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?
Social Media: Where To Find What
Welcome to Moi Contre La Vie!
Whether you’re a regular reader or this is your first time visiting this site I thought a little explanation of what I’m doing here might be helpful.
This is a fashion and lifestyle blog that features everything from personal style posts, menswear, shopping tips, and runway reviews to delicious recipes, workout ideas, and healthy living suggestions. Since there are so many topics & such a wide variety of information available to you I wanted to take some time to map out where you can find various things on either this blog or on social media.
{While there is some overlap, I try to make sure that each social media platform gets some individual attention each and every day}
MCLV:
While I like to maintain some freedom to be creative on the blog, there are a few recurring series that you can expect to usually follow a schedule.
- Mondays – Looks of the Week (3-4 times a month): A weekly round-up of great looks from around the world
- Tuesdays – MCLV Style: Personal style posts
- Thursdays – Styling 101 (1-2 times a month): Photos featuring beautiful vintage jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage paired w/ looks that I have styled
- Sundays – Links You’ll Love: A weekly round-up of interesting articles & blog posts relating to fashion or health & nutrition
Facebook:
The MCLV Facebook page is updated multiple times a day and in addition to notices when a new post is published, you’ll also see when new photos are uploaded {from events, fun outtakes from photo shoots, behind-the-scenes shots etc.}, I’ll also share great blogs that I’m following & you can check out some of the fashion events that are on my calendar.
Twitter:
On Twitter you’ll also get notice when a new post has been published, when new photos are added on Facebook, and when a new picture is added to Instagram, it’s also where I’ll share blog posts & news articles I’m enjoying, update you on how my days are going, share inspirational quotes, and let you know when something fun is on the horizon.
Instagram:
If you’re interested in getting a glimpse into my daily routine, how I spend my days & what’s going on in my world, Instagram is for you. I share a couple of pictures a day and try to keep things interesting in terms of the subjects – From quick snaps at the gym to get you motivated for a workout, delicious new recipes I’m trying out, books I’m reading & shots of my insane cats to pics from my shopping adventures, outfits for events, as well as DIY, home decor & design projects.
Pinterest:
I’ve been clipping pictures from magazines & making collages & pasting them into inspiration books for YEARS so I was thrilled when I discovered Pinterest. An online way to collect fantastic pictures that move & inspire me? Yes please! I update Pinterest most days and you can find a wide variety of boards to enjoy – From fashion inspiration, beauty must haves, updo’s & killer hairstyles, fabulous jewelry, and menswear must haves to home decor, delicious recipes, workout motivation, inspirational sayings, and even mood boards for specific photo shoots that I’m working on.
There are a few additional platforms that I enjoy a few times a week but don’t update as frequently – Pose, Polyvore, Chictopia, and LookMazing are all great sites though so feel free to stop by anytime for fun fashion inspiration & shopping!
Interested in more background? Check out the About MOI and FAQÂ pages for more details about me and MCLV!
Rent The Runway Review
In my MCLV Style: Ballerina post I mentioned that my gold sequined Badgley Mischka gown had been ordered from Rent The Runway but it was such a fun, and easy, experience that I really wanted to devote an entire post to telling you about it.
I’m not going to lie – I was hesitant to try this service since I didn’t know anyone who had tried it, but once I got onto the website and started looking through the selection of dresses there was no turning back.
I picked my date. Chose my dress. And ordered.
{Your dress in two sizes and any accessories you may have ordered will arrive neatly wrapped in bags & boxes, clearly labeled, and with concise directions for how to return them}
{Then you try on the two sizes that you chose, pick one, and start the styling!}
{Selfies – The best way to pick your outerwear & accessories}
{The return process is quick & PAINLESS – All you do is stuff the pieces into the pre-labeled packing envelopes and drop them in a blue mailbox on the street. That’s all!}
I’m definitely going to utilize this service again in the future next time I need a fun gown for a one-time event. Maybe even for the next ballet event I’m hoping to attend in May to celebrate the opening of Cinderella.
Is Rent The Runway a website that you’d consider trying out? And if you have already tried it, was your experience as great as mine was?
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!
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moicontrelavie
- Twitter: @moicontrelavie
- Instagram: @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mclv/
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: Ballerina
While I’m not a huge proponent of mid-week nighttime outings, every once in a while an event comes up that begs for a later-than-normal curfew and is easily worth the groggy next day at work.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Gown – Badgley Mischka via Rent The Runway, Spike Embellished Heels – The Limited, Jewelry – Sasha Maks Vintage & Clutch – Diane Von Furstenburg}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
The San Francisco Ballet Opening Night Gala was one such event. I adore the ballet AND dressing up – So it promised to be an amazing evening. Add gold sequins and stunning vintage jewelry and believe me when I say that you’re got yourself a night to remember!
Do you like to get dressed up? Does a formal evening sound like fun to you or does even the mention of a gown stress you out?
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?
Looks of the Week – Outwear Edition
Bold and dramatic outerwear is my current obsession – Whether you adore the classics or pieces with more a avant garde or boho vibe, you’ll love the fabulous examples below!
{Such a fabulous color – Bold & eye-catching. And I adore the belt!}
{Fabulous prints like these are a great way to go – This subtle black & white oversized coat is just the thing!}
{Drama Drama Drama – This Maison Martin Margiela coat is about as head-turning as they come. Are you brave enough to rock something like this?}
{A faux fur collar is a great way to spice up a coat – It adds a touch of sophistication and a fun twist that can make a coat totally “you.”}
{Animal prints can be a really fun print to try out – And finding a unique cut & silhouette like this one is a great way to go. Belting it? Makes it even more unique!}
{I love the unique style of this piece – The print, the fringe, the silhouette}
What’s your favorite style of outerwear? Do you have a favorite piece that you just can’t get enough of this season?
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?
Welcome To The Red Carpet…
Each Spring we get to witness the fabulous journey from red carpet to red carpet that the celebrities embark on that leads to the Oscars. Have I seen all the movies being nominated for & winning awards? Nope. Not even close. Do you know which gowns & frocks I love and which designers are killing it? Oh. Yes.
Here are some of the highlights of late!
{I like this because it’s a one-of-a-kind take on a standard Little Black Dress and the answer to what to wear to a cocktail party.}
{Cute. Eye-catching. Age appropriate. What more could you ask for from a young starlet?}
{I adore a man in a suit, but with an endless parade of red carpets during awards season black and grey suit after black and grey suit gets a bit… Dreary. Three cheers for a man who mixing things up and likes to try great colors & textures. Precisely as the face of Burberry should!}
{Flowy and white can frequently bomb on the red carpet. Too loose, too casual, too flower child… But this one is perfection. It’s all about the belt!}
{Another black & gold number that killed it on the red carpet. Dramatic. Unique. Flattering. Perfect!}
{Finding the perfect jewel toned gown isn’t easy and I can’t imagine a more beautifully colored dress than this one. And that silver collar? Swoon!}
{Prints & patterns are such a breath of fresh air on the red carpet in a sea of princess-y frocks and this metallic black & silver number was especially stunning. And she wisely left the statement jewelry at home.}
{Another fabulous white gown curtsey of Ralph Lauren. Lovely silhouette and a flattering hue, but those earrings were what really sold me. Just stunning!}
{I LOVE Kerry Washington and she’s had some killer looks during her Django Unchained press tour – But this Giles gown is one of my favorites. It’s totally unique while still looking like it was made for her. Brava!}
And finally… Some Golden Globe goodness:
{I love this dress! There was lots of back-and-forth on this one from the commentators, but I thought it was fun and a breath of fresh air!}
{Striking. Just striking.}
{I love the drama here – The deep oxblood color, the neckline, the train… There’s a lot going on, but it works for her.}
{I LOVE pants on the red carpet. And I love women in tuxedos. This is simple but totally chic and timeless. Well done Amy, well done.}
{Wow. It’s eye-catching and dramatic, but still age appropriate and utterly flattering. Gorgeous dress!, I love the gold embellishments.}
{This peach hue suits Miss Jessica to a T. It’s classic but the styling, jewelry & bag take it up a notch.}
{I love black & white on the red carpet. It’s sharp and eye-catching. And Julianne Moore knows JUST how to pull off this killer Tom Ford gown.}
{Flawless. The gown is a stunning color, suits her figure perfectly, and I adore the double straps, low back, and sheer stripe. Perfection!}
{Drama Drama Drama. When you want sophisticated, high fashion drama and glamour you know where to go – Alexander McQueen!}
{I’m not usually a fan of sheer hemlines but I just love this sparkly Miu Miu number. It really stood out last night – Both on the red carpet and on stage – And it looks great on her.}
{And she’s back! I used to love everything that Miss Kidman wore on the red carpet but all the white lately hasn’t been my favorite – This however is killer. It’s busy, but she’s just the woman to pull it off!}
{Such a standout dress last night – This is the definitely of an eye-catching look!}
In my humble opinion there was a winning tie here… Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta {styled by the fabulous Brad Goreski} and Taylor Swift in Donna Karan Atelier. Both looked utterly striking and were styled to perfection. Well done to everyone though, there were virtually no disasters at this stylish event.
My only complaint? Where was Keira Knightley??? Her Chanel gowns for the Anna Karenina red carpets have been divine – I was dying to see what she was going to wear to the Golden Globes. Sob!
{Images from TLo}
Curious about last year’s stand outs? Check out Golden Girls. And Boys. for the 2012 red carpet looks from the likes of Angelina Jolie, Evan Rachel Wood, Emma Stone, and Rooney Mara.
Which fabulous frock was your favorite?
Looks of the Week
After a short hiatus – Otherwise know as The Holidays – I’d like to welcome you back for another Looks of the Week post. I just can’t get enough of colors, textures, and fun, eye-catching fabrics these days. So enjoy these shots – I hope you’re motivated to mix things up like these stylish ladies!
{How KILLER is this look? Head-to-toe fabuous from the black & red color scheme to the fabulous baubles to the lace+leather+graphic prints.}
{Doesn’t this look make you want to reach out and touch it? Love the vest paired w/ the vibrantly colored top. So dramatic!}
{Too. Freaking. Cute. I love her vest & bag – But that hat is just plain WORKIN’ for me!}
{While I do adore this mustard colored skirt it’s not what initially caught my attention. It was the cable knit sweater over blue plaid wit a killer statement necklace. The textures & colors here are fabulous!}
{Do I even need to caption this?}
{Red. Hot. I love a power suit and is anything more enpowering than head-to-toe red? Tres chic!}
{I’m currently in the midst of a full blown obsession with embellished skirts – Seriously, the bf is concerned for my well being – And feathers are high on my need-want-have-to-have list! I love how Fashion Steele NYC keeps this look from being too over-the-top by pairing it with a basic tee & blazer.}
{I mean – Wow. Love the colors. Love the layers. Love the fabrics & texures. Just love!}
{Tweed is one of my favorite Winter fabrics – It’s warm and has a certain destinguished Brit-vibe to it. I also love a one-of-a-kind suit like this one.}
Which look here in your favorite? Are you enjoying rich colors, fun fabrics, and interesting textures this season?
MCLV Style: Leopard Print
I’ve been hunting for the perfect faux fur coat for what seems like forever –Â Finding the right silhouette, the right fabric, and the right style had begun to seem like an impossible task. Until I discovered this vintage faux fur baby!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Faux Fur Coat – Vintage, Zipper Tunic – Alfani via Macys, Leggings – Victoria’s Secret, Zipper Boots – Vintage & Bracelet – Vintage Chanel}
{You can view this outfit on Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
I found this at a little vintage shop that I can’t even remember the name of, but which I will clearly need to return to. If I can find it. It’s incredibly soft and I like the oversized, retro feel, and the wide collar. I definitely wouldn’t have had the confidence to wear such a loud coat a few years ago so I was extremely pleased by how excited I was to put together a look with it. It’s not unheard of for a new purchase to hang sadly in my closet, tags in place, until a friend adopts it.
Do you ever get excited about a new purchase and then completely forget about it or decide after the fact that you’re not sure you can pull it off?
Happy Holidays!
Here’s wishing you all an amazing holiday season – Enjoy your much deserved time away from work, spending time with your families, and delicious, festive Winter treats!
MCLV Style: Pleats & Studs
I had been eyeing this pleated, faux leather, studded skirt for a while – It’s not really my typical style, but I’ve seen a handful of bloggers wearing it and was absolutely in love. So I finally headed to Zara to take the plunge right before my birthday and it was love at first sight!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pleated Leather Skirt – Zara, Striped Pocket Tee – Zara, Crossbody Bag – Le Sak, Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff via Shopbop.com & Jewelry – JewelMint, H&M & Asos}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
Once I got this skirt home I had so many ideas running through my head that I couldn’t decide how I wanted to style it. I love both of the looks below – which are quite different style wise – and I wasn’t sure how to make this skirt “me.” I finally settled on pairing it with my favorite suede booties and a basic striped tee which helped dress it down a bit. I’ll definitely be brining it back for another MCLV Style appearance though so stay tuned for a different vibe the next time!
{Inspiration – Late Afternoon & Fashion Vibe}
Do you like Liz from Late Afternoon’s pairing of this skirt with golden booties & bright prints or Zina of Fashion Vibe’s all-black rock n’ roll ensemble best?
Confessions of a Former Insomniac
When I arrived at Berkeley at the tender age of 18 I started living, and stopped sleeping. Too much caffeine. Too much excitement. Too much booze. Too much stress. Just TOO MUCH. That was the beginning of years of struggling with insomnia, subsisting on as little as three hours of sleep a night for stretches of months at a time. But I’m proud to say that I no longer dread the moment when I get in bed, fearing that it’ll be the beginning of hours stressful tossing and turning. And I have just one thing to say to all of you out there with similar fears:
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!
Insomnia is something that doctors seem to spend a great deal of time guessing on. Well, perhaps not guessing, but it is not necessarily an easily diagnosed or cured condition. Sleeping pills are quite addicting and the sleep you get isn’t satisfying, so it’s not the most beneficial course of treatment. Back in the day I was given allergy tests, cat scans, thyroid tests, prescriptions, eye tests…
Unfortunately there was no quick and easy cure for my insomnia – Though I was convinced I had a brain tumor. In college the doctors told me to slow down, that I was taking too many classes and not giving myself enough downtime. Then after I left school and joined the workforce they told me it was the stress and pressure of my 12+ hours a day job. Well… Clearly there needed to be another solutions since I’m a go-go-go kinda girl.
Since I’ve had a handful of sleepless nights recently and needed to go back and resurrect some of the tricks that I learned over the years, I’d like to share them with you in the hopes that we can all enjoy a full night’s sleep.
[1.] Create a sleep space – This is the first thing that a doctor will tell you if you make an appointment to discuss insomnia. Make your bedroom a sacred place, a place for sleeping alone. That means no television, no eating, no stressing – Your bedroom is for sleeping and sleeping only. This was particularly hard for me in college since I had such limited space in my tiny Berkeley apartment. It was especially challenging for me to find other locations for studying (libraries, cafes) and eating (balcony).
These days, I’ve discovered that if I allow my bedroom to become cluttered it really affects my ability to sleep at night, so I have to keep things neat and organized. And for me, this also means no radio, television, or computer in my bedroom. Too tempting. Too distracting.
[2.] Power down – Turning my brain off at night after 17 or 18 hours of being “on” is another major challenge for me. In order to do this I employ a number of techniques, including turning my cell phone and blackberry over so that I don’t see any flashing lights, wearing a sleep mask, ear plugs, and keeping a notepad handy so that I can write down things that are keeping me awake so I don’t have to focus on them right then.
[3.] Sweat it out – I for one sleep vastly better when I’m physically exhausted so getting in a good workout is incredibly important. If I don’t have time to hit the gym, sneak in a Pilates class, or go for a run, then I go for a walk after dinner or spend 15 minutes stretching right before bed. Stretching in particular is very therapeutic for me, by concentrating my energies and focusing on my body, I’m usually able let go of everything else. I know that’s how some people feel about yoga!
[4.] Caffeine Monster – Some people can have caffeine right up until bedtime and have no issues sleeping, the key is to know your personal limits and to do some research to determine what works best for you. While caffeine wont keep me awake, it will make my time between the sheets more restless, so one green tea after lunch is all I allow myself during the week.
[5.] Food – For some people sleeping on a full stomach is uncomfortable and interferes with their sleeping patterns. Trial and error may have taught you to avoid spicy dinners – and therefore the horrors of indigestion – or taught you not to eat after 7pm. Personally, a carb-heavy dinner always makes me wake up starving in the middle of the night so I try to have bread-y or potato-based dinners on the earlier side and not right before bed.
[6.] The Golden Rule – Most important rule? Do. Not. Panic. When you go to bed fearing that you wont be able to sleep – surprise – you wont be able to sleep! You need to do whatever you can to reduce your negative and/or nervous energy before you pull back the sheets and fluff your pillow.
Some of my quick fixes to try before heading to a doctor for poking & prodding?
- Ear plugs – While there are those who dislike the feeling of something in their ears (especially if you sleep on your side) these can be a great tool since they allow you to sleep through small noises without waking up.
- Sleeping mask – Studies show that exposure to light and can greatly affect your body’s ability to fall into deep REM sleep, so cover those flashing numbers on your alarm, turn off your phone & pull on a mask for deeper sleep.
Check out the Huffington Post’s 30 Minutes More Sleep Challenge for more ideas.
Sweet dreams!
Moi Contre La Vie 