Links You’ll Love – Resolutions Edition
We survived 2012 and celebrated the end of the year, and now that the first week of January is coming to an end those New Years Resolutions are starting to look further and further away. This week’s Links You’ll Love post is here to help keep you motivated, inspired, and on track with your resolutions. Whether your goals are aimed at career success, personal improved, fashion, health, or fitness – Keep yourself going with these great inspirational pieces!
Fashion:
I love the idea of this No Shopping Challenge {Inspiration: My No Shopping Challenge} from Style Within Reach – It’s a great idea to not only purge your closets at the beginning of the year, but take stock in what pieces you have and try to mix up your current wardrobe rather than blindly adding to it. But in practice I’m not sure that I have her self-control… What about you?
Refinery 29 is here to help you with your Fashion New Years Resolutions – 20 Influencers, 20 Resolutions To Adopt Now.
Fashion magazine’s are a great place to find inspiration – From fabulous advertisements to glossy, well-styled editorials to great articles filled with advice & ideas from industry insiders:
- Harper’s Bazaar – Top Stylists Share Their Fashionable Resolutions
- Teen Vogue – New Year’s Resolutions From Fashion Industry Stars
- Fashionologie – 5 Resolutions We’d Like to See the Fashion Industry Keep in 2013
Staying inspired and motivated to try out fun & interesting new trends and styles can be hard – But Pinterest is a great tool for fashion stimulation, so check out my La Mode to get yourself in the mood!
Health & Fitness:
Ever wonder how the models with killer bodies keep themselves in shape all year around? Check out this interesting article from Modelinia – Behold the Ultimate Model Master Cleanse!
While you have your health & eating better on your mind, why not try out some new recipes? Here are a few great round-ups from some top food bloggers of their favorite recipes from 2012 – So give something new & delicious a try!
- Choosing Raw’s Best of 2012: My Favorite Vegan and Raw Recipes
- The Wannabe Chef’s 12 Months of Recipes
- OhSheGlow’s Most Popular Vegan Recipes
Are you determined to shake things up at the gym this year but not quite sure where to start with your fitness resolutions this year? Check out The Fitnessista’s 12 Days Of Fitness.
The Whole 30 is a great clean eating plan that you could try in 2013 – So do some research, check out other people’s thoughts & experiences, and try some delicious new recipes – Holly Would If She Could’s Whole 30 Meal Plan – Week One (Plus Homework!)
I’m not a huge proponent of cleanses and detoxes that are too restrictive or severe – But this clean eating version is great, filled with healthy, nutritious, easy to digest suggestions – New Year New You: Easy Detox.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
You’ve got your dress, you’ve picked up the perfect shade of lipstick for your pout, now what to do with your hair? Harper’s Bazaar has some fabulous ideas with their Holiday Hair Ideas – Celebrity Inspired Holiday Hair Ideas.
If you’re a makeup lover then you’ll adore this post & all of the color inspiration – Spring 2014 Color Trends.
The runways were filled with sheer hemlines last season but sometimes it’s hard to see how these beautiful trends can be translated to the street. Wonder no longer! The Sartorialist – If You’re Thinking About…… Sheer Hems.
If you loved my latest MCLV Stye File: Miranda Kerr in Victoria Beckham post you’re adore all of the fabulous Miranda Kerr looks featured on My Dress My High Heels My Style – Miranda Kerr in 3.1 Phillip Lim & Balenciaga {Left} and Miranda Kerr in Proenza Schouler {Right}.
Haven’t gotten enough shopping yet this year? Check out Mama’s A Rolling Stone’s Your Holiday 2012 Shopping Guide for some more tips & sales for the remaining days of 2012.
Health & Fitness:
Tis the season for… Getting really really sick. Having recently been taken down by a stomach flu I’m reminded how the cold, wet weather makes this the season for the cold, the flu, and other holiday-ruining ailments. So help boost your immune system this season with Green Thickie’s Cold and Flu Busting Coconut and Orange Smoothie.
Adorable workout clothes are a great way to get yourself motivated for a gym session. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at these cute duds over at NYC Pretty.
Taking your lunch to work is a great way to not only save a few dollars, but to ensure that you have healthy options to choose from for your lunch and for your midday snacking. If you’re just starting this practice or you’re running out of tasty choices check out Women’s Health’s 10 Healthy Lunch Ideas.
There are an endless number of delicious options out there for festive holiday cookies but one of my favorites this season has been Peas And Thank You’s Candy Cane Crinkle Cookies.
Given the chatter around the recent ballot measure relating to organic food, GMO, and labeling I thought that this piece from Mark’s Daily Apple was particularly relevant right now – 7 Foods You Don’t Need to Buy Organic.
MCLV Style File: Miranda Kerr in Victoria Beckham
My fashion crush on Miranda Kerr has gotten pretty out of control in recent months – I just adore how she always looks chic and totally put together whenever she steps outside. Her style is part classic and part modern with great attention to details and always a fun little twist.
I mean seriously, could this woman look more effortless chic or put together?
And I’m not the only one paying close attention to this trend-setter, Modelinia agrees whole heartedly – Miranda Kerr Takes Home November’s Best Dressed Model of the Month Award!
So let’s not waste a moment more and break down this fabulous, white-hot look so that we can all put together chic little looks like this one for Winter. 🙂
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Black Halo Jackie O Sheath Dress – $350 @ The Trend Boutique, Robert Rodriguez Sequined Midi Tank Dress – $175 @ Shopbop.com & Ecru Ponte Sheath – $80 @ White House Black Market}
Finding the perfect white dress is going to be the key to this look – You want something that suits your personal style as well as your body type. So pay attention to the fabric and fit – you don’t want a peep show – as well as the length, silhouette, and the neckline. You want something that flatters you and boosts your confidence.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Z Spoke Zac Posen Audrey Satchel – $315 @ Piperlime, Aldo Galambos Frame Bag – $110 @ Asos.com & Studded Frame Bag – $70 @ Asos.com}
These retro style ladylike handbags are adorable – Such a fun style with so many colors and shapes available out there. Your choice will be dependent on whether you want to try for a pop of color with a bright handbag or if you’re more interested in putting together a classic black & white look or even going for an all-over white monochromatic style.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: McQ Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Pumps – $215 @ The Outnet, Steven by Steve Madden Miguell Cap-Toe Pumps – $150 @ Dillard’s & Vince Camuto Renees High Pumps – $60 @ Piperlime}
If you don’t already have the perfect pair of neutral heels in your closet this is a must have! They’re a great alternative to classic black and will work with so many looks and occasions. Depending on your personal style you might want to find an embellished or visually interesting pair, or maybe you’re just in the market for a basic, versatile nude heel.
What’s great about this look is that’s fairy basic – Dress + heels + accessories – but there are an endless number of ways to spice it up. From belting the dress to choosing a brilliantly colored handbag to pairing the look with a killer pair of spiked stilettos. Just be sure to inject a little of your unique personality into the look!
You can also check out previous MCLV Style File looks below:
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?
MCLV Style File: Flower Power
Welcome to another Style File post – Our last outfit breakdown was a killer patterned black & white dress that Poppy Delevingne wore to Berlin Fashion Week and this time we’re going to check out a bright, fun outfit that’s a great way to transition to colder weather now that Fall 2012 is upon us.
Throwing a floral blazer over a skirt & top combo is a great idea, it takes this from a basic Summer look to an eye-catching, colder-weather appropriate outfit that can easily be adapted to suit your style and the pieces that you have available in your closet.
The extras for this look are especially great – The long, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and oversized gold mens watch are lovely but that handbag is what really stole my heart.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Lc Lauren Conrad Floral Blazer – $50 (sale) @ Kohl’s, ASOS Premium Floral Print Blazer – $55 @ Asos.com & Tall Co-ord Floral Blazer – $130 @ TopShop}
The key to this look is the floral blazer, finding one that suits your coloring and shape may take some time, but it’ll be worth it since this is such a great piece for Fall.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Rachel Roy Quilted Wrap Skirt – $175 @ Zappos.com, Vince Camuto V-Neck Wrap Dress – $100 @ Shop The Shoe Box & BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Ruffle Flounce Draped Skirt – $60 @ 6pm}
You could try a sweet blue wrap skirt for this look or you could opt for a cobalt dress and achieve a similar silhouette. It’s the bright colors and eye-catching accessories that make this look work so you don’t need to stress about copying it piece-for-piece.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Marmen Cross Necklace – $250 @ Urban Outfitters, House of Harlow Diamond Cross Necklace – $60 @ Designs By Stephene & Multi Row Cross Necklace – $20 @ Asos.com}
Whether you’re a fan of delicate necklaces or chunky, gold jewelry or silver, wearing a single chain or layering multiple pieces – There’s something fun in this style to suit your personal taste!
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Vince Camuto Gold Boyfriend Watch – $175 @ Dillard’s, Gold and White Links Boyfriend Watch – $55 @ Asos.com & Merona Silver Tone Extra Large Boyfriend Watch – $20 @ Target}
A boyfriend watch is a funky alternative to a cuff or bangle, it adds a masculine touch without taking your look straight to made-for-the-boys territory. Gold or silver, embellished or plain, there are tons of options out there.
Curious how I would interpret this look using pieces that I have in my wardrobe? Tuesday’s MCLV Style: Factory Girl post was actually inspired by this look from Lovely Pepa!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer – Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.com, Floral Top – Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage}
As you can see, you can mix this look up, change colors, and adjust the jewelry to create something fresh and unique, a look that is all yours!
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
Links You’ll Love – NYFW Edition
Welcome to the New York Fashion Week edition of our Sunday Links You’ll Love posts. This week will be all about New York Fashion – From the style on the streets to tips from the models who walked the runways to beauty & skin products that have been tested.
Fashion:
It’s always fun to see the developing trends that emerge from the tents – Patterns, silhouettes, color scheme – 12 Fresh Trends With Serious Staying Power.
A big part of who’s wearing what is their accessories – The bags they’re carrying, the sunglasses they picked, the jewelry that was added, the hats they chose, the lipstick color that was worn – Fall Fashion Accessories for NYFW Spring 2013 – What to Wear to Fashion Week.
What the fashion insiders, models, bloggers, and Hollywood stars are wearing on the streets, to the shows, and at the afterparties of NYFW is nearly as important – and photographed – as what the designers send down the runways. Refinery 29 – What 5 Top Editors Are Wearing To NYFW.
Vogue offers a video overview of New York Fashion Week – This Is New York: A Look Back at Fashion Week Spring 2013.
Health & Beauty:
As far as I’m concerned the products that the Fashion Week attendees use to keep their skin and hair healthy during one of the most intense and hectic times of the year are worth knowing about. Fashion Indie and WhoWhatWear certainly seem to agree:
- Beauty: How To Survive Fashion Week
- What We Pack: Fashion Week Beauty Essentials
- Anatomy Of A Fashion Week Beauty Look
Curious how the models prepare for and survive four weeks of Fashion Weeks twice a year? Check out this Harper’s Bazaar piece featuring Supers Natasha Poly, Jourdan Dunn, Arizona Muse, Miranda Kerr, and Candice Swanepoel talking healthy breakfasts, workouts, and must have beauty products – Top Models’ Secrets Revealed.
Horrifying! If you want to learn to appreciate your figure better read this scary account of some of the horrifying things that models do to stay thin from Refinery 29 – The Dangerous Lengths Some Models Go To Stay Skinny.
What’s your favorite part about New York Fashion Week? What do you look forward to most about the shows?
Looks of the Week
Welcome back to another Summer edition of MCLV’s Looks of the Week. This week’s top looks come from around the globe – From New York City to Spain to Paris to Russia.
And let’s start this out with a fabulous girl of summer!
Girl of the moment Miranda Kerr has done a fabulous job street style wise over the last year or so, putting together killer look after look. Great bags, great shoes, great sunglasses – great looks!
Love this! The colors in this look and the gold accents are fabulous, it’s really chic and well put together. I love the zebra top but it’s really that day clutch that caught my attention, tres chic!
Feeling the Zebra love after seeing this look? Check out this too cute sleeveless zebra tank or swoon-worthy nude clutch like Lovely Pepa’s!
Mixing prints is an art, but it takes a master to mix animal prints – And we all know that models are the mix n’ match masters!
I’m not even sure I can narrow down what I love most about this look… The colors are great, I love the colorblocking, those heels are killer, and that gold rope necklace is phenomenal.
The first thing I thought after seeing this look was, I need a skirt just like that one!
This is a fabulous shade of blue and I love the top, but it was the chunky chain link necklace with crosses, pearls, beads, and chains that first caught my attention. J’Adore!
Need. That. Necklace.
Color color color! Leave it a chic Italian to find the best ways to pump up the drama for in a Summertime look with brights and colorblocking.
I think that a fun patchwork dress is a must have for Summer!
I know that I featured a similar floral wrap skirt two weeks ago on Miss Ashley Madekwe, but it’s such a perfect, low-key, but stylish Summer staple, I just couldn’t help myself when I saw this one!
Whether you prefer mini or maxi, a tropical print skirt is a great addition to any Summer wardrobe.
This is a great look overall, but I have to confess that what I love most are the details and individual pieces. That ornate antique gold collar is phenomenal, the open-backed sweater is a great twist on a traditional top, and I love anyone who can rock sequins during the day – that clutch is killer!
Why not take a tip from this shot and find yourself a fun, unique top that can be paired with all your fun Summer prints and patterns?
So. Cute. I adore the pussybow polka dot blouse and while the shorts keep it casual, the heels are beyond fabulous.
My first instinct after seeing this fabulous look was to snag myself a similar blouse, you can’t have enough polka dots in your closet, trust me!
Such a great, casual but ultra fashionable look for sightseeing. That hat is fabulous all on its own, but I really do like the oversized sweater paired with that phenomenal necklace.
This collar necklace is killer and really helps make this look come together!
This is perfection, from top to bottom – As always from Miss Wendy. The top is chic and minimalist, while the pants add texture and print, and those accessories? Swoon!
I love the fun, retro vibe of this look. The tassel loafers and pleated floral skirt are a perfect combination and the oversized tan messenger bag is a great, vintage finishing touch.
Why not add a pair of cute loafers to your flats collection?
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
What’s your favorite look of the above? Is there a specific trend, or two, that you haven’t been able to stop wearing all Summer long?
Looks of the Week
Let’s start out this week’s Looks of the Week post with a fun Style Stalker piece from WhoWhatWear on Erika Bearman, otherwise known as The Oscar PR Girl. She’s an Oscar de la Renta insider and one of the premier voices in the online fashion community, with killer style, as you can see below.
Tres chic, non?
Very nearly speechless. That coat is PHENOMENAL. And on top of that she paired it with an adorable green handbag and killer blue velvet sandals. Absolute perfection!
So. Cute.
I love everything here – The chic but fun & girly gingham dress, the tan trench, the gorgeous Celine handbag, and the classic gold jewelry.
This tropical print wrap skirt from Zara is fabulous, and I love that she paired it with a simple white tee to keep the look low-key and perfect for Summer.
I love the way that Anna dello Russo styled this chic little Moschino dress – The bangles are gorgeous and those ankle strap nude & gold pumps are pretty darn cute.
If this adorable white mod-inspired dress looks familiar it’s because I featured Alexa Chung in the same piece a few weeks ago – Looks of the Week. Which look do you prefer, Alexa’s red carpet glam take or Anna’s more casual summertime style?
I’m not sure if I can pick just one – I love Alexa’s flamingo clutch ADR’s jewelry is the perfect finishing touch…
I love that the black skirt, wide-brimmed hat, and buckle-adorned boots give this look some edge and a fun, rock n’ roll vibe, keeping the floral button down from turning it in to a sweet, romantic look.
This is such an amazing combination of pieces that only an expert like Be Frassy could put together, I love how it all comes together to create a fun, sassy look.
Cute cute cute. This sleeveless white blouse looks clean and crisp despite the NYC heat, this is definitely a great way to keep cool this Summer.
And why not finish up this Looks of the Week post with a couple of my favorite looks from Comic-Con this past weekend? Don’t mind if I do…
Can you picture anything more adorably perfect for Comic-Con than this 3.1 Phillip Lim top? Cute, funky, and fun. She looks fabulous and appropriate.
It’s a tough job but somebody’s got to dress up as a kick @$$ superhero girl for Comic-Con. Must have? Skin-tight leather pants!
Boondock Saints is one of my all-time favorite movies and since I’ve had a massive crush on Norman Reedus since college I just HAD to include his sexy Comic-Con look here. Swoon.
I absolutely adored this look, the fun colors and youthful silhouette make it a great superhero-esque outfit.
What’s your favorite look here? Are you still living in warm weather clothes?
Click on images above to visit the original source.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Looking for a pretty new up do for the Spring & Summer weddings you’re attending or participating in? Refinery 29 has you covered with their 3 Pretty ‘Dos For Wedding Season.
Not sure what to keep in your closet and what to donate? Miranda Kerr’s stylist tells us just how to Spring clean this season – Modelinia.
Or if you’re interested in jumping on the ombre train, Fashion Fazer has you covered – Ombre and Dip-Dye Hair.
Love that collar necklace? Ya, me too. Check out Fashion Love Affaires for her DIY Diaries: In All My Glittery Goodness.
I’ve clearly shown that I’m a fan of Olivia Palermo’s personal style, I did Style File posts on her adorable polka dot maxi skirt AND her chic outfit for the menswear shows last fall. She recently started a blog and I wanted to share her little piece on closet organization – Glam Tip: Keep Off-Season Clothes Fresh.
Refinery 29 doesn’t want to see your old college sweats or your ratty t-shirts at the gym. Ever. Chic Gym Gear To Replace Your Sweats. Its time!
Are you in the mood for ladylike glitz and glamour this Spring? Me too. From Elie Saab to Christian Dior, Cristina’s got you covered. Read on!
Health/Fitness:
Did you sign up for a race to meet a New Years Resolution and get so busy and distracted this Spring that you’ve hardly started to train? Read the No Meat Athlete’s 3 Steps to Planning the Perfect Running Getaway to Re-energize Your Training or Stuck Running on a Treadmill? Make the Most of It with These 3 Workouts.
Not sure when to nosh? What about which foods will be best for you? Check out Fit Bottomed Girls’ Foods to Fuel You– A helpful list of what foods will help fuel you before, during, and after your exercise sessions, Women’s Health’s Eating Well: The Best Fitness Foods for Women, and OhSheGlow’s 3 Ready-in-a-Jiffy Warm Weather Snack Recipes!
Not sure which oils to use for what? Read through Wake Up World’s 160 Uses For Coconut Oil.
If your Spring has been anything like mine you’re a busy busy bee. Don’t let that get in the way of staying healthy and meeting your fitness goals though, these mini workouts will keep you motivated:
- A 10-Minute ‘Move Confidently’ Workout from Fit Bottomed Girls & Dove
- A 10 Minute Full-Body CrossFit Workout from FitSugar
- A Pound Melting Pilates Workout from Women’s Health
- 10 Crunch-Free Moves for Killer Abs from Shape
Or check out all my links over at A Healthy Mentality!
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!
Street Style Cool
I spend most of my waking hours in an office and as a result of that, a large portion of my wardrobe is dedicated to my work days. On top of that it can sometimes be hard to restart my brain to think about “street style” looks after spending all day at work or on the weekends. It’s not uncommon for me to wear wrap dresses to the farmer’s market and pencil skirts out for drinks. And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing – I do love formality – but I am always trying to get my creative juices flowing so that I can style new & interesting looks for myself.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one in this same position.
So I decided to round-up some of the best street style snaps that I could find for Spring 2012 and try to up my game as the weather warms up. Turns out, a number of the great shots that I found were models which makes sense. They spend their lives surrounded by designers, stylists and chic photographers, their livelihood depends on selling clothes, and they’re really never off duty since brands are going to be more interested in hiring someone who everyone’s already talking about.
Pants:
I’m a dress and skirt girl through and through so I’m always trying to encourage myself to put together more pants looks during my downtime. The common denominator for the three looks below is that they’re all relatively simplistic. Nothing so complicated as to be intimidating. They’re all composed of pants (duh), a top, a jacket and a pair of shoes. And while this is a pretty basic combination of pieces, they can be mixed and matched in a number of creative ways.
Taking just the topper, for example, you could go with a cardigan, a sweater, a leather jacket, a cropped coat, a blazer, a jean jacket… Get my drift?
{This looks is visually engaging for a number of reasons – The red jacket gives the eye a bright point to focus on, the slim jeans draw your attention to her long, slim legs, and her contrasting colored boots add a fun, funkiness. The extras give this outfit more “Rosie-ness.”}
{The red pants here are a great way to inject some color into an outfit. Rather than wearing basic jeans & a plain shirt, Miss Miranda keeps things exciting & fun by pairing brightly colored pants with a striped t. And her “extra” of choice? A jean jacket of course!}
{This outfit consists of fairly basic pieces but the end result is eye-catching. The unusual, asymmetrical coat is great on top and the patterned heels are the perfect final touch.}
Dresses & Skirts:
While dresses & skirts may be my bread and butter, I need to work on new pairings and mixing my pieces in exciting and creative ways. Adding a shirt underneath a shift dress, mixing prints, throwing traditional pairings out the door, and adding more color and patterns to daily dressing are all great ideas for keeping outfits fresh and new.
{Is it possible for a look to be more dramatic or bold than this? I love that she mixed a traditional looking black & white tweed jacket with a bright, floral-inspired Spring frock. And why go for boring pumps when you can pair contrasting booties with the look? Well done!}
{Juju looks stylish and chic in anything-but-basic-black. This pleated shirt dress is adorable on its own, but pairing it with a gorgeous oversized tote and heeled sandals takes it to a new level. This could easily go from day-to-night with the addition of a jacket and some chunky costume jewelry.}
{One of the best ways to mix things up is to, well, mix things up! This look does a great job of combining the unexpected – demure polka dots, dainty vintage-style lace & bold stripes. The outcome here is a fun, flirty look that draws the attention.}
Weekend Casual:
Dressing down is a right of weekenders everywhere and we should be celebrating that right each and every weekend! Losing the suit or basic black uniform should be freeing and open our eyes to new and exciting alternatives. But being relaxed doesn’t have to mean dressing like a slob, as the pictures below show us, relaxed can also be oh so chic.
{Does anything say relaxed better than drawstring pants? But this look is hardly sweatpants & Ugg’s casual. I love the cuffed pants and heather t paired with a blazer, hat, and day clutch. She looks chic, but comfortable and down to earth.}
{I like the low-key vibe of this neutral striped look. The wide, pale stripes over the dark blue stripes was a great pairing. And the bright clutch & navy pumps were the perfect way to pull the look together.}
{A simple pair of black pants, white top and pop of color clutch really come together to make this a great, clean look. I love the gold boyfriend watch and cuff, they add a touch of chicness. And this is a great example of how to embrace the peplum trend without getting too far out of your comfort zone.}
Looking through these pictures definitely got me in the mood to break out of my style rut and try putting together some new and exciting looks. Are you interested in mixing up your day-to-day outfits as well? What new look are you determined to try out?
{Click on the images above to be taken to the original source}
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
Pretty! Pretty! Pretty!
Welcome back to Fashion Monday, we’ve got quite a bit to get through this afternoon, believe me. 2012 Oscar after parties, red carpets, movie premieres and good old fashion street style snaps.
Perfect Spring look! I love the mixture of stripes and black & white florals, simple but chic combination that we've been seeing lately.
A brightly striped dress with a pink blazer & combat boots? A surprisingly great combination. Combat boots with a slight feminine twist are all the rage right now.
Another great look from Lookbook.nu - I like the rolled black pants with all of the layers on top, it's a silhouette that can be spiced up in many different ways and is flattering for most people.
Long-time model turned actress Amber Valletta wore a gorgeous, bright coral sheath that accentuated her slim figure. Could have used some standout costume jewelry though...
Its sleek and flattering, and suits her red carpet personality to a T. What more could you ask for from Roons?
Kate knows what suits her and frequently sticks to a mermaid silhouette for her gowns, and while this isn't a huge departure for her, the pale icy blue hue is really stunning.
I really liked Anne Heche's Zac Posen dress - the sleeves, neckline and slightly flared were all great touches. Would have been even better in a vibrant color I bet.
I adore the idea of a suit on the red carpet and this Giorgio Armani version is an inspired choice. I especially like the white piping, it keeps the look from being boring or too business-y.
I love the unexpected when it comes to red carpet fashion. It's always fun when someone has the courage to mix things up, which is just what Kate Beckinsale did with this draping fuchsia Diane Von Furstenberg jumpsuit. Brava!
Zoe proved she's as ready for Spring as I am in this sweet floral frock. Balmain is frequently a little bit punk or rock n' roll so I was surprised that this light & airy dress was one of their creations.
I'm not normally an advocate for bow ties, but I couldn't help but love the satin piping & vest here. Well done.
Sleek and sexy isn't just for the ladies! You've got to love a man in a perfectly tailored suit.
Barney (aka Neal Patrick Harris) and his adorable husband looked elegant and well styled for the Elton John after party.
The most talked about look from the Vanity Fair part was definitely Kate Bosworth's Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 cocktail dress. Absolutely amazing.
As much as I hate peekaboo hemlines I gasped when this photo popped up. Striking & unusual - Zoe's never one to fade into the background. The jeweled neckline & delicate sleeves make the dress appear almost demure despite the sheer layering.
Miss Victoria vamped it up Posh Spice-style in one of her own designs. Tres chic!
I'm a sucker for polka dots and was really struck by Elizabeth Banks's peacock inspired Chadwick Bell gown. All about the drama!
The number of people who can pull off an exposed bra on the red carpet can be counted on one hand. Diane, luckily, is one of them. Wow!
Gorgeous! Can you ever go wrong with a sleek black Gucci gown? I especially like her gold collar and the dramatic belt.
Sleek and stunning. Rosie can really kill in complex, fashion-forward gowns but she's a breath of fresh air in a simple look like this one.
Anna Paquin's Emilio Pucci dress was dramatic and head-turning, I think she chose right by going with a cocktail-length rather than floor-length gown.
There weren't a lot of black gowns on the red carpet last night, lots of jewel tones, pastels and whites, but not much black. Nina Dobrev made a splash in this simple J.Mendel gown, I especially like the cut-outs at the shoulders.
While Karolina Kurkova doesn't need much to stand out, in a sea of gowns her sequin encrusted silver Armani jumpsuit was quite a sight. The red velvet shoes were a brilliant choice.
Looks of the Week
Happy Valentine’s Day, I hope that you’re having a lovely Tuesday. Not always the easiest holiday to survive so here’s some pretty to help get you through.
I LOVE it when Diane has a movie coming out. Here she is in an interesting gown from the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture collection. The black sequins fading down to a subtle grey print is really beautiful and I absolutely love the metallic belt - a GV trademark.
Miss Diane stunned again in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam frock with bright yellow platform sandals. I absolutely adore the unexpected combination of green florals and black & white stripes. Another interesting and incredibly flattering number.
I am really really not sick of the 20's flapper looks yet. 🙂 Anja Rubik was an absolute vision in shimmery gold & black Gucci at the AMFAR Gala NYC.
I love the combination of the slightly hippie, flowy maxi with the rock n' roll inspired cropped jacket. A great mix.
Joan Smalls was a head-turner in Prabal Gurung at the Runway To Win Fundraiser for the Obama Victory.
What I love about Alexa Chung is that no matter who she's borrowing clothes from (Louis Vuitton here) she is always completely and utterly herself in an outfit. She never looks out-of-place or like someone else chose her clothes for her.
Such a great dress! The sturdy grey tweed makes it perfect for winter while the chic belt and double-breasted buttons keep it from being boring and the slight flaring of the pleats is the perfect finishing touch.
Miranda Kerr was ready for Spring in an adorable floral skirt by Willow at a promotion for her organic skin care line KORA. Chic but sweet.
I honestly can't decide what I like best about this blogger's look - But I've narrowed it down to the skirt, tights, strappy wedge combo. Adorable. Accessible. Real.
Not sure how to layer for colder weather boys? Here's a great example of an unusual way to layer and keep things interesting. Very low-key but still fashionable and fun.
Something about the simple, classic plaid dress and the thigh-high tights is just too cute here. Paired w/ a fun hat and platforms, it's a pretty unbeatable look.
Looks of the Week
Welcome back to Moi Contre La Vie for a handful of beautiful shots from the last week. From celebrities to bloggers to editorials, these are some of my favorite photographs from the last week.
Enjoy!
I love love love the art of mixing high and low and what better than a well-loved sweatshirt paired with a cute sequined miniskirt? Such a great look!
Miranda Kerr looking supermodel chic in leather pants and a simple white button down in NYC.
Emmy Rossum looked great in multi-colored tweed Carolina Herrera on Live With Kelly. I like that its ladylike but still fun and has a youthful feeling.
Swedish blogger Kayture is Spring-ready in a belted daffodil-colored lace dress and boyfriend blazer. I especially like the two toned shoes & similarly colored bag. Too cute.
These striped trousers are great and could probably make an outfit all on their own, but Flavia from Lookbook.nu wisely paired them with a fitted blazer, stacked bracelets and a ridiculously cute skull embossed clutch.
Zara's not just for the ladies, believe me! Alexander's stunning gray blazer is from Zara but what I'm really pining for is his bag. Tres chic!
Kate Beckinsale brought her A-game to the Underworld: Awakening premiere in Madrid. The scarlet Michael Kors dress was a striking color and flattering silhouette. Different shoes would have been even better though I think...
Streetstyle photographer Jane Keltner de Valle stands out in the crowd in this seriously cute blue shift dress with white Peter Pan collar.
And who is Jane's photographer mentor? The stylish and gorgeous Hanneli Mustaparta of course. Jealous much? Ya - Me too.
Not sure how to pair your two-toned blouse? You can't go wrong with jeans. Her accessories are absolutely amazing, I want that necklace!
I DIE!
Party Party Party
Since just having a red carpet for the Golden Globes wouldn’t be enough exposure, all of the events after the show have their own red carpets. Not complaining, mind you, just acknowledging the ridiculousness of the whole thing.
Anyway, here are more pretty people in pretty clothes for all of us to enjoy!
A bright pink cocktail frock w/ pointy cobalt pumps? Absolutely! Ahan O'Reilly was a pretty picture at the Warner Brothers InStyle Afterparty.
Jessica went from an embellished pale rose column gown to a glitzy metallic tube-dress. Again, her earrings are PHENOMENAL. This girl knows how to accessorize her dresses.
I absolutely LOVED this midnight blue & black Zac Posen gown. The keyhole top is interesting and modern while the bottom is 20's-inspired with its intricate beading and pleats. Gorgeous!
Miranda Kerr was a vision in a pale blue, floral, sequined Dolce & Gabbana tea-length frock. The cut at the bodice and the sequins keep the print from being matronly and the overall look is unusual and really striking.
J'adore bleue! Joe Manganiello stood out with his bright blue button down. I like that his tie has a subtle black on black pattern as well.
Garcelle Beauvais was a vision in red. In addition to the fabric being a really eye-catching color and texture, the capsleeves and pockets kick it up another notch. Just wow.
Jamie Chung looked great in a pale, breezy shift dress and killer platforms. I thought that this look was fun and relaxed, she seemed much more comfortable than a lot of the other ladies.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Want to try a new color combo this winter? Read what Beauty and the Budget has to say about Black & Brown.
Holiday decorating is upon us! Here are some tips for the experts on how to make your home festive: Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Decor, Real Simple & Vogue.
Marni for H&M! I’m excited, are you excited?
Miranda Kerr’s street style looks these last few post-baby months have been downright phenomenal (exhibits A and B) and here’s yet another amazing one broken down by The Frugal Fashionista.
Not a dress girl? 5 Holiday Outfit Alternatives For the Anti-Dress Girl from FabSugar
Health/Fitness:
No More Excuses! The Hungry Hungry Hippie gives you tips & ideas for food prep for the weekend that will keep you well fed all week long.
NYT – Should We All Go Gluten-Free?
Gina from The Fitnessista shares her 2011 gift picks for everyone on your list and The Stylelist gives you the best Budgest Friendly Gifts. You can also check out the MCLV Gift Giving Guide here.
Five strength training exercises for beginners and five inner & outer thigh toning tips from FitSugar.
Skin care tips from Garance Dore here.
You may have heard me mention Brendan Brazier and his Thrive books in the past, I’m a really big fan of not only his written work but of his general approach to food and nutrition. The healthy food delivery system Fresh N’ Lean is now partnering with Brendan to develop a new line based on his recipes and healthy food principles called Thrive Foods Direct. “Fresh ‘N Lean is not another quick fix or fad diet. We do not eliminate carbs or restrict calories. Our concept is really quite simple: prepare healthy, fresh, and delicious meals, without all the preservatives, additives, sodium, and sugar that Americans have come to accept as “normal,” and add the convenience of home/office delivery.”
MCLV’s Style File – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Miranda Kerr
{Left to Right: Bright Denim Skinny Jean – $60 @ NY&Co, Shiny Faux Leather Skinny Trousers – $70 @ TopShop, Current/Elliott Skinny Twill Cargo Pants – $90 (on sale) @ Neiman Marcus & 901 Legging – $170 @ JBrand}
And what brings both of these looks together? The sleek and dramatic patent leather pointy-toe pumps that both ladies chose when they put together their outfits.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
I considered just including a few looks from the show in my Looks of the Week post for next week, but then I decided that it deserved its own separate post. Why? Because this is nothing short of fabulous. No, it’s not high fashion. No, it’s mostly not wearable. But it is a fun and ridiculously high energy show.
Sit back and enjoy!
For the most part I wasn’t terribly impressed by the ladies as they made their way down the pink carpet after the show, so I’ll just focus on a couple of stand out dresses.
Jacqueline Jabolonski is a great red number by Tom Ford and Joan Smalls killing it in Balmain
Julia Stegner has great personal style and I was excited to see her choice here, its fun and funky enough for a VS event, but still uniquely her.
Still want more? Harper’s Bazaar has the accessories from the show listed here and their exclusive behind the scenes photos here. And if you want a sneak peek behind the pink curtain, the Telegraph has a behind the scenes video here.
Now tell me the truth, who’s your favorite Angel? Its Alessandra all the way for me!
Sources for the pictures: TLo, Telegraph & Harper’s Bazaar.
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.
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:
Moi Contre La Vie 
