When I started this blog I didn’t know that there were professional bloggers.
I’d never used Twitter.
I had to Google what a hashtag was.
Yes, both I and this blog, are that old.
So how did I learn? I listened to the experts, mais bien sur. Bloggers! Here are some pearls of wisdom, peeks behind the curtain, and tips for improving your social media game from some of my favorite blogger ladies in the biz!
Love those effortlessly chic street style shots from the pros? The super sweet Josie of Fashion Mumblr gives us some suggestions with How To Up Your Instagram Fashion Game.
Cheryl from Oh To Be A Muse had me cracking up with her oh-so-real My Staged Instagram Life post. Such a good read.
This edition of Links You’ll Love is a little bit different than usual. This week I’m focusing on some of the great information out there to help bloggers and freelance writers get their websites off the ground and make them truly successful.
So read on for some fun tips & articles that’ll help you with your writing and blogging!
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.
Whether you’re a regular reader or this is your first time visiting this site I thought a little explanation of what I’m doing here might be helpful.
This is a fashion and lifestyle blog that features everything from personal style posts, menswear, shopping tips, and runway reviews to delicious recipes, workout ideas, and healthy living suggestions. Since there are so many topics & such a wide variety of information available to you I wanted to take some time to map out where you can find various things on either this blog or on social media.
{While there is some overlap, I try to make sure that each social media platform gets some individual attention each and every day}
MCLV:
While I like to maintain some freedom to be creative on the blog, there are a few recurring series that you can expect to usually follow a schedule.
Mondays – Looks of the Week (3-4 times a month): A weekly round-up of great looks from around the world
Tuesdays – MCLV Style: Personal style posts
Thursdays – Fashion Collaborations
Sundays – Links You’ll Love: A weekly round-up of interesting articles & blog posts relating to fashion or health & nutrition
The MCLV Facebook page is updated multiple times a day and in addition to notices when a new post is published, you’ll also see when new photos are uploaded {from events, fun outtakes from photo shoots, behind-the-scenes shots etc.}, inspirational & funny quotes, posts from great blogs that I’m following & local events I’m attending.
On Twitter you’ll also get notice when a new post has been published, and when new photos are added on Facebook, it’s also where I’ll share blog posts & news articles I’m enjoying, random musings, share inspirational quotes, and let you know when something fun is on the horizon.
If you’re interested in getting a glimpse into my daily routine, how I spend my days & what’s going on in my world, Instagram is for you. I share 1-3 pictures a day and try to keep things interesting in terms of the subjects – From quick snaps at the gym to get you motivated for a workout, delicious new recipes I’m trying out {vegan & gluten-free primarily}, books I’m reading & shots of my insane cats to pics from my shopping adventures, outfits for events, as well as DIY, home decor & design projects.
I’ve been clipping pictures from magazines & making collages & pasting them into inspiration books for YEARS so I was thrilled when I discovered Pinterest. An online way to collect fantastic images that move & inspire me? Yes please! I update Pinterest most days and you can find a wide variety of boards to enjoy – From fashion inspiration, beauty must haves, fabulous jewelry, and menswear must haves to home decor, recipes, workout motivation, inspirational sayings, and even mood boards for specific photo shoots that I’m working on.
There are a few additional platforms that I enjoy a few times a week but don’t update as frequently – Pose, Lookbook.nu, Chictopia, and LookMazingare all great sites though so feel free to stop by anytime for fun fashion inspiration & shopping!
Interested in more background? Check out the About MOI and FAQ pages for more details about me and MCLV!
Did you watch the Oscars last night? Per usual, I skipped watching the show live and merely enjoyed the highlights online and via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook after the fact. There were some gorgeous gowns and great tuxedos out there to enjoy though, I must say. What was your favorite look?
I absolutely adore Leslie Mann and was thrilled to see her on the red carpet. I think that this sleek Roberto Cavalli gown suits her slim frame perfectly and the color is very pretty against her pale skin.
The dramatic gold detailing and flowing train on Jessica Chastain's gown made it one of the highlights of the evening. She looked absolutely stunning.
Rose Byrne is someone who I'm really enjoying lately, she seems to be trying out a new look and its fun to watch. I loved this black sequined Vivienne Westwood gown with the drop earrings, she looks beautiful & statuesque.
Another sequined stunner was Ellie Kemper, who donned a gorgeous bronze sheath that was perfectly complimented by her dramatic gold earrings, cocktail ring and clutch.
Gwyneth's Tom Ford gown was one of a kind. I loved the floor-length cape - SO Katherine Hepburn - and the cuff was fantastic.
I wish more fashion insiders did red carpets... Wouldn't it be a kick to see all the magazine editors dressed to the nines instead of just judging everyone else's looks? Anyway, Nina Garcia knocked one out of the park in this Jean Paul Gaultier Couture sheath. Gorgeous.
Polka dot gown? LOVED IT!
Octavia Spencer has been choosing some great Tadashi Shoji gowns on the way to this red carpet and the designer worked incredibly well for her yet again. Gorgeous!
Yes, this dress was very busy - between the ruffles, the diamond bow broach, the tiers and the silhouette, there's a lot going on. But it suits her somehow. Well done!
When I saw this Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown in December I knew it would make its way to the Oscars. Emma Stone has been embracing brilliant jewel tones lately with great success (remember the emerald Gucci suit?) and this frock did the trick yet again.
Rooney Mara looked head turning in her favorite designers of late, Givenchy. I like the uniqueness of this dress, yes there were other white dresses, but with her hair & makeup, the train and the intricate back of the gown, she was in her own category.
Stacy Keibler looked like she was auditioning for the role of the Oscar itself, but in the best possible way. Her Marchesa gown was flattering and fashion-forward, perfect for the Oscars red carpet.
Viola Davis was a vision in Vera Wang. This color is just breathtaking on her.
There were a lot of sweet, dreamy, pastely gowns that while gorgeous, tended to get lost in the melee. Rather than review them all individually, here are some of the prettier ones…
My favorite looks? Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain and the two visions in white – Rooney Mara & Gwyenth Paltrow. I loved all of these looks for different reasons and couldn’t narrow it down any further if I had to. Emma brought the standout color, Jessica brought the drama and Rooney & Gwyneth both brough the unexpected – gowns that were unique, unusual, and totally head turning.
And don’t worry my loves, I’ll cover the Oscar tuxedos and afterparty dresses in my Looks of the Week post later on today.
