An ongoing love affaire with all things fashionable, tasty and fun

Posts tagged “CUSP

Skull Candy

And by candy I mean fabulous things that I want – Jewelry, clothes, nail art, and accessories galore. All with fabulous skull designs.

So… I have a thing for skulls. Not a creepy morbid type of thing or a Halloween-only thing, just a deep and enduring love of all things skull adorned.

I think perhaps because I’m born on Dia De Los Muertos

Skull Nail Art Tutorial

I mean, how cute is that???

So in celebration of my skull love I’d like to share some adorable pieces and pictures and inspiration that I’ve found, and hopefully convert you all!

How killer are these leggings? I love the idea of a fun printed piece like this one taking center stage in an otherwise minimally styled look, but Fashion Coolture proves you can take things a step further and add another printed piece like this striped top. It’s busy but it works.

Why not wear a swimsuit with your pants? Why not wear a skull adorned swimsuit with your pants?

{Top Left: Nemesis Women’s Punk Rock Collection Skull Leather Cuff Band Watch – $40 @ Endless.com, Top Right: Dogeared Skull Charm – $35 @ CUSP, Bottom Left: Alexander McQueen Swarovski Skull Ring – $200 @ Net-A-Porter, and Bottom Right: Cherry Skull Double Wrap Bracelet – $250 @ Alexander McQueen}

Clearly Lee McQueen and I had something in common…

And just in case you were worried that skulls were too serious for your style, Betsey Johnson gave them a colorful new makeover!

{ Left: Betsey Johnson “Rio” Skull and Cherry Mismatch Earrings – $50 @ Endless.com & Right: Betsey Johnson Skull Fruit Stud Earring – $30 @ Piperlime}

And the new piece that I just ordered online in celebration of this post?

Image 1 of Peoples Market Skull Blouse

Skull Candy by MoiContreLaVie

{You can shop similarly adorable Skull Candy pieces over at ASOS Fashion Finder}

Come on, tell me the truth, are you a convert now? 🙂


MCLV Style File – Mod Dressing

 
I warned you.
 
 
I fell in love with this shot the first time I saw it on The Sartorialist. What can I say? I’m just a girl who believes in love at first sight. Sartorial soul mates and all that. 🙂
 
What’s so great about this outfit is the simplicity of it. Dress. Bag. Belt. No muss, no fuss.
 

Top Left: Theory 'Odalis - Shellback' Dress - $100 on sale @ Nordstrom Rack, Top Right: Raoul Contrast Mod Dress - $190 @ Neiman Marcus, Bottom Left: Shoshanna Tone-on-Tone Check Dress - $190 @ CUSP & Bottom Right: MISERICORDIA dress - $75 @ Yoox.com

The first piece of this puzzle is a basic shift dress. Whether you want to go for a solid colored dress, a subtle pattern or something more dramatic, the key for a shift dress is to find a style that is flattering on you. Long-sleeved, knee-length, sleeveless, mini, pockets… It’s all about the fit and cut.

Top Left: Aria Leather Cross-Body Bag - $120 @ Banana Republic, Top Right: Ted Baker Leelar Patent Satchel - $210 @ Nordstrom, Bottom Left: Calvin Klein Vienna Lock Dr. Satchel - $130 @ eBags.com & Bottom Right: London Fog Hampton Satchel - $140 @ Amazon.com

A solid colored satchel bag is incredibly versatile and the top handle makes it a very east to hold onto bag, especially if you’re, say, a photographer and always busy with your hands.
 

Top Left: Cross-Stitched Panel Belt - $52 @ Guess, Top Right: Braided Leather Ring Belt - $30 @ American Eagle Outfitters, Bottom Left Leather Bow Belt - $30 @ Gap & Bottom Right: Braided Belt - $40 @ LOFT

A braided or simple belt doesn’t have to be expensive and in either black or brown is a great basic to keep in your closet. I love this bow belt from GAP but you want to make sure that a style like this is worn with a very basic shift dress to avoid over doing it on the cute-factor.
 
And if the browns & neutral tones of this color scheme don’t suit your coloring, just pick a more flattering color for pieces. Just try to keep them all to a similar color to keep the general idea behind this look in tact.
 
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Need some happy thoughts to help get you through the Thanksgiving holiday with your family? Repeat after me – SHOPPING!

Not sure where to start? Follow me…

Up to 50% off at BCBG (free shipping on orders over $150) and 50% off on Boots, Sweaters & Denim at BCBGeneration. My picks?

BCBG Jenesis 3/4 sleeve petal dress - $90 on sale

BCBGeneration Glowe Ankle Boots - $65 on sale

Up to 40% off at Neiman Marcus – Including Milly, Kate Spade, Elizabeth and James, Tory Burch and Diane Von Furstenberg (free shipping with the code: FSNOV).

My favorites are…

Milly Klynn Grommet Dress - $240 (sale price)

Diane Von Furstenberg Grenadine Trelodie Tie-Neck Blouse - $150 (sale price)

Up to 70% off on designer party looks at TheOutnet.com including high impact dresses, shoes & accessories – So take a look if you’re ready to shop for your New Years Eve outfit!
 

Robert Rodriguez Fringed silk-blend mini skirt - $155 (sale price)

 

Moschino Cheap & Chic Ruffle-trimmed sequin dress - $450 (sale price)

 
Check out CUSP for up to 40% off on RTW and up to 33% off on accessories w. free shipping
 

Tory Burch Declan Tab Dress - $240 (sale price)

House of Harlow Stackable Evil Eye Ring - $36 (sale price)

 
Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bag Sale is going on through Sunday, November 27 and they’re offering 25% -40% off select styles AND free shipping with the code: FREESHIP11.
 

DKNY Ruffle Peacoat - $105 (sale price)

Lacoste Pima V-neck Tee - $20 (sale price)

Bloomingdale’s is ALSO having a designer handbag sale, up to 30% off and free shipping through Sunday, December 3rd. Coach, Juicy, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff… I’m love, love, loving the top handle bags like Alexa’s so I’d have to go with…
 

Sonia Rykiel Margareth Satchel - $740 (sale price)

MICHAEL Michael Kors "Margo" Medium Satchel - $210 (sale price)

 
Up to 50% off at Nordstrom w/ free shipping & returns (on most orders).   

Ariella Collection Stackable Rings - $35 (sale price)

BCBGeneration 'Jodeci' Pump - $75 (sale price)

 
 
You can also check out FabSugar’s Black Friday breakdown here,
 

Just remember to chew while you’re day dreaming today! 🙂


MCLV’s Style File – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Miranda Kerr

Recently Victoria’s Secret models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Miranda Kerr both stepped out in slim black pants, a loose, hippie-licious cream blouse and pointy-toed heels. What’s great about this outfit is that its chic and put together, but simple and easy to recreate on your own.
Enjoy a breakdown of the two similar outfits, both parfait pour this fall!
{Miss Rosie Huntington-Whitely}
{Mrs. Orlando Bloom}
Whether you want to go for a relaxed, bohemian silhouette, an eye-catching patterned fabric, or keep your top casual you can find a way to get this look to work for your own personal style.
{Top Left: Ruffle Collar Blouse – $55 @ Asos.com, Top Center: Silk charmeuse blouse – $70 (on sale) @ J Jill & Top Right: Haute Hippie Bib Blouse – $300 @ Shopbop.com. Bottom Left: D&G Cream Butterfly Print Silk Chiffon blouse – $150 @ Bluefly & Bottom Right: Ruched Back Pussybow Blouse – $55 @ Asos.com}
For pants that are a similar styles to those pictured above you could either go for nighttime glam like Rosie and try out some faux leather pants, or daytime chic like Miranda and try out some ankle-length leggings or slim denim pants.

{Left to Right: Bright Denim Skinny Jean – $60 @ NY&Co, Shiny Faux Leather Skinny Trousers – $70 @ TopShop, Current/Elliott Skinny Twill Cargo Pants – $90 (on sale) @ Neiman Marcus & 901 Legging – $170 @ JBrand}

And what brings both of these looks together? The sleek and dramatic patent leather pointy-toe pumps that both ladies chose when they put together their outfits.

{Top Left: AK Anne Klien 7Crista in Red Patent – $50 @ 6pm.com, Top Right: Dina Snake-embossed Pumps – $75 (on sale) @ Talbots.com, Bottom Left: Tahari Seude Pointy-Toe Pumps – $55 (on sale) @ Lord & Taylor & Bottom Right: Roberto Festa Lizzie Patent Slingback – $110 (on sale) @ footnotesonline.com}
Depending on what time of day you’re rocking this look or where you’re headed, I would adjust the accessories accordingly. To mimic Miranda’s relaxed and low-key style for a day of errands you could try adding a pashmina (large scarf) and some killer shades to the basics that you already put together above.
{Top Left: Woven Fringe Scarf – $40 @ Ralph Lauren, Top Right: Cream Fluffy Snood – $25 @ TopShop, Bottom Left: Ray-Ban Large Classic Wayfarer – $145 @ Piperlime & Bottom Right: Fantas-Eyes Women’s Old School Resin Sunglasses – $30 @ Endless.com}
If you’re planning a night out on the town or have a girls night out coming up you can channel Rosie’s bombshell take on this look and dress your outfit up with a flashy clutch, blingy cocktail ring, and bright red lips.
{Top Left: BCBGeneration Devan Convertible Clutch – $60 @ Dillards, Top Right: Felix Rey Superstar Wristlet – $110 @ Endless.com, Center: Rouge Coco Lipshine – $35 @ Cusp, Bottom Left: RACHEL Rachel Roy Cluster Cocktail Ring – $45 @ Macy’s & Bottom Right: Lisa Stewart Oval Cocktail Ring – $55 @ Pink Mascara}
What do you think of these looks? Do you enjoy the well-chosen basics that these ladies picked out and the individual way that they each made the look their own?
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
 
If you have a look that you’d like to get a breakdown for feel free to email me.

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

Matthew Williamson Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear

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

Prada Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear

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!