Every season I’m at a loss as to how I should approach the fashion show reviews. There are so many that I don’t know where to start, how many I should try to review, or how to justify which shows I choose over others. It’s oddly stressful considering I’m sitting in front of my laptop in San Francisco and NOT running around the cobblestone streets of New York City in stilettos with a 50 lbs handbag.
So this season I have come up with a plan of attack. I’m going to publish four separate pieces for New York Fashion Week:
- The NYFW Institutions – i.e. Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg & Carolina Herrera
- The more reasonably priced or secondary designer lines – i.e. J.Crew, MARC by Marc Jacobs & Alice+Olivia
- New up & coming brands that I’m just discovering or which are new to the tents – i.e. Z Spole by Zac Posen, Thakoon Addition & Victoria by Victoria Beckham
- And finally the street style & front row fashion of the NYFW attendees
So without further ado – Welcome to the fabulous runway fashion of the New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear shows:
BCBG Max Azria:
This collection was an interesting juxtaposition of hard against soft. The dresses all had a harness-like construction on the bodice, evoking a tough, bad-girl vibe that contrasted with the softer colors and flowing silhouettes.

Black, white, grey, and coral were the colors de jour and all the looks were paired with a wide ankle strap adorned heel in black or white. The fitted, midi and maxi-length skirts were equipped with high slits in the thin, wispy floral, lace, and paisley prints, making them utterly perfect for hot summer nights.
Peter Som:
This sweet collection was filled with great prints, bright colors and pastels, florals, flowy silhouettes and just a touch of lace. It was structured and well put together, but relaxed and fun – New York City girl meets boho chic.

The prints were chic and I loved the cropped pants – of course – and the hippie vibe throughout. I don’t think that I can say it any better than The Man Repeller: “Peter Som is punk rock tea party infused with tigers and ponies.”
Derek Lam:
I heard the phrase “sporty luxury” to describe Derek Lam and couldn’t get it out of my head – That’s the perfect description for this master of chic sportswear and exquisite tailoring. These clothes were modern and chic, I can easily picture them on streets all over the world.

Interesting fabrics and textures, bold prints, and slouchy silhouettes were the hallmarks here. Knee-length skirts and sheath dresses in brightly colored leather, all-over geometric prints, separates, and the retro-inspired midriff baring tops that were all over the runways in New York all made an appearance.
Calvin Klein:
The collection that Francisco Costa presented may have been primarily black and white but it was a far cry from boring. And a far cry from the slinky pastel numbers favored by Hollywood starlets on the red carpet last season.

These looks were sleek, body conscious, and strikingly sexy with dramatic cuts and a variety of reach-out-and-touch-them fabrics and textures including lace, satin, mesh, and leather. No florals or pastels for the Calvin Klein girl this coming Spring, she’ll be breaking out killer heels and wowing everyone with her confidence and daring.
Ralph Lauren:
The Ralph Lauren show was a combination of make-believe and reality. There were costume-like pieces inspired by Spain and Latin America – fringe, matador jackets, and ponchos – and there were chic, wearable pieces that I’m sure we’ll be seeing soon on the red carpets and sidewalks of Hollywood.

I absolutely loved the flowing, ruffle-adorned maxi dresses and skirts in stripes and bright florals, as well as the vaguely Parisian looking prim A-line skirts paired with fitted jackets, and the double-breasted, oversized suits with dramatic shoulders.
Ole!
Thakoon:
If I had to pick a single word to describe the Spring 2013 collection presented by Thakoon it would be beautiful. The cuts & silhouettes were flattering, the fabric & textures were interesting, and the prints & details were nothing short of divine.

From pretty, colorful, whimsical prints for daytime outings to daring but still utterly chic lace, eyelet, and sheer fabrics for nighttime.

A collection like this one really illustrates the difference between a designer like Thakoon and one like Lee McQueen – While I’d call them both artists the wearability of a collection like this one is unparalleled. I wait with bated breathe for the McQueen shows and gasp at the artistry and showmanship, but I can picture every single piece of this collection in my wardrobe, not something most of us mere mortals can say about McQueen.
Diane Von Furstenberg:
Who knew being a techie could be so darn stylish? DVF went geek chic this season and sent her girls down the runway in brilliant colors, prints, and flowing caftans paired with the brand new Google Glasses.

Glasses aside this collection had a classic DVF feel – Great 70’s styles & prints, flowing silhouettes that would be right at home in Saint Tropez or Marrakech, and eye-catching accessories like oversized earrings, brightly colored sunglasses, and matchy-matchy handbags. The whole collection had a delicious retro vibe that made me nostalgic for the heyday of Miss Diane herself.
Victoria Beckham:
I always look forward to the Victoria Beckham show, I adore her personal style and that chic, timeless style always shows up in her collections. And while I love – and would die to own – all of her sexy, second skin sheath dresses, I was thrilled by the amount of separates and slightly less body conscious pieces that she sent down the runway for Spring.

Everything was still sleek and sexy, with little color or prints per her usual aesthetic, but somewhat more relatable for the non-Hollywood set. I especially liked the A-line skirts and high-necklines, and the black, white, and the brilliant orange color scheme suited the austerity of the designs.
Well done!
Tommy Hilfiger:
Stripes! Stripes! Stripes! But we’re not talking about your basic, boring stripes for Spring, these are chic, retro stripes adorning flowing suits, maxi dresses, and separates in red, white, and navy.

The devil was in the details of this collection – The drama of a double-breasted, oversized suit jacket, delicate chevron prints, bright piping on a two-toned blazer, contrasting denim on denim pockets, thick weave cable knit sweaters, gold rope detailing, and flowy silk shirt-dresses. You’ve got to admit, nothing says All-American quite like Tommy Hilfiger.
Jason Wu:
Jason Wu may be best know for dressing Michelle Obama, but when a runway show starts with Carolyn Murphy strutting her stuff in a black leather mini dress you know the collection is heading in a different direction than usual.

While the primarily black & white collection was filled with leather & lace, his red lipped models also wore some killer separates and pieces with exquisite tailoring. But even the prim looks amped up the sexiness with mesh, sheer panels, studs and animal prints.
Donna Karan:
City girl Donna Karan presented an unusually soft and sweet collection pulling inspiration from the ballet which gave the pieces ethereal undertones that were further emphasized by the pale color palette.

The soft, gauzy looking fabrics, flattering drapping, sweater-sets, and pastel satins were sugary sweet and picture perfect for good-girl actresses like Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Greene, or Nicole Kidman. Among the draping and flowing fabrics were two numbers that caught my eye though – A sharp white sheath dress with a matching cropped jacket and a sexy sheer panelled navy gown perfect for a siren like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley during her next red carpet appearance.
Zac Posen:
Calling all supermodels!

The Zac Posen show was the place to be when the audience was surprised by Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall, Karolina Kurkova, and Coco Rocha all hitting the catwalk in his gorgeous, retro-inspired designs.

The dresses were phenomenal – From floral fifties inspired day dresses with sweetheart necklines to second-skin suits with his trademark dramatic bodice cuts, to sleek gowns in satins, florals, and chiffons. I could picture the likes of Eva Mendes and Emma Stone wearing the chic, but prim daydresses, and I guarantee that the rest of these gowns will be all over the red carpets come awards season.
Marc Jacobs:
There’s a reason that no one could stop talking about the Marc Jacobs show – It was amazing. Fabulously retro and evocative of the stylish Warhol girls of the 60’s, without appearing costumy or over the top, the kind of clothes you can really picture yourself wearing.

Loads of stripes – from thick to thin & horizontal to vertical – interesting lengths, cute separates, matching handbags, low-heeled shoes, and chic outerwear. I loved the long jackets with the high collars, the tiny shifts that us non-supermodels would need to wear slim trousers under, and the adorable pointy toed kitten heels.
Michael Kors:
Another show that emphasized stripes and had a Mod feeling to it was Michael Kors, which was brightly colored, bold, and very sporty. While it may not have been innovative, this collection showed piece after piece of very wearable clothing – For both men and women.

Stripes, colorblocking, contrasting collars, flats, wide low-slung belts, matching suits, tank & shift dresses, and separates all made lovely appearances. I may not be able to live without the green tunic & matching shorts set, it’s one of my favorite looks so far from the NYFW collections.

The menswear was fabulous – Full of color, great silhouettes, and classics styles. The men also got the stripes treatment and he showed great suits, white boat shoes, separates in the form of slacks, shorts & sweaters, and killer outerwear.
Carolina Herrera:
This light airy collection was filled with pale hues – from peach and aqua to olive-green and daffodil yellow – All perfectly ready for Spring. There were shorts, midi length skirts, trench coats, maxi dresses, gowns, and some sweet separates.

As gorgeous as CH’s gowns always are, the separates and short coats were what really caught my eye. They were chic and well-tailored, but more approachable than her collections have been in the past. The wide strap heeled sandals worn by all came in every color imaginable and thin belts cinched all of the waists. And interestingly enough, not a piece of jewelry could be seen!
Oscar de la Renta:
What I love about ODLR is his consistency – Each show will inevitably cater to a handful of crowds, from high-powered businesswomen & ladies who lunch to the fashionable young things & “It” girls that compose the celebutant set.

The splashes of colors in this collection were shocking yellow, pink, and teal – An interesting choice that worked surprisingly well. The collection was vibrant and fun with lots of beautiful textures and fabrics, and a great separates that I can imagine a few fashionistas in. Personally I’d be first in line for the thin striped dress paired with the black & white plaid coat and the sequin encrusted retro tunic & slim cropped pants – Tres chic!
Jill Stuart:
I’m always excited for a collection that pulls from Kim Basinger’s Veronica Lake look-a-like character in LA Confidential as it’s inspiration – The old school, golden age of Hollywood was such an extravagant and glamorous period fashion-wise.

You could really see that in the boudoir-feeling of the silks and slinky satins, and in the sequins, lame, and metallic brocades. While this wasn’t a “real woman” collection, there were beautiful dresses, gowns, and a few separates that will cater perfectly to a certain set.
Alexander Wang:
Wow.

Cut outs, netting, mesh, beading, lucite, sheer fabrics, leather, and garments that glowed in the dark when the lights went down. Cool club kids of the world unite! The pieces were minimalist and simultaneously dramatic and eye-catching, a feat few designers can manage.

Architectural and structured, but still fun and irreverent, all of the looks were paired seamlessly with strappy sandal-boot hybrids in black, white, or clear lucite. Definitely not looks for the average woman to wear walking down the street, but something that the cool girls that love Wang dearly can wear for a night out on the town.
{Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Sartorialist, & Tom & Lorenzo}
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Man Repeller – NYFW Day I, The Sartorialist – Boy by Band of Outsiders, Tom & Lorenzo’s Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013 Collection, Late Afternoon’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Diary, or check out IFB’s Spring 2013 Pinterest Board.
What’s your favorite collection that I’ve reviewed so far? If you could go to New York City for Fashion Week what would the number one show on your list to see in person be?
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September 18, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 1940's, 1960's, 1970s, 40's, 50 Shades of Gray, 60's, 70's, 70's inspired, 70s style, Alexander Wang, Alice+Olivia, All-American, All-American Fashion, All-American Style, All-AmericanA, American designers, Andy Warhol, Angela Lindvall, animal print, Animal prints, Ankle strap heels, Ankle straps, Ashley Greene, Band of Outsiders, bare midriff, Bare midrift, BCBG, BCBG Max Azria, BCBGeneration, BCBGirls, BCBGMazAzria, BDSM, beading, Beads, bird print, birds, black beads, body-conscious, bodycon, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, Boy by Band of Outsiders, bright florals, Bustier, Caftans, Calvin, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Carolyn Murphy, catwalk, chevron, chic, CK, classic, Coco Rocha, cut outs, cutout, Derek Lam, design house, designers, Diane Von Furstenberg, Diary, DKNY, Donna Karan, Donna Karan Atelier, Donna Karan New York, downtown, DVF, Edie, Edie Sedgwick, Emma Stone, erotic, Eva Mendes, Fall 2012, Fall 2012 Fashion Week, Fashion, Fashion diary, Fashion Week, Fashion Week Diary, Fashionologie, Fifty Shades of Gray, First Lady Of The United States, floral, florals, FLOTUS, Francisco Costa, Front row, geek, geek chic, glow in the dark, Good girl, Google, Google Glass, Google Glasses, Google Vision, Hanne Gaby, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Harness, Helmut Newton, Hi tech glass, Hippie, hippie chic, IFB, Independent Fashion Bloggers, J Crew, Jason Wu, jet, jet black beads, Jill Stuart, Jourdan Dunn, Karolina Kurkova, Kim Basinger, kitten heel, kitten heels, LA Confidential, La Perla, lace, Ladies Who Lunch, Late afternoon, Latin-inspired, leather, leather & Lace, Lela Rose, Lillian Bassman, Lincoln Center, Lindsey Wixson, low-healed pumps, Lubov Azria, lux, Manolo Blahnik, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Marihenny Rivera Pasible, Marrakech, matador, maxi skirt, MBFW, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Diary, mesh, metallic, metallic animal print, Michael by Michael Kors, Michael Kors, Michelle Obama, midriff-baring tops, mixing prints, MJ, MK, Mod, Nadja Auermann, Naomi Campbell, Nautical, neon, netting, New York, New York City, New York City Fashion, New York City Fashion Blogger, New York City Street Style, New York City streetstyle, New York City Style, New York Fashion Week, Nicole Kidman, NYC, NYC fashion, NYC Fashion Blogger, NYC Street Style, NYC Style, NYFW, orange florals, Oscar de la Renta, paisley, pastel, Patterns, Peter Som, pin up girl, Pinterest, Pinterest board, pinup, pinup girl, pointy toed heels, Pre-Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Collections, prim, Prim & proper, prints, Ready-To-Wear, Red Carpet, reese witherspoon, Retro, Retro style, retro-inspired, RTW, Runway, Runway show, S&M, Scott Schuman, sexy, sheer fabric, slinky, Spanish, sports, sportswear, Sportwear, Spring, Spring 2012 Fashion Week, Spring 2012 New York Fashion Week, Spring 2013, Spring 2013 Collection, Spring 2013 Collections, Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear, Spring 2013 RTW, Spring 2013 shows, Spring trends, stripe, Stripes, style.com, stylish, Tadashi Shoji, Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013 Collection, techie, Thakoon, Thakoon Addition, Thakoon Panichgul, The Factory, The Man Repeller, The Sartorialist, The Stylist, The Stylist & Tom & Lorenzo, TLo, Tom & Lorenzo, Tom & Lorenzo: Fabulous & Opinionated, Tommy Hilfiger, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, uptown, Veronica Lake, Victoria Beckham, Victoria by Victoria Beckham, vintage, Vintage inspired, What to wear for Spring, yellow florals, Z Spole by Zac Posen, Zac Posen | 8 Comments
Welcome back to another Looks of the Week post. As tempting as it was to solely feature looks from New York Fashion Week I decided to save all of those for my NYFW Round-Ups, the first of which should be up later this week. So enjoy a little non-fashion month street style from around the globe!

One of my favorite trends right now are patterned pants – I’m absolutely mad about them. From Fall-ready plaids and tweeds, to the florals and sweet prints that’ll be all over the streets in the Spring. Wendy shows us how to winterize cropped pants with this fabulous bow & flower-printed look.

How much does this look make you ready for fall? The bag is pure fun, those earrings are killer, and that coat – SWOON.

You had me at Flamingos! This is a really fun, chic look, but it’s far from boring, the mixing of great prints means it has a fun retro vibe to it as well.

Denim on denim has never looked so chic. She even accessorized her jeans and chambray button-down perfectly with tassled nude heels, a snake skin tote, and a killer brass cuff.

There are few things that I love more than a shorts suit. Except maybe a patterned shorts suit. And if you’re worried that florals or another all-over print will come off too sugary sweet, style it this way – the black shirt and bold silver accessories are a unique twist and the tights and buckle-adorned platform boots give this look a touch of rock n’ roll!

This is a gorgeous colored skirt & matching top. The hue suits her to perfection and the fun textured fabric adds a little something to the too cute Tibi ensemble.

How adorably retro is this? I love this bright cat print blouse, it’s chic but still a fun, unique piece. And those shorts are fabulously retro, they suit her to a T.

Wow. She looks jaw droppingly gorgeous in this pink Gucci gown. It’s not a look I would traditionally pick out for her – it’s a more feminine than she usually favors – but she looks stunning.
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
What your favorite way to transition into Fall from a sartorial standpoint? Trading in your shorts and skirts for cropped pants? Mixing Summer and colder-weather pieces? Or do you completely switch gears when the weather starts to get cooler?
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September 17, 2012 | Categories: Fashion, Looks of the Week | Tags: 1920's style, 20's inspired fashion, 20's jewelry, Alice+Olivia, ALMA Awards, Altamira, Altamira Models Off Duty, art deco, Ashley Madekwe, Asos, Asos.com, basic heels, Bimba & Lola, black pumps, Blame It On Fashion, blouse, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, brass cuff, Carolina Engman, cat blouse, Cat print, Celine, Celine sunglasses, Chambray, chandelier earrings, chic coat, Coat, Craig Arend, Cristina's Blog, Cropped Pants, crops, cuff, dangling earrings, denim on denim, denim shirt, dramatic cuff, Fall 2012, fall coats, fall jacket, Fall/Winter 2012/2013, Fashion, Fashion Squad, floral shorts, floral shorts suit, floral suit, florals, furry bag, furry clutch, furry handbag, gold watch, Gucci, H&M, heel, heels, Hippie, hippie chic, Jeans, LA fashion, LA Fashion Blogger, LA Street Style, LA Style, London Fashion, London Street Style, London style, Los Angeles Fashion, Los Angeles Fashion Blogger, Los Angeles Street Style, Los Angeles Style, Luna Supernova, lunasupernova, MBFW, mens watch, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, mixing and matching, Mixing colors, mixing patterns, mixing prints, model, Model fashion, Model street style, Model Style, Models Off Duty, Monet Mazur, My Dress.My High Heels.My Style, New York, New York City, New York City Fashion, New York City Street Style, New York City streetstyle, New York City Style, New York Fashion Week, New Zealand fashion, New Zealand Fashion Blogger, New Zealand Street style, New Zealand Style, Nude heels, NYC, NYC fashion, NYC Street Style, NYC Style, NYFW, Outwear, oversized gold watch, pattern, patterned coat, patterned jacket, patterned pants, Pencil skirt, pointy toed heels, Ponyhunter, print, printed pants, prints, pumps, Red Valentino, Retro, retro blouse, Retro style, Ring My Bell, rock n' roll, rock n' roll florals, rockstar, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Fashion Blogger, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco style, SF Fashion, SF Fashion Blogger, SF Street Style, SF Style, shades, shopper, short suit, shorts suit, Silver jewelry, skirt suit, snakesin, Spring 2013, Spring 2013 Collection, Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week, Spring 2013 trends, Statement coat, Stockholm Fashion, Stockholm Street Style, Street style, Style, Stylist fashion, stylist style, sunglasses, sunnies, Swedish fashion, Swedish fashion blogger, Swedish style, The 2012 ALMA Awards, The Fashion Eaters, The Glitter Guide, Tibi, tote, vintage, vintage earrings, Vintage inspired, vintage jewelry, Vintage silver jewelry, Wendy Nguyen, Wendy's Lookbook, Winter 2013, winter coats, winter jacket, Zoe Saldana | 4 Comments
I’m here today to give you a Week II breakdown for Definitely RA‘s 2012 fashion challenge – Mission: Put Together (similar to Freckles In Aprils’ 10 Day Style Challenge from earlier in the year) – my initial post on Week I post was published on May 15th. Clearly I’ve had a hectic Spring, but I’m glad that I’m finally sharing these fun pictures.
Ready for some color?

Week #2 was about one thing – Prints Prints Prints! I went from a solid black girl to mixing patterned pieces like a pro, the very reason that I wanted to take on this challenge in the first place.
Summer Stripes:
I feel like I should preference this by saying that this is the first time I’ve worn shorts since JUNIOR HIGH.

Striped Top: Zara, Royal Blue Shorts: Zara, Sandals: Vintage, Black Bag: Chanel, Sunglasses: Christian Dior, & Jewelry: JewelMint
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above for some comparable pieces that you can buy.

I traded in my vintage sandals for MaddenGirl heels to grab a glass of wine outside at a cafe.
That’s right. Junior High.
And of course I paired these too-cute bright blue Zara shorts with fun zipper details with a basic striped T-shirt. We all know how much I love stripes!
Polka Dots:

Polka Dot Blouse: Zara, Pleated Chiffon Mini Skirt: Zara, Black Blazer: Aqua, Clutch: Chanel, & Nude Heels: BCBGeneration
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above for some comparable pieces that you can buy.
I was totally mad for this outfit! Every once in a while I put something together that makes me just plain excited to go outside. And this is an example of that. I was bouncing around like a sugar-crazed little kid while Sean and I were waiting to meet my parents for dinner that night. I couldn’t even wait until after dinner to take pictures, we ran across the street from the restaurant after placing our orders to take these shots.

People were definitely stopping to stare at us while we were taking these pictures in Washington Square Park. I think trying to figure out who I was and why I was posing for photographs on a bike path…
Graffiti Girl:
When I saw this dress I knew it had to be mine.

Geometric Print Dress: Mango, T-Strap Heels: Zara, and Handbag: Zara
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above for some comparable pieces that you can buy.
I have a bad habit of wearing dresses that aren’t ideal for my body type. For example, I absolutely adore 6o’s mod-inspired styles and shift dresses, which are better suited for someone with a boyish figure – a la Twiggy.
Flower Child:
What do you wear when it’s gorgeous out on a lazy Sunday morning? Go hippie of course! And since I wanted to stay true to the challenge, I made sure to pick a fun floral printed dress to run errands in.

While I adore this print, what really made this dress stand out to me was the crocheted strip around the middle. Such a fun, unique detail.

Floral Dress: Vintage, Sunglasses: D&G, Cross-Body Bag: BCBGeneration & Floral Cuff: Vintage
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above for some comparable pieces that you can buy.
Print On Print:
Who would have ever guessed that me, the girl who wore nothing but solid black for years, would be involved in something as crazy as pattern mixing?

I love this dress and I’ve worn it a few times this season, but it was really fun to try to pick out a great patterned bag to pair with it this time, something that I wouldn’t necessary choose during a random wearing.

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer via Bloomingdale’s, Sandals: Vintage, Striped Tote: Forever 21, Charm bracelet: Juicy Couture, Flower Ring: Forever 21, & Turquoise Ring: Asos
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above for some comparable pieces that you can buy.
Color. Prints. Mixing patterned pieces. This was a big week for me, I definitely stretched my sartorial muscles. I’m sure that you also noticed that these are all weekend after-hours looks. I included a number of work outfits in Week I and wanted to try to incorporate more street style type looks this week.
Do you like the idea of a fashion challenge that forces you to make new and interesting fashion choices? Are you getting inspired to try out some fun new looks for Summer?
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June 20, 2012 | Categories: Fashion, MCLV Style | Tags: 10 Day Style Challenge, 60's, 60's fashion, 60's style, 70's, 70's fashion, 70s style, Abstract print, Accordion-pleated chiffon mini skirt, Alice + Olivia Jewel Floral-Print Dress, Alice + Olivia Mina Button-Down Blouse, Alice+Olivia, Aqua, Aqua Shirred Three-Quarter Sleeves Blazer, Asos, Asos Fashion Finder, Asos.com, Avengers, Badgley Mischka, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Striped Double Layer V Neck Tee Shirt, BCBG, BCBGeneration, BCBGirls, beach tote, Ben Amun, Bird by Juicy, Bloomingdales, Bohemian, boho, Bottle Cap Restaurant, brights, California, Chanel, Charm Bracelet, Christian Dior, Cole Haan, Cross-body bag, D&G, D&G Sunglasses Square Oversized Square Sunglasses, Definitely RA, Diane Von Furstenberg, Diane Von Furstenberg Women's Oversized Logo Arm Plastic Sunglasses, Dolce, Dolce & Gabbana, DVF, European fashion, European retailers, Fashion Challenge, Flat sandals, Floral dress, floral print, florals, flower child, flower print, Forever 21, Foxy Originals, Foxy Originals Multi-Strand Leaf Necklace, Freckles In April, Free People, Gaia Too, Gap, Gold Coral Colored Stone Cuff, Graffiti, H&M, Halston, Halston Heritage, Heeled sandals, Hippie, I Propose a Coast Shorts, Jackie O Sunglasses, Jenna Shoulder Bag, JewelMint, Juicy Couture, Kat&Bee Marcia 14ct Gold Skull & Turquoise Bead Ring, lace, Lace insets, Love 21, MaddenGirl, Mango, Metreon, Mission: Put Together 2012, Mod styles, Multi-Strand Leaf Necklace, Neutral pumps, Neutral sandals, North Beach, nude pumps, Nude sandals, Oversized Logo Arm Plastic Sunglasses, oversized sunglasses, Pattern Mixing, polka dot blouse, Polka Dot Top, Polka dots, prints, Retro, Retro dress, Retro style, Rock Steady, San Francisco Fashion, San Francisco Street Style, San Francisco style, Sensuality, shades, sheer stomach, Shift dress, Shiny Black Bag, Shiny Black Handbag, Shiny handbag, Shirley Evening Bow Clutch, Shop the Look, short shorts, Shorts, silly putty pumps, Spanish fashion, Spanish retailers, Spring 2012 trends, Spring/Summer 2012, Spring/Summer trends, Steve Madden, Street style, Street style fashion, Striped tote, Stripes, summer 2012 trends, summer trends, sunnies, Tan sandals, Tibi, Tibi Amber Snake Flat Sandals, Tibi Sandals, TopShop, Turquoise Ring, twiggy, Union Square, vintage, Vintage dress, Vintage style, warm weather clothes, Washington Square Park, Whiting and Davis Studs & Snake Convertible Hobo, Z Spoke ZAC POSEN, Zac Posen, Zara, Zara Basics | 14 Comments
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.

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.

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.
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April 5, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: 1960's, 1970s, 60's, 60's clothes, 60's fashion, 60's style, 70's, 70's clothes, 70's fashion, 70s style, Aerosmith, akiko, Alessandra Ambrosio, Alexander Wang, Alexander Wang handbag, ankle booties, ankle boots, Annawii, Best Dressed, Best looks, Bianca Jaggar, Bohemian, bohemian chic, boho, boho chic, boho hat, booties, boots, Boutique To You, Caballero, California, California fashion, California style, Coachella, Coachella Fashion, Coachella Festival, Coachella Street Style, Coachella style, Coachellaland, cowboy, Cross-body bag, Crossbody bag, Cuff earrings, David Bowie, Erin Wasson, Etsy, Fabsugar, Fashion, Fashion inspiration, fedora, felt hat, festival fashion, Festival favorites, festival street style, Festival style, floppy hat, Fossil, Free People, French fashion, French style, fringe, Fringed accessories, Fringed earrings, Fringed jewelry, Frugal Fashionista, Garance Dore, Gary Pepper Vintage, Haight-Ashbury, harper's bazaar, Hat, Haute Hippie, Haute Hoodie, headband, high boots, Hippie, Hippie Accessories, Hippie bags, Hippie boots, Hippie brands, Hippie celebrities, hippie chic, Hippie handbags, hippie hat, hippie headband, hippie inspiration, Hippie jewelry, hippie models, Hippie musicians, Hippie shoes, House of Harlow, House of Harlow 1960, ideas of how to dress for a music festival, Iman, inspiration, inspirational looks, Janis Joplin, Jessica Szohr, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Knee-high boots, LA fashion, LA Fashion Blogger, LA Street Style, LA Style, Lea Michele, Linea Pelle, Lonneke Engel, Look of the Day, Look of the Week, Los Angeles Fashion, Los Angeles Fashion Blogger, Los Angeles Street Style, Low Luv Jewelry, Lucky, Lucky Brand, Macy's, Mama's A Rolling Stone, Maxi dress, maxi skirt, mid-thigh, midi, midi length, midi skirt, Model fashion, Model street style, Model Style, Model website, Modelinia, Motiviation, music festival, music festival chic, music festival fashion, Music festival favorites, music festival street style, music festival style, Music festivals, New York City, New York City Fashion, New York City Fashion Blogger, New York City Street Style, New York City Style, New York Fashion, Nicole Richie, Nicole Richie for Macy's, NYC, NYC fashion, NYC Fashion Blogger, NYC Street Style, NYC Style, Of Two Minds, OnTheRacks, Organice Your Life, over-the-knee boots, over-the-sholder bag, Paris fashion, Paris street style, Parisian fashion, Parisian Street Style, Parisian style, Piperlime, Rachel Bilson, Refinery 29, Retro style, retrov, Revolve Clothing, Rocco duffle, Rocco handbag, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Scott Schuman, shopbop, short boots, Sienna Miller, Southern California, Southern California Fashion, Street style, Streetstyle, Stud, Studded, studded Alexander Wang bag, Studded bag, Studded handbag, studded purse, Studs, Style, Swedish fashion, Swedish fashion blogger, Swedish Street Style, Swedish style, tan rocco duffle, The Sartorialist, The Trend Diaries, ThreadSence, Tiffany's peace sign, Tom & Lorenzo, Urban Outfitters, Vanessa Hudgens, Victoria's Secret Angel, Victoria's Secret Model, vintage, vintage clothes, vintage clothing, vintage hat, Vintage style, western, WhoWhatWear, Winter Kate, Wrap around earrings, Zappos, Ziggy Stardust | 5 Comments