Sunny Days = More Skirts

Sometimes, on sunny days in March, I like to pretend that it is actually skirt weather.  It isn't.  But, if I will it to be, it will happen sooner, right?

I adore a trumpet skirt!  So flattering!  Makes your legs look at least 30% thinner (absolutely no science to this math), floats away from the body so as not to constrict, and can easily be dressed up or down.  As evidenced in this outfit.  It's easy to be pretty in a skirt...add a cashmere sweater or silk blouse, some great jewelry and a sky-high pair of heels.  Done!

It's so much more unexpected to build a sporty look around one.  I love an oversized sweater, layered with a boyfriend jacket (in camo, of course!).  I keep the leg-lengthening height with wedge booties.  And, just because, I juxtapose my accessories with an over-the-top statement necklace and a baseball cap.  Far from the norm, but so, so fun!

And that does it!  The last of my winter looks from the last few weeks.  From here on out, it's all spring, all the time.  With, or without, the weather cooperating!

Spring ahead!

Skirt/Cap/Necklace/Boots/Socks: J.Crew

Sweater: Madewell

Jacket: Gap

www.shopmaisonkmv.com

It's Opening Day!

We are primarily open to process orders of the wildly popular KMVtee, Let Them Eat Cake (shown)...as most other products are still en route.  Pre-orders are available on most items, and will be shipped upon arrival.

Lots more products are on their way and, as soon as they're photoed, will be popping up on the site for order.  Any questions can be filtered through the shop, or you can contact me directly at kmvstyle@gmail.com

We'll be styling everything here, so be sure to check back for great wardrobing and accessorizing tips!

Happy Shopping!

www.shopmaisonkmv.com

Black & White...and Floral All Over

It's here!!!  Summer I has arrived at J.Crew!  This time of the year is so exciting!  Bulky sweaters give way to lightweight layers.  Denim sticks around, but gets some reprieve, with skirts in every length to choose from.  Darks change to brights, and we add white, white, white to everything!

This concept is the perfect example of the sudden shift in fashion.  I continue to love the black, white, grey palette.  It's an amazing springboard for amazing, color intense jewelry and accessories.

Loving this photo floral sweatshirt...pretty and sporty!  The scuba dress is an ultra-flattering fit and flare, coming in basics like black and navy, as well as a bright red and a cobalt blue.  Again, a great base for amazing jewels!  The white eyelet short is so pretty...so crisp with fresh, white Vans and a structured blazer.

This cropped sweatshirt will. sell. out.  I promise you!  It is such a new silhouette for J.Crew, and adored by the masses already.  Love it paired with this flouncy matelasse skirt (also available in black).

This tee touts "a beautiful life," and it certainly is a beautiful tee.  A fun twist, with a printed back.  And this skirt...a must have!  Double side slits, and available in a gorgeous ivory, as well.  Metallic Vans?  Yes, yes, yes!

It wouldn't be summer without floral, and this exploded tropical print is amazing!  The color is outrageous, and the "scuba" skirt in a slimming, trumpet shape is perfect!  Pair it with white Vans for a beachside vibe.

The print is available at every comfort level.  You will live in these silky, drawstring pants...with a tank and Havianas at the beach...dressed up with heels and a silk cami for dinner.  Thank me later!

And, just in case you're uncomfortable with bold on the bottom half...here it is in a drapey shell, layered with the boyfriend fatigue jacket.  Great with shorts...even better with destroyed denim!

The Francophile theme continues with lots of statement knits, and a fresh blue and white colorway.  Lots of great denim to get through to warmer days...schedule a fit session right away for yours!

Had to include this cutie pie...love the palm silhouette sweater!  Summer cannot get here soon enough!

When it comes to jewelry, nothing really says summertime like stones in watery hues of aqua, azure and turquoise.  They complement every color story...and totally pop against bronzed skin.

These stunning rings are handcrafted in Austin, TX, and will be available at 

Shop MaisonKMV soon!

Let Them Eat Cake...

I've always been a huge believer in suffering for fashion.  Toes crushed into the most beautiful shoes?  Anytime!  Squeezing into Spanx for the most slimming look?  A necessity!  

That said, now that I'm slightly older, and spend the bulk of my days running with three children, I try to find the balance of style and comfort.  Of course, there are days that Lululemon is the only answer!  On days when I want to look a bit more polished, jeans and a tee is my go-to look.  I amp it up with a chic blazer, pointed toe shoes (most always, heels), and layered jewels.

This particular tee has garnered lots of attention for me this week, thanks to my Instagram friend, Leopard and Latte!  It will be available in my online shop, Shop MaisonKMV,  opening later this week!

In the meantime, go browse some great jewelry and accessories at www.leopardandlatteinc.com.

Happy Shopping!

Tee:  Shop MaisonKMV

Sunglasses:  Valentino

Jewels/Jacket/Jeans:  J.Crew

\Shoes:  C.Wonder

Happy Spring!

It's here!!!  The first day of spring...finally!  And, although the weather is not really cooperating, I am getting into a warmer days ahead state of mind.  I'm anchoring every look with a trench, since I'm convinced there's plenty of rain in the forecast...plus, they make every look more pulled together!

Just as winter has me clamoring to wear all my dark colors, the first of spring has me dreaming of the lightest palette.  I love the notion of wearing nothing but light, airy neutrals...and finishing it with a bright, statement shoe and a coral lip.  So fresh!  Since I live with three children, I'm more likely to base my neutrals in greys, rather than whites, but I'll dream for a moment!

I am a huge proponent of investing in an amazing trench.  It is a classic that will never go out of style, and I reach for mine year round.  I generally keep several in the darker tan range, but I'm obsessed with this light, almost white, cotton blend by Burberry Brit!  A great spring basic in ivory, this B by Brian Atwood Gena tote is available in several colors that work year round.  This bag will, very literally, fit the kitchen sink!  It is a gorgeous steal of an investment piece at $495.  I live in jeans...so I'm getting myself a fresh pair of white toothpicks (worn so often, they rarely last more than year), and I'm loving the patched look on these Goldsign for J.Crew!  I'm a jewelry girl, so making a statement with baubles is always a priority.  Each piece shown adds to the sparkle factor, without disrupting the pale color story.  As noted, I'm popping this look with AMAZING embroidered Everlys from J.Crew.  This cross-stitch look is major for spring and can be found in everything from bags and espadrilles, to these gorgeous heels.  Lastly, nothing says spring (and, consequently, summer!), than a bright coral lip.  It brightens the palest of skin tones, and is available at every price point.  It's the simplest, and most cost-effective, way to stay on trend.  So, let's hear it for warmer temps...after this long winter, we deserve it!

Saying Goodbye to the Polar Vortex...

Each year, at about this time (March!), I truly start to crave the warmer weather.  With the first day of spring quickly upon us (hello...tomorrow!!), I begin the long goodbye to my wintry layers.  I start to incorporate lighter, brighter colors.  I lose the socks, and bring out my favorite heels and ballet flats.  Before that happens, though, I like to give my winter basics one last showing...their last goodbye, before I flip the switch to spring.  And, although I don't often wear the color black (eschewing it for navy, which washes me out less), I tend to overcompensate these last few weeks of winter.  Most of the black I own is in heavier fabrications, as shown in the velvet jacket and waxed denim, above.  I love these pieces and, mixed in with the color of the rest of my wardrobe, they are some of my favorites.  That said, there is nothing chicer than black and white.  The mix of classics, with a simple cable sweater, a shawl collar blazer and pearls, easily balances the edge of waxed denim moto jeans.  And, since I am never without my pop of color, a red clutch and leopard wedges finish a great work to dinner ensemble.  The look is layered and cozy and, by this time next month, will be happily packed away until next winter!

I'll miss you most, magical, ever-slimming moto pant...warmer days await!

New J.Crew...but just a few

My initial thought for today's post was to present an homage to the color green (one of my favorites), in honor of the day.  That said, I've gotten so many requests for a sneak peek at J.Crew's newest concept, I felt that needed to be a priority.  Ironically, green (and a touch of blue) ended up being the only "color" in a predominantly neutral palette for this rollout.  The blue/green floral on this chiffon dress is so fresh for spring...love it paired down with crisp, white vans!

                                                                                                                                               

 

There is never a better time for nautical stripes than in the spring!  It's true...this tee is perfect (C'est Parfait!)!  White denim is a go-to for the next several months, so make sure yours are crisp and clean!  And the Downing tote (pictured, and coming in three colors) is a must-have for spring/summer!

I truly wish I had time to try on this brilliant a-line skirt.  The color and pattern is so vibrant, and the style is selling out fast!

                                                                                                                                              

The overall palette of this concept is super neutral.  Lots of white (and off-white) on white.  Love!  The "pop" within the white story was a gorgeous olive shade that, itself, plays a neutral.  This tunic tee is everything!  Slouchy and loose, with side slits, it will work overtime this season...from denim to swimsuit cover up.  Stock up!

Side view, for slit detail.

Another heavy hitter is this silky, drapey sleeveless tee.  Again, shown in the olive (and available in four colors).  It elevates the denim rolled cuff short, and will work with practically every bottom you own!

I have mentioned the huge push for athletic wear in the seasons ahead.  It has truly become a staple of everyday wardrobing, and these pants are a prime example of how to do it right!  The fit is slim, and even a little slouchy...but not sloppy.  Layered with denim and a military jacket, and finished with a little metallic, they are the cozy feel...without the gym look.

Again, neutral reigned...lots of white, with a navy linen cardigan.  This cardigan, coming in several colors, is the perfect third piece.

Margot Tenenbaum.

That is all I can think of when I look at this dress, my favorite piece of the delivery.  It's a bit tennis-ey, slightly costumey, and totally chic!  It was only shown in the window (hence the glare on the pic below), but the fit is impeccable!

Although I knew these were coming this year, I mentally could not prepare myself for their arrival.  Yes, they're revamped in metallic.  Yes, they are super comfortable.  But, yes, I still cringe when I see my feet in nearly every pic from college!  Birkenstocks are having a huge moment again and, by all means, give it a try!  I am, however, going to sit this one out.

I will be far more apt to be seen in these beauties.  Love the perfect neutral shade, the slimming ankle strap, and the leg-lengthening heel.  The perfect addition to all the shorts on their way!

And, for those of you somewhere in the middle, I have to feature these Madewell stunners!  The Beatrice ankle-strap skimmer is a winner...beautiful metallic, the perfect neutral flat and a great price ($128)!

You. Are. Welcome.

This was a tiny rollout, with just a few perfect basics to get us through to the big delivery...arriving next week.  So, now is the time to perfect your neutral wardrobe...it will be a great base for the color ahead!

Chambray...Are you convinced yet?!

It has been a loooong winter!  Hence, the disgusting snow surrounding me in the above pic.  In any case, I've gotten so many requests throughout the season for go-to pieces...tried and true wardrobe essentials that I reach for daily.  I spoke to my personal choices, briefly, in yesterday's post.  It seems like I may have, inadvertently, left out a few of my favorites.  

I feel like a bit of a broken record mentioning a chambray shirt, yet again!  But, it is so true...it is an absolute wardrobe essential!  This embellished one is special, thanks to the fantastic jewels...and I get compliments every time I wear it.  It was money well spent!  However, if you missed out, I've seen tons of DIY styles that look amazing!  Break out your Bedazzler, and give it a try!

I've spoken in the past about giving my white jeans a break for the winter, as I generally do.  This year, it just wasn't the case.  My white jeans stood in just as much as my favorite destroyed boyfriend and indigo skinny styles.

These Madewell Archive boots.  On repeat.  From September to April, these get more attention than any other shoe in my closet!  Any riding boot is good, but these are my fave!

Aviators are my current sunglasses style of choice but, whichever you choose, make sure you love them!

The thing I love the most about this routine outfit is it's wearability.  It looks great on everyone, in any variation.  Best of all, with a few accessory changes, it can be worn year round.  Amazing!  I'll switch the boots for a great tan sandal.  I change the Pendleton clutch to a fun, beaded clutch...likely the camo one (below), coming soon to Shop MaisonKMV!  I'll lose my favorite Zara scarf, but keep some fun colorful jewelry.

Simple pieces...amazing results!

Back again...

So, I'm back...again.  Life has been a little bit crazy.  A tech hiatus was a much needed break.  But, I'm back!  And, in the coming weeks, Maison KMV will be getting a new look, moving to a new domain home and opening shop!  Stay tuned for lots of fun pics, fashion news and amazingly gorgeous products!

It's going to be a beautiful ride!

My Daily Wardrobe...The Sporty Doppelganger

As a busy mother of three, I like to pretend that I am always a pillar of fashion, and perfectly pulled together.  As a stylist, I like to pretend that I scour every brand and shop to find myself the perfect pieces for every season.  And, although this is a service I offer to each and every client...when it comes to my own wardrobe, I'm more apt to stick to my go-to's.
As you can see by this Polyvored depiction of my wardrobe, that includes a little Lululemon for comfort, some Madewell for edge, and a healthy dose of J.Crew. Because, let's face it, it's high quality and looks good!
The three items to the left are my must haves from Lululemon, currently.  The Wunder Under pant because it will, without a doubt, make your butt look better than it ever has!  The Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve, because it is the perfect layering tee, and great post workout throw on.  And, lastly, the Iconic Wrap sweater.  This sweater is the epitome of their "power to pinot" marketing, as it works just as well leaving yoga, as it does paired with your favorite destroyed denim, grabbing drinks with friends.  It comes in several colors, but I love the grey shadow stripe.  See for yourself!
I always make sure to have at least three pairs of jeans that I love, because I basically live in them!  I'm partial to destroyed boyfriend, at the moment.  Loving the J.Crew Vintage Straight in Abbot Wash, but I always keep a skinny on back-up for tucking into wellies and riding boots.
The Statement Sweatshirt is still in full force.  I love them all, from jeweled and embroidered, to printed and boxy!  I am, of course, partial to this great camo one from J.Crew.  It's the perfect camo, and you'll be wearing it straight through the summer.
In the bitter cold we've been experiencing here in the Northeast, I haven't had much use for my favorite aviators, but we can dream...  I have, however, completed my daily look with a broad array of scarves, a few trusty parkas and a great bag.  In all, the pieces are truly casual, but they mix well for a decidedly pulled together look.
This winter has been a bit of a departure from my usual polished preppy look, but I have really adapted to my new sporty doppelganger.  I think I'll keep her around for a while!