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Posts tagged “maxi skirt

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.

Wendy

{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!}

NEW good yellow

{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.}

Photobucket

{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!}

New York City Fashion and Personal Style Blog: Knit beanie, oversized sunglasses, blue suit, mint pumps

{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.}

Chriselle

{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.}

GaryPepper

{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

Compaired to the Looks of the Week: Pants Edition post last week the collection of looks below is a somewhat more versatile – With a killer jumpsuit, chic mini and maxi skirts, stylish pants in various fits and silhouettes, and fabulous outerwear from fashion bloggers and models around the world.

This is without a doubt the best look that I came across this past week. It’s striking, flattering, fashion-forward, and just plain fabulous – From the killer red jumpsuit to the silver spiked braid to the oversized clear clutch. Wow!

I love the combination of the white pleated maxi skirt & basic white tee paired with the bright, patterned jacket by Milly. It’s fun, unique look that makes me miss Summer!

What I love most about this look is the texture of the patent oxblood skirt combined with the matte, loose-fitted blouse. Oh, and those shoes. J’adore ankle straps!

This is such a feisty, rock n’ roll look – I LOVE her studded jacket and those buckle-adorned boots are totally killer!

This look is such a fun combination of colors, fabrics, and textures – It’s really eye-catching and fashiony, but still looks relaxed and comfortable.

There’s pretty much nothing more classic than a trench coat but leave it to Saucy Glossie to choose a leather sleeved version and pair it with a fun, eye-catching leopard print scarf. Great combination!

Black & brown can be a hard color combination to put together but when it’s done right it can be pretty striking. This silhouette paired with the 70’s inspired felt hat is a great look – Très français!

Which of these looks is your favorite? Are there any new trends or fun new styles you’re especially excited to try out this Fall?


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:

  1. The NYFW Institutions – i.e. Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg & Carolina Herrera
  2. The more reasonably priced or secondary designer lines – i.e. J.Crew, MARC by Marc Jacobs & Alice+Olivia
  3. 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
  4. 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?


Couture – Front Row Fashion & Street Style

For me, a big part of the fun of a week of runway shows – like the Fall 2012 Couture collections –  is seeing the street style looks that the lucky attendees put together for the shows, dinners, and parties. Seeing how the various designer collections translate to “real life” is inspiring, motivational, and downright fun.

Fabulous! I love the whole two-toned look and how she picked materials and silhouettes that keep it from being too casual. J’adore!

The volume of this mini takes it up a level so she’s right at home sitting front row at the Dior Couture show.

A pretty printed dress is the perfect look for a Dior show and I think that this beautiful flocked knee-length frock is ideal for Couture.

A lipstick red suit it cute enough but when you turn a suit top into a chic little tee with a contrasting black pocket I’m all yours!!!

Little Black Dress + Sequined Clutch + Saddle Shoes = the understated French je ne sais quoi.

Parisian street style chic at its finest – Whether they’re wearing ripped jeans, chic black & white, or a midi, these ladies know how to mix & match their separates for maximum impact.

Bright, flirty florals, a demure silhouette, and a too chic peplum. What a fabulous frock, I’m in awe.

The Russian fashion ladies are stylish and their looks vary dramatically between them. Such great contrasts!

I love a short-suit and this is a stylish example, I really like the chic cut of the jacket and the subtle ruffle along the hem of the shorts. And those shoes… Wow.

Elizabeth von Guttman, Alexia Niedzielski, Shala Monroque, Elena Perminova and Ulyana Sergeenko – All distinctly different looks for Giambattista Valli, but all very chic, well put together, and appropriate. From solid colored separates and midriff-baring tops, to printed suits and floor length florals, the front row is almost as fun as the runway!

The ladies spiced things up for the Versace show and chose edgier outfits, from lace cut outs, to leather, to dramatic stitching. Donatella would approve!

In addition to seeing the looks that celebrities, editors, and other fashion insiders put together for their front row appearances, I love to take a look at the (often heavily made-up) models as they run between runways shows or head out to parties. Model street style is always a great combination of pieces & styles, since they have the opportunity to see so many collections and have exposure to so many designers. Jealous!

I love a colorful maxi skirt and this combination – the basic white tee paired with the metallic pink oversized clutch – is flirty, fun, and perfect for Summer.

Only Hanneli could make a couture Valentino gown look so low-key and street-appropriate.

AMAZING coat + killer heels, what more does a girl need?

I adore the layering here! Cut-off white shorts, a blue & white button-up PJ top, a tan leather motorcycle jacket, ankle booties, retro round sunglasses & a killer two-toned clutch. Such an unexpected combination of pieces, but it works!

And finally, a fashion favorite of mine, hit it girl!

She’s going to couture shows in Paris. French designers. In Paris. I mean, could she have picked a more adorably over-the-top French look?

Sources: Harper’s Bazaar, Tom & Lorenzo, Cristina’s Blog & Mr. Blasberg

 

What’s your favorite look here?


Listing…

Everyone seems to be in the mood for lists right now. A handful of bloggers that I adore have published list posts lately: The Life & Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson’s What I’ve Been Eating, What I’ve Been Reading, What I’ve Been Writing, What I’ve Been Wearing, Holly Would If She Could’s 16 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me, and SnackFace’s This Week’s Sounds, Scents, Sips, Snacks & Sights

And with my hectic schedule lately, both at work and personally, I’ve been living and dying by my daily To Do lists. First thing in the morning I make a list of all the things that need to get done that day and before I leave the office for the day I take the list of tasks and put them in chronological order. Don’t worry, I’m not going to share my daily To Do lists with you. I thought I’d take a cue from my blogging idols though and share some of the details of what’s going on in my life these days.

What I’ve Been Eating:

I didn’t do a great job following a healthy diet in April or May, as I confessed, so I’ve been doing my best to rectify that over the last few weeks. Tons of fruits and veggies, and smoothies galore. Green smoothies, berry-based smoothies, and even peanut butter smoothies. Yum!

What I’ve Been Reading:

My boyfriend’s mother insisted that I read The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato, and I ended up reading all 544 pages over the course of a weekend because I couldn’t put it down. Botticelli’s Primavera has been my favorite painting of his since I saw it in Florence when I was 21 so I was especially drawn to the storyline. I’ve also just finished Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink and was stunned by how much I related to each and every study that he discussed. Definitely keep an eye out for a Book Report on this! I’ve also just started Add More -Ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein, which isn’t a self-help book – I swear – it’s a self-transformation book. 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing how it impacts my daily approach to life as part of my #1 2012 goal to Be Positive.

Oh, and I have a serious fashion magazine problem. Like a – I need a 12 step program type of problem.

What I’ve Been Writing:

One of my goals for 2012 is to publish a piece of my writing and while this has been a personal goal for years, this is the first time I’ve officially written it down. Not to make excuses, but as a result of my spinal injury and my laptop dying earlier this year, I haven’t worked on this goal much so far in 2012. Hopefully this post will serve as motivation for me to start editing my first novel, I started writing it when I was 20 and wrote a large chunk of it while I was traveling around Europe by myself when I was 21.

What I’ve Been Wearing:

During May I submitted a handful of looks to a fashion challenge run by Definitely RA, you can  so you can check out some of those looks – Mission: Put Together 2012 – Part I and Mission: Put Together 2012 – Part II. The challenge was great and I wish I’d had time to participate more, but even putting together a few looks was fun. And as part of my goals for June I wanted to make an effort to wear less black, especially on sunny weekends, so that’s been a major factor in choosing my daily looks. Definitely an adjustment not to automatically reach for the black pieces!

Some Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me:

  1. I don’t actively follow astrology but I’ve always believed that I embody many of the traits of my Scorpio sign – Determined, loyal, suspicious, discreet, introverted, dramatic, passionate, possessive…
  2. I originally hurt my back springboard diving in college when I was 18
  3. If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be sweet potatoes. There’s an endless number of ways to cook them… Chips, fries, baked, mashed, in pudding. They can be sweet or savory. Hmmm… Now I kind of want to spend a weekend eating only sweet potatoes and blog about all the recipes I come up with! 🙂
  4. Sometimes I forget that I don’t really “know” bloggers. I begin to feel like I’m friends with people whose lives I read about every day. Does that happen to anyone else?
  5. I have three tattoos.

And so that we can continue to get to know each other, I’m going to re-start my short-lived Les Confessions series, where I post some “confessions” about myself and my life on a regular basis.

Sounds:

I’ve been listening to 70’s and 80’s music non-stop. From vintage Bon Jovi, Kenny Loggins, and Twisted Sister to fabulous 80’s movie soundtracks – Footloose, Pretty In Pink, Breakfast Club. The upside is that it’s really upbeat music that wakes me up and makes me smile every morning, the downside is that I dance at my desk. A lot.

Scents:

I’m a peppermint junkie! Candles, air fresheners, essential oils… Whatever I can find. I’ve also been baking up a storm and I love the scent of raw cacao and carob powders as their heating up.

Sips:

Peppermint tea – duh – and I have to confess that my guilty pleasure these days is Cherry Coke Zero or Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper. My boyfriend is horrified by the red color from the syrup but I treat myself to one a week! I’ve also rediscovered the Synergy Kombucha drinks, and I laugh every time I get carded buying them!

Snacks:

I seem to have almost forgotten about hummus when the weather was cooler but now that it’s warming up I’m craving hummus daily. Carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, and radishes dipped in spicy hummus is favorite after-work snack. I’ve also been eating my bodyweight in fruit on virtually a daily basis – pounds of grapes, cherries, apples, and bananas. Just can’t get enough!

Sights:

This Spring was amazing with weekends in Sonoma, San Diego, and Sea Ranch, but June has been a gorgeous month in San Francisco and I’ve been really enjoying spending time in my favorite city. Walking everywhere, trips to the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market, lazy days spent shopping and wandering around the sun-drenched streets… Amazing!

So tell me, what have you been up to? Do you like to make lists to ensure that you get everything done that needs to be done each day?


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.

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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?


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.

kale-juice-smoothie

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!


Veuve Anyone?

This weekend was beautiful and there were all sorts of fun summer events on the docket for the important and fashionable to attend, including the Fifth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

And the stars were definitely out.

There were Hollywood A-listers like host Clive Owen, top models like Jessica Stam, Hilary Rhoda, and Coco Rocha, fashion insiders like Rachel Zoe, Derek Blasberg, and Poppy Delevingne, and even athletes joined the festivities this weekend.

Love the black & white looks – Whether its patterns or just black & white separates, it’s a great way to up the chicness of a look.

How sweet is this look? Pretty pink petal skirt and some killer red lips, Miss Coco knows just what she’s doing.

Hot stuff! Black leather short are tough tough tough to pull off. Might be best to leave it up to the experts!

This pleated peach maxi is pretty cute, but it was Olivia’s giant gold pendant that really got my attention. That and her date’s adorable suit.

I love a white linen suit in summer. Tres chic!

Um… Love! How great is this? From the gorgeous printed maxi dress (Rachel Zoe Collection – but of course) to the umbrella to the great 70’s style floppy hat.

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Inspired? You can check out some of the great looks from last year’s event here – Including Jaime King and Selma Blair enjoying the sunshine.


Looks of the Week

How was everyone’s weekend? Did you have a good Mother’s Day? While I didn’t get to see my mother yesterday, I did get a chance to spend some time with my boyfriend’s mother and his sister who just gave birth to her third daughter two weeks ago. Quite the family day!

But today we’re here to discuss street style. Here in San Francisco it regularly goes from bright, sunny, and stunningly warm to foggy and rainy in 12 hours, so there’s no way to dress consistently during the Spring and Summer, it’s all about layering and keeping a sweater or umbrella in your bag. Here are some looks that run the gamut in terms of skin coverage so hopefully no matter where you are in the world there’s a look that you can emulate, enjoy!

I’m MAD about this look. A fabulous retro-inspired dress in a fun, eye-catching print is a great way to go. And those floral sunglasses are the icing on the fabulous cake!

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I love love love how she paired a flowy, hippie-style maxi dress with a cropped leather jacket, it gives it an edge. Biker Chick Chic!

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Olivia’s low key floral frock is perfect for Summer weddings this season. It’s flattering and pretty, and can easily go from day to night with the right jewelry and heels. She wears it perfectly here with ankle strap Boutique 9 heels.

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Just wow. Gorgeous color against her skin, unique dress with beautiful embellishments, and great, great accessories.

Gorgeous – Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Satin Knot Clutch

SEXY – She spices up her look with hot pumps – Brian Atwood ‘Claudia Bis’ Platform Pumps

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And if you’re as big a fan of Miss Zoe as I am, check out The Frugal Fashionista’s breakdown of some of her best outfits over the years. Tres chic!

zoe saldana whole foods, zoe saldana style, zoe saldana the conversation

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Interested in trying out the printed jeans trend? This is a great, subtle way to work the trend without getting too overwhelmed. Love that she paired the high-impact pants with a simple T.

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Too cuter! I love the retro patterned shorts paired with the chic gold polka-dotted blouse. That adorable mint green Prada bag is the perfect finishing touch!

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I LOVE this look. The mixing of the retro prints is just too cute. She looks like a chic Amy Winehouse!

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Want to try a new spin on an old class? Spice up your Little Black Dress this Spring and take Brooklyn Decker, Be Frassy’s Audrey Rogers, or model Anne V as your inspiration.

You can keep it classy in a knee-length dress, but it doesn’t have to be boring, you can easily find one with fun embellishments and details that will make you stand out in a crowd.

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Sexy sheer lace can be taken to the next level with a fun flared skirt. Some kick @$$ bright pumps are the perfect finishing touch.

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A jersey dress is a great way to stay cool as the temperature rises, and Anne V shows us here that you don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of glamour if you go with a demure hemline. Wow!

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And if you’re still dying for more street style, check out these best dressed round ups – Vogue UK and Mr. Blasberg’s Best-Dressed List for Harper’s Bazaar.

Have a great night!


Looks of the Week

How’s everyone’s week going? Between the 2012 Kentucky Derby and the fashion Olympics – otherwise known as the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala – earlier this week, I’m more than ready to enjoy some casual street style looks.

I love everything about this look! I adore the ornate sleeves of the boxy cropped jacket, I like that she wore  powder blue pants rather than standard jeans, and the necklace is gorgeous. Oh, and that bag. Wow.

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This is the perfect example of a transition outfit. It’s starting to get warmer but you can’t quite run around in shorts and a tank yet, so add tights and pair your adorable shorts with a pretty printed blouse.

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LOVE his suit. The patterns and mixture of colors are parfait! Yes, Miss Emma looks adorable here too, but as he should, Mr. Blasberg is the standout at his book fete!

Hey there sexy lady! I guess you know if you’re going to do Gucci from head-to-toe you’ll end up with a dramatic, eye-catching look.

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I love the laid back but chic style of this look. The flowy, hippie-inspired shirt paired with cropped boyfriend jeans is a great combination, and those cobalt blue pumps are divine.

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Such a great, relaxed Summer look. The tooled leather fanny pack is an interesting choice and I like the end result.

Are you fan of chambray? Check out Eatbreathfashion.com‘s tribute.

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I love it when guys give a little effort on the RC. Something interesting. Something different. The cookie-cutter black suit is a no-no as far as I’m concerned. This? This however is perfect. Well played Harry!

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Street Style @ Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012:

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Just wow. Great color combination, great proportions, great mixture of fabrics and textures.

Not sure how to wear Summer White? This picture is practically a How-To. Gorgeous, head to toe!

Do you have a cute printed blouse that you love? You can keep wearing it all summer, just tuck it into a mini skirt or shorts!

I love how she took really basic pieces and put together a stand-out look. White cotton shorts & a T with a gorgeous bag and beautiful printed robe. J’adore!

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This is an interesting, dramatic look. The basic black on the bottom is overpowered (in a good way) by the brightly colored shirt with the asymmetrical hem and the too cute leather jacket & Mulberry bag combo. Well done!

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It takes serious sartorial skills to wear floral pants or to mix patterns, and Perventina does a great job on both accounts. At the same time. Wow.

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Let’s finish up with some red carpet glamour.

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This is basically a tutorial on how to rock a chic mini on your next night out on the town. Courtesy of our fashion fairy godmothers Gwyneth, Coco, Diane, and Kate.

Perfection! Flattering fit. Flattering color.

Love love love! She did a great job styling this, I love the mix n’ match polka dots with the striped clutch. Too cute.

Chic, sleek, sexy. What more do you need for a night out?

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Dramatic & eye-catching. As a model Coco really knows how to make a look work for her.

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Have a great night!


Hippie 2012 Breakdown

Coachella 2012 is days away and it has been the topic de jour online the past few weeks. What should you pack, what should you wear, which shows should you see, where should you stay… Well, with all of this hippie-lovin’ going on I thought I’d share some inspiration and suggestions for those of you lucky enough to be heading to Southern California for the festivities.

Jacket Boots Isabel Marant Hat Rag & Bone Bag Alexander Wang Rosie Huntington-Whiteley New York City

Whether you’re shopping for accessories, trying to put together a new and interesting boho inspired look, or trying to style a long weekend’s worth of daily outfits, MCLV’s got you covered for 2012.

Inspiration:

Not sure where to start? Winter Kate’s Spring 2012 lookbook shoot is a great place to get some ideas.

Who’s your favorite hippie to take inspiration from? Do you love old school hippies like musicians Janis Joplin and Aerosmith? Fashion icons like Bianca Jaggar, Ziggy Stardust and Iman? Or modern hippies like Nicole Richie, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Johnny Depp?

{This is such a phenomenal photo I had absolutely had to include it. Flowy vintage maxi, faux fur, felt hat, polka dots AND the Alexander Wang Rocco bag I’m obsessed with? Absolute hippie perfection from Gary Pepper Vintage!}

You can also take inspiration from street style and fashion blogs:

Clothes & Brands:

Whether you’re in the market for flowy skirts, maxi dresses, draping cardigans, faux fur vests, beautiful embroidery, tie-dye, harem pants or anything else, the brands and stores below can meet your every need.

Some great brands/stores/websites to check out are: Free People, Akiko at Revolve Clothing, Urban Outfitters, Haute Hippie/Haute Hoodie (personally, I’m MAD for this dress – swoon), Of Two Minds can be found at Revolve Clothing, and of course, ShopBop.

Handbags:

Not only are crossbody bags are all the rage this Spring, they’ll keep your hands free AND you can leave your giant, back aching bag at home! Mama’s a Rolling Stone recommends the tooled leather crossbody bag by Free People that’s pictured below.

Hot Buy: Free People Studded Moroccan Crossbody

Zappos carries the Linea Pelle collection filled with fringe-adorned hobos and clutches, Piperlime has crossbody bags galore,  and Macy’s has a fun selection of patchwork Fossil bags and boho-style Lucky Brand bags. Or you can also check out Etsy for a collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade, and vintage handbags to fulfill all your needs.

Hats:

Are you a fan of the floppy boho-style hats that fashion insiders and celebrities, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lea Michele, have been sporting since the Fall of 2011?

Me too.

 

{Top Left: 70’s Floppy Felt Hat – $45 @ Asos.com, Top Right: Camel Felt Hat – $50 @ TopShop, Center: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Floppy Wool Hat – $80 @ Lord & Taylor, Bottom Left: Jessica Simpson Solid Knot Floppy Hat – $30 (sale price) @ Dillard’s & Bottom Right: Staring at Stars Cross-Tie Floppy Felt Hat – $10 (sale price) @ Urban Outfitters}

Mama’s A Rolling Stone tracks the felt hat trend here – Following the likes of Vanessa Hudgens and Jessica Szohr. Or you can check out the always fabulous OnTheRacks, who gives us the perfect California Hippie Chick look here. Her boyfriend even took the pictures in Haight-Ashbury, the San Francisco hippie epicenter – How authentic! 🙂

Accessories:

Vintage and hippie-inspired accessories have always been my favorite part of this type of style, from headbands and feathered earrings to scarves, layered necklaces, and fringe fringe fringe.

If you needa little bit of jewelry inspiration than look no further than The Sartorialist, who captured a gorgeous pair of wrap around fringed earrings on the streets of Paris. You don’t even need to have your ears pierced to rock these bad boys.

Low Luv Jewelry, created by model Erin Wasson, includes pendants, rings, and bracelets. Or you can shop Nicole Richie’s jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, which is well-known and adored by those who admire the starlet’s personal style. And if you like a certain celebrity’s hippie-inspired style, for example Nicole Richie or Alessandra Ambrosio, you can shop “closets” inspired by them on the website Boutique To You.

Shoes:

Shoes are incredibly important when you’re pulling together a look. The perfect finishing touch. The cherry on top. Whether you want to go a little Western, keep them casual and comfortable, or go for full on glamour, there’s the perfect shoe or boot for EVERY occasion.

 

{Top left: Caballero Ankle Boots – $330 @ Free People, Center: Braden New Charcoal – $110 (sale price) @ Vince Camuto, Top Right: Slouchy Ankle Boots – $33 @ Forever21, Bottom Left: Hunter Lace-Up Heeled Rain Boot & Fringed Lace-Up Bootie – $340 & $150 @ Neiman Marcus, Right Center: Takohoe Moccasin – $70 @ Steve Madden & Bottom Right: Koolaburra Women’s Kythira Feather Dip Dyed Flat – $125 @ Endless.com}

Since its expected to be warm and there’s lots of standing, walking, and dancing involved in a Coachella weekend choices like sandals, moccasins, and flat boots are both comfortable and fun.

Still not sure what you should pack? See what the writers at FabSugar, Refinery29, Modelinia, and Harper’s Bazaar are bringing for their weekends of fun in the sun.

Need some more? Check out last year’s Hippie Chic and Hippie Love for more options and ideas.


MCLV’s Style File – Emma Roberts

If you’re looking for a chic holiday outfit  take some inspiration from this Victorian style black and white look that Emma Roberts graced us with a few nights ago.

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In case you want to check out the original pairings and runway styling these separates are from the Temperly London Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection.

This look is a great alternative to a traditional cocktail dress for your holiday parties this season. The black and white color scheme keeps it chic and simplistic, the velvet skirt and embellishments on the top add some much-needed flare and the bright bag takes it up a notch and makes it festive.

There are a couple of ways to go with the top of this look,  you can try a simple white lace shirt, a high-neck sleeveless top like Emma wore or keep the Victorian theme going with a cold-weather approved long-sleeved embellished top.

Top Left: Shell Top With Floret Embellishment - $61 (sale price) @ Asos.com, Top Right: Hanky Panky Ariel Lace Turtleneck - $65 @ Nordstrom, Center: Zebra Lace Embellished Top - $75 @ Topshop, Bottom Left: INC Sleeveless Mock Turtleneck Halter Top - $30 (sale price) @ Macys & Bottom Right: Disk Sequin Mesh Top - $65 @ Asos.com

A slinky black velvet maxi skirt is perfect for this winter and a great way to spice up what could otherwise be a lackluster black & white look.
 

Top Left: T by Alexander Wang Panne Velvet Long Skirt - $315 @ Shopbop.com, Top Right: Velvet Maxi Skirt - $130 @ J Jill, Bottom Left: Maxi Skirt - $50 @ Victoria's Secret & Bottom Right: Velvet Maxi Skirt - $60 @ Soma Intimates

 
Emma really emphasised the gothic romance of this outfit with her gorgeous drop earrings, which complement the intricacy of the look without taking it over the top.
 

Top Left: Eliot Danori Autumn Array Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings - $70 @ Macys, Top Right: Badgley Mischka Multi-shaped Stone Crystal Chandeliers - $170 @ Charm & Chain, Center: Dana Kellin Silver Quartz Faceted Pear Shaped Drop Earrings - $225 @ Endless.com, Bottom Left: 2028 Aurora Borealis Bead Drop Earrings - $25 @ Macys & Bottom Right: Badgley Mischka Jet Crystal Cluster Earrings - $95 @ Charm & Chain

And a festive clutch in a bright holiday color is the perfect final touch to finish off this look. Whether you choose red, green, gold or silver, be sure to pick something that catches the eye and doesn’t blend in with the black and white of the outfit.
 

Top Left: Tusk Women's Donington Bag - $110 @ Endless.com, Top Right: Embossed Telegram Clutch - $60 @ Madewell, Center: BCBGeneration Bella Foldover Clutch - $70 @ Macys, Bottom Left: Kate Spade Portola Valley Fae - $75 @ Zappos Couture & Bottom Right: Suede Envelope Clutch - $30 @ American Apparel

 
While you can’t see Emma’s shoes in these pictures I would go with a pair of black peep toes or a simple strappy sandal in black or a dark metallic shade (think about matching the earrings or a piece of clothing, not the clutch). And be sure to check the shoes with the skirt before you step outside, straps and buckles may catch on the velvet and cause issues later in the night if you’re not careful.
 
Now slap on some red lipstick and head out the door!
 
And in case you’re curious how the designer herself might mix-n-match the black & white pieces of her collection check this out. Seeing Alice Temperly here is a really great example of how you can take the basic idea for a look and make it your own or – as is the case here – make it more mature and more appropriate for a certain setting. By wearing long sleeves and cinching her waist with a jeweled belt she makes the look as elegant and sophisticated as Emma makes it youthful.
 
 
 
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
 
 
If you have a look that you’d like to get a breakdown for feel free to email me.

MCLV’s Style File – Miranda Kerr

Welcome back to MCLV’s Style File for a breakdown on this great low-key outfit spotted on Victoria’s Secret model and busy mom Miranda Kerr in Australia a few weeks ago.

MirandaKerr

What I like most about this look is the high-low combination. The striped dress is stylish but casual and comfortable, the blazer is well-tailored and adds a bit of structure, and the red bag is an eye-catching splash of color that completes the look.

See below for some affordable picks for these pieces:

{Left to Right: G-Star – $78 @ Asos, French Connection – $78 @ Bloomingdale‘s & Swell Paula Dress – $55 @ Swell}

Depending on your mood you could rock a casual black and white striped mini like Mrs. Orlando Bloom, go for nautical-inspired navy & white stripes, or even pair a striped maxi dress with the rest of these pieces.

{Left to Right: Classic Blazer – $98 @ GAP, Boyfriend Blazer w/ Striped Cuff – $98 @ Asos & Cuffed Blazer – $80 @ Victoria’s Secret} A cropped or fitted blazer, boyfriend blazer, or even a casual rolled sleeve blazer would all work well in this outfit. You can follow Miranda’s lead and go for a classic black or navy blazer, but I think that a neutral tan or grey would look lovely as well.

{Left to Right: ADELAIDE Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots – $80 @ Asos, Sofft Cadence – $110 @ Shoebuy.com & Nina Bold – $50 @ Shoebuy.com}

You can give your look a sassy twist with a pair of flat ankle boots or lace-up heeled Oxfords, or you could even try a simple pair of black ballet flats depending on your personal style and – of course – how far you’re planning on walking.

 

{Left to Right: Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Medium Shoulder Tote – $100 @ Nordstrom, Contrast Colored Quilted Handbag – $65 @ Oasap & Kate Spade New York Tote – $175 @ Piperlime}

I know that these bags are a little pricier than the other pieces that I picked out above, but they’re all quality pieces that you’ll really be able to hang on to. I’m a huge fan of Longchamp’s Le Pliage line as well as simple Kate Spade totes, there’s really something for everyone in this eye-catching hue!

You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:


Introducing MCLV’s Style File

Not interested in spending all of your hard-earned funds on just a couple of pieces to add to your wardrobe each season? You’re not alone! Welcome to MCLV’s Style File, where I’ll be providing you with some less expensive pieces to build some killer outfits. If you have a specific look in mind, feel free to contact me and I’ll put together a breakdown for you.

The look below – from The Sartorialist – caught my eye a few weeks ago and I’ve been planning a similar version for my upcoming European adventures.

This look is sexy without being short or revealing and is versatile enough to take you from summer to fall by just updating the accessories and adding a cropped jacket. Below are a couple of options for each individual section of this outfit, all of which can be found for under $100.

{Left to Right: TopShop – $75, Urban Outfitters – $89 & JCrew – $98 @ Net-a-Porter}

{Left to Right: Nine 3 Two – $45 @ Nordstrom, Topshop – $90 & Victoria’s Secret – $40}

 

{Top Left: Asos – $43, Asos – $17, Top Right: Halston Heritage – $26 @ CoutureCandy, Bottom Left: National Jean Co. – $76 & Bottom Right: Max & Chloe – $40}

You can also check out a similar look that was worn by the oh-so-stylish Miss Rachel Bilson recently and you can view the Frugal Fashionista’s breakdown here.Stay tuned for more fabulous street style looks that you can easily put together and which wont strain your pocketbook. Afterall, a girl still needs some pocket money left over for cocktails!


Hippie Chic

With the Coachella weekends swiftly approaching and people planning their trips out to Southern California, I thought that I’d show a little hippie love with some bohemian-inspired outfits to get you in inspired and in the mood.

Rule #1:

Don’t forget your boots! As the reigning queen of music festival-chic, Her Highness Kate Moss never forgets to bring her boots. They’re key for tramping around between sets, especially given the erratic weather patterns this time of year and the random, unannounced Spring showers.

And in honor of The Queen, here’s outfit suggestion numero un – You’ll need  some flattering, tiny shorts, a loose tunic, low slung belt, Hunters, a cross-body bag and hippie accessories like feathers and chains

Rule #2:

Whether you’re a fan of aviators or Wayfarers, don’t forget to pack a couple of pairs of sunglasses for your trip. Choosing a pair of shades that suits your face can be a challenge, but once you settle on your favorite style you can spice up your look by trying out everything from black & white zebra prints to classic black to tortoiseshell.

The lovely Kate Bosworth is always at the top of the Best Dressed lists after a music festival weekend and here’s yet another example of just how she makes her hippilicious outfits work. This outfit illustrates just how important sunglasses are, both to complete your look and to keep your eyes healthy and safe in the sun!

To put together similar look you should keep it simple and try a summery romper that’s spiced up with lace-up sandals, hoop earrings, a saddle bag and your favorite sunglasses!

Rule #3:

The extras are incredibly important when you’re putting together a fun boho look – You can try adding anything from the handbags and jewelry to headbands and hats.  So when in doubt, pile on the hippie accessories!

Celebrities really know how to do the hippie chic look right by complementing their outfits with colorful headscarves, floral headbands, fringed pieces, hobo bags, braids, draped vests, and oversized vintage sunglasses.

For this kind of outfit you can’t go wrong with faded or distressed skinnies, a basic tank, flat Peter Pan-inspired booties, and then pile on all the hippie accessories that you can get your hands on.

Rule #4:

Why not be an undercover stunner on this trip? Avoid sunburn and disastrous fading and bleaching of your hair by adding an oh-so-chic hat to your ensemble. A floppy, oversized felt hat like below goes really well with a floaty, low-key look like a maxi, while a brimmed fedora will complement a more structured separates look better.

Vanessa Hudgens {anyone seen Sucker Punch?} definitely knows how to stay cool in the summer heat. Believe me when I say that the Southern California sun can be pretty punishing, so please be sure to pack both your hat and sunglasses!

Try mixing up your hippie chic look by pairing a flowy, ethereal maxi dress or maxi skirt with strappy flat sandals, vintage gold chains, and a fedora or wide-brimmed hat.

Now run off and enjoy the music loves, and don’t forget your sunscreen!