MCLV Style: Pleats & Studs
I had been eyeing this pleated, faux leather, studded skirt for a while – It’s not really my typical style, but I’ve seen a handful of bloggers wearing it and was absolutely in love. So I finally headed to Zara to take the plunge right before my birthday and it was love at first sight!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pleated Leather Skirt – Zara, Striped Pocket Tee – Zara, Crossbody Bag – Le Sak, Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff via Shopbop.com & Jewelry – JewelMint, H&M & Asos}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
Once I got this skirt home I had so many ideas running through my head that I couldn’t decide how I wanted to style it. I love both of the looks below – which are quite different style wise – and I wasn’t sure how to make this skirt “me.” I finally settled on pairing it with my favorite suede booties and a basic striped tee which helped dress it down a bit. I’ll definitely be brining it back for another MCLV Style appearance though so stay tuned for a different vibe the next time!
{Inspiration – Late Afternoon & Fashion Vibe}
Do you like Liz from Late Afternoon’s pairing of this skirt with golden booties & bright prints or Zina of Fashion Vibe’s all-black rock n’ roll ensemble best?
Looks of the Week – Inspiration Edition
Welcome back to another Looks of the Week post – And this week’s post is filled to the brim with fabulous fashion blogger looks. I love discovering great new blogs – via Lookbook.nu, IFB, affiliate links, etc – but I also like checking back in with some of my favorite “established” bloggers and some of the blogs that originally inspired me to start my own.
{I’m in fulllll cape mode right now and that’s in part due to this chic, effortlessly stylish look that I fell in love with recently. Wendy Nguyen has the unique ability to make an outfit look fashion-forward but still accessible. Like looking at an advertisement for your favorite store – You love the picture and you know you can put together the look just but running into the store!}
{The killer color scheme, the fabulous seventies vibe, the ridiculously chic hat… I just can’t decide what I like best about this look from the always stylish Saucy Glossie.}
{Give me a maxi and I’m a happy girl. Give me an effortlessly style & low-key look that features a maxi and I’m a really really happy girl! Thanks for the Winter inspiration Trop Rouge!}
{A chic day-to-night look that’s super stylish AND features flats is hard to come by. And as always, Cheyenne Meets Chanel makes it look oh-so-easy.}
{I love brocade and I love Peter Pan collars so I was thrilled with this look. I like that Viva Luxury mixed up the traditional black & white look by adding splashes of blue and bright pink.}
{The Glamourai’s Kelly Framel is someone who I always look to for fashion inspiration. Every single look that she puts together makes me sit up and take notice ,and this “basics” look is no different – Chic & stylish with clean lines and a pop of color. Perfection!}
{San Francisco to New York City blogger OnTheRacks is a great source of colorful, fun, edgy inspiration – She always mixes pieces in ways I wouldn’t think to, with fabulous results.}
{You can always count on Late Afternoon to put together a look that’s fun and eye-catching while still wearable and wholly “her.” I love love love this vintage gold skirt – The length, the color, the fabric – This is the PERFECT vintage find as far as I’m concerned.}
{Winter whites never looked so good! Leave it to LA-based The Chriselle Factor to put together a fabulous cream-colored look using pieces from different lines.}
{If you’re ever in the mood for a sweet treat – Along the times of a dreamy, romatic look in a breathtaking setting – Than Gary Pepper is the place to go. Swoon.}
I hope that you get as much inspiration from these talented, creative, brilliant ladies as I do – Enjoy!
Looks of the Week
Welcome back to the latest Looks of the Week post – This week I’m featuring some great outfit shots that I found of stylish fashion bloggers, models, and celebrities from all around the world.
I can’t decide what I love most about this shot of Liz from Late Afternoon – The mixing of polka dots & stripes, the killer red booties, or the adorable set up of the photograph itself. Too cute.
A striking metallic belt in a unique corset-like shape like this one is a GREAT way to spice up a classic trench coat. While a trench is always a great choice and immediately gives your look a “put together” air, sometimes taking one to a new level can be fun.
I love maxi dresses and skirts for Fall – So long as it’s not raining you can create a really cute look like this. One part flower child – One part rock n’ roll chick!
Period dressing and really sticking to an era is such a fun way to approach and look. I always truly appreciate the effect when a stylish lady goes to all of that effort and produces a wholly original look like this one – So well done!
I’m totally cape obsessed right now and this look made me gasp! I love the brightly hued dress, the trench-inspired khaki cape, the knee socks, and I especially love the cute vintage style hat. Totally classic and totally fabulous.
Creating a cozy look with layering and knit pieces doesn’t have to leave you looking frumpy – This is a fabulous example of how a chunky sweater or knit cap can look tres chic! I especially love how she paired those killer buckled boots with warm socks.
I love the vintage-meets-modern feel of this look. It’s sweet and romantic but at the same time the boots & button-adorned blazer give it a structured, tailored vibe that’s very in for Fall.
Miss Miranda has been KILLING it lately on the street style front – Every photograph that I’ve seen of her is absolutely stunning, it’s like she has a movie costume designer choosing her outfits every time she steps out of her house. What I especially liked about this look is its simplicity – which makes it easy to emulate – it’s just a sweater dress, a black coat, and a pair of knee-high black boots.
Be sure to stay tuned for a new MCLV Style File post featuring Miranda’s fabulous street style!
Which of these cold weather looks is your favorite? Are you favoring vintage-inspired pieces, classic styles, or one-of-a-kind modern looks right now?
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion
This is the final – finally – post on the Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week collections. During the first three posts we reviewed the NYFW institutions, the affordable “real women” lines, and the newbies to Fashion Week. Today’s post is all about the editors, actresses, bloggers, models, and fashion industry insiders during New York Fashion Week – What they wore to view the collections, running between the shows, and to the parties, store openings & celebration dinners.
{I absolutely adore this look. It’s chic and utterly put together, but still fun and youthful rather than being stiff and boring. Well done Miss Belle!}
{Low-key and casual, perfect for a muggy NYC day and comfortable enough to make it through the day without foot pain, fashion emergencies, or faux pas.}
{Quite the well put together outfit – I love the blouse, it suits her really well, and I’m a sucker for a great day clutch so this studded beauty really caught my eye.}
{So. Cute. I can’t imagine a more adorable or flatteringly age-appropriate little outfit for this young lady.}
{I kind of love Kelly’s look here. I’m not a huge fan of her recent hair color choices, but the bright colorblocking of this frock is lovely and that black & white checkered clutch was a brilliant choice.}
{I love the fresh, colorful prints she picked here, as well as the unique midi length hem. There’s something to be said for mixing & matching, no one else will ever show up in the same outfit!}
{LOVE! It’s fun and one-of-a-kind, totally Brad!}
{Great colors. Fabulous length. Utterly flattering silhouettes. Well done ladies, well done.}
Bloggers:
Bloggers do it better! 🙂 The ladies who represented the blogger contingent in New York City did a fabulous job in brights, florals, prints, and eye-catching accessories.
{Such a gorgeous dress! Dark florals are one of my favorite ways to bridge the Summer-to-Fall gap and this is a great example of how to transition them. And Zara booties never hurt an outfit!}
{One way to make sure that you stand out in a crowd of bloggers, celebrities, and editors is to: (1) Look stunning (2) Wear stand-out hues that suit you to perfection & (3) Pile on the gorgeous statement jewelry}
{Great print & colors – And those double ankle strap heels are killer}
{Liz from Late Afternoon (left) and Laura from OnTheRacks (right) make quite the pretty picture in a fun, colorful array of separates paired with perfectly chosen, eye-catching accessories.}
{Sylish and chic! I love this look but I have NO IDEA how she was wearing a black blazer during NYFW, maybe she took it off after the pictures were taken?}
{This is a great laid back look. I adore the printed pants paired with the leopard print pieces, and the plain white tee paired with the dramatic statement necklace is another great choice.}
{LOVE THIS. It’s wild & crazy & fun – Just what fashion week is supposed to be all about!}
{I always look forward to shots of Karlie – I adore her street style, her runway walk, and how her personality always manages to shine through in a picture. Here’s yet another great example of her personal style from Mr. Newton!}
{How fabulous is this shot? I love her bike, her handbag, her helmet, and her low-key but chic style – Skinnies & a tank – perfect for a humid Summer day in New York.}
{This is a great shot showing models doing something that they do best – Mixing & matching! These ladies are doing a great job of combining interesting and fun pieces to put together unique, fashionable looks.}
And last but hardly least, my favorite look from New York Fashion Week…
{I mean seriously? Can you imagine a more chic and stylish looking woman? She probably made half the women at this show cry and give up on fashion. Head-to-toe this is an amazing look – The red is striking and the gloves & pearls are such chic touches. J’adore!}
{Click on the images above to be taken to the original source}
Previous NYFW 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 Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Addition reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: WhoWhatWear’s What They Wore – NY Fashion Week, Style.com’s Get the Look: Tilda Lindstam, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013: Parties & Front Row from Harper’s BAZAAR & Modelinia’s Top Twitpics from Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week.
Now we’re off to London – See you there! ❤
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?
Jewelry Essentials – Pieces Every Woman Should Own
In my Real Girls Need Real Closets and Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition I discussed the pieces that are worth putting money into in order to build a complete wardrobe. Today I’d like to focus on what jewelry should make it into your collection in this guest post for Sasha Maks Vintage.
Over the years you’ll invest in new accessories, update your collection, and pick up great pieces on your travels, of both the new and vintage variety. Truth be told, putting together the perfect jewelry collection isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s a long process and while your personal style may evolve over time, the basics of what you should acquire will remain relatively static. With that in mind, here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind while you’re shopping!
Statement Necklace:
Having a dramatic and eye-catching piece at your neck is a Must. Something that’s versatile and can work as the central focus for your look at a number of events – From casual to dressy to office appropriate.
{Monet Enamel Fan Necklace 1970s – $225}
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion 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
Accessories of the Week
Let’s spice things up today and rather than our usual Looks of the Week post, let’s try out something a little different. Here are some gorgeous shots of jewelry, bags, hats, shoes, and other glorious accessories to lust after.
Rock n’ roll goddess! This is such a ‘reach out & touch it’ texture fest – The crocheted top, the studded leather collar, and that phenomenal silver & gold necklace.
This safety-pin bag is pretty much the cutest thing I’ve seen lately. It’s an adorable piece to add to a basic black & white outfit like The Glamourai so expertly did.
Wow. She’s taking the splash of color trend to a whole new level – Can you imagine anything more mouth-watering than that gorgeous cherry red Celine bag? Want!
How adorable are there H&M earrings from Style Scrapbook? They’d be great at night or even during the day!
Alexander Wang. Nuff said!
A great pair of flats are a must have. What’s your perfect pair? I love ones like this DVF pair that have a little something special to make them unique.
I love classic and I love feminine, but I also love dramatic and avant garde. How fabulous is this ring?
This cuff is to DIE for. Leave it to Hermes!
Colorful. Fun. Irreverent. All words I like to use to describe accessories!
LOVE. Want it all.
These are so cute! A great neutral sandal that you can wear with virtually anything.
Holy high fashion Batman! Not only do I adore her black & gold jewelry, I’ve been dreaming of this Givenchy handbag for MONTHS. This is actually the gift that I’m planning to get myself for the big 3-0! 🙂
Doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, everyone loves arm candy!
A nude heel doesn’t have to be boring. Finding a great pair of pumps with interesting and one-of-a-kind detailing is the way to go!
Tres chic! Not sure about mixing gold & silver jewelry? Wendy makes it work.
Just stunning. I absolutely adore David Yurman, and the campaigns, and these are three fabulous examples of his chic, fun, timeless jewelry.
Audrey from Be Frassy always has killer accessories and these are no exception. I adore the classic black mixed with chic punk-inspired spikes.
If you’re not sure what basics you should have check out FabSugar’s Jewelry Every Woman Should Own – The 10 Pieces of Jewelry You’ll Need in Life and MCLV’s Real Women Need Real Closets & Real Women Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition.
Click on images above to visit the original source.
How fabulous are these pieces? I want them ALL. What are your favorite accessories above?
The Dress Dilemma
Last week my I decided to have photographs taken and since I’ve used the fabulous Rhiannon from Alloria Winter Studios before and was beyond thrilled with the results, I immediately went to her for a session. I also have a go-to stylist whom I’ve been using for years, the amazing Magdalena formerly of 77 Maiden Lane, now of the Joseph Cozza Salon.
As it turned out, picking the photographer and the salon for hair & make up were the easy parts. What ended up taking me forever was choosing what I should wear for the shoot! I really wanted to wear something different from my usual so I immediately nixed the idea of wearing black.
What did that leave me?
Apparently green.
I narrowed it down to the following bright, Summery dress options:
[1.] The Maxi Dress:
Taking the beautiful Rachel Pally maxi dress worn here by Liz from Late Afternoon as my inspiration I toyed with the idea of wearing this Victoria’s Secret maxi that I got for a vacation in Thailand a few years ago.
[2.] The Tiered Dress:
The gorgeous, and now famous, green satin gown donned by Keira Knightley in Atonement was another look that I had in mind as I was digging through the racks at BCBG a few weeks ago.
And I was thrilled when I discovered this dress at the 50% off 4th of July Sale! It’s a beautiful, bright green color and the cut is relaxed and low-key rather than
[3.] The Mini Dress:
And since my BCBG addiction is second only to Zara, I picked another BCBG dress as an option for the shoot. I liked the idea of something cute and Summery, rather than serious and dramatic.
Clearly, I have green on the brain. As a blue-eyed, pale skinned, red-head, vibrant shades of green are usually a pretty good choice for me. When I was starting to plan this outfit I put together the following mood board for inspiration.
{Shop similar pieces over at ASOS Fashion Finder}
And since I didn’t want to have to deal with heels sinking into the grass during the photo shoot I opted to go with sandals rather than tall girl shoes.
Below is a sneak peek from our first photo shoot.
What do you think? The green stood out really well and I was thrilled by how well our photographer captured us despite the awful weather.
Looks of the Week
Welcome back to another Looks of the Week post, personally, my favorite way to finish up a Monday.
How fabulous is he? I love everything from the umbrella and pocket square to the cut and color, to the black tie and suspenders. Just perfect!
It can be hard to wear one color all over without looking like you’re trying to hard to having the hues not quiiite match up properly. This neutrals short outfit is a great example of how to make it work though, she looks put together and chic, but relaxed.
I really enjoy mod-inspired fashions and this is a great great modern day example. She looks chic and well put together. Love!
So. Cute. If you’re scared of trying out the peplum trend, a black skirt version like this one is a great choice to ease you into it. The highlight of this looks for me though is the Romwe Spiked Headband. Amazing.
This is a great example of how a simple dress can be styled into something even better. She adds an adorable patterned blazer and gorgeous neutral colored accessories and takes this from basic to perfect LA style.
This layering look is great. I love the slouchy sweater paired with short-shots, it creates a fun, unique silhouette.
There’s a great retro vibe here and that’s part of what really caught my attention. I also adore the layering that’s going on. The button down, plus a collared button-up sweater, and finally the fabulous Jack London jacket. Well done!
Wide leg pants can be incredibly chic and Zina’s look is perfection. The silhouette is flattering and the accessories are fabulous.
So what’s your favorite look here?
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?
-
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!
Looks of the Week
Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend?
Let’s get this week started on a fashionable note with some great outfits that I’ve tracked down, and I’ll start with my absolute favorite look that I discovered.
How ridiculously cute is this???
I love the striped skirt (obviously) and I’ve been wearing my own polka dotted blouse to death so this gives me some great inspiration and ideas. Love it!
I love stripes, I love chain link necklaces, I love day clutches, and I love fun blouses. There’s basically nothing I don’t love about this look.
One piece can totally make a look and this is a fabulous example. This goal is absolutely to DIE for!
How cute is this dress? I love the pleats and the top half, how gorgeous the color looks on her, and the dainty little gold necklace.
Proof that neutrals are anything but boring! This is a great, casual look. Not only is she making that hat look GOOD, but those ankle boots are killer.
Fabulous colors. Amazing styling. And the most perfect accessories possible. Just what we’ve all come to expect from Liz. I adore this look, from her ombre top to her GORGEOUS Atwood-clad feet.
Doesn’t this look just make you want to go play in your closet? It’s such a fun, original combination of pieces and fabrics and prints. It makes me want to try something one-of-a-kind too!
Not sure about vests boys? This is a great example of how to pull one off and look really put together in the process.
Summer chic at it’s finest. Crisp white, some splashes of color, and a some skin!
What a fun, sassy look. I love the 70’s inspired jumpsuit – Too cute.
Do these pictures motivate you to be more creative with your fashion choices?
Links You’ll Love
Health/Fitness:
Intervals are key! Check out the 400-Calorie Tush-Toning Interval Workout or Tabata Workouts To Burn Fat Fast from FitSugar.
A great way to cram veggies into your diet is by adding them to smoothies in the morning. You can easily add fresh, healthy, and easily digestible source of vitamins. Refinery 29 agrees – 5 Reasons Why Kale Is The Ultimate Look-Gorgeous, Feel-Amazing Food. Not a fan of breakfast? Try JL Goes Vegan’s Creamy Kale Miso Soup for a great source of nutrients.
Interested in getting back to basics or implementing an organic training program? Check out Charles Poliquin’s Train Like Your Ancestors: Tips to Achieve Optimal Health and Body Composition.
Even if you only have a few minutes you can still squeeze in some energy-boosting moves:
Fashion:
If you’re looking for a way to spice up one of your accessories for Summer I have some fabulous ideas for you – DIY: Neon chain handbag from Crimenes de la Moda and/or DIY: Floral Bangles. The end results of both of these Do It Yourself projects are fun and chic – Can you have a better combination?
Are you a fan of maxi dresses? I love the light feel and fun silhouette of maxi skirts and dresses during the warm weather months. See Olivia Palermo’s picks for this summer – Let It Flow.
Not in a place to replace your wardrobe each season? Me either. Check out Chictopia’s East Coast to West Coast: 5 Pieces That Will Complete Your Summer Wardrobe featuring the amazing Late Afternoon and Song of Style bloggers.
Sometimes a sleek ponytail is just the finishing touch that an outfit needs. A Cup Of Jo shares her tips for the perfect Sleek Parted Ponytail.
Need a project? Try out FabSugar’s DIY: Give Your Collared Top a Gypset Style Twist!
Instagram Lovin’
Here’s a little Instagram Lovin’ for you today!
Source
Follow me at Instagram @ moicontrelavie
Saturday Inspiration
Why not start our weekend right with some gorgeous pictures to get you in the mood for a fabulous, fashionable weekend?
Pictures are all from my Pinterest account, hope you’re inspired!
Looks of the Week
Happy Monday! Let’s get straight to the good stuff today. Enjoy!
This is a great example of a relaxed, feminine take on menswear. The loose, wide-leg trousers in a fun fabric and beautiful deep color are the central piece, paired with a basic white blouse, and great accessories. The purse is a really pretty, unique piece and the platform sandals with the silver heel are to die for. Outstanding!
This is the perfect casual cropped pants look. Relaxed and fun, but really well put together and accessorized to perfection with the fierce heels and bright bag. J'adore!
Gorgeous accessories and styling here, I love the belted coat with the dramatic faux fur collar, the gloves, and the platform booties are absolutely divine. Such a great, well put together look!
This is just because I love you guys... I kid, I kid. He actually looks great. I love interesting suits - fun ties, patterned fabrics, unusual colors. The average man doesn't seem to take a lot of risks when it comes to fashion, so I especially love to see a little risk on the red carpet!
Liz from Late Afternoon is never one to shy away from color, but I was particularly impressed with this Spring look. The cream sweater is the perfect topper for the sweet floral shorts and I love that the scarf is full of bright, warm colors that aren't matchy matchy. It's a fun, chic look that we can all emulate!
Olivia strikes again! If you're set on wearing jeans but want to dress them up a bit, this is a great way to do it. The shimmery blazer is fun but understated and the brightly colored, contrasting pumps are a great finishing touch.
Great color combination! I love that she chose to highlight the blue in her shoe choice rather than the more obvious green. A great summer nights look!
I absolutely love this look. The focal point is a gorgeous, chic double-breasted coat in an interesting, uncommon shade. It shows you how easily outerwear or a great bag can update a basic look.
If you want the ultimate in casual style do it like Rosie, Cropped jeans, basic T, booties. Done!
What I love about this look is the styling, which is absolutely top-notch. The sunglasses, the bag, the broach, the jewelry... And that strong-shouldered blazer is parfait! J'adore!
While this look seems pretty basic, it's really anything but. It's got a cute purple plaid shirt, mixing of black & navy, layers galore, and even knee-high socks with ballet flats. It's cute and fun and perfect for these Spring showers we've been having!
For a music awards show red carpet you always expect the unexpected - but I loved this chic little look. The leather shorts w/ blazer combo is perfect, and that gorgeous gold layered necklace and bright cobalt blue shoes are the perfect standout accessories.
And since we were all bombarded with photos and updates from Coachella this weekend I wanted to do a little round-up of some of the best looks that I saw from the festival. The Coachella corner if you will:
Late Afternoon was one of the fashion bloggers I was most looking forward to hearing from during the festival and she did not disappoint. And as if the tied shirt, flannel overshirt, and cropped leather jacket combo wasn't enough, she added an adorable maxi skirt and the cutest braids ever. J'adore!
Each of these girls has a pretty distinct look - Lily's a little rock n' roll in leather, Karlie's the laid back hippie in her patterned poncho, and Cara's got the hipster style covered with ray bans and a sideways hat.
Hippie view!!!
I love Kasia's low-belted tank dress and fringed booties. Casual and relaxed but totally on-trend for the events.
I love the different styles and pieces in this group shot. From flowy maxi skirts to wide leg pants to retro shorts to floral headpieces to kimonos. Amazing!
Sincerely Jules stacked things up with woven bracelets, spikes, and even some bling. Great combo!
True flower-child stylin'! I love all the bracelets and the fringed suit, a really great pairing.
Diane looking adorable @ the Lacoste L!ve pool party. I like the colorblocking of the dress and her cute booties.
Fringe, cut-off shorts, jean jackets, facepaints - These models are ready for the festivities!
This was one of my favorite looks. I like the simplicity of the basics paired with the high-octane extras. That scarf is killer!
If you’re in need of more flower-power check out these best dressed lists – Festival Fashion! 50 Hot Snaps From Coachella, Coachella 2012: Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, Lily Collins And Other Best-Dressed Stars At This Weekend’s Festival, Coachella 2012: Festival Street Style, and of course, Tom & Lorenzo’s Coachella Ladies.
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!
Versatile Blogger Award
I’m delighted to announce that Style Connect Au has done me the honor of including Moi Contre La Vie in her Versatile Blogger Award list. It’s such a compliment to be included and I’m thrilled to participate in nominating some others for this award so that I can share a handful of the blogs that I’ve recently discovered with you.
The guidelines for this game are as follows:
- Thank the person that nominated you with a link back
- Share 7 facts about yourself
- Pass this on to 10 newly discovered blogs and let them know they’ve received the award
Here are 7 things you may not know about me:
- I’ve lived in six cities: Los Gatos, Morristown, Sacramento, Berkeley, Rome & San Francisco.
- I was a springboard diver in high school and college.
- Over the years I’ve studied Spanish, Italian, French, Greek, and Latin.
- My first exposure to fashion was when I lived in Rome, I was a tomboy when I moved to Italy and came back with perfume, high heels, purses, and a brand new suitcase big enough for a person to fit in it, stuffed full of clothes. I still have some of them!
- When I left Berkeley I wanted to go straight to graduate school to get my PhD but my mom talked me into giving the working world a try, and my little detour has lasted 6 years. So far.
- I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I’ve started dozens of novels since I was a teenager.
- I’m hopeless, and I mean hopeless, when it comes to technology. Computers turn off when they see me coming & phones run away screaming. I’m still in awe that I’ve somehow managed to start a blog. 🙂
And in true chain-email style I’m nominating the following 10 fashion blogs for my Versatile Blogger award:
[1.] Altamira: Models Off Duty is one of the best resources for street style photographs of models that I’ve ever found. Photographer Craig Arend always gets the best pictures – everything from the girls rushing from show-to-show during Fashion Week to candid backstage shots to random encounters on the street.
[2.] Cristina’s Blog (formerly known as My Dress, My High Heels, My Style) – If you want beautiful, up-to-date pictures of celebs on the red carpet and fashion trends this is the site for you. It has a clean, user-friendly layout and is updated frequently. No muss, no fuss.
[3.] Who Do I Wear? Is a Tumblr-style blog full of street style snaps from all different kinds of blogs. It’s a truly great collection of pictures and I’m inspired to up my game style-wise whenever I take a peak at the site.
[4.] I follow Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon on Twitter as well as subscribe to her blog. Not only does she post gorgeous daily outfits that inspire me to get out of my comfort zone, she also shares gorgeous photos of Southern California, floral arrangements she puts together, and fun events, photo shoots, store openings, dinners and line launches that she attends.
[5.] I recently discovered Sincerely Jules and was blown away by her originality. From her ombre hair to her funky, fun mix n’ match outfits to her quirky and covetable accessories, she’s truly one of a kind in the blogging world.
[6.] Swiss blogger Kristina Bazan’s site Kayture is where she shares her daily looks, photographed by her boyfriend. Her personal style is fun and well-put together, and has a great international flavor to it.
[7.] Photographer Vanessa Jackman has a great eponymous-titled street style blog where she shares pictures that she’s taken all over the world. I loved her coverage of the Fall 2012 fashion weeks, she did a wonderful job capturing models, editors, and bloggers in New York and Paris.
[8.] Ring My Bell is where actress & fashion blogger Ashley Madekwe shares shots of the colorful and fun outfits that she puts together, usually a couple of times a month.
[9.] LA-based Marie Hindkær Andersen’s personal style, as shown on her blog Blame It On Fashion, really shows off her Scandinavian roots. I love the fresh prints, clean lines, and gorgeous colors that she’s able to work into her outfits. She also has a envy-inducing collection of accessories, from jewelry and handbags, to shoes and belts.
[10.] Andy from Style Scrapbook is a Mexican-born fashion lover and stylist who has moved to Amsterdam and is documenting her fashion choices, videos, adventures, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Her looks are bold, accessible, and real. She reminds me of the cooler big sister that you always looked up to and tried to emulate.
Thank you again to Style Connect AU for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award, I’m excited to have had a chance to give you guys some new blogs to check out, enjoy! 🙂
Looks of the Week
Let’s go ahead and get this week off to a good start with some inspirational photos of cute clothes, great outfits, and stellar accessorizing. Motivation, if you will, for a week full of new and exciting looks for the rest of us.
Layering at its finest. The grey tuxedo blazer over the dark hued tunic was an inspired choice, not to mention the boots and bag are absolutely stunning!
A basic H&M shift is anything but basic when Sincerely Jules gets ahold of it. She spices the look up with army green ankle boots, stacked chunky bracelets and a coral Banana Republic cross-body bag. Well done!
How do you like the “ombre” hair? It’s becoming quite the trend these days and Sincerely Jules (brunette) and Late Afternoon (blonde) are two of my favorite examples of how best to pull this look off while sticking to the colors & styles that suit you best.
Despite being relatively simplistic this look comes across as chic and very well put together. How does she do it? She pairs great basics together and puts the emphasis on gorgeous accessories.
Oh course I love the polka dot pants here, but what really drew my eye was the sheer blouse/statement necklace/blazer combo. It's a really fun, interesting way to mix those pieces.
Getting deja vu? Poppy Delevingne wore these same Topshop polka dot trousers during London Fashion Week last month. Who do you think put together a better look using these adorable pants?
Such a gorgeous, well styled look. I love the red and black combo and the brightly colored pleated skirt. Dramatic but still Springy.
A printed dress can be incredibly cute & fun if it's done right. This Eiffel Tower mini is perfection when paired with a royal blue velvet blazer, grey booties & a hat. I love the visible grey socks!
I like the printed, ladylike blouse paired with the slightly flared school-girl skirt. It's youthful and a little bit flirty, but modest.
Modelinia has caught on that Miss Miranda Kerr’s street style is something we all want to emulate – Shop 7 of Miranda Kerr’s Effortless Street Style Looks!
Could Coco look any more amazing? She's got the 70's look nailed with her printed silk dress, over-the-knee boots, and black fedora. I absolutely love her coat - the faux fur collar & double-breasted buttons are too cute.
I love the simplicity of this look. Layering black is something that I do frequently so its nice to see an example of it done well. The shirt tucked in is a great final touch.
Which look was your favorite?
Yes, the following are not outfits, but I just HAD to share these mouth-watering photos with you all. If these don’t improve your Monday, nothing can.
J’Adore!!!
Spring 2012 Trends: What You Should Wear
The time has finally come and Spring is upon us and it’s time, ladies and gentlemen, to rearrange your closets so that your warm weather clothes are more easily accessible. Spring and Fall are my favorite, I love the transitioning seasons when it’s slightly warm but still crisp and the skies are bright blue and cloudless. I adore going for walks at night when it’s still light out, going to the Farmer’s Market and making huge, brightly colored salads, and of course, bearing some skin after months of being hiding under layers and layers of fabric.
So what’s on tap for Spring? As usual every magazine and fashion blog has a helpful list of what the New York, London, Milan and Paris collections showed for Spring 2012 – Fashionologie, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar & Elle to name a few. They go to the runway shows and examine them look by look to determine what the upcoming season will be all about. And this season we have: rounded shoulders, lace, 20’s art deco, ladylike silhouettes, florals, tribal prints, peplum tops & dresses, exaggerated & padded hips, wide belts, minimalism, head-to-toe white, mesh, sporty, cropped tops, bra tops…
Bra tops?
As adorable as these models look, this isn’t a what I would call a real trend for real people. Truth be told, pretty much only Carrie Bradshaw can wear a bra top in public. So my goal here today is to give you some ideas for great Spring dressing that are more suited to our non-Sex In The City day-to-day lives.
Pastels:
Pastels are usually a Spring staple and this year is no different. However, rather than putting together solid candy colored looks, try mixing various soft, sherbet shades together for a colorful but subtle look.
Lindsey Wixson & Frida Gustavsson’s ad for Mulberry highlights the beautiful pastel trend perfectly. Why not try pairing pastel pieces with neutrals or even black for a tasteful work-appropriate look?
See FabSugar’s ideas on how to integrate pastels into your wardrobe in 5 Ways to Wear Spring’s Pretty Pastels or WhoWhatWear’s How They Wear Pastels featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, Hanneli Mustaparta & Lily Collins.
Popping:
You may already be sick of the phrase “pop of color” (right Holly?) but this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…
Why settle for one splash of color when you can have two like Judith Bedard does below? I love that she didn’t try to match her tights and oh-so-French scarf. They’re both beautiful, bright colors, and they’re both utterly different.
This is an ideal style for those – like me – who wear mostly black, since adding a bright scarf, pair of shoes, or purse is incredibly easy. Yet those quick touches immediately update your look, make it fresh and take it to a new level. So what did I do to ensure that I could pop pop pop all Spring long?
I bought myself a new best friend! 🙂
A scarf, hat, bag or piece of jewelry are all great choices for bringing this trend to life. But you can get even more creative and find other ways to flash some color. How about a bright hairpiece or headband? What about throwing on some brilliantly colored nail polish?
Bright Blazers:
Similar to the splash of color trend is the modern style of adding a colorful blazer to your outfit to give it a bit of flash.
Above model Josephine Skriver shows just how to pair a bright blazer with a warmer look – slim pants, booties & long sleeves will all keep the chill away as we wait impatiently for the weather to heat up. Already warm enough to lose the pants in your neck of the woods, you luck duck? Try pairing a brightly colored blazer with shorts for a more Summery look like Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon does below. She even mixed multiple trends by adding metallic shorts & accessories as well as a floral printed blouse to her look. Quite the Mix Master!
For more tips on finding the perfect blazer, see Rachel Bilson‘s Spring blazer recommendations or Frugal Fashionista‘s great celebrity-inspired choices featuring fashion stars like Kirstin Dunst, Beyonce and Olivia Palermo.
Prints:
While florals are always a Spring staple, this year you should also invest in some other types of prints as well – from tribal prints to chevron zig zags to typical florals to geometric patterns – there’s something to suit everyone’s style. Whether you want to add a printed bag or belt to a monochromatic look or bravely don head-to-toe print, you should definitely give this trend a try.
Hanne Gaby Odiele & Elisa Nalin were both ahead of the curve and showing off gorgeous prints during the Fall 2012 shows this past month. I like that while they’re both wearing florals their looks couldn’t be more different, they’re both quite creative with their personal styling.
Even if you’re still working up the courage to flaunt the all-over 70’s style print you’ve always admired, you can try something a bit more subtle to work your way closer to your goal.
Left: French Connection Dress - Space Baby Knits $170 @ Bloomingdale's & Right: ASOS Print Dress With Dipped Hem - $65 @ Asos.com
A faint pattern like the two dresses above is a good stepping stone. It gives you a fun pattern to play with but isn’t quite as bold or dramatic as Hanne and Elisa’s looks at the top of this section.
White dresses:
Ashley Madekwe’s crisp Armani Exchange dress is light and summery, she paired it with black sandals and layered jewelry for a fun daytime look. While Natalia Vodianova’s dress shows the other end of the white dress spectrum, something fitted and more formal, with dramatic, nighttime accessories – bold purple heels and a crimson clutch.
Whether you’re planning to attend a garden party or have a hot summer night out on the town in mind a white dress is a great choice to show your tan off to perfection. Try adding colorful accessories to keep it fun during the day, chic black & white in the evening or even try out an all-white look if you’re not prone to spilling things… 🙂
In the mood for some more inspiration, check out the Native Fox’s white & red look on Lookbook.nu.
Shirtdresses:
I love shirtdresses! They always look crisp and fresh, and a little more of a formal feel to them than most sundresses so they’re acceptable in a number of social situations. Versatility is key!
Left: Aqua Shirt Dress - $80, Center: DKNYC Leopard Print Shirt Dress - $120 & Right: Vince Camuto Shirt Dress - $160 (All Bloomingdale's)
A shirtdress can be worn casually during the day with sandals, a floppy hat and a cute tote bag, but it can easily be dressed up at night with heels, a cinched waist and some serious costume jewelry. It’s all about the accessorizing ladies!
If you need a tutorial on this subject head over to The Stylist’s and read their latest series Lessons For A Modern-Day Lady and their most recent piece How To Wear A Shirtdress.
Cropped Pants:
This is one of my favorite looks for Spring, cropped pants are universally flattering and whatever your personal style, there’s the perfect pair for you. From bright colors to basic denim to harem style to classic Jackie O inspired black.
Want to take your crops to a new level? Try them in something textured or an interesting new fabric. Miranda was downtown chic in brown leather Capri pants and a basic denim button down. FabSugar as a great breakdown on the best cropped trousers for Spring – from J.Crew and Zara to Thakoon, Diane Von Furstenberg and Tibi.
Desperate for more ideas for Spring? Check out the FabSugar readers’ Spring Must Haves or Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter’s Get Ready For Spring.
Finding yourself inspired for Spring? Don’t forget to enter the Spring Giveaway for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Bloomingdale’s!
Looks of the Week
Happy Tuesday! I don’t know about you, but I have quite the week ahead of me and losing myself in some pretty pictures each day is a MUST in order to preserve my sanity. So enjoy the pretty that I have planned for you this week!
Diane looking tres chic in contrasting colors and patterns. The dress in interesting and eye-catching but it was those shoes that stole the show in my opinion.
Can you imagine anything more adorable or more Alexa? A basic, well-worn tee paired with a gold sequined mini skirt. Perfection! I just wish that I could see her shoes...
Zoe Saldana looking fresh-faced and ready for Spring in an adorable coral Alexis Mabille crocheted dress. I love the color and especially the gorgeous bronze accessories that she paired with it.
Miranda Kerr stunned in a printed coat and great Louis Vuitton bag - Proving yet again that she's one of the girls to watch when it comes to street style.
I love the combination of prints here - the black & white geometric mixed with a Spring floral. I also love those shoes & need that jacket desperately!
Natalia Vodianova was the picture of understated French elegance during Paris Fashion Week. I love the zipper details on the textured dress and the idea of wearing a turtleneck underneath.
Magdalena Frackowiak's flat boots here were just too cute not to share. Love, love, love this casual & fun, but 100% chic look.
Heather Marks walked Joe Fresh @ World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto with Meghan Collison & Alanna Zimmer. Colorful & toasty warm!
Interested in seeing what the top models are wearing these days as they relax post-fashion week? Modelinia has photos of everyone from Hanne Gaby Odiele and Elettra Wiedemann to Victoria’s Secret Angels Doutzen Kroes and Candice Swanepoel.
Are you a Hunger Games devotee? Well here’s a little red carpet action to wet your appetites…
The Hunger Games Los Angeles Premiere Red Carpet:
Leslie Mann blew all the kids out of the water in a Monique Lhuillier jumpsuit. Chic and fun - j'adore!
Great cocktail dress! Its fun and eye-catching but the high-neck keeps it from being too too.
Odette Annable looked sleek and adorable in her simple green dress. Perfect standout look for a red carpet.
The Hunger Games London Premiere Red Carpet:
Elizabeth Banks looked stunning in this yellow Bill Blass confection. A great, head-turning color for a blonde.
I like that this isn't your standard young male on the red carpet look... It's interesting and different, a nice change of pace - Way to go Josh!
The Hunger Games Germany Premiere Red Carpet:
This custom Elie Saab number suited Miss Banks to a T. She's setting these HG red carpets on fire!
The three-piece grey suit is quite sharp but the highlight of this look is the striped shirt & checkered tie combo. Brilliant!
Now don’t forget to enter the Spring Giveaway for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Bloomingdale’s. What better way to start a new Spring season?
Looks of the Week
I always give a little sigh of relief when all of the Fashion Weeks are over – There’s a lot to keep up with, a lot going on, lots of photos to try to find and websites to link and models to track down… It’s pretty exhausting even from a distance, I can’t imagine actually being there!
So, to celebrate the end of a month of fashion here’s a Looks of the Week post filled with fabulous, relatable styles that we mere mortals can emulate.
Such a great, easy look. A chic black pantsuit is a great alternative to a cocktail dress. Though most of us aren't running around in Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012 pieces. Unfortunately...
Stacy Keibler rocked a stunning blue Asos dress that showed off just a hint of skin. This is a great cocktail frock because the longer hemline offsets the flash of midriff to keep it on the classy side.
This is a great mens coat. I love the contrasting belt, faux fur collar & double-breasted buttons. Not a huge fan of facial hair or short pants on men though...
I'm still in full coat mode and I love that this is a lighter version, more of a "preparing for Spring" type coat than a winter coat.
Late Afternoon has a knack for pairing pieces you might not guess would look phenomenal together. Yellow jeans, a white lace top and a floral midriff baring top? Perfection! Spring anyone?
In the mood for florals to get a jump on Spring? Check out Modelinia’s Model Style File: Flirty Florals.
Does it get more chic than this? Cropped black skinnies, pointy-toed pumps and a black leather motorcycle jacket. Fabulous.
Wow. I mean. Just wow. It can be hard to pull off the menswear inspired suit on the red carpet, and trying to spice it up with a little sexiness can fail. But Miss Evan Rachel Wood knows how to do it right. Love the shoes paired with the Jason Wu suit.
So chic! Taylor Tomasi-Hill looked phenomenal in polka dots, wide leg pants and a great belt in Milan.
This is hardly a typical mini skirt look - I like sequined collar on the bright red blouse and the fun zipper clutch. They both keep it far from boring.
Source Want to try a great polka dot look? Eat, Breath, Fashion has some inspiration & ideas on finding the perfect look. Or you can check out the MCLV Style File on Olivia Palmero‘s polka dot skirt!
Stay tuned this week for summaries from the Fall 2012 Paris Fashion Week shows, the front row looks and a very special Moi Contre La Vie giveaway.
NYFW Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion
Mr. Kors had QUITE the fan club in his front row - Fashion icon Angelica Houston, actresses Debra Messing and Paula Patton, gorgeous newcomer Amber Heard and new mom Jessica Alba.
Ashley Smith & Lindsey Wixson at the Annabelle Dexter Jones x Faith Connexion Dinner. I like Ashley's hair and Lindsay's dress.
Damn she's good! I can't decide if I love the chic, twisted burnt orange frock or the layered gold & gem necklace more... Necklace I think! No, bag!
Great blue dresses in the front row of BCBG from Giada De Laurentis & Maria Menounous, really beautiful, flattering colors.
Stylist Robert Verdi looked the part in various shades of grey and a stunning two-tone coat. Um... Can I borrow your bag?
I always look forward to seeing Poppy, she consistently wears something fun and different, no cookie-cutter nonsense for this girl! So what does she wear to the Richard Chai show? Low-key skinnies, a cute Fair Isle sweater & booties. Casual but chic.
Jennifer Nettles was a site for sore eyes at the Peter Som Fall 2012 Show. I love that she was February-appropriate in great tweed & a faux leather pencil skirt, but the bright cobalt pumps stole the show & moved her look up to perfect for the front row!
Amazing. No words.
Caroline Sieber's look was picture perfect, I especially love the mixing of similarly colored patterns & fabrics. Very chic.
Hanneli does it again, looking impossibly chic in a striped T and an upside down Acne skirt that I must own.
I'm LOVING the plaid suit here. Rarely does Miss Palermo get out-fashioned, but Zoe pulls it off here.
Source, Source, Source, Source & Source
Check out Shape Magazine’s Top Editors Revealed: My New York Fashion Week Diet, this piece includes fashion blogger Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon, one of my favorites.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Moi Contre La Vie’s post-Fashion Weeks Giveaway!
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…? 😉
Moi Contre La Vie 
