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:
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November 21, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 2010 New York Fashion Week, Animal bracelets, Animal head bracelets, ankle boots, Ankle strap heels, Ankle straps, Anthropologie, anti-sweat shop, April Howard, April Howard Capsule Collection, black & white florals, blazer, Blogger, Blogger fashion, Blogger Street Style, Blogger Streetstyle, blogger style, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, booties, boots, California fashion, Capsule, capsule collection, casual summer, Christmas gift, Christmas present, cocktail shift dress, CODE Salon, colorful jewelry, colorful vintage jewelry, Designer April Howard, Elephant, Elephant Necklace, elephant pendant, Evans Group, Factory Fashion Mixer, Factory Girl, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Accessories, Fall 2012 clothes, Fall 2012 Clothing, Fall 2012 Coats, Fall 2012 Collection, Fall 2012 essentials, Fall 2012 Fashion, Fall 2012 Jackets, Fall 2012 Must Haves, Fall 2012 necessities, Fall 2012 Outerwear, Fall 2012 RTW, Fall 2012 Style, Fall 2012 Trends, Fall accessories, Fall clothes, Fall Clothing, fall coats, Fall Essentials, Fall Fashion, Fall jackets, Fall Must Haves, Fall Necessities, Fall outerwear, Fall separates, Fall Shopping, Fall Shopping Guide, Fall skirt, Fall skirts, Fall Street Style, Fall Streetstyle, Fall Style, Fall styles, Fall Styling, Fall trends, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Blogger Fashion, Fashion Blogger Street Style, Fashion Blogger Streetstyle, Fashion Blogger Style, fashion collaberations, fashion gifts, Fashion Mixer, Fashion party, Fashion show, Fashion Week, Floral blazer, floral tank, Floral top, Gift certificate, Gift guide, gifts, girls night out, Gold, gold jewelry, gold necklace, high-neck cocktail dress, Hippie, hippie chic, Holiday gifts, Holiday present, holiday recipes, hot summer night, Jack Evans, Jennifer Evans, jewelry, Jewelry Trunk Show, LBD, Little Black Dress, local designer, local designers, Local seamstresses, loft space, long sleeved cocktail dress, Lookbook.nu, low boots, Market, Marketplace, Marrakech, Marrakesh, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Models, Moroccan, Moroccan market, Morocco, multi colored jewelry, multicolored jewelry, nighttime fashion, NYFW, Old school glamour, pearls, Pim + Larkin, Piperlime, Pleated mini, pleated mini skirt, Pleated Skirt, pose, Pre-Fashion Week, Present giving, Presents, Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff booties, red hair, redhead, Retro, retro-inspired, Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent Paris, San Francisco, San Francisco Blogger, San Francisco Designer, San Francisco designers, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco made clothing, san francisco manufacturing, San Francisco shopping, San Francisco SOMA, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco Streetstyle, San Francisco style, San Francisco Vintage, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show, Secret Santa, Secret Santa Gift, September, Seventeen magazine, SF, SF Blogger, SF Designer, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF Shopping, SF SOMA, SF Street Style, SF Streetstyle, SF Style, SF Vintage, Shift dress, shopbop, Shopbop.com, SOMA, SOMA designer, SOMA salon, SOMA San Francisco, SOMA SF, SOMA Shopping, South of Market, Spring 2012, Street style, Streetstyle, Style, Styling, Summer blazer, Summer clothes, Summer clothing, Summer fashion, Summer nights, Summer style, summer trends, The Bristol Observer, The Evans Group, The Factory, The Factory Group, The Factory Label, The Factory Presents April Howard, throw back, Tinley Road, Tinley Road Blazer, Tinley Road Floral Blazer, trunk show, vintage, Vintage Animal Jewelry, Vintage elephant necklace, vintage gold, vintage gold jewelry, Vintage gold necklace, Vintage inspired, vintage inspired fashion, vintage jewelry, Vintage jewelry trunk show, vintage necklace, vintage pearls, vintage shift, vintage shift dress, WWD, YSL, Yves Saint Laurent, Zara, Zara Basics, Zara heels, Zara Skirt | 5 Comments
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.com, Floral 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?
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October 23, 2012 | Categories: Fashion, MCLV Style | Tags: 2010 New York Fashion Week, Animal bracelets, Animal head bracelets, ankle boots, Ankle strap heels, Ankle straps, Anthropologie, anti-sweat shop, April Howard, April Howard Capsule Collection, black & white florals, blazer, Blogger, Blogger fashion, Blogger Street Style, Blogger Streetstyle, blogger style, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, booties, boots, California fashion, Capsule, capsule collection, casual summer, Christmas gift, Christmas present, cocktail shift dress, CODE Salon, colorful jewelry, colorful vintage jewelry, Designer April Howard, Elephant, Elephant Necklace, elephant pendant, Evans Group, Factory Fashion Mixer, Factory Girl, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Accessories, Fall 2012 clothes, Fall 2012 Clothing, Fall 2012 Coats, Fall 2012 Collection, Fall 2012 essentials, Fall 2012 Fashion, Fall 2012 Jackets, Fall 2012 Must Haves, Fall 2012 necessities, Fall 2012 Outerwear, Fall 2012 RTW, Fall 2012 Style, Fall 2012 Trends, Fall accessories, Fall clothes, Fall Clothing, fall coats, Fall Essentials, Fall Fashion, Fall jackets, Fall Must Haves, Fall Necessities, Fall outerwear, Fall separates, Fall Shopping, Fall Shopping Guide, Fall skirt, Fall skirts, Fall Street Style, Fall Streetstyle, Fall Style, Fall styles, Fall Styling, Fall trends, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Blogger Fashion, Fashion Blogger Street Style, Fashion Blogger Streetstyle, Fashion Blogger Style, fashion collaberations, fashion gifts, Fashion Mixer, Fashion party, Fashion show, Fashion Week, Floral blazer, floral tank, Floral top, Gift certificate, Gift guide, gifts, girls night out, Gold, gold jewelry, gold necklace, high-neck cocktail dress, Hippie, hippie chic, Holiday gifts, Holiday present, holiday recipes, hot summer night, Jack Evans, Jennifer Evans, jewelry, Jewelry Trunk Show, LBD, Little Black Dress, local designer, local designers, Local seamstresses, loft space, long sleeved cocktail dress, Lookbook.nu, low boots, Market, Marketplace, Marrakech, Marrakesh, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Models, Moroccan, multi colored jewelry, multicolored jewelry, nighttime fashion, NYFW, Old school glamour, pearls, Pim + Larkin, Piperlime, Pleated mini, pleated mini skirt, Pleated Skirt, pose, Pre-Fashion Week, Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff booties, red hair, redhead, Retro, retro-inspired, San Francisco, San Francisco designers, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco made clothing, san francisco manufacturing, San Francisco SOMA, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco Streetstyle, San Francisco style, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, September, Seventeen magazine, SF, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF SOMA, SF Street Style, SF Streetstyle, SF Style, shopbop, Shopbop.com, SOMA, SOMA salon, SOMA San Francisco, SOMA SF, South of Market, Spring 2012, Street style, Streetstyle, Style, Summer blazer, Summer clothes, Summer clothing, Summer fashion, Summer nights, Summer style, summer trends, The Bristol Observer, The Evans Group, The Factory, The Factory Group, throw back, Tinley Road, Tinley Road Blazer, Tinley Road Floral Blazer, vintage, Vintage Animal Jewelry, vintage gold, vintage gold jewelry, Vintage inspired, vintage jewelry, vintage pearls, WWD, Zara, Zara Basics, Zara Skirt | 3 Comments
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?
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October 2, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 1940's, 1990s, 40's, 40's inspired, 50's, 50's inspired, 50's style, 50's sundress, 50s daydress, 90s, 90s inspired, Acne, Acne Ready To Wear, Alice Temperley, Alistair Carr, animal print, Atelier Versace, Balenciaga, Balenciaga-ish, banknote, Best bags, Best looks, Best shoes, Blogger fashion, Blogger Street Style, Blogger Streetstyle, blogger style, Boris Karloff, British fashion, British Glamour, British style, Brocade, Burberry, Burberry Ads, Burberry Body, Burberry model, Burberry Prorsum, Burberry trench coat, Button down, Cara Delevingne, Casualwear, catwalk, Céline-ish, Celine, chinoiserie jacquard, Christopher Bailey, Christopher De Vos, Christopher Kane, Coat, Collage, collections, Corsets & Capes, Corsets and Capes, Cupcake, cupcakes, Darwin Centre, Designer collaberation, Digital Fashion Show, Digital Show, digital-print, Donatella Versace, Electric Angels, embroidery, Emma Hill, Erdem, Erdem Moralioglu, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 London Fashion, fantasy, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Blogger Fashion, Fashion Blogger Street Style, Fashion Blogger Streetstyle, Fashion Blogger Style, Fashion month, Fashion Week, flora, florals, Frankenstein, Gianni Versace, giant poodle in a peacoat, Gold, graphic print, Grunge, halter-strap sundresses, harper's bazaar, Henry Holland, House of Holland, IFB, Independent Fashion Bloggers, Italian fashion, Italian Style, jacket, Jonny Johansson, Jourdan Dunn, Justin Thornton, knits, knitwear, Kurt Cobain, lace, late-1950s, Let Them Eat Cake, LFW, London Fashion, London Fashion Week, London Fashion Week Fall 2012, London Fashion Week Spring 2013, London Street Style, London style, Marie Antoinette, Mary Katrantzou, Matthew Williamson, Matthew Williamson Shoe Collection, MBFW, MBFW Pins, model, Model fashion, Model Style, Models, Mulberry, Mulberry bag, Neil Young, neon, New York Fashion Week Pins, Nirvana, NYFW, NYFW Pins, outerwear, pastel floral lace, patchwork, Peter Pilotto, Pinterest, polished elegance, Poppy Delevingne, Portofino chic, postage stamps, Preen, Pringle of Scotland, python, Refinery 29, Refinery29, Regent Street, reptilian, resortwear, Retro, retro silhouette, Runway, Runway recap, Runway show, Runway trends, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco style, Sci-fi, Science fiction, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF Street Style, SF Style, shirt dress, Shirtdress, shows, snake skin, snakeskin, Sophia Loren, Spring 2013, Spring 2013 Bags, Spring 2013 Collection, Spring 2013 Collections, Spring 2013 Handbags, Spring 2013 LFW, Spring 2013 London Fashion Week, Spring 2013 on Pinterest, Spring 2013 Pins, Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear, Spring 2013 RTW, Spring 2013 Runway Shows, Spring 2013 shows, Spring 2013 trends, Stamp print, Street style, Streetstyle, Style, sundress, sundresses, Tallulah, Temperly London, Thea Bregazzi, Travelocity Gnome, Trench, Trench coat, twinsets, versace, Versace Couture, vintage, Vintage inspired, white button-down, white shirt, wide-leg leather pants, World Travelor, Wrecking Ball, Zenna Henderson | 4 Comments
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!
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September 8, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 2010 New York Fashion Week, Animal bracelets, Animal head bracelets, ankle boots, Ankle strap heels, Ankle straps, Anthropologie, anti-sweat shop, April Howard, April Howard Capsule Collection, black & white florals, blazer, Blogger, Blogger fashion, Blogger Street Style, Blogger Streetstyle, blogger style, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, booties, boots, California fashion, Capsule, capsule collection, casual summer, Christmas gift, Christmas present, cocktail shift dress, CODE Salon, colorful jewelry, colorful vintage jewelry, Designer April Howard, Elephant, Elephant Necklace, elephant pendant, Evans Group, Factory Fashion Mixer, Factory Girl, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Accessories, Fall 2012 clothes, Fall 2012 Clothing, Fall 2012 Coats, Fall 2012 Collection, Fall 2012 essentials, Fall 2012 Fashion, Fall 2012 Jackets, Fall 2012 Must Haves, Fall 2012 necessities, Fall 2012 Outerwear, Fall 2012 RTW, Fall 2012 Style, Fall 2012 Trends, Fall accessories, Fall clothes, Fall Clothing, fall coats, Fall Essentials, Fall Fashion, Fall jackets, Fall Must Haves, Fall Necessities, Fall outerwear, Fall separates, Fall Shopping, Fall Shopping Guide, Fall skirt, Fall skirts, Fall Street Style, Fall Streetstyle, Fall Style, Fall styles, Fall Styling, Fall trends, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Blogger Fashion, Fashion Blogger Street Style, Fashion Blogger Streetstyle, Fashion Blogger Style, fashion collaberations, fashion gifts, Fashion Mixer, Fashion party, Fashion show, Fashion Week, Floral blazer, floral tank, Floral top, Gift certificate, Gift guide, gifts, girls night out, Gold, gold jewelry, gold necklace, high-neck cocktail dress, Hippie, hippie chic, Holiday gifts, Holiday present, holiday recipes, hot summer night, Jack Evans, Jennifer Evans, jewelry, Jewelry Trunk Show, LBD, Little Black Dress, local designer, local designers, Local seamstresses, loft space, long sleeved cocktail dress, Lookbook.nu, low boots, Market, Marketplace, Marrakech, Marrakesh, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Models, Moroccan, multi colored jewelry, multicolored jewelry, nighttime fashion, NYFW, Old school glamour, pearls, Pim + Larkin, Piperlime, Pleated mini, pleated mini skirt, Pleated Skirt, pose, Pre-Fashion Week, Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff booties, red hair, redhead, Retro, retro-inspired, San Francisco, San Francisco designers, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco made clothing, san francisco manufacturing, San Francisco SOMA, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco Streetstyle, San Francisco style, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, September, Seventeen magazine, SF, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF SOMA, SF Street Style, SF Streetstyle, SF Style, shopbop, Shopbop.com, SOMA, SOMA salon, SOMA San Francisco, SOMA SF, South of Market, Spring 2012, Street style, Streetstyle, Style, Summer blazer, Summer clothes, Summer clothing, Summer fashion, Summer nights, Summer style, summer trends, The Bristol Observer, The Evans Group, The Factory, The Factory Group, throw back, Tinley Road, Tinley Road Blazer, Tinley Road Floral Blazer, vintage, Vintage Animal Jewelry, vintage gold, vintage gold jewelry, Vintage inspired, vintage jewelry, vintage pearls, WWD, Zara, Zara Basics, Zara Skirt | 2 Comments
For this Summary Saturday I want to share some of the fun things I’ve been doing lately on Instagram – Pictures of the fun ringspiration challenge that I did last week, some photographs of the crazy love of my life Bones, and some other highlights from the last few week.

{JewelMint, JewelMint & BCBG}

{Rachel Roy, Vintage & ASOS}

{The king of my little kingdom}

{Closet organizing & cleaning up my jewelry collection – Stay tuned for a post, black & white stripes w/ red cropped red pants on the blog, this is a sneak peek of my collaboration with Sasha Maks Vintage – Stay tuned for some killer shots of killer jewelry, and Nina Garcia’s Little Black Book of Style from Thursday’s What I’m Loving Right Now}
- Instagram – You can follow me on Instagram @moicontrelavie
- Twitter – You can follow me on Twitter @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest – You can follow my Pinterest boards here
- Facebook– You can LIKE my Facebook page here
- Lookbook – You can see my Lookbook looks here, you can FAN me to get an email update when I post a new look, or you can HYPE my looks if you like them!
Have a great weekend!
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August 25, 2012 | Categories: Fashion, Fitness, Food | Tags: Asos, ASOS Jewelry, ASOS Ring, Closet cleaning, closet organizing, collar, Fashion, Fitness, Food, Gold, gold jewelry, health, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, inspiration, inspirational, jewelry, jewelry collection, motivation, motivational, Nina Garcia, Nutrition, pearl collar, pearls, Rachel by Rachel Roy, Rachel Roy, ring, Ring ring, rings, San Francisco Blogger, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco style, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage, silverg, Style, The Little Black Book of Style, vintage, vintage collar, Vintage gold necklace, vintage gold ring, vintage jewelry, VIntage necklaces, Vintage pearl collar, vintage pearls, vintage ring, Vintage rings, Vintage silver jewelry | Leave a comment
I definitely go through phases when it comes to the inanimate objects in my daily life – Everything from the beauty products I use to the accessories I wear to the reading materials stacked on my nightstand. Whether you call it a rut or finely tuning your routine, I’m sure you know precisely what I mean.
So here are some of my current (new and past) loves…

{The love of my life, my new Givenchy bag – See Skulls & Givenchy for photos from the first MCLV Style post featuring this bag!}

{My newest mascara acquisition – I’ve mentioned my love of Benefit’s BADGal and Chanel’s Inimitable mascara in the past, but I also like to rotate in a drugstore brand now and again, and I’ve been thrilled with the results of Maybelline’s One by One Volume Express}

{As far as I’m concerned you can’t have enough fun, statement jewelry: Spiked Bracelet – Asos.com & Purple Beaded Necklace – Zara}

{In my opinion the only positive thing about the end of Summer are September issues!}

{SWOON! I’ve been a fan of Moroccan Argan Oil for a while so when I saw this L’Oreal Precious Oil Treatment I jumped at the chance to try it – Not only does it smell like a dream, it’s visibly nourishing}

{It’s official – I’m in love! Skull adorned Steve Madden smoking slippers}

{Fashion Books & Vintage Jewelry. Left: The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia & vintage pearl collar. Right: Parisian Chic – A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange & vintage Vendome tassel necklace}
What are you loving lately? What can’t you get enough of? Have you gotten any fun new pieces or exciting accessories to update your wardrobe or prepare for Fall/Winter 2012/2013?
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August 23, 2012 | Categories: Fashion, MCLV Style | Tags: A Guide To Style, accessories, Amazon, Argan oil, art, BADgal Lash Mascara, bag, Bag Gal Mascara, beauty, Beauty products, Benefit, Benefit Bad Gal mascara, Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara, Benefit mascara, black mascara, Book of Style, brown mascara, Chanel beauty, Chanel beauty products, Chanel Inimitable, Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir, Chanel model, Chanel Muse, collar, Cosmetics, drugstore makeup, drugstore picks, drugstore products, Editor, Ever Sleek, face, Fall flats, Fashion, Fashion Books, Fashion editor, Fashion Guide, fashion industry, Fashion insider, Fashion mode, fashion model, Flats, French fashion, French fashion book, Givenchy, Givenchy handbag, Gold, gold vintage jewelry, H&M, H&M jewelry, Hair, handbag, Ines de la Fressange, inspiration, InStyle, InStyle Magazine, Jean Vendome, Jean Vendome jewelry, Jean Vendome lariat, jewelry, Judge, Karl, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld muse, Karl's Muse, L'Oreal, L'Oreal Paris, latina, Little Black Book, Loving, makeup, makeup bag, Marie Claire, Mascara picks, Maybelline, Maybelline New York, model, Models, Moroccan Argan Oil, Nina Garcia, Noir, One by One Volume Express, Paris fashion, Paris street style, Paris style, Parisian Chic, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide, Parisian fashion, Parisian Street Style, Parisian style, pearl, pearl collar, pearl necklace, pearls, Precious Oil Treatment, products, Project Runway, Project Runway Judge, Reading materials, runway model, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, Sephora, September Issue, shopper, Skin, Skull, Skull candy, Skulls, slip ons, slippers, smoking flats, Smoking slippers, Steve Madden, Street style, Style, Style Book, Style Guide, tassel, tassel necklace, The Factory, The Little Black Book of Style, The September Issue, tote, trunk show, Vendome, Vendome jewelry, Vendome necklace, vintage gold, vintage jewelry, Vintage jewelry trunk show, vintage necklace, Vintage pearl collar, vintage pearl necklace, vintage pearls, Vogue, Vogue Magazine, Winter flats, Zara | 3 Comments
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 Finder – Nonoo – Letticia Floral Shorts, Jaeger Sleeveless Silk Blouse, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses & COGGLES EXCLUSIVE Lorelei Black & Blue Shoes}

Summer Casual – Inspiration 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 Finder – Fluoro 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 Finder – Leiby 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 Finder – Emerald Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress by Halston Heritage & ASOS HYLA Strappy Heeled Sandals}

Cocktail Fabulous – Inspiration 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 Stunner – Inspiration 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
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August 15, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 1960's, 1970s, 1980's, 60's accessories, 60's fashion, 60's style, 70's accessories, 70's fashion, 70's jewelry, 70s style, 80's accessories, 80's fashion, 80's style, accessories, accessoriesdirect.com, after work drinks, Alexander McQueen, Alice Temperley, Angela Missoni, Anglomania, animal, animal jewelry, ankle boots, Ankle strap heels, Asos, Asos Fashion Finder, ASOS HARLOT Stiletto Leather Sandals, ASOS HYLA, ASOS HYLA Strappy Heeled Sandals, Asos.com, ‘Betty’ thin leather dress, Black & Blue Shoes, black & white, black clutch, Black leather, Black Peep Toe Booties, blouse, Blue, Bohemian, boho, bootie, boots, Boticca, bow heels, bracelet, Brooklyn Blonde, Browns, Buckle Shoe Boots, bug, C Magazine, Celebrity fashion, celebrity style, Christian Dior, Christian Dior Faux Coral Demi-Parure, christmas party, Cocktail Dress, cocktail party, cocktail ring, cocktails, COGGLES, COGGLES EXCLUSIVE Lorelei Black & Blue Shoes, coggles.com, collar, colored blouse, coral, court shoes, Cropped top, cuff, Cuff bracelet, dangling earrings, Dior, Diva clutch, DKNY, Donna Karan, double breasted, Drama, dramatic cuff, Earrings, Emerald Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress, Evening earrings, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear, Fall 2012 RTW, Fashion, Fatale Natural Shoes, floral shorts, Fluoro Stripe Double Breasted Knit Coat by M Missoni, Forever 21, girls night out, Glamour, Gold, gold jewelry, gold shoes, Green dress, Halston, Halston Heritage, heeled boots, Heeled sandals, Helena Glazer, Hippie, Hollywood style, Holmes & Yang, insect, Italian fashion, Italian Style, Italy, Jackie O Sunglasses, Jade, Jade Cocktail Ring, Jaeger, jewelry, jewelry box, Jewelry Essentials, Jumpsuit, Katie Holmes, key pieces, Late afternoon, Layering, LBD, leather, leather dress, leather skirt, Lee McQueen, Leiby, Leiby Wide Leg Jumpsuit With Belt, Letticia Floral Shorts, Lipsy Playsuit, Little Black Dress, Liz Cherkasova, Los Angeles Fashion, Los Angeles Fashion Blogger, Los Angeles Street Style, M by Missoni, Magazine cover, Matt Jones, McQ, McQ by Alexander McQueen, metallic, metallic sandals, midriff-baring tops, missoni, Mixed Chain Collar Necklace, Monet Enamel Fan Necklace, Monet jewelry, Moschino, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Multi Ring Hoop Earrings, must haves, New Years Eve, New York City Street Style, New York Fashion, New York Style, Noir & Sand Jersey & Silk Jumpsuit, Nonoo, Olivia Palermo, Oliviapalermo.com, orange, oversized clutch, patent leather, Peep-toe booties, playsuit, Pleated Skirt, pleats, poppies, Pre-Fall 2012, Punk, Punk Princess, Pussybow, Real Women Need Real Closets, red, Red Bow Front Patent Pointed Court, Red Bow Front Patent Pointed Court by Moschino Cheap & Chic, red heels, Reiss Lotta, Reiss Lotta BUCKLE SHOE BOOTS, Resort wear, Retro, Rhinestone Cocktail-Party Ring, romper, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco style, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, shorts with heels, silk blouse, silver, Silver cuff, Silver jewelry, Silver-tone Wide Ridged Cuff, Sleeveless Silk Blouse, sleevless trench, Snake Bangle, Snakes, stacking, statement necklace, Stiletto Leather Sandals, Strappy Heeled Sandals, strappy sandals, Striped coat, Style, style.com, Stylebop.com, Summer clothes, Summer fashion, Summer styling, sunglasses, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses, Temperly London, The Little Black Dress, The Real Olivia P, Tie blouse, TLo, Tom & Lorenzo, Tom & Lorenzo: Fabulous & Opinionated, Trench coat, Trifari Beaded Ball Drop Earrings, vacation clothes, vacation style, Verona, Verona Street Style, versatile jewelry, versatile pieces, vintage, Vintage Christian Dior, Vintage Coral, Vintage Coral Jewelry, Vintage Dior, vintage gold jewelry, vintage jewelry, Vintage Monet, Vintage silver jewelry, Vivienne Westwood, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, warm weather clothes, white blouse, White Poppy Blouse by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, work party | 6 Comments
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 Booties – Vince 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?
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June 12, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 2010 New York Fashion Week, Animal bracelets, Animal head bracelets, ankle boots, Ankle strap heels, Ankle straps, Annabella's, Anthropologie, anti-sweat shop, April Howard, April Howard Capsule Collection, BCBG, BCBGeneration, BCBGirls, black & white florals, Black pleated mini skirt, blazer, Blogger, Blogger fashion, Blogger Street Style, Blogger Streetstyle, blogger style, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, booties, boots, California fashion, Capsule, capsule collection, casual summer, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Dior jewelry, Christmas gift, Christmas present, classic fashion, classic vintage fashion, cocktail shift dress, CODE Salon, colorful jewelry, colorful vintage jewelry, Corocraft, Designer April Howard, Dior, Elephant, Elephant Necklace, elephant pendant, Elle Girl, Elle Girl Japan, Evans Group, Everyly, Factory Fashion Mixer, Factory Girl, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Accessories, Fall 2012 clothes, Fall 2012 Clothing, Fall 2012 Coats, Fall 2012 Collection, Fall 2012 essentials, Fall 2012 Fashion, Fall 2012 Jackets, Fall 2012 Must Haves, Fall 2012 necessities, Fall 2012 Outerwear, Fall 2012 RTW, Fall 2012 Style, Fall 2012 Trends, Fall accessories, Fall clothes, Fall Clothing, fall coats, Fall Essentials, Fall Fashion, Fall jackets, Fall Must Haves, Fall Necessities, Fall outerwear, Fall separates, Fall Shopping, Fall Shopping Guide, Fall skirt, Fall skirts, Fall Street Style, Fall Streetstyle, Fall Style, Fall styles, Fall Styling, Fall trends, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Blogger Fashion, Fashion Blogger Street Style, Fashion Blogger Streetstyle, Fashion Blogger Style, fashion collaberations, Fashion event, fashion gifts, fashion jewelry, Fashion Mixer, Fashion party, Fashion show, fashion sketches, Fashion Week, Floral blazer, floral tank, Floral top, Forever 21, French designers, Gift certificate, Gift guide, gifts, girls night out, Gold, gold jewelry, Gold lariat, gold necklace, high-neck cocktail dress, Hippie, hippie chic, Holiday gifts, Holiday present, holiday recipes, hot summer night, Jack Evans, Jean Vendome, Jean Vendome jewelry, Jean Vendome lariat, Jennifer Evans, JewelMint, jewelry, Jewelry Trunk Show, Lanvin, Lariat, LBD, Little Black Dress, local designer, local designers, Local seamstresses, loft space, long sleeved cocktail dress, Lookbook.nu, low boots, Market, Marketplace, Marrakech, Marrakesh, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Mini skirt, Models, Moroccan, Moroccan market, Morocco, multi colored jewelry, multicolored jewelry, nighttime fashion, North Beach shopping, NYFW, Oh Land Music, OhLandMusic, Old school glamour, pearls, Peep toe, Peep-toe booties, peep-toe heels, Piperlime, Pleated mini, pleated mini skirt, Pleated Skirt, pleats, pose, Pre-Fashion Week, Present giving, Presents, Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff booties, red hair, redhead, Retro, retro-inspired, Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent Paris, San Francisco, San Francisco Blogger, San Francisco boutique, San Francisco designers, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco made clothing, san francisco manufacturing, San Francisco shopping, San Francisco SOMA, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco Streetstyle, San Francisco style, San Francisco Vintage, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show, Schiaparelli, Secret Santa, Secret Santa Gift, September, Seventeen magazine, SF, SF Blogger, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF Shopping, SF SOMA, SF Street Style, SF Streetstyle, SF Style, SF Vintage, Shift dress, snake bracelet, snake jewelry, SOMA, SOMA salon, SOMA San Francisco, SOMA SF, South of Market, Spring 2012, Street style, Streetstyle, Stripes, Style, Styling, Summer blazer, Summer clothes, Summer clothing, Summer fashion, Summer nights, Summer style, summer trends, tassle, tassle necklace, The Bristol Observer, The Evans Group, The Factory, The Factory Group, The Factory Label, throw back, Tinley Road, Tinley Road Blazer, Tinley Road Floral Blazer, trunk show, Vendome, Vendome jewelry, Vendome lariat, Vendome necklace, Vince Camuto, vintage, Vintage Animal Jewelry, Vintage Christian Dior, Vintage designer jewelry, Vintage elephant necklace, vintage fashion, vintage French jewelry, vintage gold, vintage gold jewelry, Vintage gold necklace, Vintage inspired, vintage inspired fashion, vintage jewelry, Vintage jewelry trunk show, vintage necklace, vintage pearls, Vintage sandals, vintage shift, vintage shift dress, Washington Square Park Shopping, WWD, YSL, Yves Saint Laurent, Zara, Zara Basics, Zara heels, Zara Skirt | 10 Comments
I love a good red carpet, and we’ve had plenty of those lately (2012 Cannes Film Festival, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2012 amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS, 2012 MTV Movie Awards, and the 2012 CFDA Awards) but there’s something especially fun about the red carpet for a musical event. Musicians tend to push the fashion boundaries more than actors do, which can lead to quite the pectacle for us to enjoy.

You’ve got to admit, Miss Carrie knows what works for her! She’s got a great figure and while she loves to wear romantic floor-length gowns, she knows the power of a sparkly mini for a country event.
You can see the stunning pale blue Oscar de la Renta gown that Carrie wore to the 2012 Billboard Music Awards a few weeks ago over here. She definitely knows how to keep us on our toes!

The new face of Donna Karan wore a sequin and feather adorned nude dress by who else, Donna Karan Atelier.

This gold Reem Acra gown is gorgeous! I love that she picked a dress that makes her look statuesque for her hosting duties.

This is a great, simple look for the band. Nothing too wild and crazy, just black & white basics. Well done.

Source, Source, Source
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June 7, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 2012 amfAR New York Gala, 2012 Billboard Music Awards, 2012 Cannes Film Festival, 2012 CFDA Awards, 2012 CFDA Awards Red Carpet, 2012 CMT Music Awards, 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival, amfAR Cannes Gala 2012, amFAR Making AIDS History, AMFAR Party, amfAR Runway Show, amfAR's annual Cinema Against AIDS gala, Arizona Muse, Ashley Greene, Bridgestone Arena, Cannes Red Carpet 2012, Carrie Underwood, CFDA Awards 2012, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Dinner, Charles Kelley, Country Music Awards, Country Music Television, Country Music TV, Couture, Cristina's Blog, Dave Haywood, Dax Shepard, DKNY, Donna Karan, Donna Karan Atelier, Donna Karan New York, Gold, gold sequined gown, Hayden Panettiere, Hillary Scott, host, Hosting, Josh Kelley, Just Jared, Katherine Heigl, Kristen Bell, Lady Antebellum, My Dress.My High Heels.My Style, Nashville, New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, OMG, Oscar de la Renta, Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear, Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 RTW, Oscar de la Renta RTW, Randi Rahm, Red Carpet fashion, red carpet style, Reem Acra, Scream 4, sequins, Southern fashion, Tennessee, The 2012 amfAR Cinema Against AIDS, The Fifth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, The South, Twilight, veuve clicquot, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, yahoo, Yahoo.com | 1 Comment
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}
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December 9, 2011 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 2010 New York Fashion Week, Animal bracelets, Animal head bracelets, ankle boots, Ankle strap heels, Ankle straps, Anthropologie, anti-sweat shop, April Howard, April Howard Capsule Collection, black & white florals, blazer, Blogger, Blogger fashion, Blogger Street Style, Blogger Streetstyle, blogger style, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, booties, boots, California fashion, Capsule, capsule collection, casual summer, Christmas gift, Christmas present, cocktail shift dress, CODE Salon, colorful jewelry, colorful vintage jewelry, Designer April Howard, Elephant, Elephant Necklace, elephant pendant, Evans Group, Factory Fashion Mixer, Factory Girl, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Accessories, Fall 2012 clothes, Fall 2012 Clothing, Fall 2012 Coats, Fall 2012 Collection, Fall 2012 essentials, Fall 2012 Fashion, Fall 2012 Jackets, Fall 2012 Must Haves, Fall 2012 necessities, Fall 2012 Outerwear, Fall 2012 RTW, Fall 2012 Style, Fall 2012 Trends, Fall accessories, Fall clothes, Fall Clothing, fall coats, Fall Essentials, Fall Fashion, Fall jackets, Fall Must Haves, Fall Necessities, Fall outerwear, Fall separates, Fall Shopping, Fall Shopping Guide, Fall skirt, Fall skirts, Fall Street Style, Fall Streetstyle, Fall Style, Fall styles, Fall Styling, Fall trends, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Blogger Fashion, Fashion Blogger Street Style, Fashion Blogger Streetstyle, Fashion Blogger Style, fashion collaberations, fashion gifts, Fashion Mixer, Fashion party, Fashion show, Fashion Week, Floral blazer, floral tank, Floral top, Gift certificate, Gift guide, gifts, girls night out, Gold, gold jewelry, gold necklace, high-neck cocktail dress, Hippie, hippie chic, Holiday gifts, Holiday present, holiday recipes, hot summer night, Jack Evans, Jennifer Evans, jewelry, Jewelry Trunk Show, LBD, Little Black Dress, local designer, local designers, Local seamstresses, loft space, long sleeved cocktail dress, Lookbook.nu, low boots, Market, Marketplace, Marrakech, Marrakesh, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Models, Moroccan, multi colored jewelry, multicolored jewelry, nighttime fashion, NYFW, Old school glamour, pearls, Piperlime, Pleated mini, pleated mini skirt, Pleated Skirt, pose, Pre-Fashion Week, Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff booties, red hair, redhead, Retro, retro-inspired, San Francisco, San Francisco designers, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco made clothing, san francisco manufacturing, San Francisco SOMA, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco Streetstyle, San Francisco style, Sasha Maks, Sasha Maks Vintage, Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry, September, Seventeen magazine, SF, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF SOMA, SF Street Style, SF Streetstyle, SF Style, SOMA, SOMA salon, SOMA San Francisco, SOMA SF, South of Market, Spring 2012, Street style, Streetstyle, Style, Summer blazer, Summer clothes, Summer clothing, Summer fashion, Summer nights, Summer style, summer trends, The Bristol Observer, The Evans Group, The Factory, The Factory Group, throw back, Tinley Road, Tinley Road Blazer, Tinley Road Floral Blazer, vintage, Vintage Animal Jewelry, vintage gold, vintage gold jewelry, Vintage inspired, vintage jewelry, vintage pearls, WWD, Zara, Zara Basics, Zara Skirt | 2 Comments
In my opinion men’s fashion can be more classic and long-standing than its female counterpart, the cuts are more enduring and the underlying style more deeply rooted. This means putting your money into well made, classic pieces is the best way to approach your closet, since you’ll be able to wear them for years to come.
So what, do you ask, should today’s modern man have in his closet?
- Once you’re out of school, a good suit is a must. Interviews, weddings, funerals, work/charity events, and perhaps even the occasional date (think Valentine’s Day/Anniversary) can all call for a suit. Black, navy or charcoal are all a good choices, though I must admit that I’m a sucker for a great pinstripe suit. I’m also a fan of a classic three-piece suit, I love how they still manage to look clean and put together even with the jacket off and the sleeves rolled up.

-
Button-downs are extremely versatile and have a place in any well-rounded wardrobe. Pair with slacks or a suit for (semi) formal affaires, with jeans and dress shoes for Friday night cocktails or untucked over well-worn shorts with loafers (sans socks) for summertime. Like I said, versatile.

So invest! Stripes, solids, pastels, black, white, slim fit, logo, patterned, linen, cotton… Whatever suits your build, coloring, and lifestyle, it’s time to put your money where your shirt is! 🙂
- T-Shirts are somewhat of a touchy subject for me. While basic shirts can be a great staple for a man’s closet, they should not all be graphic or novelty shirts, nor should they be riddled with holes and look like they belong in a rag pile. I don’t care how many memories they hold! (Does that sound like a line I’ve used before? Cuz is it is…)

Depending on your build and lifestyle, different styles will suit you best. For his downtime my brother loves vintage rock shirts, like the one above, and with his build (tall & muscular but lean) they suit him perfectly. My dad favors the Robert Barakett shirts that Nordstrom carries because they’re soft with a relaxed fit and can keep up with him whether he’s walking around downtown or gardening (oh, the joys of retirement). And while he may respectfully disagree, I have to say that in my humble opinion my boyfriend looks the best in the Lacoste V-Neck Jersey Tees.
So take your significant other, sister, mom or friend shopping with you and try on some different styles. To each their own!
- Polo shirts are a great middle ground between a t-shirt and a button down. They can add a bit of structure to a look while retaining an overall low-key air. Throw one over jeans with loafers or pair with shorts and flip-flips. You can even pop that collar if you’re in the mood.

Like t-shirts and button downs, these come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Once you’ve found a brand that fits you perfectly, you can order online to your heart’s desire, but you should definitely put in the in-store research before getting mouse happy.
- A complete closet should contain a few types of bottoms, namely slacks, jeans and shorts, if applicable to your climate. At least one pair of black slacks are a requirement, however depending on how often you dress up you should consider investing in multiple pairs. Charcoal, navy and a neutral color like khaki or tan are right behind black in importance. Wool, cashmere and linen for dressing up and seersucker, cotton and linen blends for play.

When you hit the store for any pants shopping be sure to take the shoes you’ll most frequently wear with them. A good pair of slacks or jeans can be expensive, so you don’t want to buy them too long and ruin them in a matter of weeks by walking all over the hems. Also, keep in mind the tailoring is a great option, it’s fairly inexpensive and can make your pant last much longer.
- I adore accessories for men, you gentlemen prefer to buy one or two great ones and leave it at that (none of the female shoe insanity!) A black and a brown belt, same for shoes, a pair of sunglasses, a wallet and a large silver, gold or leather band watch and you’re done. Easy peasy! (Obviously, this is not applicable to rappers)

The key for mens accessories is finding quality, classic pieces that can be worn season after season. Unfortunately this may require trips to multiple stores. I know – I’m sorry! Take the time though, as much as it takes, and you wont regret it.

Now before I leave you to your shopping adventures, I’d like to make an introduction.
If you’ve never heard of The Sartorialist, let me introduce you. Boys, meet Scott Schuman, the brilliant and fashionable photographer behind the wildly popular street style website The Sartorialist. These days Mr. Schuman focuses his energies shooting photos of the unique and fashionable men & women he sees on the streets. New York, Milan, Paris, Sydney, Buenos Aires, London, Rome, Beijing… If you have any questions about pocket squares, popped collars, sleeve length, outerwear, hats, color combinations or men’s jewelry, he is your man!
One of my favorite men that Scott sometimes features after his trips to Milan is this oh-so-stylish Italian man



Love the aviator sunglasses. Love the v-neck shirts. Love the gold watch. Take notes kids, this is how it’s done!
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
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June 20, 2011 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 1970s, 70's fashion, 70's inspired, 70s style, accessories, Adam Gallagher, American style, Aubrey Road, Aviator sunglasses, aviators, baggy, Banana Republic, belt, belt & shoes, Black, black belt, black shoes, black suit, blazer, blue pants, blue suit, boat shoes, Bohemian, boho, bolo tie, boots, Boys, brown belt, brown shoes, Button down, button down shirt, Button Downs, California boy, California style, cashmere coat, checkered, checks, class ring, classic, Classic American Style, Classic Wayfarer, classics, clothing inspiration, concert shirt, concert t, cowboy, cowboy shirt, cuff links, cuffed, cuffed pants, dress pants, dress shirt, dress shoes, dress up, dress up coat, dress up shirt, dress up shoes, dressing up, Edward Honaker, Edwards Hair, Fashion, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Rising, Flats, formal clothes, formal clothing, free spirit, Gap, Gentleman, Gents, Gold, grey suit, guys, Hippie, Hipster, hipster style, holey jeans, horizontal stripes, I AM GALLA, Iconic, Iconic American Style, inspiration, inspirational clothing, Italian fashion, Italian street style, Italian Style, jack spade, jacket, Jeans, jeans with holes, lace up, lace up boots, lace up shoes, leather, leather belt, leather shoes, Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin shirt, loafers, Lookbook.nu, loose fit, low-key, man bag, man purse, men, men on the street, Men's acecssories, Men's fashion, Men's pants, Men's shirts, men's street style, Men’s suits, mens accessories, mens clothing, mens stying, mens style, Menswear, Milan Street Style, Milanese fashion, Milanese men, Milanese style, modern, modern suit styles for 2012, navy, online shopping, pale blue pants, pantaloons, pants, patent, patent leather, pinstripe, plaid, plaid suit, pocket tee, polo, Polo Shirts, pressed shirt, put together a wardrobe, Ray Bans, Ray-Ban Folding Aviator, Ray-Ban Large Classic Wayfarer, relaxed, Retro, retro clobber, retro shirt, Retro sunglasses, Reyal Fashion, ripped jeans, rock n' roll, rodeo, rolled, rolled hems, scarves, Scott Schuman, shades, shirt, shoe snob, shopping, shopping ideas, shopping online, silver, simple, Slacks, slim fit, slip ons, slippers, Street style, Stripes, Style, Suit, sunglasses, sunnies, T-shirt, tailored pants, tailored shirt, tailoring, tan pants, tan shoes, tee, The Jig Is Up, The Sartorialist, The Urban Gentleman, three piece, three piece suit, top siders, torn jeans, traditional, trousers, vintage, vintage t, Wallet, wardrobe, watch, Wayfarers, western, western shirt, western style, what to buy, White, Wool coat, worn jeans | 2 Comments