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}
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 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: 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?
Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013
I adore the designers who show at Milan Fashion Week – The clothes are inevitably dramatic, womanly, and sexy sexy sexy. This season was no exception, the collections shown were color, extravagant, and downright spectacular.
Versace:
The Versace woman is never afraid to show some skin and this Spring she’ll really be putting her fabulous figure on display in an assortment of mini skirts, dresses, and shorts in mesh, nude lace, and sheer fabrics.
Low slung belts, studded cross-body bags, midriff baring tops, and knee-high gladiator sandal-boot hybrids were the accessories de jour, all in blacks, nudes, and vibrant Spring colors. I especially liked the sleeveless shift dresses and the studded belts which added a dash of rock n’ roll to the looks.
Salvatore Ferragamo:
Leather and skins were highly featured at the Ferragamo show, and while other designers showed flowy silhouettes, bright colors, and prints & florals, Ferragamo was structured and tailored.
The black, white & nude collection included fabulous outerwear, slim pants, lacing, metallics, lace, mesh fabrics, snake-skin, boots, and studs, buckles & grommets.
Alberta Ferretti:
Delicate. Ladylike. Romantic. Those are all words that I usually associate with Alberta Ferretti and this Spring collection is no different. I might even add dreamy this season.
Between the beading, shimmering, feathers, lace, and wet-looking slinky fabrics this collection was a treat for the senses, you wanted to reach out and touch all the aquatic-inspired designs!
Prada:
‘Dramatic’ and ‘florals’ may not seem like they are two concepts that go together, but at Prada the dark, moody hues made the Japanese-inspired florals really pop.
From red poppies to black & white dandelion silhouettes, these florals were modern and dramatic rather than your usual hippie-inspired, Spring-appropriate florals.
Fendi:
Printed and colorblocked separates, dresses, and outerwear marched down the Fendi runway in colors from black & white to yellow, brown, and blue.
While there were a few solid-colored frocks among the looks sent down the catwalk, it was the dramatic and eye-catching futuristic prints that really caught my eye. The exaggerated silhouettes and interesting draping, folding, and tailoring were also outstanding.
Moschino:
The Moschino collection was absolutely killer! I’m a huge fan of mod-inspired looks and this collection was all about the 60’s – From amazingly flattering black & white pieces to swoon-worthy brightly colored prints & stripes.
The dramatic, embellished silver sandals, the retro hats, oversized sunnies, shift dresses, and chic, colorful jumpsuits & rompers with contrasting colored piping were all totally wearable. The separates and dresses had a great retro vibe but were still totally wearable for a modern girl if styled right!
Dolce & Gabbana:
Bright, fun & kitschy – Just the way we like it!
The old school Italian themed show was full of fun colors, extravagant prints, stripes, oversized earrings, scarves, and the classic, retro silhouettes that the pair do so well. It was interesting, eye-catching, and wearable.
Roberto Cavalli:
This primarily black & white collection included hints of pink, green, and orange among the dreamy crystal, gem, and jewel-encrusted dresses, gowns, and slim suits.
From delicate lace, mesh, and sheer fabrics in crisp white to abstract florals in palest pastels to dramatic beaded pieces in black. Slinky, sexy, and dramatic – These designs were simultaneously powerful and delicate, a feat few designers can manage.
Marni:
Though there were bold patterns featured in the Marni collection, there were also great white, and solid colored separates and dresses, all in the preferred, exaggerated silhouette of Consuelo Castiglioni.
Wooden brooches and ankle-strap platform sandals were also featured, both adding a down-to-earth feel to the collection. What I liked best were the cocoon -haped coats in bright prints and the peplum adorned dresses.
Gucci:
Think PINK! The Gucci show opened with a handful of bright pink looks, followed by blue, green, and yellow before the final black & white evening looks.
Brilliant colors, retro 70’s styles, and flattering, womanly silhouettes. The collection was dramatic and eye-catching while still being fun and wearable. The whole affaire was bold and sexy, one of my favorite collections!
MaxMara:
The relaxed, Out of Africa style collection from MaxMara showcased slouchy knits, shirt dresses, safari inspired outerwear, and a host of somber colored prints, plaids, and stripes.
They delivered a collection of easy, low-key separates that could easily be paired together or mixed n’ matched with other pieces that you already have in your wardrobe.
Giorgio Armani:
This collection was all about shimmering, shiny, science fiction-inspired fabrics, textures, and colors. Silvery blue-grays, tie-dye inspired aquas, and sparkling navy were all heavily featured.
The flowy, somewhat exaggerated silhouettes were universally flattering and the chic, simple sandals were pure Armani. I always love Giorgio’s habit of sending two girls at a time down the runway, such a fun way to space things!
Versus:
This was a fun, bright, playful extravaganza – From candy-like prints & patterns to vibrant pinks, yellows & blues to cheeky silhouettes & fabrics.
I especially liked the interesting fabrics and textures that Christopher Kane showcased, as well as the use of exposed zippers and the fun prints. It was a really youthful and energetic collection of pieces.
Missoni:
The knits that marched down the runway for Missoni spanned the color spectrum – From crisp whites to playful corals to Springy greens & blues. Taste the rainbow!
The breezy dresses and structured separates were wearable and chic – Perfect for a Spring full of exotic locations, days spent reading by the pool, or picking your way through foreign flea markets. They had a rich feel to them, like a luxurious vacation to far away lands come to life!
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous Milan Collections: Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part I & Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part II.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Fashionologie’s Bags! The Best From Milan’s Spring 2013 Runways, Harper’s Bazaar’s Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 Looks & Derek Blasberg’s Insta-Diary From The Fashion Week(s).
What’s your favorite designer from the Milan Fashion Week lineup? Do you look forward to any shows season after season?
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?
Restaurant Review: Candle Cafe
While I was in New York right before Spring 2013 Fashion Week I was lucky enough to have an understanding and food-enthusiastic friend who was willing to run all over Manhattan with me so that I could check some vegan restaurants off my Must Try list.
First on the docket – within mere hours of touching down at JFK – was Candle Cafe. Last year when I was in New York we went to Blossom and I had been interested in trying this other famous vegan restaurant since then.
{Vino}
{Grilled Kale Salad – Haricots verts, beluga lentils, red onions, turnips, avocado, sunflower seeds, spelt berries and chive vinaigrette}
{Evening Special – BBQ Seitan Burrito}
{Chipotle Grilled Tofu – Quinoa-vegetable pilaf, sautéed greens served with a black bean sauce; topped with an avocado mango salad}
After taking some recommendations from the friendly waitress and ordering a bottle of red, we decided to split two entrees and an appetizer, and since the appetizer kale salad was huge it ended up being more than enough food for both of us.
{Clearly we hated it}
Seitan is Colin’s new favorite vegan fare – It’s hardy, flavorful, and filling, a really great alternative for meat-eaters who are eating at plant-based restaurants or those who are attempting to go vegan or vegetarian.
If you’re a meat eater are you willing to try new types of restaurants with friends who follow a plant-based diet? Do you enjoy trying new and creative dishes unlike the ones you usually eat?
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III
This post is devoted to the lines that I’m just discovering – Hey I never claimed to be on top of everything – and the designers are that just starting to hock their wares at New York Fashion Week. You can catch up on the earlier posts that you missed to see reviews of dozens more fashion shows – New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I & New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II.
Veronica Beard:
This two-year old brand put out a lovely collection for Spring 2013 – Twenty-one looks that included colorful day dresses, loungewear, smart blazers, chic suits, and light outerwear.
You could see the Moroccan influence in the vivid colors and prints, and in the loose silhouettes and pajama-like styles of some of the pants, jumpsuits, and short suits.
Jil Sander Navy:
I’m not sure why, but I’ve never checked out the Loobook for Jil Sander Navy before – Thus its inclusion in the “new to me” Part III review of NYFW – And I enjoyed what I saw. The collection was full of crisp fabrics, clean lines, and basic separates that are the building block for every modern woman’s wardrobe.
When I look at this Lookbook I see all the casual but chic and stylish pieces that you need – Tennis skirts, sleeveless blouses, car coats, shirt dresses, patterned jackets, mod-inspired collarless shifts, and knee-length skirts – All in navy, white, red & blue with stripes and florals thrown in for good measure and paired with sporty wedges, t-straps, and platform tennis shoes.
I look forward to seeing what this brand comes out with next!
Honor:
This was a pretty collection of pretty frocks in neutrals with hints of Spring-appropriate pink and green. Nature-based prints, lace, and brocades gave this collection a very sweet vibe – Everything looked fresh and ready for next Spring.
Light colors, delicate fabrics, and slightly oversized silhouettes gave many of the pieces the illusion that they were preparing to float away. In addition to satin pumps there were classic sandals in white and powder blue. I loved the shorts, pants, and high-neck blouses they were sweet and dreamy but still contemporary enough to imagine in your own closet.
Holmes & Yang:
Miss Katie Holmes continued to shed her Mrs. Tom Cruise title and joined with her long-time stylist to create a cute, functional group of looks for an early morning NYFW showing.
The clothes were chic and wearable with flats & heels, handbags, flowing silk maxi dresses & maxi skirts, slouchy cropped pants, cute day dresses, short suits, and plenty of fun prints and leather. The first look was my favorite, I liked the loose wide leg pants and the quilted motorcycle jacket.
Pierre Balmain:
While Balmain is the go-to brand for sexy, rock n’ roll fabulousness, its new sister line Pierre Balmain may become the go-to for chic, ladylike separates.
The 66 look collection featured Parisian black & white, pops of pink & yellow, peplums, lace, leather & eyelet, menswear, denim, all-over prints, and a great collection of blazers & jackets in varying lengths and fabrics. While Balmain pieces can often look more like couture than street wear, these clothes were ready to walk straight from the catwalk to the sidewalk!
Theyskens’ Theory:
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve never taken the time to look at Oliver Theyskens’ collection for Theory before. The shame! And it was no surprise that I liked what I saw when I finally did.
It was a dark hued, wet looking group collection – filled with elegant suits, sleek leather, chunky knits, and some slouchy Alexander Wang-style separates, all paired with strappy heels and oversized, borrowed from the boys outerwear.
Thakoon Addition:
Cute. Feminine. Wearable. These were the first thoughts that popped into my head when I saw this collection – Nothing innovative or provocative, just stylish, contemporary separates and dresses for the modern girl.
The eyelet and mini flower prints were Spring-ready and the bloomer-style short shorts and long, open sweaters gave the collection some fun silhouettes. I especially liked the print mixing and the striped, open sweater-sets.
Katie Gallagher:
NYFW newbie Katie Gallagher was quite the topic of discussion this season and stood up to the scrutiny by showing a black & nude collection full of draping, swimwear, and cutouts.
Peplums, sheer fabrics, chainlink belts, lace-up strappy sandals, asymmetrical hemlines, shrunken outerwear, bathing suits, retro bandeau tops, and textured fabrics kept the collection from being boring.
MM6 Maison Martin Margiela:
The perfect Paris-meets-New-York-City looks this season came from MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, new to NYFW and one of the hottest tickets in town.
Urban cuts, dramatic drapping, and loose silhouettes featured heavily in the Lookbook, with washed out greys, browns, and white, all paired with over-the-shoulder and messenger bags.
Charlotte Ronson:
Flirty florals, calming deep blues & greens, multicolored stripes, colorblocking, rompers, sheer blouses, mesh, jumpsuits, and cute shrunken blazers all made an appearance in the Ocean themed collection.
The separates here really stole my heart, I loved the print mixing & matching, the layering, and the sweet patterns that she used. I was also a fan of the handbags and ankle strap platforms that accompanied the looks. These are the perfect types of pieces for throwing on during the Spring & Summer – Bathing suit cover ups, hot Summer nights, vacation clothes – Cute, easy, and wearable.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Huffington Post’s New York Fashion Week 2012: The Top 5 Trends, The IFB’s Spring 2013 Collectionson Pinterest, or The Stylist’s The Pit, Model Critiques And More: A New York Fashion Week Photographer Diary (VIDEO).
What was your favorite trend so far from the Spring 2013 collections? I think I have to agree with Mr. Blasberg about one of my favorite emerging trends for next Spring – “NYFW trend: Long live the sexy secretary skirt! Low on the hips at Marc Jacobs, unzipped at Michael Kors, and in python at Reed Krakoff.” Looking forward to seeing how this trend is translated in London, Milan, and Paris.
Be sure to stay tuned for the fourth and final post from the tents at New York Fashion Week – The street style, nighttime glam, and fabulous front row fashion of New York City.
Links You’ll Love
Health & Nutrition:
Sometimes going to the gym sounds like the worst thing in the world. Sometimes the weather is awful when you were dying to go for a run. Well if you have a set of dumbbells (or you could easily use a kettlebell or weighted bosu ball) you can tackle this rainy day workout!
I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting smoothie recipes so when I was browsing Organice Your Life and saw this Raw Green Coconut Shake recipe I was thrilled.
Don’t think you have time for a full workout? Why not try this Women’s Health Get Fit In Only 15 Minutes: Skinny Jeans Workout which includes the very important squats & lunges or FitSugar’s BOSU Circuit Workout.
In the mood for something sweet? Or do you want a treat for family or friends that’s healthy as well as tasty? Check out the super healthy and oh-so-simple Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies over at Peas And Thank You or
I always get excited when I can add a fun new recipe to my rotation of favorites. Something quick, easy, and delicious. Well, if you’re like me, you’ll want to try Choosing Raw’s Curried Quinoa & Aduki Bean Patties – They’re savory and filling, and easily adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand, a home run in my book.
Fashion:
Whenever I want a dose of inspiration one of my go-to websites is WhoWhatWear – From Style Stalker posts to reviews of new collections to street style breakdowns, they’ve always got you covered – Styling Tips For September.
Street style is a fun and evolving part of fashion and fashion blogging and I’ve been enjoying the pictures online for ages – From bloggers to fashion insiders to models to celebrities. It’s a great way to get inspired or to see what’s trendy and hot right now. And with four Fashion Weeks coming up, it’s time to give it a closer look – A Street-Style Primer For The September Shows. Or check out one of my favorite model street style blogs out there for up to date shots from the shows – Altamira: Models Off Duty.
The accessories are probably my favorite part about dressing for Fall and Winter. Scarves, gloves, hats, outerwear… Swoon! FabSugar agrees – Best Fall Scarves 2012: It’s a Wrap — Shop the Best Layering Scarves For Early Fall.
I love vintage-inspired styles and loved this post on finding some great pieces that are perfect for Fall and fabulously retro – Finding the perfect 1970s shoulder bag.
I’m a bun girl through and through so I was excited by all of the buns on the runways for Fall. If you’re of a similar mind, check out Harper’s Bazaar’s The Return Of The Bun or Best Celebrity Top Knots: The Fun Bun Hall of Fame.
MCLV Style File: Olivia Palermo
Welcome back to MCLV’s Style File, today I’ll be breaking the great Spring look from Olivia Palermo below and give you some ideas on where to find the pieces like these ones.
She wore this look at the Men’s Fashion Week shows in Milan in the Fall of 2011. Can you picture a more chic, menswear- inspired look for those shows?
The building blocks of this outfit can be broken down to three basic parts – The chic cropped trousers, the absolutely gorgeous double-breasted sweater coat, and the fierce leopard print heels. Each of these pieces can be adapted as you see fit and paired with a basic white T to finish it off.
{Top: (Left) Vince Camuto ‘Abstract Leaf’ Crop Pants = $100 @ Nordstrom & (Right) Café Capri in harvest tweed – $150 @ J.Crew and Bottom: (Left) Café Capri in wool check – $70 (sale price) @ J.Crew & (Right) Exact Stretch Capri Pant – $55 @ The Limited}
Depending on your personal style you can really change-up the basics of this look, or you can stay true to Miss Olivia’s style choices. With all the floral pants being shown for this Spring you could really spice a pair of cropped pants up if you’re in a daring, fashion-forward mood. As for the fit, you could go for s slim cut, something looser, or a more structured, menswear-inspired style.
{Left: CLOSED Anthracite Double Breasted Knitted Cardigan – $135 @ Stylebop, Center: Loose-fit double-breasted cardigan – $40 (sale price) @ Mango, and Right: FUNKTIONAL Comfort Cardi – $90 (sale price) @ Revolve Clothing}
Depending on the color-scheme that you settled on for your look, the sweater color and style can vary quite a bit. If you go for a bright pant, I would recommend balancing them out with a neutral toned sweater. On the other side hand, if you went with a simple black, white, or neutral colored pant, you could either stick with a monochrome look or go for a contrasting color or patterned sweater.
{Top: (Left) Stella McCartney leopard-print satin wedge pumps – $190 (sale price) @ The Outnet & Sam Edelman Sophie Two-Tone Wedge Sandal – $120 @ Neiman Marcus, Bottom: (Left) Diane Von Furstenberg April pumps – $180 @ Bluefly & (Right) Nine West Flax pump – $75 @ Piperlime}
Obviously floral pants and leopard print heels are a challenge to pull off in combination, so depending on your pant and sweater choices you’ll want to adjust the vibrancy of the pattern in the shoes you wear. Traditionally you’ll want to have a single piece be the stand-out part of a look, rather than having attention bounce from one thing to another and back. So if your pants are going to be bright or eye-catching, try for a more neutral-toned heel.
I promise I wont leave such a long gap between Style File posts going forward, I already have a couple in mind that I know you’ll love. In the meantime, you can look through some of the previous MCLV Style File looks below:
Moi Contre La Vie 