Holiday Discoveries
I love the holidays – don’t get me wrong – but usually by mid-December I run out of steam & all I can do is day-dream about sleeping in, weekends without holiday parties & social obligations, or just taking a vacation from my non-stop life in general. And this year has been no different – However I found that I did a much better job of staying on top of my responsibilities this year so here are some photos of the fun things that kept me in the holiday spirit throughout November & December!
{I may not have made it out for the Christmas tree lighting – But I’ve made it to Union Square to take pictures in front of the giant tree not once, but twice this year. A+!}
{Shopping – online & in-stores – has been a major part of my life the last month or so. From Christmas presents to host & hostess gifts to completely unnecessary additions to my wardrobe.}
{Related to the shopping issues is the “attending events held IN shops” part of the last few months – From swoon worthy vintage jewelry trunk shows to Marrakech-inspired clothing lines that’ll make you yearn for Spring.}
{I was especially excited to attend the Harputs presents Camille K trunk show because it gave me a great opportunity to check out smaller, local clothing & jewelry shops.}
{An amazing visit to the Mountain View atelier for the fabulous vintage jewelry shop Camille K – Stay tuned for another solo post on this amazing trip!}
I’m looking forward to seeing what January has to hold for me though and I’m also looking forward to sharing the fun details with all of you as well!
Happy Holidays!
Here’s wishing you all an amazing holiday season – Enjoy your much deserved time away from work, spending time with your families, and delicious, festive Winter treats!
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
You’ve got your dress, you’ve picked up the perfect shade of lipstick for your pout, now what to do with your hair? Harper’s Bazaar has some fabulous ideas with their Holiday Hair Ideas – Celebrity Inspired Holiday Hair Ideas.
If you’re a makeup lover then you’ll adore this post & all of the color inspiration – Spring 2014 Color Trends.
The runways were filled with sheer hemlines last season but sometimes it’s hard to see how these beautiful trends can be translated to the street. Wonder no longer! The Sartorialist – If You’re Thinking About…… Sheer Hems.
If you loved my latest MCLV Stye File: Miranda Kerr in Victoria Beckham post you’re adore all of the fabulous Miranda Kerr looks featured on My Dress My High Heels My Style – Miranda Kerr in 3.1 Phillip Lim & Balenciaga {Left} and Miranda Kerr in Proenza Schouler {Right}.
Haven’t gotten enough shopping yet this year? Check out Mama’s A Rolling Stone’s Your Holiday 2012 Shopping Guide for some more tips & sales for the remaining days of 2012.
Health & Fitness:
Tis the season for… Getting really really sick. Having recently been taken down by a stomach flu I’m reminded how the cold, wet weather makes this the season for the cold, the flu, and other holiday-ruining ailments. So help boost your immune system this season with Green Thickie’s Cold and Flu Busting Coconut and Orange Smoothie.
Adorable workout clothes are a great way to get yourself motivated for a gym session. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at these cute duds over at NYC Pretty.
Taking your lunch to work is a great way to not only save a few dollars, but to ensure that you have healthy options to choose from for your lunch and for your midday snacking. If you’re just starting this practice or you’re running out of tasty choices check out Women’s Health’s 10 Healthy Lunch Ideas.
There are an endless number of delicious options out there for festive holiday cookies but one of my favorites this season has been Peas And Thank You’s Candy Cane Crinkle Cookies.
Given the chatter around the recent ballot measure relating to organic food, GMO, and labeling I thought that this piece from Mark’s Daily Apple was particularly relevant right now – 7 Foods You Don’t Need to Buy Organic.
Proust Questionnaire
One of my favorite ways to wake up during the week is a cup of tea and leisurely catching up on all my favorite blogs. Recently on The Man Repeller Leandra published the Proust Questionnaire and I adored not only her post and the questionnaire itself, but also all of the amazing comments that the piece produced from her readers.
So in that vein I’d like to share the same Questionnaire with you all as I’m dying to hear what you have to say – I’ll show you mine if you show me yours! 🙂
Your favorite virtue(s) – Kindness, empathy & compassion
Your favorite qualities in a man – Sense of humor
Your favorite qualities in a woman – Self confidence! The whole judging & ripping apart other women out of insecurity has GOT TO STOP ladies. We’re better than that!
Your favorite occupation – Artists & anything that takes that kind of vision & creativity – I’m so envious of those types of personalities and the professions that evolve from their passion!
Your chief characteristic – Um… Organization? Is that a characteristic?
Your idea of happiness – Rain + tea + great book = Utter contentment
Your idea of misery – Reality TV
Your favorite color and flower – Favorite color is green but bouquets must be white – I adore Hydrangeas, peonies, posies, lilies & tulips
If not yourself, who would you be? Alan Cumming 🙂
Where would you like to live? Part-time in London or NYC and part-time on a vineyard somewhere in Tuscany
Your favorite prose authors – Alexander Dumas & Patricia Wrede
Your favorite poets – Ovid & Thoreau
Your favorite painters and composers – Titian is without a doubt my favorite painter but I have a soft spot for Monet as well – Due mostly to a book that my Aunt got me as a child. And I’m a classicist when it comes to music so I’d go with Beethoven & Chopin.
Your favorite heroes in real life – Apologies in advance, I’m going to get super cheesy for the next two!
Real Life Hero = my dad. He’s never stopped learning or gathering knowledge, every experience is something to learn from. It’s such a unique way to approach the world & a mindset that I’ve always tried to emulate.
Your favorite heroines in real life – My mom & my aunt. Two strong, determined, smart, successful women who’ve never apologized for going after everything they want in life. They’re a huge part of the reason that I am who I am today!
Your favorite heroes in fiction – Edmond Dantes
Your favorite heroines in fiction – Alice
Your favorite food and drink – Sweet potatoes & raw desserts + red wine or whiskey
Your favorite names – Emmaline, Selene, Lachlan & Christopher {Didn’t even hesitate on this one – I never plan on having children but I collect names for my novels!}
Your pet aversion – Tardiness. You’re telling the person who is waiting for you that your time is more important than theirs.
What characters in history do you most dislike? Nero! {The Roman Emperor – Not Eric Bana in Star Trek}
What is your present state of mind? Contemplative
For what fault have you most toleration? Oversharing
Your favorite motto. “A life without passion is a life not lived.” I will believe this until my dying day.
So tell me, what are your answers to these questions?
{Giveaway} And The Winner Is…
First, a big thank you to everyone who entered the Sephora Giveaway. I absolutely adore all of my readers and loved this opportunity to give back to the people who have been so generous with their support and kindness. I’ll plan another postapocalyptic giveaway for the beginning of 2013 so that I can treat a few more fabulous readers to some much-deserved goodies.
Now down to the good stuff – Drumroll please – The winner of the Sephora giveaway is… Vanessa Kritlow whose response to my question was:
I’d have to say my favorite beauty product is a good mascara. I’d never leave the house without at LEAST that on. Gym included. 🙂
Miss Kritlow, please email me your contact information – including your address – and I’ll have your Sephora bag sent out today! I’d also love to hear your thoughts on these products, so feel free to send me your reviews and I’ll be sure to include them in my next beauty products overview.
Have a great Friday everyone and be sure to stay tuned for a fun questionnaire tomorrow!
2012 Highlights & A Little About Moi
In honor of either (1) the impending apocalypse or (2) the end of 2012, I’d like to share some of my favorite posts from the year and a few things that you might not know about me.
In no particular order these are my favorite MCLV posts during 2012:
- Styling 101: Holiday Dressing – This collaboration has been one of my favorite to date, it was such a fun to brainstorm what we wanted to do, find inspiration, browse for dresses at Mystery Mister, and figure out the styling.
- MCLV Mange: Farmer’s Market Fare – This post marked the beginning of my MCLV Mange series and I’m really enjoying the chance to share my favorite healthy, easy recipes with you all a few times a month.
- 10 Day Style Challenge: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV & Part V – This fashion challenge at the beginning of 2012 was the first time I shared photographs of my personal style on the blog – I’ve come a long way since then and am happy that I now have the opportunity to feature a MCLV Style post once a week!
- IFBCON – Trends, Styles & Inspirations & MCLV Style: IFBCON Day One – Attending IFBCON {Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference} in New York City this September was one of the highlights of my year. Not only do I adore New York – yes, even during the sweaty Summer – but I was thrilled to meet so many amazing, creative, like-minded women at the conference. I definitely made some cyber-friends for life!
- MCLV Style: Lady of the Night – This is one of my favorite personal style posts of the year – I’m living for pants this Fall/Winter but somehow I rarely seem to get those looks photographed – I was thrilled how great these shots turned out.
Les Confessions – Quartre
Sometimes I wake up and go to the gym, only to look around at the empty room & the dark morning outside and head straight to the shower!
I can’t watch horror movies because I get awful, vivid nightmares. Or read murder mysteries. Or read the newspaper if the topic is serial killers, ritualistic murders, or school shootings. Or read the PETA website.
I love brussels sprouts. I know it’s not cool. I know that it makes me weird. And I’m 100% ok with that.
I’ve started half a dozen novels since I was a teenage and have yet to let anyone read them.
I once had a nightmare about my kitten being sent by the bad guys to watch me and I avoided her for a month.
{Want to know more? Read: Les Confessions – Une, Les Confessions – Deux & Les Confessions – Trois}
Looks of the Week – Winter White
Today’s Looks of the Week round-up will be focusing on the chic Winter trend of wearing white – Whether it’s a head-to-toe look or just a fabulous piece or accessories. Male or female, Summer or Winter, white can be hard to pull off, it takes some serious style chops to make it work well.
{This fashion blogger featured on Candice Lake’s website makes Winer White look effortless – The look is somewhat simple, but oh-so-striking!}
{Very stylish white cable knit sweater and I love how the white is mirrored in the brown & white striped socks. It was a great choice to go with brown instead of basic black & white too.}
{This is a killer look – A little bit rock n’ roll and a little bit biker chick. I love the white exposed zipper jacket and the buckle ankle boots.}
{This black & white sweater is totally chic and I couldn’t think of a cuter way to pair it than these fabulous leopard print pants – They’re unique, unexpected, and totally fabulous.}
{This menswear inspired black & white look is fabulous – Chic and timeless with a great androgynous twist.}
{These layered pieces in shades of cream and tan come together into a fabulous look – The leather leggings, chunky sweater, and collared jacket look great together!}
{This fabulous white coat from last year is one of my favorites – It’s classic but the silhouette gives it a fun twist.}
{And as always The Sartorialist captures some killer looks from the streets – From chic sweaters to gorgeous maxi skirts to great head-to-toe white looks.}
Have you had time to try out the Winter White trend yet this chilly Winter season? Which of the looks above inspires you the most?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Having a fresh perspective on the clothes in your closet and all of the possibilities is a great feeling to have, so why not take some advice from top fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni of the Blonde Salad – Outfit Ecstasy.
Finding great outerwear to keep you warm this Winter can be a challenge – Whether you’re looking for a fabulous blazer, warm overcoat, or stylish peacoat Mr. Brad Goreski has the goods – Menswear: My Winter Coat Guide.
Not sure how to pair your cold-weather pieces in fun, interesting new ways this Winter? Check out Rachel Zoe’s fabulous team and their killer street style for great inspiration – RZNY To The Streets.
Models are known for their ability to mix and match – They have access to great designer gear and new pieces from collections before we can even get our hands on them – So let’s turn to some oh-so-fashionable models for their tips on Winter accessorizing – Chic Accessories to Keep You Warm This Winter.
Putting together a fun, festive, chic look for your next holiday party is a must – Check out WhoWhatWear’s Styling Tips: Holiday Parties for some fun tips & inspiration to help you find the perfect look for you!
Health & Fitness:
Eating a healthy, clean diet is the best way to improve your health, sleep more soundly, and fuel your workouts – Not sure where to start? Check out Eating Well’s Clean Up Your Diet and Lose Weight.
Potato salad may seem like a fat-laden Summer treat but Fat Free Vegan has turned a traditional dish into some delicious, healthy, and perfect for this season – Tunisian-Inspired Chickpea and Potato Salad.
Turning off your brain, reducing stress, and relaxing into sleep isn’t always an easy task. If you need some tips & ideas here’s a great place to start – Try These Yoga Poses For a Better Night’s Rest!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, squeezing in a workout – even a small one – will improve your mood & reduce your stress levels exponentially. Even if you don’t have a lot of time there are options – 15-Minute Mind-Body Workout Circuit.
I’m a big fan of mint – Everything from candles to candy to desserts – So this next recipe really caught my attention. Then it caught my taste buds. I highly recommend giving this a try if you’re a fan of ice cream or thin mint cookies – Protein Thin Mint Ice Cream.
Sephora Giveaway!
After my recent Beauty Product Lovin’ post it’s clear that there are lots of ladies out there who are in the market for some new products to add to their daily routine and who like to hear “real” feedback before they buy. Since I’d like to help spread knowledge AND products I’m going to give away a Sephora bag PACKED with new makeup & beauty product samples for a lucky reader to try out.
From sunscreen to cleanser to foundation to perfume, believe me when I say that this bag has it all! While I wont divulge the contents in advance – a girl need a little mystery after all – I will give you a sneak peek and a few hints about the brands.
{Cartier, Sephora, Clarins Paris, Doctor T’s Supergoop, Nars, L’Occitane, Shiseido, Narciso Rodriguez, and Chanel – To name a few…}
Entering this little contest is QUICK & EASY – I promise – There are TWO different ways to enter so pick either of the simple options below and you could have some fun new products to try out in just a few days!
- Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite beauty product is OR what’s at the top of your Must Have list right now
- Leave a comment on Facebook telling me what your favorite beauty product is OR what’s at the top of your Must Have list right now
You can pick ANY beauty products – whether it’s skin care or makeup – it doesn’t just have to be something you found at Sephora. I will randomly pick a winner next Friday, December 21st & if this turns out to be a well-loved giveaway I’ll do another one in January!
* Please note that the products that I’m giving away are smaller/sample sizes not full-sized and that this giveaway is not sponsored by Sephora – I purchased the products myself
MCLV Style: Pleats & Studs
I had been eyeing this pleated, faux leather, studded skirt for a while – It’s not really my typical style, but I’ve seen a handful of bloggers wearing it and was absolutely in love. So I finally headed to Zara to take the plunge right before my birthday and it was love at first sight!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pleated Leather Skirt – Zara, Striped Pocket Tee – Zara, Crossbody Bag – Le Sak, Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff via Shopbop.com & Jewelry – JewelMint, H&M & Asos}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
Once I got this skirt home I had so many ideas running through my head that I couldn’t decide how I wanted to style it. I love both of the looks below – which are quite different style wise – and I wasn’t sure how to make this skirt “me.” I finally settled on pairing it with my favorite suede booties and a basic striped tee which helped dress it down a bit. I’ll definitely be brining it back for another MCLV Style appearance though so stay tuned for a different vibe the next time!
{Inspiration – Late Afternoon & Fashion Vibe}
Do you like Liz from Late Afternoon’s pairing of this skirt with golden booties & bright prints or Zina of Fashion Vibe’s all-black rock n’ roll ensemble best?
