Shenanigans
As I’m sure you’ve already picked up, I’m a big fan of Fall in general and Halloween in particular {Fall Fabulousness, All Hallow’s Eve & October Round-Up}. This year I was lucky enough to attend two fabulous Halloween parties in Sacramento as well as act as American River CrossFit’s team photograph for CrossFit West Sac’s charity Breast Cancer competition.
This year I was excited to dress up twice, the first time as Wendy from Peter Pan in a vintage yellow nightgown and the second time as The Black Dahlia in a fabulous little black dress that my friend made.
But don’t worry, I’m not the only one who dressed up for Halloween this year. Bones dressed up as a CHICKEN! Again. Clearly it’s his favorite costume, doesn’t he look enthusiastic?
{Mammograms In Action – Barbells For Boobs}
And the day before Halloween I watched the exciting Barbells For Boobs charity CrossFit competition which included every shade of pink known to man and even Jessica Rabbit in a stunning red gown.
How was your Halloween? What did you dress up as? What was the best costume that you saw?
All Hallow’s Eve
As October progresses the reminders that it’s holiday season are everywhere – Store decorations, TV commercials, sale annoucements, magazine advertisements… Luckily for me the holiday season begins with my favorite holiday, because as much as I adore candy canes and the scent of evergreen, I’m a Halloween girl.
You get to be a kid for a day – Candy, costumes, pranks, parties, and a general feeling of nostalgia and excitement – What’s not to love?
When it comes to costumes I’ll always choose innovative & novel over skin-baring. In recent years I’ve been Holly Golightly from Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Cleopatra, a Venetian Carnival reveller, and Twiggy. I’ve seen so many creative costumes over the years that I’m at a loss for why you’d want to pick a cookie-cutter one when you could put a little effort in and end up with something one-of-a-kind that you absolutely love.
So with that in mind here are some fun links to get your creative juices flowing for this year’s costume!
The Man Repeller’s For Halloween – Her fun suggestions include: Steve Jobs, Rupaul, Frida Kahlo, Margot Tenenbaum, Larry David & Richard Harrow.
If you’re in the mood for a fashion-forward costume check out Fashionologie’s Fashion in Costume: A Look Back at Halloweens Past for great inspiration from models, fashion designers, and couture collections.
If you’re not interested in spending a fortune on your costume, want to find something wholly unique, or even if want a costume made up of pieces that you can wear again, heading to a vintage shop is a great option. Fun ideas from Refinery 29’s How To Thirft 6 Super-Easy Halloween Costumes include Martha Stewart, fisherman from The Deadliest Catch, and The Rockettes.
Doing your makeup for Halloween can be one of the most fun parts of getting ready. Whether you’re recreating Cleopatra’s famous exotic kohl-lined eyes, adding oozing sores & blood for a Walking Dead-inspired get up, or whiting your face out so you can be a Vampire or mime. The Glamourai put together fabulous tutorials to help you perfect the makeup for your costumes – Everything from the wide-eyed look of the 60’s to the glamorous white-faced Geishas to Bogie-inspired detectives – { DIY } Halloween Beauty Ideas, { Behind The Scenes } Spooktacular Beauty & { Ghoul’s Night Out }.
As for my costume this year I wanted to be the Mad Hatter… But the costume I ordered didn’t fit. Either of them. 😦
But with a last-minute party scheduled for this evening in Sacramento and no costume planned yet I’ll be giving you hints and sneak peeks of my shopping & planning all day today… So be sure to keep an eye on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram for updates!
- Twitter – You can follow me on Twitter @moicontrelavie
- Facebook– You can LIKE my Facebook page here
- Instagram – You can follow me on Instagram @moicontrelavie
Have you picked your Halloween costume yet? What’s the most creative costume that you’ve ever worn?
Emmy Drama
Nothing quite like a red carpet event to bring out the fashion drama in Hollywood! Here are my favorite picks from the main event, as well as the more low-key events that preceded it.
Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception Red Carpet:
It’s casual for the red carpet, but it’s a great Little Black Dress that’s flattering, chic, and suits her to a T so there’s nothing to complain about.
This is a beautiful color on her and the subtle draping and one-shoulder neckline both look great on her.
This is fun & sassy, two things that the red carpet frequently doesn’t see because people are so afraid of ending up on a worst dressed list.
EW Pre-Emmy Party Red Carpet:
I like that the cut and silhouette are prim and ladylike while the eye-catching color is fun and youthful – It’s a great combination.
I love a little white dress when it’s worn right just and this one is pretty spectacular – I love the interesting neckline and bust.
This is a very cute, flattering sheath dress – Someone petite like Ginnifer can really make this style work.
You know me, I’m a sucker for a cute shorts suit. The double-breasted jacket is too perfect and buttoned-up heart print blouse was a great choice.
The 2012 Emmys:
Stunning. Just plain stunning.
She cuts quite a figure in this dress – She’s just oozing old school Hollywood glamour and elegance. J’adore!
This is nothing short of phenomenal – I love the cut, silhouette, and the amazing disco-futuristic fish scale like sequins. She looks amazing!
Miss Tina Fey isn’t one of the women who usually pops into my mind when I think of red carpet all-stars, but this dress is killer. It’s a gorgeous color on her and the embellished neckline is perfect – interesting and unique but not too dramatic.
I love a print on the red carpet and I think this gown is just beautiful. She looks radiant and chic, well done.
When you want drama – You go to Zac Posen. January Jones loves a fashion-forward look and this Posen gown really served up the drama last night. Very few women could have pulled this off but she looks great.
I don’t have the slightest idea who this actress is, but I made an audible “oh” when I saw this gorgeous tangerine number that I knew I should include it!
Clearly Allison is favoring the great Oscar de la Renta right now and I have to say that I fully support that choice in this case. Wow!
Stunning color and I like that between the all-over pleating and the unique neckline it’s not a basic red gown.
Striking color and suits her perfectly. I think that the belt and collar were right on point but where’s her cuff???
What a gorgeous, unique dress. I love the detailing and I’m glad that she held back on the accessories and let the dress take center stage.
She looks great here – It’s a fun, flattering color and the style suits her really well. Good choice. Now change your hair to a color found in nature! 🙂
Fabulous color! This goes to show you that a killer color can overcome a basic – even boring – style.
Kerry Washington was another sequined stunner this year, her Vivienne Westwood gown definitely have Lucy Liu’s Versace number a run for its money!
I was thrilled by all of the stunning dresses on the red carpet this year – Everyone did such a fabulous job choosing their gowns. But if I had to pick my favorites from the dresses above I think I’d have to go with Lucy Liu in silver Versace, Julianne Moore in yellow Dior, and Allison Williams in green Oscar de la Renta. Well done ladies, well done!
Source – Tom & Lorenzo
What were your favorite dresses from the red carpet? Did you like all of the bright citrus colors and brilliant jewel tones or do you miss all of the lace and sheer fabrics from last season?
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I
Every season I’m at a loss as to how I should approach the fashion show reviews. There are so many that I don’t know where to start, how many I should try to review, or how to justify which shows I choose over others. It’s oddly stressful considering I’m sitting in front of my laptop in San Francisco and NOT running around the cobblestone streets of New York City in stilettos with a 50 lbs handbag.
So this season I have come up with a plan of attack. I’m going to publish four separate pieces for New York Fashion Week:
- The NYFW Institutions – i.e. Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg & Carolina Herrera
- The more reasonably priced or secondary designer lines – i.e. J.Crew, MARC by Marc Jacobs & Alice+Olivia
- New up & coming brands that I’m just discovering or which are new to the tents – i.e. Z Spole by Zac Posen, Thakoon Addition & Victoria by Victoria Beckham
- And finally the street style & front row fashion of the NYFW attendees
So without further ado – Welcome to the fabulous runway fashion of the New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear shows:
BCBG Max Azria:
This collection was an interesting juxtaposition of hard against soft. The dresses all had a harness-like construction on the bodice, evoking a tough, bad-girl vibe that contrasted with the softer colors and flowing silhouettes.
Black, white, grey, and coral were the colors de jour and all the looks were paired with a wide ankle strap adorned heel in black or white. The fitted, midi and maxi-length skirts were equipped with high slits in the thin, wispy floral, lace, and paisley prints, making them utterly perfect for hot summer nights.
Peter Som:
This sweet collection was filled with great prints, bright colors and pastels, florals, flowy silhouettes and just a touch of lace. It was structured and well put together, but relaxed and fun – New York City girl meets boho chic.
The prints were chic and I loved the cropped pants – of course – and the hippie vibe throughout. I don’t think that I can say it any better than The Man Repeller: “Peter Som is punk rock tea party infused with tigers and ponies.”
Derek Lam:
I heard the phrase “sporty luxury” to describe Derek Lam and couldn’t get it out of my head – That’s the perfect description for this master of chic sportswear and exquisite tailoring. These clothes were modern and chic, I can easily picture them on streets all over the world.
Interesting fabrics and textures, bold prints, and slouchy silhouettes were the hallmarks here. Knee-length skirts and sheath dresses in brightly colored leather, all-over geometric prints, separates, and the retro-inspired midriff baring tops that were all over the runways in New York all made an appearance.
Calvin Klein:
The collection that Francisco Costa presented may have been primarily black and white but it was a far cry from boring. And a far cry from the slinky pastel numbers favored by Hollywood starlets on the red carpet last season.
These looks were sleek, body conscious, and strikingly sexy with dramatic cuts and a variety of reach-out-and-touch-them fabrics and textures including lace, satin, mesh, and leather. No florals or pastels for the Calvin Klein girl this coming Spring, she’ll be breaking out killer heels and wowing everyone with her confidence and daring.
Ralph Lauren:
The Ralph Lauren show was a combination of make-believe and reality. There were costume-like pieces inspired by Spain and Latin America – fringe, matador jackets, and ponchos – and there were chic, wearable pieces that I’m sure we’ll be seeing soon on the red carpets and sidewalks of Hollywood.
I absolutely loved the flowing, ruffle-adorned maxi dresses and skirts in stripes and bright florals, as well as the vaguely Parisian looking prim A-line skirts paired with fitted jackets, and the double-breasted, oversized suits with dramatic shoulders.
Ole!
Thakoon:
If I had to pick a single word to describe the Spring 2013 collection presented by Thakoon it would be beautiful. The cuts & silhouettes were flattering, the fabric & textures were interesting, and the prints & details were nothing short of divine.
From pretty, colorful, whimsical prints for daytime outings to daring but still utterly chic lace, eyelet, and sheer fabrics for nighttime.
A collection like this one really illustrates the difference between a designer like Thakoon and one like Lee McQueen – While I’d call them both artists the wearability of a collection like this one is unparalleled. I wait with bated breathe for the McQueen shows and gasp at the artistry and showmanship, but I can picture every single piece of this collection in my wardrobe, not something most of us mere mortals can say about McQueen.
Diane Von Furstenberg:
Who knew being a techie could be so darn stylish? DVF went geek chic this season and sent her girls down the runway in brilliant colors, prints, and flowing caftans paired with the brand new Google Glasses.
Glasses aside this collection had a classic DVF feel – Great 70’s styles & prints, flowing silhouettes that would be right at home in Saint Tropez or Marrakech, and eye-catching accessories like oversized earrings, brightly colored sunglasses, and matchy-matchy handbags. The whole collection had a delicious retro vibe that made me nostalgic for the heyday of Miss Diane herself.
Victoria Beckham:
I always look forward to the Victoria Beckham show, I adore her personal style and that chic, timeless style always shows up in her collections. And while I love – and would die to own – all of her sexy, second skin sheath dresses, I was thrilled by the amount of separates and slightly less body conscious pieces that she sent down the runway for Spring.
Everything was still sleek and sexy, with little color or prints per her usual aesthetic, but somewhat more relatable for the non-Hollywood set. I especially liked the A-line skirts and high-necklines, and the black, white, and the brilliant orange color scheme suited the austerity of the designs.
Well done!
Tommy Hilfiger:
Stripes! Stripes! Stripes! But we’re not talking about your basic, boring stripes for Spring, these are chic, retro stripes adorning flowing suits, maxi dresses, and separates in red, white, and navy.
The devil was in the details of this collection – The drama of a double-breasted, oversized suit jacket, delicate chevron prints, bright piping on a two-toned blazer, contrasting denim on denim pockets, thick weave cable knit sweaters, gold rope detailing, and flowy silk shirt-dresses. You’ve got to admit, nothing says All-American quite like Tommy Hilfiger.
Jason Wu:
Jason Wu may be best know for dressing Michelle Obama, but when a runway show starts with Carolyn Murphy strutting her stuff in a black leather mini dress you know the collection is heading in a different direction than usual.
While the primarily black & white collection was filled with leather & lace, his red lipped models also wore some killer separates and pieces with exquisite tailoring. But even the prim looks amped up the sexiness with mesh, sheer panels, studs and animal prints.
Donna Karan:
City girl Donna Karan presented an unusually soft and sweet collection pulling inspiration from the ballet which gave the pieces ethereal undertones that were further emphasized by the pale color palette.
The soft, gauzy looking fabrics, flattering drapping, sweater-sets, and pastel satins were sugary sweet and picture perfect for good-girl actresses like Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Greene, or Nicole Kidman. Among the draping and flowing fabrics were two numbers that caught my eye though – A sharp white sheath dress with a matching cropped jacket and a sexy sheer panelled navy gown perfect for a siren like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley during her next red carpet appearance.
Zac Posen:
Calling all supermodels!
The Zac Posen show was the place to be when the audience was surprised by Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall, Karolina Kurkova, and Coco Rocha all hitting the catwalk in his gorgeous, retro-inspired designs.
The dresses were phenomenal – From floral fifties inspired day dresses with sweetheart necklines to second-skin suits with his trademark dramatic bodice cuts, to sleek gowns in satins, florals, and chiffons. I could picture the likes of Eva Mendes and Emma Stone wearing the chic, but prim daydresses, and I guarantee that the rest of these gowns will be all over the red carpets come awards season.
Marc Jacobs:
There’s a reason that no one could stop talking about the Marc Jacobs show – It was amazing. Fabulously retro and evocative of the stylish Warhol girls of the 60’s, without appearing costumy or over the top, the kind of clothes you can really picture yourself wearing.
Loads of stripes – from thick to thin & horizontal to vertical – interesting lengths, cute separates, matching handbags, low-heeled shoes, and chic outerwear. I loved the long jackets with the high collars, the tiny shifts that us non-supermodels would need to wear slim trousers under, and the adorable pointy toed kitten heels.
Michael Kors:
Another show that emphasized stripes and had a Mod feeling to it was Michael Kors, which was brightly colored, bold, and very sporty. While it may not have been innovative, this collection showed piece after piece of very wearable clothing – For both men and women.
Stripes, colorblocking, contrasting collars, flats, wide low-slung belts, matching suits, tank & shift dresses, and separates all made lovely appearances. I may not be able to live without the green tunic & matching shorts set, it’s one of my favorite looks so far from the NYFW collections.
The menswear was fabulous – Full of color, great silhouettes, and classics styles. The men also got the stripes treatment and he showed great suits, white boat shoes, separates in the form of slacks, shorts & sweaters, and killer outerwear.
Carolina Herrera:
This light airy collection was filled with pale hues – from peach and aqua to olive-green and daffodil yellow – All perfectly ready for Spring. There were shorts, midi length skirts, trench coats, maxi dresses, gowns, and some sweet separates.
As gorgeous as CH’s gowns always are, the separates and short coats were what really caught my eye. They were chic and well-tailored, but more approachable than her collections have been in the past. The wide strap heeled sandals worn by all came in every color imaginable and thin belts cinched all of the waists. And interestingly enough, not a piece of jewelry could be seen!
Oscar de la Renta:
What I love about ODLR is his consistency – Each show will inevitably cater to a handful of crowds, from high-powered businesswomen & ladies who lunch to the fashionable young things & “It” girls that compose the celebutant set.
The splashes of colors in this collection were shocking yellow, pink, and teal – An interesting choice that worked surprisingly well. The collection was vibrant and fun with lots of beautiful textures and fabrics, and a great separates that I can imagine a few fashionistas in. Personally I’d be first in line for the thin striped dress paired with the black & white plaid coat and the sequin encrusted retro tunic & slim cropped pants – Tres chic!
Jill Stuart:
I’m always excited for a collection that pulls from Kim Basinger’s Veronica Lake look-a-like character in LA Confidential as it’s inspiration – The old school, golden age of Hollywood was such an extravagant and glamorous period fashion-wise.
You could really see that in the boudoir-feeling of the silks and slinky satins, and in the sequins, lame, and metallic brocades. While this wasn’t a “real woman” collection, there were beautiful dresses, gowns, and a few separates that will cater perfectly to a certain set.
Alexander Wang:
Wow.
Cut outs, netting, mesh, beading, lucite, sheer fabrics, leather, and garments that glowed in the dark when the lights went down. Cool club kids of the world unite! The pieces were minimalist and simultaneously dramatic and eye-catching, a feat few designers can manage.
Architectural and structured, but still fun and irreverent, all of the looks were paired seamlessly with strappy sandal-boot hybrids in black, white, or clear lucite. Definitely not looks for the average woman to wear walking down the street, but something that the cool girls that love Wang dearly can wear for a night out on the town.
{Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Sartorialist, & Tom & Lorenzo}
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Man Repeller – NYFW Day I, The Sartorialist – Boy by Band of Outsiders, Tom & Lorenzo’s Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013 Collection, Late Afternoon’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Diary, or check out IFB’s Spring 2013 Pinterest Board.
What’s your favorite collection that I’ve reviewed so far? If you could go to New York City for Fashion Week what would the number one show on your list to see in person be?
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!
MCLV Style: Pleats & Peplums
Happy – it’s almost the end of the week – Thursday! To celebrate I’d like to share some of my recent looks so that I can show how hard I’m working to meet my June fashion goals.
I have to confess, one of my favorite parts about having a stand-up desk at work is that I can wear pleated skirts to the office without having to worry about the pleats getting squished by sitting on them all day!
It’s the little things in life. 🙂
Skirt – Vince Camuto from Bloomingdale’s, Wide-strap tank – Zara, Cardigan – H&M, Mary Jane’s – Merona from Target, Rings – JewelMint, Vintage & Juicy Couture, and Watch – Vintage
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu or shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder or by clicking the hyperlinks in the outfit breakdown above.
When I saw this skirt I knew that it was going to be mine, I loved both the stripes and the pleats. It’s also a fun length, almost like a cheerleader skirt (which I’ve never worn.,I swear). This whole look was inspired by the brightly colored, stripe-filled Jason Wu for Target Collection. And my love of stripes, of course.
I also recently made my first peplum attempt of the season. I’ve seen so many cute variations of this trend lately – from simple peplum tops to fun & wild peplum dresses – and I wanted to give it a try as well.
Liz from Late Afternoon has a fabulous and one-of-a-kind style, she frequently appears in my Looks of the Week posts, and I took her peplum outfit above as the inspiration for the look that I put together below.
Floral Dress – Vintage from Belle Cose, Peplum top – Zara, Patent (faux) Leather Oxford Booties – Wild Diva, Necklace – Express, Rings – JewelMint, Vintage & Juicy Couture, and Bracelets – JewelMint & Forever 21
In these photos is doesn’t appear that my body type is ideal for the peplum trend, but I decided that it was just the silhouette of the dress I’d chosen to wear under the peplum top. Besides, as far as I’m concerned the highlight of this look is the jewelry anyway. The finger-length floral ring is a recent acquisition from JewelMint and I’m madly madly in love.
Peplum Attempt Take II
Peplum Top – Zara, Pencil Skirt – Zara, Black & White Jacket – Zara, Round Toe Pumps – Very Volatile, Tweed Handbag – Kate Spade, Necklace – Asos, and Rings & Bracelets – JewelMint, Vintage, Forever 21 & BCBG
You can HYPE these looks on Lookbook.nu or shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder or by clicking the hyperlinks in the outfit breakdown above.
“I’m a Zara girl, in a Zara world…” I was definitely singing Barbie Girl in my head all morning. 🙂 The pencil skirt did a much better job of complementing the volume of the peplum top than the floral dress that I chose the first day. I’m glad that I gave this another try and didn’t give up after the first attempt was a disappointment!
What do you guys think? Are you willing to try interesting new trends each season? Or do you prefer to stick to your tried-and-true personal style?
A special thank you to my friend Liz for her help with these pictures, I’m an awful subject because I’m so uncomfortable in front of the camera, and I appreciate her never-ending patience with me!
2013 Resort Collections
Did the breathtaking Chanel Resort 2013 and Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 collections whet your sartorial appetite for more gorgeous warm-weather clothes?
Me too!
I’ve narrowed down some of my favorite looks from all of the gorgeous 2013 Resort collections for you. I wish I had the time for a full review of each lovely show, but alas, I do not. Enjoy these highlights!
As usual, the Stella McCartney show was cheerful and fun, offering beautiful clothing in a fun atmosphere. Games, a lemonade stand, celebrities & fashion insiders, and gorgeous models sporting gorgeous, summery pieces. Perfection!
Roomy silhouettes, matching separates, strong lines, and beautiful, flattering prints. Yup, it’s Stella!
Florals, animal prints, shirt dresses, oversized blazers, matching short & top combos, lace, and pretty pinks & yellows. Ready for Summer?
Cute. Fun. Flirty. The Carven show was filled with great, wearable separates. A few dresses were sprinkled throughout the show, but the separates were the highlight. This collection had Alexa Chung’s name written allll over it!
The mixing of bold hues and use of colorblocking are really eye-catching in this look. The details are really great, I love the two-toned heels, contrasting collar on the jacket, and cute little Peter Pan collar on midriff-baring top.
This muted paisley cap-sleeved shift is a fabulous day look. You could easily wear sandals or flats with it to run errands around Paris!
I was thrilled when I heard the news that Miss L’Wren Scott was planning to show her first Resort collection this season. I’ve been a longtime fan of her Fall and Spring lines, I adore her ladylike silhouettes and the phenomenal attention to detail that her garments always have. And this fabulously retro collection, tailor-made for Mad Men or Pan Am, was worth the anticipation.
Aren’t these striking silhouettes, fabrics, and colors perfect for warm weather. Very eye-catching!
Sweater sets, mix n’ match separates, sleek sheath dresses, and matching hats & lace up heels were just what the doctor ordered. A ladylike spin on traditional Summer fare.
Marc Jacobs was all about brights, prints, and separates. As always, the show was busy, a fabulous chaotic mess of fabrics and patterns and color. Oversized, baggy shorts paired with sequined T-shirts, maxi dresses with cut-out backs, midi-length dresses and skirts in a-line silhouettes, and bold colors embellished with sequins, lace, and shimmering brocades. A feast for the eyes!
Voluminous shorts can be hard to pull off, but in these adorable prints and colors, I bet many will try next Summer!
Billowing mid-calf length skirts, contrasting prints, bright florals, collared T-shirts, thick strap Mary Jane’s, and belted waists. Could there be more elements in these looks?
I’ve been a fan of Phoebe Philo’s work at Celine since day one. The lines, the silhouettes, the pants, the chic minimalism, the accessories. Oh lord, the accessories.
All-white is great for Summer and this unbelievably chic look is perfect for next year. Just add some chunky jewelry and you’ll the be best dressed girl at the resort!
Black & white never looked so good! This is the sort of style that is universally flattering and can work for most women. And that bag… Swoon!
The colors and fabrics of this look really make it stand out. The clean lines mixed with the eye-catching colors is a great combination.
I’m a sucker for a pretty pattern and easy, wearable separates, which makes most of the Tory Burch collections right up my alley. This year’s resort show included mixing & matching patterns, thick banded sandals, striped & checkered pieces, over the shoulder bucket bags, headbands, short shorts, and even seashell accents.
These striped pants are fabulous, they’re flattering, fun, and versatile. You could just as easily throw them over a bathing suit with a simple white T-shirt & sandals as you could pair them with killer heels & a strapless top for nighttime.
These checkered shorts caught my attention immediately, I thought there were too cute paired with the chic, structured navy jacket.
Preen had great florals, maxi dresses, and striking separates, but these two looks really stole the show in my opinion. I loved the dramatic quality of the color choices and the striking cuts.
This mix of fun, floral prints is really eye-catching and the cut of this dress is incredibly flattering. You could easily go from a daytime shopping trip to clubbing with a change of shoes, handbag, and accessories.
I love a maxi dress with a unique twists, like this one which has a more structured t-shirt silhouette, more daytime than beach time.
Michael Kors showed lots of solid colors and dazzling gold pieces. His silhouettes were simple and classic, the colors and occasional pattern definitely took front stage.
Great summer nights dress. Pretty, flattering and versatile, the perfect piece to take on vacation since you can wear it multiple times!
Without a doubt my favorite piece from this Resort collection. Fabulous cut and perfect styling, those gold sandals are killer!
You can always count on a Moschino Cheap and Chic show to be playful and entertaining, and the clothing to be cute and fun. This collection was all about gorgeous outerwear, whimsical prints, and relaxed, chic separates in cool greens and pale blues.
I love the light, Springy green of this coat, the relaxed silhouette, and the muted print. I’m also smitten with these retro spat-inspired black & white booties. Tres chic!
All the pieces of this look are great, but what makes it so striking is the combination. The oversized sweater paired with fitted black short, the to die for colorblock handbag, and the ridiculously cute striped peep-toe wedges. Great combination!
I always look forward to all of Jason Wu’s shows, his designs are inevitably chic and polished. Each and every look could go straight from the runway to the street outside the show without missing a beat. Classic, well-tailored, and timeless, these clothes are a great investment!
I NEED THIS! That’s the first thing I thought when I looked at this collection. These looks are eye-catching and too adorable for words. Pieces from this collection are definitely going to make their way into my closet!
And I’ve saved my favorite for last… Rachel Zoe! Fun, sexy, and completely drool-worthy. Daywear, club gear, bathing suit cover ups, all with a little drama and a 70’s spin. Just the way we like it!
Mod perfection. LOVE.
So sexy & chic! I love the black & white combinations here, the slim pants and the flirty a-line skirt are both fabulous. Love!
Great colors! The skinny suit is too chic for words and I love the darker florals, it’s a unique color scheme for summer.
Source, Source, Source & Source
If you dying for more check out the following reviews and summaries for the fabulous 2013 Resort Collections – FashionVibe’s Resort Report, FabSugar’s Over 250 of the Best Looks From Resort 2013, and Refinery 29’s 17 Resort ’13 Collections That Blew Us Away.
What do you think of this collection of Summery runway shows? What were your favorite collections and pieces from the Resort 2013 lines?
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…
MET Madness
It’s that time again…
Time for my favorite fashion event of the year. It’s my version of prom! Last year’s event was held in honor the (then) recently deceased Alexander McQueen and the red carpet was amazing.
This year there were so many gorgeous women on the red carpet – fashion insiders, celebrities, models, actresses – that it was hard to narrow down my favorites.
Hollywood Dolls:
{Rooney stuck with what’s worked for her over the last few months of red carpet appearances. Dramatic. Bold. Givenchy! There was lots of white on the red carpet this year so her lacy black gown stood out all the more.}
{Bombshell alert! Amber Heard’s Zac Posen gown was striking and oozed with old school glamour. Love!}
{Elegant but eye-catching at the same time, that’s what Giambattista Valli does best!}
{Sleek & sexy. Gwyneth Paltrow put women half her age to shame in this fierce little Prada cocktail number. I love the embellishments here – the pocket on the dress, the low-cut back, and the jewel-encrusted stilettos.}
{This was a great choice for her. A beautifully cut dress in the perfect color, soft, sweet makeup, and loose curls framing her face. Just stunning.}
{Kirsten Dunst has long been a fan of Rodarte and they served her well again last night with this one-of-a-kind retro inspired dress. The look was definitely unique, but I think she looked phenomenal!}
{I’m always excited to see what Miss Cate will show up on the red carpet in, and she didn’t disappoint last night. Alexander McQueen with black feathers and a fishtail train? Only a few women in the world could pull this off.}
{Nina has been stepping up her game on the red carpet the last year or so, really making an impact, and this Donna Karen gown is another great choice.}
{Wow. Renée Zellweger usually wears Carolina Herrera but this Pucci gown is stunning! The low back and dramatic train are gorgeous.}
{Wow. Just. Wow. Love it all. Color, fit, fabric, accessories. Fierce!}
{Claire Danes’s sexy white wrap dress was perfectly complemented by her teal envelope clutch and sleek updo. Well done.}
{Bombshell! Camilla Belle was a vision in a sexy silver Ralph Lauren gown. Simple and elegant. I like that she went minimal on the accessorizing.}
Model Muses:
{When I think about the MET Gala this is what I picture. Daring fashion. Avant garde styles. Fashion with a capital F. Well done ladies, well done!}
{Drama Drama Drama. Chanel Iman and her sexy plus one were all about black & white drama.}
{Coco’s brightly colored vintage Givenchy and matching pink curls were definitely eye-catching. Are you a fan?}
{Veteran model Amber Valletta’s Prada gown was perfect, with both color blocking and pleats, it was right on trend for Spring!}
{I think Constance may have stolen Tilda’s dress, but that’s ok because she killed in it! Love the color and fabric combinations, the silky teal with the royal blue pleats are perfection!}
{Lace, asymmetrical silhouette, and brilliant pink – Jason Wu definitely wanted Miss Karlie Kloss to stand out this evening!}
{The face of Burberry Body rocked her long-sleeved, retro Burberry gown. Only Rosie could make sequined stripes look this good!}
{Victoria’s Secret stunner Candice Swanepoel positively glowed in her custom cobalt & black lace Rag & Bone gown. J’adore!}
And my favorite – Diane Kruger. I know she’s an actress but I always think of her a model. She’s got phenomenal taste and a flawless sense of style, something I usually associate with models who spend their time surrounded by fashion editors, photographers, and designers.
{DRAMA. Purple feathers, a train, and killer jewels? Miss Diane clearly wanted to make an entrance last night. I hate hate hate to find fault with her, but I think an updo would have been the perfect final touch to this.}
And what would I have worn?
I narrowed it down to these choices over the weekend. And these choices clearly show my multiple personalities. Part of me wants to go for old-school, golden age glamour, and the other part of me thinks that an event like this one calls for no holds barred, serious drama.
{This gown in Valentino red would be a fabulous choice – Bold but classic and flattering.}
Or something a little more dramatic and high-impact.
{I love the drama of Zac Posen gowns and this is a phenomenal color. If it had a keyhole or open back to offset the high neck and cap sleeves I’d be all over this!!!}
What was your favorite dress this year? What would you have picked for yourself?
J’aime Pinterest
As an avid supporter of moodboards and a longtime lover of visual inspiration, Pinterest really appealed to me for its capability to influence and motivate.
In case you’re not following me on Pinterest I wanted to share a few of the things that I’m loving and can’t live without right now. My boards are broken up into a few of my favorite categories:
La Mode
Fashion shows, clothing, sketches, advertisements, editorials, red carpets, street style, accessories, bags, closets, blogs, jewelry…
Belle Maison
Home decor, books & book shelves, furniture, floral arrangements, trunks & hat boxes, wet bars, closets, organizational tips, pillows & bedding, wallpaper…
YUMMY
Entrees, cocktails, breakfasts, snacks, desserts… Anything that looks good!
MOI
Places I love, things I’ve bought, clothes I wear, words I believe…
I Use, Therefore I am
Things I swear by, from protein powder to skin care products to perfume…
J’Adore
Pretty much anything that strikes my fancy…
So take a look and get to know some of the things that I love!
Would you like more recommendations on great moodboards to take a look at? Fashionista has you covered with their piece 10 Fashion Pinners You Should Be Following Right Now.
P.S. Am I the only one who hears all of this “pinning” talk and thinks of an adorable couple in an old black & white movie going steady…? 😉
Links You’ll Love
Health/Fitness:
Are you a fan of quinoa? Here are some great recipes to try out if you’d like some new & creative way to enjoy this protein-rich pseudo-cereal:
- The Hungry Hungry Hippie’s Quinoa Quiche
- Pure 2 Raw’s Baked Cheezy Quinoa Casserole
- Choosing Raw’s Black Bean & Quinoa Salad w/ Cumin Dressing
- The Wannabe Chef’s Quinoa Cakes
18 Tips for Improving Food Disciplinefrom The Primal Parent, Jillian Michaels shares her favorite snacks with Fitness Magazine, what vitamins do you really need to take vs what nutrients you should be getting in your food from health.com and an exclusive interview with Jesse Brune from FitCeleb.
Would you like to learn more about some of the supplements out there? Gena at Choosing Raw can educate you on the benefits of Chlorella and Martin Berkhan has the low down on Fish Oil supplements.
Personally I like celebrity trainer David Kirsch’s no-nonsense approach to staying healthy, he doesn’t mince words – to lose weight and get in shape there’s nothing you can do other than eat healthy and workout. No short cuts. Here’s his Lazy Girl’s Guide to Getting Fit.
Fashion:
Do you love the retro fashion of Mad Men? Did you adore Banana Republic’s Mad Men inspired capsule collection? You’re in luck because Banana Republic has announced that their second collection with hit stores and online in March!
Still shopping for the perfect dress for your Valentine’s Day date? The Budget Fashionista has narrowed down their five favorite dresses from Piperlime under $50 and WhoWhatWear has all the best heart-printed clothes and accessories for you here.
Now that Jason Wu has virtually sold out at Target the only thing that we can do is start getting excited that Marni for H&M will hit on March 8th.
Are you expecting and not sure how to stay stylish and cope with your changing body? Alessandra Ambrosio walked the runway at Sao Paulo while 5 months pregnant, proving that pregnancy doesn’t have to mean shapeless dresses and sweats! FabSugar posted great pictures of Kristin Cavallari in flowy button-down top with stretchy pants. Don’t want to wear sky-high heels through your pregnancy like Rachel Zoe & Victoria Beckham did, but want to keep it fashionable? Try riding boots a la The DayBook.
The Good the Bad & the Ugly: Critics’ Choice Awards
Ready for some glitz and glamour? The Critics’ Choice Awards were the latest stepping stone towards the Oscars, and the style was a step up from the People’s Choice Awards. More gowns and less cocktail-length frocks. Brights, dark hues and neutrals all made appearances and the men even pulled out their suits.
And Brad Pitt pulled out a cane.
Hmmm.
Confusing, no? I like the white tie though.
I've missed you Evan!!! Evan Rachel Wood looked phenomenal in a strapless Valentino column gown. The lace and intricate detailing of the fabric kept the dress from being boring and her fresh makeup and adorable updo made her look ethereal.
Pale yellow, bright yellow and grey? Only Diane Kruger could make this work. And on a red carpet (grey, actually) sadly lacking in accessories her pink clutch and bracelets were a welcome sight.
Clearly after the success of her green Gucci suit at the People's Choice Miss Emma decided to stick with what works. This belted maxi-style Jason Wu dress is perfection on her. I especially like her cat-eye makeup and simple pave hoops.
Kirstin Dunst's layered tulle & ribboned Christian Dior confection was completed with vintage earrings and bright pink lipstick. This was one of the few black dresses and I like that she chose something dramatic and unusual.
Gotta give credit where credit is due. A white gown is HARD to pull off and Stacy Keibler looks great here. The bangles and sparkly clutch are nice, but obviously Mr. Clooney is the best accessory a girl can have!
Viola Davis couldn't have picked a more striking color for herself than this gown. I like the simplicity of it paired with the gold tassel earrings.
You're got to respect a woman who wears pants on the red carpet! Leave it to Tilda Swinton to pair a dramatic open black and white coat with white pants and a black pussy bow blouse. Tres chic!
I wasn't sure if I loved or hated this black and white Chanel gown, but ultimately I decided that it worked for her. She has a fun, quirky personal style and I think that a dress like this highlights her petite stature without overwhelming her.
Have a great weekend!
Red Carpet Looks
Over the past week and weekend the stars gathered en masse for premieres, red carpet events, store openings and film festivals. Now pull up a cocktail and join me for some eye candy.
Haywire premiere in Los Angeles:
The color of Matt Bomer's suit couldn't be more ideal and the fit is perfect. As it should be since the man lives in these skinny suits on Blue Collar. What makes this stand out to me is the tie, a really nice choice.
Channing Tatum looks nice in this muted blue plaid suit. The coloring works well for him and I like that the pattern gives the suit a little something extra.
Shailene Woodley's look is cute, flattering and age appropriate. What more could you ask for?
I know that I already featured this dress, um, yesterday - but I couldn't help it. The whole look is simple, sleek and sexy - absolutely ideal.
Charlize Theron wore a beautiful Reed Krakoff dress while she was at a luncheon in Palm Springs. A really great choice for an outdoor event in nice weather.
Keira Knightley looked adorable in lacy black Nina Ricci. I love that it's chic and fashiony, but low-key. You could almost wear flats with it!
Michael Fassbender looked dapper in his black suit w/ blue tie combo. I'm not sure why everyone is shaving their heads but I LIKE IT.
This may be just a simple Ralph Lauren dress, but it goes to show you just how important color is when it comes to dressing. Viola Davis couldn't look any more striking!
Viola Davis wore an unbelievably flattering sheath in great metallic colors. Her hair looks really pretty here too!
Zoe Saldana looked phenomenal in this midi Jason Wu number. I like that she wore her hair up to show off the great neckline of this dress and kept the jewelry minimal. Fabulous shoes too!
Pre-Fall 2012 Collections: Part I
Pre-Fall collections hit retailers in May of the upcoming year and are intended to be worn as the warmer weather gives way to cooler days and chilly nights. For the most part only the larger houses create Pre-Fall collections and generally these are smaller collections than the Fall and Spring lines and presented with less fanfare.
Carolina Herrera’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection was tailored and smart, with colors ranging from lipstick red to shiny gold and consisted mostly of outerwear, day dresses and evening gowns.
The devil is in the details! This is an exquisite look, from the brick colored leather piping to the fur-covered sleeves to the tulle peeking out from the bottom of the coat. Love the pointy toed lace up pumps too!
The first thing that caught my attention is the photo were the ropes of pearls decorating the waist, pockets and sleeves. Simultaneously extravagant and simplistic.
It's amazing to me how utterly "Chanel" this look is while being completely exotic and Far East at the same time. I can definitely see people wearing these gorgeous beaded sandals and sumptuous metallic leggings next year.
The separates were really standout and there was a great mix n' match sense with the styling.
So cute! Chic and classic, but fun and youthful.
The separates were bold and bright. I especially liked the slim-fitting riding pants in mismatched colors.
This was my favorite look from Jason Wu, I love the ribbed sweater with contrasting collar worn with a printed A-line skirt. The gloves are the perfect finishing touch.
Fun, retro geometric prints appeared on separates, coats and dresses, all paired with shiny patent leather heels and nipped waists.
Plaid, polka dots & lace - Oh My! Not a traditional combination, but one that works nonetheless. Somehow this manages to be chic and fun rather than overwhelmingly busy.
I absolutely adored this look! The fitted silhouette with capsleeves, the big buttons, the Swiss dot tights, the lace cap, the patent leather loafer pumps, the black & white polka dots. Absolutely adorable.
NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up
New York Fashion Week for Spring 2012 showcased some great trends and standout shows. Lots of brights and florals, which is to be expected for Spring, as well as some beautiful neutrals, interesting lengths and lots of pants.
Phillip Lim (3.1) was cool, refreshing and minimal, a picture-perfect mix of airy cuts and beautiful hues.
The King of Cool Girl Clothes, Alexander Wang, showed a collection that was a little bit biker chic in the Sahara. I can definitely see his BFF Erin Wasson wandering around NYC in these clothes!
Can you get the designer? If your first guess was Alice+Olivia, go treat yourself to a shopping spree! This collection was very retro-inspired and contained cute separates, including the newly launched shoe collection
Bill Blass's show was very nautical and very standard spring. Navy, black and white, with splashes of red and yellow. I liked this look because it's a great combination of the white pants trend, stripes and polka dots!
Francisco Costa has got his CK shows down to an art and I foresee another year of beautiful young things - Eva Mendes, Kate Bosworth, Emma Stone to name a few - wearing his designs at every opportunity.
Diane von Furstenberg's show was fun and flirty, lots of color and prints, lots of flattering silhouettes.
The DKNY show was full of smart, chic, wearable looks. These ads last season were some of my favorites and I liked how this show seemed like a seemless continuation of the looks for fall.
Jason Wu tweaked his tried & true formula a little with this collection, trying out some new fabrics and slightly different cuts. But among the edgy were the oh so Wu pieces we know and love!
After a classic show last season to celebrate his 30th, Michael Kors was off on Safari for Spring. Khakis, animal prints, crochet, fringe and gladiator sandals in muted tones as far as the eye can see.
Milly delivered vibrant splashes of color and bold prints, retro cuts and great accessories, including scarves, sunglasses, bags and shoes.
Peter Som's collection was, as per usual, absolutely wearable. It featured great prints and florals, but my favorite was this muted zebra-head print with a cobalt belt and bold black accessories.
So far I've liked Rachel Zoe's line, nothing groundbreaking or wholly innovative, but she's producing consistently good collections. I find myself especially impressed by her suits, cute and modern with great touches like this bright blue blouse.
And from Harper’s Bazaar, here’s a NYFW Spring 2012 Trend Report with some great pictures from the shows.
I adore L'Wren Scott, every season she shows amazing, flattering silhouettes. Sleek, sexy and confident, a modern woman who can take on the world!
Milly my love! Has anyone seen PanAm yet? I feel like half the collections this season are inspired by that era and its chic formality.
I'm having a 60's moment - which may or may not influence my Halloween costume - and this Mia Farrow inspired Erin Fetherston collection was right up my alley.
Christian Siriano showed brights and nauticals, which are pretty traditional for Spring, but I thought that this was a fresh, juicy spin on them.
- To me this is what Spring is about, bursts of color and flowy lines. Vivienne Tam was right on target with this jumpsuit!
The most fun show to watch? I highly recommend checking out the video of the Marc Jacobs extravaganza here.
And don’t worry boys, I didn’t forget about you. TLo has a great reviews of the DKNY Menswear show here, Nautica’s rooftop show here (that’s just for you Colin!) and Perry Ellis here.
Note: Most photos & videos are from Style.com. Check out last season’s NYFW here.
Moi Contre La Vie 
