MCLV Style: Prints Prints Prints
Prints, prints, and more prints.
And I’m not going to lie – Those are three of my favorite things to keep in mind while I’m picking out my clothes each day. 🙂
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Patterned Blouse – Zara, Polka Dotted Skirt – Forever 21, Cut-Out Booties – Via Spiga, Emerald Necklace – Zara & Clutch – MICHAEL by Michael Kors}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This hat makes me feel like a French film star in the 20’s and I absolutely adored pairing it with these all-over prints in this look. Colorful, fun, and eye-catching.
Do you like to wear hats? What’s your favorite style?
MCLV Style: Anchors Away
I ran into GAP a few weeks ago for a pair of flats and as soon as I saw these cropped pants across the room I knew that they had to be mine. They’re fun and unique, and oh-so-perfect for Spring.
I mean, there’s nautical, and there’s nautical!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Leather Sleeved Coat – Aqua, Cropped Pants – GAP, Heeled Loafers – Tracy Reese, Top – Anne Taylor & Bag – Givenchy}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This look also make me smile because I felt like I was getting ready to head outside for a gorgeous Spring day in San Francisco. Not. “Winter, we need to talk. I love you, but I think we should see other people.”
Are you ready for Spring like I am? What’s your favorite Spring style?
I’m writing this post from chilly New York City where I’ll be attending IFBCON & getting swept up in the madness that is New York Fashion Week. If you want updates & pictures be sure to follow me!
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MCLV Style: Animal Prints
Nothing in the world is easier and more comfortable for a Saturday full of errands than leggings and a tunic. The main pieces in this look are the definition of basic black.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Zipper Tunic – Alfani via Macys, Leggings – Express, Clutch – BCBG, Flats – Nicole, Necklace – Sasha Maks Vintage, Bracelet & Ring – JewelMint}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
In order to keep the look from being boring I spiced it up with my new oversized orange+cheetah BCBG clutch, zebra print smoking flats, and a vintage elephant pendant. Cheetah, zebra, and elephant, you say? Now that’s not so basic!
Are you a fan of mixing prints? What about mixing animal prints like I did here? How many different prints is too many in your opinion?
MCLV Style: Striped Leopard
Mixing and matching patterned pieces can be such a creative exercise – Deciding what pieces go together, which prints would look good with which patterns, and putting the finishing touches on a look without going too over-the-top.
That’s my idea of a good time! 🙂
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Midi Skirt – Aqua via Bloomingdale’s, Faux Fur & Leather Jacket – Ellen Tracy via Saks, Leopard Print Peep-Toe Booties – BCBGMaxAzria, Crocodile Tote – Furla, Bracelet – H&M, and Rings – Tiffany’s & JewelMint}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
These peep-toe leopard print booties are a new acquisition. I was thrilled to discover that the Paragon Outlets in Livermore are not only close enough for a day-trip, they also feature outlets for Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys NY.
It’s heaven in other words, so stay tuned for more of my fabulous finds from this great girls trip to Paragon!
What are you favorite prints or patterns to mix?
MCLV Style: Embellish Me
Fun accessories and embellished pieces are a great way to take a basic look to a new level. So next time you’re putting together a nighttime look be creative and layer on the extras!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pleated Leather Skirt – The Limited, Embellished Top – Zara, Oxblood Knit Tights – DKNY via Bloomingdales, Spike Embellished Heels – The Limited, Black Patent Clutch – MICHAEL Michael Kors via Nordstrom, Ring – BCBG Max Azria & Bracelet – Forever 21}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This outfit could have just been black skirt + black top but with the addition of brightly colored tights, an embellished collar, fun jewelry, and spiked heels it’s a more one-of-a-kind look. But I did discover that the downside of this too-cute pleated faux leather skirt from The Limited is that it wrinkles sooooo easily. And quickly. Thus the absence of straight-on shots!
What’s your favorite fun extra this Winter or the piece you’re most excited to try out?
MCLV Style: Lazy Stripes
Sometimes what a girl needs is layers. And lots of them. This was a look that I threw together for a CrossFit competition a few weeks ago – The keys for that kind of day are :(1) Comfortable, (2) Easy to move in, and (3) Warm! The third ended up being especially important as the venue had a huge open door and it started raining when we first got there!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Sweater Tunic – H&M, Leggings – Forever 21, Cropped Blazer – Banana Republic, Studded Ankle Boots – C Label via Piperlime, Patent Satchel – Express, Skull Pendant – Asos, and Bracelets – H&M, Asos & JewelMint}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
I have a confession to make. This blazer is one of the oldest {non-heirloom} pieces in my closet. My mother bought it for me SEVEN years ago when she took me on a shopping trip to equip me for interviewing and starting my first post-collegiate job. When people say “classic” or “investment piece” this, my friends, is what they’re referring to!
Do you have any classic, it’ll-always-be-in-style pieces in your wardrobe? What’s your favorite investment piece that you’ve bought over the years?
MCLV Style: Animalistic
Northern California is all about layering during the Fall – The mornings may start off foggy with a chill in the air only to end up in the mid seventies with the sun beating down on you by lunchtime. Since moving to San Francisco I’ve become something of a self-taught layering expert.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Leopard Knit Moto Jacket – Express, Siren Skinny Jeans – Victoria’s Secret, Black Tunic Tank – Club Monaco, (faux) Patent Leather Chainlink Bag – Express, Gold Geometric Bracelet – BCBG & Over-The-Knee Seude Boots – Chinese Laundry}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This ended up being the perfect amount of layers, I could easily unzip the moto jacket to get some air, and take it off completely when it got too warm. We spent the day wandering around Sonoma Square and enjoying wine tastings, window shopping, and a tasty lunch at The Girl And The Fig.
Do you like to wear multiple lighter-weight layers when the weather starts to get colder in the Fall/Winter? Or do you prefer to wear thicker outerwear during the chillier seasons?
Looks of the Week
I hope that everyone had a lovely weekend! The weather is really starting to turn towards Fall here in San Francisco with crisp, clear days and shower-filled evenings. My favorite time of year!
Let’s celebrate Monday coming to a close with a handful of fashionable looks from around the globe that’ll have you as excited for Fall dressing and accessories as I am.
I love this look from head-to-toe. Pairing a floral blouse with a green & black polka-dotted high-waist pencil skirt was brilliant and those shoes are too cute!
Such a fun, eclectic look. The round retro frames suit her to a T, I love the print & pattern mixing with the tunic and leggings, and the leopard print mini Celine bag is a great final touch.
Leopard print shorts are a hard piece to pull off but this look perfectly combines the fun, eye-catching print shorts with a bright, but demure sweater & button-down combo. The addition of the lipstick red handbag and the black velvet smoking flats.
Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013
I adore the designers who show at Milan Fashion Week – The clothes are inevitably dramatic, womanly, and sexy sexy sexy. This season was no exception, the collections shown were color, extravagant, and downright spectacular.
Versace:
The Versace woman is never afraid to show some skin and this Spring she’ll really be putting her fabulous figure on display in an assortment of mini skirts, dresses, and shorts in mesh, nude lace, and sheer fabrics.
Low slung belts, studded cross-body bags, midriff baring tops, and knee-high gladiator sandal-boot hybrids were the accessories de jour, all in blacks, nudes, and vibrant Spring colors. I especially liked the sleeveless shift dresses and the studded belts which added a dash of rock n’ roll to the looks.
Salvatore Ferragamo:
Leather and skins were highly featured at the Ferragamo show, and while other designers showed flowy silhouettes, bright colors, and prints & florals, Ferragamo was structured and tailored.
The black, white & nude collection included fabulous outerwear, slim pants, lacing, metallics, lace, mesh fabrics, snake-skin, boots, and studs, buckles & grommets.
Alberta Ferretti:
Delicate. Ladylike. Romantic. Those are all words that I usually associate with Alberta Ferretti and this Spring collection is no different. I might even add dreamy this season.
Between the beading, shimmering, feathers, lace, and wet-looking slinky fabrics this collection was a treat for the senses, you wanted to reach out and touch all the aquatic-inspired designs!
Prada:
‘Dramatic’ and ‘florals’ may not seem like they are two concepts that go together, but at Prada the dark, moody hues made the Japanese-inspired florals really pop.
From red poppies to black & white dandelion silhouettes, these florals were modern and dramatic rather than your usual hippie-inspired, Spring-appropriate florals.
Fendi:
Printed and colorblocked separates, dresses, and outerwear marched down the Fendi runway in colors from black & white to yellow, brown, and blue.
While there were a few solid-colored frocks among the looks sent down the catwalk, it was the dramatic and eye-catching futuristic prints that really caught my eye. The exaggerated silhouettes and interesting draping, folding, and tailoring were also outstanding.
Moschino:
The Moschino collection was absolutely killer! I’m a huge fan of mod-inspired looks and this collection was all about the 60’s – From amazingly flattering black & white pieces to swoon-worthy brightly colored prints & stripes.
The dramatic, embellished silver sandals, the retro hats, oversized sunnies, shift dresses, and chic, colorful jumpsuits & rompers with contrasting colored piping were all totally wearable. The separates and dresses had a great retro vibe but were still totally wearable for a modern girl if styled right!
Dolce & Gabbana:
Bright, fun & kitschy – Just the way we like it!
The old school Italian themed show was full of fun colors, extravagant prints, stripes, oversized earrings, scarves, and the classic, retro silhouettes that the pair do so well. It was interesting, eye-catching, and wearable.
Roberto Cavalli:
This primarily black & white collection included hints of pink, green, and orange among the dreamy crystal, gem, and jewel-encrusted dresses, gowns, and slim suits.
From delicate lace, mesh, and sheer fabrics in crisp white to abstract florals in palest pastels to dramatic beaded pieces in black. Slinky, sexy, and dramatic – These designs were simultaneously powerful and delicate, a feat few designers can manage.
Marni:
Though there were bold patterns featured in the Marni collection, there were also great white, and solid colored separates and dresses, all in the preferred, exaggerated silhouette of Consuelo Castiglioni.
Wooden brooches and ankle-strap platform sandals were also featured, both adding a down-to-earth feel to the collection. What I liked best were the cocoon -haped coats in bright prints and the peplum adorned dresses.
Gucci:
Think PINK! The Gucci show opened with a handful of bright pink looks, followed by blue, green, and yellow before the final black & white evening looks.
Brilliant colors, retro 70’s styles, and flattering, womanly silhouettes. The collection was dramatic and eye-catching while still being fun and wearable. The whole affaire was bold and sexy, one of my favorite collections!
MaxMara:
The relaxed, Out of Africa style collection from MaxMara showcased slouchy knits, shirt dresses, safari inspired outerwear, and a host of somber colored prints, plaids, and stripes.
They delivered a collection of easy, low-key separates that could easily be paired together or mixed n’ matched with other pieces that you already have in your wardrobe.
Giorgio Armani:
This collection was all about shimmering, shiny, science fiction-inspired fabrics, textures, and colors. Silvery blue-grays, tie-dye inspired aquas, and sparkling navy were all heavily featured.
The flowy, somewhat exaggerated silhouettes were universally flattering and the chic, simple sandals were pure Armani. I always love Giorgio’s habit of sending two girls at a time down the runway, such a fun way to space things!
Versus:
This was a fun, bright, playful extravaganza – From candy-like prints & patterns to vibrant pinks, yellows & blues to cheeky silhouettes & fabrics.
I especially liked the interesting fabrics and textures that Christopher Kane showcased, as well as the use of exposed zippers and the fun prints. It was a really youthful and energetic collection of pieces.
Missoni:
The knits that marched down the runway for Missoni spanned the color spectrum – From crisp whites to playful corals to Springy greens & blues. Taste the rainbow!
The breezy dresses and structured separates were wearable and chic – Perfect for a Spring full of exotic locations, days spent reading by the pool, or picking your way through foreign flea markets. They had a rich feel to them, like a luxurious vacation to far away lands come to life!
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous Milan Collections: Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part I & Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part II.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Fashionologie’s Bags! The Best From Milan’s Spring 2013 Runways, Harper’s Bazaar’s Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 Looks & Derek Blasberg’s Insta-Diary From The Fashion Week(s).
What’s your favorite designer from the Milan Fashion Week lineup? Do you look forward to any shows season after season?
London Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion
The street style in London always has a bit of drama to it – While New York Fashion Week is full of fun, bright Summer separates, London usually has more focus on deeper colors, outerwear, and great boots.
You can always out on Miss Dita to give great face. She always gives a look her all and looks perfectly put together.
Mixing prints like this is not a challenge to be taken on by a novice! Bright colorblocking, paisley pants, red, black & white heels, and an oversized black clutch with red piping. Masterly!
Mulberry had itself quite the front row! Designer Emma Hill was joined by the a couple of fabulous British It girls – Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, and Lana Del Rey.
Texture! Texture! Texture! Between the stacked beaded bracelets to the contrasting lace in blues and creams to the chunky statement necklace – This look is all about mixing and matching textures and fabrics.
Such a stylish, colorful outfit – I love the marigold cropped pants paired with the emerald-green double-breasted blazer, it’s an interesting and striking combination.
This is such a great British outfit! The sweet silhouette of the drop-waist shift dress, the contrasting collar, and the chic retro hat are lovely, and I like how she paired them with a statement necklace and brightly colored clutch.
Poppy has been a longtime fan and supporter of Matthew Williamson and put together a great boho look for his show – Torn jeans, metallic strappy sandals, an embroidered top, and braids.
This is a fantastic jacket and I love how she gave it a fun, relaxed feel by paring it with a graphic tee and the cherry red handbag.
Rocker chic meets Catholic school girl – Daisy Lowe put together an edgy but stylish black & white ensemble by pairing a pleated mini with a high-neck blouse, cropped motorcycle jacket, and ankle boots.
I absolutely adore this – The puppy sweater is too cute for words, the tweed coat is killer, and I NEED those moccasin heels!
The stylish outerwear wasn’t just on the runway at Burberry, Miss Julia Restoin–Roitfeld and Robert Konjic looked great in double-breasted coats just outside the show.
Drama Queen! Never interested in being a wallflower ADR stuns in statement pieces after statement piece! Maybe she got caught in a fashion shower on her way to the show? 🙂
I adore this shot of models Poppy & Arizona. They have such distinct styles, but they both look great. Poppy’s studded ankle boots and black & white printed blouse suit her perfectly, while Arizona’s button-front dress and cropped leather jacket work really well to create a fun, unique look.
Stunning! I love the sweet Peter Pan collar and can’t imagine a more flattering color or cut for her. And those booties? Swoon! Leave it to a blogger to knock it right out of the park! 🙂
{Click on the links above to view the original source}
Previous LFW & Spring 2013 Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Fall 2012, London Fashion Week – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2012 Round-Up, and Streetstyle & Front Row Fashion – London Fashion Week.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: London Fashion Week Spring 2013: Parties & Front Row, Street Style Spring 2013: London Fashion Week & London Backstage Beauty Files: Spring 2013 from Harper’s Bazaar.
Do you prefer the wild & vibrant styles that feature heavily on the sidewalks of New York City or the moody, Fall-inspired fashions on the London streets during Fashion Week?
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?
Hippie Chic
With the Coachella weekends swiftly approaching and people planning their trips out to Southern California, I thought that I’d show a little hippie love with some bohemian-inspired outfits to get you in inspired and in the mood.
Rule #1:
Don’t forget your boots! As the reigning queen of music festival-chic, Her Highness Kate Moss never forgets to bring her boots. They’re key for tramping around between sets, especially given the erratic weather patterns this time of year and the random, unannounced Spring showers.
And in honor of The Queen, here’s outfit suggestion numero un – You’ll need some flattering, tiny shorts, a loose tunic, low slung belt, Hunters, a cross-body bag and hippie accessories like feathers and chains
Rule #2:
Whether you’re a fan of aviators or Wayfarers, don’t forget to pack a couple of pairs of sunglasses for your trip. Choosing a pair of shades that suits your face can be a challenge, but once you settle on your favorite style you can spice up your look by trying out everything from black & white zebra prints to classic black to tortoiseshell.
The lovely Kate Bosworth is always at the top of the Best Dressed lists after a music festival weekend and here’s yet another example of just how she makes her hippilicious outfits work. This outfit illustrates just how important sunglasses are, both to complete your look and to keep your eyes healthy and safe in the sun!
To put together similar look you should keep it simple and try a summery romper that’s spiced up with lace-up sandals, hoop earrings, a saddle bag and your favorite sunglasses!
Rule #3:
The extras are incredibly important when you’re putting together a fun boho look – You can try adding anything from the handbags and jewelry to headbands and hats. So when in doubt, pile on the hippie accessories!
Celebrities really know how to do the hippie chic look right by complementing their outfits with colorful headscarves, floral headbands, fringed pieces, hobo bags, braids, draped vests, and oversized vintage sunglasses.
For this kind of outfit you can’t go wrong with faded or distressed skinnies, a basic tank, flat Peter Pan-inspired booties, and then pile on all the hippie accessories that you can get your hands on.
Rule #4:
Why not be an undercover stunner on this trip? Avoid sunburn and disastrous fading and bleaching of your hair by adding an oh-so-chic hat to your ensemble. A floppy, oversized felt hat like below goes really well with a floaty, low-key look like a maxi, while a brimmed fedora will complement a more structured separates look better.
Vanessa Hudgens {anyone seen Sucker Punch?} definitely knows how to stay cool in the summer heat. Believe me when I say that the Southern California sun can be pretty punishing, so please be sure to pack both your hat and sunglasses!
Try mixing up your hippie chic look by pairing a flowy, ethereal maxi dress or maxi skirt with strappy flat sandals, vintage gold chains, and a fedora or wide-brimmed hat.
Now run off and enjoy the music loves, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Moi Contre La Vie 