workouts for Small Spaces
Are you a fan of eggs? Well eggs aren’t just for breakfast – Healthy Lunch and Dinner Recipes. Also check out Prevention’s Best Eggs: Organic, Free-Range, or Conventional?
I’m a huge fan of quinoa, it’s a healthier & more nutritious alternative to rice and it’s satisfying, versatile, and – ta da – gluten-free. This is a great article whether you’re a newbie who wants to give it a try or a veteran like me who wants to spice up your recipe repertoire – 10 New Ways to Eat Quinoa – This satisfying superfood is more versatile than you think!
Need some motivation to get off your couch? Read this: The 13-Year-Old Who Held the Women’s Marathon World Record.
Looks of the Week
Happy Monday!
I hope that everyone had a great weekend. I’ll tell you all about my amazing weekend in Sonoma tomorrow, in the meantime here are some great style pictures to jumpstart your Monday and get you in the mood for a fashionable week.
J'ADORE!!! I love the mixing of colors, patterns, fabrics, and textures here. It's simple in its composition, but the end result is a complex, well-put together, chic as hell look!
I love love love this look! The shorts and chic and fun, and they look great paired with the brightly patterned top. The floral necklace and the adorable day clutch are the perfect final touches. Absolutely great!
One of my favorite articles of clothing is a great dress. Something well-made, classic, stylish. Something that you can wear again and again, year after year. This is that kind of dress!
I love this delicate, girly, vintage-inspired lace dress. The contrasting collar is perfect and I love that she paired glittery flats with it rather than heels, it works well with the mod style.
Tribeca Film Festival 2012:
I love love love this photo! Karlie looks dazzling in Chanel and being flanked by the adorable Brant kids is perfect.
I like the glamorous but laid-back cool of both of these looks. I love little white dresses for Spring but I'm a sucker for stripes so I'm going to have to say that the look on the right is my favorite.
Lily Kwong looks stunning in Chanel, I love the black & white dress and her choice of accessories is right on - the pops of green and red are perfect.
Simple. Chic. Sexy. What more does a girl need for a night out?
The PERFECT little white dress courtesy of Reiss. A flattering fit and the perfect color against her skin - Camilla Belle looks phenomenal here!
Great Sass & Bide dress! It almost looks like Peter Pilotto, doesn't it? I like it paired with a basic leather jacket, very cute.
The 2012 White House Correspondents’ Dinner:
Kerry Washington decided to show us all the power of color for this event! A simple, streamlined look that popped beautifully against her skin and flaunted her gorgeous figure. Well done!
Anna Paquin's dress was dramatic and interesting for basic black, but what really stood out to me were her gorgeous earrings, bracelets, and clutch. Well done on the accessorizing. And her makeup looks phenomenal.
Kate Hudson was anything but a wall flower in floor-length purple sequins. Wow. Way to make a statement!
The top of this gown makes it anything but boring black. Paired with her beautiful retro waves and showstopping turquoise earrings Reese was quite the vision.
Elizabeth Banks has been kicking some booty on the red carpet lately during her Hunger Games touring and she continued her sartorial success in this Antonio Berardi gown. Now that's how to rock a peplum!
I've been LOVING shorts looks lately and this was is great. A little rock n' roll and glam, but still laid back and summery. Gorgeous!
Tomorrow is the first day of May and I’m planning to participate in Definitely RA’s Mission: Put Together – 2012, which is another fashion challenge like the one hosted by Freckles In April earlier this year that I really enjoyed, so expect some fun pictures in the next week or so.
Back tomorrow with some great pictures from my weekend!
Moi Contre La Vie 