New Crew...

 Suuuuuuper-duper late on this post!  Particularly, because the new collection is arriving on Tuesday!  Just had to give you a few days heads up to prep your wish list...  This mini sequin skirt for girls is outrageous!!!  So stunning for the holidays...or paired with her favorite tee!

 Love this look!  The rosette sweatshirt was a speedy sell out.  And this adorable toggle coat is currently on sale in stores.  Check it out!  Love it paired with destroyed denim, and a more refined pair of ankle booties.

 Aaah...Vans with skirts!  My fave!  I can't even, with these kicks.  And a flared mini is always flirty (and slimming!).  This stripe sweatshirt is really fresh and different.  And, navy is always a good idea!

 Neutrals are chic, in an understated way.  This new black and white print is fantastic with camel, but plays well with bright pops of color, as well.

 Who doesn't love stripes?  I don't often mix horizontal and vertical.  But, here, the bold awning stripe accents the endless stripe shirt perfectly.

 Black and white, and grey all over!  More neutrals...love the mix of slouchy and tailored.  The glen plaid blazer is amazing!  The perfect classic!

 Leather panel.  Black and navy.  This dress just works.  Dressed up with heels and a necklace.  Dressed down with opaque tights and boots.  Such a great fit!  And that colorblock cashmere...to die!  Currently sold out in most sizes/colors.  Restock soon!

 Love the shape on this flirty tweed.  And the tassel pendant is one of my favorite jewelry pieces in a while.  So collegiate!

 This sweater.  Period.  I own the soft blue/grey, the lilac is shown.  This is the most coveted J.Crew item that I have ever owned.  In a decade.  People stop me a dozen times a day to tell me how chic I am.  Which, of course, I am.  But the sweater makes it oh so easy!

 Love the beaded detail on this military popover tunic.  The green with gold is great...

But I truly couldn't pass up the blush with pewter!  So pretty!

So, there's the glimpse!  Hope you enjoyed!  The next post will be ALL HOLIDAY!  Yippee!

The Crisp Air Is Coming...

 I will begin with a clarification.  I took these photos earlier than usual, so they were not fully "merchandised."  And, I have to say...,for this delivery, I think it worked out for the better.  The sole focus is left to the clothing, which deserves it, for rich fabrications and brilliant details.  Starting first, and foremost, with this floral sweatshirt.  I forewarned you on Instagram, but I'll say it again.  This sweatshirt will sell out quickly!  It's one of those novelty items that grabs the masses.  It's ornate floral pattern, against athletic grey, captures the essence of the refined athletic trend of the season.

Same goes for this mixed media sweater.  It disappeared within days of it's late arrival.  Great, rich color, gorgeous tweed on heather grey...simply perfection!  The wool sweatpant endured a similar fate, selling out of most sizes in a few days.  Great with the silk sleeveless shown...even better with cashmere later!  Beautiful new Van styles, in leather and fabric versions...again, so quick to sell!

 This is one of my favorite looks!  Love the black & white buffalo plaid, and this wool boyfriend coat is gorgeous!  The denim is a sample style that will hit stores later in the season, and this wool fedora is a huge statement for the season!  Order now...before they're gone!

 THE jean favorite of the season...the Miller deconstructed toothpick.  Cannot say it enough...most flattering jean EVER!  And some classic neutral looks.

 The hat again.  And the new military parka.  If you remember this from last year, it was a best seller!  Great coat throughout the winter!

 Love the shorter length on the toggle coat!  And the fact that it's hooded is such a bonus.

 If you've seen the new catalog, then you know the Dani pant is a big push for Fall and Winter.  Love this green...and love how great they'll be tucked into riding boots.  This picture does not do this houndstooth jacket any justice...the colors are stunning!  I swear it can be worn with any color!

 We know, we know...indigo, as always, continues to be a top color for Fall.  Love this buffalo check, and the embellishment detail on this shirt feels fresh and a bit less blingy.

 Love. Love. Love this look!  So put together!  And you could even switch the shoes out to ballet flats or, dare I say, sneakers!  And still look catalog ready!

 And, for the minis...Love this gorgeous green statement (wish they had brought some of this to women's!)!

 These sporty littles are adorable!

And who doesn't love a little international flair?!

Many of these pieces have already hit jcrew.com, and the rest are due to reach stores next week!  There will be some additions to this delivery at the end of this week, so stay tuned!

And I'd love to see your #jcrewnew on Instagram!  Tag me @maisonkmv !

That Time I Dressed Like A Ballerina...

Fashion confession:  I have dreamed of donning a tulle skirt since Carrie Bradshaw posted it on the side of a cross town bus, all those years ago.  Alas, it's lack of practicality has kept one out my closet.  Until now.  It's not like 30-something mother's of three have suddenly deemed Whole Foods black tie optional, or anything crazy like that.  I just (finally!) have some pretty things around, that require a gorgeous backdrop.  It's official shop business!

 And, I have to say, this blush beauty from Space 46, was well worth the wait!  Because it was part of a "merchandising" venture, I kept the look simple...with a fitted white button down shirt.  A necessity I've been on repeat with, of late.  The outfit is ladylike, and pretty, and the perfect way to showcase the accessories...the jewels, in particular!

 And...we'll talk about those in a minute.  But first, the shoes!  At least once a year, I find a shoe that does the job of a dozen.  The Lanie stacked heel is that shoe, especially in this cracked copper hue.  It came in such a varied range of colors and fabrications that, I may have, picked up an extra pair.  They are currently on sale, so now is the time to explore your options...

 A statement necklace has always been a signature for me, and it's always a bonus to find a great one in mixed metal.  It opens a world of possibilities for piling on the jewels elsewhere...a must for merchandising this outfit up, a bit.  In total, this look is rocking three different "metals"...silver, gold and copper!  Luxe, luxe, luxe!

This particular necklace was a KMV signature statement piece, but it is nearly sold out!  Just one piece (message for details) left!  Looking to restock this beauty for Fall!

 I could not get enough of this clutch this Summer!  The Sprinkle Clutch, in all it's multi-colored glory,  has gotten major play...with everything from this fancy-pants skirt, to jeans and a tee!

And, because this post has become a confessional, of sorts...I am, just now, getting into the layered bracelet, "arm party," situation.  I know, I know...forever late to the party.  In this case, however, there was good reasoning.  With twin babies, any wrist wear was forever getting caught in hair, or risking a scratched face.  I ditched it all, including my trusty watch.  Now, with those babes at nearly five years old (yikes!  where did that time go?), and my big girl (9!) getting into the bracelet craze, I'm ready to embrace again!  And, come Fall, you are going to benefit!  A gorgeous array of stackable, arm-party ready bracelets are en route to the Shop!  The blush beaded cuff, shown, is still available in limited quantities.  Stay tuned for more beauties, including one with a cause dear to my heart...

So, that's it, my "ballerina" moment.  Too much fun!  So much, in fact, that I may very well be sporting this tulle fabulousness at Whole Foods sometime very soon!

Beautiful photography by the fabulous Erin Galardi!

Demystifying the Maxi....

There is nothing like a good maxi dress in the summertime.  Despite the extra fabric, they always feel airy and light.  I love the flow of a longer skirt, and feel infinitely taller when wearing one...particularly, because I usually pair with a super high wedge.  This dress will stand as one of my favorite fashion finds.  I've always been a huge Mara Hoffman fan and, although this is not one of her covetable pieces, the bold color pattern has the same feel.  The thing I love the most, however, is that I found at my local T.J.Maxx (whilst looking for housewares for a friend of mine...multitasking, people!) for a mere $19.99.  A total steal, I know!  And a great way to get the designer look, for an affordable price.

Of course, for less oppressively hot days, the maxi pairs perfectly with my signature denim shirt.  Which, I promise, I do not wear ever day!  Although, according to my Instagram feed, it would seem otherwise!  On this day, I combined a high/low look, accessorizing with one of my favorite jewelry pieces... a double green agate lariat necklace, and the best bag ever!  This silver sequin beauty is by Monserat de Lucca, and ...wait for it...was another T.J. Maxx find!  Can you believe it???  Sadly, I don't think the company manufactures this style anymore.  A shame...it is so gorgeous!  My gain, however, as it was a steal on my Maxxinista trek!

Photo Credit:Erin Galardi Photography

A closer look at the bag...stunning!

I get a lot of questions about the maxi dress...generally from more petite friends.  They feel that they cannot pull off the style, in general.  Not the case!  The maxi I'm wearing is a bit on the longer side and, due to the nature of the pattern, could not be shortened.  This wouldn't be an option for you shorties...but there are many styles that are!

Anything in a solid, that fits well in the shoulders and chest, can easily be shortened to height.  This bordeaux silk is a stunner on any body type.

A consistent all-over pattern is another great candidate for hemming to length.  This pattern is summer perfection, and currently on sale!

With stripes, I tend to avoid shortening, instead looking for a style that is available in a petite size.  Stripes can be tricky and, in general, don't hem as well.  This style comes in regular, petite and tall...and also comes in black!  Love the linen!

So fear not, my height-challenged fashionistas!  You, too, can rock a maxi!

Don't You Just Love New Stuff?

I've said it before, but it bears repeating.  September is my absolute favorite month (and not at all related to my birthday, promise!)!  Okay, maybe it's a tie with October.  The point is, I love fall!  The colors, the textures, the layering...ahhh, just gorgeous!  I say it's neck and neck with October, because the temps can tend to be a little high for the fashion in September.  That said, you'll still find me in the rich color, and layering it up!  Air conditioning to the rescue!  I love camel, and the above sweater is a favorite for this delivery.  The juxtaposition of the slouchy, boyfriend shape, and the feminine lace, is perfection!  Also available in a beautiful, heathered grey...always a classic!

Fall is almost always about burgundy (or oxblood, or Cabernet, or about a million other incantations...) and navy.  So, it's no surprise to see them front and center in J.Crew.  Destroyed denim continues to be a theme.  However, new to the season is the mix of tunic lengths, layered under shorter silhouettes.  This is a look that I'm still getting used to, as the tunic length has never been an easy one for me.  Still, I love the way this glen plaid schoolboy blazer pairs with the striped button down tunic.

 I've spoken in the past of the importance of a crisp, white shirt to any wardrobe.  And fall brings no exception.  Great layered under slouchy sweaters and, in the case of this gold embroidered style, fantastic on its own!  Wear with your favorite destroyed toothpick jeans, or a pencil skirt.  So versatile!

 Indigo.  A year round statement that always works!  Love all these denim pairings with every shade of blue!

Love this navy, tunic length sweatshirt.  Something about the copper-colored, embroidered heart...so cute!  And more destroyed vintage straights...I live in mine!

Hugo Guinness.  'Nough said.  "You are here" feels a lot like daily life, for me.  Love it's simple statement.

I have never been an oxford wearer...yet I adore them on everyone else!  It's a phantom act of fashion.  I might be persuaded by the calf hair, leopard version, though.  So cool.

Many of these pics were taken prior to being "accessorized."  And this may take you by shock, coming from a known jewelry fanatic, but I'm digging their low key vibe.  No worries...I'll still be tasseling into fall!

The stage.  The center point of the store and, generally, where I find my favorite looks.  Loving the lattice pleated skirt and the gold foiled heart sweatshirt!

It is hardly predictable that this camo shirt is almost completely sold out already!  It continues to be a thriving trend and, dare I say, nearly a neutral.  Gasp!  Even if you're not ready for that, you know that those leopard kitten heels absolutely are!  So, if you have not invested in a leopard pump yet, now is the time!

In my Top 13 a few days ago, I spoke briefly about the continued partnerships that J.Crew is collaborating with.  These were the two most interesting to me.  Fragrance is always an interesting addition.  After a storied career with Abercrombie & Fitch (you can smell it already, can't you?!), fragrance has always been such a huge marker for brand lifestyle, to me.  Both Arquiste fragrances are unique, in their own right, and exclusive to J.Crew.  I'm not sure if either is what I would equate to the scent of J.Crew, but time will tell.  I am incredibly sensitive to scent, so please try for yourself.  They have already embraced a following around here!  Below are excerpts from the company's own site:

Curated by an architect specializing in Historic Preservation, Arquiste is a fragrance collection  that transports  the  wearer  to evocative moments in history....

...Arquiste was honored on January 2013 with the Fashion Group International’s 16th Annual Rising Star Award for best Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur Brand. Boutonniere No.7, our green floral eau de parfum, was chosen as one of the top five fragrances launched in the United States during the Fragrance Foundation Awards in New York City in June 2013.

Check them out!

I have long been a lover of all things MeriMeri.  The affair continues with these adorable cupcake sets!  Also available in pink, the colors are clean and bright...and who doesn't love a glittery star?

So, there she is...the first glimpse.  I hope you love it, and are just as excited for the crisp days ahead as I am!  I mean, let's finish enjoying summer...but let the "back to school" shopping begin!

Top 13...because 10 was stifling me.

 So, since I neglected to post the August delivery early (by no agenda, it just never materialized), I am posting my favorites, newly arrived, at jcrew.com.  Get ready for a theme here.  Although this collection picot ruffle blouse is not technically blush, it will be a favorite...mixed with the rosy hue, and denim, alike.  Sight unseen, it is probably the favorite!

 Blush...sweet, sweet blush.  This is not a color that I can, generally, wear...due to the naturally pinky nature of my skin tone.  On summery, tanned skin, however, all bets are off!  And, I am prepared to wear daily!  Starting with this silky, soft cropped sweatshirt.

 And since, come pasty skin weather, I might have to retire the sweatshirt for a bit, I'll be continuing the blush love affair with this amazing pleated lattice skirt.  Together, they are monochromatic wardobing gold!  But, this skirt will work with anything, from camel to navy.  Especially looking forward to pairing it with riding boots on a crisp fall day!

 And, because anyone can wear any color on their feet...these shoes!  I die a thousand deaths!  I cannot recall a deeper love for footwear.  Like.  Ever.

 I have already mentioned these sweats via Instagram, but it bears repeating.  Two of my most favorite things.  Toile and sweatpants.  I will be oh so fancy, lounging about, this fall!

 Adore this bag for a couple of reasons.  The color is perfection...gorgeous amber shade that works with everything (amazing against black too!).  And that horn handle is stunning!

 Great take on the striped shirt!  New, longer length.  Available in perennial favorites, burgundy and navy.  Grosgrain ribbon trim that makes it just a little more special than your average button down.

 Another topic that's already been covered.  By now, you must know, you NEED these jeans!  Perfection!  Fit, wash, wearability...not a detail has been missed!  They will sell out...order immediately!

 Another shoe crush.  This plaid feels so collegiate and back to school...makes me want to buy a pack of No.2 pencils!  Colors are gorgeous!  Must have.

 J.Crew has collaborated with so many amazing jewelers this season, including Jennifer Fisher, Catbird and James Colarusso.  You simply must check it out!  But, they've also upped their game on their own line.  Favorites include this shield...

 And this starry number.

 And, because it would be insanity for me to own one more excursion vest, I'll try something new (and slightly edgy), with this utility vest.

There are, seriously, too many amazing collaborations to list!  But, since I've been obsessed with Bite Beauty since their inception, this lip crayon is a personal win.  They are AH-mazing!

So, there you go.  My Top 13 for August...because Top 10's are so limiting.

And, because I've been living with August for a few weeks now, I'll be sharing a glimpse into September early next week.  Trust me, it's good...