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

Posts tagged “Summer style

Voyage To Marrakech

A big Thank You to The Factory and The Evans Group for the unbelievable trip to Marrakech last week – Who knew that in the streets of SOMA you could escape to the market stalls of exotic Morocco?

Voyage To Marrakech is an evening inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s glamorous 1970’s lifestyle in Moroco to showcase their Spring 2013 Collection. An illuminated nighttime Marrakech marketplace, with cocktails, food, and music, and live photoshoot presentation, featuring live vignettes inspired by iconic YSL iconic photographs.

Stylish San Franciscans flocked to our own personal Marrakech last week to celebrate The Factory’s new collection inspired by the love affaire that YSL had with Marrakech.

{The looks that evening ran the gamut from ultra modern to vintage inspired to came-straight-from-the-office}

{Cocktails, mannequins sporting Yves Saint Laurent-inspired frocks, friends reuniting, fortune tellers…}

{And the models showed off a phenomenal Spring 2013 collection filled with sleek, shimmering fabrics, vintage patterns & prints, luxurious metallics, faux fur, relaxed silhouettes, and fun accessories}

{I wore a long-sleeved, high-neck vintage shift dress, Zara ankle strap heels, and a fabulous gold necklace from Sasha Maks Vintage}

{Check out more photographs from this event here – Just log into Facebook to view}

This was the fifth event that I’ve had the honor of attending at The Factory, check out my posts on the previous events below:


MCLV Style File: Flower Power

Welcome to another Style File post – Our last outfit breakdown was a killer patterned black & white dress that Poppy Delevingne wore to Berlin Fashion Week and this time we’re going to check out a bright, fun outfit that’s a great way to transition to colder weather now that Fall 2012 is upon us.

{Lovely Pepa}

Throwing a floral blazer over a skirt & top combo is a great idea, it takes this from a basic Summer look to an eye-catching, colder-weather appropriate outfit that can easily be adapted to suit your style and the pieces that you have available in your closet.

The extras for this look are especially great – The long, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and oversized gold mens watch are lovely but that handbag is what really stole my heart.

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Lc Lauren Conrad Floral Blazer – $50 (sale) @ Kohl’s, ASOS Premium Floral Print Blazer – $55 @ Asos.comTall Co-ord Floral Blazer – $130 @ TopShop}

The key to this look is the floral blazer, finding one that suits your coloring and shape may take some time, but it’ll be worth it since this is such a great piece for Fall.

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Rachel Roy Quilted Wrap Skirt – $175 @ Zappos.com, Vince Camuto V-Neck Wrap Dress – $100 @ Shop The Shoe Box & BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Ruffle Flounce Draped Skirt – $60 @ 6pm}

You could try a sweet blue wrap skirt for this look or you could opt for a cobalt dress and achieve a similar silhouette. It’s the bright colors and eye-catching accessories that make this look work so you don’t need to stress about copying it piece-for-piece.

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Marmen Cross Necklace – $250 @ Urban Outfitters, House of Harlow Diamond Cross Necklace – $60 @ Designs By Stephene & Multi Row Cross Necklace – $20 @ Asos.com}

Whether you’re a fan of delicate necklaces or chunky, gold jewelry or silver, wearing a single chain or layering multiple pieces – There’s something fun in this style to suit your personal taste!

{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Vince Camuto Gold Boyfriend Watch – $175 @ Dillard’s, Gold and White Links Boyfriend Watch – $55 @ Asos.com & Merona Silver Tone Extra Large Boyfriend Watch – $20 @ Target}

A boyfriend watch is a funky alternative to a cuff or bangle, it adds a masculine touch without taking your look straight to made-for-the-boys territory. Gold or silver, embellished or plain, there are tons of options out there.

Curious how I would interpret this look using pieces that I have in my wardrobe? Tuesday’s MCLV Style: Factory Girl post was actually inspired by this look from Lovely Pepa!

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer – Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.comFloral Top – Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage

As you can see, you can mix this look up, change colors, and adjust the jewelry to create something fresh and unique, a look that is all yours!

You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:


MCLV Style: Factory Girl

This outfit is an oldie, but a goodie!

Things have been so hectic and non-stop since the beginning of September that I never got a chance to share with you the outfit that I put together for the pre-Fashion Week Fashion Mixer at The Factory in lovely SOMA.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer – Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.comFloral Top – Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage

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

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

Despite the fact that I put this outfit together over a month ago it actually looks pretty Fall-ready with the black accents and these too cute Rebecca Minkoff booties. I love wearing skirts and dresses during the Fall with layers on top and cute tights on the bottom. I’ve got a pair of black & grey skull-print tights that are in my closet begging to be worn!

Do you like printed or colorful blazers? Are you strictly a pants person once the weather turns colder or do you like to wear skirts & dresses in the Fall?


MCLV Style: New York City

New York City BABY!

As I’m sure you picked up, I was beyond excited for this trip – Seeing my best friend, attending IFBCON, and getting the chance to spend some quality time in NYC, a city that I’ve been having a love affaire with for years now.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Embellished Striped Top – Zara, Zipper Detail ShortsZara, Ankle Strap HeelsFendi, Oversized Crocodile Clutch – Express, Silver Art Deco Bracelet – JewelMint, Silver Bow Bracelet – Forever 21, Silver Chainlink Watch – Vintage & Ring – Tiffany’s}

 

{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu}

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

When I was packing for my trip to New York I found myself in a quandary – it was going to be extremely hot and humid but I’m a fairly formal dresser. Luckily for my internal body temperature this was the first Summer that I’ve worn shorts since Junior High, so I packed a few pairs for the trip. But how to style them? Shorts & a tank might be an appropriate bathing suit coverup, but for walking down the streets of New York City? Definitely not!

So with that in mind I paired my exposed zipper shorts from Zara with a striped tee with a rhinestone embellished collar, tons of chunky silver jewelry, ankle strap heels, and an oversized envelope clutch. I was comfortable temperature-wise, but still felt stylish enough to strut my stuff all over Manhattan! 🙂

Interesting in more fashion from my September trip to New York City? Check out these previous posts:

Did you have fun wearing shorts over the Summer? What’s your favorite style of shorts to wear when the weather heats up?


Factory Fashion Mixer

Before heading to New York at the beginning of September I was lucky enough to start fashion month out right with a trip to The Factory for a Fashion Mixer with the lovely Sasha of Sasha Maks Vintage.

I was beyond thrilled to wear some more amazing vintage jewelry courtesy of Sasha Maks Vintage – Oversized pearls,  thick gem encrusted golden strands, and animal head bangles {see other phenomenal pieces from this shop in the collaboration series Styling 101}.

{Check out the MCLV Style: Factory Girl post for more on this look!}

The evening was fun and festive with a DJ, open bar, photographers, and a group of people ready to enjoy themselves and learn a little something about The Evans Group’s Collection Developement Packages.

My favorite part was, per usual, the oh-so-cool atmosphere of The Factory – I love the exposed brick and being surrounded by racks and racks of gorgeous clothes while I’m socializing.

Such a great start to Fashion Month!


MCLV Style: Vacation Maxi

Did you enjoy the first post from the new Styling 101 series that I posted on Tuesday? It was a lot of fun to style and photograph so I hope it got you in the mood for some yacht-chic gear for America’s Cup!

With this week – and Summer – on the verge of being over I thought today would be a good day for some sun worshipping fashion. So welcome to another MCLV Style post where we will be discussing vacations. Primarily because I refuse to let go of Summer.

{Peacock Print Maxi DressVictoria’s SecretGold Sandals – Forever 21, Sunglasses – Vintage, Clutch – BCBGeneration, Gold Leaf Necklace – Vintage, Bangles – Vintage, H&M & Zara}

 {You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Fashion Finder, or click the hyperlinks above to shop comparable pieces and visit store websites}

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

I wish that these shots had been taken on a tropical island somewhere with waves crashing nearby and umbrella drinks chilling just out of reach instead of in my “backyard.” I use sarcastic quote marks because I live in San Francisco. Land of small kitchens and no grass.  Le sigh. Clearly someone is in desperate need of a vacation, and luckily for this someone, I’m heading to New York City this weekend for the much anticipated IFBCON.

What do you like to wear when you’re on vacation? Obviously it depends on the destination, but nothing says tropical vacation to me more than a maxi, what about you?


Looks of the Week

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

Enjoy!

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

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

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

Alexander Wang Marion in Rose Gold

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

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


Looks of the Week

Happy Monday!

Wait – Is that an oxymoron?

Well anyway, here’s another exciting Looks of the Week post featuring some end-of-Summer looks as well as some outfits that will have you digging through your closet to find your Fall & Winter clothes. Enjoy!

I love the retro 70’s vibe of this look – From the floral blouse to the flared denim mini to the platform booties. Absolutely fabulous!

This is such a fun, well put together look. One of my favorite parts of this great mix n’ match look is the fact that she paired her skirt & blouse combo with tennis shoes rather than heels. It’s funky and original – J’Adore!

A tunic and jeans are anything but boring when The Glamourai gets ahold of them! This look is all about great fitting, flattering pieces mixed with high-impact accessories. That clutch, that necklace, those glasses – Killer!

Cute cute cute. I love that this plays on the menswear trend but is still feminine and totally unique.

KILLER! I love love love this look. From the chic black & white color scheme to the skirt’s silhouette to the fabulous IMUSTHAVE studded Celine ankle boots.

Both of these looks are killer! I love these Victoria Beckham inspired styles on Kate – Utterly chic and utterly flattering.

One thing that I truly admire is when a woman can make a menswear piece really work and look feminine and stylish. This sleeveless pocket vest is anything but a shapeless “stolen from the boys” piece, it suits her perfectly and was paired with a great pair of cropped purple trousers and fabulous accessories.

While I love a great retro dress, the accessories here really caught my attention. That bag is fabulous and I love the double cuff, such a great look if you can pull it off (and not look like Superwoman!) And my favorite piece? That vintage-style gold & pearl ring. J’adore!

One of the things that I appreciate most about Shea from Cheyenne Meets Chanel is that she really sticks to her style. All of the looks that she posts shine with her California hippie, boho girl, flower child roots. This is a beautiful example, she really shines in this flowy, Summery maxi dress.

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

Which look is your favorite? Are you still in full-blown Summer mode wearing skirts, shorts, and dresses, or have you started to work Fall items into your looks?


MCLV Style: Skulls & Givenchy

I adore San Francisco during the Summer – Blue skies, crisp air, and a slight breeze – It’s Summertime perfection as far as I’m concerned. But every once in a while I give up my moderate weather and venture into warmer territories. You wouldn’t think of Sonoma as a hot climate, but it can get pretty toasty during the summer.

The answer to this fashion conundrum? Mini skirt!

{Skull Print Blouse –  People’s Market from Asos.comTiered Black Mini Skirt Juicy Couture from Bloomingdale‘s, Heeled SandalsNine West, Large Nightingale Satchel – Givenchy from Barney’s NY, Chainlink Chanel Bracelet, Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring, Bow Pendant, and Gold Locket – All Vintage}

{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Fashion Finder, or click the hyperlinks above to shop comparable pieces and visit store websites}

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

I absolutely adored this skull print blouse when I saw it on Asos.com and knew that it would a fun addition to my wardrobe. It’ll work well with a blazer for Fall and I liked how it paired with this tiered mini skirt over the weekend.

Stay tuned for more pictures from our trip to Sonoma this past weekend, an exciting accessories guest post from yours truly, and news about the new love of my life!

Do you ever mix things up with a fun print or bright color? What’s your favorite statement piece in your closet – Accessories, article of clothing, or jewelry?


Looks of the Week

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

Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

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


Looks of the Week

After a relaxing t-shirt & shorts weekend I was looking forward to a fun, fashionable Looks of the Week post to get me back in the fashion mind-set for this week. So enjoy some of the great looks I found and get inspired!

Chic Chic Chic!

I love how from a distance this outfit looks low-key, but the individual pieces are all really beautiful and unique. The animal print ankle strap heels, gorgeous lace shorts (DIY!!!), and two-tone envelope clutch are all the perfect touches.

This is a great combination of pieces. The floral peplum top is really cute & summery, those cropped black pants are totally classic, and I love both the strappy glitter sandals and the Kelly green clutch. Well done!

Summery florals have been all the rage lately and this is a fun, fresh take on that trend. The minty green slim pants and neon yellow heels make the look interesting and keep it from being sugary-sweet.

This is such a classic, fashionable menswear look. Cuffed jeans paired with a plaid shirt is a great, traditional style, and those lace-up boots are totally covetible.

Light & breezy at it’s finest! This bubble-silhouette white midi skirt is a great focal point for this look, while the ankle strap platforms, yellow quilted iPad case, and retro sunglasses add the perfect about of individuality and quirk.

Nothing says “Summer” to me quite like a printed, flowing maxi dress. This color and silhouette couldn’t look better on her, which is the key when finding the right dress. I also like that she chose neutral hued, low-key accessories rather than picking up one of the brighter colors in the dress.

This is such a relax, French look. From the vintage bicycle to the printed pants to the chic blouse with a Peter Pan collar, this is a completely unique photo. Makes me want to rent bikes and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge for a picnic in the Marin Headlands! 🙂

Summer style is really an art. With hot weather making you want to wear nothing but shorts & tanks, coming up with a stylish outfit can be a challenge. White cropped pants are a great alternative to shorts and these bright, sunny extras are the perfect way to keep things interesting.

This is a great look from head-to-toe. Slim cropped pants, a sheer ankle length cover up, and a rouched blazer, all paired with a Balenciaga motorcycle bag and a killer silver collar. Model street style at its finest!

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

Do you wear different styles of clothing during the week than you do on the weekends? Is your vacation style more relaxed than your day-to-day personal style?


MCLV Style: Florals

While florals for Summer aren’t exactly groundbreaking, I thought that this floral shift dress in dark, moody purples was a fun twist on tradition for a hot summer night.

{Floral Dess – Rare from Asos.com, Sunglasses – Christian Dior, Multi-Chain Necklace – Vintage, Bracelets – JewelMint & Sandals – Vintage}

{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Fashion Finder, or click the hyperlinks above to shop comparable pieces and visit store websites}

Check out more outtakes from this shoot here (just log into Facebook to view).

I wore this dress while wandering around Sacramento two weekends ago. The temperature was in the triple digits – sigh – but this dress worked quite well for dinner Friday night once the sun went down. And not give away the outtakes or anything, but I was chasing a chicken around this park moments before these pictures were taken… 🙂

What’s your favorite piece of clothing been this Summer? Have you tried any new trends during the season or bought any new pieces that you just can’t get enough of?


Looks of the Week

Welcome back to another Summer edition of MCLV’s Looks of the Week. This week’s top looks come from around the globe – From New York City to Spain to Paris to Russia.

And let’s start this out with a fabulous girl of summer!

Girl of the moment Miranda Kerr has done a fabulous job street style wise over the last year or so, putting together killer look after look. Great bags, great shoes, great sunglasses – great looks!

Love this! The colors in this look and the gold accents are fabulous, it’s really chic and well put together. I love the zebra top but it’s really that day clutch that caught my attention, tres chic!

Feeling the Zebra love after seeing this look? Check out this too cute sleeveless zebra tank or swoon-worthy nude clutch like Lovely Pepa’s!

Mixing prints is an art, but it takes a master to mix animal prints – And we all know that models are the mix n’ match masters!

I’m not even sure I can narrow down what I love most about this look… The colors are great, I love the colorblocking, those heels are killer, and that gold rope necklace is phenomenal.

The first thing I thought after seeing this look was, I need a skirt just like that one!

This is a fabulous shade of blue and I love the top, but it was the chunky chain link necklace with crosses, pearls, beads, and chains that first caught my attention. J’Adore!

Need. That. Necklace.

Color color color! Leave it a chic Italian to find the best ways to pump up the drama for in a Summertime look with brights and colorblocking.

I think that a fun patchwork dress is a must have for Summer!

I know that I featured a similar floral wrap skirt two weeks ago on Miss Ashley Madekwe, but it’s such a perfect, low-key, but stylish Summer staple, I just couldn’t help myself when I saw this one!

Whether you prefer mini or maxi, a tropical print skirt is a great addition to any Summer wardrobe.

This is a great look overall, but I have to confess that what I love most are the details and individual pieces. That ornate antique gold collar is phenomenal, the open-backed sweater is a great twist on a traditional top, and I love anyone who can rock sequins during the day – that clutch is killer!

Why not take a tip from this shot and find yourself a fun, unique top that can be paired with all your fun Summer prints and patterns?

So. Cute. I adore the pussybow polka dot blouse and while the shorts keep it casual, the heels are beyond fabulous.

My first instinct after seeing this fabulous look was to snag myself a similar blouse, you can’t have enough polka dots in your closet, trust me!

Such a great, casual but ultra fashionable look for sightseeing. That hat is fabulous all on its own, but I really do like the oversized sweater paired with that phenomenal necklace.

This collar necklace is killer and really helps make this look come together!

This is perfection, from top to bottom – As always from Miss Wendy. The top is chic and minimalist, while the pants add texture and print, and those accessories? Swoon!

I love the fun, retro vibe of this look. The tassel loafers and pleated floral skirt are a perfect combination and the oversized tan messenger bag is a great, vintage finishing touch.

Why not add a pair of cute loafers to your flats collection?

{Click on images above to visit the original source}

What’s your favorite look of the above? Is there a specific trend, or two, that you haven’t been able to stop wearing all Summer long?


Summary Saturday

For this Summary Saturday I want to share some of my Instagrams from the past week or two with you all. Everything from jewelry and clothes to snacks and vegan recipes – Enjoy!

  • Instagram – You can follow me on Instagram @moicontrelavie
  • Twitter –  You can follow me on Twitter @moicontrelavie
  • Pinterest – You can follow my Pinterest boards here
  • FacebookYou can LIKE my Facebook page here
  • LookbookYou can see my Lookbook looks here, you can FAN me to get an email update when I post a new look, or you can HYPE my looks if you like them!

Have a great weekend!


Accessories of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

Alexander Wang. Nuff said!

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

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

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

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

 

LOVE. Want it all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on images above to visit the original source.

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


2012 Teen Choice Awards Red Carpet

I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at the photos from the 2012 Teen Choice Awards Show red carpet. Normally an event like this might be too young, but the fashion was fun and Summery, great examples of how to dress up in warm weather. Cute prints, bright colors, and fun, relaxed silhouettes all made an appearance as the fashionable young ladies on Hollywood strutted their stuff.

So without further ado, here are some of my favorites.

I’ve been having a love affaire with bright shorts this summer and here’s yet another pair that I’m now coveting. Such a fun, sassy look for the red carpet!

This is a very well put together look for a younger gentleman. While others his age put forth zero effort and arrive on the red carpet in jeans & t-shirts, he put together a stylish and eye-catching look. Well done!

This was one of my favorite dresses, the color looks fabulous against with her skin tone and the cut is perfect for her age and for her figure. Couldn’t have picked a better dress for her!

Cute. Flattering. Colorful. Summery. What more could you ask for in a suit?

It’s always nice to see what the non-Tweens put together for these types of events, and Miss Portia de Rossi looks chic and fabulous here in all black.

As always, a home run. The print and color look great on her and those shoes are such a fun choice. And while very few of us mere mortals can make a midriff baring top work, I think Zoe’s choice make this frock Teen Choice-friendly.

This Mary Katrantzou dress is fun and eye-catching, what more does a girl need at the Teen Choice Awards?

As I’m sure you’ve discovered, I have quite a soft spot for Alice + Olivia. And as usual, I absolutely adore this dress. It’s a dramatic  pattern and the fabric and silhouette are a little retro, but it’s still youthful and perfect for this type of event.

There were some truly great printed dresses on this red purple carpet. Dresses that could easily go from day to night during the Summertime with a change of accessories. This is another example of a too cute dress that I would happily wear!

Sweet & stylish, per usual. I’d love to see her deviate from her usual types of looks, but you can’t deny that she looks beautiful and put together here.

Polished and chic. Definitely the route I would have picked for her, she was stunning in Cannes at the AmfAR Gala and this is a continuation of that classic style she can pull off so well.

Glittery platforms were the accessory de jour at this event, apparently Studio 54 is having another moment. The color, fit, and textures of these pieces work well together and look really polished.

And last but definitely not least… True rock stars!

Love the shades. Love the leather. Love the blazers. Love the vests. Love it all. They look fabulous together, really in sync fashion wise.

Sources: Tom & Lorenzo, Cristina’s Blog & FabSugar


The Dress Dilemma

Last week my I decided to have photographs taken and since I’ve used the fabulous Rhiannon from Alloria Winter Studios before and was beyond thrilled with the results, I immediately went to her for a session. I also have a go-to stylist whom I’ve been using for years, the amazing Magdalena formerly of 77 Maiden Lane, now of the Joseph Cozza Salon.

As it turned out, picking the photographer and the salon for hair & make up were the easy parts. What ended up taking me forever was choosing what I should wear for the shoot! I really wanted to wear something different from my usual so I immediately nixed the idea of wearing black.

What did that leave me?

Apparently green.

I narrowed it down to the following bright, Summery dress options:

[1.] The Maxi Dress:

Taking the beautiful Rachel Pally maxi dress worn here by Liz from Late Afternoon as my inspiration I toyed with the idea of wearing this Victoria’s Secret maxi that I got for a vacation in Thailand a few years ago.

[2.] The Tiered Dress:

The gorgeous, and now famous, green satin gown donned by Keira Knightley in Atonement was another look that I had in mind as I was digging through the racks at BCBG a few weeks ago.

And I was thrilled when I discovered this dress at the 50% off 4th of July Sale! It’s a beautiful, bright green color and the cut is relaxed and low-key rather than

[3.] The Mini Dress:

And since my BCBG addiction is second only to Zara, I picked another BCBG dress as an option for the shoot. I liked the idea of something cute and Summery, rather than serious and dramatic.

Clearly, I have green on the brain. As a blue-eyed, pale skinned, red-head, vibrant shades of green are usually a pretty good choice for me. When I was starting to plan this outfit I put together the following mood board for inspiration.

{Shop similar pieces over at ASOS Fashion Finder}

And since I didn’t want to have to deal with heels sinking into the grass during the photo shoot I opted to go with sandals rather than tall girl shoes.

Below is a sneak peek from our first photo shoot.

 

What do you think? The green stood out really well and I was thrilled by how well our photographer captured us despite the awful weather.


Listing…

Everyone seems to be in the mood for lists right now. A handful of bloggers that I adore have published list posts lately: The Life & Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson’s What I’ve Been Eating, What I’ve Been Reading, What I’ve Been Writing, What I’ve Been Wearing, Holly Would If She Could’s 16 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me, and SnackFace’s This Week’s Sounds, Scents, Sips, Snacks & Sights

And with my hectic schedule lately, both at work and personally, I’ve been living and dying by my daily To Do lists. First thing in the morning I make a list of all the things that need to get done that day and before I leave the office for the day I take the list of tasks and put them in chronological order. Don’t worry, I’m not going to share my daily To Do lists with you. I thought I’d take a cue from my blogging idols though and share some of the details of what’s going on in my life these days.

What I’ve Been Eating:

I didn’t do a great job following a healthy diet in April or May, as I confessed, so I’ve been doing my best to rectify that over the last few weeks. Tons of fruits and veggies, and smoothies galore. Green smoothies, berry-based smoothies, and even peanut butter smoothies. Yum!

What I’ve Been Reading:

My boyfriend’s mother insisted that I read The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato, and I ended up reading all 544 pages over the course of a weekend because I couldn’t put it down. Botticelli’s Primavera has been my favorite painting of his since I saw it in Florence when I was 21 so I was especially drawn to the storyline. I’ve also just finished Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink and was stunned by how much I related to each and every study that he discussed. Definitely keep an eye out for a Book Report on this! I’ve also just started Add More -Ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein, which isn’t a self-help book – I swear – it’s a self-transformation book. 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing how it impacts my daily approach to life as part of my #1 2012 goal to Be Positive.

Oh, and I have a serious fashion magazine problem. Like a – I need a 12 step program type of problem.

What I’ve Been Writing:

One of my goals for 2012 is to publish a piece of my writing and while this has been a personal goal for years, this is the first time I’ve officially written it down. Not to make excuses, but as a result of my spinal injury and my laptop dying earlier this year, I haven’t worked on this goal much so far in 2012. Hopefully this post will serve as motivation for me to start editing my first novel, I started writing it when I was 20 and wrote a large chunk of it while I was traveling around Europe by myself when I was 21.

What I’ve Been Wearing:

During May I submitted a handful of looks to a fashion challenge run by Definitely RA, you can  so you can check out some of those looks – Mission: Put Together 2012 – Part I and Mission: Put Together 2012 – Part II. The challenge was great and I wish I’d had time to participate more, but even putting together a few looks was fun. And as part of my goals for June I wanted to make an effort to wear less black, especially on sunny weekends, so that’s been a major factor in choosing my daily looks. Definitely an adjustment not to automatically reach for the black pieces!

Some Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me:

  1. I don’t actively follow astrology but I’ve always believed that I embody many of the traits of my Scorpio sign – Determined, loyal, suspicious, discreet, introverted, dramatic, passionate, possessive…
  2. I originally hurt my back springboard diving in college when I was 18
  3. If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be sweet potatoes. There’s an endless number of ways to cook them… Chips, fries, baked, mashed, in pudding. They can be sweet or savory. Hmmm… Now I kind of want to spend a weekend eating only sweet potatoes and blog about all the recipes I come up with! 🙂
  4. Sometimes I forget that I don’t really “know” bloggers. I begin to feel like I’m friends with people whose lives I read about every day. Does that happen to anyone else?
  5. I have three tattoos.

And so that we can continue to get to know each other, I’m going to re-start my short-lived Les Confessions series, where I post some “confessions” about myself and my life on a regular basis.

Sounds:

I’ve been listening to 70’s and 80’s music non-stop. From vintage Bon Jovi, Kenny Loggins, and Twisted Sister to fabulous 80’s movie soundtracks – Footloose, Pretty In Pink, Breakfast Club. The upside is that it’s really upbeat music that wakes me up and makes me smile every morning, the downside is that I dance at my desk. A lot.

Scents:

I’m a peppermint junkie! Candles, air fresheners, essential oils… Whatever I can find. I’ve also been baking up a storm and I love the scent of raw cacao and carob powders as their heating up.

Sips:

Peppermint tea – duh – and I have to confess that my guilty pleasure these days is Cherry Coke Zero or Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper. My boyfriend is horrified by the red color from the syrup but I treat myself to one a week! I’ve also rediscovered the Synergy Kombucha drinks, and I laugh every time I get carded buying them!

Snacks:

I seem to have almost forgotten about hummus when the weather was cooler but now that it’s warming up I’m craving hummus daily. Carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, and radishes dipped in spicy hummus is favorite after-work snack. I’ve also been eating my bodyweight in fruit on virtually a daily basis – pounds of grapes, cherries, apples, and bananas. Just can’t get enough!

Sights:

This Spring was amazing with weekends in Sonoma, San Diego, and Sea Ranch, but June has been a gorgeous month in San Francisco and I’ve been really enjoying spending time in my favorite city. Walking everywhere, trips to the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market, lazy days spent shopping and wandering around the sun-drenched streets… Amazing!

So tell me, what have you been up to? Do you like to make lists to ensure that you get everything done that needs to be done each day?


MCLV Style: Workin’ That Tee

Last year I published a post called What NOT To Wear To Work where I discussed, among other things, whether or not a T-shirt could be considered appropriate office attire. Ultimately my conclusion was that while casual graphic and burn-out tees were out of the question unless you work in fashion-forward industries like fashion, music, or film, there were appropriate possibilities out there if you looked hard enough and styled them properly.

 

To make this type of look work you just need to keep the pieces clean and simple, and go for a thick, well-made shirt in an appropriate cut, color, and silhouette for the occasion.

In this case I went with a royal purple Zara Basics t-shirt with cap-sleeves paired with a basic black pencil skirt, round-toed pumps, and a vintage-inspired gold belt.

Tee – Zara Basics, Pencil Skirt – Zara, Pumps – Franco Sarto, Bracelets – JewelMint, Vintage, & Forever 21, Rings – Vintage, Multi-Strand Gold Necklace – Express, and Retro Gold Belt – BCBG

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.

And believe me, I’m not the only one who enjoys a good tee. Mixing high and low, like adding a basic shirt into a work or night out look, is an art form practiced by many.

A loosely fitted highlighter colored t-shirt can keep a slouchy black suit from being boring or too business-like.

Old-school denim overalls are perfect for a hot summer day and a little white tee is the perfect finishing touch.

If you’re going to work a layering look nothing beats a basic t-shirt. It’s the perfect building block!

You can even roll up the sleeves of your basic t-shirt to give it a more unique and one-of-a-kind feeling.

What better than a basic white tee to pair with denim cut-offs and a vintage style leopard print coat for a walk on the streets of New York City.

Even high-end designers like Oscar de la Renta can’t help but enjoy a good striped tee.

Source

Are you creative when it comes to building new and fun looks using your favorite tees? What do you think about wearing a T-shirt to work – ya or nay?


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!

Source

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.

Source

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

Source

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.

Source

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.

Source

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

Source

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!

Source

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

Source

So what’s your favorite look here?


Links You’ll Love

Fashion:

Need a project for this weekend? I present – DIY Studded Sneakers – from Honestly… WTF? If you’d pick Vans or Chucks over ballet flats on any given day, this is the Do It Yourself project of your dreams. Trust me.

If you’ve in the mood for fabulous summer fashions check out this season’s Resort Collections – Chanel Resort 2013, Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013, and the rest of the 2013 Resort Collections – From Rachel Zoe, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors to Stella McCartney, Preen, and L’Wren Scott.

I’m the first one to admit that I’m completely incapable of doing my hair. I pull it back into a simple bun 95% of the time, work or play. This however is a totally doable updo, even for the hairstyling-challenged. A Cup Of Jo’s Three Twisted Buns. Simple and adorable.

Interested in seeing how the experts handle their daily makeup & hair routines? Check out how frequent Looks of the Week contributor Sincerely Jules gets herself camera ready with her post Make-Up Wear, and what the famous LA blonde Cheyenne Meets Chanel does to maintain her lovely locks.

outfit01_lady

If you love fashion as much as I do, you’ve probably found yourself wondering how to revamp your wardrobe each season without going broke. Gets some tips and ideas from the experts, read IFB’s How Not To Go Into Debt Over Personal Styling and Refinery 29’s How JUST Accessories Can Transform An Outfit.

http://galadarling.com/article/carousel-why-french-women-dont-burn-out#

Health/Fitness:

Does the cost of classes and workouts affect your motivation to try them? Well MCLV is here to save your checkbook:

Are you a fan of eggs? Well eggs aren’t just for breakfast – Healthy Lunch and Dinner Recipes. Also check out Prevention’s Best Eggs: Organic, Free-Range, or Conventional?

Low-Carb Cabbage Rolls

I’m a huge fan of quinoa, it’s a healthier & more nutritious alternative to rice and it’s satisfying, versatile, and – ta da – gluten-free. This is a great article whether you’re a newbie who wants to give it a try or a veteran like me who wants to spice up your recipe repertoire – 10 New Ways to Eat Quinoa – This satisfying superfood is more versatile than you think!

Need some motivation to get off your couch? Read this: The 13-Year-Old Who Held the Women’s Marathon World Record.



Summary Saturday

I’m going to take a page out of the fabulous Fashion On Top‘s book blog and make today’s post a summary of what’s happened over the last week on the blog and the other various social media outlets that I post on.

New Blog Posts:

Are you subscribed to the blog and receiving an email when a new post is published? If not, click the SUBSCRIBE ME button on the right hand side of the screen.

Instagram:

Food – While I don’t photograph all of my food or even all of the new recipes that I try, sometimes a meal is just too tasty or too fun to pass up a photo-op. Here are a couple shots that passed the test this week.

SERIOUS munching over here! #Shakti #indianfood #vegan #glutenfree

Snacking. #rawrevolution #synergy #healthysnacks

#cantstopeating #vegan #glutenfree

Fashion – When I can remember I’ll snap a picture of my accessories, handbag, or even my outfit for the day. Most of my Instagram updates are my jewelry though, since its the easiest to capture solo.

Wearing a new dress always makes my day! #sanfrancisco @Zara

Hello lover! @ninewest #fashion #sanfrancisco

Time to switch wallets! @CHANEL @Longchamp_US @HenriBendel #Fendi #Goyard @veneta_bottega

Misc – What I’m best at capturing are all of the random things that happen throughout the day. The frustrations that everyone can relate to as well as the little “I love my life” moments. From outing in San Francisco & weekends away to shopping adventures & meals out on the town to my crazy cats & amazing friends, family, and boyfriend.

“@project_zen SO glad that I moved a block from this spa!!! #massage #spoilingmyself

I ❤ crazy busy days & To Do lists! #stayorganized #busyday #ilovemylife

Sooo helpful!

You can follow me on instagram @moicontrelavie.

Twitter:
 
Here are some of the quotes, articles, pictures, and other fun things that I shared during the past week via Twitter
 
 
You can follow me on Twitter @moicontrelavie.
 
Pinterest:
 
I have 10 boards on Pinterest, each with a different title and theme, here are a few of the pins that made the cut this week.
 
* New Pinterest board created 6/12/2012 – MCLV Style
 
Models Being Models:
Pinned Image
Reading Materials:
 
Pinned Image
 
Inspiration!!!
 
Pinned Image
La Mode:
 
Pinned Image
 
Belle Maison:
Pinned Image
 
Yummy:
 
Pinned Image
Moi:
 
Pinned Image
 
J’Adore:
Pinned Image
 
I Use Therefore I Am:
 
Pinned Image
 
You can follow my Pinterest boards here.
 
FacebookYou can LIKE my Facebook page here.

Lookbook You can see my Lookbook looks here, you can FAN me to get an email update when I post a new look, or you can HYPE my looks if you like them!

I really like the idea of this kind of post since I know a number of my blog readers don’t use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest regularly, so this gives them a chance to take a look at those outlets. What do you think? Do you like having a weekly summary? Should this be a recurring series?

2013 Resort Collections

Did the breathtaking Chanel Resort 2013 and Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 collections whet your sartorial appetite for more gorgeous warm-weather clothes?

Me too!

I’ve narrowed down some of my favorite looks from all of the gorgeous 2013 Resort collections for you. I wish I had the time for a full review of each lovely show, but alas, I do not. Enjoy these highlights!

As usual, the Stella McCartney show was cheerful and fun, offering beautiful clothing in a fun atmosphere. Games, a lemonade stand, celebrities & fashion insiders, and gorgeous models sporting gorgeous, summery pieces. Perfection!

Roomy silhouettes, matching separates, strong lines, and beautiful, flattering prints. Yup, it’s Stella!

Florals, animal prints, shirt dresses, oversized blazers, matching short & top combos, lace, and pretty pinks & yellows. Ready for Summer?

Cute. Fun. Flirty. The Carven show was filled with great, wearable separates. A few dresses were sprinkled throughout the show, but the separates were the highlight. This collection had Alexa Chung’s name written allll over it!

The mixing of bold hues and use of colorblocking are really eye-catching in this look. The details are really great, I love the two-toned heels, contrasting collar on the jacket, and cute little Peter Pan collar on midriff-baring top.

This muted paisley cap-sleeved shift is a fabulous day look. You could easily wear sandals or flats with it to run errands around Paris!

I was thrilled when I heard the news that Miss L’Wren Scott was planning to show her first Resort collection this season. I’ve been a longtime fan of her Fall and Spring lines, I adore her ladylike silhouettes and the phenomenal attention to detail that her garments always have. And this fabulously retro collection, tailor-made for Mad Men or Pan Am, was worth the anticipation.

Aren’t these striking silhouettes, fabrics, and colors perfect for warm weather. Very eye-catching!

Sweater sets, mix n’ match separates, sleek sheath dresses, and matching hats & lace up heels were just what the doctor ordered. A ladylike spin on traditional Summer fare.

Marc Jacobs was all about brights, prints, and separates. As always, the show was busy, a fabulous chaotic mess of fabrics and patterns and color. Oversized, baggy shorts paired with sequined T-shirts, maxi dresses with cut-out backs, midi-length dresses and skirts in a-line silhouettes, and bold colors embellished with sequins, lace, and shimmering brocades. A feast for the eyes!

Voluminous shorts can be hard to pull off, but in these adorable prints and colors, I bet many will try next Summer!

Billowing mid-calf length skirts, contrasting prints, bright florals, collared T-shirts, thick strap Mary Jane’s, and belted waists. Could there be more elements in these looks?

I’ve been a fan of Phoebe Philo’s work at Celine since day one. The lines, the silhouettes, the pants, the chic minimalism, the accessories. Oh lord, the accessories.

All-white is great for Summer and this unbelievably chic look is perfect for next year. Just add some chunky jewelry and you’ll the be best dressed girl at the resort!

Black & white never looked so good! This is the sort of style that is universally flattering and can work for most women. And that bag… Swoon!

The colors and fabrics of this look really make it stand out. The clean lines mixed with the eye-catching colors is a great combination.

I’m a sucker for a pretty pattern and easy, wearable separates, which makes most of the Tory Burch collections right up my alley. This year’s resort show included mixing & matching patterns, thick banded sandals, striped & checkered pieces, over the shoulder bucket bags, headbands, short shorts, and even seashell accents.

These striped pants are fabulous, they’re flattering, fun, and versatile. You could just as easily throw them over a bathing suit with a simple white T-shirt & sandals as you could pair them with killer heels & a strapless top for nighttime.

These checkered shorts caught my attention immediately, I thought there were too cute paired with the chic, structured navy jacket.

Preen had great  florals, maxi dresses, and striking separates, but these two looks really stole the show in my opinion. I loved the dramatic quality of the color choices and the striking cuts.

This mix of fun, floral prints is really eye-catching and the cut of this dress is incredibly flattering. You could easily go from a daytime shopping trip to clubbing with a change of shoes, handbag, and accessories.

I love a maxi dress with a unique twists, like this one which has a more structured t-shirt silhouette, more daytime than beach time.

Michael Kors showed lots of solid colors and dazzling gold pieces. His silhouettes were simple and classic, the colors and occasional pattern definitely took front stage.

Great summer nights dress. Pretty, flattering and versatile, the perfect piece to take on vacation since you can wear it multiple times!

Without a doubt my favorite piece from this Resort collection. Fabulous cut and perfect styling, those gold sandals are killer!

You can always count on a Moschino Cheap and Chic show to be playful and entertaining, and the clothing to be cute and fun. This collection was all about gorgeous outerwear, whimsical prints, and relaxed, chic separates in cool greens and pale blues.

I love the light, Springy green of this coat, the relaxed silhouette, and the muted print. I’m also smitten with these retro spat-inspired black & white booties. Tres chic!

All the pieces of this look are great, but what makes it so striking is the combination. The oversized sweater paired with fitted black short, the to die for colorblock handbag, and the ridiculously cute striped peep-toe wedges. Great combination!

I always look forward to all of Jason Wu’s shows, his designs are inevitably chic and polished. Each and every look could go straight from the runway to the street outside the show without missing a beat. Classic, well-tailored, and timeless, these clothes are a great investment!

I NEED THIS! That’s the first thing I thought when I looked at this collection. These looks are eye-catching and too adorable for words. Pieces from this collection are definitely going to make their way into my closet!

And I’ve saved my favorite for last… Rachel Zoe! Fun, sexy, and completely drool-worthy. Daywear, club gear, bathing suit cover ups, all with a little drama and a 70’s spin. Just the way we like it!

Mod perfection. LOVE.

So sexy & chic! I love the black & white combinations here, the slim pants and the flirty a-line skirt are both fabulous. Love!

Great colors! The skinny suit is too chic for words and I love the darker florals, it’s a unique color scheme for summer.

Source, Source, Source & Source

If you dying for more check out the following reviews and summaries for the fabulous 2013 Resort Collections – FashionVibe’s Resort Report, FabSugar’s Over 250 of the Best Looks From Resort 2013, and Refinery 29’s 17 Resort ’13 Collections That Blew Us Away.

What do you think of this collection of Summery runway shows? What were your favorite collections and pieces from the Resort 2013 lines?


Sasha Maks Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show

You had me at vintage jewelry…

Amirite?

I’ve mentioned The Factory in the past, I attended an opening last spring where I purchased one of my all time favorite coats, and I also joined them to celebrated the April Howard Capsule Collection this past December.

The setting is great – an airy, brick-walled loft space in SOMA, and this past Thursday it was once again crammed to the rafters with beautiful clothes. And swoon worthy jewelry.

{Oh, there were people there too. I think. I was busy.}

A special trunk show featuring Sasha Maks Vintage jewelry and all designs featured June 24th in Dior: A Life in Pictures. Shop the unique vintage costume jewelry collection that includes the best of 20th century designs by Dior, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and a myriad of unsigned statement pieces.

Unfortunately I had been unable to attend the June 24th Christian Dior exhibit so this was a great chance to catch up on a few of the designs that I missed out on earlier. Beautiful clothing, vintage magazines and photographs, and a phenomenal layout.

I walked down to SOMA to photograph the event and browse the trunk show. And what does a girl wear to a trunk show?

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Pocket Sweater – Everyly via the seriously adorable North Beach boutique Annabella’s, Pleated Black Mini – Zara & Studded Peep-Toe BootiesVince Camuto}

{Black & white + vintage jewelry, of course!}

After admiring the eye-candy and taking pictures, I dove head-first into the gorgeous collection of jewelry. I tried on Chanel charm bracelets, costume jewelry earrings, animal cuffs, giant enamel pendants… And then I was lucky enough to stumble upon a phenomenal tassel adorned lariat necklace designed by Jean Vendome.

It was love at first sight!

I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin so I threw together an outfit on Friday so that I would have an excuse to wear it immediately. I wanted something simple so that the drama of the necklace would be the central part of the look.

{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Maxi Dress – BCBGeneration, Nude Sandals – Vintage, Wrap Ring – JewelMint, Gold Wrap Bracelet – Forever 21 & Necklace – Vendome}

You can even check out my new necklace in this Elle Girl Japan editorial below.

Do you like to wear vintage jewelry? What’s your favorite vintage piece that you’ve collected over the years?