MCLV Style File: Ladies Who Lunch – Olivia Palermo
I have to admit, I absolutely LOVE Olivia Palermo’s personal style {this is her second appearance in the MCLV Style File series – see her first here}. She just has such a well-put together, but interesting and creative sense of style, I can’t remember ever looking at a photograph of her an not loving it.
What I adore about this look is that it’s tailored and stylish, but still versatile enough that you could wear it for a number of events – From a wedding to a work luncheon to a meet-the-parents dinner with your new beau.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Malene Birger Leandro Lace Maxi Skirt – $575 @ Net-A-Porter, Emporio Armani Polka Dot Pencil Skirt - $300 @ Farfetch.com & Pencil Skirt In Baroque Print – $35 @ Asos.com}
Depending on how you would like to recreate this look, you may wish to find a pencil-style skirt in an all over pattern or one with panels of lace or printed fabric - A baroque print or dramatic brocade would both be lovely and right on-trend for Fall 2012. Though any style of pencil skirt will be an instant classic and something that you can wear season-after-season.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Alice + Olivia Arie Polka-Dot Blouse – $270 @ CUSP by Neiman Marcus, 213 Industry Natasha Polka Dot Blouse – $90 @ Piperlime & Merona Perfect Polka Dot Blouse – $25 @ Target}
A pussy bow blouse in a polka dot print is another chic, versatile piece to have in your wardrobe, and I highly recommend finding one in a style that suits your figure. I have a lovely one from Zara that looks equally great with jeans and a blazer as it does tucked in a skirt with heels.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Christian Louboutin Indies 85 Pumps With Cut-Out Detail - $995 @ My Theresa, Beverly Feldman Glee Navy-White Striped Pump – $115 @ 6pm.com & Bella Vita Women’s Wow Pumps – $90 @ Foot Smart}
Patterned shoes are going to be everywhere this Fall so don’t hesitate to scoop up a fun pair that you’ll also be able to pair with this look. Depending on your taste you may be interested in heels with cut-outs, mesh panels, stripes, prints, or even dramatic and eye-catching embellishments.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Patrizia Pepe Gold Nappa Leather Skinny Belt – $150 @ FORZIERI Italia, Gold Metallic Lizard Skinny Belt – $35 @ Ann Taylor & G by GUESS Skinny Sequins Belt – $20 @ Guess.com}
The final touches here are going to be gold gold gold! A skinny metallic gold belt and gold jewelry & accessories like a boyfriend watch, thick cuff or bracelet, and small clutch. I think an envelope clutch would also go great with this look, either in gold like Miss Olivia chose, or in black or navy depending on your chosen color scheme.
What to keep in mind about this look is that it features a collection of great individual pieces, any of which can and should be tweaked and adjusted to suit your coloring, personal style, and body type. Just pick and choose the pieces that suit you best!
You can also check out previous MCLV Style File looks below:
MCLV Style File: Flower Power
Welcome to another Style File post - Our last outfit breakdown was a killer patterned black & white dress that Poppy Delevingne wore to Berlin Fashion Week and this time we’re going to check out a bright, fun outfit that’s a great way to transition to colder weather now that Fall 2012 is upon us.
Throwing a floral blazer over a skirt & top combo is a great idea, it takes this from a basic Summer look to an eye-catching, colder-weather appropriate outfit that can easily be adapted to suit your style and the pieces that you have available in your closet.
The extras for this look are especially great – The long, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and oversized gold mens watch are lovely but that handbag is what really stole my heart.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Lc Lauren Conrad Floral Blazer - $50 (sale) @ Kohl’s, ASOS Premium Floral Print Blazer – $55 @ Asos.com & Tall Co-ord Floral Blazer – $130 @ TopShop}
The key to this look is the floral blazer, finding one that suits your coloring and shape may take some time, but it’ll be worth it since this is such a great piece for Fall.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Left to Right: Rachel Roy Quilted Wrap Skirt - $175 @ Zappos.com, Vince Camuto V-Neck Wrap Dress - $100 @ Shop The Shoe Box & BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Ruffle Flounce Draped Skirt – $60 @ 6pm}
You could try a sweet blue wrap skirt for this look or you could opt for a cobalt dress and achieve a similar silhouette. It’s the bright colors and eye-catching accessories that make this look work so you don’t need to stress about copying it piece-for-piece.
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Marmen Cross Necklace – $250 @ Urban Outfitters, House of Harlow Diamond Cross Necklace – $60 @ Designs By Stephene & Multi Row Cross Necklace – $20 @ Asos.com}
Whether you’re a fan of delicate necklaces or chunky, gold jewelry or silver, wearing a single chain or layering multiple pieces – There’s something fun in this style to suit your personal taste!
{Indulgence to Savvy Shopper – Vince Camuto Gold Boyfriend Watch – $175 @ Dillard’s, Gold and White Links Boyfriend Watch – $55 @ Asos.com & Merona Silver Tone Extra Large Boyfriend Watch – $20 @ Target}
A boyfriend watch is a funky alternative to a cuff or bangle, it adds a masculine touch without taking your look straight to made-for-the-boys territory. Gold or silver, embellished or plain, there are tons of options out there.
Curious how I would interpret this look using pieces that I have in my wardrobe? Tuesday’s MCLV Style: Factory Girl post was actually inspired by this look from Lovely Pepa!
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Floral Blazer - Pim + Larkin from Piperlime, Pleated Black Mini – Zara (one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, true story), Ankle Booties – Rebecca Minkoff from Shopbop.com, Floral Top - Anthropologie, and Jewelry – All from Sasha Maks Vintage}
As you can see, you can mix this look up, change colors, and adjust the jewelry to create something fresh and unique, a look that is all yours!
You can also check out past MCLV Style File looks below:
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II
Welcome to post numéro deux from the tents at New York Fashion Week, you can see the first post here and catch up on what you missed – The big names like Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, and BCBG Max Azria.
Today we’ll be focusing on the secondary lines created by tried and true designers as well as the shows for brands which most of us real people outside of the fabulous fashion industry actually buy and wear and lust after. {Please note that the word “affordable” is being used in a relative context here, we are talking about NYFW not the mall, so take that into consideration.}
Rachel Zoe:
Let’s get this started with one of my favorite collections – the highly styled collection of fabulous 70′s inspired pieces shown by Miss Rachel Zoe. Some accused it of being overstyled, but I enjoyed it for that very reason, it showed you various ways you could wear her pieces – From the handbags, jewelry, hats, belts, shoes, and sunglasses.
Pants and pantsuits were highly featured – From slouchy leather to wide leg trousers to knit jumpsuits. Lots of great outerwear was also featured - leather bombers, blazers, double-breasted satin coats – as well as 70′s staples like tunics, shift dresses, ankle boots, maxi dresses, tuxedo pants, and bohemian shirt dresses and sequins sequins sequins.
J.Crew:
When you’re discussing the wearability of the lines at NYFW, J.Crew is one of the first brands that comes to mind. They always put together a fun, chic, wearable collection. Season after season the clothes are contemporary and on-target, with price tags that us real gals can actually consider.
This season was no different and the separates, suits, and dresses were colorful and covered in great prints. I can already see where multiple pieces will fit into my outfits for Spring – The separates seriously stole my heart. I want all the blazers and all of the cropped, fitted pants in fabulous prints.
10 Crosby Derek Lam:
Derek Lam was so determined to prove that this line was full of real clothes for real girls that he cast a beauty blogger as his model for the Lookbook. These separates and suits are killer and the new line of handbags were showcased to perfection against the ‘too cool for school’ pieces.
Cobalt blue, mixing & matching prints, skins, and leather are clearly the tips to take away from this collection. Oh, and separates separates separates. These shots make me want to run to my closet and practice pairing fun pieces together in interesting new ways.
Rachel Roy:
Easy, wearable separates in breezy silhouettes, bright colors, and fun, whimsical prints. Fitted pantsuits, midi length silk shirt dresses, printed shorts, wide leg 70′s inspired jumpsuits, tailored shorts, and all over prints were all present and accounted for – And all with a hint of pink.
What I adore about Rachel Roy is how each collection has its own distinct feel, but stays in line with her aesthetic and style. Her pieces are always chic and on-trend, but still classic enough to keep in your wardrobe season after season.
Rebecca Minkoff:
Lots of white, florals, and soft colors – A very sweet, Springy collection perfect for the cool California girl. Great denim, floaty, flattering silhouettes, and a mixture of hip shirts, day dresses and separates.
My favorite part of this collection were the variety of chic trousers – They came in slim white, vertical stripes, all-over prints, classic denim, and even white washed overalls.
Milly:
The Milly show almost seemed to be a clash of the Spice Girls – Sports Spice meets Posh Spice. The pieces were made from second skin fabrics and had a fluid, athletic quality to them while the silhouettes were sleek and body conscious.
All-over prints, leather sleeves, lame touches, black mesh, reflective materials, double halter necklines, and clear plastic all gave this collection a bit of an edge that wasn’t there last season. Definitely not for the timid! This show also featured pieces the relatively new handbag line – Specifically the zipper-adorned envelope and oversized day clutches.
Betsey Johnson:
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun!”
Nothing like a ton of 80′s glitz, glamour, and attitude to take the stage while Cindy Lauper belts out one of her most famous hits – All to celebrate the great Betsey Johnson’s 70th birthday. And believe me, that girl still knows how to have fun!
The clothes were just as loud & bright as the musical stylings and were all one-of-a-kind with a fun vintage twist and loads of layering and accessories – Basically the sartorial equivalent of Katy Perry. Just what we’ve come to expect from this unique designer.
Alice+Olivia:
Alice+Olivia is always bright, fun, and a little wild. They’re the clothes the cool girl with a great sense of humor wears because she can always find something that suits her mood and attitude. Eyelet & lace, drop waists, animal prints, sheathes, rompers, shorts suits, mix n’ match separates, and gowns – All with a little retro flare.
Not only did Miss Bendet produce yet another collection where I’d like to get my hands on each and every piece, she’s also created her first handbag line. Like the too cute shoes, they came in every color and style, one to match any outfit you could put together – From totes to oversized shoppers to mini duffles.
3.1 Phillip Lim:
This collection was all about mixing & matching and prints prints prints! Plaid, demure animal prints, stripes, and vibrant florals were mixed effortlessly with colorblocking, patchwork, denim, black leather, and sheer paneling.
The looks were all slouchy and laid-back but still fun and ecclectic through and through - Just what Phillip Lim does best.
Kate Spade:
Bright colors, retro-inspired silhouettes, and fun but ladylike separates and dresses are what the Kate Spade client expects – And this collection for Spring delivered just that.
Mod colorblocking in pastels, bold black & white checkered pieces, bowling bags, retro shades, sweet prints, oversized bows, stripes & florals, ankle strap heels, suits, and great outerwear rounded things out. While all of the pieces paired together in each look may have been fun for the show, you’d probably deconstruct these outfits to find the pieces that you wanted to add to your personal wardrobe.
Tory Burch:
This collection was all about being a world traveler – Someone who picks things up around the world, travels to exotic places, and wants her sense of style to reflect her world experiences. This was picked up not only in the handbags, jewelry, and accessories, but also in the prints, colors, and fabrics.
Sweet prints from nature, eyelet & thick lace, heavy fringe, embroidery, Native American & African beaded accents, leather working, and a plethora of florals, stripes, tie dye, and plaids. It was a unique collection but the fun embellishments and accents made it unique rather than kitchy. I can’t wait to get my hands on the mix n’ match shorts & cropped jacket combinations.
Victoria by Victoria Beckham:
This dress collection was composed primarily of structured shift dresses, knee-length sheaths, and shirt dresses in a variety of prints, colors, and materials – She experimented with delicate lace & eyelet, metallic leather, and whimsical floral and oversized dot prints.
She paired with wide strap sandals and peep-toe tennis shoes, both in a high platform that made them both sporty and Posh. These dresses – minis and knee-length – are breezy, wearable pieces, they could easily be styled with heels or flats and I’d pile on the jewelry to make the look your own.
Z Spoke by Zac Posen:
Zac Posen is all about drama – Whether its showstopping gowns ready for the Oscars red carpet from his main line or chic separates from his secondary line Z Spoke – There’s always a sense of occasion and a melodramatic undertone. And this collection is no different with the aptly themes – Coco Goes To Hollywood.
These clothes are chic, fun, and wearable. They have a cinematic quality that suits both Coco Rocha and the theme – They look like they’re made to be looked at or photographed. And luckily for us his gorgeous Z Spoke handbag line pairs perfectly with these looks. I was a big fan of the textured prints in bold colors, the styling was great too, I would wear some of these looks head-to-toe!
DKNY:
Sleek and sport may not be the first words that come to mind when you think about DKNY, but this collection was pure DKNY – Sexy, confident NYC ladies with places to go and butts to kick, stylishly of course. The collection was all black, grey, and white with the occasional canary yellow or denim piece.
One of the things that I always love about DKNY is how I can picture the pieces in my own life – The sheer blouses could be paired with a blazer and pencil skirt for a flirty work look or worn with shorts on the weekends, while the fitted, cropped pants that come in prints, solids, and stripes - which I would wear constantly – would easily go from day to night and from work to weekends. A great DKNY piece fits into your wardrobe, it goes with your existing wardrobe and helps take your looks up a notch.
Lacoste:
The Lacoste show was part traditional and part fun and new. There were basic whites and styles that the brand has shown consistently over the years, but there were also bold colors, fun graphic patterns, and the use of interesting new fabrics like mesh, clear plastic, and sheer pieces.
I especially liked the blue abstract print sweater dress, pajama dressing for men, and the sexy alligator stamped navy leather mini dress – They were all very Lacoste, but with a modern twist.
See by Chloe:
Digital Fashion Shows are becoming quite the thing and See by Chloe showed their second – a light, breezy, easy collection perfect for Spring.
Slouchy, primary colored separates, pantsuits with chic wrapped jackets, multicolored knits, drawstring pants & dresses, all paired with pointy toed low-heeled pumps and See by Chloe oversized clutches and duffle bags.
Tibi:
I can always tell a Tibi dress or blouse when I’m scrolling through the Bloomingdale’s website – Wearable clothing that’s sleek but always has some fun, feminine details that make it unique and perfect for pairing with other pieces already in your wardrobe.
The Spring 2013 collection showcased great leather pieces, some digital-inspired florals, denim, and lots of black and white. I loved the flirty separates, A-line mini skirts, wide belts, and killer ankle strap heels.
Nicole Miller:
Feminine but with an edge – That’s usually the best way to describe Nicole Miller’s always wearable collections. The pieces are always fun and flirty, but she always paires the sweet with fabrics, textures, and cuts with an edge.
This season the dark, moody florals were paired with body-con silhouettes, caged platform sandals, and touches of S&M-inspired leather and harnesses. I absolutely adored the shrunken jackets, both the zipper-adorned motorcycle jackets and the great floral blazers.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Modelinia’s Runway Report: Richard Chai Love, Jenni Kayne, And Kimberly Ovitz, Harper Bazaar’s Top Spring 2013 Trends, This Time Tomorrow’s J.Crew Spring/Summer 2013 Details, and FabSugar’s Best Bags From Fashion Week Spring 2013.
Are these “more affordable” collections the ones that you look forward to during New York Fashion Week? Can you see yourself buying these pieces from brands like J.Crew, Kate Spade, or Tibi?
Summary Saturday
For this Summary Saturday I want to share some of the fun things I’ve been doing lately on Instagram - Pictures of the fun ringspiration challenge that I did last week, some photographs of the crazy love of my life Bones, and some other highlights from the last few week.
{JewelMint, JewelMint & BCBG}
{Rachel Roy, Vintage & ASOS}
{The king of my little kingdom}
{Closet organizing & cleaning up my jewelry collection – Stay tuned for a post, black & white stripes w/ red cropped red pants on the blog, this is a sneak peek of my collaboration with Sasha Maks Vintage – Stay tuned for some killer shots of killer jewelry, and Nina Garcia’s Little Black Book of Style from Thursday’s What I’m Loving Right Now}
- Instagram – You can follow me on Instagram @moicontrelavie
- Twitter - You can follow me on Twitter @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest - You can follow my Pinterest boards here
- Facebook- You can LIKE my Facebook page here
- Lookbook – You can see my Lookbook looks here, you can FAN me to get an email update when I post a new look, or you can HYPE my looks if you like them!
Have a great weekend!
Looks of the Week
I’ve got some great shots for you guys this week – From fashion bloggers like yours truly to red carpet premieres to model street style. So without further ado, let’s see what the fabulous ladies are wearing out and about these days!
I very literally stopped everything I was doing when I stumbled on these photos. This is one of the best shots I've seen in ages. Chic, well put together, a little bit retro, and styled to perfection. I wouldn't change a single thing and I'd take it all! 
This is such a clean, chic look. Black and white always comes across as crisp, and I love the addition of the gorgeous Mulberry bag. Those patent-tipped pumps are pretty killer too!
I'm not a short-wearer, I like them, but I don't wear them. When I see pictures like this I have to rethink. This is such an adorable outfit. These shorts are incredibly cute and flattering, love the chain detail in front, and the star blouse is a great choice to pair with them. I especially love the dramatic gold cuff.
It's not quite a red carpet but newbie Taylor Schilling stunned in Calvin Klein. This is a great example of how to not wear a boring black dress! The detailing is gorgeous and her accessories are right on. J'ADORE that cuff!
Gorgeous! Just, gorgeous! I love the dress, I'm a huge fan of pleats right now. The color is striking and that belt is the greatest. And who would have thought to add smoking flats? Tres chic!
If all of the unusual Stella McCartney dresses appearing on the red carpet lately haven't been to your taste, this might just change your mind. Its fun and funky, but really cute and chic. KILLER Alexander Wang Resort 2012 bag!
Mix Master! This is such a great combination of colors, from the pale floral pants to the brilliant canary yellow pea coat to the mostly neutral heels.
This color combination is phenomenal, the cropped pants are the perfect shade to set off her top and that hat is too cute. Keeping the accessories more neutral - black & metallic - was a good choice as well, they finish the look without upstaging the central three pieces.
I love the distinctly different styles of these girls side-by-side. They're both wearing outstanding coats, but they're totally different. Alana is a bit preppy with her exposed collar, clean lines, and bright blue jeans. While Kate is funky and adorable in her fur-trimmed parka. J'adore!
I love a good monochromatic look and this one is especially nice because the pale yellow/grey combination is so unusual. I love those pants too, they're really cute, though you probably have to be 6 feet tall to wear them...
Both Jess Weixler (L) & Riley Keough (R) look great here - These looks are chic, youthful, and well put together. Well done ladies!
I love Peter Pan collars and day clutches so I was immediately drawn to this look. But upon closer inspection I realized that I also loved her velveteen platforms and adorable white lace skirt. So cute!
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Need a tutorial on mixing colors for Spring? Cristina’s Blog has the goods – Mixing Colours… Blue & Yellow.
If you love glamour and a slinky, retro vibe you’re bound to be a fan of Russian stylist, photographer, and designer Uliana Sergienko. Couture et Cuisine has a collection of phenomenal pictures of her here for your viewing pleasure.
If you’re in the market for a new girl crush I highly suggest checking out Modelinia’s Elisa Sednaoui Continues to Reign as Our #1 Girl Crush or Vogue UK’s catwalk piece on the stunning Jourdan Dunn. So hard to choose!
Curious what the fashion industry is up to between the shows? Here are some of the recent events and launches: The New Museum’s 35th Anniversary Gala, The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Dinner, H&M’s 2012 Conscious Collection hit stores 12 April 2012, get a tour of Rachel Roy’s office, The 9th Annual New Yorkers for Children event, and, as I’m sure you’ve heard, Raf Simons from Jil Sander has replaced the disgraced John Galliano at Christian Dior.
Check out this casual, cool look from Coachella queen Kate Bosworth on Frugal Fashionista to get you in the mood for the music festival. If you need for inspiration read my Hippie 2012 Breakdown for everything you’ll need for Coachella!
Health/Fitness:
Marion Nestle is an author, professor & nutritional expert who has written books, chaired government committees, and writes a column for the San Francisco Chronicle. Her blog, Food Politics, always has great posts on food, nutrition, grocery shopping, farming, buying organic, meat processing… I highly recommend checking out the following pieces:
- USA Today interview on Why Calories Count
- Nutritionist’s Notebook: Caffeine Cravings
- “Pink Slime:” Some questions about what’s really at stake
- The Dilemma of Pink Slime: Cost or Culture?
I found myself nodding along to Choosing Raw’s Building a Better Snack: Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Snack Bars. Sometimes you want something quick and easy to snack on, but when you read the ingredients in products you realize that there are very limited healthy processed options. Making your own snack bars (or energy bites) are great options! Next week I’ll be sharing my energy bite recipe or you can try Choosing Raw’s Super Speedy, No Bake Omega-3 Vegan Snack Bars, Hungry Hungry Hippie’s Peanut Banana Oatmeal Bars, or OhSheGlow’s Homemade Banana Bread Larabars.
7 April Superfoods from The Huffington Post – All in green and red!
Still looking for great breakfast ideas for Spring? I’ve shared overnight oats recipes and smoothiesgalore, what about breakfast porridge? Check out Chatelaine’s Gluten-free recipe: Sweet breakfast porridge with fresh toppings.
Have you read about or tried intermittent fasting? These are both interesting reads: Dr Michael Eades, M.D.’s Could intermittent fasting or caloric restriction make the heart more resistant to damage? and Stop Eat Stop.
Do you workout with your significant other? Do you want to…? I suggest taking a look at Rachel Wilkerson’s piece Living In Sin: How CrossFit Has Helped My Relationship, Holly Would If She’s Could’s CrossFit Love: How Sharing Fitness Has Improved My Relationship, or my post Health & Your Relationship.
New York Fashion Week Fall 2012
As much as I would love to review each & every show from the Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week - a girl’s gotta sleep. So in the next few posts I’ll share some of my favorite shows, looks, and moments, and at the bottom you can find more information & links about the shows that I couldn’t review.
I always look forward to Alice+Olivia because I can see myself in all of their clothes and their presentations are always bright, pretty and fun. This season the outstanding looks were showcased on a dramatic black & white rug in a chic Baroque-style sitting room – a busy, but interesting background for the pieces.
From separates to cocktail frocks to full length gowns, there’s a little something for everyone. I love the black, white & grey tweed and wool outerwear almost as much as the glitzy dresses – always the highlight with everything from brocade florals to sleek n’ sexy black to glamorous sequins, feathers and faux fur. Tres chic!
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been hooked since Rachel Zoe’s very first show because not only are her looks right on trend, they’re flattering and wearable – I even bought this coat after eyeing it for over a year. This season was no exception and her first runway show was all about the swinging 60′s in London with a splash of rock n’ roll – a common theme this week.
The looks were fun, sexy & playful with faux fur & leather, pantsuits, velvet, pleating, double-breasted buttons, sequins & over-the-knee suede boots. I’ll take one of each please!
{Tom & Lorenzo and Black Studded Fashion agreed, you can also read her post-fashion week interview with Harper’s Bazaar here}
Milly is another show that I look forward to because I know that some of the pieces will end up in my closet (at this point I should say thank you to my gorgeous & stylish cousin Heather for turning me onto Milly – definitely a defining moment!). And Michelle Smith did not disappoint this season, the show was full of fun colors, interesting patterns and quirky silhouettes.
Adorable double-breasted coats, gloves in black, leopard and blue, sheer tights, turtlenecks, A-line minis, sheer blouses with contrasting collars, petal skirts, flashes of neon, retro-style cocktail dresses, wide belts and pointy-toed pumps.
The grey petal dress with the pockets worn over a black turtleneck and gloves {above right} was definitely my favorite look – Can’t you just see that walking down the street?
Diane Von Furstenberg’s show was sexy and powerful, the DVF woman she celebrated this season was glamorous and sophisticated in bold colored body-worshipping dresses.
I loved the short sleeves paired with opera-length gloves, the belted coats with slim pants, the colorblocking separates, the ankle-strap heels and the sweet prints. The minimal makeup and side-parted hair were the perfect finishing touch.
{Check out this video from FabSugar to see these gorgeous clothes in action!}
If you live for elegant ladylike looks, you’re probably a fan of Victoria Beckham’s classic designs. This season was all about preppy curve-hugging jersey and sporty form-fitting outerwear, paired – interestingly enough – with cute combat boots & thick socks.
This season also marked the first show for Victoria’s lower priced collection called Victoria by Victoria Beckham – Which according to Net-a-Porter was entirely sold out before even getting online. These dresses are simple and pretty, not overly complex or intricate, just basic shift and drop-waisted frocks that you can dress up or down.
{See the video from the Victoria Beckham show here and check out a video of the designer hanging out with Anna Wintour here}
Rachel Roy took the elements as her muse and showed a collection in deep, earthy colors and fun, modern silhouettes. I especially liked the shades of purple used for the last portion of the show, the brightly colored cropped gloves, Oxford booties and wide belts on the coats and separates.
Carolina Herrera’s show was everything we’ve come to expect over the years – glamour and sophistication, with a splash of decadence. She showed everything from wool A-line skirts to cropped boleros to belted strapless dresses to silk screened ball gowns to swoon-worthy gloves, shoes & accessories.
The colors and fabrics were beautiful and interesting while the silhouettes maintained their usual classic and ladylike flair. I especially loved the black & white striped print with the bright florals splashed across. Gorgeous.
{You can find more pictures from this show here}
If you’re in the mood for a little prep J.Crew was the show for you this season. This collection was all about separates and layering, each look had a handful of interesting components that could be worn separately or together. And while there were more bright colors and fun prints than in years past, the basic J.Crew asthetic was present throughout.
{You can also check out a video of the show here.}
Patterned sweaters, jewel toned & printed pants, traditional outerwear, plaid and stripes, dresses for work and play and cute cropped sweater coats. How adorable is that blue tweedy look on the right with the orangy red turtleneck?
The 3.1 Phillip Lim show was primarily black, white & grey with splashes of camel, burnt orange and aqua here and there. But above all else, these clothes were oh-so-wearable. Not only could I picture these looks walked down the New York sidewalk outside, I’ve seen versions & variations in the closets of all the chic women I know. Bulky sweaters, chic suits, cigarette pants, tunics, turtlenecks & sweater dresses galore.
Was it innovative and ground breaking? No, but in an economy like this one women prefer to buy classic, well-made pieces that can be worn season after season, rather than something that will be out of style in a few months, and that’s where this collection steps in.
Favorite part? Definitely the t-strap platforms. Come to mama!
Details details details! Marc Jacobs is always a bit eccentric in his presentations and this year was no different. Bundled layers, dramatically exaggerated silhouettes & unconventional mix and matching were the order of the day. And hats that Dr. Seuss would have been proud of. Can’t forget those.
But looking beyond the showmanship and styling you found some really fabulous pieces perfect for Fall – I especially liked the pairing of slim, cropped cigarette pants with bigger proportions on top, the large buttons on the coats and the elaborate pilgrim shoes.
The looks that Tory Burch showed were effortlessly chic and wearable, I could see myself in virtually everything. And as much as I adore seeing the artistry and showmanship of designers like the late Alexander McQueen, there’s something comforting about seeing a collection that can translate easily to real life, and that’s something that Tory Burch excels at.
While the separates, skirts, dresses and perfectly tailored outerwear were to die for, I couldn’t help but drool a little over the extras. Opera-length gloves, structured handbags, lace & patterned tights, floral appliqué collars and low-heeled T-straps.
{You can read Modelinia’s review of the show here}
Zac Posen’s Japanese themed collection was filled to the brim with hip-hugging dresses, jewel toned separates and sumptuous outerwear. His clothes are dramatic and glamorous, you choose this brand when you want to make a statement the moment you walk into a room.
{You can see a video of the runway show here.}
While Posen’s clothes can seem more like art at times than something you’d actually wear – the flared skirts and cut-out bodices were incredibly flattering, as were the gorgeous metallic ankle-strap heels.
Oh Oscar! The Oscar de la Renta show was a fun and youthful twist on his usual prim and proper fare. Shorter hemlines, cheeky color combinations ,and mix n’ match patterns gave the show an interesting twist. The looks were Winterized by adding bulky knit wraps, cropped tweed coats, lace and brocade jackets and even floor-length dusters paired with evening gowns.
The booties and twisted ribbon pumps paired with subtle fish net stockings were divine, as were the jeweled headpieces, brooches and crystal adorned outerwear. I thought that the exaggerated boatneck collars were exceptionally flattering and loved the pale blue – almost reminiscent of Karl’s Spring 2012 Couture collection.
{Need more Oscar? FabSugar & The Fashionista have you covered - both featuring Arizona Muse’s amazing silver Cinderella ball gown}
A post on New York Fashion Week would hardly be complete without a mention of DKNY. The show was all about downtown cool and as usual black was the main hue – this season with touches of dove grey, cranberry and navy. The cropped outerwear paired with an A-line mini skirt was an especially fun and flirty silhouette, that still managed to be a little bit business.
The highlights were the thick leather belts, high collars, opaque black tights, booties & ankle-strap heels, gorgeous handbags, sweet floral prints with harder pieces, brights paired with black and tough biker girl leather edges added to outerwear. I would wear virtually any of these pieces, can’t wait for them to hit stores!
The details and extras were really well-chosen for this show, I loved everything from the shoes to the accessories to the cuffs and collars added to the jackets & coats.
{You can also see Tom & Lorenzo’s photographs & review here.}
What can you say about Michael Kors? The man himself is a legend (Studio 54 ring a bell anyone?) and the brand that he’s created is know for its clean lines, flattering styles, and all-American appeal. And while last year’s big 30th anniversary show was quite the success, this year’s show was hardly a let down. The chic country girl in the big city styles were fun but practical – MK’s MO.
The red & black checks, grey wool, black & white flannels, thick knits and dramatic leathers and furs created a backdrop for the story that MK told and the looks were finished off with gloves, skinny belts, thick socks, t-strap heels, clogs, lace up boots and chunky Mary Janes.
{FabSugar has additional photos of the Michael Kors show here or you can see full runway show on GQ Fashion.}
And last but hardly least is Prabal Gurung, one of the most anticipated shows of the season – the Twittersphere (oh how I hate that word) BLEW UP after the new ad campaign with a dark-haired Candice Swanepoel was released and the hype for his Fall 2012 show increased steadily until the big day. From blacks to brilliant cobalt to white to shimmery gold, the looks ranged from severe with dramatic cutouts to youthful with crazy prints.
I thought that the satiny finished trousers were extremely chic and I can’t wait for the multi-strap heels to hit the stores. I’m also predicting that many of these frocks will appear on the red carpets this season. I wouldn’t be able to resist if I had access to them!
{Purple DIARY has some more great photos here and the runway video can be viewed here}
{Source, Source, Source & Source}
If you’d like to see more shows there are full New York Fashion Week summaries here and here, or you can see photos or videos of the individual shows here: Tibi, Tracy Reese, Christian Siriano, Jenny Packham, Karen Walker, Chris Benz, Naeem Khan, Betsey Johnson, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Elie Tahari.
All the designers really out did themselves this year. The creativity and artistry of the collections and the presentations really blew me away. Stay tuned for the street style and front row looks, then it’s off to London Fashion Week. Also – Be sure to keep an eye out for Moi Contre La Vie’s post-Fashion Week Giveaway!
*** Please note that I do not advocate the use of fur in fashion and personally make an effort not to wear/carry fur, exotic skins or leather. I believe that in this day in age there are many beautiful alternatives to these products which are cruelty & animal-free and should be utilized in their place.
Pre-Fall 2012 Collections: Part II
Welcome to Part II of MCLV’s reviews of the Pre-Fall 2012 shows, you can catch up on Part I here.
The Burberry Prorsum show was full of clean lines, dark hues and great details, for both men and women. There were beautiful purses, hats, gloves, shoes and belts in yellows and reds, and of course to die for coats and jackets. This was one of my favorite of the Pre-Fall shows, not only could virtually everything transition directly to the street, most of the pieces are timeless and could be worn season after season. (See what Tom & Lorenzo have to say about this collection here).
This 40's style dress is flattering on a lot of body types and the contrasting belt and suede booties are a great touch. And while the slim fitting suit that he's wearing is hard for most men to pull off, the jacket is divine.
A beautiful double-breasted coat with a fun yellow bow belt, fur collar, tights and moccasin inspired booties - A perfect fall look. I can absolutely see someone walking down Park Avenue in this!
Quite the chic couple! I love his sweater layers in chocolate and tan with almost a Peter Pan collar underneath, and her belted puff coat with dramatic shoulders over a rust colored sheath dress.
This is a great white dress with interesting zipper details. The belt and strappy boots add just enough flare to keep things interesting.
This is what Mr. Kors does best, creates a fun, "themed" look, composed of fairly basic pieces. A beautiful black, capsleeved dress is taken to a whole new level by adding a leather bustier, thick belt and dramatic gladiator-style platforms.
This coat is just the sort of thing that I've come to expect from Rachel Roy, clean lines, flattering cut and ready to be worn.
Talk about versatile, this belted, black & white tuxedo-inspired dress has a touch of sparkle that would easily take it from day to night with a change of shoes. Just add tights and a blazer for work!
This simple sleeveless black shift is anything but boring with slashes of burnished yellow at the hem and beautiful boots. Can't you just picture Tilda Swinton wearing this when she runs errands?
This suit is expertly styled with a fur scarf, burgundy velveteen belt, knit turtleneck and burgundy suede booties.
This look is ALL about the drama. The dramatic color pairing, the dramatic bow-belt, the dramatic A-line silhouette of the skirt, the dramatic deep v-neck blouse. While the bow might be a little much, one can't help but think that this would be a great holiday party look!
This belted navy and black pleated silk dress was classic Donna Karan. Chic and minimal, ballet-style crisscross patent leather heels completed the look.
This sheath is the definition of perfection, I can't imagine a more beautifully made, perfectly fitted work-dress. I'll take one in each color please!
Old school glamour with a modern twist. You would have trouble getting me out of this once I had it on. And that bracelet would never come off. Ever!
This combination is so Zac. A conservatively cut, well-tailored grey blazer paired with a bright blue, ribbon covered puffy A-line skirt.
The styling of this look is pure Fendi. A demure tan pussy bow blouse paired with a navy pencil skirt with circle details, with what else, a gorgeous handbag with flames on it.
This look is sort of "ladies who lunch" meets "school-girl." I love that the tan accessories are separate from the black and white of the central pieces.
MCLV’s Style File – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Miranda Kerr
{Left to Right: Bright Denim Skinny Jean - $60 @ NY&Co, Shiny Faux Leather Skinny Trousers – $70 @ TopShop, Current/Elliott Skinny Twill Cargo Pants – $90 (on sale) @ Neiman Marcus & 901 Legging - $170 @ JBrand}
And what brings both of these looks together? The sleek and dramatic patent leather pointy-toe pumps that both ladies chose when they put together their outfits.
Summer Weddings
I have received requests for suggestions on what to wear to for the upcoming summer wedding season, and since this subject is relevant to so many of us, I decided to dedicate an entire post to the topic.
Obviously there are many different types of weddings, indoor, outdoor, formal, informal, day, night… And while I’m happy to offer tailor-made suggestions if you want to email me the specifics, I’m just going to try to cover a few fundamentals today.
First, the basics.
(1) Pay attention to the terrain! Be cognizant of the environment you’ll be in and tailor your shoe choice accordingly. If you’re going to be traipsing across a lawn, stilettos are out. Don’t argue with me.
(2) Keep it appropriate! Is the couple conservative? Keep that in mind when choosing your outfit. Is it a traditional Catholic church ceremony? Keep yourself covered. Is it a goth wedding in a nightclub? I would skip the florals…
(3) And the number one rule of dressing for a wedding? Do. Not. Draw. Attention. To. Yourself!
As phenomenal as Kate looks, avoid wearing ivory, whites, nudes, champagnes and pale, pale pastels at the risk of upstaging the bride.
Casual Summer Wedding – Daytime:
You’ll want something light, both material-wise and color-wise. Avoid black, navy, long sleeves and heels. Below are a few ideas to get your fashion juices flowing:
This dress is great because the colors are fun & flirty, but neutral enough to give you options. Pair with nude sandals, blue wedges, a cropped yellow cardigan... The choices are endless! (Alice+Olivia - $550)
Bright colors & prints are great alternatives to florals. Accessorize with a belt, sweater, strappy flat sandals or espadrilles. (BCBG - $90 on sale)
Casual Summer Wedding – Nighttime:
If the festivities begin as the sun is setting and continue later into the evening, I would recommend shelving the pastels and slipping into something with a little more nighttime elegance.
The colors are sweet and summery, while the cut give it a little extra slink. (Ann Taylor - $120)
A maxi worn with sandals is a great option, just be sure to avoid loud accessories and allow the dramatic length of the frock speak for itself. (Asos - $75)
Formal Summer Wedding:
When a summer wedding is very large, held entirely indoors or has a lengthy (or orthodox) ceremony planned, that’s a good hint that the attire should be more formal. This means don’t show too much skin and cover your shoulders if you’re attending the ceremony itself. Longer lengths and more conservative cuts will be paramount, so dress accordingly!
Something classic, but with a little summer flair like this dress would be perfect. Add heels, pearls or a jacket as necessary. (Kate Spade - $450)
The draping on this frock is beautiful and gives it a modern twist, while the dusty lavender hue still says summer. (Halston Heritage - $325)
There are very few occasions that a sheath dress isn't appropriate for and the colors and mix of fabrics in this one keep it from being too austere. (Rachel Roy - $170)
I think that the lines on this dress are beautiful and you can really spice it up with red lips and some kick-ass heels. (Tadashi Shoji - $350)
This dress is formal and elegant, but retains an air of cheeky youthfulness. (BCBGeneration - $140)
If you're interested in a look with a little more edge, try something with interesting straps. (Riller & Fount - $95)
Spring Must Haves
It’s that time again…
Time to break out the sunscreen. Time to start hitting the gym to prepare for bathing suit season. And time to pull your spring clothes out of the depths of your closet and put them back into rotation.
Luckily for consumers, each season has a handful of predictable silhouettes, colors, fabrics and trends each year. Spring will always be a time for lightening up your color palette, showing some skin and pulling out your sunnies. Read on for some of-the-moment trends and perennial favorites that you should live in this Spring.
Stripes
This may be a given, but classic is classic. Nautical is virtually always in for Spring, and this year is no exception. Shots from the Celine and Fendi Spring 2011 shows below give us some juicy ideas for how to update our stripes for Spring.
From bikinis to accessories to dresses, stripes are a refreshing way to greet the improving weather. You can pair a striped piece with a mostly solid look to get your feet wet, but stripes on stripes is always fun too!
TOMS Canvas Wedge - $70 @ Nordstrom
Drop-Waist Silk Top - $80 @ BCBG
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Nettice Honolulu Tie Dye Knotted Dress - $155 @ Bloomingdale's
Coach Poppy Legacy Stripe Wristlet - $50 @ Lord & Taylor
Maxi Dresses
A maxi dress in a printed, light-weight fabric worn with sandals just screams great weather to me, and longer lengths are all the rage this season.
Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 Ready-To-Wear
I like to keep accessories to a minimum with this style so that the dress is really the centerpiece of the look. Try adding bangles or an armband, but don’t over do it. Whether you prefer stripes, solids, patterns or black & white, you’ll find something to suit your every stylish whim.
Aqua Tribal Print Twist Back Maxi - $90 @ Bloomingdale's
Lace Kaftan Sleeve Maxi Dress - $50 @ Asos.com
Velvet Touch Racerback Maxi Dress - $50 @ Nordstrom
Prada - Spring 2011 RTW
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Colorblock Bolt Bangle - $70 @ Bloomingdale's
Sparkle & Fade Colorblock Top - $55 @ Urban Outfitters
Jay Godfrey 'Ferguson' Colorblock Dress - $400 @ Nordstrom
LWD
Francisco Costa is the king of minimalist chic, and his gorgeous white designs for Spring 2011 were no exception.
The Little White Dress is a staple for spring, especially in fun fabrics like crochet, terry cloth, knit, lace and linen. Throw one over a bathing suit for the perfect pool-side coverup or pair with color block sandals and some bangles and head out the door.
Twisted Bias-Neck Dress - $110 @ BCBG
Juicy Couture Lace-Trim Ruffled Micro Terry Dress - $150 @ Bloomingdale's
Yumi Vintage Cotton Slip Dress - $35 @ Asos.com
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Crochet Dress - $140 @ Nordstrom
Cropped Pants
Vena Cava showed us just how to wear cropped pants on the Spring 2011 RTW runway, presenting slim, slouchy, rolled and pajama-style versions.
This is one of my favorite styles and the cut is perfect for Spring. Wear yours in bright neon, rolled denim, skinny black, crisp khaki… So many choices, only so many days of Spring!
7/8 Tailored Slim Leg Pants - $50 @ Asos.com
BCBGeneration Cropped Twill Pant - $100 @ BCBG
Citizens of Humanity Thompson Twill Jeans in Picante - $160 @ Bloomingdale's
Juicy Couture Plastic Watch - $200 @ Nordstrom
MICHAEL Michael Kors Gold-Tone Zip Dress - $120 @ Bloomingdale's
ASOS Seamed Hot Pants - $45 @ Asos.com
70s Style
When I think of 70′s fashion my mind immediately flashes through a handful of images. From Bianca Jagger to Pucci kaftans to Diane Von Furstenberg wap dresses to boldly printed head scarves.
Those of you in the mood for a little nostalgia this spring are in luck, the 70′s are back in full swing. Use Marc Jacob’s Spring 2011 show as inspiration, like the flowing, gauzy gown and floral headpiece above.
Vero Moda Pleated '70s Dress - $75 @ Asos.com
UO Paisley Headscarf - $25 @ Urban Outfitters
Bianca Jumpsuit - $120 @ Rachel Roy
Horizon Sunglasses - $80 @ Michael Stars
Oversized '70s Floppy Straw Hat - $35 @ Asos.com
