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MCLV x A by Anubha | Outerwear Edit

July 17, 2017 in MCLV Style

I am a very serious and dedicated lover of outerwear – Which you’ve probably discerned by now – So I was excited to show off the latest Spring/Summer collection from local brand A by Anubha.

Anubha Srivastav is based here in the Bay Area and her designs, under the A by Anubha label, are made with a hand-woven, eco-friendly Indian textile called Khadi.

Khadi is not just a cloth, it is a whole movement started by Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi), Khadi movement aimed at boycotting foreign goods and promoting Indian goods. Thereby improving India’s economy. Mahatma Gandhi began promoting spinning of Khadi for rural self-employment and self-reliance. Even today Khadi is produced in the villages of India by the rural artisans, Khadi Village Industries is one of the oldest Indian government organizations created to provide employment to the artisans and craftsmen of Indian villages.

British Racing Green Jacket – A by Anubha

Black Jeans – Jolt by Nordstrom

Asymmetrical Cold Shoulder Tee – BP by Nordstrom

Soho Leather Disco Bag – Gucci

Black Patent Leather Pumps – Giuseppe Zanotti

{Photography by J. Villarete Photography}

The latest lightweight outerwear collection combines eye-catching colors, sleek silhouettes, and feature one of her signature design elements like the ‘Bandha-gala’ (a Mandarin style collar) that are traditionally found in male outerwear.

What do YOU look for in lightweight jackets for this time of year? Colors, a favorite silhouette, a specific fabric?

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MCLV Style: Little Black Dress with a Twist

June 21, 2017 in MCLV Style

When someone asks me to describe my person style, I inevitably fall back on the following phrase – Classic with a twist.

A little black dress is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe – It’s perfect for everything from cocktail parties to weddings to nights out on the town.

But it’s so much more than that!

Black Lace V-Neck Dress – BCBGMAXAZRIA

Chainlink Swing Shoulder Bag – Rebecca Minkoff

Vintage Patent Leather Peep-Toe Booties – Fendi

Layered Necklaces – Anthropologie

{Photography by J. Villarete Photography}

The inevitable appropriateness of the classic little black dress in most settings isn’t the only reason my closet is filled with them.

I would actually say that my favorite thing about a great LBD is that it’s the perfect blank slate for creating an outfit.

When you have a high quality dress that you feel great in – You can take it in any direction. Tennis shoes and a pony tail for a more casual daytime spin on the look, or with ski high heels and a red lip for date night.

Or, if you’re in the mood to mix things up, you can try out layered necklaces and ankle booties like I wore here!

What’s YOUR favorite way to style a little black dress?

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MCLV How To: Wedding Attire

May 24, 2017 in MCLV Style

After tackling the cocktail attire conundrum in MCLV How To: Traditional Cocktail Attire, I thought I’d help you decode the various dress codes associated with wedding attire. Here’s my cheat sheet for the four most common dress codes you’ll see on a wedding invitation.

Casual:

Her – A sundress or a skirt or pair of pants with a blouse. Think of lightweight fabrics, light colors, and Summery patterns.
Him – Slacks with a light-colored button-down shirt or a polo shirt.

Cocktail:

Her – A cocktail dress or a skirt or slacks with a blouse. For a daytime wedding with a cocktail attire dress code, I would consider bright jewel tones or other solid colored pieces. For evening, a bold hue or black will work equally well.
Him – Slacks and button down shirt. And I would also bring a blazer or suit jacket for evening.

Check out my MCLV How To: Traditional Cocktail Attire for more suggestions and tips for the perfect evening look

Blue Lace Cocktail Dress – BCBGMaxAzxria

Ankle Strap Peep-Toe Heels – Fendi via The Real Real

Black Clutch – Nancy Gonzales

{Photography by J. Villarete Photography}

{This was my look for a recent “cocktail attire” wedding in Northern California}

Formal or Black Tie Optional:

Her – A chic cocktail dress or a floor-length gown. You want to aim for a classic evening style – Black, midnight blue or metallic are traditional color choices.
Him – A tuxedo or a suit and tie. The two looks should match in terms of the level of dressiness, so if she goes black tie and wears a gown, he should also adhere to that dress code and wear a tuxedo.

Black Tie:

Her – A floor-length gown.
Him – A tuxedo with a bow tie and patent leather shoes. A cummerband is optional.

Now two quick “rules” that apply to most weddings, regardless of the official dress code that you should keep in mind.

(1) Don’t wear white. Or cream. Or off-white. Or champagne. Stay away from that whole side of the color wheel – That’s the bride/bridal party only.

(2) Bring a wrap or lightweight jacket, even in Summer. There’s nothing worse than feeling out-of-place or over/under dressed, and a pashmina is the perfect fix. Just throw it on and you’re all set.

How do YOU feel about wedding dress codes? Any questions I can answer?

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MCLV Style: Longline Vest

April 25, 2017 in MCLV Style

In case you missed it – BCBG is closing all of its stores. I happened upon this little development while wandering through Union Square. I saw a 40%-60% sale sign in the window and left an hour later with six dresses and this vest.

BCBG dresses are my favorite and I’m devastated to lose that shop on Union Square. But luckily their goodies will still be available online and in department stores!

While I made a beeline for the dresses, knowing what I like and what works for me, I got derailed by this vest. More specifically, the lady helping me with the dressing room was wearing it in black and pointed out the camel version while we were trekking across the shop.

Love at first sight!

Camel London Long Seamed Vest – BCBGMaxazria

Black & White Striped Tee – Alexander Wang via The Real Real

Black Skinny Jeans – Jolt by Nordstrom

Rose Gold Watch c/o Timex

{Photography by J. Villarete Photography}

I loved the black version, but since most of my Spring clothes are lighter hues or prints, I thought this camel one would be more versatile for the season between coats and short sleeves.

What really struck me about this style is the versatility. Working with interesting silhouettes and lengths are both great ways to mix up your wardrobe. Add a longline vest over a dress and pumps for a modern take on a classic style or give your skinny jeans and striped tee a little oomph like I did here.

Do YOU have a longline vest in your wardrobe? What’s your favorite way to style it?

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MCLV How To: Traditional Cocktail Attire

April 20, 2017 in MCLV Style

I have to confess that I get a strange little jolt of anxiety when I read an invitation that says “traditional cocktail attire.”

Does that happen to anyone else?

And truthfully, I don’t know why… I have been, for the most part, successfully dressing myself for many years now. But it seems that at the very least my subconscious is still concerned that I’m going to show up looking utterly inappropriate for an event.

I get sartorial anxiety. Clearly I have issues.

So, in case anyone else is in this same boat, I thought I’d tackle the age-old conundrum – What should I wear?

In my book, there are four main categories of appropriate cocktail attire.

(1) Traditional – Cocktail Dress

Whether you’re going for a classic little black dress, a retro-inspired wrap dress, or something with a little glitz and glamour, a cocktail dress is an easy go-to for these events.

Simple and safe – This is a good option for more traditional hosts or locations.

(2) Modern – Lady Suit

If you’re not a dress lady, don’t force yourself into a look you’re uncomfortable with. A suit, or a matching pant and blazer combo with a chic top, is always okay at a party with a cocktail dress code.

The key is to keep the look clean, well-tailored, and classic.

(3) Preppy Classic – Skirt & Top

Bored with your LBDs? Pair a pencil, tea length, or A-line skirt with a shell, sweater, or simple top and blazer combo. It can be sweet and feminine, preppy, or edgy depending on your choice of silhouettes and textiles.

This style offers you more room for self-expression and a chance to have some fun with your look. But be sure to keep your glam on the same level as the ladies around you with killer heels, a bold red lip, or some eye-catching statement jewelry.

(4) Fashion Forward – Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are becoming more and more of a staple for events and red carpets these days. Gone are the days of women-must-wear-dresses.

They key to pulling off this look and meeting that dress code is going for solid colors over prints, keeping the accessories fairly classic, and making sure that you’re fit is impeccable.

This is a good look to try for a cocktail party hosted by a younger crowd or located at a trendy new hotspot.

What’s YOUR go-to cocktail attire style?

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MCLV x A by Anubha | Outerwear Edit

MCLV Style: Little Black Dress with a Twist

MCLV How To: Wedding Attire

MCLV Style: Longline Vest

MCLV How To: Traditional Cocktail Attire

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