Santa's On His Way...

 I promised you Crewcuts fans this a week ago, so here we go...just a few of the whimsical, gorgeous Holiday looks spotted at my local J.Crew!

I made no secret of my love for the September fairisle sweater for girls, so it's no surprise that I adore this neon version for the holidays.  Love it with the tulle skirt!  My girls will be sporting it with glitter flats, just because they're super-girly!  I also love the cozy, supersoft funnel neck...such a great warmth layer.  The shade of red on the ponte dress is perfect for pics, and has beautiful beading detail!  And, what boy doesn't love dinos??  This tee is a no-brainer!

Love a reason to dress my son a little more dapper...sadly, I only get a couple of days during the holidays.  The rest of the time, he's running, so we have to keep it simple!  Love this red plaid tartan...it is the winner for Santa's lap!  Great color!  The sweaters are super-soft, and there is a great offering of ties this year!  He may be beyond me wrestling him into one this year, but I'm still gonna try! 

Still loving the pops of neon!  The kids' outerwear is amazing...with fun hats , scarves and gloves to top it all off.  How cute are these New Balance with the dress???

Love a great black and white story...even on the kiddos!  The graphic print on this dress is stunning!  I'd love with a red cardigan and shoes for pics too!

And, speaking of red, buy this sweater now!  It's festive for right now, and you'll be kicking yourself at Valentine's Day, when it's gone!  If you don't have a sweater girl, that great heart print also comes in leggings.

So, that's your glimpse into Holiday adorableness...including my own little Crewcuts model, who snuck into the picture!  The heart sweater was her fave... "It's fantastic, Mom!" were her words, I believe.

Somebody save me!

Holiday! Celebrate! (Cue the music...)

Brace yourselves!  It is a long one today!  But so, so necessary to discuss the amazingness of this Holiday concept at J.Crew!  I am downright festive, since seeing it earlier today!  Makes me want to jump right to Christmas decorations, and skip the rest of fall.  Insanity...I know...but it is that good!  The first pic is blurry, I apologize.  I swear, my hands were shaking from the excitement!  Let's examine, shall we?

This color block coat.  Enough said!  Love the navy and red against the oatmeal.  Love that it elevates jeans and a flannel, but is special enough to dress up.  Love it standing next to that, amazing shade of crimson, dress.  I love everything about it!  I'll take it!

So, the "family" wasn't fully dressed...quite fitting, I think.  But I adore this coordinated tree trimming family ensemble!  I'd swap the heels for a pair of riding boots, add a parka, and cut the tree down myself!  Love this new take on the flannel...so feminine!  And the necklace...Ah-Maze!  The kiddies are adorable too, although not fully finished layering, so don't judge!  I was too excited to wait!

                                                                                                                                        

My fave hat...still as focal as ever.  It is perfect with a lace party skirt.  And, who doesn't love a great buffalo plaid coat???

I have two already, so I'll probably have to pass on this spectacular peacoat.  But, word to the wise, it is red and navy (not black)...genius, I tell you!

The embellished collar boy shirt is a necessity for the fast-approaching holiday season...so grab one while they're available!

                                           

This flannel and pearls vignette just screams football game in the south to me.  Live for the rugged pretty juxtaposition!  Destroyed boyfriend jeans and an amazing pair of suede Everlys...done and done!

I'm calling these the "New Years Girls."  Gorgeous neutrals and black with gold accents.  So chic and pretty!  And that tweed jacket is major!  It definitely falls into the "forever investment" category.  You will wear for. like. ever.

I was tentative toward this tribalesque sweater at first.  It seemed like it might be a bit much.  I've totally turned the corner on it now, though!  I'm going to wear it with the destroyed toothpick jeans (shown on right), and great weathered boots.  

And, speaking of the girl on the right, there is everything right about her outfit!  Layered jewels, cozy cashmere layering...and a navy blazer.

Perfection!

I couldn't resist this adorable girl!  Although it's unlikely that I'll ever "run out for coffee" in my boyfriend's boxers (more like absolutely never!), I love the mix of the menswear p.j. top and peacoat, and the cozy sock and shearling boots.  If I wasn't eternally freezing, I'd add a scarf and be out the door!  I'll swap out the boxers for leggings, and be nearly as cute!

And, because they deserve their own photo...these shearling boots!  I cannot think of one single thing there is not to love!  The suede is a gorgeous mink color...the buckle is cool.  And, did I mention?  They are lined in shearling, people!  These are decidedly more of a need, than a want!

More delightful hats...a winter necessity.

But, the sweater.  Could you die?  Bejewelled reindeer.  A little kitch never gets old during the holidays.  That's a fact!

As I headed further back in the store, the festive brights faded to a more neutral palette.  And that's when I spotted this cool girl.  The sweater was a sample, or I would have purchased instantly!  It is sweater perfection.  Love it paired with fluted mini, and the cozy sock/ankle boot combo.

I may be sensing a pattern here...

Love the Nobody's Perfect tee, and that wrap skirt is a wardrobe finisher for all!

I ended my festival of happiness on these softer hues.  The jewel detail on this pretty blush sweater is stunning!  Again, loving that it is paired with destroyed denim and a structured blazer.  No jewelry required here!  And the pop of coral on this gorgeous wool coat is fantastic when the weather turns daily dreary!

So, I'd love to say...that's it!  But, it isn't nearly!  There is still so much to see in this delivery!  Outerwear essentials, adorable Crewcuts and, perhaps, even some festive men's styles.

Stay tuned...

Lululemon...I'm going to allow it (Gasp!)

I am going to condone something right now, that is largely frowned upon in my business.  Most stylists spend the bulk of our time trying to get women out of their workout clothes.  We support the mantra that "dressed is best." and workout clothes are made for one thing...working out.  And, I believe that, I truly do.  But I am a realist.  And there are days that, even if you do truly work out, there just isn't enough time to shower and prettify for the day.  In those extreme cases (you know who you are), I'm going to go out on a limb and say, you could make it through the day in Lululemon.  I know, I know...I've drunk the Kool-Aid.  There are lots of brands that make perfectly acceptable gear...Nike, New Balance, Zella...the list goes on.

But, I'm telling you, I've tested the theory...everybody looks better in Lulu.  I never get more compliments, or stares (and not just for the kicky tennis skirt), than when I'm outfitted in my Lululemon gear.  As far as workout clothes go, they are the cutest!  

Aren't they a little pricey, you might ask?  As far as workout gear...yes, yes they are.  But, in my humbled opinion, worth every penny.  The fit is so flattering, and the fabrications are typically available in a wide array of beautiful colors.  It is a rare season that passes, that I don't find something I absolutely love!  So, that's it.

I said it.

I'm still going to do my best to get you ladies dressed every day.  But, if you must leave the house in leggings, I'd feel better if they were Wunder Unders!

;-)

And, Lululemon, if you'd like to send some gear for that resounding advertisement,

I won't turn it away!

www.maisonkmv.blogspot.com

Now, if only I could get all of you to follow...;-)
In all seriousness, though, many thanks to my faithful readers (Mom!).  And, anyone who pops in to read my musings on fashion, and all things pretty!  I truly enjoy sharing, and bringing some of my passion in what I do, to you!  2000 page views may not seem like much to many, but it is far beyond what I ever expected in a few months time!  Mostly, because I have no idea, whatsoever, how this whole Blogger thing works!  It's a fact!  But, I'm learning...and, as I do, I will be able to bring more of the beautiful things in life to you.  So, keep reading...
It's going to be a wild ride!

October Fab Fifteen

And...I'm back!  The unplanned hiatuses continue to take me by surprise.  The last week and a half has been a whirlwind...but very productive!  There are so many amazing things on the horizon for Maison KMV, and I can't wait to share them!
In the interim, I've decided to take some time to reflect back on all the gorgeous finds I've bookmarked for my October wish list.  I've said it often, but autumn is truly my favorite time of year!  The colors are rich and beautiful, especially evident in this amazing oxblood stretch leather skirt (Net-A-Porter, $1395), this gorgeous saffron and grey bra, by Elle Macpherson (Anthropologie, $30), and this timeless lace raglan t-shirt, by The Kooples (Harrod's, $175).  And there are truly no words for the technicolor floral and lace cafe capris (J.Crew Collection, $450)...amazing!  I will be accenting these deep colors with this Zara beaded necklace ($30) in primary colors, to punch it up a bit.
I love to balance all that color with beautiful neutral pieces, like the navy and cream feather print mini (Stella McCartney, $1195).  This gorgeous skirt has been on my must have list, since the preview back in April!  The Donna Karan cardigan, in misty grey, is cashmere perfection (Net-A-Porter, $1995), and I will dream of it until the day I own it!  But, for the more budget-savvy, the detail on the embroidered lace merino sweater, from J.Crew ($98), adds some drama to a neutral base.
I'm sticking with the classics to finish off my October look.  A rich, cognac colored tote, from Zara, fits everything, and at a budget friendly $60.  I'm partial to my Madewell The Archive Boot in cognac, so I think it's a no-brainer to add this distressed leather version to the collection ($348).  And, since I was scouting all the new Madewell goods, I couldn't resist adding this beautiful belted leather bomber ($525).  It is the perfect amount of distressed, and in a gorgeous shade that will elevate any look!  Finishing off the classics, is the new neutral, leopard print Martina calf hair wedges (J.Crew, $358).  From denim to leather, these shoes add instant chic!  I can never have a wish list without a new pair of jeans...these patched Zara ($80) are collegiate-cute, and a relaxed boyfriend fit.  My fave!  And, the double sided scarf (also Zara, $36), is so huge, it could double as a throw!  I will look forward to wrapping myself in this coziness all season long!  And, because I'm just about tiring of my favorite feather ring, I'm looking to replace it with the sparkle of this smokestone ring (Madewell, $22).
I'd love to be able to say that completes the October wish list, but that would just be ridiculous!  There is just too much gorgeous out there!  We'll call it "The First Half of October List," and look forward to highlighting more amazing items as the month continues...
Happy Autumn!

ETRO...Italian Masters

I had the extreme pleasure of finally making it into the Etro boutique in Soho today.  It did not disappoint!  I had a fitting with a client. and we found ourselves with some extra time on our hands.  We have recently added some stunning pieces from Etro to her wardrobe, and needed some finishers.  The brand is gorgeous!  The textiles are unmatched. and the tailoring is impeccable!  We actually started with the silk blouse and pencil skirt shown on the left.  Unfortunately, there was an issue with the top.  The supremely gracious Douglas assisted with a pewter version, and the addition of (quite possibly) the most amazing necklace I've ever seen!  It was a divine experience!
The jewelry is major...particularly the double-finger ring shown.  The colors are incredibly rich...I'm in love with purple again!  And, am currently desperate for the knife pleat skirt, shown to the right.  The dress...next level amazing!  And, Etro outerwear...not. enough. words.  I'm only sad that I was so enamored with the shop, that I ceased to photo every single piece.
If you're in the neighborhood, pop in!  Say hi to Douglas...he's fab!

A Fresh Take...

Truth be told, I'm not a regular Anthropologie shopper, for myself.  It can, at times, feel too precious...and, at others, too showy.  That said, I know many women who just wear it well, no matter what.  And, to that I say, we all have our own style.  I still dress many of my clients at Anthro, and I love finding gift pieces.  They are unmatched in their ability to furnish gifts for every style.  Anthropologie is also a great place for finding those special pieces to accent wardrobe staples.
I received the October catalog today, and was thrilled with this month's showing!  It prompted me to log on, and start digging through the website for more fabulous finds...and there are many!
A peplum blouse with a bow, in a timeless color combo?  Sign me up!  Gold sequin maxi skirt?  I literally die!  Leopard cargo jacket...AMAZING!
And I have always adored their carefully curated selection of housewares and accessories.  Gorgeous color and textiles!
And, I'm scheduling a special trip to the store to investigate all the beautiful intimates and loungewear.  They look absolutely stunning!
Brava, Anthropologie!
October's going to be a fantastic month!

Prelude to Holiday...

Can you sense the excitement?  You should!  The holidays...they are a coming!  J.Crew has brought in the first vestiges of the season.  Admittedly, it feels more like a respectful farewell to Fall, than the glitzy holiday wear we Crew girls are used to.  Either way, there are some pretty pieces to get us through to the Wintry glam coming.  I am most impressed with the jewelry for this concept.  It is new and exciting, with some twists, including this Lucite statement necklace.  Gorgeous!  Although, I will say that it comes in the form of a cuff bracelet, that I favor.  Sadly, the photo was too blurry to include.  I'll share via Instagram in the next few days.

The baseball cap has carried through, and is joined by some plush scarves and cold weather accessories.

And, of course, lots of cozy cashmere! 

 A close up of the Lucite...

Amazing shades of cranberry, accented with rich, cobalt blue, and bright coral...

perfection!

I must always include the adorable "family" cluster that greets at the front door.  Amazing pattern on this classic shirt dress.  Yet another stunner of a necklace.  And, the botanical sweatshirt for girls is beautiful!

And, as always, we love our boys layered!

The monogram hat is back, in another colorway...it's fast becoming a cult classic of the brand!  Love the houndstooth, as well.  And, these navy and black satchels are AMAZING!!!

I'm sure we all recall the fantastic cocoon silhouette coat from last year.  Well, it's back...in this color-drenched cobalt.  Show stopping!!!  I love the color play on the plaid...so rich!

And the bordeaux, studded invitation (that I have highlighted before) truly is a must have for the season!

The Majestic Peacoat is back...and in a beautiful turquoise.  I love how they've shown it cape-style here...a fresh take on the most classic piece of outerwear.

Love this chic take on a t-shirt.  This is how we wear them, Ladies!  Paired with an elegant jacket, classic mini and statement jewels!

Lovely!

Loving these beautiful crystal pieces...stunning!

Unbelievable color on this pear shaped stunner.  This is an absolute outfit maker!

Love the suede and leather combo on these stiletto booties.  Classic, yet so sexy!

And, for my boys reading, this army of well-dressed gentleman!

Well played, J.Crew...well played!

What I'm Loving Right This Second...

This time of year is always my favorite.  Most people signify January as the start of all things fresh and new but, for me, it's always been September.  New school year, fresh, crisp weather and, it doesn't hurt that my birthday falls mid-month.  So, September is always a time for new beginnings and fresh starts.  Thankfully, the season brings a wealth of amazing products and fashion.  Above...my top ten, most favorite things for September!  Love!

1. Marc Jacobs, Lip Vinyl, $28 (The most fool proof lip gloss ever!  Marc Jacobs is a genius for this       amazing formula!  I love Paint It & Fame).

2.  Zara, Square Cut Cable Sweater, $100 (The most perfect, cozy Fall sweater!)                               3.  J.Crew, Camo Wool Scarf, $55                                                                                               4.  Zara, Pointed Faux Leather Court Shoe, $50

5.  J.Crew, Studded Invitation Clutch, $168

6.  Suave, Moroccan Oil Shampoo, $4

7.  J.Crew, Mirrored Pyramids Bracelet, $118

8.  Madewell, Bookclub Glasses, $49.50

9.  Madewell, Leather Panel Skirt, $198

10. Prada Candy, $62-$110

So, I'm loving September!  Hope you are too!

                                    

Garanimal?

 I have never thought much of adults wearing images of animals.  Additionally. I've never truly understood the appeal of camels.  Sure, riding through the Sahara on one would be very dreamlike... but, since that is unlikely to happen in my lifetime, the interest has always ended there.  I am forced to admit, however, that the above pictured is swaying my point of view.  As is typically the case with J.Crew...I am, once again, rethinking my staid perspective.  This sweater is adorable!!!  So, I guess, camels it is!

I have to say, what really drew me in to the newest J.Crew concept, was this ever-chic ensemble.  I may have mentioned yesterday...I am loving the French aesthetic lately!  This outfit has everything for Paris day wear chic...the lace mini, the tipped coat in rich oxblood, the sleek oxfords, and...the jewels!  Love!  Finish with Wayfarers, and book your flight!

I loved this stone bumble bee necklace in grey for early Fall...so, it's only natural that I would love it in burgundy.  Gorgeous!

Love the simple elegance of this look!  Any variation of these pieces is instantly beautiful and pulled together.

\
And, lastly, I mentioned these phenomenal bags from B by Brian Atwood on Instagram last week.  I am obsessed!  The silhouettes are absolute perfection!  And, I already can't find the leopard!  These will be in demand, People!  The price point is slightly higher than the Philip Lim for Target bags...but, oh so worth it!
AH-MAZE!

I Heart France...

 I had an amazing Fall shopping excursion with one of my favorite clients today.  It's no secret that I absolutely love shopping with her.  She has exquisite taste, and is never afraid to try something new.  Her style is timeless, with a hint of edge, and she always looks amazing!  Today, we had an opportunity to try a relatively new brand to the U.S., as well as, both of us.  If you have not familiarized yourself with The Kooples yet, brace yourself (and head to your nearest Bloomingdale's!)!  Although, truth be told, I think they are only in the NY/NJ area at the moment.  The quality is amazing, the cut and fit is perfection, and the style is fresh and beautiful.  It's gorgeous!  I didn't have time to review their menswear line, but the women's is AH-MAZE!  Check it out!

Aside some beautiful pieces from this French line, we were able to elevate my client's Fall wardrobe with so many gorgeous looks!  And, although there was an amazing Etro ensemble that I will still be dreaming of tonight, I have to say that my favorite purchase of the day was...

THESE SHOES!

Christian Louboutin Malabar Hill

They are, by far and away, THE shoe of the season!  They are next level! Every outfit she added them to was instantly stunning!

Loving all things French today!

More to come on some favorite finds from today's shop...

First Fall...

It was a crisp 70 degrees in my neighborhood today.  Oh, happy day...Fall wardrobing!  This is an Autumn go to for me.  Jeans, t-shirt , blazer...it might be an occupational hazard.  For me, it's all about elevating the look with amazing accessories...lots of statement jewels, gorgeous suede wedges and a fantastic bag.  Today, I even stepped up the basics.  A structured peplum took the place of a standard white v-neck.  I wore my favorite, distressed skinnies (thank you, Gap!).  And, I adore the amazing pistachio shade of this schoolboy blazer...just pretty enough to be seasonless!

I love, love, love layering, already over-the-top, statement pieces...I got stopped, no less than a dozen times, asking where I got the fabulous necklace (J.Crew, for both!).

 These buttons...oh, how I love thee.  Such a great detail, on an already beautiful piece.

Blazer/Top/Shoes/Jewelry: J.Crew

Jeans: Gap

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Sunglasses: Cole Haan

P.S.  I'm barely recognizable without my trusty Michael Kors aviators! :-(

Soft Leather...

So, admittedly, I got a little caught up in NYFW festivities, and all the amazing Spring coming!  So, I took some time to refocus on the task at hand.  Thank you, Polyvore!  I am obsessed with all the leather being shown this season!  You can find pieces from Old Navy to Balmain...AH-mazing!  I love the idea of taking my sexy leather down a notch, with cozy, oversize sweaters.  Beautiful!  You need the warm sweaters...elevate them with some gorgeous leather!

Serenity Now...

I am craving a serene space these days...particularly where I sleep.  My bedroom is mostly befitted in the color scheme of choice, however, the furniture is dark.  It is time for it to go!  I love the idea of a soft tufted headboard in a sumptuous fabric.  I would keep it in the greige color family.  I'd ditch the dark metal chandelier in this space, and opt for more gilded accessories in antiqued silver and gold.  They can, absolutely, play well together in the same space...and add a timeless elegance.   I love the sweetness and simplicity of the gold watercolor heart!  I also need soft textiles everywhere, to keep it cozy.
Fresh flowers, candles and a dimmer will add to the serenity.
Which, I might have mentioned, I need now!

NYFW

So, I am not attending NY Fashion Week.  But, I am going to qualify with...this year.  It is my loftiest goal for next year.  It is Mecca for anyone in my business, and I cannot wait to witness it all first hand.  That said, if I were attending, these are just a few of the looks that would fill my bag.  Simple silhouettes, in beautiful textiles, with timeless accessories.  Sadly, since I will not be present, I will be anxiously anticipating all the fabulous that Instagram will have to offer!  
It's the most gorgeous time of the year...

Urgent! Sale in Progress!

We interrupt this moment...for a fabulous sale!  Every amazing J.Crew item shown is so Fall-ready, and so on sale!  It varies whether it is marked down in store vs. online.  I strongly recommend taking a field trip to your nearest location STAT!  They will sell through quickly!  Every single item is on my personal wish list, and any would make a perfect gift...especially for yourself!  I die for every piece of jewelry shown.  Stunning!  The shoes are perfectly amazing!  Every top is a classic...forever.  
Most items shown were found in store, however, the website has released a ton of new sale styles as well.  So, go forth and shop!
Enjoy, my friends!

Striking Stripes

Some pieces are more difficult to say goodbye to than others...and this neon stripe party skirt is absolutely one of them!  The color is outrageous!  September is always bittersweet...so many gorgeous, rich styles for Fall, yet we're forced to pack away beauties like these.  I don't have a huge demand for actual "party" skirts...I love wearing mine as day wear, with a great denim shirt or even a simple white tee.  The added bonus of pockets make it a no-brainer for "Happy Hour."  Lip gloss, i.d., credit card and a little cash...no clutch necessary!  I will miss this lovely until next spring!

Additionally, let's share a moment of silence over my beloved Michael Kors aviators...they, inexplicably, came out of the case cracked yesterday...so sad!

Will need to replace STAT!