A Little Something for the Minis...

The thing about kids' clothes is, even when they're not that cute, they still are...by virtue of their size, or the little munchkins sporting them.  The thing about Crewcuts is, it is always the cutest stuff out there!  This Summer concept is no exception.  I cannot get enough of the gorgeous, saturated color, and amazing attention to detail!  Pompoms, anyone?

Always classic nautical, with a pop of coral.  I truly never get sick of an anchor print on any of my children...so sweet!

So much to love in this pic!  Neon floral tunic...amazing!  Embroidered flutter sleeve tee...so cute with shorts, skirts or denim.  Pink and mint New Balance...obsessed!  Glitter slip ons...every little girl's favorite!  And denim jacket...to top it all!

This image was the sole reason for giving Crewcuts it's own post.  This jungle green dress is perfection!  What a color!  I'm envisioning all the Little Lux necklaces that will pop against it!  Adorable with New Balance!  Love the tropical print in coral and green too!

Lots of great new graphic tees, like this tropical yoga girl.  Pompom and sequin details make these tees so much more special than anything else out there!

And, as always, the boys' stuff is the perfect complement, and chock full of "little man" looks!  Love these neon shorts with surfer embroidery, always need a mini chambray, and the swimsuits are outrageous!  One is cuter than the next!

It's going to be a great June at J.Crew!

Bright Whites...and Bold Color

As promised, this post will be filled with lots of pretties from the newest J.Crew summer concept.  Just look at the bold color that greets you at the door!  This multi-color tribal print feels like a lot at first but, the more you look at it, the more amazing the color play is.  The top is great, but the dress is amazing!  Love the more subdued print on the short too.  And the lace up sandals have a a cool silver stud detail around the edge...a must have summer sandal!

Closer view of the dress.  And a beautiful, drapey dolman sweater in this bold coral/red hybrid that is showcased throughout the collection .

Love the red sandal with crisp white.  This dress is cute, but the dress to own is already available online here.  The pic does it no justice.  It's an amazing Swiss dot cotton, and the volume of the flounce sleeve is outrageous!  Sizes were selling out as it was being placed!

That red!  This lace dress is one of those pieces that I consider a no brainer.  The color is gorgeous on any skin tone, the lace is stunning and the cut is a classic.  You will own this forever!  And look amazing each time you wear it!  I like the dressed down appeal of this look, but this dress could easily go formal with gorgeous heels and a statement necklace, or a bold earring.  It is also available in a glowing bright citron...also beautiful, but the red is the classic.

Love the gauzy stripe top.  Great with all those skinny bottoms...but could work on it's own as a swim cover up.  Flows away from the body, and is light as air.

Who doesn't love white for Summer?  There is plenty of it for this delivery.  Textured shorts, gauzy maxis, several denim styles, tanks, linen, matelasse skirts and sweaters alike.  White for any/every occasion!

This short sleeve knit is a favorite.  It's a subtle, but pretty, damask pattern to it, and a full zip up the back.  Great shape...works beautifully into the white story.

Lots of pretty blues, and this colorful ikat pattern, on a cream base.  Love the pull on short...available in other colors and textures, as well.

The ikat in a lightweight linen shift, and also in a tunic.  Very pretty!

Love these sandals!

Surfer chic in an ikat linen beach pant, white Vans, Panama hat and surfboard embroidery.  This sweater is so fun!

More blues..and the wave sweater.  Love!  A little metallic, and looks amazing with white jeans!   A seersucker pencil skirt, shown in weekend style, but easily elevated for work.

Lots of great graphic tees...this Aloha was a favorite.  And more of the slouchy, pull on pant we all love...this time in a navy and white paisley.  Perfect!

All said, this was a beautiful delivery!  More of the airy neutrals we need, and colors we want!  And, although I usually squeeze it in at the end...Crewcuts is getting it's own post this time around.  It is that good!

Stay tuned...

Shoe Perfection

This is the story of how one little pair of shoes got me dreaming of all the color possibilities!  These shoes were meant to be.  I know this because it was love at first sight!  I also know that they stalked me on Instagram, appearing in the most likely (and unlikely) places.  Additionally, the first time I attempted to order them, a rather unattractive belt was sent in their place.  It seemed like all was lost when my size sold out, sometime in the melee.  But, fear not my friends...for obsessive compulsions, based on the panic driven need to have things that are no longer available to me, drove me to order them in the only size left.  One half size larger.  And, you know what?  This story has a happy ending.  For, not only are they stunning in every way, they are actually comfortable!  The unthinkable has occurred...and that has got me dreaming of all the other accessory perfection possibilities!
Thank you, J.Crew!

Have You Shopped KMV yet?

So, we obviously know, at this point, that I style as a trade.  I love the art of deconstructing a closet to find a style.  I love shopping excursions to develop that style.  And I love the hunt for the best accessories to highlight, and finish, that style.  And, let's face it, there is a wealth of beautiful things out there.  In the mall, in smaller boutiques...um, the internet.  There is always something to find!  That said, sometimes it's a little more challenging to find that exact thing that I'm looking for, for a client.  Or that a client is looking for...for themselves, or a gift, or just because.  I find myself saying things like..."We need to find..."...more than I'd like to.

And it reminded me of a long term dream of mine...to have my own boutique of all things pretty.  It's a desire that I had, formerly, pushed to the wayside.  It's a tremendous investment...lots of overhead, round the clock hours, inventory nightmares.  All things I would cherish, I assure you, to have my logo on the door.  And, thanks to the amazingness of technology, I am able to do in a much more controlled setting...at my own pace.  So, I did it.  I opened a little shop of pretty things.  Things that I love.  Things that make everything look a little prettier.  Things that show up in cute little packages, and make someone's day.  

The selection is limited right now...but new pretties are arriving daily, and will be hitting the site by the end of the week.  And next week.  And each week thereafter.  So, head on over, and check it out!  You might find something you love...

Let's just pretend that I used hand cream prior to taking this photo, and my hands don't look just as they will in 30 years.  But, really, this ring!  It is just beyond!  It is a stunning cut of labrodorite, measuring at just over an inch across.  Show stopper!  It is so special, that it is a custom order piece.  I do have a couple of sizes on hand now but, generally, this ring ($118) takes about 4 weeks to ship.  Well worth the wait!  I assure you...people will stop you all day!

Same ring, in gorgeous blue chalcedony.  The original KMV Statement Ring!  The color of Caribbean water, this stone screams summer!  No less than 10 people ask me about this ring a day!  And, orders are in, and being hand-crafted as we speak.  Again, if your size is out of stock, it is a 4 week delivery.  It'll be an amazing mail day!

I've always been a tremendous fan of custom.  It just feels special!  I adore anything with a monogram...this jute clutch, in particular!  Such a fun Summertime bag!  Great size...and the monogram is available in white (as shown), hot pink, royal blue and lime.  All look amazing against the neutral jute background!  This makes a great bridesmaid gift...or, better yet, a fun way to give that wedding gift (money!) to the bride...complete with her brand new monogram!  So fun!

This is a custom item, delivered in 3-4 weeks.

 And, because sometimes we need a little shot of color, without a huge investment.  Tassels are trending, in a huge way!  These Balinese necklaces are an easy way to brighten any look!  They range from $24-$40, and come in a million colors and combinations.  The shoes are J.Crew and, in my opinion, a no-brainer.  Amazing color, and comfy too!

The tassel is made for layering, and I've been having lots of fun playing with combinations for people.  This is a current fave...neutral grey with sparkling pewter beads, and jade green...a perennial favorite!  This combo is $54, and can be worn together, or separately.

And because, sometimes, we just need a little something...these dainty, little chains!  Love the slice of white druzy (also available in blue chalcedony)!  And the simple gold bar is the perfect layering piece...for, literally, everything!

So, head over to the Shop...all of these pretty things are available now.  If you don't see it, email me at kmvstyle@gmail.com.  I'd be happy to get you what you love!

Thank you to all of my amazing customers!  And thank you for allowing me this little service announcement!

Happy Shopping!

www.shopmaisonkmv.com

The Statement Ring

It should come as no surprise that I am a sucker for an amazing statement ring.  I am rarely without my KMV statement ring.  But, sometimes, you need to change it up.  Any one of these would fit the bill...stunning!
Now, I am fully aware that most people rely on their engagement/wedding ring combo to accomplish this...as I have been known to do.  But, not all of us are married and, let's face it, most of us are not sporting diamonds of this magnitude!  Wouldn't that be nice?  And completely ridiculous, all at the same time!  And, even if you are sporting a fabulous, sparkling wedded combo, your other hand is probably in need of some shine!  It's an easy way to tie in all the gold out there.  Monograms are always a classic.  There are so many personalized necklaces out there...a ring is a fresh take!  This Daniela Bustos Maya for Madewell coin ring is another timeless take on a statement ring.  Amazing detail, and at a great price point ($125) for such a special piece.  And nothing trumps an elegant stack of gold.  I love the added texture of horn in this one!
And, if you're looking for something with a little color, stones are the easiest way.  Faceted for a more refined look...natural, uncut for jeans and tees, or bohemian maxi dresses.

And, below, two beautiful options from the Shop!

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On Repeat...Denim Jacket

It's still a little shocking to me...just how much I rely on a denim jacket to complete an outfit.  It's been going on since the mid-80's and sure, the washes have changed significantly throughout the years.  The cut has gone from boxy and oversized, to fitted and cropped, and everything in between.  Nonetheless, it always works...with any combination, from casual to dress.  And, this time of year, it's the ideal layering piece for chilly nights, days, impromptu movie dates (ha!)...

This particular one made an appearance just a few posts ago, with a preppy sailor tee and flippy skirt combo.  And it always works with a simple, t-shirt dress.  

   Love this one, in a seasonless shade of jungle green.  I'll be wearing this again in the fall, layered with a cozy sweater and boots.

 For now, lightweight scarves add texture.  And (are we sick of them yet?), I'm keeping it casual in my favorite metallic Vans.  I have to say it...I am a full-fledged Van girl!  Time to move to California, and date a musician.  Kidding...I think.

Denim jacket/Vans/scarf: J.Crew

Dress: Madewell

Camo Clutch/Ring: Shop Maison KMV

The September Issue...best birthday present ever!

If you follow me on Instagram, or my mother on Facebook, you have already heard plenty about this!  I am thrilled and honored to have been chosen, by Redbook Magazine, as one of the 25 semifinalists for their Real Women of Style Awards.

I have said it before.  There is no higher compliment, as a stylist, than when someone loves what you're wearing.  I have to say...that feeling has just been trumped!  It is amazing to be included among several women that I, myself, look to for daily inspiration.  Listen...we all need a little help from time to time!  And, I get into a closet rut sometimes too!

In any case, the last couple of days have been a lot of fun.  I haven't campaigned this much for votes since high school student council!  HaHa!

The contest runs through May 12, and I am grateful for every vote.  And, fun fact, you can actually vote on some of the other looks I submitted, by clicking on my photos and "starring" the ones you love!

If I make it to the final ten, I will be featured in the September issue...so amazing!

So, I thank you (in advance) for your continued support.  I love sharing my weekly style inspiration, and will return to regular programming tomorrow.

Now, go vote!

Thank you!  Thank you!

www.redbookmag.com/bestdressed

Here I am, in all my redbookmag.com glory!

Just a Dab of Color...

I love wearing a completely neutral outfit, and popping it with something interesting...like a great pattern on a shirt, or a brightly colored necklace.  In this instance , I did both.  I took an insanely soft, slouchy sweater (on sale in stores now), and layered a black and white ikat shirt and a crystal necklace, wrapped in bright yellow.  I added a gold clutch with a turquoise evil eye, for a little more punch.

Since the weather is still a little iffy, I keep a lightweight jacket around at all times.  And, I cannot stress enough, camo is a neutral!  Love this boyfriend style and, although not waterproof, it does have a hood...should you find yourself in a flash rain storm.

I love rings, as a statement piece, and usually wear my KMV signature ring.  This faceted blue chalcedony is a little more understated, but with a touch of sparkle.  Love how it plays off the clutch!

Both, by the way, are available at Shop Maison KMV ;-)

Big cuffs are in, and I love the look on these Earnest Sewn skinnies.  

I love the crystal blue water color of this ring but, perhaps even more, is the mix of gold and silver.  Goes with everything!

Another big trend is the white pump.  Since I am consistently destroying my shoes, pure white is never the answer for me!  I am substituting with with these studded pale stone heels (at last glance, still available at J.Crew.com for a steal!).  These are, by far and away, the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned!  Promise!

Jacket/Shirt/Sweater/Necklace/Shoes: J.Crew
Ring/Clutch: Shop Maison KMV
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Aviators: Ray Ban

Photo Credit: Brooklyn W. Studios

Oh, the Weather Outside...

April has a way of feeling a little like fall.  The temperature tends to be a little brisk in the morning, warming up as the day progresses.  So, there's always a big bag (like the fun polka dot one shown) in my car, to hold extras.  Like my vest, when it gets too warm...and cute shoes, when I'm sure it's not going to rain!

Fisherman sweaters are yet another year round staple of mine.  I love a cardigan style.  It does double duty as a lightweight jacket.  And, since even super casual errand outfits need a little something special, an edgy statement necklace adds just the right amount of sparkle (without going overboard!).

And, of course, I'm never in flats for long.  These neon lace heels totally transform this jeans and tee combo to super chic.  So, as long as the sun shines on this outfit, I'll be sporting these brighter than the sun shoes!

Tee/Sweater/Flats: Madewell

Vest/Jeans/Necklace/Pumps: J.Crew

Aviators: Ray Ban

Bag: Coming Soon to Shop Maison KMV

Photo Credit: Brooklyn W. Studios

Soak Up The Sun...

If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this outfit...my new favorite for spring, which has finally arrived!  As I mentioned a few posts ago, with sunshine, brings the strong desire for skirts.  Although my legs are far from ready, it's nothing a little Jergen's Natural Glow can't fix.  I've also talked about the fact that this J.Crew fluted is the perfect skirt.  A flattering fit, and the perfect length.  I love taking it down a notch with a denim jacket and my newest obsession...metallic bronze Vans!  A classic stripe boatneck is a year round staple for me, so I'm always on the lookout for the perfect one.  This one wins!

This ring!  It is my absolute favorite piece in the Shop right now!  It will definitely be becoming a signature piece for me, personally.  The color is stunning, and the size is outrageous...check it out!  I love using little cosmetic and jewelry bags as clutches in the spring/summer.  They're inexpensive, so you can collect lots of color options.

Layering necklaces will never go out of style.  Statement on statement.  Dainty with dainty.  And, in this case, a mix of both!  Adore the mixed metal on the dainty chain (also available at            Shop Maison KMV!).

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It seems like a lot when you look at it all together.  But, chosen carefully, more is more with jewelry!

After a very long winter, the best accessory for me these days, is sunshine!  It was amazing soaking up some much needed vitamin D this weekend!  Here's hoping we've finally turned the corner to many more gorgeous days like these!

Jacket/Shirt/Skirt/Vans/Necklace: J.Crew

Ring/Dainty Necklace: Shop Maison KMV

Cuff: C.Wonder

Aviators: Ray Ban

Clutch: Chibi Jewels

Photo Credit: Brooklyn W. Studios