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

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MCLV Style: Casual Fashion

Stripes are the perfect Spring and Summer daytime look – They go with everything and are easy to spice up to make a nighttime look. Here I paired a basic striped top with cuffed, slim-fitting jeans, and animal print accessories to make it a bit more interesting.

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{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans - J Brand, Top – H&M, Bag – Zara, Necklace – Asos & Heels - ShoeMint} 

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

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Despite normally being a dress girl I’ve been living in these jeans on weekends lately – So comfortable and so flattering. They look great with heels as well as flats, and I really like the dark wash which hasn’t faded at all.

What’s your favorite brand of jeans? Why are they your favorite?

Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Looks of the Week

The Looks of the Week – Office Style Edition was a fun deviation from the standard round-up of looks, I for one really enjoyed getting inspired to be more creative with my work looks. This week is all about international street style and the looks below were put together by fashion bloggers everywhere from Russia to the UK to Poland.

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{Does it get better than this? Bold black & white stripes and checkers paired with brilliant yellow, and finished off with chic two-toned sling backs. Swoon.}

Cloud-Print-Dress

{Does anything say Spring more clearly than a sweet cloud print skirt? And the pretty fuschia pumps are the perfect punctuation for the look!}

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{I couldn’t be more in love with this look – The silhouette of the suit is perfect, the print is fun & eye-catching, and the cut is beyond flattering. This is a How To on wearing prints for Spring so take notes!}

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{You know what there aren’t enough of these days? Suspenders. And you can quote me on that!}

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{Head-to-toe black & white zebra print? Yes please!}

Clearly I’m loving black and white trend for Spring, especially when paired with a bold colored accessory – It’s classic but with a fun, modern twist. What’s my personal nod to this style? Just ordered this top and matching bottoms from Nordstrom – Can’t wait to show you guys! :)

Are you a fan of black and white for Spring? What’s your favorite version so far this season?

Gym Style

The term “workout fashion” may sound like an oxymoron but I fully believe that not only can you hit the gym looking great, your choice of pieces can actually help motivate you to make it to the gym.

One of my favorite bribes motivators for meeting a fitness goal is a new addition to my gym drawer. And it doesn’t have to be pricey. While you may be a fan of Lulu, there are plenty of stylish, functional, reasonably priced brands out there to choose from.

Read on for some inspiration to spice up your workout gear and some fun new pieces to try:

Karolina Kurkova Keeps Up Her Super Model Frame

Inspiration:

Shoes

New Gear:

Zella-Workout-Clothes-Activewear

{Left: Zella ‘Live In’ Reversible Capri Pants – $48 & Right: Zella ’Everyday’ Racerback Tank – $38}

My personal gym must haves include Nike sports bras, Zella tankscapri pants, Lululemon leggings, and Brooks running shoes.

What’s on your Must Have List for the gym?

How To Wear White Jeans: Dressing Up

After last week’s How To Wear White Jeans casual look I wanted to give you some ideas for how to take these same chic white jeans from casual daytime to a more formal setting – Perfect for drinks after work or meeting the in-laws this Summer.

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{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: JeansSonas Denim, Peplum Top – Kensi, Heels – Fendi & Clutch – Gigi New York}

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

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{Photos by Lydia Hudgens}

The most important part about taking a look from day-to-night is the accessories. Add a statement piece like dangling earrings or a dramatic collar necklace, include some color with a bold bag, and throw on some heels – And you’re ready to go.

What’s your rule of thumb for taking a look from day-to-night?

I have some great news for you Sonas Denim lovers – While supplies last you can get a pair of these killer jeans for $89-$99 online through their Indiegogo page here {normally $250}.

Don’t waste any time!

Wedding Season

It’s that time of year again – Wedding season! If you’re not sure what’s expected or appropriate in various settings dress-code wise head over to my Summer Weddings post for a full breakdown including dress recommendations.

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The posts below are helpful & thorough – The perfect survival guide for all of the upcoming Spring and Summer weddings you’ll be attending – Everything from packing essentials to chic updos you can try out this season.

Top 12 Essentials for a Wedding Weekend from Hitha On The Go

Three Summer Wedding Options from Apartment 34

Wedding Season Summer Wedding

City Wedding from Damsel In Dior

What to Wear: Your Rehearsal Dinner from Savvy Chic Avenue

What To Wear To A Spring Wedding from The Zoe Report

Wedding Season Summer Wedding

3 Must-Try Bridesmaid ‘Dos To Whip Up For Wedding Season from Refinery 29

Shades of Blush from Gal Meets Glam

Tastemakers Reveal Their Very-Dreamy Bridal Looks from Racked

I’ll be playing bridesmaid this July in champagne lace & fringe, then rocking cocktail attire for weddings in September & October. What style are you planning to sport for the weddings you’re attending this Summer?

MCLV Style: Colorblocking

Shift dresses and drop waists have long been a staple in my closet so I was thrilled when The Great Gatsby sparked a flood of retro-inspired collections for Spring and Fall 2013. This simple yellow & white colorblock shift caught my eye immediately – It’s simple in design & a classic silhouette but still manages to be bold.

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{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Colorblock Dress - Zara, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti, Clutch – BCBG, and Bracelets – BCBG & Anne Taylor}

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

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{Photographs by Lydia Hudgens}

Another bonus of this dress is it’s versatility – Since it’s such a clean piece you can take the look any direction you’d like. For nighttime I’d add a blazer and killer strappy heels, while you could put together a sweet Summer look with ballet flats and a floral headscarf.

What’s my favorite part of these pictures? The photographer who shot them! <3 I’ve been a longtime fan of Lydia Hudgens and was thrilled to not only get a chance to meet her but to shoot with her. Stay tuned for three more great looks!

Are you a fan of retro silhouettes and styles like shifts and colorblocking like me?

Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Socialbliss Spotlight: Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers

As I shared last week I recently joined Socialbliss as a Style Ambassador and while I adore this site, I have to confess that my primary reason for joining was getting the chance to meet amazing new writers and get a chance to check out their sites. Needless to say I was thrilled when I got a chance to interview the lovely Sarah of Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers. {And obviously I fell a little bit in love with her when I read her blog name – Does it get any cuter than that?}

Read on to learn about this very stylish lady and be sure to head to her blog to read her interview with me!

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  1. Name: Sarah Elizabeth Ravely
  2. Blog: Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers
  3. Socialbliss Profile: Sarah Ravely
  4. Socialbliss Ambassador Since: 15 May 2013
  5. All-Time Favorite Designer: This is a tough one, but first most and foremost… Diane Von Furstenberg. Need I say more? Her ability to construct the most beautiful and flattering silhouettes takes true talent. Along with Carolina Herrera. Both know the female body all too well. Reem Acra designs the most gorgeous and luxurious gowns. Jean Paul Gaultier is quite the artist. Clare Waight Keller, of Chloe, continues to introduce romantic feminine fashions to the world. And lastly Zac Posen and Ralph Lauren, always creating something so beautiful and ready to wear.
  6. Celebrity Closet You’d Raid: Gosh, where to begin! I think Jennifer Aniston has such a classic and timeless style. I could only imagine how impeccable her closet is. Sienna Miller could make a garbage bag look hot. I love her casual thrown together style. Blake Lively always looks stunning on the red carpet. Nicole Richie’s style is so laid back, boho-chic. Rhianna has the most badass street style. I absolutely adore Lauren Conrad and Taylor Swift’s innocent girly frocks. And don’t let me forget the forever stylish, SJP!  I adore the Olsen twins style. They are so trendy.
    And if you could include in the what inspires my style question… Since joining Socialbliss I have been exposed to so many different styles and trends so I must say that my fellow trendsetters and bloggers also inspire my style.
  7. What Inspires Your Style: I am inspired by classic, vintage styles mixed with a modern twist. I like silhouettes that blow in the wind and make you feel free, as if it is the summer of love. I am inspired by culture and the use of patterns as well as different colors. I am inspired by other people as well as nature. I think fashion is a form of art and self-expression. I prefer things that are comfortable and effortless, yet stylish at the same time. My style is trendy yet casual and I represent that girl next door that loves fashion.
  8. Favorite Item You’re Selling on Socialbliss:  I recently uploaded one of my all-time favorite dresses. It is a bright and vibrant paisley one-shoulder dress I purchased from a boutique in Wisconsin. It is so lightweight and comfortable I absolutely adore it. Trust me, if it fit, I’d be keeping it!
  9. Where Are You Located: Milwaukee, WI
  10. How Long Have You Been Blogging: Not long at all… I started blogging when I became a style ambassador
    for Socialbliss.
  11. Do You Have A Day Job: I am a full-time college student at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. I am majoring in communications, PR, and minoring in marketing. I also work at a boutique called Lela in Milwaukee’s trendiest neighborhood: the third ward.
  12. How & When Did You Get Interested In Fashion: Ever since I was a kid I was into clothes, makeup, and hair. Growing up my friends always asked me to do their hair, their makeup, and help them find something to wear. I have always been a shop-a-holic. And growing up I just developed a strong passion for all things fashion and beauty.
  13. Summer Obsession: Big floppy hats. I absolutely love the big floppy hat trend right now.

Head to Socialbliss and get a chance to Shop My Closet and to check out Sarah’s Marketplace!

Links You’ll Love

Fashion & Beauty:

Are you a fan of topping your looks with a chic little blazer? Check out Refiner’s 29′s Challenge Accepted! Watch How Our Editor Styles 1 Blazer 5 Ways for some creative new ideas!

Braids

I don’t know about you, but I love a quick & easy up-do during the Summer, it’s the perfect way to get your hair out of your face. For Sure J’Adore clearly agrees – Easy Summer Hair: Braids.

This season is all about sunglasses – Bold colors, fun embellishments – There are some great pairs out there. In the mood to get creative? Try The StyleList’s DIY: Two-Tone Sunglasses.

Still in the market for the perfect Father’s Day Gift? Apartment 34 to the rescue – Fab Father’s Day Gifts You Can Still Get!

Backpack

This Summer’s new trend in carry-alls is a bit of a throwback. Backpacks are back! Don’t believe me? Check out Into The Gloss’s Knapsack Nation for some of the options out there.

Health & Fitness:

Whether you love to bake or are a fan of adding something sweet to your morning coffee, this is an article you should read – The 5 Best Natural Substitutes For Sugar.

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Now’s the time that the Farmers Markets and grocery stores are flooded with tons of colorful, fresh produce so it’s the perfect time to whip up some delicious vegetable filled dishes:

One of the biggest health risks in our modern society is stress. Not only can it play a role in ailments like heart disease, it can also lead to weight gain, interfere with sleep, and cause depression & anxiety. Read this now – Why Stress Can Kill You: A Cardiologist Explains!

Wheatgrass

There are a lot of supplements & superfoods & healthy foods touted as “miracle cures” today and it can be hard to figure out which you should try and why they may help. Here are some interesting facts about Wheatgrass to help educate you – 50 Reasons To Drink Wheatgrass Everyday.

San Francisco Fashion: Sonas Denim, Sasha Maks Vintage + The Factory

This past week was a whirlwind and between the Sonas Denim launch party and doing some really fun work with Ajent, I was honored to attend two events that featured clothes from The Factory and jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage.

I’ll let the pretty pictures do the talking!

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Stunning, no? Even if you’re not in the Bay Area you can still indulge in these lovely pieces, the clothes AND the baubles can be shopped online. And be sure to keep an eye out for the Sonas Denim kickstarter video out next week!

Styling 101: Retro Style

Did you enjoy the first two lookbooks featuring the beautiful retro Marrakech-inspired collection from The Factory? If you missed them you can catch up here – Voyage To Marrakech & Voyage To Marrakech: Lookbook II.

After receiving such great feedback on the fist two posts and hearing so many questions about the pieces I wanted to do another full post showing more of the details on the clothes and jewelry that I got a chance to wear – Enjoy!

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{Clothing by The Factory}

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{Jewelry can be shopped online at Sasha Maks Vintage, pieces will be available at The Factory through Summer, or you can contact info@sashamaksvintage.com for additional details & private appointments}

Voyage To Marrakech The Factory San Francisco Fashion Vintage Retro

{Photography – Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling – Sasha Maks Vintage, Make-Up by Michael Bondi & Clothing – The Factory}

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Which of these looks was your favorite? Out of all of the pieces pictured in the photographs above what would YOU pick out for yourself?

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These past two days I’ve been thoroughly enjoying myself at the parties, trunk shows & festivities celebrating the official launch of the Voyage To Marrakech collection from The Factory and their collaboration with Sasha Maks Vintage. Be sure to keep an eye out for future events – These are NOT to be missed. :)

Stay tuned for more beautiful pictures from the trunk show as well as from the custom evening wear runway show!

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