An ongoing love affaire with all things fashionable, tasty and fun

Posts tagged “Floral blazer

Voyage To Marrakech

A big Thank You to The Factory and The Evans Group for the unbelievable trip to Marrakech last week – Who knew that in the streets of SOMA you could escape to the market stalls of exotic Morocco?

Voyage To Marrakech is an evening inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s glamorous 1970’s lifestyle in Moroco to showcase their Spring 2013 Collection. An illuminated nighttime Marrakech marketplace, with cocktails, food, and music, and live photoshoot presentation, featuring live vignettes inspired by iconic YSL iconic photographs.

Stylish San Franciscans flocked to our own personal Marrakech last week to celebrate The Factory’s new collection inspired by the love affaire that YSL had with Marrakech.

{The looks that evening ran the gamut from ultra modern to vintage inspired to came-straight-from-the-office}

{Cocktails, mannequins sporting Yves Saint Laurent-inspired frocks, friends reuniting, fortune tellers…}

{And the models showed off a phenomenal Spring 2013 collection filled with sleek, shimmering fabrics, vintage patterns & prints, luxurious metallics, faux fur, relaxed silhouettes, and fun accessories}

{I wore a long-sleeved, high-neck vintage shift dress, Zara ankle strap heels, and a fabulous gold necklace from Sasha Maks Vintage}

{Check out more photographs from this event here – Just log into Facebook to view}

This was the fifth event that I’ve had the honor of attending at The Factory, check out my posts on the previous events below:


MCLV Style File: Flower Power

Welcome to another Style File post – Our last outfit breakdown was a killer patterned black & white dress that Poppy Delevingne wore to Berlin Fashion Week and this time we’re going to check out a bright, fun outfit that’s a great way to transition to colder weather now that Fall 2012 is upon us.

{Lovely Pepa}

Throwing a floral blazer over a skirt & top combo is a great idea, it takes this from a basic Summer look to an eye-catching, colder-weather appropriate outfit that can easily be adapted to suit your style and the pieces that you have available in your closet.

The extras for this look are especially great – The long, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and oversized gold mens watch are lovely but that handbag is what really stole my heart.

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Lc Lauren Conrad Floral Blazer – $50 (sale) @ Kohl’s, ASOS Premium Floral Print Blazer – $55 @ Asos.comTall Co-ord Floral Blazer – $130 @ TopShop}

The key to this look is the floral blazer, finding one that suits your coloring and shape may take some time, but it’ll be worth it since this is such a great piece for Fall.

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Rachel Roy Quilted Wrap Skirt – $175 @ Zappos.com, Vince Camuto V-Neck Wrap Dress – $100 @ Shop The Shoe Box & BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Ruffle Flounce Draped Skirt – $60 @ 6pm}

You could try a sweet blue wrap skirt for this look or you could opt for a cobalt dress and achieve a similar silhouette. It’s the bright colors and eye-catching accessories that make this look work so you don’t need to stress about copying it piece-for-piece.

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Marmen Cross Necklace – $250 @ Urban Outfitters, House of Harlow Diamond Cross Necklace – $60 @ Designs By Stephene & Multi Row Cross Necklace – $20 @ Asos.com}

Whether you’re a fan of delicate necklaces or chunky, gold jewelry or silver, wearing a single chain or layering multiple pieces – There’s something fun in this style to suit your personal taste!

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Vince Camuto Gold Boyfriend Watch – $175 @ Dillard’s, Gold and White Links Boyfriend Watch – $55 @ Asos.com & Merona Silver Tone Extra Large Boyfriend Watch – $20 @ Target}

A boyfriend watch is a funky alternative to a cuff or bangle, it adds a masculine touch without taking your look straight to made-for-the-boys territory. Gold or silver, embellished or plain, there are tons of options out there.

Curious how I would interpret this look using pieces that I have in my wardrobe? Tuesday’s MCLV Style: Factory Girl post was actually inspired by this look from Lovely Pepa!

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer – Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.comFloral Top – Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage

As you can see, you can mix this look up, change colors, and adjust the jewelry to create something fresh and unique, a look that is all yours!

You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:


MCLV Style: Factory Girl

This outfit is an oldie, but a goodie!

Things have been so hectic and non-stop since the beginning of September that I never got a chance to share with you the outfit that I put together for the pre-Fashion Week Fashion Mixer at The Factory in lovely SOMA.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer – Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.comFloral Top – Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage

 {You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}

{Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view}

Despite the fact that I put this outfit together over a month ago it actually looks pretty Fall-ready with the black accents and these too cute Rebecca Minkoff booties. I love wearing skirts and dresses during the Fall with layers on top and cute tights on the bottom. I’ve got a pair of black & grey skull-print tights that are in my closet begging to be worn!

Do you like printed or colorful blazers? Are you strictly a pants person once the weather turns colder or do you like to wear skirts & dresses in the Fall?


Factory Fashion Mixer

Before heading to New York at the beginning of September I was lucky enough to start fashion month out right with a trip to The Factory for a Fashion Mixer with the lovely Sasha of Sasha Maks Vintage.

I was beyond thrilled to wear some more amazing vintage jewelry courtesy of Sasha Maks Vintage – Oversized pearls,  thick gem encrusted golden strands, and animal head bangles {see other phenomenal pieces from this shop in the collaboration series Styling 101}.

{Check out the MCLV Style: Factory Girl post for more on this look!}

The evening was fun and festive with a DJ, open bar, photographers, and a group of people ready to enjoy themselves and learn a little something about The Evans Group’s Collection Developement Packages.

My favorite part was, per usual, the oh-so-cool atmosphere of The Factory – I love the exposed brick and being surrounded by racks and racks of gorgeous clothes while I’m socializing.

Such a great start to Fashion Month!


Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show

You had me at vintage jewelry…

Amirite?

I’ve mentioned The Factory in the past, I attended an opening last spring where I purchased one of my all time favorite coats, and I also joined them to celebrated the April Howard Capsule Collection this past December.

The setting is great – an airy, brick-walled loft space in SOMA, and this past Thursday it was once again crammed to the rafters with beautiful clothes. And swoon worthy jewelry.

{Oh, there were people there too. I think. I was busy.}

A special trunk show featuring Sasha Maks Vintage jewelry and all designs featured June 24th in Dior: A Life in Pictures. Shop the unique vintage costume jewelry collection that includes the best of 20th century designs by Dior, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and a myriad of unsigned statement pieces.

Unfortunately I had been unable to attend the June 24th Christian Dior exhibit so this was a great chance to catch up on a few of the designs that I missed out on earlier. Beautiful clothing, vintage magazines and photographs, and a phenomenal layout.

I walked down to SOMA to photograph the event and browse the trunk show. And what does a girl wear to a trunk show?

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Pocket Sweater – Everyly via the seriously adorable North Beach boutique Annabella’s, Pleated Black Mini – Zara & Studded Peep-Toe BootiesVince Camuto}

{Black & white + vintage jewelry, of course!}

After admiring the eye-candy and taking pictures, I dove head-first into the gorgeous collection of jewelry. I tried on Chanel charm bracelets, costume jewelry earrings, animal cuffs, giant enamel pendants… And then I was lucky enough to stumble upon a phenomenal tassel adorned lariat necklace designed by Jean Vendome.

It was love at first sight!

I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin so I threw together an outfit on Friday so that I would have an excuse to wear it immediately. I wanted something simple so that the drama of the necklace would be the central part of the look.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Maxi Dress – BCBGeneration, Nude Sandals – Vintage, Wrap Ring – JewelMint, Gold Wrap Bracelet – Forever 21 & Necklace – Vendome}

You can even check out my new necklace in this Elle Girl Japan editorial below.

Do you like to wear vintage jewelry? What’s your favorite vintage piece that you’ve collected over the years?


Blazing For Spring

In addition to my stripe obsession for Spring 2012, I’m also really feeling the bright blazer trend for this season (Spring 2012 Trends: What You Should Wear). There are some great versions out there, that I’ve seen in stores, in the pages of magazines, on blogs, walking down the street. From patterned and striped blazers perfect for updating a monochromatic look to denim or seersucker perfect for staying cool, there are more choices than even I can stock my closet with!

Brights:

A bright blazer can take an outfit from basic to anything but, so check out these women in their colored blazers and follow their lead – From classic navy to one-of-a-kind bright and bold colors.

Elisa embraces not only the floral trend for Spring, but takes her look to the next level by pairing her Dries Van Noten dress with a navy boyfriend blazer. J’aime!

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Atlantic-Pacific is a vision in red, white, & blue. This is such a great, well put together look. The stripes look great with the red blazer and the bag brings everything together perfectly.

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Not only is this a fun, flattering pink, the rolled sleeves are too cute – I love the visible striped cuffs.

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This look is simple, but terribly chic. Basic maxi dress, blue boyfriend blazer, and one hell of a statement necklace. Add a personal touch or two, like rolling your sleeves up, and you’re good to go!

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Prints & Patterns:

Feeling feisty? Why not pair a not-so-basic blazer with your outfit to spice things up sartorially? Bold patterns and prints are a great way to make your blazer unique this Spring and Summer.

Mad for plaid? This look is anything but boring with a plaid blazer being paired with denim cut-off shorts and a patterned pussy bow blouse.

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I love polka dots and Liu Wen shows us just how to wear a fun, bold blazer in a low-key manner. She keeps the rest of her outfit basic and lets the blazer take center stage.

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Such a cute, fresh look for Spring. Why not add a little floral to your life like Jules?

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Stripes are a great way to go, and they can be amped up in a variety of different ways. Miss Knowles shows us just how to make a blazer nightlife appropriate in Gucci Gucci Gucci.

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Summer Loving:

Not quite sure how to work a blazer into your warm-weather outfits? Check out how these ladies make a blazer work for them – paired with shorts, slim pants, and minis to keep you cool.

Kate King pairs her short-shorts with a navy single-button blazer for a great Summer look.

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What says summer better than splashes of bright colors? Skip the little sun dress and try bright skinnies and a fun colored blazer!

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A chic little blazer over a mini dress is the perfect way to deal with a breezy day. Or you can roll up the sleeves & pair with sandals on a warm day!

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A brightly colored floral blazer with a sundress is a great way to stay and look cool!

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White Hot:

If brights and stand-out prints aren’t your style, why not go for sleek 70’s elegance and glamour? Channel Bianca Jaggar, Halston, and Yves Saint Laurent in white blazers.

This white boyfriend blazer with the rolled sleeves is a little bit Miami Vice and a little bit Diane Keaton, and works quite well with her slouchy rolled pants and paisley blouse.

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A white blazer (or white suit) is SUCH a statement look. Modern. Sharp. Smart. Fashionable.

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This black, white, and red combo really makes her white blazer pop. This is a great example of a look that could easily go from day to night, just switch up the accessories and keep that white blazer on!

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A white blazer doesn’t have to be boring, Be Frassy spices up her look with a neon top, statement jewelry, and fun platform sandals.

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So what do you think? Are you ready to spice up your blazer collection and try something new and exciting for Spring/Summer 2012?


The Factory Presents April Howard

Have you ever seen the bolts of fabric that are used to make the clothes that you love? Or gotten a chance to look through the black & white sketches that become your favorite pieces? Or sorted through the jars  of buttons that will be sewn onto your favorite coat? A dear friend has given me the unique opportunity to witness this initial stage of the clothes making process as he works with the talented Jennifer Evans of the The Evans Group.

But, what do you do when the clothes are made? You celebrate of course! And to celebrate The Factory and CODE Salon hosted a cocktail party to show off their new collection in collaboration with April Howard.

Debuting in 2010 during New York Fashion Week at the Lincoln Center, April Howard earned praise from national press including WWD, Seventeen, and The Bristol Observer.

“My organic shapes and details are representative of discarded items, melting plastic, and rubber found around us in these urban wastelands we find ourselves in,” Howard says of her aesthetic.

So what’s a girl who loves fashion to do when she receives an invitation like this one? She gets all dressed up, finds a taxi, and drags her extremely accommodating  boyfriend to SOMA for some eye candy.

Oh, and she takes LOTS of pictures.

{I mean… Gorgeous clothes, a chic salon, beautiful models and vino? I’m there!}

The clothes from April Howard’s collection of original pieces under The Factory label were phenomenal {seen above in sketches & photographs} and the young ladies modeling them were stunning. The Factory is on the ground floor and filled to the brim with sewing machines, dressmaking mannequins, and rack upon rack of clothing. While the second floor of the building is occupied by CODE Salon, a cool SOMA loft space that last night was filled with models, make up artists, hairdressers, photographers, patrons, and one hardworking DJ.

Overall it was quite an evening. As a fashion lover I can say that I was not disappointed by my first chance to get up close and personal with the photographing of a collection. A big thank you to The Factory and CODE Salon for including me last night!

{You can see my initial post about The Factory here if you’d like any additional background}