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Posts tagged “Fashion editor

Looks of the Week: Pants Edition

This Looks of the Week post is going to be all about PANTS. As you’re stocking up your wardrobe for Fall you’re going to be seeing lots of pants in stores – Every variety you can imagine, from faux leather and brilliantly colored brocades to plaids, stripes, and collegiate tweeds. So before you find yourself standing in front of racks and racks of pants feeling overwhelmed, why not spend some quality time getting inspired by how other fashionable ladies are wearing theirs this season?

Embellished or studded pants are a fun style for weekends. You can go full-on rock n’ roll or you can keep things polished with a trench and classic white button down like in this shot. The look is chic and timeless, but still has an edge.

Holiday sweaters don’t have to be tacky – They can just as easily be the kind of cute pieces that you look forward to wearing all year! This oversized reindeer sweater paired with black leggings and cute flat booties is the perfect look for the holiday season. Festive but oh-so-cute.

If you’re brave enough for a bold animal print than this is the look for you. Take a tip from Lysana, she keeps the look from being over-the-top with minimal chunky gold accessories, a basic black sweater, and cute flat boots.

If you’re thinking about what styles of pants are work-appropriate this shot is a great example of how to make a slim pair of pants fit that bill. Her killer styling keeps the look fun, but still formal enough for a business casual office. The over-the-shoulder bag and similarly colored knee-high boots are the perfect accessories while the chic tweed blazer from H&M tops the look off perfectly.

Plaid shirts aren’t just for trips to the cabin anymore, with seriously cute versions available now you can pair one with virtually any bottoms for a chic, stylish weekend look. This look is spiced up all the more with lacy Dolce & Gabbana ankle boots and a killer Proenza Schouler handbag.

They may say “No White After Labor Day” but this amazing white-pants look will change your mind in a heartbeat. The mixture of prints, colors, and textures makes this look fun and interesting – Chambray polka dot blouse, leopard print heels, a red knit sweater, and white denim all come together to make the perfect look.

{Click on the images above to be taken to the original source}

Are you inspired to try a new pair of pants now that you’ve gotten a chance to check out these fun looks? What is the first style, fabric, or silhouette pant that you’d like to try for Fall 2012?


Fall On A Budget

At the beginning of October I shared my Fall 2012 Must Haves, which included eye-catching patterns & prints, faux leather, fun pants, tweed pieces, asymmetrical details, and the color de jour for Fall – Oxblood.

It’s easy to see pictures from the Fall 2012 collections and put together a mental list of all the things you want, and then give up in frustration because you can’t afford straight-from-the-runway pieces. But I’m here to tell you that we can very easily update your wardrobe for Fall without having to dip into your 401k. I promise!

I like to get one or two great new investment pieces each season – something like an updated but classic Little Black Dress, a chic new handbag, or a timeless trench – but I’ll also collect a handful of fun, on-trend pieces from less expensive stores that quickly update my looks for the season. There are great stores like Zara, ASOS, H&M, and TopShop were you can find trendy, well-made pieces each season for a steal. Read on for some of my personal suggestions & recommendations as well as a collection of great articles that’ll steer you in the right direction for all of your Fall 2012 needs.

I have to confess that some of my favorite places to shop are the Spanish retailers that I was first introduced to when I lived in Italy at the age of 21 – H&M, Mango, and Zara. The clothing is stylish and well-made, but doesn’t cost a fortune and the collections are updated frequently so there’s always something new in stores and online.
{Lace Trousers – $90 @ Zara, Blouse – $60 @ H&M & Contrast Panelled Dress – $30 @ Mango}
  • Where Do Editors Really Shop from Refinery 29 is just the sort of article that I love to read – Knowing where the most fashionable and stylish women in the fashion world shop is like being handed the keys to the kingdom! And wouldn’t you know it, along with the high-end designers that you’d expect them to mention, they also list great inexpensive shopping destinations like E-bay, Target, Zara, Amazon, Madewell, J.Crew, TopShop, JewelMint, ShoeMint, and even The Salvation Army. Great news, isn’t it?

Another lucky break for us fashion obsessed is that more and more high-end designers have been coming out with reasonably priced collections for retailer giants like Payless, Target, and Macys.

{Long-sleeve Shirt Dress in Red Geometric Print – $40 @ Kirna Zabete for Target, Long-Sleeve Satin Blazer – $60 (on sale) @ Nicole Richie for Impulse & Racquel Side Zip Bootine – $50 @ Christian Siriano for Payless}

  • Lucky Magazine’s 100 Cheap Fall Finds is a trove of fun Fall pieces from printed pants and embellished collars to chic dresses and leather trimmed jackets. In addition to featuring clothing from Luckymag.com, they included other retail websites like Romwe.com, Pixiemarket.com, Urban1972.com, Levis.com, and Ulta.com.
  • Two of the trends that I’m most excited for this Fall are printed pants and leather-trimmed pieces and luckily for all of us the fun website The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style featured fabulous recommendations for both trends –  Geometry Class & Just The Sleeves Please. So no matter what type of fashion you’re in the mood for this site has what you’re looking for!

The less expensive secondary lines created by designers and sold at department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macys, Nordstrom, and Kolh’s are great pieces to keep an eye out for.

{Left to Right: Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Jac’ Denim Leggings – $140 @ Nordstrom, MICHAEL Michael Kors Sleeveless Cowl Neck Banded Bottom Dress – $45 (on sale) @ Bloomingdale’s, and LC Lauren Conrad Embellished Ruffle Tee – $40 @ Kohl’s}

  • Not quite sure how to approach stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross? Refinery 29 took it upon themselves to teach us how in their piece Discount Shopping – How To Shop At Marshalls where they had three different editors put together 6 cute looks under $50. Wow!
  • Waiting for stores to have announce a big sale is a great way to find the pieces you’re craving without paying full-price. Not sure just how to make this tactic work for you? Check out Sales Rack Skinny: The Subtle Statement’s Sale Shop Tactics for tips that’ll help you find just what you’re looking for in stores or even online.

Are you still in the mood for more tips, recommendations, and suggestions for updating your wardrobe, Fall dressing, and online shopping? Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Style For Hire and a series of informative posts all about online shopping.


Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion

Here we are, the final post from Spring 2013 Fashion Week in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Today we’ll be looking at some of the best street style from Fashion Month – The ladies really dress to the nines when it comes to being photographed at Paris Fashion Week.

I adore this look from head-to-toe! From the quilted motorcycle jacket to the striking black & white bag to the suede ankle boots. Well done!

This look is so sweet and retro I couldn’t help but love it. The contrasting colored tights and chunky velvet ankle strap sandals are my favorite part!

A dramatic black & white look with a splash of color is a great color scheme to work with and the sleek silhouette of this look is even more striking.

This outfit is all about the tan, double-breasted coat. I love a dramatic outerwear look like this!

A floral jumpsuit is just the thing in the Parisian parks when paired with a tan wrap-around belt and a striking coral Chanel bag.

This is one of the most stunning overcoats that I’ve seen in a while –  A stunning color with a fun, eye-catching brooch and a great retro vibe.

So chic & well put together! The bright, collared shirt dress paired with a sleek black leather jacket is a great pairing and suits her perfectly.

Karmen may be Estonian, but she’s got the French je ne sais quoi in spades. This layered black look is striking & eye-catching despite being monochromatic.

Such a stunning, Summery look – The floral maxi looks great paired with the white, cropped leather jacket and that Hermes Birkin bag is swoon-worthy.

One of my favorite Paris Fashion Week street style looks was from blogger Chiara Ferragni – This multi colored lace Chanel dress with nude accessories is chic, flattering, and timeless. She looks stunning!

{Click on the links above to view the original source}

Previous 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 IIINew York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2013London Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row FashionMilan Fashion Week Spring 2013, and Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion.

Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Onto My Wardrobe’s Fashion Weeks Recap, FabSugar’s Best Paris Fashion Week Street-Style Accessories, and WhoWhatWear’s What They Wore: Paris Fashion Week.

Which street style and front row fashion had you most excited from this season’s Fashion Month – New York, London, Milan, or Paris?


Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013

J’adore Paris!

There is no city quite like Paris and no fashion is quite like Parisian fashion. I adore many cultures and cities and designers, but there’s just something about Paris that you can’t forget.

Valentino:

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli have consistently created lovely collections since taking over from Mr. Valentino himself – Lots of dresses, fabulous splashes of classic Valentino red, and red carpet ready gowns.

Leather, velvet, silk, chiffon, lace, satin, and eyelet all made their way down the runway – Along with the occasion statement coat and jumpsuit. My favorite look was the gold brocade coat-dress that Hanne Gaby Odiele wore down the catwalk – Tres chic!

Chanel:

The Chanel show is always a dramatic, eclectic spectacle and this season was no different with solar panels, turbines, and wind farm-like backdrops.

This collection included everything from hula hoop handbags, stark black & white, youthful polka dots, bright jewel tones, traditional florals, 80’s style fingerless gloves, denim, rompers, suits, wide-brimmed hats, and strappy wedges. I especially liked the chunky pearl bracelets & necklaces, the polka-dotted strapless dress, and the cute Dorothy-inspired blue & white gingham.

Alexander McQueen:

The McQueen show is always something to look forward to with eye-catching, one-of-a-kind makeup, backgrounds, clothing, and accessories. No other designer can come close to the types of shows that Lee McQueen – And now Sarah Burton – Put on.

This season’s collection had an S&M beekeeper type of vibe with safari-style netting covered hats, bustiers, thigh-high stockings, harnesses & corsets, bustles, wide belts, and bee, wasp, and honeycomb prints. Excessive, rich, over-the-top, and utterly stunning.

Miu Miu:

Denim, interesting fabrics & textures, moody prints, and a mixture of silhouettes and lengths all gave the Miu Miu collection a fun but grown-up feel.

I love classic workwear style pieces so this collection was right up my alley. I adored the pencil skirts and sleek sheath dresses, and the retro vibe was to die for with killer furs, boat neck tops, visible pin-up inspired bustiers, leather gloves, slim pocketbooks, and long, demure jackets. J’adore!

Lanvin:

“Deconstructed classicism” was the theme and it came to life in sleek separates and dresses done up in black & white, bold, vibrant jewel tones, and silky neutrals.

The collection was sleek and sexy, the pieces modern and wearable. The embellished prints were quite eye-catching but the sleek pieces in navy, black & white stole the show in my opinion. All of the looks above are amazing – I would wear them anytime, anywhere!

Yves Saint Laurent:

New name – Saint Laurent – retro vibe. The 70’s were back at YSL with leather, suede, fringe, wide-brimmed hats, and maxi lengths all evoking classic Yves.

The details of this collection were what caught my attention – The slim, cropped pants, the white piping on blazers, the patent t-trap heels, oversized bows at the neck, and opera-length gloves. I especially liked the pants looks and shimmering, two-toned caplet was the piece at the top of my Must Have list!

Givenchy:

While the theme may have been the same, Riccardo Tisci’s sedated and minimal interpretation of Catholicism was a far cry from the extravagant opulence of the Fall 2012 Dolce & Gabbana show at Milan Fashion Week.

The pieces may have been stark – Done up in mostly black & white with severe cuts – But they were still dramatic and eye-catching. I adored the black & white frocks, the flattering tunic-vests, the subtle ruffles, and the thick metallic chokers.

Stella McCartney:

The Stella show was bold in both color and silhouette – Her usual oversized, boy-meets-girl style got spiced up with wrap dresses, jumpsuits, and racerback tops.

The suits and the minimalistic pieces are always my favorite – Though the patchwork prints and cheerleader skirts last season proved that she’s got more up her sleeve. The safari-style tops were cute and versatile and the green she showed was right up my alley!

Louis Vuitton:

The LV collection was awash in checkered patterns, bright hues, and in a fun change of pace Mr. Jacobs had all of his models strut their stuff down the runway in pairs.

The mod feeling to the show was modernized by the eye-catching prints. The accessories were cute but minimally applied – Bow adorned headbands, checkered flats, and small patterned daybags. Fun, flirty, and oh-so-wearable. Just what Marc Jacobs does best!

Chloe:

The Chloe collection was primarily black and white with some splashes of burnt orange and fleshy pink throw in for good measure. Very French. Very feminine. Very Sweet.

The silhouettes ranged from oversized and exaggerated to romantic and womanly. While the colors, fabrics, and prints ran the gamut from black & white velvet to salmon stripes to sheer purple ruffles.

Balmain:

The Balmain collection brought to mind the 90’s with power suits, big shoulders, loud prints, thick belts, and plunging necklines. All with a Parisian, Balmain spin on them.

Stripes & checkers, bold yellow, oversized hoop earrings, metallic accessories, midriff baring tops, denim, and oversized blazers all had me checking the models faces to see if Cindy, Linda, Naomi, or Christy were there.

Christian Dior:

Raf’s debut collection for Dior was full of dichotomies – Stark but romantic, minimal but dramatic. He played with colors, prints, lengths, and silhouettes while still presenting a very Dior collection.

The suits and coat-dresses were my favorite, they came in different cuts and lengths, but were utterly chic and utterly timeless. The kinds of pieces that you invest in and wear for the rest of your life.

Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo

Previous Paris Fashion Week Collections: Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012, Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 Part I, Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part II, and Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion.

Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Raf Simons, Hedi Slimane and the Tectonic Shifts of the Paris Fashion Establishment from Business Of Fashion, FabSugar’s Paris Fashion Week Diary, Precious Details from The Man Repeller, and Derek Blasberg’s A Photo Diary From Paris Fashion Week.

Which Paris Fashion Week show was your favorite? Do you like the classic, Paris Fashion Week institutions like Chanel and Valentino best or newer, more modern houses like Chloe and Alexander McQueen?


Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion

So far we’ve enjoyed the editors, bloggers, fashion insiders, models, and fabulous fashionistas who graced the streets at New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and today we’ll turn to the stunning Italian style showcased during Milan Fashion Week. Bold prints, brilliant colors, dramatic silhouettes – Very distinct styles & interpretations of trends, very well done.

Stunning! Such an interesting and creative combination of elements that come together in a beautiful Italian way – The animal print dress works perfectly with the bright tweed jacket and the blue top handle bag.

Taylor Tomasi-Hill is one that I always keep an eye out for. She puts together such fun, visually interesting looks that I can hardly wait to see what she’s wearing. A midi-length dark floral dress would overwhelm some but not only can she pull it off, she can also add a cropped motorcycle jacket and look nonchalant about the whole thing.

Model Dree Hemingway knows the value of an eye-catching accessory. Her slim black leather pants and basic tee are taken to a whole new level with the addition of an oversized cobalt blue clutch.

Stunning Italian Fashion Blogger Chiara Ferragni of Blonde Salad fame looks great here in contrasting brights. The oversized lucite bangles, jaunty hat, and mouth-watering Hermes bag are the perfect finishing touches.

Head-to-toe Prada could be overwhelming but it looks street-ready here with the crisp white shirt underneath and the brilliant orange platform heels.

I love everything about this casual but oh-so-chic look. The army green & black combination, the killer Givenchy handbag, and of course, those loafers!

Mixing & matching prints is one of my favorite looks – When it’s done right. And this outfit? This is a tutorial on how to do it in a flattering, eye-catching way.

A wide-leg, grey, pinstripe jumpsuit? Three concepts that make me break out in hives just thinking about them together, and yet, here it looks downright dapper.

This striking white jumpsuit was caught outside the Etro show. I can’t decide if I love the plaid jacket, tan handbag, or the back-bow on the jumpsuit best!

Russian designer & photographer Ulyanna Sergeenko is quickly becoming a favorite of mine during Fashion Month – Her look is always refined and ladylike, with an emphasis on the DRAMA.

Garance Dore captured the always well-heeled Elisa Nalin in this great look. I love the diamond print on the slim pants as well as the black & white plaid boyfriend blazer paired with a Kelly green top. Tres chic!

Leave it to a blogger to pull of a brightly colored floral & bulldog print shift dress paired with buckle adorned black ankle booties. Brava!

Not sure how to pair various denim pieces together in one look? This model shows us just how it’s done in an oversized chambray button-down shirt and patchwork jeans.

This model looks amazing in Isabel Marant, from the separates she paired together to the booties – Well done!

{Click on the links above to view the original source}

Previous 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 Spring 2013, London Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013, and Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion.

Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos:

Are you a fan of the dramatic and eye-catching style that the Italians are known for and that were quite prevalent during Milan Fashion Week?


London Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion

The street style in London always has a bit of drama to it – While New York Fashion Week is full of fun, bright Summer separates, London usually has more focus on deeper colors, outerwear, and great boots.

You can always out on Miss Dita to give great face. She always gives a look her all and looks perfectly put together.

Mixing prints like this is not a challenge to be taken on by a novice! Bright colorblocking, paisley pants, red, black & white heels, and an oversized black clutch with red piping. Masterly!

Mulberry had itself quite the front row! Designer Emma Hill was joined by the a couple of fabulous British It girls – Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, and Lana Del Rey.

Texture! Texture! Texture! Between the stacked beaded bracelets to the contrasting lace in blues and creams to the chunky statement necklace – This look is all about mixing and matching textures and fabrics.

Such a stylish, colorful outfit – I love the marigold cropped pants paired with the emerald-green double-breasted blazer, it’s an interesting and striking combination.

This is such a great British outfit! The sweet silhouette of the drop-waist shift dress, the contrasting collar, and the chic retro hat are lovely, and I like how she paired them with a statement necklace and brightly colored clutch.

Poppy has been a longtime fan and supporter of Matthew Williamson and put together a great boho look for his show – Torn jeans, metallic strappy sandals, an embroidered top, and braids.

This is a fantastic jacket and I love how she gave it a fun, relaxed feel by paring it with a graphic tee and the cherry red handbag.

Rocker chic meets Catholic school girl – Daisy Lowe put together an edgy but stylish black & white ensemble by pairing a pleated mini with a high-neck blouse, cropped motorcycle jacket, and ankle boots.

I absolutely adore this – The puppy sweater is too cute for words, the tweed coat is killer, and I NEED those moccasin heels!

The stylish outerwear wasn’t just on the runway at Burberry, Miss Julia RestoinRoitfeld and Robert Konjic looked great in double-breasted coats just outside the show.

Drama Queen! Never interested in being a wallflower ADR stuns in statement pieces after statement piece! Maybe she got caught in a fashion shower on her way to the show? 🙂

I adore this shot of models Poppy & Arizona. They have such distinct styles, but they both look great. Poppy’s studded ankle boots and black & white printed blouse suit her perfectly, while Arizona’s button-front dress and cropped leather jacket work really well to create a fun, unique look.

Stunning! I love the sweet Peter Pan collar and can’t imagine a more flattering color or cut for her. And those booties? Swoon! Leave it to a blogger to knock it right out of the park! 🙂

{Click on the links above to view the original source}

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: London Fashion Week Spring 2013: Parties & Front Row, Street Style Spring 2013: London Fashion Week & London Backstage Beauty Files: Spring 2013 from Harper’s Bazaar.

Do you prefer the wild & vibrant styles that feature heavily on the sidewalks of New York City or the moody, Fall-inspired fashions on the London streets during Fashion Week?


What I’m loving right now…

I definitely go through phases when it comes to the inanimate objects in my daily life – Everything from the beauty products I use to the accessories I wear to the reading materials stacked on my nightstand. Whether you call it a rut or finely tuning your routine, I’m sure you know precisely what I mean.

So here are some of my current (new and past) loves…

{The love of my life, my new Givenchy bag – See Skulls & Givenchy for photos from the first MCLV Style post featuring this bag!}

{My newest mascara acquisition – I’ve mentioned my love of Benefit’s BADGal and Chanel’s Inimitable mascara in the past, but I also like to rotate in a drugstore brand now and again, and I’ve been thrilled with the results of Maybelline’s One by One Volume Express}

{As far as I’m concerned you can’t have enough fun, statement jewelry: Spiked Bracelet – Asos.com & Purple Beaded Necklace – Zara}

{In my opinion the only positive thing about the end of Summer are September issues!}

{SWOON! I’ve been a fan of Moroccan Argan Oil for a while so when I saw this L’Oreal Precious Oil Treatment I jumped at the chance to try it – Not only does it smell like a dream, it’s visibly nourishing}

{It’s official – I’m in love! Skull adorned Steve Madden smoking slippers}

{Fashion Books & Vintage Jewelry. Left: The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia & vintage pearl collar. Right: Parisian Chic – A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange & vintage Vendome tassel necklace}

What are you loving lately? What can’t you get enough of? Have you gotten any fun new pieces or exciting accessories to update your wardrobe or prepare for Fall/Winter 2012/2013?


Links You’ll Love

Let’s start this Sunday off with some INSPIRATION – Wise Words: 24 Inspiring Prints to Start Your Day

Fashion:

I’d hate to label myself as lazy, but even I have to admit that I definitely get into fashion ruts so… Stop Being Lazy: 7 Chic AND Easy Switch-Outs from Refinery 29 with fun new options like trading your old, torn cut-offs for some adorable printed shorts or trying cropped trousers so you can give up your legging habit. Definitely some great ideas!

If you’re looking for some new products to add to your skin care routine why not take some Kiehl’s suggestions from Italian blogger and fashion It Girl Eleonora Carisi – I Can’t Live Without.

Need some fabulous fashion inspiration for your next tropical vacation? Unstoppable Style: Poppy Delevingne Shares Her Ultimate Summer Wish List.

Want to create the perfect pair of jean shorts this Summer? Follow The Glamourai’s step by step instructions and enjoy the fabulous results! { DIY } Denim Cut-Offs.

If you’re in the market for updating your accessories stash or just looking for some advice on styling, why not turn to a professional? Anna Dello Russo – 10 TOP Rules for ACCESSORIES.

Health & Fitness:

A major part of finding internal motivation to hit the gym or trails is feeling comfortable and confident in your workout clothes. A great pair of pants that highlight your assets are going to get you out the door much faster than a tattered, stretched out pair of yoga pants. Trust me. Check out The Fitnessista’s recommendations – Summer Workout Gear.

Who better to give health & fitness tips than someone whose livelihood is based on their body? Top model Izabel Goulart shares her Five Minute Brazilian Butt Workout with Modelinia. What else does she mention? Walking! I just can’t recommend it enough – Low Intensity Fasted Cardio!

If you need to amp up the healthy fats in your diet avocados are the perfect choice during Summer, so pick some up next time you’re at the store and take of these recipes for a spin – 5 New Ways to Use Avocado.

Finding the right snack to give you energy and satisfy you before a workout without causing a sugar crash or an upset or overly filled stomach is a balancing act. See what Fit Bottomed Girls suggest – 4 New Healthy Snacks to Put in Your Gym Bag.

In the mood to get a little creative in the kitchen? Why not whip up some healthy desserts in the form of vegan ice cream? I made Choosing Raw’s Blueberry Ginger Ice Cream and it was divine, so follow my lead and give one of these tasty recipes a try – Veg Out: Dairy-Free and Delish Ice Cream Recipes.

No matter what your diet is, putting together a good grocery list is a Must. Check out FitSugar’s 7 Grocery Shopping Tips For a Plant-Based Approach or Caveman Strong’s Grocery List Paleo Style.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend and has a great Sunday! I’ll be back tomorrow to share with you all weekend in sunny, secluded Fallen Leaf Lake.


Couture – Front Row Fashion & Street Style

For me, a big part of the fun of a week of runway shows – like the Fall 2012 Couture collections –  is seeing the street style looks that the lucky attendees put together for the shows, dinners, and parties. Seeing how the various designer collections translate to “real life” is inspiring, motivational, and downright fun.

Fabulous! I love the whole two-toned look and how she picked materials and silhouettes that keep it from being too casual. J’adore!

The volume of this mini takes it up a level so she’s right at home sitting front row at the Dior Couture show.

A pretty printed dress is the perfect look for a Dior show and I think that this beautiful flocked knee-length frock is ideal for Couture.

A lipstick red suit it cute enough but when you turn a suit top into a chic little tee with a contrasting black pocket I’m all yours!!!

Little Black Dress + Sequined Clutch + Saddle Shoes = the understated French je ne sais quoi.

Parisian street style chic at its finest – Whether they’re wearing ripped jeans, chic black & white, or a midi, these ladies know how to mix & match their separates for maximum impact.

Bright, flirty florals, a demure silhouette, and a too chic peplum. What a fabulous frock, I’m in awe.

The Russian fashion ladies are stylish and their looks vary dramatically between them. Such great contrasts!

I love a short-suit and this is a stylish example, I really like the chic cut of the jacket and the subtle ruffle along the hem of the shorts. And those shoes… Wow.

Elizabeth von Guttman, Alexia Niedzielski, Shala Monroque, Elena Perminova and Ulyana Sergeenko – All distinctly different looks for Giambattista Valli, but all very chic, well put together, and appropriate. From solid colored separates and midriff-baring tops, to printed suits and floor length florals, the front row is almost as fun as the runway!

The ladies spiced things up for the Versace show and chose edgier outfits, from lace cut outs, to leather, to dramatic stitching. Donatella would approve!

In addition to seeing the looks that celebrities, editors, and other fashion insiders put together for their front row appearances, I love to take a look at the (often heavily made-up) models as they run between runways shows or head out to parties. Model street style is always a great combination of pieces & styles, since they have the opportunity to see so many collections and have exposure to so many designers. Jealous!

I love a colorful maxi skirt and this combination – the basic white tee paired with the metallic pink oversized clutch – is flirty, fun, and perfect for Summer.

Only Hanneli could make a couture Valentino gown look so low-key and street-appropriate.

AMAZING coat + killer heels, what more does a girl need?

I adore the layering here! Cut-off white shorts, a blue & white button-up PJ top, a tan leather motorcycle jacket, ankle booties, retro round sunglasses & a killer two-toned clutch. Such an unexpected combination of pieces, but it works!

And finally, a fashion favorite of mine, hit it girl!

She’s going to couture shows in Paris. French designers. In Paris. I mean, could she have picked a more adorably over-the-top French look?

Sources: Harper’s Bazaar, Tom & Lorenzo, Cristina’s Blog & Mr. Blasberg

 

What’s your favorite look here?


London Fashion Week – Street Style & Front Row Fashion

Happy Saturday! I know that one of the reasons that I enjoy street style blogs and front row pictures during Fashion Week is that it can really get your personal creative juices flowing. Seeing interesting new ways to pair pieces and fun mixing n’ matching can give you a fresh perspective when you look into your own closet.

Alright, ready for some cute looks from the always entertaining LFW? Lots of brights, lots of fun, warm fabrics like tweed, wool and cashmere and lots of fresh patterns and prints. I feel like the looks that people put together for London Fashion Week are a little more fun and irreverent than New York Fashion Week… What do you think?

My absolute favorite look of London Fashion Week was Poppy's adorable blue polka dot pants with great t-strap heels, a cropped blue coat and a chic blouse. J'adore!

Poppy Delevingne (Storm Models, London): exits the Unique Show.  Click HERE 4 Storm Models Portfolio

Marie Claire fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi was one of many who embraced the new floral pants trend. She kept them as minimal as possible by pairing the bright prints with basic black on top.

FabSugar even made a bold floral leggings look their Look of the Day.Are you brave enough to rock this new trend?

Alexa Chung and Poppy Delevingne wore similar looks in London - A brightly colored print skirt, a solid top and a blocky shaped overcoat - similar building blocks that come out to two distinctly different looks.

The gorgeous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Bosworth shown front row at Burberry. I like that both of them look warm and comfortable, they didn't try to brave a London winter in summer pieces. P.S. Kate's wearing the Pre-Fall booties that I wanted!!!

Rosie's look was so cute I thought a close up was necessary. I love the colors, fabrics and layering here. Purple cords with a salmon sweater and grey sweater-coat? But somehow it works! Works well!

Garance captured even more fun floral looks on the streets of London and My Dress. My High Heels. My Style. has a full list of all the Burberry arrivals – from Poppy & Clemence to Donna Air and Ellie Wintour.

Rose Byrne's new hairdo almost outshone her adorable Pringle of Scotland dress. Almost.

London Fashion Week It Girl Poppy stays warm with a classic trench over her adorable green pleated skirt, striped top and gorgeous lace-up platform booties straight from the runway.

Seriously cute Burberry look - The patent shoes and bright orange shoulder bag are to die for!

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Be sure to keep an eye out for Moi Contre La Vie’s Giveaway after Paris Fashion Week finishes up, trust me, its worth the wait!


Spring 2012 Couture – Front Row Fashion & Streetstyle

Almost as interesting as watching the runway shows are the looks put together by the celebrities, A-listers, models, editors and industry insiders as they sit front row watching.

I've never been a fan of ponchos but even I have to admit that this is striking - I love the combination of the vibrant, cobalt blue & the grey tweed. Don't you just love seeing the models after the shows in their own clothes but still in hair & makeup? Like the meeting of two worlds! 🙂

Alexandra Golovanoff stunned in a black and white printed knit shift dress with slouchy boots, a fedora and a cashmere coat at Valentino. I would be so tempted to wear pretty, frilly Valentino despite the freezing temp so good for her!

Diane looked gorgeous in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture. It's hard for blonds to wear grey but she found the perfect shades. I love the intricate beading on the tweed and her cat-eye make up the best.

While Josephine de la Baume & Olympia Scarry don't look thrilled to be there, Ni Ni looks stunning, happy and perfectly coiffed for the front row of Christian Dior Haute Couture. Gorgeous!

Miss Diane was also front row at Versace in a stunning black and white dress that included stripes and florals, and a hippie-inspired white leather belt.

Leave it to the models fresh off the runway to put together the best streetstyle looks. Cable knit sweaters and double-breasted wool peacoats with liquid leather leggings, skinny jeans and boots of all heights. They certainly know what they're doing.

Diane was a vision in an adorable in a black & white high-necked, sleeveless dress with a sweet drop-waist. Chanel Haute Couture of course darling.

 
 

Fur & leather are both good ways to keep warm during a Parisian winter. Olivia wore a knee-length open fur vest with leather leggings and carried a printed umbrella to get her from show to show.

Cameron Diaz has been all over Paris for the shows but this was the first picture that I really fell for. The color of this Valentino frock is absolutely great with her skin tone and I like how its interesting and eye-catching without being revealing.

 

What would a trip to Paris be without a glimpse of the oh so famous Clarins sisters? I love the floral printed blouse mixed with the white lace booties, makes me wish it was warmer.

 

This is an unusual dress to be sure and I was a little confused/unsure about the sheer bust area but overall I like it. It's a fun & unique color, yellow lace is new and the fit is flattering. Also, j'adore those shoes!

Oh Anna, we love you!

 

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Harper’s Bazaar even has a style breakdown of fashion editor Miroslava Duma’s great leather leggings & cropped red coat look here.

*** Please note that I do not in any way advocate the use of fur in fashion and personally make an effort not to wear/carry fur, exotic skins or leather. This day in age there are many beautiful alternatives to these products which are cruelty & animal-free and should be utilized instead.