Links You’ll Love
Happy Monday everyone!
Here are some fun links to get your week started right. Enjoy!
Fashion:
When I saw this shot I was pretty intrigued. This is quite the vampy, sexy manicure! DIY Nail Art: A French Manicure That Fades To Black.
How you style a look is nearly as important as the pieces itself. Want some new ideas and tips on how to mix the pieces in your closet? WhoWhatWear to the rescue – June Styling Tips.
Does the ethics of a brand affect how much you like it? Vogue – Style Ethics: Olivia Wilde’s Bag for Alternative Apparel + Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Picks.
Did you enjoy all of the 2013 Resort Collections? Well Eat, Sleep, Denim has a must have a list from the shows for you – Denim Trends: A Wishlist.
Health/Fitness:
I don’t know about you, but I’m at a loss without music. Can’t work out. Can’t run. The right playlist not only gets you amped up for your exercise routine, it can keep you going when you’re ready to quit! These gym-regulars have just the play list for you – Victoria’s Secret Angel Erin Heatherton, Dutch model & Organice Your Life founder Lonneke Engel, and model slash DJ Harley Viera-Newton.
I don’t know about you, but fresh veggies and colorful salads are always a highlight of the summer for me. I love crisp, bright, refreshing recipes full of farmer’s market fare. If you agree check this out – Sweet and Savory: 3 Ways to Enjoy Summer Carrots.
A raw diet is something that I tried when I first went gluten-free and vegan a few years ago, after reading Carol Alt’s Eating in the Raw: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Slimmer, Feeling Healthier, and Looking Younger the Raw-Food Way. While I don’t follow a 100% raw diet 100% of the time, I definitely appreciate the health benefits and continue to eat a high raw diet – usually I eat raw until dinner. Well, luckily for us Miss Alt is back with a new book called Easy Sexy Raw: 130 Raw Food Recipes, Tools, and Tips to Make You Feel Gorgeous and Satisfied. Check out the review on Amazon or the piece on her new book in the NY Daily News.
It might not be news to you, but studies show that Sleepy Brains Are Drawn To Junk Food. Which means that in addition to introducing major health problems, reducing concentration, and causing forgetfulness, sleep deprivation can cause weight gain. Are you getting enough sleep? Check out my post on sleeping – Confessions of a Former Insomniac.
Just as I love braids for summer, there are certain makeup looks that just scream Summertime to me. From dewy skin to bronzed perfection, find the perfect look for warm weather days. The Zoe Report’s 10 Summer Beauty Wants – Hot Topic and Gala Darling’s beauty obsessions on Beauty Bender.
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.
2013 Resort Collections
Did the breathtaking Chanel Resort 2013 and Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 collections whet your sartorial appetite for more gorgeous warm-weather clothes?
Me too!
I’ve narrowed down some of my favorite looks from all of the gorgeous 2013 Resort collections for you. I wish I had the time for a full review of each lovely show, but alas, I do not. Enjoy these highlights!
As usual, the Stella McCartney show was cheerful and fun, offering beautiful clothing in a fun atmosphere. Games, a lemonade stand, celebrities & fashion insiders, and gorgeous models sporting gorgeous, summery pieces. Perfection!
Roomy silhouettes, matching separates, strong lines, and beautiful, flattering prints. Yup, it’s Stella!
Florals, animal prints, shirt dresses, oversized blazers, matching short & top combos, lace, and pretty pinks & yellows. Ready for Summer?
Cute. Fun. Flirty. The Carven show was filled with great, wearable separates. A few dresses were sprinkled throughout the show, but the separates were the highlight. This collection had Alexa Chung’s name written allll over it!
The mixing of bold hues and use of colorblocking are really eye-catching in this look. The details are really great, I love the two-toned heels, contrasting collar on the jacket, and cute little Peter Pan collar on midriff-baring top.
This muted paisley cap-sleeved shift is a fabulous day look. You could easily wear sandals or flats with it to run errands around Paris!
I was thrilled when I heard the news that Miss L’Wren Scott was planning to show her first Resort collection this season. I’ve been a longtime fan of her Fall and Spring lines, I adore her ladylike silhouettes and the phenomenal attention to detail that her garments always have. And this fabulously retro collection, tailor-made for Mad Men or Pan Am, was worth the anticipation.
Aren’t these striking silhouettes, fabrics, and colors perfect for warm weather. Very eye-catching!
Sweater sets, mix n’ match separates, sleek sheath dresses, and matching hats & lace up heels were just what the doctor ordered. A ladylike spin on traditional Summer fare.
Marc Jacobs was all about brights, prints, and separates. As always, the show was busy, a fabulous chaotic mess of fabrics and patterns and color. Oversized, baggy shorts paired with sequined T-shirts, maxi dresses with cut-out backs, midi-length dresses and skirts in a-line silhouettes, and bold colors embellished with sequins, lace, and shimmering brocades. A feast for the eyes!
Voluminous shorts can be hard to pull off, but in these adorable prints and colors, I bet many will try next Summer!
Billowing mid-calf length skirts, contrasting prints, bright florals, collared T-shirts, thick strap Mary Jane’s, and belted waists. Could there be more elements in these looks?
I’ve been a fan of Phoebe Philo’s work at Celine since day one. The lines, the silhouettes, the pants, the chic minimalism, the accessories. Oh lord, the accessories.
All-white is great for Summer and this unbelievably chic look is perfect for next year. Just add some chunky jewelry and you’ll the be best dressed girl at the resort!
Black & white never looked so good! This is the sort of style that is universally flattering and can work for most women. And that bag… Swoon!
The colors and fabrics of this look really make it stand out. The clean lines mixed with the eye-catching colors is a great combination.
I’m a sucker for a pretty pattern and easy, wearable separates, which makes most of the Tory Burch collections right up my alley. This year’s resort show included mixing & matching patterns, thick banded sandals, striped & checkered pieces, over the shoulder bucket bags, headbands, short shorts, and even seashell accents.
These striped pants are fabulous, they’re flattering, fun, and versatile. You could just as easily throw them over a bathing suit with a simple white T-shirt & sandals as you could pair them with killer heels & a strapless top for nighttime.
These checkered shorts caught my attention immediately, I thought there were too cute paired with the chic, structured navy jacket.
Preen had great florals, maxi dresses, and striking separates, but these two looks really stole the show in my opinion. I loved the dramatic quality of the color choices and the striking cuts.
This mix of fun, floral prints is really eye-catching and the cut of this dress is incredibly flattering. You could easily go from a daytime shopping trip to clubbing with a change of shoes, handbag, and accessories.
I love a maxi dress with a unique twists, like this one which has a more structured t-shirt silhouette, more daytime than beach time.
Michael Kors showed lots of solid colors and dazzling gold pieces. His silhouettes were simple and classic, the colors and occasional pattern definitely took front stage.
Great summer nights dress. Pretty, flattering and versatile, the perfect piece to take on vacation since you can wear it multiple times!
Without a doubt my favorite piece from this Resort collection. Fabulous cut and perfect styling, those gold sandals are killer!
You can always count on a Moschino Cheap and Chic show to be playful and entertaining, and the clothing to be cute and fun. This collection was all about gorgeous outerwear, whimsical prints, and relaxed, chic separates in cool greens and pale blues.
I love the light, Springy green of this coat, the relaxed silhouette, and the muted print. I’m also smitten with these retro spat-inspired black & white booties. Tres chic!
All the pieces of this look are great, but what makes it so striking is the combination. The oversized sweater paired with fitted black short, the to die for colorblock handbag, and the ridiculously cute striped peep-toe wedges. Great combination!
I always look forward to all of Jason Wu’s shows, his designs are inevitably chic and polished. Each and every look could go straight from the runway to the street outside the show without missing a beat. Classic, well-tailored, and timeless, these clothes are a great investment!
I NEED THIS! That’s the first thing I thought when I looked at this collection. These looks are eye-catching and too adorable for words. Pieces from this collection are definitely going to make their way into my closet!
And I’ve saved my favorite for last… Rachel Zoe! Fun, sexy, and completely drool-worthy. Daywear, club gear, bathing suit cover ups, all with a little drama and a 70’s spin. Just the way we like it!
Mod perfection. LOVE.
So sexy & chic! I love the black & white combinations here, the slim pants and the flirty a-line skirt are both fabulous. Love!
Great colors! The skinny suit is too chic for words and I love the darker florals, it’s a unique color scheme for summer.
Source, Source, Source & Source
If you dying for more check out the following reviews and summaries for the fabulous 2013 Resort Collections – FashionVibe’s Resort Report, FabSugar’s Over 250 of the Best Looks From Resort 2013, and Refinery 29’s 17 Resort ’13 Collections That Blew Us Away.
What do you think of this collection of Summery runway shows? What were your favorite collections and pieces from the Resort 2013 lines?
Vacationing With Oscar
Did you enjoy the Chanel 2013 Resort Collection? Luckily for us there are other design houses that are offering up Resort collections for us this year, including Oscar de la Renta.
During my review of the Fall 2012 Oscar de la Renta Collection during New York Fashion Week last season I mentioned how in addition to his tried and true ladies who lunch attire, he was also offering some younger clothes with a youthful air to them.
This season’s Resort collection was a continuation of that and we saw not only the chic separates and dresses that we’ve come to know and love, but some great black, white, and multi-colored pieces in gingham, checks, animal prints, plaid, florals, lace, crochet, ruffles, tweed, and even tie dye.
I really liked this collection, it was light and fun, with an air of decadence and just a hint of naughtiness in the peek-a-boo lace booties and plunging necklines. I especially liked the looks in bright Spring greens made up of florals and giant checkered patterns. All tied chicly at the waist with green belts with gorgeous vintage-inspired gold buckles.
I predict that the first four looks in the green section will become wildly popular when they hit the stores. The silk blouses with floral details are flattering and beautifully made, while the pencil skirts give the looks a great retro feel. And the two dresses on the left have that great pin-up feel to them, I can picture a bombshell like Eva Mendes hitting the red carpet in either dress.
The other look that I adored was the opening number worn by Lindsey Wixson.
This pants & shirt outfit is to die for. I love the contrasting black and white circular patterns and the slim cut of the pants. The accessories are pretty divine as well, I love the matchy matchy clutch, belt, and bracelet. All over chic!
Check out FabSugar’s summary of the show here and if you’re curious about previous Oscar de la Renta shows you can see them here: New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012, and Resort 2012.
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!
Moi Contre La Vie 