An ongoing love affaire with all things fashionable, tasty and fun

Posts tagged “Spikes

MCLV Style: New Years Eve

Deciding what to wear for New Year’s Eve can be tough – Weighing the venue and the weather and the guest list and the dress code… You usually can’t go wrong with a chic Little Black Dress or a fun, on-trend cocktail frock, but this year I was determined to spice things up a little bit so separates seemed like the way to go!

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{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Petal Skirt w/ Sequined Trim – Zara, Leopard Print Moto JacketExpress, Lace Cat Ears HeadbandAsos, Spike Embellished Heels – The Limited, Gold Pouch – Marc Jacobs via Neiman Marcus for Target collaboration & Gold Cuffs – Forever 21}

Two

{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}

Three

{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}

I’ve had this Lace Cat Ears Headband from ASOS handing from a mirror on my closet vanity for weeks – Just begging for the perfect look to break it out. When I saw this eye-catching sequins + tulle look over at My Precious Confessions I knew that New Years Eve was going to be my chance to make my Cat Ear dreams come true!

How was your New Years Eve? Have you made a list of New Years Resolutions for 2013?


MCLV Style: Pleats & Studs

I had been eyeing this pleated, faux leather, studded skirt for a while – It’s not really my typical style, but I’ve seen a handful of bloggers wearing it and was absolutely in love. So I finally headed to Zara to take the plunge right before my birthday and it was love at first sight!

OneI

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pleated Leather Skirt – Zara, Striped Pocket Tee – Zara, Crossbody Bag – Le Sak, Ankle BootiesRebecca Minkoff via Shopbop.com & Jewelry – JewelMint, H&M & Asos}

{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}

{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}

Once I got this skirt home I had so many ideas running through my head that I couldn’t decide how I wanted to style it. I love both of the looks below – which are quite different style wise – and I wasn’t sure how to make this skirt “me.” I finally settled on pairing it with my favorite suede booties and a basic striped tee which helped dress it down a bit. I’ll definitely be brining it back for another MCLV Style appearance though so stay tuned for a different vibe the next time!

ZaraSkirtCollage

{Inspiration – Late Afternoon & Fashion Vibe}

Do you like Liz from Late Afternoon’s pairing of this skirt with golden booties & bright prints or Zina of Fashion Vibe’s all-black rock n’ roll ensemble best?


Links You’ll Love

Fashion:

Finding a stylish, warm coat for Winter that you can wear in various situations – Everything from over a dress for a night out on the town to picking out a Christmas tree with your family – Can be a challenge. Too thin. Too thick. Too expensive. But Refinery 29 is here to save the day so check out their 10 Casual-Cool Coats To Keep You Warm On The Weekends and find the perfect Winter coat for you.

KarolinaKurkova

The oh-so-stylish Karolina Kurkova has done it yet again – It takes a master to pair plaid, white cropped pants, and flat ankle boots and look this good, so WhoWhatWear helps us out by breaking down her fabulous look so that we can recreate it ourselves in their Why It Works: Karolina Kurkova.

I like to mix up my beauty routine by changing products, trying new brands, and cycling great drug store finds into my morning routine {see MCLV’s Makeup Bag & MCLV’s Medicine Cabinet for more}. Glitter Guide agrees and have laid out all of their favorites for you to try – Our Top 20 Drugstore Beauty Buys.

If you’re like me, wrestling with your locks each morning and trying to find an acceptable arrangement isn’t your favorite thing to do each day. Luckily Style Bistro picked some great hairstyles from the runways and laid out the basic for us hair novices – 15 DIY Hairstyle Ideas Straight From The Runway.

freja

If the studded, spiked & leather adorned world of Lisbeth Salander is your fashion fantasy you must check out Catwalk Azure’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo post for some sartorial inspiration.

Health & Nutrition:

salad with corn, peanuts and thai dressing

After reading Organice Your Life’s Salad Making For Dummies you’ll have no more excuses for not making yourself a quick, healthy, nutritious dinner each night!

Eat protein. Don’t eat protein. It seems like there’s always a new study relating to protein consumption and health or weight loss, but reading up on the topic can help you make healthier choices, just be sure to keep an eye out for future research! Eat THIS, Lose Weight from Women’s Health.

Living a healthy life means more than just keeping an eye on your waistline, especially as you get older, you need to pay attention to the tests that your doctors run – Including your blood pressure. The Huffington Post’s Ways To Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise, Meditation, Diet And More.

With the hectic, non-stop holiday season upon us it’s easier to grab a sugary snack and try to relax on the couch when we have a few extra minutes but trust me, you’ll feel MUCH better if you use those few precious minutes to sneak in a quick workout! Check out Refinery 29’s 10 Minute Workout.

Marilyn Monroe

I’ve had a number of friends over the years who suffered from season depression – A number of whom were Southern California natives who had trouble adapting to the foggy, rainy Bay Areas winters in college. Gala Darling to the rescue! How To Beat The Winter Blues: DENIAL Is Key!


MCLV Style: Tiger Tiger Burning Bright

Okay fine, this top is actually adorned with leopard heads not tigers, but once I got that William Blake poem in my head I was determined to use the line as a post title. My deepest apologies for the  fuzzy animal inaccuracy. 🙂

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Leopard Head TopAsos.comSlim Corduroy Pants – Paige Denim via Bloomingdale’s, Tan Peep-Toe Sandals – Madden-Girl via Nordstrom,  Zippered SatchelOASAPLarge Le Pliage Bag – Longchamp via Saks Fifth Avenue, Retro Gold Watch – Vintage, Geometric Gold Bracelet – BCBG Max Azria, Swarovski Crystal Ring – Gift, Spiked Necklace – H&M & SunglassesOscar de la Renta}

{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}

{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}

I put this look together for last Saturday’s walk down to SOMA for a photo shoot for an upcoming holiday collaboration with Sasha Maks Vintage and Mystery Mister, and that Longchamp bag I’m carrying was completely filled with shoes, handbags, and other accessories for the shoot. Stay tuned for pictures!

Are you a fan of of the animal print & animal head pieces that are all over the streets and in magazines for the Fall 2012/Winter 2013 seasons?


MCLV Style: Animalistic

Northern California is all about layering during the Fall – The mornings may start off foggy with a chill in the air only to end up in the mid seventies with the sun beating down on you by lunchtime. Since moving to San Francisco I’ve become something of a self-taught layering expert.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Leopard Knit Moto JacketExpressSiren Skinny Jeans – Victoria’s SecretBlack Tunic TankClub Monaco, (faux) Patent Leather Chainlink BagExpress, Gold Geometric Bracelet – BCBG & Over-The-Knee Seude BootsChinese Laundry}

{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}

{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}

This ended up being the perfect amount of layers, I could easily unzip the moto jacket to get some air, and take it off completely when it got too warm. We spent the day wandering around Sonoma Square and enjoying wine tastings, window shopping, and a tasty lunch at The Girl And The Fig.

Do you like to wear multiple lighter-weight layers when the weather starts to get colder in the Fall/Winter? Or do you prefer to wear thicker outerwear during the chillier seasons?


Looks of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


MCLV Style: Sergeant Pepper

This past weekend we participated in one of my favorite San Francisco Saturday morning rituals – A lazy walk along the bustling, sun-drenched Embarcadero to the Ferry Building Farmers Market. The vendors, shops & food stalls are amazing, the people watching & street performers are hilarious, and the view is unparalleled.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Sgt. Pepper Coat – H&M, Cropped Black LeggingsVictoria’s Secret, Bow Ballet Flats – H&M, Tortoise Shell Sunglasses – Aldo, Star Cocktail Ring – BCBGMAXAZRIA via Bloomingdale’sSpiked Bracelet – ASOS & Shoulder BagOASAP}

{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}

{Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view}

I ordered this handbag after swooning over Smile For Style‘s bag a few weeks ago {included in this Looks of the Week post} and I’ve been quite pleased with my first OASAP purchase. I’ve always loved High Street Fashion and shopped online at UK-based sites like Asos, Miss Selfridge & Topshop, so I’m thrilled to add another British store to my list.

Personally, I’m of the mindset – Why run errands in your workout gear if you can throw on a chic coat and make a stylish morning of it? Do you have a weekend uniform when you’re running errands? Will you keep your workout gear on when you go out into public or change into street clothes?


MCLV Style: Pardon My French

I fell madly in love with this sweater when I saw it online and knew that it had to be mine – Totally fun and perfect for Fall! First I tried pairing it with flirty, pleated black skirt but I ended up deciding on my favorite cropped black pants.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pardon My French Sweater – Forever 21, Cropped Black PantsJuicy Couture @ Bloomingdale‘s, Patent Leather Chainlink BagExpress, Vintage Inspired Gold Bracelets – JewelMint, Spiked BraceletAsos.com}

{You can also view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}

{Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view}

I wore this for my company’s End Of Summer party two weeks ago. It was a great night filled with games – skee ball, bouncy houses, golf, mechanical bull, even a zip line – an open bar, lives music, tons of food, and a great view.

I have to admit that it’s been a while since I wore a top that had writing across the front and I’d forgotten how nerve-wracking it is when you feel like everyone’s staring at you trying to read your shirt!

How do you feel about wearing a shirt or a sweater that has writing on it?


MCLV Style: Ditzy Fox

“Are those foxes?”

“Yes. Yes they are.”

Who was it that said that boys don’t pay attention to women’s clothing? Well maybe you just need to wear something as eye-catching as a ditzy fox sweater… 🙂

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Faux-Leather Velvet A-Line Skirt – Nicole Richie for Macys Impulse, Ditsy Fox Sweater – Forever 21, Tan Heeled SandalsMadden Girl, Chainlink HandbagExpress, SunglassesThreadSence, Studded Bracelet – H&M, Spiked BraceletAsos.com, Bow Ring – French Connection & Bee Ring – JewelMint}

{If you like this look you can HYPE it on Lookbook.nu or Pose}

Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view

This was the perfect look for this past weekend – The sweater and velvet kept me warm while the skirt and open-toed heels gave an appropriate nod to it being an end-of-Summer weekend. Trading in my Summer brights for neutrals, browns, and blacks is a time-honored tradition for me when I’m making my Summer-to-Fall transition.

How do you adjust your daily looks when it comes to seasonal changes? Do you reorganize your closet so that you can more easily find your cold-weather pieces?


MCLV Style: IFBCON Day Two

So far I’ve gotten around to sharing with you my adventures at the IFB Conference in New York last week, as well as what I wore on the first day of the festivities, so today I’m here to share my outfit for the second day of the conference.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Leather Trimmed Skirt – See by Chloe, Leopard Print Collared Blouse – Zara, T-Strap Heels – Zara, Gold Spiked Bracelet – Asos.com & Gold Studded Bracelet – Forever 21}

 

{If you like this look you can HYPE it on Lookbook.nu}

Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view

I actually flew home in this and was impressed by how comfortable the whole outfit was – That’s not an easy flight and an uncomfortable top or bottom can make it all the more miserable. I’ve definitely regretted more than one outfit over the years!

Do you dress up when you travel? It’s something that I’ve always done, because of my old-school love of formality and because I used to have to dress up to travel for sports. I like to be comfortable, but I definitely put in some effort, what about you?


Looks of the Week

This week has gotten off to a unusual start – And since I was so excited to share the Styling 101 – American Girl post, I suppose I’ll just have to make it Looks of the Week Wednesday instead of Monday. But regardless of the which day of the week it is, this is always the perfect way to inspire a week of creativity, fun, and great fashion.

Enjoy!

While this sweet vintage dress is a great find, I have to say that I especially love how this look was styled – Those studded booties, shopper tote, and hat are great choices to make this look one-of-a-kind.

Could this possibly be a great combination of pieces? The retro-silhouetted floral Summer dress is fabulous, those gingham heels are KILLER, and I love the trench and handbag. Well well done!

Wow. Just – WOW. I love that red & white polka dot blouse paired with the fabulous gold accessories and basic cuffed jeans. That spiked necklace is killer!

Alexander Wang Marion in Rose Gold

I love a good black & white look and this one is anything but boring. The skirt is fabulous and one-of-a-kind, and I adore those pointed toed ankle strap pumps. Too cute.

 

As you’ve probably picked up, I have a great many opinions about a great many things. Many of them things I have no right to have an opinion about whatsoever. Like mens pants. But as far as I’m concerned, these rolled khakis are the perfect pant for Summer. Khakis in lieu of slacks make my eye twitch, but this whole look is fabulous – Love the woven shoes, love the bag, love the simple, clean jewelry choices.

If you said ‘animal print shorts’ I might cringe but these shots are great. It’s a fun, retro look with great detailing and a relaxed overall vibe. Well done!

I love the basics that make up this look, and I love the details. The gold-tipped collar, subtle print on the pants & top, and the color scheme are all great and suit her to a T.

We all know how much I love skulls, so you can imagine that this look immediately caught my attention. But I also love the warm tones mixed with the black, studded, rock n’ roll pieces. Parfait!

I adore a good layering look, especially since we’re heading into Fall and I live in a city known for its temperamental weather. This look has the added bonus of having a killer combination of colors and prints. The flowy white knee-length skirt is the perfect background for the green striped t, leopard print blazer, and adore pink heels.

Love this look as much as I do? Well now you can shop these pieces and put together a similar look for yourself as Summer transitions into Fall and you need to start layering your looks.

{DKNY Pull On Pleated Skirt, Loila Clothing Stripe Zone Top, Lucky Brand Jeans Sweater, Kendra Scott Jacey Pendant Necklace & DV by Dolce Vita Notty Heels}

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

What’s your favorite look of those above? Are you ready to give up your Summer duds for some layering and fabulous outerwear for Fall 2012 and Winter 2013? I have to admit, I’m really starting to get into the mood for cooler weather!


Looks of the Week

Welcome back to another Looks of the Week Monday! I hope that everyone had a great weekend and is wringing every drop of Summer fun out of these August days as they can. Let’s start our week out right with some fabulous fashionistas showing off everything from statement jewelry to mixing prints to bright colors.

Enjoy!

Nothing says Summer as effortlessly or stylishly as a white dress. And while this drapping, asymmetrical white dress is stunning it’s Kristina’s accessories that make this look stand out so well. The studded red Zara shoulder bag and killer gold spiked collar from H&M are both incredibly striking & eye-catching, they really bring this look to a whole other level.

This is a low-key but striking and sassy combination that should really motivate you to spice things up before walking out the door. Colorblocking is a great way to make a look really POP.

A sweater can be tough for men to make work for them, but this is a great example of how to put together a clean-cut, stylish look using one. Navy pants + white button down + a sweater with a flattering pattern and cut. Bonus for the killer accessories – Retro shades, white watch strap, and fabulous bag.

Love love love! This is a fabulous look from head to toe. The Versace for H&M studded top pairs beautifully with this nude, pleated leather skirt. And to top it all off, I couldn’t have picked a better clutch or more fabulous booties to add to this outfit.

This is an interesting and really eye-catching look despite the fact that there’s not a lot of color. The sequined stripes are great and I love that she chose a looser, more relaxed top to mix with the dramatic midi-length skirt. Well done!

The art of wearing lady pants is something every woman really should master. Finding the right cut and silhouette to suit your figure can take years of trial and error. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, you’ll enjoy this shot of the perfect pink pants. And those are definitely three words I never thought I’d write. 🙂

High-Low hemlines aren’t always my favorite style but I couldn’t take my eyes off of this look. The colors, the prints, and the textures are so eye-catching and deliciously Summery that I couldn’t tear myself away from the screen. Nothing short of fabulous!

Neutrals don’t have to be boring as this look proves. Stunning Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel shows us how to put together a relaxed, but fashionable Summertime look with this nude pleated mini, a basic white t-shirt, and cute braided sandals. 

Why not make your shopping trip or errand run a bit more fun with some bold color or printed separates? This basic shorts & tank look is fun and stylish with the addition of a killer handbag, flattering green shorts, and animal print flats.

This makes me miss Fall SO MUCH. I love a great coat and this corset belted olive-green military coat is killer. Her accessorizing – bowler hat & high boots – make it even more eye-catching and cold weather-appropriate.

Chic! I love a great Summer dress and this is a phenomenal color on her. And after finding a great color & style, she personalized it and made it more “her” with the tooled leather Rebecca Minkoff bag and fabulous 3.1 Phillip Lim gladiator sandals.

And just in case you missed the fabulousness that was the Team Supermodel walk during last night’s Closing Ceremonies in London, here are some pictures and great commentary to console you – Team Supermodel Strikes Gold In London!

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

Which picture is your favorite of the shots above? Does seeing fun new looks put together by stylish people motivate and inspire you to mix things up when you’re planning your own outfits?


Inspiration Saturday

Happy Saturday!

Why not start this weekend off with some beautiful photographs and inspiring words? The perfect way to prepare for a fun, fashionable day if you ask me. Enjoy!

Pinned Image

Pacey

{Sources: Vintage Virgin, Champagne & Strawberries & Pinterest}

Hope you all have a great weekend!


Accessories of the Week

Let’s spice things up today and rather than our usual Looks of the Week post, let’s try out something a little different. Here are some gorgeous shots of jewelry, bags, hats, shoes, and other glorious accessories to lust after.

Rock n’ roll goddess! This is such a ‘reach out & touch it’ texture fest – The crocheted top, the studded leather collar, and that phenomenal silver & gold necklace.

This safety-pin bag is pretty much the cutest thing I’ve seen lately. It’s an adorable piece to add to a basic black & white outfit like The Glamourai so expertly did.

Wow. She’s taking the splash of color trend to a whole new level – Can you imagine anything more mouth-watering than that gorgeous cherry red Celine bag? Want!

How adorable are there H&M earrings from Style Scrapbook? They’d be great at night or even during the day!

Alexander Wang. Nuff said!

A great pair of flats are a must have. What’s your perfect pair? I love ones like this DVF pair that have a little something special to make them unique.

I love classic and I love feminine, but I also love dramatic and avant garde. How fabulous is this ring?

This cuff is to DIE for. Leave it to Hermes!

Colorful. Fun. Irreverent. All words I like to use to describe accessories!

 

LOVE. Want it all.

These are so cute! A great neutral sandal that you can wear with virtually anything.

Holy high fashion Batman! Not only do I adore her black & gold jewelry, I’ve been dreaming of this Givenchy handbag for MONTHS. This is actually the gift that I’m planning to get myself for the big 3-0! 🙂

Doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, everyone loves arm candy!

A nude heel doesn’t have to be boring. Finding a great pair of pumps with interesting and one-of-a-kind detailing is the way to go!

Tres chic! Not sure about mixing gold & silver jewelry? Wendy makes it work.

Just stunning. I absolutely adore David Yurman, and the campaigns, and these are three fabulous examples of his chic, fun, timeless jewelry.

Audrey from Be Frassy always has killer accessories and these are no exception. I adore the classic black mixed with chic punk-inspired spikes.

If you’re not sure what basics you should have check out FabSugar’s Jewelry Every Woman Should Own – The 10 Pieces of Jewelry You’ll Need in Life and MCLV’s Real Women Need Real Closets & Real Women Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition.

Click on images above to visit the original source.

How fabulous are these pieces? I want them ALL. What are your favorite accessories above?


Hippie Chic

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

Rule #1:

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

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

Rule #2:

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

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

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

Rule #3:

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

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

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

Rule #4:

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

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

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

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