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

Posts tagged “girls night out

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: 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!


Jewelry Essentials – Pieces Every Woman Should Own

In my Real Girls Need Real Closets and Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition I discussed the pieces that are worth putting money into in order to build a complete wardrobe. Today I’d like to focus on what jewelry should make it into your collection in this guest post for Sasha Maks Vintage.

Over the years you’ll invest in new accessories, update your collection, and pick up great pieces on your travels, of both the new and vintage variety. Truth be told, putting together the perfect jewelry collection isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s a long process and while your personal style may evolve over time, the basics of what you should acquire will remain relatively static. With that in mind, here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind while you’re shopping!

Statement Necklace:

Having a dramatic and eye-catching piece at your neck is a Must. Something that’s versatile and can work as the central focus for your look at a number of events – From casual to dressy to office appropriate.

{Monet Enamel Fan Necklace 1970s – $225}

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderNonoo – Letticia Floral Shorts, Jaeger Sleeveless Silk Blouse, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses & COGGLES EXCLUSIVE Lorelei Black & Blue Shoes}

Summer CasualInspiration for this look: Olivia Palermo’s fabulous floral shorts look from Verona, Italy photographed in July of 2012. A statement necklace can be the focal point of a basic or monochromatic look, or just another fabulous piece in a fun, vibrant outfit like this one.

Cuff Bracelet:

A cuff or wide bracelet allows you to throw on a single piece of jewelry and call it a day. This acts as an understated but dramatic piece that can complete a look without a lot of effort.

{Silver-tone Wide Ridged Cuff 1970s – $135}

 

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderFluoro Stripe Double Breasted Knit Coat by M Missoni, Black Peep Toe Booties, Diva clutch plain black leather from Boticca, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses, Mixed Chain Collar Necklace & ‘Betty’ thin leather dress}

Punk Princess – Inspiration for this look: Punk and edgy are two ways to go with a thick silver bracelet, so take inspiration from Brooklyn Blonde and try something new & exciting by pairing unexpected pieces. Unique styling, like these peep-toe booties and the sleeveless trench, make a look fresh and unique and 100% you.

Evening Earrings:

Whether you’re wearing a simple suit and attending a work function or a fun Little Black Dress for a cocktail party, you need a pair of killer earrings to punctuate your look.

{Trifari Beaded Ball Drop Earrings 1960s – $165}

 

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderLeiby Wide Leg Jumpsuit With Belt, Fatale Natural Shoes, ASOS HARLOT Stiletto Leather Sandals, Lipsy Playsuit With Scallop Edge Hem & Blue, Jade, Noir & Sand Jersey & Silk Jumpsuit}

Retro Luxe – Inspiration for this look: The beautiful & fashionable Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon’s fun Summertime look. Depending on the size, style, and color, dangling earrings can easily go from day to-night, the key is to pick the right outfit to complement them.

Cocktail Ring:

A one-of-a-kind cocktail ring is an absolute must have. You need a piece that is fun and flashy, that makes you feel glamorous and acts as a great conversation starter.

{Rhinestone Cocktail-Party Ring 1960s – $95}

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderEmerald Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress by Halston Heritage & ASOS HYLA Strappy Heeled Sandals}

Cocktail FabulousInspiration for this look: Katie Holmes’s September 2012 cover for C Magazine, photographed by Matt Jones. A fun ring is very versatile, it’ll work equally well for girls night out, after work drinks, or a cocktail party.

Personality Piece(s):

Whatever your style, whatever your taste, you should have a stand out piece of jewelry in your collection that is 100% YOU. It doesn’t matter what it is, it could be s a fabulous pair of drop earrings, or a handful of stunning bracelets for stacking, or a simple pearl necklace that you inherited from your mother.

{Left: Christian Dior Faux Coral Demi-Parure 1970s – $1250, Top Right: Snake Bangle 1970s – $135 & Bottom Right: Faux Jade Cocktail Ring 1960s – $135}

Me? I’m obsessed with classic gold vintage pieces and animal jewelry like the pieces above. They suit my classic style and act as great finishing touches for my outfits.

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Left Outfit: Cream Asymmetrical Tie Blouse by DKNY, Black Leather Exposed Zip Skirt by McQ Alexander McQueen & Reiss Lotta BUCKLE SHOE BOOTS, and Right Outfit: White Poppy Blouse by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Black Full Flippy Skirt by Halston Heritage & Red Bow Front Patent Pointed Court by Moschino Cheap & Chic}

Black & White StunnerInspiration for the look: Donna Karan Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear & Temperley London Pre-Fall 2012. Perfect for a work party or a formal evening, the cut, silhouette, and lengths can be adjusted to suit the appropriateness of a given outing.

All jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage – Original post on the Sasha Maks Vintage Blog


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?


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}


MCLV’s Style File – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Miranda Kerr

Recently Victoria’s Secret models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Miranda Kerr both stepped out in slim black pants, a loose, hippie-licious cream blouse and pointy-toed heels. What’s great about this outfit is that its chic and put together, but simple and easy to recreate on your own.
Enjoy a breakdown of the two similar outfits, both parfait pour this fall!
{Miss Rosie Huntington-Whitely}
{Mrs. Orlando Bloom}
Whether you want to go for a relaxed, bohemian silhouette, an eye-catching patterned fabric, or keep your top casual you can find a way to get this look to work for your own personal style.
{Top Left: Ruffle Collar Blouse – $55 @ Asos.com, Top Center: Silk charmeuse blouse – $70 (on sale) @ J Jill & Top Right: Haute Hippie Bib Blouse – $300 @ Shopbop.com. Bottom Left: D&G Cream Butterfly Print Silk Chiffon blouse – $150 @ Bluefly & Bottom Right: Ruched Back Pussybow Blouse – $55 @ Asos.com}
For pants that are a similar styles to those pictured above you could either go for nighttime glam like Rosie and try out some faux leather pants, or daytime chic like Miranda and try out some ankle-length leggings or slim denim pants.

{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.

{Top Left: AK Anne Klien 7Crista in Red Patent – $50 @ 6pm.com, Top Right: Dina Snake-embossed Pumps – $75 (on sale) @ Talbots.com, Bottom Left: Tahari Seude Pointy-Toe Pumps – $55 (on sale) @ Lord & Taylor & Bottom Right: Roberto Festa Lizzie Patent Slingback – $110 (on sale) @ footnotesonline.com}
Depending on what time of day you’re rocking this look or where you’re headed, I would adjust the accessories accordingly. To mimic Miranda’s relaxed and low-key style for a day of errands you could try adding a pashmina (large scarf) and some killer shades to the basics that you already put together above.
{Top Left: Woven Fringe Scarf – $40 @ Ralph Lauren, Top Right: Cream Fluffy Snood – $25 @ TopShop, Bottom Left: Ray-Ban Large Classic Wayfarer – $145 @ Piperlime & Bottom Right: Fantas-Eyes Women’s Old School Resin Sunglasses – $30 @ Endless.com}
If you’re planning a night out on the town or have a girls night out coming up you can channel Rosie’s bombshell take on this look and dress your outfit up with a flashy clutch, blingy cocktail ring, and bright red lips.
{Top Left: BCBGeneration Devan Convertible Clutch – $60 @ Dillards, Top Right: Felix Rey Superstar Wristlet – $110 @ Endless.com, Center: Rouge Coco Lipshine – $35 @ Cusp, Bottom Left: RACHEL Rachel Roy Cluster Cocktail Ring – $45 @ Macy’s & Bottom Right: Lisa Stewart Oval Cocktail Ring – $55 @ Pink Mascara}
What do you think of these looks? Do you enjoy the well-chosen basics that these ladies picked out and the individual way that they each made the look their own?
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
 
If you have a look that you’d like to get a breakdown for feel free to email me.

Laissez les bon temps rouler

 

Let the good times roll…

Whether the occasion is a romantic night on the town, cocktails after work, a bachelorette party in Vegas or Girls Night Out, we all have evenings that call for the perfect cocktail dress. Yes, the LBD is classic and will always be in style, but why not step out of your comfort zone and throw on a stylish new frock this Spring? Sequins, feathers, draping, vibrant jewel tones, nudes, understated elegance, glitzy glamour… Whatever you most desire, there is the perfect dress out there for you.

Here are a few party dresses that have caught my eye for the Spring/Summer of 2011. They range in price and in mood, and regardless of your age, height, budget and event, we should be able to find you something!

The three dresses below can easily go from the office to drinks with the removal of a blazer and/or tights and the addition of just the right pair of heels. They’re sophisticated, fun and chic, but demand that you still be taken seriously despite an out-of-the-office setting.

Kay Unger - $210 @ Bloomingdale's

Rachel by Rachel Roy 24/7 Dress - $100

BCBG Natalie Color-Blocked Sheath - $200

Vegas baby, Vegas!

Nothing says “Let’s Party” quite like sequins and shimmer, so throw on a sparkly mini and head out for a night on the town, whatever the cause of your celebration.

Winter Kate Nicole Dress - $400 @ Shopbop.com

Aqua Silver Sequin Tank Dress - $100 @ Bloomingdale's

BCBGeneration Metallic Jacquard One-Shoulder Dress - $130

Hot summer nights call for low-key and understated glamour. Try pairing a flirty, floral frock with nude heels or booties, or a maxi dress with strappy sandals.

BCBGeneration Printed Asymmetrical-Hem Dress - $130

Patterson J. Kincaid Cerise Jersey Long Dress - $110 @ Shopbop.com

Trina Turk "Playa Vista" V-Neck Dress - $300 @ Bloomingdale's

For date night you need something flirty and fun, something that hugs your curves in just the right places and reminds him why you’re the only girl for him. Whether you want to show some skin or keep it covered up, the key is to find a form flattering dress that makes YOU feel amazing.

Tadashi Shoji Bandage Cap-Sleeved Bandage Dress - $330 @ Bloomingdale's

BCBGeneration One-Shoulder Open-Back Dress - $120

Cut 25 Drop Needle Jersey Shift Dress - $270 @ Bloomingdale's

 
And what does the descriminating and experienced woman wear for an evening on the town? A sheath, darling, what else?
 

Diane von Furstenberg Bateau Silk/Cotton Dress - $285 @ Saks

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Sequin Dress - $250 @ Saks

 

Donna Morgan Belted Linen Sheath Dress - $140 @ Nordstrom

 Take a new style or a shorter hemline for a spin this Spring and remind yourself just how much fun fashion can be!