victorian | Moi Contre La Vie

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion

One of my favorite parts of the Italian shows are the photographs of the Italian men in the streets before and after the collections. Their style is just amazing. Obviously the women do a fantastic job of putting their outfits together as well, I adore female Italian style, it’s just that on average Italian men are much better dressed than – say – American men. But I digress…

Those pants! That bag! Those phones! Yes - Phones with an "s," he has two - yellow & pink.

Model Bonnie Chen knows just how to lighten up as the weather gets warmer, she expertly paired a light, pleated maxi skirt with a striped T.

Giovanna Battaglia looking stunning in a patterned dress and emerald-colored jewel trimmed trench coat. These sorts of beautiful Spring colors were all over Milan, everyone seems hopeful that warmer weather will come soon.

First, LOVE the hair. Mine's virtually the same color these days. Second, the vertical stripes paired with a tucked in sweater is too cute.

Adorable Spring brights with a basic white button down and a classic double-breasted trench. Picture perfect. Love the sunglasses!

The Sartorialist captured Lapo Elkann on the street - I love that he paired a traditional cream double-breasted suit with a grey collared pullover. Great choice.

Who knew forgetting your socks could look so unbelievably chic? P.S. Need that bag!

A newly dark-haired Kasia Struss met the Italian winter with style between her shows. I love the ankle-length Victorian-style coat with burnished buttons mixed with the knee-high boots covered in straps and buttons.

Jeans take a stylish turn with a delicate lace top, faux fur-trimmed thick wool coat and of course a leopard print cross-body bag - it is Milan after all.

While I like that this is a fun, sexy take on the traditional skirt suit, what really caught my eye was the chic combination of the layering of a shorter suit jacket over a longer version and the contrasting belt with great hardware. Unique and eye-catching.

The mixing & matching in these looks is inspired, I really like the chunky tan ankle boots with dark skinnies on the left and the gorgeous platform Oxfords with tights and a little black dress on the right. And of course their glasses were what really stole the scene.

Ready for Spring yet? Florals, pastels, neons and colorblocking were allllll over the streets of Milan.

I love the bold mixing of prints - I feel like it can give a look a whole new depth. It takes a lot fo creativity and fearlessness to put together a look like this one - that works.

Such a chic look! I love the contrasting colored cape and the blue Capri pants paired with those adorably ornate pumps. Plus the sleeves of her brown top are covered in beautiful metallic beads - tres chic!

Model Tanya Dziahileva was all about Chanel on her last day in Milan. Her boots are killer, her coat is too cute (love the sleeves) and I cannot live without that necklace for another moment! Must. Have.

Lily Donaldson looked sweet in a vintage-style cream collared cshirt, cropped pants and cute ankle boots.This is what I picture when I think of British fashion - Sleek, stylish and minimal. (Lily's an English Rose!)

And one of the most entertaining looks from Milan?

Kangaroo PJs!

Haha

Source, Source, Source, Source & Source

Be sure to keep an eye out for Moi Contre La Vie’s Giveaway after my second Paris Fashion Week post!

March 1, 2012 | Categories: Fashion | Tags: Altamira Models Off Duty, Bonnie Chen, Bright colors, British fashion, Chanel, Colorblocking, Craig Arend, Eleonora Carisi, Elisa Nalin, Fabsugar, fashion editors, Floral prints, Front Row Fashion, Garance Dore, Giovanna Battaglia, gothic, harper's bazaar, Italian fashion, Italian Style, Kasia Struss, Lapo Elkann, Lily Donaldson, magazine editors, Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012, Milan fashions, Milanese men, Military, mixing prints, Model street style, neon, pointy toed heels, Salvatore Ferragamo, Scott Schuman, skirt suit, Spring 2012 trends, Street style, Tanya Dziahileva, Taylor Tomasi-Hill, The Sartorialist, victorian | 3 Comments

MCLV’s Style File – Emma Roberts

If you’re looking for a chic holiday outfit take some inspiration from this Victorian style black and white look that Emma Roberts graced us with a few nights ago.

Source

In case you want to check out the original pairings and runway styling these separates are from the Temperly London Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection.

This look is a great alternative to a traditional cocktail dress for your holiday parties this season. The black and white color scheme keeps it chic and simplistic, the velvet skirt and embellishments on the top add some much-needed flare and the bright bag takes it up a notch and makes it festive.

There are a couple of ways to go with the top of this look, you can try a simple white lace shirt, a high-neck sleeveless top like Emma wore or keep the Victorian theme going with a cold-weather approved long-sleeved embellished top.

Top Left: Shell Top With Floret Embellishment - $61 (sale price) @ Asos.com, Top Right: Hanky Panky Ariel Lace Turtleneck - $65 @ Nordstrom, Center: Zebra Lace Embellished Top - $75 @ Topshop, Bottom Left: INC Sleeveless Mock Turtleneck Halter Top - $30 (sale price) @ Macys & Bottom Right: Disk Sequin Mesh Top - $65 @ Asos.com

A slinky black velvet maxi skirt is perfect for this winter and a great way to spice up what could otherwise be a lackluster black & white look.

Top Left: T by Alexander Wang Panne Velvet Long Skirt - $315 @ Shopbop.com, Top Right: Velvet Maxi Skirt - $130 @ J Jill, Bottom Left: Maxi Skirt - $50 @ Victoria's Secret & Bottom Right: Velvet Maxi Skirt - $60 @ Soma Intimates

Emma really emphasised the gothic romance of this outfit with her gorgeous drop earrings, which complement the intricacy of the look without taking it over the top.

Top Left: Eliot Danori Autumn Array Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings - $70 @ Macys, Top Right: Badgley Mischka Multi-shaped Stone Crystal Chandeliers - $170 @ Charm & Chain, Center: Dana Kellin Silver Quartz Faceted Pear Shaped Drop Earrings - $225 @ Endless.com, Bottom Left: 2028 Aurora Borealis Bead Drop Earrings - $25 @ Macys & Bottom Right: Badgley Mischka Jet Crystal Cluster Earrings - $95 @ Charm & Chain

And a festive clutch in a bright holiday color is the perfect final touch to finish off this look. Whether you choose red, green, gold or silver, be sure to pick something that catches the eye and doesn’t blend in with the black and white of the outfit.

Top Left: Tusk Women's Donington Bag - $110 @ Endless.com, Top Right: Embossed Telegram Clutch - $60 @ Madewell, Center: BCBGeneration Bella Foldover Clutch - $70 @ Macys, Bottom Left: Kate Spade Portola Valley Fae - $75 @ Zappos Couture & Bottom Right: Suede Envelope Clutch - $30 @ American Apparel

While you can’t see Emma’s shoes in these pictures I would go with a pair of black peep toes or a simple strappy sandal in black or a dark metallic shade (think about matching the earrings or a piece of clothing, not the clutch). And be sure to check the shoes with the skirt before you step outside, straps and buckles may catch on the velvet and cause issues later in the night if you’re not careful.

Now slap on some red lipstick and head out the door!

And in case you’re curious how the designer herself might mix-n-match the black & white pieces of her collection check this out. Seeing Alice Temperly here is a really great example of how you can take the basic idea for a look and make it your own or – as is the case here – make it more mature and more appropriate for a certain setting. By wearing long sleeves and cinching her waist with a jeweled belt she makes the look as elegant and sophisticated as Emma makes it youthful.