Links You’ll Love
Happy Monday everyone!
Here are some fun links to get your week started right. Enjoy!
Fashion:
When I saw this shot I was pretty intrigued. This is quite the vampy, sexy manicure! DIY Nail Art: A French Manicure That Fades To Black.
How you style a look is nearly as important as the pieces itself. Want some new ideas and tips on how to mix the pieces in your closet? WhoWhatWear to the rescue – June Styling Tips.
Does the ethics of a brand affect how much you like it? Vogue – Style Ethics: Olivia Wilde’s Bag for Alternative Apparel + Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Picks.
Did you enjoy all of the 2013 Resort Collections? Well Eat, Sleep, Denim has a must have a list from the shows for you – Denim Trends: A Wishlist.
Health/Fitness:
I don’t know about you, but I’m at a loss without music. Can’t work out. Can’t run. The right playlist not only gets you amped up for your exercise routine, it can keep you going when you’re ready to quit! These gym-regulars have just the play list for you – Victoria’s Secret Angel Erin Heatherton, Dutch model & Organice Your Life founder Lonneke Engel, and model slash DJ Harley Viera-Newton.
I don’t know about you, but fresh veggies and colorful salads are always a highlight of the summer for me. I love crisp, bright, refreshing recipes full of farmer’s market fare. If you agree check this out – Sweet and Savory: 3 Ways to Enjoy Summer Carrots.
A raw diet is something that I tried when I first went gluten-free and vegan a few years ago, after reading Carol Alt’s Eating in the Raw: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Slimmer, Feeling Healthier, and Looking Younger the Raw-Food Way. While I don’t follow a 100% raw diet 100% of the time, I definitely appreciate the health benefits and continue to eat a high raw diet – usually I eat raw until dinner. Well, luckily for us Miss Alt is back with a new book called Easy Sexy Raw: 130 Raw Food Recipes, Tools, and Tips to Make You Feel Gorgeous and Satisfied. Check out the review on Amazon or the piece on her new book in the NY Daily News.
It might not be news to you, but studies show that Sleepy Brains Are Drawn To Junk Food. Which means that in addition to introducing major health problems, reducing concentration, and causing forgetfulness, sleep deprivation can cause weight gain. Are you getting enough sleep? Check out my post on sleeping – Confessions of a Former Insomniac.
Just as I love braids for summer, there are certain makeup looks that just scream Summertime to me. From dewy skin to bronzed perfection, find the perfect look for warm weather days. The Zoe Report’s 10 Summer Beauty Wants – Hot Topic and Gala Darling’s beauty obsessions on Beauty Bender.
Summary Saturday
I’m going to take a page out of the fabulous Fashion On Top‘s book blog and make today’s post a summary of what’s happened over the last week on the blog and the other various social media outlets that I post on.
New Blog Posts:
- MCLV Style: Pleats & Peplums
- 2013 Resort Collections
- Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show
- Looks of the Week
- Links You’ll Love
- Chanel’s Little Black Jacket
- May Round-Up
Are you subscribed to the blog and receiving an email when a new post is published? If not, click the SUBSCRIBE ME button on the right hand side of the screen.
Instagram:
Food – While I don’t photograph all of my food or even all of the new recipes that I try, sometimes a meal is just too tasty or too fun to pass up a photo-op. Here are a couple shots that passed the test this week.
SERIOUS munching over here! #Shakti #indianfood #vegan #glutenfree
Snacking. #rawrevolution #synergy #healthysnacks
#cantstopeating #vegan #glutenfree
Fashion – When I can remember I’ll snap a picture of my accessories, handbag, or even my outfit for the day. Most of my Instagram updates are my jewelry though, since its the easiest to capture solo.
Wearing a new dress always makes my day! #sanfrancisco @Zara
Hello lover! @ninewest #fashion #sanfrancisco
Time to switch wallets! @CHANEL @Longchamp_US @HenriBendel #Fendi #Goyard @veneta_bottega
Misc – What I’m best at capturing are all of the random things that happen throughout the day. The frustrations that everyone can relate to as well as the little “I love my life” moments. From outing in San Francisco & weekends away to shopping adventures & meals out on the town to my crazy cats & amazing friends, family, and boyfriend.
“@project_zen SO glad that I moved a block from this spa!!! #massage #spoilingmyself
I ❤ crazy busy days & To Do lists! #stayorganized #busyday #ilovemylife
You can follow me on instagram @moicontrelavie.
- Love this – I say yes to manners!!! Ladies First—Still Relevant or Hopelessly Outdated?
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Absolutely MAD for the Jason Wu Resort 2013 collection. Don’t think I can live without this! Jason Wu Resort 2013 Look
- Wise words to start the day. “Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.” – Edna Woolman
- Do you love lingerie? Me too! The Art of Lingerie
- BCBG Summer Sale – My go-to for work dresses and great accessories. Check it out!
- Man Repeller, Rebecca Minkoff & Hilary Rhoda – I’ve officially lost track of how many times I’ve watched this! Call Us, Maybe?
- Check out my Asos Fashion Finder look! Parks & Recreation – You can shop the pieces on Asos.com
- Sex vs Sensuality. Men vs Women. Check out supermodel Anja Rubik for 25 Magazine (Formerly Viva) Anja Rubik: Lets Talk About Sex
- Need more Cannes? Watch the Cannes Film Festival edition of Garance Dore’s Pardon My French or read The French Riviera – The 2012 Cannes Film Festival
- “Life is short…buy the shoes.” Words of wisdom
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!
2012 CFDA Awards
The CFDA Awards were held Monday night and there were all sorts of highlights – from gorgeous red carpet dresses to fun announcements to an after party that just wouldn’t quit.
I swear, there was nothing else on my Twitter feed for HOURS.
Breathtaking. Sleek and sexy evening wear at its finest. I love that she didn’t wear a necklace and let the dress’ neckline take center stage. I also adored her strappy heels and cocktail rings. Perfection!
His tuxedo is classic and dapper, while she’s a vision in her eye-catching Eastern inspired dress.
Designer Olivier Theyskens and his gorgeous date Constance looked great together despite their height difference. Her dress is gorgeous, I love embellished 60’s style shift dresses and this one is gorgeous!
This Lela Rose gown is unique and eye-catching. I love that she wore something different and interesting. It suited her really well and she looked beautiful!
Fun, funky & totally unique. Just what I love about Taylor Tomasi Hill. And apparently she picked everything & got ready at the last-minute. How cool is that?
And if you’re a lover of prints and patterns on the red carpet, there were a handful of ladies who impressed and really brought the drama in that department Monday.
What did you think of Dakota’s Eastern-inspired Proenza Schouler dress? I bet it looked like a work of art in person, the attention to detail is pretty astonishing.
Definitely eye-catching! I love high-necks on dresses, I think it adds a sense of drama that a plunging neckline simply cannot.
I love women who dare to wear cocktail-length frocks on a red carpet filled with gowns, I think it’s a great way to make sure everyone is really taking a look at your dress choice. This look is busy busy busy with mixed patterns, an embellished neckline, and two-toned strappy heels, but she makes it work.
Clearly a good time was had by all!
I love to see the serious and intense fashion insiders letting loose and really enjoying themselves at events like this one. It’s a great reminder of how much fun fashion is and what an amazing opportunity these kinds of celebrations can be.
My blogger crush The Man Repeller (left) with designer Rebecca Minkoff and model Hilary Rhoda. Blues are definitely in!
P.S. You should definitely check out The Man Repeller, Rebecca Minkoff, and Hilary Rhoda’s hysterical “Call Me Maybe” music video that they made while getting ready for this event.
So. Funny.
Beautiful designers in their beautiful designs!
Fashion is frequently about the past meeting the present, and here’s the personification of that concept – Fashion icon Lauren Hutton with new designers and CFDA winners Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen.
Can’t forget our boys! From traditional suits to tuxedos with a twist to white linen, they definitely clean up nice!
Want to check out the list of nominees and winners from this event? Harper’s Bazaar has you covered here.
Or you can see my choice for the best dressed individual of the night in lacy black Marc Jacobs…
Veuve Anyone?
This weekend was beautiful and there were all sorts of fun summer events on the docket for the important and fashionable to attend, including the Fifth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.
And the stars were definitely out.
There were Hollywood A-listers like host Clive Owen, top models like Jessica Stam, Hilary Rhoda, and Coco Rocha, fashion insiders like Rachel Zoe, Derek Blasberg, and Poppy Delevingne, and even athletes joined the festivities this weekend.
Love the black & white looks – Whether its patterns or just black & white separates, it’s a great way to up the chicness of a look.
How sweet is this look? Pretty pink petal skirt and some killer red lips, Miss Coco knows just what she’s doing.
Hot stuff! Black leather short are tough tough tough to pull off. Might be best to leave it up to the experts!
This pleated peach maxi is pretty cute, but it was Olivia’s giant gold pendant that really got my attention. That and her date’s adorable suit.
I love a white linen suit in summer. Tres chic!
Um… Love! How great is this? From the gorgeous printed maxi dress (Rachel Zoe Collection – but of course) to the umbrella to the great 70’s style floppy hat.
Source, Source, Source & Source
Inspired? You can check out some of the great looks from last year’s event here – Including Jaime King and Selma Blair enjoying the sunshine.
Looks of the Week
Welcome back! Hopefully if you spent all day Monday missing the weekend like I did – Ode To The Weekend – Tuesday was a little easier to face. Let’s get our week started stylishly with some great looks – I’ve got everything from movie premieres to men’s fashion to blogger street style on the docket for today, so enjoy!
Such a relaxed, chic look. Not only do I love the casual striped top paired with leopard print heels, cropped pants are one of my favorite things about Spring!
Purple & black is a great color combination, it makes this look dramatic while the cut of the dress keeps it demure. How do you feel about the heels with visible socks trend? I think that it's incredibly cute...
The black petal shorts with tights and pale shoes is a very sweet, girly combination, really great for Spring. My favorite part is definitely the silver collar necklace worn visibly over the pale blouse.
The edgy, rock n' roll vibe is what made me stop at this look. I love the studded belt, stacked bracelets and leather extras mixed with the moody fabric of the mini dress. This is a great nighttime look!
Garance Dore captures a look here that's perfect for Spring. I love the un-matching brights, they're eye-catching and fun.
Natalie Portman looked adorable in a chic head-to-toe Christian Dior ensemble. (I'm not jealous, I swear.) Love the demure dress, the classic trench, and the ooh-la-la shoes. Anyone else ready to run away to Paris for Springtime fashion with me?
I love love love shift dresses, but what initially caught my eye here was the gorgeous combination of colors and textures. I just wanted to reach out and touch it! And again with the adorable socks & heels combo...
If you're excited to throw on some brights for Spring but need to work your way up to a more all over look, this is the perfect segue for you. Add a single gorgeous, colorful piece and go with neutrals, black, or another dark hue for the rest of your outfit. Baby steps!
This is a gorgeous, dramatic, eye-catching gown - Just what Zac Posen does best. Sometimes its fun to see the runway version versus the "real life" outcome. Miss Lily looks stunning, as does Hilary Rhoda. Well done ladies!
Who knew layering cable knits could be so chic? The slightly contrasting greys add a depth to this look while the knits have a really great texture. And somehow his popped collar manages to look anything but pretentious.
A white suit can be incredibly chic (so long as you don't spill...) and I especially like the polka dot pussy bow blouse Bruna paired with it. Those T-Straps are pretty killer too!
And last but hardly least…
Neiman Marcus did a great piece recently that featured Chriselle Lim from The Chriselle Factor, LA’s Marie Hindkaer Anderson from Blame It On Fashion, actress Ashley Madekwe of Ring My Bell, Annabelle Fleur from Viva Luxury, Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon fame, and Nini Nguyen of Nini’s Style, called Bloggers Wear: Daytime Clutches.
As much as I love red carpet fashion and scoping out what my favorite A-list fashionistas like Diane Kruger and Zoe Saldana are wearing on the street, I also love to see what real people are wearing in their real lives, and bloggers give us some great looks to aspire to. Oh, and I LOVE day clutches.
Have a great rest of the day, back tomorrow with more!
Links You’ll Love
Health/Fitness:
Need some good reading materials? Here are two healthy & nutrition related pieces to check out: Is Fructose Being Blamed Unfairly For The Obesity Epidemic from Science Daily and Dr. Terry Wahl’s video – Minding Your Mitochondria, about the unparalleled benefits of following a Hunter/Gatherer diet.
How to Fall In Love With Healthy Living from the amazing & hilarious Rachel Wilkerson – her latest article for Shape Magazine.
Interested in probiotics but not sure where to start? Here are a few pieces that you can read to help educate yourself: FitSugar’s The Pros of Probiotics and Choosing Raw’s Probiotics: To Take or Not To Take.
If you’re beginning a new workout regime or interested in really focusing your energy in order to get the best results possible at the gym than the word for you is INTERVAL. Intervals, Tabata & HIIT are the most effective ways to drop weight and build muscle through cardio. Here are some good basics to get you started:
- The Fitnessista – Tabata Training Intervals & Focus On: Tabata Training (scroll below the recipes)
- Erin Stern – Star Jumps
- Interval Training – Tabata Training : The Fastest Way to Fitness & Fat Loss
- Lean Gains– Intermittent Training & Stubborn Body Fat
- Jeanette Jenkins – Fat Blasting 10-Minute Workout
Fashion:
If you haven’t seen Garance Dore’s hysterical Fashion Week diaries they’re a MUST: Pardon My French Part I, Pardon My French Part II & Pardon My French Part III. Gorgeous shots from the shows, backstage and the parties & events, all narrated by . Too cute.
Spring staple to get your hands on? The shirtdress! The Stylist’s latest recurring series is called Lessons For A Modern-Day Lady and their most recent piece is titled: How To Wear A Shirtdress.
Fun boots were all over the runways for Spring, what version are you going to live in? Modelinia has models loving their brown, low heeled ankle boots, FabSugar has the How To on wearing Winter boots with breezy Spring looks, The Stylist shows chic celebrities in Rain Boots or you can try combat boots a la Lisbeth Salander from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. What is the right style for you?
In the mood for some grown up arts & crafts? Check out FabSugar’s DIY: Make A Sequin-Collar Top video, Design Sponge’s DIY Project: Leather Lunch Tote or the great DIY: Beaded Collar Blouse post from Moda, Moda that found when I was working on the Freckles In April 10 Day Style Challenge.
Pre-Fall 2012 Collections: Part II
Welcome to Part II of MCLV’s reviews of the Pre-Fall 2012 shows, you can catch up on Part I here.
The Burberry Prorsum show was full of clean lines, dark hues and great details, for both men and women. There were beautiful purses, hats, gloves, shoes and belts in yellows and reds, and of course to die for coats and jackets. This was one of my favorite of the Pre-Fall shows, not only could virtually everything transition directly to the street, most of the pieces are timeless and could be worn season after season. (See what Tom & Lorenzo have to say about this collection here).
This 40's style dress is flattering on a lot of body types and the contrasting belt and suede booties are a great touch. And while the slim fitting suit that he's wearing is hard for most men to pull off, the jacket is divine.
A beautiful double-breasted coat with a fun yellow bow belt, fur collar, tights and moccasin inspired booties - A perfect fall look. I can absolutely see someone walking down Park Avenue in this!
Quite the chic couple! I love his sweater layers in chocolate and tan with almost a Peter Pan collar underneath, and her belted puff coat with dramatic shoulders over a rust colored sheath dress.
This is a great white dress with interesting zipper details. The belt and strappy boots add just enough flare to keep things interesting.
This is what Mr. Kors does best, creates a fun, "themed" look, composed of fairly basic pieces. A beautiful black, capsleeved dress is taken to a whole new level by adding a leather bustier, thick belt and dramatic gladiator-style platforms.
This coat is just the sort of thing that I've come to expect from Rachel Roy, clean lines, flattering cut and ready to be worn.
Talk about versatile, this belted, black & white tuxedo-inspired dress has a touch of sparkle that would easily take it from day to night with a change of shoes. Just add tights and a blazer for work!
This simple sleeveless black shift is anything but boring with slashes of burnished yellow at the hem and beautiful boots. Can't you just picture Tilda Swinton wearing this when she runs errands?
This suit is expertly styled with a fur scarf, burgundy velveteen belt, knit turtleneck and burgundy suede booties.
This look is ALL about the drama. The dramatic color pairing, the dramatic bow-belt, the dramatic A-line silhouette of the skirt, the dramatic deep v-neck blouse. While the bow might be a little much, one can't help but think that this would be a great holiday party look!
This belted navy and black pleated silk dress was classic Donna Karan. Chic and minimal, ballet-style crisscross patent leather heels completed the look.
This sheath is the definition of perfection, I can't imagine a more beautifully made, perfectly fitted work-dress. I'll take one in each color please!
Old school glamour with a modern twist. You would have trouble getting me out of this once I had it on. And that bracelet would never come off. Ever!
This combination is so Zac. A conservatively cut, well-tailored grey blazer paired with a bright blue, ribbon covered puffy A-line skirt.
The styling of this look is pure Fendi. A demure tan pussy bow blouse paired with a navy pencil skirt with circle details, with what else, a gorgeous handbag with flames on it.
This look is sort of "ladies who lunch" meets "school-girl." I love that the tan accessories are separate from the black and white of the central pieces.
Streetstyle & Front Row Fashion – NYFW
While the runway shows are, of course, the highlight of any fashion week, the parties, front rows and editors & models running from show to show are almost as captivating. Below are some of the great looks captured by photographers during NYFW Spring 2012.
GQ editor Michael Hainey looking dapper (Sartorialist)
Oh Carine, we'll miss you! A great example of how to wear navy and black and keep it sexy and interesting (Sartorialist).
Malin Akerman and Petra Nemcova were chic in grey in the front row at Tommy Hilfiger (style.com)
Lara Stone looking chic and pretty at the Calvin Klein Collection Dinner
Olivia Wilde looked fabulous in a black jumpsuit w/ great accessories as she sat front row at Ralph Lauren
Michael Kors had some sexy & sleek supporters front row in the form of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Zoe Saldana
Hilary Rhoda captured by Craig at Models Off Duty after the Derek Lam show.
Check out Garance Dore’s NYFW piece titled Celebrities in the Front Row for a fun take on this timeless tradition.
And finally, what more could you expect from the men that women turn to when they want to look glamorous and chic?
- Oscar de la Renta & Valentino holding court and checking out the competition at the DVF show (TLo)
I’ll be back soon with more of my vacation adventures and London Fashion Week!
Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala 2011
This year’s MET Costume Gala was held in honor of the late Alexander McQueen, and a more fitting tribute to the talented and creative genius I can hardly imagine. Many stars honored him and slinked down the red carpet in his designs, but there were gorgeous designs from other houses present as well.
I must admit, this is one of my favorite events each year. To me it represents creativity unleashed, a colorful and raucous celebration of the art we worship every day but pay little hede to, a blazing testament to an organic and ever-changing industry that evolves on a daily basis.
And with themes like superheroes and supermodels, who can blame me for loving it?
The vast array of dresses this year was impressive, from barely there frocks coated in sequins and feathers, to sweeping and draping and shimmering silks to flowing gowns in deep jewel tones. Below are some of the looks that I could hardly wait to share with you.
There were scene-stealing beauties whose gowns could have appeared framed on the walls of the museum as well as walking majestically through it.
{Mariacarla Boscono in Givenchy Haute Couture}
{Blake Lively in dreamy Chanel Haute Couture – LOVE the starfish cuff!}
There were also a sea of minimalism-inspired women who kept things simple, without sacrificing an ounce of glamour.
{Dianna Agron in Michael Kors. Adore the Wonder Woman cuffs and dramatic neckline.}
{Gwyneth Paltrow was sleek and sexy in backless Stella McCartney}
{It takes an Amazonian supermodel to pull of a dramatic train like this flowing red one}
{Natasha Poly was a bronzed goddess in a pale Alexander Wang dress}
There were the sequined stunners who dazzled us with their sparkle and shine-encrusted gowns.
{Karen Elson}
{Iman WORKED this gold Stella McCartney jumpsuit. Can you believe this woman is in her mid-fifties?}
{Angela Lindvall & Karlie Kloss}
And finally, there were those daring enough to rock Alexander McQueen’s innovative and oftentimes unusual designs.
{Hilary Rhoda}
{Anna Dello Russo}
{Coco Rocha}
{Pictures from Style.com}
What was your favorite look from this sumptuous event? Would you have worn Alexander McQueen to the MET or did one of the other designers strike your fancy?
I saved a picture of this vintage Ungaro gown years ago and an event like this could be the ideal time to break out a unique and highly detailed frock like this.
{Sienna Miller}
I love the combination of the long sleeves and the low, daring back. Now tell me… What’s your Cinderella fantasy?
Moi Contre La Vie 