Mission: Put Together 2012 – Week II
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?
Looks of the Week
Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend?
Let’s get this week started on a fashionable note with some great outfits that I’ve tracked down, and I’ll start with my absolute favorite look that I discovered.
How ridiculously cute is this???
I love the striped skirt (obviously) and I’ve been wearing my own polka dotted blouse to death so this gives me some great inspiration and ideas. Love it!
I love stripes, I love chain link necklaces, I love day clutches, and I love fun blouses. There’s basically nothing I don’t love about this look.
One piece can totally make a look and this is a fabulous example. This goal is absolutely to DIE for!
How cute is this dress? I love the pleats and the top half, how gorgeous the color looks on her, and the dainty little gold necklace.
Proof that neutrals are anything but boring! This is a great, casual look. Not only is she making that hat look GOOD, but those ankle boots are killer.
Fabulous colors. Amazing styling. And the most perfect accessories possible. Just what we’ve all come to expect from Liz. I adore this look, from her ombre top to her GORGEOUS Atwood-clad feet.
Doesn’t this look just make you want to go play in your closet? It’s such a fun, original combination of pieces and fabrics and prints. It makes me want to try something one-of-a-kind too!
Not sure about vests boys? This is a great example of how to pull one off and look really put together in the process.
Summer chic at it’s finest. Crisp white, some splashes of color, and a some skin!
What a fun, sassy look. I love the 70’s inspired jumpsuit – Too cute.
Do these pictures motivate you to be more creative with your fashion choices?
Giveaway Winner + Lollihop Goodness
First, I want to thank everyone who entered the Spring 2012 MCLV Giveaway! I’m glad that it was a contest that you guys were interested in and I’m hoping that we’ll be able to have another one soon. Now for the announcement that you’ve all been waiting for, the winner is… Elizabeth Agrilla.
Congratulations!
This reader submitted the following well thought out response to my Spring fashion inquiry, including pictures:
The trend I am most excited about this spring is the use of sheer fabric. Although not new to the fashion world, this year designers stepped up their game creating stunning styles that left plenty to the imagination. The use of sheer fabric this season was clever and fun, creating clothes that were flattering, feminine, sexy, and even in some cases ethereal. Although most designers used sheer in one or more designs, a good example of the artistry and effect is Narciso Rodriguez (NY) (attached). I also liked Marni’s use of sheer underskirts, giving her designs a retro, yet new vibe (attached).
As expected, bright colors and nature inspired materials graced the runways heralding the approach of spring. A sense of renewal always comes with Spring making it a perfect time to renew the wardrobe. This is what makes Spring one of my favorite times of year. Beading, lace, metallic fabrics, flower power, the roaring 20s , flamenco – what fashion week look to start with?
I can not bring this to an end without mentioning a standard Spring necessity – sandals, sandals, sandals! – I love them! I love sandals in all shapes, styles, colors and heights, but what stood out from the catwalks this season were the sandals that strapped up the calf. Gladiator sandals are nothing new, but these babies were hard-core – LOVE THEM!
Haha. Definitely a thorough response! And with so much research, effort and thought put into her response, I am thrilled that Elizabeth will be getting this gift certificate to put towards her Spring shopping. Maybe if we’re really lucky she’ll send us a picture of her Bloomingdale’s loot after she goes shopping.
Elizabeth – Please send me an email with your mailing address so that I can send you your prize!
Second, I’d like to share some information with you guys about a former company that I was fortunate enough to have discovered last year, called Lollihop, which I heard about from the Hungry Hungry Hippie.
Lollihop puts together boxes of organic, healthy snacks. While I’m in no way saying that processed food is the way to go, these snacks are a great alternative to some of the choices out there when you’re on the go. Each box contains eight snacks and they range from trail mixes to nut butters to protein bars to baked chips. The snacks are chosen based on their nutritional content and are some of the healthiest snacks on the market. All delivered right to your front door.
Box details
Let’s go through the contents of my first box and discuss the nutritional stats for the snacks that they sent me, shall we?
Larabars are some of my all time favorite bars, not only do they taste great – I even got my boyfriend hooked on them – they also have one of the most pure ingredient lists of any bars I’ve ever seen. My favorite flavor is Coconut Cream Pie and the ingredients are dates, coconut, almonds, cashews and extra virgin coconut oil. You’ve heard of and can pronounce all of them! Below are the nutritional stats. I’m sure you can see why I keep these in my purse and desk.
![[no image]](https://i0.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/jo.www.larabar.com.2011/uploads/product/nutrition_graphics/2/thumb.jpg)
Gnu Bars are high fiber, low-calorie baked bars. Here’s a little bit more about the bars from the website: “The 6 natural whole grains in Gnu Bars are rich in beneficial nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients as well as rich in Fiber. The whole grains in Gnu Bars contain all the parts of the entire grain kernel; they haven’t been milled or processed out like other so many other whole grain foods or supplements.” My box came with the Banana Walnut flavored bar which was tasty and filling, but on the small side. 😦
Bakery on Main Gluten-Free Granola Bars are made with flax and chia seeds and are an excellent source for Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids. Their tagline? No GMOs, dairy, casein, wheat, trans fats or cholesterol. I haven’t had a granola bar in YEARS and was pleasantly surprised by the taste and the consistency. Nutritional breakdown below:
KIND Bars are described on the website as “a brand of all natural whole nut and fruit bars made from ingredients you can see and pronounce and it’s also a movement that gives new purpose to snacking.” The ingredients include: macadamia nuts, apricots [apricot paste, glycerol (vegetable based), pectin, apple fiber, citric acid] honey, shredded coconut, coconut chips, glucose, puffed rice, chicory fiber, soy lecithin. They’re chewy enough to make your jaw sore (a plus in my book) and were quite flavorful.
Food Should Taste Good is a company dedicated to making healthy snacks from whole, wholesome ingredients and their Blue Corn Tortialla chips are made from flax seed, quinoa and blue corn. Healthy chips that actually taste good and have a great texture? This company definitely lives up to their name!
The Somersault Snack Company prides itself in creating healthy snacks for busy people on the go and worships the sunflower seed! (Don’t we all?) They include them in all their snacks and advertise the healthy stats of sunflower seeds on every package:
- 4x more antioxidants than blueberries…
- More fiber than an apple…
- AND 50% more protein than almonds!
Unfortunately I wasn’t a big fan of the flavor that I received in my box. I wanted to love the Pacific Sea Salt flavor but it was just okay, I’m dying to try the Cinnamon Crunch and Santa Fe Salsa versions though, they both sound delicious and I think a little bit more kick would improve my opinion of these little snacks.
Popcorners are similar to the more well-known Pop Chips, they come in various sweet and savory flavors and are made from popped corn. An extremely interesting fact about Popcorners is that the Philadelphia and Chicago school systems are substituting them for other types of fried potato chips (source). They’re a pretty sturdy chip, I ate half of them plain and dipped the rest in hummus and they were quite good.
Bella Viva Orchards is a California-based company that produces and packages dried fruits and nuts. The dried cherries that I got in my box were surprisingly big, plump and very sweet. I ate a few of them solo and then chopped the rest up and added them to the third batch of cookies that I made last week. SO TASTY.
The final product in my first box was a packet of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Cocao & Berries. Linwoods is a UK-based company with a range of Premium Bakery, Fresh Dairy and Healthy Super Food products. From their Website: “The Linwoods range of delicious, nutritious ‘Super Foods’ is the perfect solution for those who want to ensure that their diet comprises the essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that can add such quality to life and living.” I added half of the packet to a strawberry & banana smoothie and half to some overnight oats with light coconut milk. They’re hearty and gave both the smoothie and the oats a slight taste of flax, I really enjoyed it.
I love all of Lollihop’s little notes and descriptions in the box, it’s a great way to make sure that the recipients know the health benefits and nutrition of the various products. I was thrilled by my first box and have been quite happy with the subsequent ones, I think this is a great service and absolutely ideal for someone (or a family) that is busy and doesn’t want their health to suffer as a result.
Unfortunately I hate to have to tell you that Lollihop has been discontinued, but I have high hopes that a similar service will pop up in the near future to fill this very necessary void for us busy snackers.
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!
Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion
One of my favorite parts of the Italian shows are the photographs of the Italian men in the streets before and after the collections. Their style is just amazing. Obviously the women do a fantastic job of putting their outfits together as well, I adore female Italian style, it’s just that on average Italian men are much better dressed than – say – American men. But I digress…
Those pants! That bag! Those phones! Yes - Phones with an "s," he has two - yellow & pink.
Model Bonnie Chen knows just how to lighten up as the weather gets warmer, she expertly paired a light, pleated maxi skirt with a striped T.
Giovanna Battaglia looking stunning in a patterned dress and emerald-colored jewel trimmed trench coat. These sorts of beautiful Spring colors were all over Milan, everyone seems hopeful that warmer weather will come soon.
First, LOVE the hair. Mine's virtually the same color these days. Second, the vertical stripes paired with a tucked in sweater is too cute.
Adorable Spring brights with a basic white button down and a classic double-breasted trench. Picture perfect. Love the sunglasses!
The Sartorialist captured Lapo Elkann on the street - I love that he paired a traditional cream double-breasted suit with a grey collared pullover. Great choice.
Who knew forgetting your socks could look so unbelievably chic? P.S. Need that bag!
A newly dark-haired Kasia Struss met the Italian winter with style between her shows. I love the ankle-length Victorian-style coat with burnished buttons mixed with the knee-high boots covered in straps and buttons.
Jeans take a stylish turn with a delicate lace top, faux fur-trimmed thick wool coat and of course a leopard print cross-body bag - it is Milan after all.
While I like that this is a fun, sexy take on the traditional skirt suit, what really caught my eye was the chic combination of the layering of a shorter suit jacket over a longer version and the contrasting belt with great hardware. Unique and eye-catching.
The mixing & matching in these looks is inspired, I really like the chunky tan ankle boots with dark skinnies on the left and the gorgeous platform Oxfords with tights and a little black dress on the right. And of course their glasses were what really stole the scene.
Ready for Spring yet? Florals, pastels, neons and colorblocking were allllll over the streets of Milan.
I love the bold mixing of prints - I feel like it can give a look a whole new depth. It takes a lot fo creativity and fearlessness to put together a look like this one - that works.
Such a chic look! I love the contrasting colored cape and the blue Capri pants paired with those adorably ornate pumps. Plus the sleeves of her brown top are covered in beautiful metallic beads - tres chic!
Model Tanya Dziahileva was all about Chanel on her last day in Milan. Her boots are killer, her coat is too cute (love the sleeves) and I cannot live without that necklace for another moment! Must. Have.
Lily Donaldson looked sweet in a vintage-style cream collared cshirt, cropped pants and cute ankle boots.This is what I picture when I think of British fashion - Sleek, stylish and minimal. (Lily's an English Rose!)
Kangaroo PJs!
Be sure to keep an eye out for Moi Contre La Vie’s Giveaway after my second Paris Fashion Week post!
Moi Contre La Vie 
