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Posts tagged “Street style fashion

New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion

This is the final – finally – post on the Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week collections. During the first three posts we reviewed the NYFW institutions, the affordable “real women” lines, and the newbies to Fashion Week. Today’s post is all about the editors, actresses, bloggers, models, and fashion industry insiders during New York Fashion Week – What they wore to view the collections, running between the shows, and to the parties, store openings & celebration dinners.

{I absolutely adore this look. It’s chic and utterly put together, but still fun and youthful rather than being stiff and boring. Well done Miss Belle!}

{Low-key and casual, perfect for a muggy NYC day and comfortable enough to make it through the day without foot pain, fashion emergencies, or faux pas.}

{Quite the well put together outfit – I love the blouse, it suits her really well, and I’m a sucker for a great day clutch so this studded beauty really caught my eye.}

{So. Cute. I can’t imagine a more adorable or flatteringly age-appropriate little outfit for this young lady.}

{I kind of love Kelly’s look here. I’m not a huge fan of her recent hair color choices, but the bright colorblocking of this frock is lovely and that black & white checkered clutch was a brilliant choice.}

{I love the fresh, colorful prints she picked here, as well as the unique midi length hem. There’s something to be said for mixing & matching, no one else will ever show up in the same outfit!}

{LOVE! It’s fun and one-of-a-kind, totally Brad!}

{Great colors. Fabulous length. Utterly flattering silhouettes. Well done ladies, well done.}

Bloggers:

Bloggers do it better! 🙂 The ladies who represented the blogger contingent in New York City did a fabulous job in brights, florals, prints, and eye-catching accessories.

{Such a gorgeous dress! Dark florals are one of my favorite ways to bridge the Summer-to-Fall gap and this is a great example of how to transition them. And Zara booties never hurt an outfit!}

{One way to make sure that you stand out in a crowd of bloggers, celebrities, and editors is to: (1) Look stunning (2) Wear stand-out hues that suit you to perfection & (3) Pile on the gorgeous statement jewelry}

{Great print & colors – And those double ankle strap heels are killer}

{Liz from Late Afternoon (left) and Laura from OnTheRacks (right) make quite the pretty picture in a fun, colorful array of separates paired with perfectly chosen, eye-catching accessories.}

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{Do blondes have more fun? Ask Shea {Cheyenne Meets Chanel}, Chiara {The Blonde Salad}, and Kristina {Kayture}. These lovely ladies all added some Summer white to their chic ensembles – from blazers & cropped leather jackets to pants & handbags.}
Models:
Can’t forget to include the great looks that are put together but the stunning ladies who strut their stuff on catwalks all over the world during Fashion Month!

{Sylish and chic! I love this look but I have NO IDEA how she was wearing a black blazer during NYFW, maybe she took it off after the pictures were taken?}

{This is a great laid back look. I adore the printed pants paired with the leopard print pieces, and the plain white tee paired with the dramatic statement necklace is another great choice.}

{LOVE THIS. It’s wild & crazy & fun – Just what fashion week is supposed to be all about!}

{I always look forward to shots of Karlie – I adore her street style, her runway walk, and how her personality always manages to shine through in a picture. Here’s yet another great example of her personal style from Mr. Newton!}

{How fabulous is this shot? I love her bike, her handbag, her helmet, and her low-key but chic style – Skinnies & a tank – perfect for a humid Summer day in New York.}

Constance Jablonski, Ginta Lapina and Karlina Caune Off Duty 

{This is a great shot showing models doing something that they do best – Mixing & matching! These ladies are doing a great job of combining interesting and fun pieces to put together unique, fashionable looks.}

And last but hardly least, my favorite look from New York Fashion Week…

{I mean seriously? Can you imagine a more chic and stylish looking woman? She probably made half the women at this show cry and give up on fashion. Head-to-toe this is an amazing look – The red is striking and the gloves & pearls are such chic touches. J’adore!}

{Click on the images above to be taken to the original source}

Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part IIINew York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.

Addition reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: WhoWhatWear’s What They Wore – NY Fashion Week, Style.com’s Get the Look: Tilda Lindstam, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013: Parties & Front Row from Harper’s BAZAAR & Modelinia’s Top Twitpics from Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week.

Photo by andie_arthur

Now we’re off to London – See you there! ❤


Skull Candy

And by candy I mean fabulous things that I want – Jewelry, clothes, nail art, and accessories galore. All with fabulous skull designs.

So… I have a thing for skulls. Not a creepy morbid type of thing or a Halloween-only thing, just a deep and enduring love of all things skull adorned.

I think perhaps because I’m born on Dia De Los Muertos

Skull Nail Art Tutorial

I mean, how cute is that???

So in celebration of my skull love I’d like to share some adorable pieces and pictures and inspiration that I’ve found, and hopefully convert you all!

How killer are these leggings? I love the idea of a fun printed piece like this one taking center stage in an otherwise minimally styled look, but Fashion Coolture proves you can take things a step further and add another printed piece like this striped top. It’s busy but it works.

Why not wear a swimsuit with your pants? Why not wear a skull adorned swimsuit with your pants?

{Top Left: Nemesis Women’s Punk Rock Collection Skull Leather Cuff Band Watch – $40 @ Endless.com, Top Right: Dogeared Skull Charm – $35 @ CUSP, Bottom Left: Alexander McQueen Swarovski Skull Ring – $200 @ Net-A-Porter, and Bottom Right: Cherry Skull Double Wrap Bracelet – $250 @ Alexander McQueen}

Clearly Lee McQueen and I had something in common…

And just in case you were worried that skulls were too serious for your style, Betsey Johnson gave them a colorful new makeover!

{ Left: Betsey Johnson “Rio” Skull and Cherry Mismatch Earrings – $50 @ Endless.com & Right: Betsey Johnson Skull Fruit Stud Earring – $30 @ Piperlime}

And the new piece that I just ordered online in celebration of this post?

Image 1 of Peoples Market Skull Blouse

Skull Candy by MoiContreLaVie

{You can shop similarly adorable Skull Candy pieces over at ASOS Fashion Finder}

Come on, tell me the truth, are you a convert now? 🙂


Looks of the Week

Raise your hand if you hate the Monday after a short week… Me! Me! {Picture me jumping up & down} Well, there’s nothing like some fabulous Summer fashion to help you cope with a rough day. So here’s a little something to help you take the edge off.

Yes, this is a sundress, but it’s so much more. The darker, moodier florals and the blue platforms take it from basic to fabulous. Well done.

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Such a sweet, retro-inspired Summer look. Love the lacy white top & shorts, but the white sunglasses & bow-topped headband stole the show in my opinion.

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Can you picture a cuter travel outfit? Chic and put together, but not overly fussy. Love the black & white, killer bag & accessories, and that hat is adorable!

Killer!

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So cute! Chic and perfect for summer. Wouldn’t change a thing!

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This dress reminds me of the Kate Moss for Mango tuxedo dress that I bought earlier this year.

Fabulous. Head to toe fabulous. Love the colors and the cut & silhouettes of the separates.

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These boots are fabulous but I especially love them paired with this patterned sweated and scarf. Great layering.

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While I’m definitely a sucker for a Peter Pan collar, I have to admit that the overall sweet retro feel to this look is what really got my attention. Those shorts are too cute!

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Check out some fabulous Do It Yourself projects here for a too cute Leather Peter Pan Collar Necklace DIY that you can easily do if you’re feeling crafty this weekend.

This look has a little edge, and after all of the maxi dresses, sundresses, and pleated skirts I’ve been seeing all Summer, this type of look is really appealing. Killer accessories!

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This is just the type of look that I like to throw together during the day on weekends, casual but a chic combination of great pieces – love the coat – and accessories. J’adore those shoes!

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How was everyone’s weekend? Did you relax after a hectic 4th of July week or continue the celebrating and make it a long holiday weekend?


MCLV Style: Kisses!

How was your mid-week 4th of July holiday? Have you been dating everything Monday instead of Thursday all day today like I have?

{Top – Zara, Jeans – J Brand, Shoes – MaddenGirl, Bowling Bag – Zara, and Zebra Print AviatorsPiperlime}

{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style 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 Facebook to view).

Hope you like this cute new Zara top, I saw the little kisses and knew that it had to be mine! Are you a fan of lipstick kisses too?

I was lucky enough to have one of my best friends since college visit a few weeks ago and after delicious food, wine, and some much-needed catching up, we headed outside for a photo shoot. Her enthusiasm and energy were great and I had a phenomenal time taking these photos. It’s amazing how much visibly better a photograph turns out when the subject is genuinely enjoying themselves, that’s one of the reasons you pay the big bucks for a shoot with a good photographer.

Have a great Thursday.


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?

M:PT 2012 Challenges

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

Welcome back to another Looks of the Week post, personally, my favorite way to finish up a Monday.

How fabulous is he? I love everything from the umbrella and pocket square to the cut and color, to the black tie and suspenders. Just perfect!

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It can be hard to wear one color all over without looking like you’re trying to hard to having the hues not quiiite match up properly. This neutrals short outfit is a great example of how to make it work though, she looks put together and chic, but relaxed.

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I really enjoy mod-inspired fashions and this is a great great modern day example. She looks chic and well put together. Love!

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So. Cute. If you’re scared of trying out the peplum trend, a black skirt version like this one is a great choice to ease you into it. The highlight of this looks for me though is the Romwe Spiked Headband. Amazing.

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This is a great example of how a simple dress can be styled into something even better. She adds an adorable patterned blazer and gorgeous neutral colored accessories and takes this from basic to perfect LA style.

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This layering look is great. I love the slouchy sweater paired with short-shots, it creates a fun, unique silhouette.

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There’s a great retro vibe here and that’s part of what really caught my attention. I also adore the layering that’s going on. The button down, plus a collared button-up sweater, and finally the fabulous Jack London jacket. Well done!

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Wide leg pants can be incredibly chic and Zina’s look is perfection. The silhouette is flattering and the accessories are fabulous.

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So what’s your favorite look here?


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???

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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.

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One piece can totally make a look and this is a fabulous example. This goal is absolutely to DIE for!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Not sure about vests boys? This is a great example of how to pull one off and look really put together in the process.

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Summer chic at it’s finest. Crisp white, some splashes of color, and a some skin!

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What a fun, sassy look. I love the 70’s inspired jumpsuit – Too cute.

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Do these pictures motivate you to be more creative with your fashion choices?


Veuve Anyone?

This weekend was beautiful and there were all sorts of fun summer events on the docket for the important and fashionable to attend, including the Fifth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

And the stars were definitely out.

There were Hollywood A-listers like host Clive Owen, top models like Jessica Stam, Hilary Rhoda, and Coco Rocha, fashion insiders like Rachel Zoe, Derek Blasberg, and Poppy Delevingne, and even athletes joined the festivities this weekend.

Love the black & white looks – Whether its patterns or just black & white separates, it’s a great way to up the chicness of a look.

How sweet is this look? Pretty pink petal skirt and some killer red lips, Miss Coco knows just what she’s doing.

Hot stuff! Black leather short are tough tough tough to pull off. Might be best to leave it up to the experts!

This pleated peach maxi is pretty cute, but it was Olivia’s giant gold pendant that really got my attention. That and her date’s adorable suit.

I love a white linen suit in summer. Tres chic!

Um… Love! How great is this? From the gorgeous printed maxi dress (Rachel Zoe Collection – but of course) to the umbrella to the great 70’s style floppy hat.

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Inspired? You can check out some of the great looks from last year’s event here – Including Jaime King and Selma Blair enjoying the sunshine.


Looks of the Week

Happy Monday!

What better way to start a week off than some great sartorial inspiration? It always gives me a little lift when I see well-put together outfits, it also motivates me to put in some added effort when it comes to my personal style choices.

What about you? If you see some great looks does it motivate you to be more creative when you’re putting together and styling your daily outfits?

 

This is a great example of on of my favorite ways of putting together an outfit – Camille Over The Rainbow is a master of high-low dressing. Zara, Asos, and H&M pieces paired seamlessly with a gorgeous Celine handbag.

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This is just stunning. I love the unique combination of dramatic animal prints, reptilian leggings, and the sheer fabric of the blouse. It is certainly eye-catching!

She’s also carrying the Celine bag that seems to be the It Bag for Spring/Summer 2012 and which I’ve been drooling over for months. It’s a great choice because it’s large enough to tote around your must have’s but not so big that you’re carrying around all of your belongings. I’ve also been seeing it mostly in versatile neutral colors – white, tan, brown, and deep wine red – and this is such a classic style and shape that you know a neutral in this bag will be useable every season until the end of time!

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I love everything about this look – From the cute black & white patterned day dress to the fringed cross-body bag to the adorable black framed glasses. The perfect outfit for a low-key day when you still want to look cute.

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I’ve always admired Eva’s street style, she’s got a look that’s very much her own – ladylike with a unique twist, like her blue sunglasses here. This is a really cute sundress in a flattering pattern and length, a great look for warm Summer days.

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If you’re going to go for an all-black outfit take a cue from model Daiane and keep your look interesting with a statement necklace and a great bag. Accessories can do wonders!

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A standout jacket is a great way to finish off a look. Even in summer you can throw on a lightweight coat, like this gorgeous Kenzo version, and you’re ready for anything!

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Could this look scream Summer more? It’s bright, fun, and a little bit sassy. I’m a sucker for shirtdresses and I really love her choice of accessories, that large envelope clutch is divine.

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If hippie’s not your style but you’re planning to head to music festivals this is a great look to aspire to – ladylike chic. A trench will still be classic whether you choose pale pink or powder blue, so you can choose whatever color suits you best. P.S. LOVE those cat flats.

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Sexy Summer whites! Whites are a great way to stay cool in the Summer, night or day. Throw on some great separates and grab a sleek clutch like this gorgeous patent leather version and you’re good to go.

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I really like both of these dresses. Some actresses promoting a movie with a younger co-star would feel pressure to wear clothing that’s too “young” for them, but like Elizabeth Banks did at all of the Hunger Games premieres, Charlize Theron kept it classy and age-appropriate. And I love Kristen’s belted BCBG dress!

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So tell me, what has been your favorite trend this Spring? What have you not been able to stop wearing or daydreaming about lately?


Looks of the Week

How was everyone’s weekend? Did you have a good Mother’s Day? While I didn’t get to see my mother yesterday, I did get a chance to spend some time with my boyfriend’s mother and his sister who just gave birth to her third daughter two weeks ago. Quite the family day!

But today we’re here to discuss street style. Here in San Francisco it regularly goes from bright, sunny, and stunningly warm to foggy and rainy in 12 hours, so there’s no way to dress consistently during the Spring and Summer, it’s all about layering and keeping a sweater or umbrella in your bag. Here are some looks that run the gamut in terms of skin coverage so hopefully no matter where you are in the world there’s a look that you can emulate, enjoy!

I’m MAD about this look. A fabulous retro-inspired dress in a fun, eye-catching print is a great way to go. And those floral sunglasses are the icing on the fabulous cake!

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I love love love how she paired a flowy, hippie-style maxi dress with a cropped leather jacket, it gives it an edge. Biker Chick Chic!

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Olivia’s low key floral frock is perfect for Summer weddings this season. It’s flattering and pretty, and can easily go from day to night with the right jewelry and heels. She wears it perfectly here with ankle strap Boutique 9 heels.

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Just wow. Gorgeous color against her skin, unique dress with beautiful embellishments, and great, great accessories.

Gorgeous – Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Satin Knot Clutch

SEXY – She spices up her look with hot pumps – Brian Atwood ‘Claudia Bis’ Platform Pumps

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And if you’re as big a fan of Miss Zoe as I am, check out The Frugal Fashionista’s breakdown of some of her best outfits over the years. Tres chic!

zoe saldana whole foods, zoe saldana style, zoe saldana the conversation

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Interested in trying out the printed jeans trend? This is a great, subtle way to work the trend without getting too overwhelmed. Love that she paired the high-impact pants with a simple T.

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Too cuter! I love the retro patterned shorts paired with the chic gold polka-dotted blouse. That adorable mint green Prada bag is the perfect finishing touch!

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I LOVE this look. The mixing of the retro prints is just too cute. She looks like a chic Amy Winehouse!

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Want to try a new spin on an old class? Spice up your Little Black Dress this Spring and take Brooklyn Decker, Be Frassy’s Audrey Rogers, or model Anne V as your inspiration.

You can keep it classy in a knee-length dress, but it doesn’t have to be boring, you can easily find one with fun embellishments and details that will make you stand out in a crowd.

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Sexy sheer lace can be taken to the next level with a fun flared skirt. Some kick @$$ bright pumps are the perfect finishing touch.

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A jersey dress is a great way to stay cool as the temperature rises, and Anne V shows us here that you don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of glamour if you go with a demure hemline. Wow!

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And if you’re still dying for more street style, check out these best dressed round ups – Vogue UK and Mr. Blasberg’s Best-Dressed List for Harper’s Bazaar.

Have a great night!


A Week In Pictures

The past week has been pretty amazing. I got to spend two nights with my parents, we made them dinner at the apartment one night and went out to a restaurant on Washington Square Park the next. My childhood friend Sophie got married in a perfect Bay Area ceremony last Saturday, wearing a gorgeous dress with a beautiful retro veil. I got to spend six whole days with my long distance boyfriend, a rarity outside of vacations and trips. And I got to attend the Raise The Macallan Scotch tasting event down on Van Ness.

Oh, and I ate. A lot!

Enjoy the pictures.

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P.S. I made a killer kale salad and some delicious sweet potatoes, and I’ll share the recipes soon. (Obviously chicken & tri tip plates are Sean’s!)

Have a great Saturday and enjoy spending time with your families this weekend!


Blazing For Spring

In addition to my stripe obsession for Spring 2012, I’m also really feeling the bright blazer trend for this season (Spring 2012 Trends: What You Should Wear). There are some great versions out there, that I’ve seen in stores, in the pages of magazines, on blogs, walking down the street. From patterned and striped blazers perfect for updating a monochromatic look to denim or seersucker perfect for staying cool, there are more choices than even I can stock my closet with!

Brights:

A bright blazer can take an outfit from basic to anything but, so check out these women in their colored blazers and follow their lead – From classic navy to one-of-a-kind bright and bold colors.

Elisa embraces not only the floral trend for Spring, but takes her look to the next level by pairing her Dries Van Noten dress with a navy boyfriend blazer. J’aime!

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Atlantic-Pacific is a vision in red, white, & blue. This is such a great, well put together look. The stripes look great with the red blazer and the bag brings everything together perfectly.

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Not only is this a fun, flattering pink, the rolled sleeves are too cute – I love the visible striped cuffs.

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This look is simple, but terribly chic. Basic maxi dress, blue boyfriend blazer, and one hell of a statement necklace. Add a personal touch or two, like rolling your sleeves up, and you’re good to go!

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Prints & Patterns:

Feeling feisty? Why not pair a not-so-basic blazer with your outfit to spice things up sartorially? Bold patterns and prints are a great way to make your blazer unique this Spring and Summer.

Mad for plaid? This look is anything but boring with a plaid blazer being paired with denim cut-off shorts and a patterned pussy bow blouse.

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I love polka dots and Liu Wen shows us just how to wear a fun, bold blazer in a low-key manner. She keeps the rest of her outfit basic and lets the blazer take center stage.

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Such a cute, fresh look for Spring. Why not add a little floral to your life like Jules?

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Stripes are a great way to go, and they can be amped up in a variety of different ways. Miss Knowles shows us just how to make a blazer nightlife appropriate in Gucci Gucci Gucci.

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Summer Loving:

Not quite sure how to work a blazer into your warm-weather outfits? Check out how these ladies make a blazer work for them – paired with shorts, slim pants, and minis to keep you cool.

Kate King pairs her short-shorts with a navy single-button blazer for a great Summer look.

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What says summer better than splashes of bright colors? Skip the little sun dress and try bright skinnies and a fun colored blazer!

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A chic little blazer over a mini dress is the perfect way to deal with a breezy day. Or you can roll up the sleeves & pair with sandals on a warm day!

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A brightly colored floral blazer with a sundress is a great way to stay and look cool!

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White Hot:

If brights and stand-out prints aren’t your style, why not go for sleek 70’s elegance and glamour? Channel Bianca Jaggar, Halston, and Yves Saint Laurent in white blazers.

This white boyfriend blazer with the rolled sleeves is a little bit Miami Vice and a little bit Diane Keaton, and works quite well with her slouchy rolled pants and paisley blouse.

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A white blazer (or white suit) is SUCH a statement look. Modern. Sharp. Smart. Fashionable.

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This black, white, and red combo really makes her white blazer pop. This is a great example of a look that could easily go from day to night, just switch up the accessories and keep that white blazer on!

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A white blazer doesn’t have to be boring, Be Frassy spices up her look with a neon top, statement jewelry, and fun platform sandals.

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So what do you think? Are you ready to spice up your blazer collection and try something new and exciting for Spring/Summer 2012?


Looks of the Week

How’s everyone’s week going? Between the 2012 Kentucky Derby and the fashion Olympics – otherwise known as the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala – earlier this week, I’m more than ready to enjoy some casual street style looks.

I love everything about this look! I adore the ornate sleeves of the boxy cropped jacket, I like that she wore  powder blue pants rather than standard jeans, and the necklace is gorgeous. Oh, and that bag. Wow.

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This is the perfect example of a transition outfit. It’s starting to get warmer but you can’t quite run around in shorts and a tank yet, so add tights and pair your adorable shorts with a pretty printed blouse.

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LOVE his suit. The patterns and mixture of colors are parfait! Yes, Miss Emma looks adorable here too, but as he should, Mr. Blasberg is the standout at his book fete!

Hey there sexy lady! I guess you know if you’re going to do Gucci from head-to-toe you’ll end up with a dramatic, eye-catching look.

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I love the laid back but chic style of this look. The flowy, hippie-inspired shirt paired with cropped boyfriend jeans is a great combination, and those cobalt blue pumps are divine.

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Such a great, relaxed Summer look. The tooled leather fanny pack is an interesting choice and I like the end result.

Are you fan of chambray? Check out Eatbreathfashion.com‘s tribute.

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I love it when guys give a little effort on the RC. Something interesting. Something different. The cookie-cutter black suit is a no-no as far as I’m concerned. This? This however is perfect. Well played Harry!

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Street Style @ Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012:

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Just wow. Great color combination, great proportions, great mixture of fabrics and textures.

Not sure how to wear Summer White? This picture is practically a How-To. Gorgeous, head to toe!

Do you have a cute printed blouse that you love? You can keep wearing it all summer, just tuck it into a mini skirt or shorts!

I love how she took really basic pieces and put together a stand-out look. White cotton shorts & a T with a gorgeous bag and beautiful printed robe. J’adore!

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This is an interesting, dramatic look. The basic black on the bottom is overpowered (in a good way) by the brightly colored shirt with the asymmetrical hem and the too cute leather jacket & Mulberry bag combo. Well done!

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It takes serious sartorial skills to wear floral pants or to mix patterns, and Perventina does a great job on both accounts. At the same time. Wow.

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Let’s finish up with some red carpet glamour.

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This is basically a tutorial on how to rock a chic mini on your next night out on the town. Courtesy of our fashion fairy godmothers Gwyneth, Coco, Diane, and Kate.

Perfection! Flattering fit. Flattering color.

Love love love! She did a great job styling this, I love the mix n’ match polka dots with the striped clutch. Too cute.

Chic, sleek, sexy. What more do you need for a night out?

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Dramatic & eye-catching. As a model Coco really knows how to make a look work for her.

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Have a great night!


If You Like Stripes & You Know It Clap Your Hands – Clap Clap

As this Spring has progressed I’ve found myself pining over and adding more and more outfits containing striped pieces to my Looks of the Week posts.

I have to make a confession, I love stripes. Love.

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Without a doubt, stripes are my favorite pattern. They’re my go-to when basic black is out of the question. I love adding a striped piece or two to an outfit to make it standout or to make it more distinctly me. And luckily, they’re always “in” during this season.

Whether you go nautical, classic, or dramatic and eye-catching, work some stripes into your wardrobe this Spring and Summer.

Dresses & Skirts:

Wearing a striped dress or skirt gives you a great starting place for your outfit, from there you can pile on layers of solids or even other stripes. You can make your look all black & white, you can add some color, you can keep it traditional and demure. The sky is the limit.

I really like how this dress mixes directionally different black & white stripes, it gives the dress an interesting and eye-catching quality that basic stripes wouldn’t have. I also love that she paired a cargo pocket Anorak with a chic work-style dress. It’s a great juxtaposition.

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A flowy maxi dress is a relaxed but chic way to stay cool. This particular dress is especially cute since it incorporates the trends of brights and pleats for Spring.

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A striped maxi skirt is a great option and I like the business style double-breasted blazer and the white Oxfords she paired with this, it’s a unique one-of-a-kind look.

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A knit dress is perfect for warmer weather, as are the flats, sunnies & day clutch she added to her look. Cute & comfortable, what more could a girl ask for?

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Jackets & Coats:

I really love striped outerwear, for both men and women. It’s a stylish way to top off an outfit and give it that great final touch, or you could even wear a fabulous striped coat as a dress!

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Amazing! I love love love this coat. If you click on source below you can see some other looks that Atlantic-Pacific put together using this gorgeous J.Crew coat. This is the perfect standout piece, everyone should have a great statement coat like this in their repertoire.

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This is a great striped jacket & shorts suit, absolutely to die for. And I love that she paired the black & white stripes with red & white polka dot platforms. Great finishing touch!

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Truth be told, when I saw this Tinley Road blazer I immediately went online and ordered one for myself. 🙂 Enough said.

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I seriously can’t get over these coats, they’re all so cute, so chic. I want one of each please!

Basics:

Adding a single striped piece to your look – for example a basic sweater or a pair of pants – is another great option. For those of you who are pattern-phobic wearing a single striped tank under your jacket or a cute pair of striped short-shorts with your T is going to be easier than wearing stripes head-to-toe. It gives you a chance to ease into it gradually.

This is the perfect type of blouse for summer, the fabric is lightweight and the fit is relaxed. You could easily pair this with shorts, jeans, or even a mini skirt, and stay cool all Summer long.

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Seriously chic! I loved these pants from the moment that I saw them. They’re eye-catching and dramatic, but the look is still somehow relaxed and laid-back.

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I also raved about Taylor Tomasi-Hill’s personal style here, during Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012.

Such a great, chic look. A basic striped sweated styled with great accessories that make the look anything but basic. The Glamourai doesn’t let the fact that she’s wearing stripes keep her from experimenting with other fabrics, textures, and prints.

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This is a great look if you’re more of a tomboy than a girlie-girl. Its well put together and fashionable, without being over the top. You could easily switch out her mini satchel for a messenger bag or cross-body bag too, which would make it even more laid-back.

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Brights:

In the mood for something colorful this season? Brightly colored stripes are a great way to add a splash to your outfits. Whether it’s a sweater or a scarf or a bag, fun striped pieces are a good way to make a look wholly your own.

Not only is she rocking that striped sweater like no body’s business, she’s right on trend with her bright red cropped pants. Too cute!

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This adorable striped top showcases the versatility of stripes. Stripes & florals? No problem!

You can see more great looks from Miss Jones here, I raved about her fresh new style a few months ago when she was making the red carpet rounds.

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I like that she didn’t try to match her jacket to her stripes here – The contrasting colors are bold and fun.

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You can even pull stripes in with your accessories – A pice like this amazing neon necklace will add a much-needed shot of color to your looks for Spring.

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And if you’re in the City by the Bay with me you’ll probably get a kick out of this piece from Refinery 29 on stripy San Francisco blogger fashion!

how to wear stripeshow to wear stripes

6 Girls, 1 Look: S.F.’s Blogger Babes Show Us How To Rock Stripes!

So tell me the truth, are you ready to rock some stripes?


Links You’ll Love

Health/Fitness:

Did you watch the recent 60 Minutes piece Is Sugar Toxic? Raise your hand if that guy scared you a little! I consider myself very well-informed when it comes to health and nutrition, and I don’t consume much sugar, but that guy was still creepy intense. Doesn’t mean the message was wrong though, to be sure, let’s just try to hear it from a different, more palatable source. The Difference in How Fructose and Glucose Affect Your Body from Kimberly Snyder, Do We Need Better Advice About Eating Well? I Vote Yes from Marion Nestle, and The Sugar Blockers Diet from Prevention.com.

Need some healthy snack ideas? Obviously you should reach for fresh fruit & veggies, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit before anything packages & processed, but sometimes you just need to throw something in your purse or keep in your desk in case of a snacking emergency. Check out the Hungry Hungry Hippie‘s suggestions or my Lollihop review. I’ll also be reviewing my Healthy Surprise box soon!

Are you a fan of yoga? Since I’m going through physical therapy for a back injury and trying to strengthen my core and stay flexible, I’m going to give it another try. Here are some beginner and not-so-beginner yoga sessions to give a try:

Did you enjoy Part I and Part II of the Mark’s Daily Apple series called Why Fast? that I posted here? The next installment in this series is a great beginners guide to fasting – Why Fast? Part Six – Choosing a Method.

Healthy motivation to start your week off right tomorrow! 4 Great Ways To Use Chia Seeds from Canadian Living, professional triathlete and author Brendan Brazier’s favorite ingredientsfrom leafy greens to pseudograins, seeds and nuts, and In Defense of Fat: 7 Surprising Facts from The Huffington Post.

 

Fashion:

As we get ready for Spring why not take inspiration from the Aussie’s who are finishing up their warm weather dressing – Sydney Snaps: Street Style From Down Under.

I read lots of pieces on how to be a good hostess – from menus to glasses to centerpieces, but I was excited to read this article from Apartment Therapy on Hosting Overnight Guests Without A Guestroom. San Francisco is a city of apartment living and when a one bedroom is usually over $2000 a month, most people don’t have an unused bedroom, so this is incredibly relevant!

Nothing but fabulousness from the arrivals at the Gucci Fashion Show After-Party in Shanghai. If you need inspiration for a night out on the town these ladies are a great place to start!

A great look for Spring is a crisp button down shirt. You can pair it with cropped pants, a pleated mini, over a flowy maxi dress or even tucked into jeans. And why not mix up the classic white button down and try a Chambray shirt. Do A Little Chambray! from Eat Breath Fashion.

Whether you’re breaking out your Spring dresses for weekends or planning a shopping trip for your Summer wedding season, take inspiration from FabSugar’s Ultimate Spring Dress Guide!


Versatile Blogger Award

I’m delighted to announce that Style Connect Au has done me the honor of including Moi Contre La Vie in her Versatile Blogger Award list. It’s such a compliment to be included and I’m thrilled to participate in nominating some others for this award so that I can share a handful of the blogs that I’ve recently discovered with you.

 

The guidelines for this game are as follows:

  • Thank the person that nominated you with a link back
  • Share 7 facts about yourself
  • Pass this on to 10 newly discovered blogs and let them know they’ve received the award

 

Here are 7 things you may not know about me:

  1. I’ve lived in six cities: Los Gatos, Morristown, Sacramento, Berkeley, Rome & San Francisco.
  2. I was a springboard diver in high school and college.
  3. Over the years I’ve studied Spanish, Italian, French, Greek, and Latin.
  4. My first exposure to fashion was when I lived in Rome, I was a tomboy when I moved to Italy and came back with perfume, high heels, purses, and a brand new suitcase big enough for a person to fit in it, stuffed full of clothes. I still have some of them!
  5. When I left Berkeley I wanted to go straight to graduate school to get my PhD but my mom talked me into giving the working world a try, and my little detour has lasted 6 years. So far.
  6. I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I’ve started dozens of novels since I was a teenager.
  7. I’m hopeless, and I mean hopeless, when it comes to technology. Computers turn off when they see me coming & phones run away screaming. I’m still in awe that I’ve somehow managed to start a blog. 🙂

 

And in true chain-email style I’m nominating the following 10 fashion blogs for my Versatile Blogger award:

[1.] Altamira: Models Off Duty is one of the best resources for street style photographs of models that I’ve ever found. Photographer Craig Arend always gets the best pictures – everything from the girls rushing from show-to-show during Fashion Week to candid backstage shots to random encounters on the street. 

[2.]  Cristina’s Blog (formerly known as My Dress, My High Heels, My Style) – If you want beautiful, up-to-date pictures of celebs on the red carpet and fashion trends this is the site for you. It has a clean, user-friendly layout and is updated frequently. No muss, no fuss.

[3.] Who Do I Wear? Is a Tumblr-style blog full of street style snaps from all different kinds of blogs. It’s a truly great collection of pictures and I’m inspired to up my game style-wise whenever I take a peak at the site.

[4.] I follow Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon on Twitter as well as subscribe to her blog. Not only does she post gorgeous daily outfits that inspire me to get out of my comfort zone, she also shares gorgeous photos of Southern California, floral arrangements she puts together, and fun events, photo shoots, store openings, dinners and line launches that she attends.

[5.] I recently discovered Sincerely Jules and was blown away by her originality. From her ombre hair to her funky, fun mix n’ match outfits to her quirky and covetable accessories, she’s truly one of a kind in the blogging world.

[6.] Swiss blogger Kristina Bazan’s site Kayture is where she shares her daily looks, photographed by her boyfriend. Her personal style is fun and well-put together, and has a great international flavor to it.

[7.] Photographer Vanessa Jackman has a great eponymous-titled street style blog where she shares pictures that she’s taken all over the world. I loved her coverage of the Fall 2012 fashion weeks, she did a wonderful job capturing models, editors, and bloggers in New York and Paris.

[8.] Ring My Bell is where actress & fashion  blogger Ashley Madekwe shares shots of the colorful and fun outfits that she puts together, usually a couple of times a month.

[9.] LA-based Marie Hindkær Andersen’s personal style, as shown on her blog Blame It On Fashion, really shows off her Scandinavian roots. I love the fresh prints, clean lines, and gorgeous colors that she’s able to work into her outfits. She also has a envy-inducing collection of accessories, from jewelry and handbags, to shoes and belts.  

[10.] Andy from Style Scrapbook is a Mexican-born fashion lover and stylist who has moved to Amsterdam and is documenting her fashion choices, videos, adventures, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Her looks are bold, accessible, and real. She reminds me of the cooler big sister that you always looked up to and tried to emulate.

 

Thank you again to Style Connect AU for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award, I’m excited to have had a chance to give you guys some new blogs to check out, enjoy! 🙂


Looks of the Week

I always give a little sigh of relief when all of the Fashion Weeks are over – There’s a lot to keep up with, a lot going on, lots of photos to try to find and websites to link and models to track down… It’s pretty exhausting even from a distance, I can’t imagine actually being there! 

So, to celebrate the end of a month of fashion here’s a Looks of the Week post filled with fabulous, relatable styles that we mere mortals can emulate.

Such a great, easy look. A chic black pantsuit is a great alternative to a cocktail dress. Though most of us aren't running around in Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012 pieces. Unfortunately...

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Stacy Keibler rocked a stunning blue Asos dress that showed off just a hint of skin. This is a great cocktail frock because the longer hemline offsets the flash of midriff to keep it on the classy side.

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This is a great mens coat. I love the contrasting belt, faux fur collar & double-breasted buttons. Not a huge fan of facial hair or short pants on men though...

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I'm still in full coat mode and I love that this is a lighter version, more of a "preparing for Spring" type coat than a winter coat.

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Late Afternoon has a knack for pairing pieces you might not guess would look phenomenal together. Yellow jeans, a white lace top and a floral midriff baring top? Perfection! Spring anyone?

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In the mood for florals to get a jump on Spring? Check out Modelinia’s Model Style File: Flirty Florals.

Does it get more chic than this? Cropped black skinnies, pointy-toed pumps and a black leather motorcycle jacket. Fabulous.

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Wow. I mean. Just wow. It can be hard to pull off the menswear inspired suit on the red carpet, and trying to spice it up with a little sexiness can fail. But Miss Evan Rachel Wood knows how to do it right. Love the shoes paired with the Jason Wu suit.

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So chic! Taylor Tomasi-Hill looked phenomenal in polka dots, wide leg pants and a great belt in Milan.

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This is hardly a typical mini skirt look - I like sequined collar on the bright red blouse and the fun zipper clutch. They both keep it far from boring.

Source Want to try a great polka dot look? Eat, Breath, Fashion has some inspiration & ideas on finding the perfect look. Or you can check out the MCLV Style File on Olivia Palmero‘s polka dot skirt! 

Stay tuned this week for summaries from the Fall 2012 Paris Fashion Week shows, the front row looks and a very special Moi Contre La Vie giveaway.


MCLV’s Style File – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Miranda Kerr

Recently Victoria’s Secret models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Miranda Kerr both stepped out in slim black pants, a loose, hippie-licious cream blouse and pointy-toed heels. What’s great about this outfit is that its chic and put together, but simple and easy to recreate on your own.
Enjoy a breakdown of the two similar outfits, both parfait pour this fall!
{Miss Rosie Huntington-Whitely}
{Mrs. Orlando Bloom}
Whether you want to go for a relaxed, bohemian silhouette, an eye-catching patterned fabric, or keep your top casual you can find a way to get this look to work for your own personal style.
{Top Left: Ruffle Collar Blouse – $55 @ Asos.com, Top Center: Silk charmeuse blouse – $70 (on sale) @ J Jill & Top Right: Haute Hippie Bib Blouse – $300 @ Shopbop.com. Bottom Left: D&G Cream Butterfly Print Silk Chiffon blouse – $150 @ Bluefly & Bottom Right: Ruched Back Pussybow Blouse – $55 @ Asos.com}
For pants that are a similar styles to those pictured above you could either go for nighttime glam like Rosie and try out some faux leather pants, or daytime chic like Miranda and try out some ankle-length leggings or slim denim pants.

{Left to Right: Bright Denim Skinny Jean – $60 @ NY&Co, Shiny Faux Leather Skinny Trousers – $70 @ TopShop, Current/Elliott Skinny Twill Cargo Pants – $90 (on sale) @ Neiman Marcus & 901 Legging – $170 @ JBrand}

And what brings both of these looks together? The sleek and dramatic patent leather pointy-toe pumps that both ladies chose when they put together their outfits.

{Top Left: AK Anne Klien 7Crista in Red Patent – $50 @ 6pm.com, Top Right: Dina Snake-embossed Pumps – $75 (on sale) @ Talbots.com, Bottom Left: Tahari Seude Pointy-Toe Pumps – $55 (on sale) @ Lord & Taylor & Bottom Right: Roberto Festa Lizzie Patent Slingback – $110 (on sale) @ footnotesonline.com}
Depending on what time of day you’re rocking this look or where you’re headed, I would adjust the accessories accordingly. To mimic Miranda’s relaxed and low-key style for a day of errands you could try adding a pashmina (large scarf) and some killer shades to the basics that you already put together above.
{Top Left: Woven Fringe Scarf – $40 @ Ralph Lauren, Top Right: Cream Fluffy Snood – $25 @ TopShop, Bottom Left: Ray-Ban Large Classic Wayfarer – $145 @ Piperlime & Bottom Right: Fantas-Eyes Women’s Old School Resin Sunglasses – $30 @ Endless.com}
If you’re planning a night out on the town or have a girls night out coming up you can channel Rosie’s bombshell take on this look and dress your outfit up with a flashy clutch, blingy cocktail ring, and bright red lips.
{Top Left: BCBGeneration Devan Convertible Clutch – $60 @ Dillards, Top Right: Felix Rey Superstar Wristlet – $110 @ Endless.com, Center: Rouge Coco Lipshine – $35 @ Cusp, Bottom Left: RACHEL Rachel Roy Cluster Cocktail Ring – $45 @ Macy’s & Bottom Right: Lisa Stewart Oval Cocktail Ring – $55 @ Pink Mascara}
What do you think of these looks? Do you enjoy the well-chosen basics that these ladies picked out and the individual way that they each made the look their own?
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
 
If you have a look that you’d like to get a breakdown for feel free to email me.

Reader Request: Age-Appropriate Fashion

I recently received the following cry for help: “Age-appropriate fashion: Does it/should it exist, what is it, when do we accept it, and what’s a healthy balance? I am having a fashion crisis!”

I’m here for you Laur, let’s get started!

First, I’d like to say that in my book there are very few hard and fast fashion rules, one of the things that I love about fashion is that it is an expression of who you are, a creative outlet. How can art have rules?

That being said, there are definitely some basic Do’s & Don’ts to keep in mind as you grow up and your style evolves. You don’t want to look dowdy and matronly at a young age and you don’t want to dress like your daughter once you’re, you know, old enough to have a daughter. There’s a happy medium to be found, but its going to be a little different for everyone.

One of my favorite magazines of all times is Harper’s Bazaar which contains a monthly segment called Fabulous at Every Age which features clothing and accessories, as well as a fashionable style icon, for each of the age brackets. I love this idea in theory, though sometimes I think they’re a bit too rigid in their rules. Yes, shorter hemlines, innovative fashion designs and tons of color are the hallmarks of youth, but as someone in their 20’s who prefers classic, structured pieces, I’m frequently drawn to the clothing and accessories picked out for women in their 30’s and 40’s. This led me to realize, early on in my personal style evolution, that I was never going to be one of those girls who followed the trends, or what magazines suggested, to the letter. I was going to take a little of what I wanted from everything that inspired me.

And that, my dear readers, is what I recommend for you all.

When Laur, who I might add is a psychology graduate student, approached me with this question it was about more than simply fashion. Her question was based on how a person’s inner self is expressed by what they choose to wear, how that evolves over time and how that is an outward reflection of their personal development. As a long time fan of the punk/rocker uniform of skinny jeans, converse and cute T’s, she was surprised to find that more “traditional” clothing are appealing to her now as she approaches 30. While I’m not here to answer the “what does this all mean” side of this question, I can offer some tip, ideas and inspiration for entering into a new fashion realm of grown up clothes. This is a common transition for women in their 20’s 7 30’s, they’re leaving school, getting jobs, starting serious relationships… Lots of change, lots of maturing, and lots of room for growth & experimentation sartorially.

Stay in your comfort zone:

Going from Chucks & torn jeans to floral tea-length dresses in a week would probably cause most people to slip into shock. The key is to find a way to shift your style to a look with more classic undertones without losing yourself or being uncomfortable in your own clothes. Used to skinnies and tennis shoes? Try slim Capri pants with a t-shirt and ballet flats a la Jackie O. You’ll be sticking with a tried and true silhouette that you’re comfortable in and that suits your figure (Laur, for example, is slim & petite) but making it more chic and a little more grown up.

Jackie O Style

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Left: Elbow Sleeve Nautical Stripe T - $75 ($40 on sale) @ Lacoste, Center: AK Anne Klein Twill Slim Capri Pant - $30 (on sale) @ Anne Klein & Right: Buckle love ballet flats - $100 (on sale) @ Jcrew.com

Update Slowly:

A good wardrobe takes YEARS to put together (unless you have access to a trust fund and are on a first name basis with designers of course) so don’t panic if you don’t have everything that you need or want right this instant. Start by added the basics in a “you” inspired style. A blazer, a button down, good black pants, jeans etc (see Real Girls Need Real Closets & Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition). Another good way to update your look is to add stripes, the right striped piece or accessory can add a chic touch to an outfit without making you feel completely out of your element – which something like florals could.

Aqua Horizontal Stripe Prepster Scarf - $50 @ Bloomingdale's

River Island Vertical Stripe Midi Tube Skirt - $35 ! Asos.com

French Connection Toulouse Stripe Tee - $50 @ Bloomingdale's

Remember – Age is juuust a number:

Don’t panic at the thought of having to throw away your motorcycle boots or never rocking a mini again. While you should keep your age and audience in mind while you’re shopping, there’s also no need to panic about absolutes. Where there’s will, there’s a way!

Do you love the low-key, punk look that Avril Lavigne has made famous? Try upgrading to a more refined, menswear-inspired look. Le smoking Suits, button downs, slacks, smoking flats, loafers… These can keep you in relaxed, effortless looking clothing, but allow you to express yourself in a more mature way than you can with pink hair and high tops.

Look for inspiration in the right places:

If you’re concerned about looking like you’re trying too hard or worried your look is too “young” I would turn to the masters for inspiration. We are lucky that not all of popular and famous celebrities are teeny boppers. There are some truly talented women out there who are stunning examples of how to age well. They know how to take care of their bodies and how to dress in a stylish, modern way, without looking like they’re competing with the girls who play their daughters on the big screen. Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchet, Tilda Swinton, Annette Benning, Helen Mirren, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Marisa Tomei, Uma Thurman, Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda, Sandra Bullock… The list goes on and on. I mean, remember Jamie Lee Curtis’s little black dress in True Lies? She was 100% woman and 100% sexy. So when you’re looking for fashion inspiration, look to these beautiful ladies, not the cast of 90210, and you’ll rarely be led astray.

Jane Fonda shot by Harper's Bazaar at the amfAR Cinema Against Aids benefit

I’m not here to give you rules, just some ideas for how to approach your transformation. Should you never show mid-thigh or cleavage after a specific age? Certainly not! Jennifer Lopez’s Versace at the Grammy’s was shocking and unexpected, but we’re still talking about it all these years later so it clearly made an impact. And that’s what I want to leave you with. You want to be memorable and fashionable, you don’t want to leave people wondering what was she thinking? So find your personal style, update it and go for the occasional high-impact, statement look. And when in doubt, mix in some more timeless pieces with your regular wardrobe for a modern mix. A tailored blazer with a sequined mini and tights or a conservative suit sans blouse with statement jewelry.

Keep it interesting, keep it chic.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with other Reader Requests, I live to serve. 🙂

Fashion Crushes

 

 

When I think about fashionable and memorable looks that I’ve enjoyed recently two individuals immediately come to mind – Red carpet darling Zoe Saldana and Michael Fassbender. Does the latter not sound familiar? Perhaps you know him as Magneto from the recent X-Men First Class – I saw the movie in theaters months ago and am still thinking about his wardrobe!

Zoe Saldana:

What I adore about Zoe’s style is her ability to mix pieces and she’s a master of the high-low, which make her looks much more accessible to those of us not making millions per picture. Thanks Zoe! Another thing she’s fabulous at? Accessorizing! She always has gorgeous jewelry, enviable shoes, and to die for bags, whether she’s on the red carpet or running errands on her days off.

{Not only is the color phenomenal on her, the lace back and sweet accessories pull the look together perfectly! The floral earrings might seem over-the-top on some, but she makes them look stylish.}

{A little black dress is anything but boring when Zoe gets her hands on it. This Barbara Bui mini is sleek, sexy & fun and those Balenciaga heels are to DIE FOR.}

{This Express dress was all the rage last summer but I loved the way Zoe made this dress totally her own by belting it and adding a chic cross-body bag.}

{Only Zoe could make this Balenciaga shorts suit looks so chic – I love that she paired the printed, embellished suit with a basic white tee. The red carpet never looked better!}

Michael Fassbender:

Boys – The costume designer for this latest installment in the X-Men franchise, Sammy Sheldon, is an utter genius! Not only are these clothes gorgeous and tailored to perfection, they’re right on trend for this fall. In case you’ve been sleeping all summer, Mad Men is all the rage – See Banana Republic’s Mad Men-inspired collection here and I promise you wont be disappointed.

Please proceed for some much deserved eye candy and menswear fashion porn.

{This linen suit is the perfect Summer look paired with a white collared shirt – It couldn’t be further from the stiff formality of the white suit made infamous by Mark Twain or Colonel Sanders – And evokes hot Summer nights is Havana!}

Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Caleb Landry Jones, Jennifer Lawrence and Rose Byrne

{Turtle necks can be a great layering tool during the Fall & Winter, as can a chic leather jacket. Invest is both!}

{Retro sunglasses are always going to be in style – Find the shape that suits you best and stick to it!}

I can’t be the only one who saw X-Men and immediately wanted to take my boyfriend shopping, right? I mean, the actor is cute enough, but those turtle necks and three pieces suits – Swoon!

Who are your fashion crushes? Is there someone who you always looked to for fashion inspiration over the years or who helped your personal style evolve?