Floral Fashionista

I'll admit it.  I always get a little overzealous the minute April arrives.  Particularly, if we happen to catch a break in the weather (like we have, these past few days. Yay!).  There's something about the above freezing temps that seem to magnetize me to anything with a bold floral motif.  The flowers aren't quite blooming around these parts, so it's the perfect time to infuse some bright, beautiful colors into your wardrobe.  And, what a wake up call for all that denim we're living in!  My favorite florals are those with a classic base color of navy, white or black...the gorgeous images really pop!  Love these pointed toe flats from the Gap!  Such a pretty, yet somehow neutral, floral that will work with just about anything...great gateway piece to the trend, with a friendly $40 price tag.  The hightops from F21 might be a stretch for me, personally, but I swear I'd buy them just to display them!  So pretty, with a little edge!

I'm a one-piece swimsuit girl these days, but this amazing strapless from Zimmerman is far from a mom suit!  Which, to me, totally justifies the price ($365).

I think a flirty, floral scent is perfect for the season.  And Estee Lauder's Modern Muse has been a runaway hit.  Love!  In other beauty news, I just picked up this Rimmel Lip Lacquer and, so far, so good.  There is some reapply necessary but, for about five dollars, that's totally expected.  I went with Aurora, for a bold, pink lip.

Mixing feminine crystal pieces with organic, rough hewn jewelry always works, and keeps the look from being to fussy.
Now, all there is to do is wait for the first bunches of peonies to hit the market (any day now), and I'll be a happy girl :-)

Off to the Greek Islands...I Wish!

So, it's no stretch...given my great love of J.Crew...that I am also a frequent shopper of Madewell.  I generally stick to the core basics of jeans and tees.  I must admit, though, that Madewell has perfected the art of the "date" dress.  They always have something that is equal parts pretty and sexy.  Take this embroidered maxi dress...serious wow factor!  The colorful embroidery pops perfectly against the black, and I die for the tassels (such a huge trend for summer and beyond!)!  I will own this!  And, white on white...we've talked about it...always a win!  Love the color pop of red!

Exhibit B of the all-important date dress.  A red, silky cami dress, with a drawstring waist for definition.  Beautiful!  With a simple strand, or a bold statement necklace.  And, always bear in mind, a chambray is the best layering piece every time!  More white on white neutrals, in shorts you'll live in!

And, for this crazy, transitional weather, shades of blue with denim is the answer.

These Rivet and Thread jeans are everything!  The wash is perfectly weathered, the fit perfectly slouchy.  Sizes sell out quickly so, if you see them, get them!  Love them paired with chambray, or gauzy, embroidered, flowy tops and sandy, tan sandals.

I mean, the entire store had me wishing for an island getaway!  But this photo graphic tank...pretty much showed me what I was missing!  I'll be wearing this all summer...thrown over my swimsuit, paired with denim shorts and, of course, worn with the ever present, white denim.  So cute!

Vacation?  In case you needed a reminder.  Same rules as the above tank apply!

Unlike the Birkenstock resurgence, I am totally on board with Vans coming back!  Although, truth said, they never really went away.  They were just previously reserved for cool kids, skateboarders and the casual, uber-chic, beach town fashionistas of the world.  Thrilled they're back!  I'm no poser...they work with so many looks!  From flirty dresses to jeans...this print is so fun!

Let's all resist the urge to launch an attack on my feet.  Yes, they need a pedicure.  And, yes, they are crushed into this sample size of the most wearable shoe for summer.  Every. single. person. in the world needs a summer tan, strappy, flat sandal!

LOVE!

I can't even!  If the tank is too much (and, even if it is not), this zippered pouch is perfect!  It works overtime, going from stashing your Coola SPF and Fresh lip balm in the beach bag, to the coolest clutch for every other outing!

I love the organic feel of these delicate, pretty necklaces with all of the beach-chic looks Madewell has to offer.

Available now at Shop Maison KMV

Now, to plan that vacation...

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!