Styling 101: Tweed + Vintage Pearls
What’s great about this little neon shift dress is its versatility – It looks great alone as a statement piece, and it can be easily dressed up or dressed down with the right accessories. Sandals and a low-key tote make it perfect for daytime while piling on strand after stand of vintage beads and pearls make it the ideal dress for a hot Summer night.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Dress – Asos, Heels – Zara & Bag – Vintage}
Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage
The key to styling a piece like this dress, which is eye-catching on its own, is to pair it with high impact accessories. Trying to match the threads of the dress will give you a look that’s too matchy-matchy. By styling it with bold statement necklaces and simple black accessories you take the whole look to the next level.
Would you make this neon shift dress a daytime or a nighttime look?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion & Beauty:
If you gentlemen are wondering how to begin wardrobe or style overhaul then this guide from Attire Club is the perfect starting point for you – Beginner’s Guide: A List Of 20 Style Tips Which Cover The Basics.
The key to creating a swoon-worthy wardrobe is the ability to use the same pieces in new and interesting ways – Skillfully mixing your separates can exponentially increase the number of outfit choices you have when you step into your closet. Check out The Glamourai’s An Outfit For Any Occasion for some great tips & recommendations!
Who knows how long the mixing prints trend will last so you should enjoy the amazing combinations while you can! Get inspired over at WhoWhatWear with their piece Steal Her Style: Clashing Prints.
A head-to-toe monochrome look is one of those styles that manages to look effortless and oh-so-chic at the same time, which is a fabulous combination. You’ll be dying to try this style after scanning the gorgeous shots in B a La Moda’s Looks Monocolor post.
As you’ve probably discovered by now, I’m a big fan of denim. And it looks like I’m not the only one! If you’re a fan of chambray and the perfect pair of jeans you’ll LOVE If You’re Thinking About… Summer Denim from The Sartorialist.
Health & Fitness:
While comfort food is a must, bad-for-you comfort food isn’t. Craving fries? Try making these Too Delicious To Dip Sweet Potato Fries instead for a healthier indulgence.
HIIT is the best way to get through your cardio so check out FitSugar’s Burn Calories, Blast Fat, and Save Time: 7 Minutes Is All You Need for some great new tips to try.
Embarking on a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to mean forgoing all of the indulgences in your previous diet. It’s about making better choices, not depriving yourself. Try this Enlightened Carrot Cake recipe from Chef Amber Shea.
With stress and stress-related illnesses on the rise it’s important to focus on finding your inner peace. Not sure where to start? Read this – Easy Ways To Slow Down & Find Balance.
When you read the labels on your supplements and vitamins you’ll be blasted with information – Take on an empty stomach! Don’t eat for 30 minutes! Take with a meal! Curious when you should pop them? Learn the Best Time of Day to Take Vitamins.
Cauliflower Recipes
I don’t know about you, but I go through phases in the kitchen. Ingredients or recipes or specific foods that I’ll eat tons of until I’m sick of them. Right now that food is, you guessed it, cauliflower! I’ve tried everything from cauliflower mashed potatoes and cheese sauce to raw rice and salads.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust from Carrie On Vegan – One of my favorite comfort food recipes
- Cauliflower Risotto from Fork & Beans – Mine wasn’t pretty, but it was delicious!
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower from Choosing Raw
- 5 Things To Do With Cauliflower from the Paleo Queen herself Holly Would If She Could
- Cheesy Cauliflower Popcorn from Balanced Platter {How cute is that blog name?}
- Roasted Buddha Bowl from Oh She Glows – Seriously obsessed!
- Cauliflower Couscous from A House In The Hills
I’ve tried all of these and have loved each and every one. I have a handful of other delicious looking cauliflower-based recipes printed out and waiting in my kitchen though so be sure to follow me on Instagram so you can see my cooking attempts! {moicontrelavie – no spaces}
What’s your favorite food right now?
Summer Trend: Jumpsuits & Rompers
After the fun Spring Trends posts on Little White Dresses and Overalls, Dungarees & Pinafores, I wanted to share some of the great seasonal trends you should consider for Summer. Let’s start with jumpsuits and rompers – They’re everywhere right now and no matter what your style is there’s a version out there for you!
{Stripes are the perfect way to make a basic black romper Summer-ready!}
{If you want to throw together a high-impact look then a boldly colored jumpsuit is the way to go. Simple. Chic. Dramatic.}
{This little silk romper is the perfect weekend piece – It’s fun, flattering & versatile!}
{Not sure that the jumpsuit trend is for you? Try layering – It’s like chic training wheels. Tienlyn shows you how to make it work on Say Hello Max.}
{Basic but anything other than ordinary – This black romper looks fabulous paired with a simple denim jacket.}
Would you try a romper or a jumpsuit this Summer?
In related news, I just bought my very first jumpsuit so be sure to stay tuned for a fun new post featuring my fabulous great find with a retro 70’s styling twist!
MCLV Style: Shorts Suit
I recently attended the Blogger Brunch SF hosted by Nicole of Vanilla Extract and Camille of PR Girl Camille at The Social Beauty Co in the Marina. Not only did I have a great time chatting with other bloggers, I fell in love with the sweet little spa and am planning a lady date to go back in the near future.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Shorts Suit – Aqua, Tank – Banana Republic, and Shoes, Bag & Necklace – Zara}
{Photos by Bethann of Beth Animal Print}
I paired this same shorts suit with a similar white tank and black heels in April for Lucky FABB in Los Angeles, but this time around I wanted to try a more Summery spin on the styling with colors and neutrals.
Do you prefer the simple accessories and black heels I paired with this suit in April or the bright, Summery styling in the pictures above?
June Round-Up
June was a busy month filled with great events, travel, and lots of hard work. It was the perfect way to start Summer – Not only was I really focused on my health, I had a number of fun fashion-related outings and collaborations to keep me entertained.
- Social Media – June was quite fun on the social media side of things, in addition to creating some great new Pinterest boards {Summer Motivation, Swimsuit Season}, I also starting posting fun collages on Instagram & updating my photo shoot Outtakes folders on Facebook again.
- Writing, Writing, Writing – Not only have I been writing up a storm for MCLV and Ajent, I’m also working on a website overhaul so stay tuned for a brand new Moi Contre La Vie! ❤
- Expansion & Growth – June was a big “behind the scenes” month and I’ll be rolling out new services, an email newsletter, and sharing some fabulous new collaborations in the coming weeks.
- Be Positive – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Loving where you live is EVERYTHING. I adore San Francisco and have “I love this city” moments on a daily basis. It’s amazing how much that can keep you happy & positive!
Fashion:
June was a busy month in the San Francisco fashion world – Loads of sales, store openings, collection launches, and oh-so-fun events to attend. Some of my favorites included The Factory’s new custom gown collection and the launch of Sonas Denim‘s Indiegogo page which means getting a fabulous new pair of jeans for $89-$99 rather than the usual $249! {There are still jeans available for pre-order so head to Indiegogo for details.}
I also have a series of great beauty-related posts to share with you in July, a giveaway, and a fun event for you to come meet me at – So stay tuned for more news!
{Left – How To Wear White Jeans & Right – How To Wear White Jeans: Dressing Up}
Food & Fitness:
My June health goal was simple – To get in shape and mentally prepared for warm weather dressing and bathing suits – Enter the Swimsuit Shape-Up Challenge. Using The Fitnessista’s 2013 Summer Shape-Up Plan and Tone It Up’s Bikini Series as inspiration I spent four weeks focusing on healthy eating habits and regular workouts.
New July Goals:
Fashion:
My goal fashion-wise in July is to keep up my momentum – I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing photographers, bloggers, brands, and store owners to date and I want nothing more than to continue on this path. Getting to know San Francisco based people and companies is such a joy!
Food & Fitness:
I’ll be undergoing a medical procedure at the end of the month so I want to spend July being as healthy as possible so that I can recover quickly & painlessly. So with that goal in mind I’m going to continue my 5 days a week workouts and eating a clean diet high in raw, whole foods.
{June Fashion: Heavy Metal, Casual Fashion & Polka Dots}
After reading my friend Holly’s amazing 2013 Summer Bucket List and Cupcakes & Cashmere’s Summer To Do List I was inspired to create my own mini bucket list for the month. So for the rest of 2013 I’m going to give myself a couple of items to accomplish or go-after each month.
July Bucket List:
- Launch MCLV Newsletter
- Film first YouTube video
What’s on YOUR Summer bucket list?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
My Week Via Instagram
Happy Saturday my friends! Today I’d like to share some good old fashion Instagram photos from the last week so that you can get a little peek into my daily life – Enjoy!
Fashion:
{I love animal prints and I cannot lie – See more in my Casual Fashion post from last week}
{Short suits for Summer w/ Beth Animal Print}
{Gorgeous vintage baubles from Sasha Maks Vintage – You can see the whole look in the Styling 101: Heavy Metal post}
Food:
{My favorite new smoothie ingredient is mint – So refreshing! Check out some of my other favorite smoothie recipes here}
{Vegan, Gluten-Free Baking – Mini Protein Cake & Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies}
{Salad beast from the Plant Café in San Francisco – Kale, quinoa & beets for the win.}
Fitness:
{Working hard at my Swimsuit Shape-Up challenge so that I can get bikini ready for Summer!}
{CrossFit Competitions = Sweaty shirtless boys. Any questions?}
{Fittest of the Sierras in South Lake Tahoe – I support my team in Prabal Gurung for Target – What about you?}
Follow me on Instagram at: moicontrelavie {no spaces}
MCLV Mange: Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
As much as I love making cookies I have to confess that my favorite desserts to make, and eat, are always raw. The Wannabe Chef’s Raw Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Torte is hands down my favorite dessert. It’s also the most requested by my friends and family.
So when I saw Taste Space’s Better Than Nutella Cheesecake (Almost Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake) it seemed like fate. A few little changes in the recipe due to ingredient availability and I ended up with a delicious, chocolatey cheesecake that was a big hit.
Crust
- 1 Cup Almonds
- 1 Cup dates
- 1/4 Cup Raw Cacao
- Pinch salt
Filling
- 2 Cups Raw Cashews {Soaked & Rinsed}
- 5 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 Cup water
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Cup Powdered Peanut Butter
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1/4 Cup Raw Cacao
It was really rich and creamy, and tasted great cold straight from the freezer. It also wasn’t too sweet which I really liked – Sometimes too sweet on top of really rich can make a dessert a little over the top, but this was perfect!
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Styling 101: Heavy Metal
One of my current fashion crushes is DylanLex of Me And Alex – She’s everywhere on Pinterest & Instagram these days and is easily recognizable for her habit of stacking intricate, eye-catching, dramatic silver necklace. So with her as our inspiration Sasha and I set out to try a stacking project of our own – Using one-of-a-kind gold & silver vintage pieces.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Skater Skirt – Asos, V-Neck Tee – Banana Republic, Bag – Furla & Peep-Toe Booties – BCBG}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage
I have to confess that this is one of my favorite Styling 101 posts to date – I loved mixing the gold and silver pieces, as well as the different eras and styles. It creates such a stunning, dramatic look, and I love how you can create something wholly original.
Do you like to layering jewelry?
Decorating Inspiration
Whenever Spring and Summer roll around my desire to change everything rears its ugly head – Including my apartment. If you’re anything like me than this post will have you drooling – It’s filled with fresh, bright, fun ideas for decor updates and DIY projects that you can take care of in a weekend!
Budget Updates:
If you’d love to do some redecorating but the potential cost is making you balk then you’re in luck – Here are some great tips & suggestions that won’t break the bank.
- Instant Home Upgrade: 9 Brilliant Design Picks Under $100 from Refinery 29
- Easy Home Makeovers from Real Simple
- What To Do With A Book Addiction from SF Girl By The Bay
Inspiration:
Know that you want to make some changes but aren’t sure just where to start? Get inspired by these amazing pictures & stories – You’ll be ready to go in no time!
- Lucy Fenton’s Colorful Modernism from Apartment Therapy
- Gallery Wall Inspiration from Frankie Hearts Fashion
- Inside S.F.’s Teensiest Apartments from Refinery 29
Room Projects:
Do you have a specific project in mind for this Summer? Whether it’s updating your home office or creating a nursery, these are the posts for you.
- 5 Living Room Inspirations from Damsel In Dior
- Lake House Decor from Love Meagan
- Home Office Space from Cath In The City
{Pictures from Belle Maison Pinterest board}
What’s your home decor project for this Summer?
MCLV Style: Polka Dots
Wrap dresses are a very flattering style that works great on most body types and are easy to style for everything from daytime to work to nighttime with the right accessories.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Wrap Dress – Lilly Pulitzer, Sandals – Zara, Wristlet – Mango, and Jewelry – JewelMint & Vintage}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This two-toned polka dot wrap dress is one of my favorites – I love the way it fits and the combination of colors and prints gives you so many options when it comes to styling and accessorizing.
What’s your favorite silhouette or style of dress? Are you also a fan of wrap dresses?
Looks of the Week – Denim Edition
One of the hottest trends for Summer 2013 so far is denim – From overalls and pinafores to vests and jackets – Denim seems to be everywhere these days.
{This sweet denim dress is perfect for any event you have planned for this Summer and a statement necklace is the perfect finishing touch.}
{If a head-to-toe denim look isn’t in your wheelhouse then a great vest or jacket is the perfect way to indulge this trend.}
{You can kill two sartorial birds with one stone by trying out some denim overalls this season – It’s the perfect statement whether you go with shorts or pants.}
{A jean jacket is classic – Go for classic with basic denim or spice up your layering looks this Summer with a fun printed or striped jacket.}
{And if you’re a big fan I suggest trying out a denim-on-denim look.}
What’s your favorite way to wear denim?
My current denim obsession is definitely white jeans! Check out my two favorite looks featuring my killer new Sonas Denim patchwork jeans – How To Wear White Jeans and How To Wear White Jeans: Dressing Up.
If you need more of a fashion fix head over and check out the last Looks of the Week post that features some fabulous black & white looks from around the world.
Links You’ll Love
Do you let a bad mood ruin your day? It happens to us all and the consequences can be rough. Here are some GREAT tips on how to keep that from happening – 5 Ways to Flip your Bad Mood from Organized Clutter.
Health & Fitness:
Sometimes you just can’t fight your sweet tooth. It happens to the best of us. Eating a healthy diet is about not going to extremes – So try a healthier treat to keep yourself on track rather than succumbing to junk food cravings – Frozen Coconut Macademia Bars.
Gut bacteria and its role in a health and weight loss has been a frequent topic of discussion in the media in recent months. If you haven’t read up on this topic this piece should be of interest to you – Bacteria in the Intestines May Help Tip the Bathroom Scale.
As bathing suit season is upon us keeping your abs in shape becomes more and more important, check out these great Pilates moves from Women’s Health – 8 Pilates Ab Exercises.
In the last Links You’ll Love post I included an article on all the reasons to try wheatgrass so this week I wanted to share some great reasons to add Chlorophyll to your healthy diet – Why You Should Love Chlorophyll.
Are you a fan of snacking like I am? Finding new snacks to try to ways to make healthy choices can be a challenge – So why not take some advice from an expert. FAQ With a Vegan Chef: What kind of snacks do you eat?
Fashion & Beauty:
Stripes are a must for Spring year-after-year, the key is to put a modern twist on them and find interesting ways to pair them and create new looks. Nicole Warne – aka Gary Pepper Girl – is here to teach us just how to do that – How To Wear: Breton Stripes.
Each season there are a handful of great pieces that you can find that will instantly revive and modernize your wardrobe – Pieces that are versatile and can help you put together look after look. The same goes for men and women, so check out what Stylist Brad Goreski suggests for you gentlemen this season – Brad Goreski on Men’s Fashion: Stylist Shares His 6 Must-Have Pieces for Summer.
During Spring Cleaning each year I store my Fall & Winter wardrobe and rearrange the pieces in my closet to make dressing easier for that season. Here are some great tips for reorganizing this year – Accessories: Moving from Winter to Summer Shoes…
A neutral bag is a must every season – A handbag that goes with everything and can seamlessly translate from day-to-night. And this fun DIY project is just the way to make the perfect bag for yourself this year – DIY Celine Structured Clutch.
Ombre is everywhere this year – From hair color to maxi dresses to accessories – Trends We Love: Ombre Obsession.
Summer Shopping
All of the killer Memorial Day Weekend sales seems to have gotten me into a shopping mood… So what’s on my fashion day dreaming list right now?
White Blazer:
{Calvin Klein Combo Jacket – $129 via Bloomingdale’s}
Sleek & simple – A structured white blazer is the perfect layering piece for Spring and Summer. Why don’t I own one? Because I’m a klutz and a chronic spiller. True story. However, if I wasn’t, this would be at the very top of my Must Have List.
Boyfriend Vest:
{h.i.p Drape Collar Vest – $38 via Nordstrom}
My style is fairly feminine but I do love adding some menswear-inspired touches to a look like a classic button-down, mens watch, or even some flat lace-up Oxfords. My dream menswear inspired piece for this season? An oversized waistcoat – Otherwise known as a “boyfriend vest.” You can layer it over a dress to mix your style up, pair with matching pants for a more formal look, or keep it super casual with shorts and a basic tee.
Chunky Cut-Out Booties:
{Pointed Cut Out Flat Shoes – $99 via Choies}
I adore these Alexander Wang wannabe booties – I’ve been dying over all the fun flats out right now. From smoking slippers, boat shoes, and loafers to Oxfords, gladiators, and cut-out ballet flats. This pair is simple but still eye-catching and interesting, which is the perfect combination for me!
{Styling 101: Easy Tips For Mixing Prints}
Want more? You can shop my closet over at Socialbliss and find pieces like cropped pants, blouses, heels & dresses. The too cute blue Prabal Gurung for Target heels above are the latest addition to my online shop so don’t wait to head over and check it out!
Swimsuit Season: Find The Perfect Swimsuit
One of my personal goals for June was to get myself toned & ready for bathing suit weather – You can check out my first post on this topic for tips & recommendations on getting fit – Swimsuit Season: How To Get Bikini Ready.
Step two in the journey towards enjoying swimsuit season is finding the perfect suit for your body type. I for one don’t fit into any of the convenient body type categories magazines use and finding the right bikini is definitely an exercise in trial and error. Check out the three great new suits that I picked out for 2013 at the bottom! ❤
Check out these previous posts from MCLV on finding the right suit for your body & some of my favorite suits from seasons past – Bathing Suit Season… Le Sigh and Bathing Suit Season.
- Beach-Bound? 11 Hot Bikinis For Equally Sizzling Summer Days from Refinery 29
- Swim Style: Black + White from Effortless Chic
- 50 Best Bathing Suits Under $50 from StyleList
-
Skin-Baring Swimsuits from Women’s Health
- The Right Way to Cover Up from Into The Gloss
- Swim Report 2013: Shop the Trends That Are Fit to Sunbathe In from Harper’s Bazaar
{Pictures from Swimsuit Season Pinterest board}
As for me, my new bathing suit purchases this year include this fierce TopShop Bandeau Suit, a too cute Forever 21 Zebra Bikini, and to fulfill my love of one-piece retro inspired swimsuits I picked up this fabulous Marc by Marc Jacobs Maillot Swimsuit.
Need more bikini porn? Check out my Swimsuit Season Pinterest board for all the inspiration you can handle!
What’s your favorite style swimsuit for this year?
Styling 101: Cocktail Attire
The Little Black Dress is the perfect choice for a cocktail party – Not only is it a timeless style, it’s also easy to personalize your look with bold, eye-catching jewelry and accessories.
{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}
{Caity: Dress – Diane Von Furstenberg, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti & Clutch – Ted Baker, and Sasha: Top – Chaiken & Capone, Lace Pencil Skirt – Anna Sui & Ankle Boots – Costume National}
{Photos by Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography – Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage}
This dress is one of my favorites – It’s a universally flattering style, a simple silhouette that I can easily accessorize or dress up, and the lace overlay gives it a little boost. But if a cocktail dress isn’t your style then try a two-piece look like Sasha’s, her lace pencil skirt and tiered black top are chic and the textures & fabrics give her a flapper-esque vibe.
What’s your go-to look for a cocktail party?
Beauty Essentials
Tis the season for complexion issues – From sunburns to flaky, dried skin to sunscreen & oil induced blemishes – Summer can be rough on your skin. And since taking care of your face is extra important this time of year I’d like to share some of my skin care secrets as well as some great tips & recommendations that I found on other sites.
Exfoliator: My number one go-to product during the Summer is an exfoliating scrub – I love the feeling of fresh, clean skin. And while I’ve tried many many brands, I always go back to St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It’s the Little Black Dress of exfoliating – A classic. 🙂
Lotion: A good moisturizer is a must during warm weather months and if you use it religiously you’ll keep your skin soft and manageable all Summer long. My current favorite is Clarins Extra-Firming Night Cream which feels great when you slather it on and you wake-up with your skin feeling great.
BB Cream: At this point I don’t think that we can claim that BB Cream is just a fly-by-night trend, it seems to be here to stay. With so many choices & brands out there, I’ve found myself trying new ones from time to time, but my favorite so far is Dior Hydra Life BB Crème. It goes on light but is quite effective, which is perfect for the warm-weather months.
Below are some great pieces from around the blogosphere featuring well-loved beauty & skin care products as well as tips for great Summer skin.
- Beauty Secrets From Top Bloggers from The Rachel Zoe Report
- How To Look Good Wet from Harper’s Bazaar
- The Essential Pro Advice (& Products!) To Beat Summer Breakouts from Refinery 29
- My Favorite Skin Care Products from This Chick’s Got Style
- Summer Skin from Allergic To Vanilla
What’s your favorite trick to keep your skin healthy & glowing for the Summer months?
MCLV Style: Casual Fashion
Stripes are the perfect Spring and Summer daytime look – They go with everything and are easy to spice up to make a nighttime look. Here I paired a basic striped top with cuffed, slim-fitting jeans, and animal print accessories to make it a bit more interesting.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – J Brand, Top – H&M, Bag – Zara, Necklace – Asos & Heels – ShoeMint}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
Despite normally being a dress girl I’ve been living in these jeans on weekends lately – So comfortable and so flattering. They look great with heels as well as flats, and I really like the dark wash which hasn’t faded at all.
What’s your favorite brand of jeans? Why are they your favorite?
Looks of the Week
The Looks of the Week – Office Style Edition was a fun deviation from the standard round-up of looks, I for one really enjoyed getting inspired to be more creative with my work looks. This week is all about international street style and the looks below were put together by fashion bloggers everywhere from Russia to the UK to Poland.
{Does it get better than this? Bold black & white stripes and checkers paired with brilliant yellow, and finished off with chic two-toned sling backs. Swoon.}
{Does anything say Spring more clearly than a sweet cloud print skirt? And the pretty fuschia pumps are the perfect punctuation for the look!}
{I couldn’t be more in love with this look – The silhouette of the suit is perfect, the print is fun & eye-catching, and the cut is beyond flattering. This is a How To on wearing prints for Spring so take notes!}
{You know what there aren’t enough of these days? Suspenders. And you can quote me on that!}
{Head-to-toe black & white zebra print? Yes please!}
Clearly I’m loving black and white trend for Spring, especially when paired with a bold colored accessory – It’s classic but with a fun, modern twist. What’s my personal nod to this style? Just ordered this top and matching bottoms from Nordstrom – Can’t wait to show you guys! 🙂
Are you a fan of black and white for Spring? What’s your favorite version so far this season?
Gym Style
The term “workout fashion” may sound like an oxymoron but I fully believe that not only can you hit the gym looking great, your choice of pieces can actually help motivate you to make it to the gym.
One of my favorite bribes motivators for meeting a fitness goal is a new addition to my gym drawer. And it doesn’t have to be pricey. While you may be a fan of Lulu, there are plenty of stylish, functional, reasonably priced brands out there to choose from.
Read on for some inspiration to spice up your workout gear and some fun new pieces to try:
Inspiration:
- Super Cute Workout Gear: Heidi Klum for New Balance from Women’s Health
- Get the Look: Jessica Biel’s Post-Yoga Fashion from PopSugar
- Olympic Moment: A Workout Wardrobe You Can Wear Out from Vogue
- Workout Plan: Ashley Tisdale Inspires Colorful Gym Wear from StyleList
- Fashion Meets Fitness with Tone It Up from The Chriselle Factory & Tone It Up!
New Gear:
- Workout Gear vs Streetwear
- Transition From Spring to Summer With Gym Gear Under $50 from FitSugar
- Gym Gear That’ll Do Your Workout Justice from Refinery 29
- How to Bribe Yourself to Work Out from Rachel Wilkerson
- 15 Green Workout Looks from Prevention
{Left: Zella ‘Live In’ Reversible Capri Pants – $48 & Right: Zella ‘Everyday’ Racerback Tank – $38}
My personal gym must haves include Nike sports bras, Zella tanks & capri pants, Lululemon leggings, and Brooks running shoes.
What’s on your Must Have List for the gym?
How To Wear White Jeans: Dressing Up
After last week’s How To Wear White Jeans casual look I wanted to give you some ideas for how to take these same chic white jeans from casual daytime to a more formal setting – Perfect for drinks after work or meeting the in-laws this Summer.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – Sonas Denim, Peplum Top – Kensi, Heels – Fendi & Clutch – Gigi New York}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Lydia Hudgens}
The most important part about taking a look from day-to-night is the accessories. Add a statement piece like dangling earrings or a dramatic collar necklace, include some color with a bold bag, and throw on some heels – And you’re ready to go.
What’s your rule of thumb for taking a look from day-to-night?
I have some great news for you Sonas Denim lovers – While supplies last you can get a pair of these killer jeans for $89-$99 online through their Indiegogo page here {normally $250}.
Don’t waste any time!
Wedding Season
It’s that time of year again – Wedding season! If you’re not sure what’s expected or appropriate in various settings dress-code wise head over to my Summer Weddings post for a full breakdown including dress recommendations.
The posts below are helpful & thorough – The perfect survival guide for all of the upcoming Spring and Summer weddings you’ll be attending – Everything from packing essentials to chic updos you can try out this season.
Top 12 Essentials for a Wedding Weekend from Hitha On The Go
Three Summer Wedding Options from Apartment 34
City Wedding from Damsel In Dior
What to Wear: Your Rehearsal Dinner from Savvy Chic Avenue
What To Wear To A Spring Wedding from The Zoe Report
3 Must-Try Bridesmaid ‘Dos To Whip Up For Wedding Season from Refinery 29
Shades of Blush from Gal Meets Glam
Tastemakers Reveal Their Very-Dreamy Bridal Looks from Racked
I’ll be playing bridesmaid this July in champagne lace & fringe, then rocking cocktail attire for weddings in September & October. What style are you planning to sport for the weddings you’re attending this Summer?
MCLV Style: Colorblocking
Shift dresses and drop waists have long been a staple in my closet so I was thrilled when The Great Gatsby sparked a flood of retro-inspired collections for Spring and Fall 2013. This simple yellow & white colorblock shift caught my eye immediately – It’s simple in design & a classic silhouette but still manages to be bold.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Colorblock Dress – Zara, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti, Clutch – BCBG, and Bracelets – BCBG & Anne Taylor}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photographs by Lydia Hudgens}
Another bonus of this dress is it’s versatility – Since it’s such a clean piece you can take the look any direction you’d like. For nighttime I’d add a blazer and killer strappy heels, while you could put together a sweet Summer look with ballet flats and a floral headscarf.
What’s my favorite part of these pictures? The photographer who shot them! ❤ I’ve been a longtime fan of Lydia Hudgens and was thrilled to not only get a chance to meet her but to shoot with her. Stay tuned for three more great looks!
Are you a fan of retro silhouettes and styles like shifts and colorblocking like me?
Socialbliss Spotlight: Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers
As I shared last week I recently joined Socialbliss as a Style Ambassador and while I adore this site, I have to confess that my primary reason for joining was getting the chance to meet amazing new writers and get a chance to check out their sites. Needless to say I was thrilled when I got a chance to interview the lovely Sarah of Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers. {And obviously I fell a little bit in love with her when I read her blog name – Does it get any cuter than that?}
Read on to learn about this very stylish lady and be sure to head to her blog to read her interview with me!
- Name: Sarah Elizabeth Ravely
- Blog: Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers
- Socialbliss Profile: Sarah Ravely
- Socialbliss Ambassador Since: 15 May 2013
- All-Time Favorite Designer: This is a tough one, but first most and foremost… Diane Von Furstenberg. Need I say more? Her ability to construct the most beautiful and flattering silhouettes takes true talent. Along with Carolina Herrera. Both know the female body all too well. Reem Acra designs the most gorgeous and luxurious gowns. Jean Paul Gaultier is quite the artist. Clare Waight Keller, of Chloe, continues to introduce romantic feminine fashions to the world. And lastly Zac Posen and Ralph Lauren, always creating something so beautiful and ready to wear.
- Celebrity Closet You’d Raid: Gosh, where to begin! I think Jennifer Aniston has such a classic and timeless style. I could only imagine how impeccable her closet is. Sienna Miller could make a garbage bag look hot. I love her casual thrown together style. Blake Lively always looks stunning on the red carpet. Nicole Richie’s style is so laid back, boho-chic. Rhianna has the most badass street style. I absolutely adore Lauren Conrad and Taylor Swift’s innocent girly frocks. And don’t let me forget the forever stylish, SJP! I adore the Olsen twins style. They are so trendy.
And if you could include in the what inspires my style question… Since joining Socialbliss I have been exposed to so many different styles and trends so I must say that my fellow trendsetters and bloggers also inspire my style.
- What Inspires Your Style: I am inspired by classic, vintage styles mixed with a modern twist. I like silhouettes that blow in the wind and make you feel free, as if it is the summer of love. I am inspired by culture and the use of patterns as well as different colors. I am inspired by other people as well as nature. I think fashion is a form of art and self-expression. I prefer things that are comfortable and effortless, yet stylish at the same time. My style is trendy yet casual and I represent that girl next door that loves fashion.
- Favorite Item You’re Selling on Socialbliss: I recently uploaded one of my all-time favorite dresses. It is a bright and vibrant paisley one-shoulder dress I purchased from a boutique in Wisconsin. It is so lightweight and comfortable I absolutely adore it. Trust me, if it fit, I’d be keeping it!
- Where Are You Located: Milwaukee, WI
- How Long Have You Been Blogging: Not long at all… I started blogging when I became a style ambassador
for Socialbliss. - Do You Have A Day Job: I am a full-time college student at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. I am majoring in communications, PR, and minoring in marketing. I also work at a boutique called Lela in Milwaukee’s trendiest neighborhood: the third ward.
- How & When Did You Get Interested In Fashion: Ever since I was a kid I was into clothes, makeup, and hair. Growing up my friends always asked me to do their hair, their makeup, and help them find something to wear. I have always been a shop-a-holic. And growing up I just developed a strong passion for all things fashion and beauty.
- Summer Obsession: Big floppy hats. I absolutely love the big floppy hat trend right now.
Head to Socialbliss and get a chance to Shop My Closet and to check out Sarah’s Marketplace!
Moi Contre La Vie 