MCLV Style: Skulls & Givenchy
I adore San Francisco during the Summer – Blue skies, crisp air, and a slight breeze – It’s Summertime perfection as far as I’m concerned. But every once in a while I give up my moderate weather and venture into warmer territories. You wouldn’t think of Sonoma as a hot climate, but it can get pretty toasty during the summer.
The answer to this fashion conundrum? Mini skirt!
{Skull Print Blouse – People’s Market from Asos.com, Tiered Black Mini Skirt – Juicy Couture from Bloomingdale‘s, Heeled Sandals – Nine West, Large Nightingale Satchel – Givenchy from Barney’s NY, Chainlink Chanel Bracelet, Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring, Bow Pendant, and Gold Locket – All Vintage}
{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Fashion Finder, or click the hyperlinks above to shop comparable pieces and visit store websites}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into your Facebook account to view.
I absolutely adored this skull print blouse when I saw it on Asos.com and knew that it would a fun addition to my wardrobe. It’ll work well with a blazer for Fall and I liked how it paired with this tiered mini skirt over the weekend.
Stay tuned for more pictures from our trip to Sonoma this past weekend, an exciting accessories guest post from yours truly, and news about the new love of my life!
Do you ever mix things up with a fun print or bright color? What’s your favorite statement piece in your closet – Accessories, article of clothing, or jewelry?
The Dress Dilemma
Last week my I decided to have photographs taken and since I’ve used the fabulous Rhiannon from Alloria Winter Studios before and was beyond thrilled with the results, I immediately went to her for a session. I also have a go-to stylist whom I’ve been using for years, the amazing Magdalena formerly of 77 Maiden Lane, now of the Joseph Cozza Salon.
As it turned out, picking the photographer and the salon for hair & make up were the easy parts. What ended up taking me forever was choosing what I should wear for the shoot! I really wanted to wear something different from my usual so I immediately nixed the idea of wearing black.
What did that leave me?
Apparently green.
I narrowed it down to the following bright, Summery dress options:
[1.] The Maxi Dress:
Taking the beautiful Rachel Pally maxi dress worn here by Liz from Late Afternoon as my inspiration I toyed with the idea of wearing this Victoria’s Secret maxi that I got for a vacation in Thailand a few years ago.
[2.] The Tiered Dress:
The gorgeous, and now famous, green satin gown donned by Keira Knightley in Atonement was another look that I had in mind as I was digging through the racks at BCBG a few weeks ago.
And I was thrilled when I discovered this dress at the 50% off 4th of July Sale! It’s a beautiful, bright green color and the cut is relaxed and low-key rather than
[3.] The Mini Dress:
And since my BCBG addiction is second only to Zara, I picked another BCBG dress as an option for the shoot. I liked the idea of something cute and Summery, rather than serious and dramatic.
Clearly, I have green on the brain. As a blue-eyed, pale skinned, red-head, vibrant shades of green are usually a pretty good choice for me. When I was starting to plan this outfit I put together the following mood board for inspiration.
{Shop similar pieces over at ASOS Fashion Finder}
And since I didn’t want to have to deal with heels sinking into the grass during the photo shoot I opted to go with sandals rather than tall girl shoes.
Below is a sneak peek from our first photo shoot.
What do you think? The green stood out really well and I was thrilled by how well our photographer captured us despite the awful weather.
Summary Saturday
I’m going to take a page out of the fabulous Fashion On Top‘s book blog and make today’s post a summary of what’s happened over the last week on the blog and the other various social media outlets that I post on.
New Blog Posts:
- MCLV Style: Pleats & Peplums
- 2013 Resort Collections
- Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show
- Looks of the Week
- Links You’ll Love
- Chanel’s Little Black Jacket
- May Round-Up
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Instagram:
Food – While I don’t photograph all of my food or even all of the new recipes that I try, sometimes a meal is just too tasty or too fun to pass up a photo-op. Here are a couple shots that passed the test this week.
SERIOUS munching over here! #Shakti #indianfood #vegan #glutenfree
Snacking. #rawrevolution #synergy #healthysnacks
#cantstopeating #vegan #glutenfree
Fashion – When I can remember I’ll snap a picture of my accessories, handbag, or even my outfit for the day. Most of my Instagram updates are my jewelry though, since its the easiest to capture solo.
Wearing a new dress always makes my day! #sanfrancisco @Zara
Hello lover! @ninewest #fashion #sanfrancisco
Time to switch wallets! @CHANEL @Longchamp_US @HenriBendel #Fendi #Goyard @veneta_bottega
Misc – What I’m best at capturing are all of the random things that happen throughout the day. The frustrations that everyone can relate to as well as the little “I love my life” moments. From outing in San Francisco & weekends away to shopping adventures & meals out on the town to my crazy cats & amazing friends, family, and boyfriend.
“@project_zen SO glad that I moved a block from this spa!!! #massage #spoilingmyself
I ❤ crazy busy days & To Do lists! #stayorganized #busyday #ilovemylife
You can follow me on instagram @moicontrelavie.
- Love this – I say yes to manners!!! Ladies First—Still Relevant or Hopelessly Outdated?
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Absolutely MAD for the Jason Wu Resort 2013 collection. Don’t think I can live without this! Jason Wu Resort 2013 Look
- Wise words to start the day. “Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.” – Edna Woolman
- Do you love lingerie? Me too! The Art of Lingerie
- BCBG Summer Sale – My go-to for work dresses and great accessories. Check it out!
- Man Repeller, Rebecca Minkoff & Hilary Rhoda – I’ve officially lost track of how many times I’ve watched this! Call Us, Maybe?
- Check out my Asos Fashion Finder look! Parks & Recreation – You can shop the pieces on Asos.com
- Sex vs Sensuality. Men vs Women. Check out supermodel Anja Rubik for 25 Magazine (Formerly Viva) Anja Rubik: Lets Talk About Sex
- Need more Cannes? Watch the Cannes Film Festival edition of Garance Dore’s Pardon My French or read The French Riviera – The 2012 Cannes Film Festival
- “Life is short…buy the shoes.” Words of wisdom
Lookbook – You can see my Lookbook looks here, you can FAN me to get an email update when I post a new look, or you can HYPE my looks if you like them!
Reader Request: Heels For Spring
MCLV reader Hayley is a girl who knows just what she wants:
Caity. Where, oh WHERE can I get some of those strappy heels that are ALL over your blog? You know… The ones with just one strap across the toe and a buckle strap around the ankle. I’ve looked high and far throughout Arizona and I am losing my shoe-lovin’ mind!
I know just want you mean! It can be incredibly frustrating when you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, especially when you seem to be able to find pictures all over the place of people wearing them. And just so that we’re all on the same page, this is an example of the style shoe she had in mind:
While the Tibi sandal above is gorgeous, almost $400 for a pair of sandals is quite a bit of dedication to a colorful style that may or may not be back next season. Here are some similar styles as the one above in a variety of price ranges, so hopefully everyone can find something that they like and that suits their plans for the warm weather ahead.
Enjoy!
Boutique 9 Linya T Strap Wedges - $140 @ Bloomingdale's
For some Spring & Summer activities a high heel is ill-advised – boats, walks, picnics, any activities that include grass… In those instances a wedge is a great alternative since it’s more stable to walk in, though I still advise that you try them on first so you can see if the height works for you in advance. Wedges are also a great choice to wear with a maxi dress or skirt, as heels can get caught in the hem.
HAYDEN Heeled Sandals with Ankle Strap - $90 @ Asos.com
A thicker heel like in the two examples above can also give you more support than a stiletto heel, but these retain more of the classic high heel shape than the wedge sandals do. I love these thicker heels with cropped or Capri pants, they balance out a trouser leg really well.
Lookglobal - $90 @ Nine West
Judith by Luxury Rebel - $125 @ Piperlime
However, if you have hot summer nights ahead of you and you’re in the mood for a sexy heel, the three shoes above are just the way I’d go. They’re fun and flirtatious but retain the laid back feel of a classic warm weather sandal. Pair them with a pleated skirt, basic T and cropped blazer or cardigan and you’re ready for a night on the town!
So tell me, which pair do you like best?
P.S. Check out Hayley’s blog – ArmyPaisley.
Moi Contre La Vie 