MCLV Style File: Flower Power
Welcome to another Style File post – Our last outfit breakdown was a killer patterned black & white dress that Poppy Delevingne wore to Berlin Fashion Week and this time we’re going to check out a bright, fun outfit that’s a great way to transition to colder weather now that Fall 2012 is upon us.
Throwing a floral blazer over a skirt & top combo is a great idea, it takes this from a basic Summer look to an eye-catching, colder-weather appropriate outfit that can easily be adapted to suit your style and the pieces that you have available in your closet.
The extras for this look are especially great – The long, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and oversized gold mens watch are lovely but that handbag is what really stole my heart.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Lc Lauren Conrad Floral Blazer – $50 (sale) @ Kohl’s, ASOS Premium Floral Print Blazer – $55 @ Asos.com & Tall Co-ord Floral Blazer – $130 @ TopShop}
The key to this look is the floral blazer, finding one that suits your coloring and shape may take some time, but it’ll be worth it since this is such a great piece for Fall.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Rachel Roy Quilted Wrap Skirt – $175 @ Zappos.com, Vince Camuto V-Neck Wrap Dress – $100 @ Shop The Shoe Box & BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Ruffle Flounce Draped Skirt – $60 @ 6pm}
You could try a sweet blue wrap skirt for this look or you could opt for a cobalt dress and achieve a similar silhouette. It’s the bright colors and eye-catching accessories that make this look work so you don’t need to stress about copying it piece-for-piece.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Marmen Cross Necklace – $250 @ Urban Outfitters, House of Harlow Diamond Cross Necklace – $60 @ Designs By Stephene & Multi Row Cross Necklace – $20 @ Asos.com}
Whether you’re a fan of delicate necklaces or chunky, gold jewelry or silver, wearing a single chain or layering multiple pieces – There’s something fun in this style to suit your personal taste!
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Vince Camuto Gold Boyfriend Watch – $175 @ Dillard’s, Gold and White Links Boyfriend Watch – $55 @ Asos.com & Merona Silver Tone Extra Large Boyfriend Watch – $20 @ Target}
A boyfriend watch is a funky alternative to a cuff or bangle, it adds a masculine touch without taking your look straight to made-for-the-boys territory. Gold or silver, embellished or plain, there are tons of options out there.
Curious how I would interpret this look using pieces that I have in my wardrobe? Tuesday’s MCLV Style: Factory Girl post was actually inspired by this look from Lovely Pepa!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer – Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.com, Floral Top – Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage}
As you can see, you can mix this look up, change colors, and adjust the jewelry to create something fresh and unique, a look that is all yours!
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
London Fashion Week Spring 2013
Today I’m going to be sharing reviews of some of the lovely collections that came off the Spring 2013 London Fashion Week catwalks – From the big names like Burberry and Mulberry to the well-loved but somewhat less established designers like Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane.
Enjoy!
Burberry:
Color, color, and more color. The Burberry runway show was a veritable rainbow of color-drenched trench coats, dresses, and separates. Christopher Bailey also played with textures and fabrics including shimmering metallics, tinted plastic, and shiny holographic prints – Giving the classic brand a fun, futuristic twist.
Capes, hotpants, puffy capsleeves, swimwear, cropped jackets, leather, dramatic belts, lace brilliant metallic handbags, and colorful open-toed heels added to the brilliance of the collection.
Mulberry:
Fabulous outerwear seemed to be the name of the game in London and while Burberry was bright and festive, Mulberry was a bit more demure, however no less ornate. Bronzy gold, peachy cream, minty green, and blues from pale to midnight.
The brocades, embroideries, and patterns were phenomenal, very earthy and flora based, something of a mix between Fall and Spring. I loved the use of florals on the clothing, handbags, and shoes simultaneously, rather than be over the top it was totally chic. I also loved the outerwear – The oversized silhouettes and large, upturned collars were perfection.
Acne:
The clothes at Acne were bold – Dramatic stripes, bright colors, graffiti prints, colorblocking, black leather, straps & buckles, adapted gladiator platforms, and parachute silhouettes.
All in all a very wearable collection of interesting and eye-catching separates perfect for the Acne girl. I especially liked the maxi skirts, vertical stripes, and buckle adorned vests.
House of Holland:
This 90’s grunge inspired collection was one for the books – The dark, moody colors were perfectly suited to the dramatic checkered patterns, graphic tees, beanies, skater shorts, and maxi silhouettes.
These were great pieces that immediately made me nostalgic for the music of my Junior High and High School days – Especially the shrunken baby tees, slouchy knit caps, and midriff bearing tops.
Erdem:
Python prints on retro silhouettes may not sound like a winning combination, but Erdem proved that it could work and even infused the collection with hints of neon and lace.
Little details make this collection really pop – Driving gloves, sheer lace, pleats, floral applique, cut-outs, high-necklines, coat-dresses, and intricate beading. Overall the collection was prim and proper but with a fun, wild side.
Pringle of Scotland:
Pringle started as a knitwear brand and this season they returned to their roots showing a lovely collection of separates which included a number of variations on their typical belted twinset.
When you say Pringle of Scotland what comes to my mind are clean lines, a preppy vibe, belted separates, and argyle, and this collection showed great versions of all of those staples.
Matthew Williamson:
Fun prints, brilliant colors, and dramatic details are what we’ve come to expect from Matthew Williamson, and this season’s collection really delivered.
Easy separates appeared in tie dye prints and with eye-catching embroidery and beading. His party girl clients will live in the float a-line silhouettes, mini skirts, and jeweled dresses paired with gem-encrusted belts and his new shoe collection.
Peter Pilotto:
Print lovers will have something amazing to look forward to from Peter Pilotto come Spring – Digital prints, mixing & matching patterns, and bright, bold prints.
Dramatic, eye-catching, and one-of-a-kind. The pieces shown at Peter Pilotto were extraordinary, I especially enjoyed the pants, oversized peplums, and dramatic, Latin-inspired ruffles.
Preen:
Preen made a triumphant return from the New York Fashion Week with a blue and white collection highlighted with hints of yellow and red, and covered in all-over prints.
The patchwork-like use of swatches of prints, combined with the tailoring, dramatic slits, verticle white stripes, and long, lean silhouettes gave the collection an architectural, structed feel.
Christopher Kane:
The Christopher Kane show was surprisingly delicate and sweet – A full 180 from previous collections full of black, slashed fabric, and safety pins.
Pale colors, light fabrics, dramatic drapes & folds, sheer pieces, clear plastic, and slits & cut-outs that somehow appeared elegant and refined despite the skin peeking through.
Mary Katrantzou:
The Queen of Prints returns! Taking banknotes and stamps as her visual inspiration she put together a unique and dramatic collection of dresses and separates covered with intricate patterns.
These pieces could never be confused with having been created by another designer – They were utterly one-of-a-kind – Simultaneously exotic and modern but with an old-fashioned air. I adored the matching pant & tunic sets, they were divine and I can’t wait to see how Hollywood interprets them to the red carpet.
Temperley London:
The Temperley London collection was all about bright colors, fun prints, nautical stripes, and retro silhouettes for this coming Spring – All the pieces fun but a little formal, and utterly wearable.
The sundress was reworked with a 50’s vibe and paraded down the runway in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics. There were also jumpsuits, lace & embroidery covered dress & gowns, shirt dresses, sweater sets, and too chic for words sun hats.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous LFW & Spring 2013 Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Fall 2012, London Fashion Week – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2012 Round-Up, and Streetstyle & Front Row Fashion – London Fashion Week.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Best Looks from London Fashion Week: Spring 2013 from Harper’s Bazaar, Our 10 Favorite Looks From London Fashion Week from Refinery 29, and Runway Recap: The Best Shoes From London Spring 2013 from Fashionlogie.
What’s your favorite thing about London Fashion Week? The chic outerwear, bold, innovative prints, or the retro, ladylike touches?
MCLV Style File: Poppy Delevingne
Welcome back to a new Style File Look!
It’s been a while since I put together one of these posts, but this recent look from British model & fashionista Poppy Delevingne really caught my attention so I’m here today to share it with you.
{Poppy Delevingne shot by Altamira: Models Off Duty}
What I love about this look is that it’s chic and well put together, but it’s also exceptionally versatile. It could easily go from a daytime look to nighttime, just as well as it could go from a Ladies Who Lunch outing to – well – Fashion Week in Berlin.
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Lace patterned dress, Marnie Leather Belt from Boticca, Black Marano Glitter Clutch by Anya Hindmarch & Pink and Slate Combo Stingray Sandals }
You could put together a similar look to this one by either belting a fun printed dress or combining separates – From the same brand or you could get creative and mix n’ match different patterns.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: MaxMara Studio Uruguay Dress – $475 @ Matches Fashion, Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Belted Ruffle Dress – $130 @ Nordstrom & Dorothy Perkins Black & White Print Dress – $50 @ Dorothy Perkins}
This is also the type of look that could translate easily from black & white to color quite well, you just need to make sure that you’re sticking with a subtle pattern, a bold print and bold color together will make the look overly busy.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Alexander Wang Drape Front Print Silk Dress – $295 @ Nordstrom, DKNY Royal Blue Belted Swing Dress – $190 @ StyleBOP.com & Young Threads NYC Inc. Flame of Reference Dress – $75 @ ModCloth.com}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking on the hyperlinks above and visiting the various store websites}
What’s your favorite part about Poppy’s fun look for Berlin Fashion Week? The subtle all-over pattern or the way she paired an understated Hugo Boss frock with fun, modern grey heels and a hippie-chic silver necklace?
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
2012 amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS
One of the brilliant events at the Cannes Film Festival each year is the amFAR Gala. This is a great fashion event and many Hollywood stars, models, fashion insiders, designers, bloggers, and photographers who don’t attend the Film Festival itself will make the trip to Cannes for this party alone.
This Elie Saab gown is about glitz and glamour rather than dreamy romance as with many of his creations that we see on the red carpet. And Nina couldn’t have chosen a more dramatic or eye-catching gown, it suited her to perfection. Definitely one of my favorite gowns of the evening.
This space-age inspired gown from the Versace Spring 2012 Couture Collection is absolutely amazing. When else would you be able to pull off a gown like this other than the MET Ball?
You can see the original gown here on Style.com worn by model Ros Georgiou on the Milan runway last year.
Interesting backs are my favorite part of a dress and this Emilio Pucci gown did not disappoint. The beading and sheer detailing on the front, high boatneck neckline, and draped back made this a gorgeous gorgeous look.
I loved the delicate fabric, square neckline and buttoned-up back on Kylie’s red siren gown. These details made it really unique and memorable.
Karolina’s gold Roberto Cavalli gown was intricate and beautiful, featuring sheer fabric, sequins, and an adorable matching jacket.
Drama Drama Drama. If you watch the video below you’ll see how amazing, and scandalous, this gown looks in motion. GIven her public persona and her function at the event, I couldn’t have picked a better gown for her.
Diane “the Queen of Cannes” Kruger wore another gorgeous Chanel creation, this time choosing a knee-length retro style number. Not my favorite look of hers from the Festival but eye-catching without a doubt.
Louis Vuitton seemed to be Kirsten’s go-to designer for all of the Cannes events this year, and this was another triumph. The covered up neckline, dramatic floral belt, and sweet tiers kept things interesting.
This white Versace column gown is anything but minimalist with the buckled straps across the back and shimmering silver detailing.
This year was even more special than in the past because Miss Carine Roitfeld hosted the “Perfect Black Wardrobe” Fashion Show where 25 top models walked the runway in black gowns, dresses, and suits submitted by the world’s top designers and design houses – from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel to Ralph Lauren and Mr. Giambattista Valli. You can even watch some clips from this amazing runway show here from FashionTV.
Curious how it might be to be an invitee to the Cannes Film Festival attending all of the amazing events and parties? Read Erin Wasson’s Cannes Style Diary over at Harper’s Bazaar for party pictures, outfit details, invitations, and much much more.
Cruising In Versailles
During the late Spring and early Summer there’s a bit of a lull in the fashion industry. Well, no, that’s not exactly right, but between cleaning up after the Fall shows, preparing the Spring lines, and attending the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala and the Cannes Film Festival, fashion insiders can always look forward to the smaller, more intimate Resort shows. Like the Couture and Pre-Fall shows, Resort collections usually have fewer looks, more intimate presentations, and aren’t shown in one of the four fashion capitals – New York, London, Milan, or Paris.
This year Mr. Karl Lagerfeld presented the always glamorous, always stunning, Chanel Resort Collection in the historic, fairytale city of Versailles. He even wore a slightly different variation of his standard uniform to the show – blue & black plaid.
Cara Delevingne opened the low-key runway show in a powder blue knee-length flared dress with capsleeves, matching court shoe-inspired booties, and a bobbed blue wig. This look was indicative of the entire show, which could be almost be summed up as Marie Antoinette meets Nicki Minaj for a girls night out.
Severely cropped bobs in blues, purples, pinks, noir, and blonde were worn by the models as they walked through the fountain strewn gardens in wide-leg shorts and flowing pants, heavy, thick maxi skirts, bathing suits, and sweet knee-length dresses.
And the accessories de jour for this season’s show? Platform sneakers and oh-so-cute Chanel double C tattoos.
I really enjoyed this show, the clothes all had a dramatic quality to them, which was enticing, though not necessarily something you’d plan to wear. The heavy fabrics, brocades, and intricate detailing evoked a movie set with filled with period costumes. And somehow Karl’s (can I call you Karl?) showmanship continues to improve season after season. He’s not selling clothes here, he’s selling an idea. He’s offering up a fantasy lifestyle that brings to mind the decadence of a period long past. He’s giving us an escape. And for a few blissful minutes as we watch this show, we forget about our world of alarm clocks and deadlines and 9-5 jobs. For a few minutes we’re lost in the gorgeous fabrics, stunning colors, and dream-like scene he’s created for our entertainment.
Source, Source, Source & Source
Never to be outdone by the models the front row of a Chanel show is always just as fashionable as the runway. Last year we got the pleasure of seeing Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson, and – another one of my girl crushes – Clemence Posey. This year the attendees included Vanessa Paradis, Cecile Cassel, Laura Bailey, Alice Dellal, Ines de la Fressange, Joana Preiss, and Caroline Seiber. They wore a gorgeous collection of Chanel separates and dresses from this and previous seasons. I especially liked the heavy-looking florals and tweeds in darker shades of blue, purple, and dusty pink.
This is a great dress for such an occasion. It’s a beautiful, interesting pattern with some shine to it so she really stands out. The neckline looks really unique and pretty though, which makes me wish she’d worn her hair up so we could see it better.
A bright pink tweed shirtdress with puffy sleeves? Yes please!
French actress and singer Cécile Cassel looked phenomenal in boxy, cropped royal blue tweed jacket and flowy midi skirt. She topped her look off with wind-swept platinum locks and a modified bowler hat.
Tres chic, as they say. I like that she didn’t go for a matchy matchy blue sandal.
And fabulous was served up by the one in a million Tilda Swinton. She has a truly amazing style, its partially due to her coloring and fashion choices, and partially her confidence and that Blue Steel stare! She can wear things that no one else can. When you see something on a runway and think to yourself “no one could make that work”, she’s the one who can make it work.
Sleek, dramatic, and androgynous, but still mesmerizing and sexy.
Fierce!
Are you interested in seeing Karl Lagerfeld’s previous sartorial accomplishments? Check out his Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012, Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012, and Spring 2012 Couture collections.
I’ll be back soon with more Resort 2013 collections and the fabulous Cannes Film Festival red carpet. Au revoir for now!
The Little Black Dress
“You can never be over – or underdressed in a Little Black Dress.” – Karl Lagerfeld
As far as I’m concerned, truer words have never been spoken. When Coco Chanel invented the Little Black Dress (aka LBD) in the 1920’s she had no idea what she was opening the fashion world up to. And with that brilliant idea the color of mourning was transformed into the chicest color of them all and the cocktail dress became the epitome of style and elegance.
In the years since its origination the LBD has come in many guises – formal, informal, short, midi, strapless, long sleeves, cotton, velvet, silk, lace, satin…
Evening-Appropriate:
The original LBD was intended for an evening out on the town and that tradition definitely lives on in this day in age.
Short, sassy, chic.
Perfection! It's fun and sexy and one-of-a-kind. What more could you ask for in a cocktail dress?
Kristin's look is everything you want from a LBD - Fun and eye-catching. The fabric makes it unusual and catches your attention when she walks by and her accessories perfectly add that needed zing to the look. Also, the tights make it warm enough to wear year-around.
This is the perfect example of showing some skin in a LBD but keeping the look chic rather than tacky. She looks sexy as hell, but classy and tasteful.
And of course, we’ve got to discuss the 2012 red carpet It Girl who wore LBDs almost exclusively for her Girl With The Dragon Tattoo appearances and premieres…
If you want to up the drama for evening try cut outs, lace, or panels of sheer fabric. They give the illusion of showing more skin than you really are and give a dress a unique and one-of-a-kind feel. I love that despite the modernity of this Prabal Gurung dress, she still looks like Audrey Hepburn!
The quickest & easiest way to make a dress evening-ready is to add jewelry and killer heels! Just keep them in your day bag and pull then out when cocktail hour arrives.
Work-Appropriate:
Wearing a LBD for work is all about length and appropriateness. You’ll want to stick with a drama-free dress, something sleek and approaching knee-length would be ideal.
A slinky sheath dress is the ultimate LBD for the office. The clean lines and chic silhouette are perfect for work and depending on the neckline and sleeves all you may need is a blazer to be meeting-ready.
Obviously Cara's boots aren't the perfect office shoes, but this is a really cute dress that could easily fit into a business-casual office with the addition of tights and a pair of basic pumps in either black or a fun color.
A wrap or criss-cross front dress is a great option for the office. Depending on the formality of your dress code you may need to add a blazer, cardigan, or closed-toe shoes to this beautiful Bottega Veneta dress.
A LBD with sleeves is an easy choice if you're heading into work, virtually any hemline below mini skirt level will balance out with sleeves. And a dramatic shoulder like this gorgeous velvet Nina Ricci dress will make it stand out all the more!
And the best part of wearing a LBD to work? Take off your blazer or tights and switch up your shoes and you’re ready for a night out on the town!
Day-Appropriate:
Wearing a LBD during the day is a breeze, it’s all about picking one that suits your plans since they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles these days. Brunch, sight-seeing in a new city, traveling – You can easily add a little class to these activities with the perfect frock, dressed up or down.
You'll stand out in a crowd in a dress like this one! This type of dress could easily go from day to-night and she did a great job of keeping things casual by adding low-key accessories. Great platform t-straps and I like her decision to add the faux fur and leather jacket to stay warm. And that purse! 🙂
You can easily add a boho feel to your LBD with a cardigan or duster and layers and layers of funky jewelry. These boots are a great, unexpected way to finish this look off.
Adding brightly colored or patterned tights to a LBD is a great way to spice it up and make your look wholly original. I love love love the little white Peter Pan Collar on this Asos dress, it's definitely something I would wear with ballet flats!
Such a cute dress! The oversized pockets show you how little details can set a LBD apart from other dresses. And those shoes! Too cute - A fun, interesting alternative to ballet flats.
In my Real Girls Need Real Closets post I discussed the basics that a well-rounded wardrobe should contain – including the LBD. Similarly you can check out My Ten Essential Closet Pieces from Wendy’s Lookbook.
So what do you think? Are you ready to try adding a Little Black Dress to another part of your life?
Have a great weekend, I’ll be back from sunny Sea Ranch on Sunday with some great vacation clothes shots! If you’re interested in real-time updates, photos, and reading links that I’m loving, follow me on Twitter or Facebook.
Looks of the Week
Happy Monday! Let’s get straight to the good stuff today. Enjoy!
This is a great example of a relaxed, feminine take on menswear. The loose, wide-leg trousers in a fun fabric and beautiful deep color are the central piece, paired with a basic white blouse, and great accessories. The purse is a really pretty, unique piece and the platform sandals with the silver heel are to die for. Outstanding!
This is the perfect casual cropped pants look. Relaxed and fun, but really well put together and accessorized to perfection with the fierce heels and bright bag. J'adore!
Gorgeous accessories and styling here, I love the belted coat with the dramatic faux fur collar, the gloves, and the platform booties are absolutely divine. Such a great, well put together look!
This is just because I love you guys... I kid, I kid. He actually looks great. I love interesting suits - fun ties, patterned fabrics, unusual colors. The average man doesn't seem to take a lot of risks when it comes to fashion, so I especially love to see a little risk on the red carpet!
Liz from Late Afternoon is never one to shy away from color, but I was particularly impressed with this Spring look. The cream sweater is the perfect topper for the sweet floral shorts and I love that the scarf is full of bright, warm colors that aren't matchy matchy. It's a fun, chic look that we can all emulate!
Olivia strikes again! If you're set on wearing jeans but want to dress them up a bit, this is a great way to do it. The shimmery blazer is fun but understated and the brightly colored, contrasting pumps are a great finishing touch.
Great color combination! I love that she chose to highlight the blue in her shoe choice rather than the more obvious green. A great summer nights look!
I absolutely love this look. The focal point is a gorgeous, chic double-breasted coat in an interesting, uncommon shade. It shows you how easily outerwear or a great bag can update a basic look.
If you want the ultimate in casual style do it like Rosie, Cropped jeans, basic T, booties. Done!
What I love about this look is the styling, which is absolutely top-notch. The sunglasses, the bag, the broach, the jewelry... And that strong-shouldered blazer is parfait! J'adore!
While this look seems pretty basic, it's really anything but. It's got a cute purple plaid shirt, mixing of black & navy, layers galore, and even knee-high socks with ballet flats. It's cute and fun and perfect for these Spring showers we've been having!
For a music awards show red carpet you always expect the unexpected - but I loved this chic little look. The leather shorts w/ blazer combo is perfect, and that gorgeous gold layered necklace and bright cobalt blue shoes are the perfect standout accessories.
And since we were all bombarded with photos and updates from Coachella this weekend I wanted to do a little round-up of some of the best looks that I saw from the festival. The Coachella corner if you will:
Late Afternoon was one of the fashion bloggers I was most looking forward to hearing from during the festival and she did not disappoint. And as if the tied shirt, flannel overshirt, and cropped leather jacket combo wasn't enough, she added an adorable maxi skirt and the cutest braids ever. J'adore!
Each of these girls has a pretty distinct look - Lily's a little rock n' roll in leather, Karlie's the laid back hippie in her patterned poncho, and Cara's got the hipster style covered with ray bans and a sideways hat.
Hippie view!!!
I love Kasia's low-belted tank dress and fringed booties. Casual and relaxed but totally on-trend for the events.
I love the different styles and pieces in this group shot. From flowy maxi skirts to wide leg pants to retro shorts to floral headpieces to kimonos. Amazing!
Sincerely Jules stacked things up with woven bracelets, spikes, and even some bling. Great combo!
True flower-child stylin'! I love all the bracelets and the fringed suit, a really great pairing.
Diane looking adorable @ the Lacoste L!ve pool party. I like the colorblocking of the dress and her cute booties.
Fringe, cut-off shorts, jean jackets, facepaints - These models are ready for the festivities!
This was one of my favorite looks. I like the simplicity of the basics paired with the high-octane extras. That scarf is killer!
If you’re in need of more flower-power check out these best dressed lists – Festival Fashion! 50 Hot Snaps From Coachella, Coachella 2012: Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, Lily Collins And Other Best-Dressed Stars At This Weekend’s Festival, Coachella 2012: Festival Street Style, and of course, Tom & Lorenzo’s Coachella Ladies.
Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012
Well, after a crazy month of fashion we’ve finally arrived – the final week of collections for Fall 2012. After New York, London and Milan you’d think that the fashion world would be too exhausted to muster up much enthusiasm for the Paris shows, but that is never the case. Instead Paris is the culmination of all the weeks of runway shows, the center of the fashion universe, with designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada and Nicolas Ghesquière and houses like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton keeping it in the spotlight.
Karl Lagerfeld took nature as his muse and created a dramatic spectacle filled with giant crystal stalagmites and an icy snowscape for a runway. The Chanel Fall 2012 collection was predominately dark with the occasional splash of brilliant green, purple, pink, yellow and blue. What did Uncle Karl give us this season that will soon be all the rage? A new combination of separates – Jacket, skirt AND pants. One version that he showed was wrought in Chanel tweed with purple undertones and had a flared skirt, a boxy high-neck jacket and slim, cropped pants.
He also showed great outerwear – cozy ankle-length dusters, cropped open jackets with big pockets, sleeveless mid-thigh length collared coats worn over a cropped jacket, and of course the traditional tweeds.
The accessories were just as striking as the clothes for this show. Gem encrusted belts, mineral formation-inspired shoes, floral pins, sequined embroidery on sleeves & collars, and jeweled bracelets & purses that looked like they were adorned with roughly cut amethyst and pyrite.
What was one of the first and most striking things that you noticed during the show? The brilliant jeweled eyebrows sported by the models – made by the couture embroidery house Lesage.
The Fall 2012 show for Valentino was beautiful and demure, with dramatic undertones. The collection included lots of leather, lace, native & floral prints, separates with sweet details, long dresses, vivid outerwear & capes, jumpsuits, ankle strap heels, and of course, the always striking Valentino Red.
The show was inspired by folk costumes and that theme was picked up in the knee-length capes, braided updos and provincial prints, but it was the separates, accessories, pale embroidery and dresses that really caught my eye.
Need more Valentino? Check out the runway video or more pictures.
The Chloe collection for Fall 2012 was relaxed but chic, with a certain nonchalance that we’ve come to enjoy from this house over the years. The pieces included wide leg pants, belted & large pocket-adorned dresses, lacy coats & zip-up jackets, chunky sweaters, pencil skirts and shirtdresses in an array of colors – pale peach, blue and pink, antique white, burgundy and midnight blue.
The accessories and details for Chloe were quite sweet – satin, pastel ankle strap heels, dainty belts, lacy edges and muted, girly plaids.
See the video here or look through additional photographs of these lovely clothes here.
While Christian Dior remained at the center of rumors and speculation, Bill Gaytten put together an outstanding runway show full of black and soft colors like dove grey, ballerina pink, and pale, pale lavender. The clothes may not have been innovative and new, but I think most audience members would agree with me that the pieces were incredibly beautiful and wearable. I especially liked the flowy skirts in soft colors paired with ankle strap ballet-inspired heels and mixed with harder fabrics and edgy pieces like leather adorned cropped jackets or boxy tweed coats.
I absolutely fell in love with the separates and the accessories – the bags, jewelry and shoes were unbelievable. I want one of each please. Please?
Ford Models has a great backstage view of the dresses and there are more pictures of these great pieces here.
Natalia Vodianova was the first of many top models on the runway for the smart, fun collection by Stella McCartney. Others included Anja Rubik, Karlie Kloss, Kasia Struss, Lindsey Wixson and the It Girl for the Fall 2012 fashion shows Cara Delevingne – younger sister of Poppy Delevingne.
The models strutted their stuff in black and brilliant blue with a few splashes of pink and grey. The pieces were minimal and sleek in silhouette but with unique additions like color on color embroidery, asymmetrical zippers, high necklines, colorblocking and interesting fabrics. Pants & skirt suits, separates, dresses and divine outerwear were the order of the day.
On my must have list? The velvety embroidered portfolio clutches and oh-so-flattering dresses with the high necks and the flippy, cheerleader-inspired skirts. Perfect with tights, a cropped jacket & heels for Fall.
There’s a runway video or more photos if you’re still in the mood for more Stella.
Pants! Pants! Pants! Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu show was all about pantsuits. The colors ranged from shades of blue, gold, rose, purple, and neutrals, and even included bold stripes and bright retro prints.
The styles were almost as varied as the colors and patterns, there were oversized menswear-inspired cuts (one even modeled by Jacquetta Wheeler!), seventies style all-over prints, mod belted-tunic coats over cropped pants, and even shorts & skirts.
With the suits were seriously cute colorblock-toed boots, bow-adorned Oxfords with thick heels & platforms, low-heeled loafers and an array of top handled bags in a rainbow of colors.
Need more? The Sartorialist has got you covered.
This was Alber Elbaz’s 10 year anniversary and Lanvin was, as always, a dazzling show of color, frivolity and fun. The sexy, body hugging dresses came in every color you could imagine – teal, marigold, cobalt blue, tangerine, purple – and there were prints galore as well. These dresses are for a girl with a good time on her mind. Girls night out. Bachelorette party. Date night. There were dresses for all occasions on this runway.
The middle section of the show was a bit more dramatic, it contained two dozen looks in darker tones with leather, velvet, embroidery, brocade and jeweled details to up the drama. From light and easy to drama drama drama, Lanvin has you covered ladies.
Watch the wonderful runway show here or view more pictures here and here.
The twenty-six piece collection for Celine was bold and architectural, featuring separates, oversized outerwear, a handful of dresses and some great bags and shoes. Lots of crisp white with touches of black leather and dashes of blue, red and pink. Colorful in a minimal and chic way, Phoebe Philo’s specialty.
The wedges and zip up mid-calf boots were incredibly wearable, but it was the clutches that really made my day. From envelope style to large and overstuffed, they were absolutely sumptuous.
Check out Garance Dore‘s video from the runway or more pictures from Fashionologie.
The “beauty in the future” Alexander McQueen show was all about volume and extravagant drama. The show began with dresses that brought to mind explosions of flower petals, paired with futuristic black sunglasses and striking metallic belts that encircled the models and appeared to keep them grounded.
From there the drama only increased, and in Tim Blanks’s words: “The show’s progression from pure white to the grandest possible finale of red and black felt like a journey from innocence to experience.”
Wearable? No. Eye-catching, breathtaking and dramatic? Oh. Yeah.
You can see the runway show here or additional photographs of the collection here and here.
Marc Jacobs’s Louis Vuitton show was by far the most fantastical during Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012. A real steam engine? But of course!
Exaggerated silhouettes, large vintage-style buttons, all-over prints and suits with a skirt & pants worn together may not have been wholly original concepts this season, but you have to hand it to Marc Jacobs to put his own personal spin on these pieces to make them 100% Louis Vuitton. For starters he added oversized, banded Stephen Jones hats to his looks (almost reminiscent of his Marc Jacobs show for New York Fashion Week Fall 2012), shimmery fabrics with block-like patterns, art deco inspired sequined detailing, contrasting collars, and an array of gorgeous shoes and handbags. Oh, and bellhops to carry the bags.
And as always, the accessories and extras for the Louis Vuitton collection were beyond drool worthy. Gorgeous oversized handbags, monogrammed & patterned hat boxes (one of my favorite things of all time), railway trunks, retro doctor’s bags and all the luggage you could want in everything from orange fur to green crocodile to classic LV neutrals. WANT.
The runway show can be watched here or you can see more pictures of this extravaganza here.
The gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2012 Ready-To-Wear show was bittersweet as Stefano Pilati announced it was his last collection for the house. The primarily dark hued show was sleek and dramatic. Nipped waists, rubber & latex trims, chain mail pieces & accents, metallic pumps, black leather pants, and shiny, deep crimson nail polish & lipstick all came together to create and sexy, gothic dream.
I really liked the dark florals paired with leather and tougher fabrics with a little edge. I also adored the sexy necklines and low backs in this collection, I think that the back is such a beautiful part of a woman’s body and I wish more designers would create pieces that highlight it this way.
And I saved the best for last… Pilati also showed the jumpsuits & Le Smoking Suits from YSL’s 70s heyday – Classics reworked!
Check out the runway video and more pictures from this collection.
As always Nicolas Ghesquière’s Balenciaga collection was striking and eye-catching. Shiny metallic draping, sheer skirts with bands of shimmery fabric at the bottoms, oversized outerwear in cocoon and balloon silhouettes, slashes of brilliantly colored animal prints, silkscreened t-shirts with bright graphics and great color combinations all made the show quite theatrical.
You can find more pictures here and here, or watch the video here.
Oh Nina… Nina Ricci was dark, dramatic, and a little dishevelled. The clothes had an air of being slightly undone – sleeves long enough to covered the models’ hands, collars and hemlines askew, slits a little too high, exposed tops of thigh-highs. But there was also an air of boudoir comfort in the silks, sheer tops and visible camisole straps. The Nina Ricci woman is nothing if not confident – comfortable whether she’s wearing her slip under a tweed suit or exposing a little skin when her dress strap slips off a shoulder.
I loved the whole feel of this collection, the tousled elegance was beautiful and carefree. Very French. I loved the satin slip dresses in deep amethyst worn with furs and my favorite dress was the pale periwinkle & grey tweed with faux fur collar & sleeves.
And the shoes at Nina Ricci were nothing short of phenomenal. I want them all.
You can see more photographs of these gorgeous clothes here and a runway video here.
See By Chloe, the younger sibling of Chloe, showed a great, wearable collection via the invitation only website Digitalfashionshows.com. The primarily black, white & red looks included chic separates, flowy maxis, peasant dresses, well-tailored jackets and adorable pointy-toed booties in black, cream and tan. My favorite look was a red corduroy suit with a plunging neckline and double-breasted buttons.
You can see more pictures from FabSugar.
Swoon! Roland Mouret’s collection was lustrous and elegant, his show included everything from subtle animal print suits to pastel and muted plaid pantsuits to gorgeous dresses with flattering twisted & draped fabric to beautiful separates and skirts with peplums to a series of lavender-grey lace dresses.
This was a collection for a sexy professional working woman. The clothes ranged from what she’d wear for after-work cocktails with colleagues to running into the office to finish a project on a Saturday to her Board Meeting power suits. I would wear virtually every piece from this collection. Any one want to buy it for me?
You should definitely look at more pictures from this collection.
The collection that Dries van Noten showed in Paris was full of black, white and blue prints – prints that covered everything from coats and dresses to button downs and floor-length gowns. But those weren’t the only prints, he also included Asian inspired gold dragons, geometric patterns in orange and yellow, traditional Japanese graphics, and more conventional stripes and florals for Fall. The show also included great outerwear – coats with larger silhouettes as we’ve been seeing all over the runways these past few weeks, as well as fur-lined Anoraks, and belted knee-length wool jackets
Mr. van Noten is a man known for his attention to detail and that’s especially evident when you get a good look at the intricacies and various components included in his prints, patterns, and color combinations.
See the runway show or more photos here.
Balmain was all about high-low mixing. Elaborate embroidery and intricate details paired with a more relaxed lower half in beautiful velvets and hip-hugging leather. The rock n’ roll mini dresses with dramatic shoulders were present, but this season they appeared in white, covered in crystals or embroidered with flowers. And even the famous Balmain bandleader jacket got a reworked, appearing squarer and more relaxed in the fit with less showy shoulder pads.
FabSugar & The Sartorialist have more pictures or you can watch the runway show.
In the mood for more from the Paris shows? You can view photos & videos from some shows that I didn’t have time to review over here: Rochas, Carven, Gareth Pugh, Mugler, Sonia Rykiel and Isabel Marant.
Want to see what the Parisian designers have done in past seasons? Check out Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part I, Spring Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part II and Paris Fashion Week Fall 2011.
*** Please note that I do not advocate the use of fur in fashion and personally make an effort not to wear or carry fur, exotic skins or leather. I believe that in this day in age there are many beautiful alternatives to these products which are cruelty-free and should be utilized instead.
Photographs from Style.com unless otherwise cited.
New York Fashion Week Fall 2012
As much as I would love to review each & every show from the Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week – a girl’s gotta sleep. So in the next few posts I’ll share some of my favorite shows, looks, and moments, and at the bottom you can find more information & links about the shows that I couldn’t review.
I always look forward to Alice+Olivia because I can see myself in all of their clothes and their presentations are always bright, pretty and fun. This season the outstanding looks were showcased on a dramatic black & white rug in a chic Baroque-style sitting room – a busy, but interesting background for the pieces.
From separates to cocktail frocks to full length gowns, there’s a little something for everyone. I love the black, white & grey tweed and wool outerwear almost as much as the glitzy dresses – always the highlight with everything from brocade florals to sleek n’ sexy black to glamorous sequins, feathers and faux fur. Tres chic!
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been hooked since Rachel Zoe’s very first show because not only are her looks right on trend, they’re flattering and wearable – I even bought this coat after eyeing it for over a year. This season was no exception and her first runway show was all about the swinging 60’s in London with a splash of rock n’ roll – a common theme this week.
The looks were fun, sexy & playful with faux fur & leather, pantsuits, velvet, pleating, double-breasted buttons, sequins & over-the-knee suede boots. I’ll take one of each please!
{Tom & Lorenzo and Black Studded Fashion agreed, you can also read her post-fashion week interview with Harper’s Bazaar here}
Milly is another show that I look forward to because I know that some of the pieces will end up in my closet (at this point I should say thank you to my gorgeous & stylish cousin Heather for turning me onto Milly – definitely a defining moment!). And Michelle Smith did not disappoint this season, the show was full of fun colors, interesting patterns and quirky silhouettes.
Adorable double-breasted coats, gloves in black, leopard and blue, sheer tights, turtlenecks, A-line minis, sheer blouses with contrasting collars, petal skirts, flashes of neon, retro-style cocktail dresses, wide belts and pointy-toed pumps.
The grey petal dress with the pockets worn over a black turtleneck and gloves {above right} was definitely my favorite look – Can’t you just see that walking down the street?
Diane Von Furstenberg’s show was sexy and powerful, the DVF woman she celebrated this season was glamorous and sophisticated in bold colored body-worshipping dresses.
I loved the short sleeves paired with opera-length gloves, the belted coats with slim pants, the colorblocking separates, the ankle-strap heels and the sweet prints. The minimal makeup and side-parted hair were the perfect finishing touch.
{Check out this video from FabSugar to see these gorgeous clothes in action!}
If you live for elegant ladylike looks, you’re probably a fan of Victoria Beckham’s classic designs. This season was all about preppy curve-hugging jersey and sporty form-fitting outerwear, paired – interestingly enough – with cute combat boots & thick socks.
This season also marked the first show for Victoria’s lower priced collection called Victoria by Victoria Beckham – Which according to Net-a-Porter was entirely sold out before even getting online. These dresses are simple and pretty, not overly complex or intricate, just basic shift and drop-waisted frocks that you can dress up or down.
{See the video from the Victoria Beckham show here and check out a video of the designer hanging out with Anna Wintour here}
Rachel Roy took the elements as her muse and showed a collection in deep, earthy colors and fun, modern silhouettes. I especially liked the shades of purple used for the last portion of the show, the brightly colored cropped gloves, Oxford booties and wide belts on the coats and separates.
Carolina Herrera’s show was everything we’ve come to expect over the years – glamour and sophistication, with a splash of decadence. She showed everything from wool A-line skirts to cropped boleros to belted strapless dresses to silk screened ball gowns to swoon-worthy gloves, shoes & accessories.
The colors and fabrics were beautiful and interesting while the silhouettes maintained their usual classic and ladylike flair. I especially loved the black & white striped print with the bright florals splashed across. Gorgeous.
{You can find more pictures from this show here}
If you’re in the mood for a little prep J.Crew was the show for you this season. This collection was all about separates and layering, each look had a handful of interesting components that could be worn separately or together. And while there were more bright colors and fun prints than in years past, the basic J.Crew asthetic was present throughout.
{You can also check out a video of the show here.}
Patterned sweaters, jewel toned & printed pants, traditional outerwear, plaid and stripes, dresses for work and play and cute cropped sweater coats. How adorable is that blue tweedy look on the right with the orangy red turtleneck?
The 3.1 Phillip Lim show was primarily black, white & grey with splashes of camel, burnt orange and aqua here and there. But above all else, these clothes were oh-so-wearable. Not only could I picture these looks walked down the New York sidewalk outside, I’ve seen versions & variations in the closets of all the chic women I know. Bulky sweaters, chic suits, cigarette pants, tunics, turtlenecks & sweater dresses galore.
Was it innovative and ground breaking? No, but in an economy like this one women prefer to buy classic, well-made pieces that can be worn season after season, rather than something that will be out of style in a few months, and that’s where this collection steps in.
Favorite part? Definitely the t-strap platforms. Come to mama!
Details details details! Marc Jacobs is always a bit eccentric in his presentations and this year was no different. Bundled layers, dramatically exaggerated silhouettes & unconventional mix and matching were the order of the day. And hats that Dr. Seuss would have been proud of. Can’t forget those.
But looking beyond the showmanship and styling you found some really fabulous pieces perfect for Fall – I especially liked the pairing of slim, cropped cigarette pants with bigger proportions on top, the large buttons on the coats and the elaborate pilgrim shoes.
The looks that Tory Burch showed were effortlessly chic and wearable, I could see myself in virtually everything. And as much as I adore seeing the artistry and showmanship of designers like the late Alexander McQueen, there’s something comforting about seeing a collection that can translate easily to real life, and that’s something that Tory Burch excels at.
While the separates, skirts, dresses and perfectly tailored outerwear were to die for, I couldn’t help but drool a little over the extras. Opera-length gloves, structured handbags, lace & patterned tights, floral appliqué collars and low-heeled T-straps.
{You can read Modelinia’s review of the show here}
Zac Posen’s Japanese themed collection was filled to the brim with hip-hugging dresses, jewel toned separates and sumptuous outerwear. His clothes are dramatic and glamorous, you choose this brand when you want to make a statement the moment you walk into a room.
{You can see a video of the runway show here.}
While Posen’s clothes can seem more like art at times than something you’d actually wear – the flared skirts and cut-out bodices were incredibly flattering, as were the gorgeous metallic ankle-strap heels.
Oh Oscar! The Oscar de la Renta show was a fun and youthful twist on his usual prim and proper fare. Shorter hemlines, cheeky color combinations ,and mix n’ match patterns gave the show an interesting twist. The looks were Winterized by adding bulky knit wraps, cropped tweed coats, lace and brocade jackets and even floor-length dusters paired with evening gowns.
The booties and twisted ribbon pumps paired with subtle fish net stockings were divine, as were the jeweled headpieces, brooches and crystal adorned outerwear. I thought that the exaggerated boatneck collars were exceptionally flattering and loved the pale blue – almost reminiscent of Karl’s Spring 2012 Couture collection.
{Need more Oscar? FabSugar & The Fashionista have you covered – both featuring Arizona Muse’s amazing silver Cinderella ball gown}
A post on New York Fashion Week would hardly be complete without a mention of DKNY. The show was all about downtown cool and as usual black was the main hue – this season with touches of dove grey, cranberry and navy. The cropped outerwear paired with an A-line mini skirt was an especially fun and flirty silhouette, that still managed to be a little bit business.
The highlights were the thick leather belts, high collars, opaque black tights, booties & ankle-strap heels, gorgeous handbags, sweet floral prints with harder pieces, brights paired with black and tough biker girl leather edges added to outerwear. I would wear virtually any of these pieces, can’t wait for them to hit stores!
The details and extras were really well-chosen for this show, I loved everything from the shoes to the accessories to the cuffs and collars added to the jackets & coats.
{You can also see Tom & Lorenzo’s photographs & review here.}
What can you say about Michael Kors? The man himself is a legend (Studio 54 ring a bell anyone?) and the brand that he’s created is know for its clean lines, flattering styles, and all-American appeal. And while last year’s big 30th anniversary show was quite the success, this year’s show was hardly a let down. The chic country girl in the big city styles were fun but practical – MK’s MO.
The red & black checks, grey wool, black & white flannels, thick knits and dramatic leathers and furs created a backdrop for the story that MK told and the looks were finished off with gloves, skinny belts, thick socks, t-strap heels, clogs, lace up boots and chunky Mary Janes.
{FabSugar has additional photos of the Michael Kors show here or you can see full runway show on GQ Fashion.}
And last but hardly least is Prabal Gurung, one of the most anticipated shows of the season – the Twittersphere (oh how I hate that word) BLEW UP after the new ad campaign with a dark-haired Candice Swanepoel was released and the hype for his Fall 2012 show increased steadily until the big day. From blacks to brilliant cobalt to white to shimmery gold, the looks ranged from severe with dramatic cutouts to youthful with crazy prints.
I thought that the satiny finished trousers were extremely chic and I can’t wait for the multi-strap heels to hit the stores. I’m also predicting that many of these frocks will appear on the red carpets this season. I wouldn’t be able to resist if I had access to them!
{Purple DIARY has some more great photos here and the runway video can be viewed here}
{Source, Source, Source & Source}
If you’d like to see more shows there are full New York Fashion Week summaries here and here, or you can see photos or videos of the individual shows here: Tibi, Tracy Reese, Christian Siriano, Jenny Packham, Karen Walker, Chris Benz, Naeem Khan, Betsey Johnson, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Elie Tahari.
All the designers really out did themselves this year. The creativity and artistry of the collections and the presentations really blew me away. Stay tuned for the street style and front row looks, then it’s off to London Fashion Week. Also – Be sure to keep an eye out for Moi Contre La Vie’s post-Fashion Week Giveaway!
*** Please note that I do not advocate the use of fur in fashion and personally make an effort not to wear/carry fur, exotic skins or leather. I believe that in this day in age there are many beautiful alternatives to these products which are cruelty & animal-free and should be utilized in their place.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
It’s that time again… Time for all the new ad campaigns for Spring 2012 that make us swoon and wish the weather would hurry up so we can throw on sundresses and gorgeous resort wear. Sigh. Tom & Lorenzo have the lowdown on Valentino, Harper’s Bazaar previews the fabulous Burberry video featuring Poppy’s younger sister Cara Delevingne, Mama’s A Rolling Stone has gorgeous photos from the 2012 campaigns for Lanvin, Chloe and Balenciaga, and My Dress.My High Heels.My Style shows off the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2012 Ad Campaign with the lovely, tan Natasha Poly, a breathtaking Mila Kunis for Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012 and great mixing and matching of prints in the DKNY Spring/Summer 2012 Ad Campaign where Ashley Greene giving great face on New York rooftops.
Looking for something light and entertaining to read this weekend? Try Simon Doonan’s Gay Men Don’t Get Fat, see Harper’s Bazaar’s review here. Not your typical fashion tome, that’s for sure.
Need some ideas for comfy clothes and cozy accessories as this latest cold weather front moves through? WhoWhatWear has the breakdown on outerwear worn by everyone from Ashley Olsen to Rooney Mara, Frugal Fashionista has the lowdown on snowboots under $100 and FabSugar has 5 ideas on how to mix and match your feminine, warm-weather wear with cozy pieces for winter.
Need some extras to finish up your daily looks these days? 10 sweet winter accessories under $50, China Glaze creates a Hunger Games inspired line of nail polish, 7 pairs of nerd-chic glasses and leopard print scarves.
Health & Fitness:
Personally, I don’t own a scale, I’m much more interested in how my clothes fit. One reason? Muscle mass is important for your health. Is bulking up at the gym one of your fears? Fit Bottomed Girls discuss common fitness fears.
The girls over at Tone It Up give great daily updates – check out their great suggestion to keep you healthy and moving all day at work. Need some more motivation to get you going? FitSugar has you covered with quotes and mottos to get you up and out the door.
I can’t decide what I want to make first next weekend: FitSugar’s black & white bean sweet potato soup, The Wannabe Chef’s tofu stirfry or The Hungry Hungry Hippie’s clean food cornbread.
Looking to add some new foods to your diet to increase your health? You could try hemp seeds, antioxidant-rich foods, green monster salads, “cheesy” veggie quinoa Quiche and some of the newly popularized superfoods of 2011.
Hope you had a great weekend!
MCLV’s Style File – Miranda Kerr
Welcome back to MCLV’s Style File for a breakdown on this great low-key outfit spotted on Victoria’s Secret model and busy mom Miranda Kerr in Australia a few weeks ago.
What I like most about this look is the high-low combination. The striped dress is stylish but casual and comfortable, the blazer is well-tailored and adds a bit of structure, and the red bag is an eye-catching splash of color that completes the look.
See below for some affordable picks for these pieces:
{Left to Right: G-Star – $78 @ Asos, French Connection – $78 @ Bloomingdale‘s & Swell Paula Dress – $55 @ Swell}
Depending on your mood you could rock a casual black and white striped mini like Mrs. Orlando Bloom, go for nautical-inspired navy & white stripes, or even pair a striped maxi dress with the rest of these pieces.
{Left to Right: Classic Blazer – $98 @ GAP, Boyfriend Blazer w/ Striped Cuff – $98 @ Asos & Cuffed Blazer – $80 @ Victoria’s Secret} A cropped or fitted blazer, boyfriend blazer, or even a casual rolled sleeve blazer would all work well in this outfit. You can follow Miranda’s lead and go for a classic black or navy blazer, but I think that a neutral tan or grey would look lovely as well.
{Left to Right: ADELAIDE Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots – $80 @ Asos, Sofft Cadence – $110 @ Shoebuy.com & Nina Bold – $50 @ Shoebuy.com}
You can give your look a sassy twist with a pair of flat ankle boots or lace-up heeled Oxfords, or you could even try a simple pair of black ballet flats depending on your personal style and – of course – how far you’re planning on walking.
{Left to Right: Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Medium Shoulder Tote – $100 @ Nordstrom, Contrast Colored Quilted Handbag – $65 @ Oasap & Kate Spade New York Tote – $175 @ Piperlime}
I know that these bags are a little pricier than the other pieces that I picked out above, but they’re all quality pieces that you’ll really be able to hang on to. I’m a huge fan of Longchamp’s Le Pliage line as well as simple Kate Spade totes, there’s really something for everyone in this eye-catching hue!
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
Moi Contre La Vie 