Beauty Essentials
Tis the season for complexion issues - From sunburns to flaky, dried skin to sunscreen & oil induced blemishes – Summer can be rough on your skin. And since taking care of your face is extra important this time of year I’d like to share some of my skin care secrets as well as some great tips & recommendations that I found on other sites.
Exfoliator: My number one go-to product during the Summer is an exfoliating scrub - I love the feeling of fresh, clean skin. And while I’ve tried many many brands, I always go back to St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It’s the Little Black Dress of exfoliating – A classic. 
Lotion: A good moisturizer is a must during warm weather months and if you use it religiously you’ll keep your skin soft and manageable all Summer long. My current favorite is Clarins Extra-Firming Night Cream which feels great when you slather it on and you wake-up with your skin feeling great.
BB Cream: At this point I don’t think that we can claim that BB Cream is just a fly-by-night trend, it seems to be here to stay. With so many choices & brands out there, I’ve found myself trying new ones from time to time, but my favorite so far is Dior Hydra Life BB Crème. It goes on light but is quite effective, which is perfect for the warm-weather months.
Below are some great pieces from around the blogosphere featuring well-loved beauty & skin care products as well as tips for great Summer skin.
- Beauty Secrets From Top Bloggers from The Rachel Zoe Report
- How To Look Good Wet from Harper’s Bazaar
- The Essential Pro Advice (& Products!) To Beat Summer Breakouts from Refinery 29
- My Favorite Skin Care Products from This Chick’s Got Style
- Summer Skin from Allergic To Vanilla
What’s your favorite trick to keep your skin healthy & glowing for the Summer months?
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.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans - J Brand, Top – H&M, Bag – Zara, Necklace – Asos & Heels - ShoeMint}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
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?
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.
{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.}
{Does anything say Spring more clearly than a sweet cloud print skirt? And the pretty fuschia pumps are the perfect punctuation for the look!}
{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!}
{You know what there aren’t enough of these days? Suspenders. And you can quote me on that!}
{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:
Inspiration:
- Super Cute Workout Gear: Heidi Klum for New Balance from Women’s Health
- Get the Look: Jessica Biel’s Post-Yoga Fashion from PopSugar
- Olympic Moment: A Workout Wardrobe You Can Wear Out from Vogue
- Workout Plan: Ashley Tisdale Inspires Colorful Gym Wear from StyleList
- Fashion Meets Fitness with Tone It Up from The Chriselle Factory & Tone It Up!
New Gear:
- Workout Gear vs Streetwear
- Transition From Spring to Summer With Gym Gear Under $50 from FitSugar
- Gym Gear That’ll Do Your Workout Justice from Refinery 29
- How to Bribe Yourself to Work Out from Rachel Wilkerson
- 15 Green Workout Looks from Prevention
{Left: Zella ‘Live In’ Reversible Capri Pants – $48 & Right: Zella ’Everyday’ Racerback Tank – $38}
My personal gym must haves include Nike sports bras, Zella tanks & capri 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.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – Sonas Denim, Peplum Top – Kensi, Heels – Fendi & Clutch – Gigi New York}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{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.
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
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
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.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Colorblock Dress - Zara, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti, Clutch – BCBG, and Bracelets – BCBG & Anne Taylor}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{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?
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!
- Name: Sarah Elizabeth Ravely
- Blog: Pink Pearls & Penny Loafers
- Socialbliss Profile: Sarah Ravely
- Socialbliss Ambassador Since: 15 May 2013
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- Where Are You Located: Milwaukee, WI
- How Long Have You Been Blogging: Not long at all… I started blogging when I became a style ambassador
for Socialbliss. - 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
{Clothing by The Factory}
{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}
{Photography – Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling – Sasha Maks Vintage, Make-Up by Michael Bondi & Clothing – The Factory}
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?
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!
Swimsuit Season: How To Get Bikini Ready
Step one in the race for the beach is getting yourself healthy & in shape. And, of course, mentally preparing yourself… So read on for what my Swimsuit Shape-Up plan is and some great tips & suggestions for getting yourself ready for your first beach, river, pool trip of the season!
Swimsuit Shape-Up:
My four-week plan to get bikini ready hinges on three important factors: (1) Spending some quality time at the gym, (2) Making healthy food choices, and (3) Staying motivated. For me the third is almost as important as the first two in terms of reaching my goals. We’ve all gone on a super healthy kick only to burn out a few days later and fall off the wagon!
Here’s my plan for the next four weeks:
- Eat Clean - No takeout, nothing processed, no packaged foods. Whole foods only. Smoothies, salads, stir fried or sautéed veggies & raw produce. Not sure what to snack on when you’re busy or traveling? Try baby carrots + hummus, Larabars, raw almonds, or a healthy sweet treat like mini gluten-free protein cakes or energy bites.
- 4-5 Weekly Workouts – Getting to the gym consistently is incredibly important so I’ll be aiming for 4-5 workouts a week including full-body circuits, core focused routines, and physical therapy. Plus daily walking.
Tips & Recommendations:
Sometimes, as hard as you work, the day you have to suit-up is thwarted by bloat or water weight. FitSugar is full of tips for getting back to your lean self – Flat Belly, Fast: 15 Ways to Debloat Today.
Your mentality when it comes to bikini time is important – Like with most of life’s obstacles, if you approach it with a negative mindset you won’t get the results you’re hoping for. Not sure how to improve your outlook? Read Garance Dore’s Don’t Freak Out.
Does the idea of adding weight training to your fitness routine intrigue you but you’re not sure what the first step should be or where to start? Check out Natalie Jill Fitness’s You HAVE to lift HEAVY if You Want to Lean Out and Change Your Body for some great insights!
Not sure what foods are best in the last few days before a trip? Try rehydrating and fiber-filled fruits and vegetables – MindBodyGreen has all the details in their 5 Best Foods For A Beach Body.
Something to keep in mind when you’re working hard to meet a fitness goal are the perils of over-training. If you don’t give yourself enough time for recovery and get enough sleep, you won’t see the results you’re hoping for. Check out this great piece on rolling our your muscles from Women’s Health – Soothe Muscle Soreness.
What are YOU doing to get yourself ready for swimsuit season?
How To Wear White Jeans
One cool Summer look I’ve always loved is a great pair of white pants – Whether they’re cropped twill or denim – It’s the perfect way to stay cool when the temperatures start to climb. Especially if you’re not a dress or skirt kind of girl! They’re also a really versatile piece and with a great pair of white pants you can easily put together picture perfect daytime looks, chic nighttime styles, or more relaxed weekend outfits.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Jeans – Sonas Denim, Chambray Shirt – TopShop, Heels - ShoeMint}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Ozan Ulucan}
Finding the perfect pair of white jeans can be broken down into three steps:
- Length – Find a silhouette that suits your body. If you have long legs try a slim fitting pair, while if you’re more petite try a length that ends around mid calf so you don’t shorten your stems!
- Fit - When it comes to a pair of pants in an unforgiving color like white you need to be cognizant of fit & beware of the too-tight pant. No one likes to look at a tag & see a bigger number than they’re used to, but you’ll be glad you got a size up if it means no bunching or muffin top.
- Fabric – Similar as with your Little White Dress you need to spend some quality time in front of a mirror to ensure that the pants aren’t see through. Double check the pockets especially, if you can see the fabric outline of the pocket through the pants then you should try another pair or size.
Are you a fan of white pants for Spring and Summer? What’s your favorite way to style them?
Stay tuned for two more easy-to-wear looks featuring these great white jeans from Sonas Denim.
May Round-Up
May was the unofficial month of MOI! After spending the beginning of 2013 traveling non-stop I took some time for myself in May and put time & effort into my personal goals. And I’m not going to lie to you guys, it was nothing short of glorious!
- Social Media – At the end of May I finally caved and got myself an iPad Mini which I’m hoping will mean I’ll be able to stay on top of the blog & all the various social media platforms all the easier when I’m traveling.
- Writing, Writing, Writing – May was all about collaborations and fun new projects – In addition to getting a chance to work with some talented ladies on the Blogger Fashion series, I was also thrilled to be able to try out the gorgeous clothes from The Factory’s Spring Voyage To Marrakech collection. Stay tuned for another great collaboration that I’ll be announcing Tuesday!
- Expansion & Growth – During May I had the amazing opportunity to be mentored by Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society as I went through Marie Forleo’s 8 week online entrepreneurial & business program. I learned so much and in addition to unveiling a new website in the next few months, I’m also launching a newsletter so you can get special MCLV insights & personalized styling tips.
- Be Positive - Spending additional time in San Francisco and less time traveling this month had an amazing effect on my mindset. I had so many “I love my life” moments the past few weekends it really renewed my appreciation for the city I live in the life I’ve built for myself.
Fashion:
One of the highlights of this month was getting a chance to work with New York City photographer Lydia Hudgens while she was visiting in San Francisco – Stay tuned for some of the great pictures we took!
Food & Fitness:
Spending less time traveling this month meant more time in the kitchen and some much-needed trips to the Farmers Market. I’ve found that even when I eat healthily while I’m traveling I tend to eat smaller snack-like meals throughout the day, while when I’m home and have more control over my schedule I’ll sit down for three meals a day.
{May Fashions: Great Gatsby Fashion, Camille K: Vintage Jewelry For Spring & Blogger Fashion: Striped Shirt}
New June Goals:
Fashion:
This will be the Summer of collaborations! In addition to working with photographers Lydia Hudgens and Jennymay Villarete, there will be another fun post in the Fashion Blogger series, Styling 101 goodness featuring Sasha Maks Vintage, and a collaboration with a great local denim company.
Food & Fitness:
It’s officially the time of year for beach, pool, and river trips so I’m going to start working on toning in preparation for swimsuit season. That means changing up my workouts and adding additional protein to my meals. If you want to stay on top of the shifts in my fitness routine check in on Instagram for updates or you can join me in getting bikini ready by emailing me for details!
We’re swiftly approaching the half-way mark for 2013, how has your year been so far?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
Links A La Mode
I’m honored to share with you all that I was featured in this week’s Links A La Mode over on IFB. If you’re a regular reader you’ll know that I’m a huge supporter of IFB and attended their Fashion Blogger Conferences in September 2012 {IFBCON: Trends, Styles & Inspirations} and this past February {IFBCON: Celebrity Sightings & Industry Insight}.
- A Pair of High Heels: The elegance of a white t-shirt
- Arteresa Lynn: How I Maintain My Curls
- Carlytati: Best Kept French Beauty Secret
- Cella Jane: DIY Cute Jean Cutoff Shorts
- Dress Up On A Cloudy Day: 8 Ways to Mix Prints
- For Sure J’Adore: Sun Kissed: 3 Bronzers under $35
- Flash [Frame]: Protect Your iPad in Style
- Happy Friends Shoppe: DIY 2 Minute No Sew Bunny Necktie and Quirky Outfit Of The Day
- Hip Shapes and Bristol Fashion: Is It Time To Change Your Shopping Habits?
- I Can Style U: How to Wear Stripes
- Kittenhood: 3 DIY jewelry ideas using pistachio shells & nail polish
- Moi Contre Le Vie: ShoeMint, JustFab & JewelMint
- Sarah’s Real Life: 7 Ways to Wear a Button-Up/Oxford Shirt
- Street Fashion Paris: Is Paris life really a dream?
- Style Me Thrifty: Where to Shop When You’re In Your 30′s
- Styles by Ola: Points of Interest: Is your look classy or cluttered?
- The Photogramps: A Brief History of the Polka Dot
- The Flight of Fancy: How To Care For Your Clear PVC Bag
- Wild Beauty: Why Perfection is Overrated (Even in Hollywood!)
- Wishing for Chanel: Less Is More | The Minimalism Trend
Be sure to check out these great posts – You can find the original Links a la Mode here.
Shop My Closet: Socialbliss
Happy Saturday!
Today I want to share a fabulous new site with you that I’ve been enjoying lately AND give you a chance to shop some pieces from my closet. I’ve received a number of requests since I started publishing personal style posts asking where pieces are from, where I shop, and whether I’d be willing to sell various things - So today is the day!
Socialbliss is an incredibly user-friendly social media platform that’s almost like a combination of Pinterest and an online personal shopping site like Etsy or Asos Marketplace.
Another very cool feature of this platform is that you can follow people to see what’s inspiring them lately as well as shop pieces from their wardrobes that they list on their personalized marketplace.
{Shop this striped skirt here}
So head over to my Socialbliss profile to see what’s going on with me – And check out some of the fun pieces I’m selling!
MCLV Mange: Gluten-Free Protein Cake
After last week’s Coconut cookie cake I was in the mood to try my hand at a baking project that would be a little bit more on the healthy side. And thus, the mini Gluten-Free Protein Cake was born!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup Almond Meal/Gluten-Free Flour
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 1 Egg or Flax Egg
- 1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree or Applesauce
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1/4 Cup Sweetener of Choice – I went w/ Maple Syrup
- 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder {I love Sun Warrior}
- 2 Tbsp Powdered Peanut Butter
Directions:
- Pre-Heat oven to 350
- Mix dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients one-by-one
- Transfer dough into two medium-sized ramekins
- Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until cooked through – Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes prior to consumption
In addition to being a tasty little treat this recipe also packs 20+ grams of protein, depending on what type of protein powder you’re using, which makes it a much better choice than reaching for a cookie or some ice cream when your sweet tooth hits after dinner. Bonus? The single servings are a great thing for those of us who aren’t terribly good at the whole “portion control” thing.
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Styling 101: Great Gatsby Fashion
The Great Gatsby is everywhere right now – Between the movie finally coming out in theaters to the actors appearing at the Cannes Film Festival to the endless number of magazine editorials out there celebrating the unique, eye-catching styles from the era.
Personally, what I’ve always adored about the 1920′s is the jewelry - Art Deco is by far my favorite style so when they announced that they were remaking The Great Gatsby I just knew there would be stunning new collections put out to celebrate.
{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}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Dress – Diane Von Furstenberg, Heels – Giuseppe Zanotti & Clutch – Ted Baker}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography - Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage}
So how do you get a little bit of Gatsby in your life without looking like you’re auditioning for a period drama? Try layering long chains or beaded necklaces or find an oversized vintage lariat that’ll really give your look an authentic retro feel.
Do you love this style jewelry as much as I do? Check out this other Great Gatsby inspired look that we put together last Fall – Styling 101: Gatsby Girl.
Would you like a chance to see the latest glam jewelry finds from Sasha Maks Vintage and the beautiful clothes from The Factory’s stunning Voyage To Marrakech collection? Join me on Tuesday, June 4th for a private showing – You can RSVP here.
Vacation Planning: Packing
Spring break and Summer vacations are a truly amazing thing. I love Winter – Especially the accessories – And a snowy vacation can be magical. But there’s something so cathartic about losing the layers and spending some time enjoying sunshine and water after months of hiding from the harsh weather.
Bonus? Warm weather clothes take up SO much less room in a suitcase!
So to help you get ready for your next vacation or weekend getaway here are some helpful tips and great recommendations for everything from packing and products to Summer staples and styling suggestions.
How To Pack:
- Weekends Away – Styling, Deciding & Packing
- How To Pack For Travel from Dean Street Society {Miss Hilary Rushford is an amazing writer, stylist & mentor and I cannot recommend her site highly enough. If you’ve never checked it out you shouldn’t waste another moment!}
- A Lesson In Packing from The Man Repeller
- How To Pack For A Carry-On Vacation from Refinery 29
- Travel Smarter: Tips For Perfect Packing from Apartment Therapy
What To Pack:
- Reader Request: Packing & Traveling
- 15 Travel Stapes & 15 Ways To Wear Them from Damsel In Dior
- How To Pack For A Trip ~ Tips For Being A Smart and Stylish Traveler from Inspirations & Celebrations
- Tops, Bottoms & Accessories from Poor Little It Girl
- Essential Classic Luggage – The Garment Hanger Bag from Real Men Real Style
Another important thing to think about when it comes to travel is your luggage – I live for Longchamp’s le pliage line since it’s convenient to store, easy to clean, and stylish to boot. I have the weekender and the expandable tote in black and always tuck one of the mini totes into my bag since I will inevitably need it at some point during a trip – Check out my Wanderlust post for more details.
Getting ready for your next trip? Check out the first two posts in this series: Vacation Planning: Spring & Summer Hair & Vacation Planning: Spring & Summer Beauty Routine.
What’s your number one tip for traveling and/or packing?
Blogger Fashion: 1 Striped Shirt – 5 Ways
Welcome to the first post of a fun new Blogger Fashion series which features the lovely Alex of SF Shop Girl, Julia of Once Upon A Blog, Bethann of Beth Animal Print & Cara of Cara’s Cliché.
Tell me the truth… Is there anything better than buying a new piece and discovering that it’s incredibly versatile and goes with everything in your wardrobe? Well today’s Blogger Fashion post is all about multitasking - Today we’re sharing five different ways to wear this great striped blouse for Spring.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Striped Top - Zara, Pleated Skirt – Zara, Clutch – Gigi New York, Heels - JustFab & Necklace - JustFab}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
{Photos by Jennymay Villarete of J. Villarete Photography & Makeup by Michael Bondi}
When I first saw this shirt I knew it needed some color. My initial instinct was to tuck it into this green skater skirt but ultimately I decided to make it more of a nighttime look and paired it with this great mint green clutch & yellow animal print heels.
So tell me, how would YOU wear this striped blouse?
Stay tuned for the next post in our Blogger Fashion series and don’t forget to check out the fabulous blogs listed above!
Top 5 Memorial Day Sales
Memorial Day weekend is well-know for its killer sales so to celebrate I’m going to share five of my favorites and some of the great pieces that are in my shopping basket as we speak!
{Totally in love w/ this River Island 60′s Style Dress on sale for $67}
Asos - 20% off everything w/ code Take20
{I’m loving blouses & button-downs for Spring – It adds a great structure to your look. This Sea Horse Boy Shirt was one of my favorites on the J.Crew site – On sale for $88!}
J.Crew - Code SHOPNOW
{My Nordstrom pick is this killer Striped Calvin Klein Jacket for $71}
Nordstrom - Half Yearly Sale w/ up to 40% off
{Chambray shorts suit? Can’t. Look. Away. Blazer – $55 & Shorts – $58}
Bloomingdale’s - The Big Brown Bag Sale means 20%-65% off
{Completely in love with this Clover Canyon suit. Love the cut AND it’s on sale – $55 Top & $58}
Shopbop - There’s an entire 20%-70% off section!
Which Memorial Day sale is on your Must Shop list?
MCLV Mange: Coconut Cookie Cake
I made a new dessert this past Saturday and after putting up a picture on Instagram {you can follow me @moicontrelavie} it was clear that this recipe was going to need its own blog post. I based this on Purely Twins’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, but as I didn’t have chocolate chips or cacao nibs so I decided to make it a coconut cookie cake instead.
{This version was made with applesauce & served with peanut butter soft serve}
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Flour {I mixed 1 cup of almond meal with 1/2 cup coconut flour & 1/2 cup flax-seed meal}
- 1.5 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 2 Flax Eggs {See the description here}
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1/2 Cup Applesauce or Pumpkin Puree
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Coconut
{This version was made with pumpkin puree & served with cherry soft serve}
The original recipe called for applesauce or pumpkin puree and I was curious what the difference would be so I tried both. The batter was a bit runnier with the applesauce but otherwise I barely detected a difference in the finished product.
What’s your favorite healthy oil or butter substitute in recipes?
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Styling 101: Weekend Style
When you think “statement piece” do you imagine a nighttime or more formal look? Today Sasha Maks Vintage and Moi Contre La Vie are here to show you how easy it is to wear beautiful, dramatic jewelry on a daily basis.
{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}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Cropped Pants – Forever 21, Printed Blouse – Zara, Heels – Madden Girl & Crossbody Bag – Hobo International}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
By adding a statement necklace, a pair of eye-catching earrings, or stacking some fun bracelets you can add a touch of personalization to your daytime look. I for one don’t step outside without a cuff or a necklace, no matter how casual my look – It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Here are my go-to tips for weekend dressing that keep me out of a fashion rut:
- Mixing & Matching – By pairing separates in new & fun ways you’re bound to put together a new-to-you look you’ll love!
- Get Girlie - Whenever I’m starting to feel like I’m in a rut I get back to basics and throw on a flirty dress that makes me feel feminine. It’s a great way to break out of a jeans and t-shirt habit.
- Make A Statement – As I said above, adding a statement piece is my favorite way to take a look to the next level. So next time you look in the mirror and think “bleh” I challenge you to add a fun statement piece like a dramatic necklace, a pair of great shoes, or an eye-catching bag, belt, or pair of sunglasses.
*Photography, Jewelry & Jewelry Styling by Sasha Maks Vintage
And if you’d like a chance to see the beautiful clothes from the stunning Voyage To Marrakech collection from The Factory you can join me on Tuesday, June 4th for a private showing!
ShoeMint, JustFab & JewelMint: Subscription Shopping Sites
An interesting recent trend are subscription shopping websites where you pay a monthly recurring fee that goes towards the cost of the pieces you select. You answer a handful of questions about your personal style and each month you receive a curated selection of pieces chosen to suit your personal style.
Over the last few years I’ve tried a few of these services and today I’m going to share my thoughts so that you can make the best choice for your needs!
- Cost: $79.98 a month
- Selection: Seriously cute selection of shoes & accessories – Though fewer bags than shoes. Narrowing down my choice was the hardest party, luckily they list the heel height so once I realized that I was looking at shoes I couldn’t walk in for more than 3 minutes I moved on.
- Overall Impression: This site provides as a well curated collection of pieces that not only updates frequently but stays on top of fashion trends.
- Cost: $39.95 a month
- Selection: The site is pretty large and includes clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. While some of the pieces didn’t really strike my fancy (shoes too high, not enough material…), I’ve had great success with the items that I’ve ordered.
- Overall Impression: You’ll have to hunt through the website but you’ll likely find something you’ll love. The heels that I ordered I got more compliments than any other pair of shoes in my closet ever have!
I got a chance to meet the ladies of JustFab while I was in Los Angeles for Lucky FABB in April so I got a chance to see the pieces in person which was great. I also got a chance to see these lovely heels in person and fell in love!
- Cost: $29.95 a month
- Selection: JewelMint has a great, great selection – Not only do you get a specialized collection based on your personal taste and purchase history, but you can also shop boutique collections, sales & other pieces available on the site.
- Overall Impression: I’ve actually been a client of JewelMint since 2011 and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I love vintage jewelry so in general my style tends to be classic and timeless, I love gold, statement pieces, and layering bracelets – And JewelMint has never disappointed.
Have you tried any of these services or any other similar ones? If you haven’t, would you try one?
