What’s Your Fashion Statement?
One of my favorite fashion & fashion blogging-related communities to be a part of is The Girls Inspired Group – It’s supportive, fun, and brings you in contact with so many talented bloggers and their fabulous sites. There seriously aren’t enough hours in the day for me to check out as many lovely blogs as I’d like to!
In addition to introducing all of us blogger to one another, the group is also inspiring us with fun spotlight topics for us to write posts about. This week’s topic is a great one so I felt like I needed to participate – GIG Spotlight #2 Fashion Tag: What’s Your Fashion Statement?
So here goes… I would describe my personal style as classic with a twist – I love basic black & chic, timeless pieces – But with a fun, eye-catching twist like the addition of statement jewelry or an on-trend accessory.
{Examples of my ever-evolving style – Caped Crusader, Lady of the Night & Striped Leopard}
My closets are filled to the brim with basics like perfect Little Black Dresses, trench coats, quality striped & polka-dotted pieces, chic blouses, classic pumps, great fitting jeans, season-less bags…
{See Real Girls Need Real Closets, Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition, and Closet Organization for suggestions & recommendations for what basics you can try out!}
But I also do a seasonal refresher every few months in order to add new accessories, pieces in fun, on-trend colors & prints, and maybe collect a new bag. Or two. 🙂 This process definitely involves a trip to Zara & some online shopping at my favorite go-to stores.
{Some recent acquisitions that have made their way into my closet via the Paragon Outlets in Livermore, Zara, Forever 21, BCBG, Neiman Marcus & Bloomingdale’s}
So tell me, what’s YOUR fashion statement?
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MCLV Style: Striped Leopard
Mixing and matching patterned pieces can be such a creative exercise – Deciding what pieces go together, which prints would look good with which patterns, and putting the finishing touches on a look without going too over-the-top.
That’s my idea of a good time! 🙂
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Midi Skirt – Aqua via Bloomingdale’s, Faux Fur & Leather Jacket – Ellen Tracy via Saks, Leopard Print Peep-Toe Booties – BCBGMaxAzria, Crocodile Tote – Furla, Bracelet – H&M, and Rings – Tiffany’s & JewelMint}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
These peep-toe leopard print booties are a new acquisition. I was thrilled to discover that the Paragon Outlets in Livermore are not only close enough for a day-trip, they also feature outlets for Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys NY.
It’s heaven in other words, so stay tuned for more of my fabulous finds from this great girls trip to Paragon!
What are you favorite prints or patterns to mix?
Looks of the Week
After a short hiatus – Otherwise know as The Holidays – I’d like to welcome you back for another Looks of the Week post. I just can’t get enough of colors, textures, and fun, eye-catching fabrics these days. So enjoy these shots – I hope you’re motivated to mix things up like these stylish ladies!
{How KILLER is this look? Head-to-toe fabuous from the black & red color scheme to the fabulous baubles to the lace+leather+graphic prints.}
{Doesn’t this look make you want to reach out and touch it? Love the vest paired w/ the vibrantly colored top. So dramatic!}
{Too. Freaking. Cute. I love her vest & bag – But that hat is just plain WORKIN’ for me!}
{While I do adore this mustard colored skirt it’s not what initially caught my attention. It was the cable knit sweater over blue plaid wit a killer statement necklace. The textures & colors here are fabulous!}
{Do I even need to caption this?}
{Red. Hot. I love a power suit and is anything more enpowering than head-to-toe red? Tres chic!}
{I’m currently in the midst of a full blown obsession with embellished skirts – Seriously, the bf is concerned for my well being – And feathers are high on my need-want-have-to-have list! I love how Fashion Steele NYC keeps this look from being too over-the-top by pairing it with a basic tee & blazer.}
{I mean – Wow. Love the colors. Love the layers. Love the fabrics & texures. Just love!}
{Tweed is one of my favorite Winter fabrics – It’s warm and has a certain destinguished Brit-vibe to it. I also love a one-of-a-kind suit like this one.}
Which look here in your favorite? Are you enjoying rich colors, fun fabrics, and interesting textures this season?
Styling 101: Cold Blooded
Learning how to style a classic trench coat and put together a chic, wholly original look with basic pieces is what today’s Styling 101 post is about. Here we took a traditional khaki trench from H&M and made it more interesting by adding a faux fur snood and fun, eye-catching vintage bracelets. Not to mention a cute Eiffel Tower button-up sweater and patent Oxford booties. 🙂
{Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry: Chunky Textured Toggle Clasp Bracelet, Tirfari Plaited Link Cuff Bracelet & Carved Glass Leaf Motif Bracelet and Earrings Set}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Trench coat – H&M, Faux Fur Snood – Asos, Velvet Corduroy Skinnies – Paige Denim via Piperlime, Eiffel Tower Sweater – Forever 21, Leopard Print Satchel – Zara & Patent Oxford Booties – Steve Madden}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log onto Facebook to view
I fell head-over-heels with this look over on The Chriselle Factor and just knew that I had to buy a similar faux fur snood from Asos. As soon as it arrived in the mail I tried layering it over a few looks but really liked the way it looked with a classic trench. Et voila!
{Smitten with the vintage jewelry in the Styling 101 posts? Sign up for news on latest arrivals & upcoming events from Sasha Maks Vintage here or visit her on Facebook}
Stay tuned for more exciting looks from the Styling 101 series & be sure to check out our past collaborations:
- Styling 101: American Girl
- Styling 101: Rock n’ Roll Chic
- Styling 101: Day-to-Night
- Styling 101: Starry Eyed + Trunk Show
- Styling 101: Bohemian Chic
- Styling 101: Gatsby Girl
- Styling 101: Holiday Dressing
- Styling 101: Retro Accessories
- Styling 101: New Years Eve
*Jewelry styling by Sasha Maks
MCLV Style: Leopard Print
I’ve been hunting for the perfect faux fur coat for what seems like forever – Finding the right silhouette, the right fabric, and the right style had begun to seem like an impossible task. Until I discovered this vintage faux fur baby!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Faux Fur Coat – Vintage, Zipper Tunic – Alfani via Macys, Leggings – Victoria’s Secret, Zipper Boots – Vintage & Bracelet – Vintage Chanel}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
I found this at a little vintage shop that I can’t even remember the name of, but which I will clearly need to return to. If I can find it. It’s incredibly soft and I like the oversized, retro feel, and the wide collar. I definitely wouldn’t have had the confidence to wear such a loud coat a few years ago so I was extremely pleased by how excited I was to put together a look with it. It’s not unheard of for a new purchase to hang sadly in my closet, tags in place, until a friend adopts it.
Do you ever get excited about a new purchase and then completely forget about it or decide after the fact that you’re not sure you can pull it off?
Styling 101: Retro Accessories
This week’s Styling 101 post is all about accessories – Fall & Winter are all about layering and finding chic ways to stay warm that are stylish rather than frumpy.
{Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry: Weiss Sapphire Swirl Brooch and Earrings Demi-Parure, Gold Tone Ball and Rhinestone Charm Bracelet & Hollycraft Flower Motif Ring}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Black Shift – Burberry Brit via Bloomingdale’s, Faux Fur Scarf – BCBGeneration via Nordstrom & Smoking Slippers – Steve Madden via Kohl’s}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log onto Facebook to view
When it comes to cold weather my favorite part about getting dressed in the morning is piling on the accessories – From scarves and caps to gloves and boots. This faux fur scarf caught my attention when I saw it not only for the bold color but the fun, retro feel that the style has. Pairing a piece like this with vintage jewelry like this broach & bracelet is perfect because it adds a classic feel and elegance to an otherwise modern look.
{If you love this style jewelry be sure to sign up to hear about new arrivals & upcoming events from Sasha Maks Vintage here or visit her site on Facebook}
Stay tuned for more exciting looks from the Styling 101 series & be sure to check out our past collaborations:
- Styling 101: American Girl
- Styling 101: Rock n’ Roll Chic
- Styling 101: Day-to-Night
- Styling 101: Starry Eyed + Trunk Show
- Styling 101: Bohemian Chic
- Styling 101: Gatsby Girl
*Jewelry styling by Sasha Maks
Links You’ll Love
Health/Fitness:
Mixing up your workout routine is part of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, so why not add some weight bench ab exercises to your workouts? Crunches, hip raises, twists, leg lifts and extensions. Or 20 Minute Intervals with walking and core exercises from Prevention.com.
5 Reasons Your Workout Isn’t Working from the Huffington Post – Advice on keeping things mixed up and how to not lose your motivation if you plateau.
How to work your triceps – Tone Your Arms in 3 Moves from Tracy Anderson for Fitness Magazine.
5 Minute Workouts, 10 Minute Workouts & 15 Minute Workouts – No excuses kids. No matter how little time you have, you have time for a workout!
Fashion:
Mixing and matching high-low fashion is a trick many celebrities and fashion-insiders swear by – Olivia Palermo, Zoe Saldana and Kate Bosworth to name a few. And with stores like J Crew, Zara and French Connection creating well made, on trend clothes for a fraction of what designer duds cost, who can blame them for taking advantage? There are also an increasing number of amazing designer collaborations like Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s impulse, Versace for H&F and Missoni for Target, where you can swoop up high-end designer created pieces for every day prices.
Looking for some fun new ways to wear traditional winter pieces? Faux fur has long been a winter staple, not only does it evoke old-school glamour, it keeps you toasty warm. Olivia Palermo‘s cropped jacket paired with a skirt and blouse is modern and chic while Kate Moss‘s longer jacket works equally well with Capri pants and a dress with tights. On the other end of the spectrum is plaid, a low-key winter look that can be really versatile and laid back. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley makes plaid a little rock n’ roll with booties & a blazer and Alexa Chung channels the 60’s fashion with a plaid babydoll dress.
Boys, it’s time to step up. Fashionable doesn’t have to mean gay. When in doubt, turn to The Sartorialist – He’ll answer your questions & alleviate your fears. And in related news, Isaac Mizrahi AND Vera Wang may be launching menswear lines.
FabSugar’s Top 50 Reader Looks of 2011 – This is great for finding new ways to mix and match what you already have in your wardrobe in new and exciting ways.
In the market for some new glasses? Take some inspiration from the stars over at The Daily Beast.
Have a good Sunday!
MCLV’s Style File – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Miranda Kerr
{Left to Right: Bright Denim Skinny Jean – $60 @ NY&Co, Shiny Faux Leather Skinny Trousers – $70 @ TopShop, Current/Elliott Skinny Twill Cargo Pants – $90 (on sale) @ Neiman Marcus & 901 Legging – $170 @ JBrand}
And what brings both of these looks together? The sleek and dramatic patent leather pointy-toe pumps that both ladies chose when they put together their outfits.
Chic Coatings
There is very little in this world that I love more than perfectly fitted outerwear. It can complete an outfit, it can be the central focus of an outfit, it can make people turn their heads on the street just to get another glimpse. (Am I the only one whose boyfriend says I look at girls more than he does?)
So I’m here today to share with you some of the gorgeous coats and jackets I’ve spotted lately and some great choices in stores that you can pick up to give your fall wardrobe the perfect finishing touch.
(1) For a chic topper that finishes your look perfectly, try something with plaid, tweed or maybe some embellishments.
While Olivia's outfit is great overall, the coat is spectacular, one of my absolute favorites.
The coat is a little pretty, a little glam and absolutely perfect for throwing over a dress like Olivia did or slim pants and a sweater for fall.
In lieu of the pricey Louis Vuitton Resort 2012 version Miss Olivia showed off in Paris, here are a few similar styles for us mere mortals.
Plaid Passporter Coat - $300 @ Madewell
Double-breasted Plaid Peacoat - $140 @ Victoria's Secret
Candie's Faux-Fur Plaid Coat - $100 @ Kohl's
(2) Want to stand out in a crowd, you little showstopper, you? Try a standout coat in lipstick red or a jewel tone that complements your coloring.
Rosie's red leather from Burberry is a great twist on a classic trench.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Single Breasted Trench - $120 (sale price) @ Nordstrom
Classic Trench - $100 @ Asos.com
Volcom "Seeing Double" Leopard-Print Trench Coat - $100 @ Bloomingdale's
Sienna seems to be transitioning back into the boho style that made her a fashion icon and this look is a great example.
Faux Fur Tuck Stole - $50 @ TopShop
Faux Fur Coat In Midi Length - $175 (on sale) @ Asos.com
Kristen Blake Belted Faux Fur Vest - $110 @ Nordstrom
(4) Are you inspired by low-key styles and live for mixing and matching pieces in interesting ways? Proceed!
Emma Roberts & Olivia Munn rocked old school denim jackets for - what else - a Levi's event.
If you initial reaction to a jean jacket is “ack – no 80’s styles pease,” remember that the Olsens’ just launched a high-end denim collection earlier this year for their Elizabeth and James line and these chic little toppers are showing up EVERYWHERE.
Thing to keep in mind? It’s going to be very challenging to pair a jean jacket, even a darker wash, with a pair of jeans. Odds are, you’ll end up looking like Uncle Jesse, so stick to mixing this piece with dresses, stripes or pants of a different fabric.
GUESS Crop Denim Jacket - $120 @ Bloomingdale's
Three Dots Stretch Denim L/S Motorcycle Jacket - $75 (on sale) @ 6pm.comLauren by Ralph Lauren Corduroy Trim Denim Jacket - $80 (on sale) @ Nordstrom
As for you gentlemen out there, don’t despair, check out the Million Looks for a breakdown on mens outerwear for this fall here. Personally, I think the two sexiest coats on a man are a (faux) leather bomber, Top Gun style, and a classic wool peacoat. Yum!
Happy hunting my little fashionistas, be sure to share any great finds! 🙂
Moi Contre La Vie 