23Feb

Trench Coat Roundup, From Classic To Unconventional

For some inexplicable reason I keep buying coats from very warm ones for Winter to trench coat Spring-appropriate. And the plethora of different versions of both out there does not help change the situation any easier. Last year Spring 2018 runways offered many different versions of the classical trench coat, from the transparent plastic versions presented by Chanel and Valentino to the floral one shown by Miu Miu and even one very particular with fringes presented by Loewe. A Spring coat is a staple in every classic woman’s closet and the unconventional more modern interpretations of it, see below, are giving the modern women valid reasons to get on the wagon on their own terms. After the jump, a round up of the most classic of Spring coats from short versions perfect to pack on a safari to the gabardine option with a 70’s vibe.

trench coat round up 1 via belle vivir interior design blog

09Feb

Chic Maternity Fashion: 3 Fashionable Maternity Clothes

I remember the time when maternity clothes were anything but fashionable. Lot’s of big shapeless maternity dresses, stretchy pants, pleated top, and other unflattering options… Nowadays, things are different, pregnant women have found the way to look not only cute while pregnant but also stylish, chic and very well put together. I remember while pregnant I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of wearing heels and a baby bump-hugging dress (although I find the name super adorable and they look very comfortable and fitting for the mother’s body.) However, now if I were to try to embark on that journey again, I might even consider it. To be honest, pregnancy after the third trimester is very hard on the body and it’s more so on the back, so I believe this is an approach that can be conceived prior to those months, after that all that you really want is to get it over with and get to meet the new addition to the family. Meanwhile, until those final weeks come, pregnant women can still look good in one of these casual and chic maternity fashion outfits. Below, a roundup of stylish maternity clothes.

chic maternity fashion, maternity clothes, Chrissy Teigen via belle vivir blog

Chrissy Teigen wearing a very fashionable pregnant outfit

chic maternity fashion, maternity clothes via belle vivir blog

A flowery baby bump-hugging dress perfect for Spring. Double-breasted sleeveless long coat, which is super chic. Over-bump maternity tights. White mules.

02Feb

The Pocket Evening Dress For Special Nights: Gala Dressing

Over the weekend I attended an event where the dress code was black and white “Be creative dressing.” Not sure what that last means, but raise your hand if you when a little girl dreamed of dressing up in nigh gowns. Yes, me too. And after I realized that night gowns could come with pockets, thanks to Carolina Herrera, I became infatuated with the idea of owning a pocket dress. Surprisingly last weekend while looking for a night dress I realized that although I have a decent amount of mid-length skirts with pockets, I had not one pocket evening dress in my closet. Alas! How about that for postponing and laziness… What’s that called, procrastination..?

Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn in a Balenciaga dress. Photo by Irving Penn

pocket evening dress roundup, pocket dress via belle vivir blog

From top left, clockwise, I love the lines and structure top of this Victoria dress. I’ve always wanted a polka dot black and white dress especially if it’s strapless. Now a lame dress like this one is sure not for everyone but it is exquisite, something like this you may only find it vintage. 1990s Chanel Black Cargo Gown, a classic one, also vintage. A breath of fresh air, Elsa Collar Dress. One of the most classic silhouettes ever, A-Line gown. Lastly a perfect combination of restraint and playful is found in this strapless satin dress with polka dot skirt and black top.

19Jan

Weekend Comfort: On Pinks and Browns

I like pink, especially that tone of pink that is subtle and goes great with darker tones as taupe, browns and greens. Most of these pink pieces listed here are on sale, others like the home accessories are vintage. Who doesn’t love a good sale…
pink via belle vivir interior design blog

The charming Italian Modern brass and enamel sconce is pretty chic and it’s vintage which makes it more valuable. Who doesn’t always need more bow blouses, this costume silk shirt in a light pink would go great with brown pants. Love this dress my Lisa Marie Fernandez. A chic velvety shoulder bag. Isn’t this pair of woven willow glass wine bottles super chic to use as decorative objects. Pink boots for when there is no snow outside. Pink pants. Pretty pillow because it’s good to change things up a bit once in a while and there is no easier way to do it than with pillow. Modern classic chairs, set of 4. And last but not least this modern-style pink sofa is not only pretty but it’s on sale also.

12Jan

12 Resort Pieces Every Chic Woman Needs: Beach Essentials

I know that at this moment Montecito, CA is confronting a catastrophic situation. My heart goes out to the people who have been affected by this horrible and devastating mudslide. Meanwhile many Central states here in the US are expecting anything from 4″ to 20″ inches of snow, depending on where you live. But for others this season is resort season exactly because who wouldn’t want to escape all this. Since me myself may or may not be planning our own winter escape I allowed myself to window shop, only just virtually for the resort pieces every chic woman needs. My conclusion, below.

resort pieces every chic woman needs via belle vivir blog

Night Floral Dresses

: $4,640

: $658

: $58

For the night, you may want to still feel comfortable but a bit more like a grown up, hence these pretty flair dresses. From left to right in order of high to low prices. I absolutely adore Erdem, I think it’s one of the most beautiful brands available. As in everything in life, the best is going to cost you. A mid-point price dress like this one by Tory Burch is always a great alternative. And finally one dress that will cost you practically nothing.

05Jan

Essentials You Need to Survive This Brutal Winter

the essentials you need to survive this brutal winter bryant park frozen fountain The Winter this year has been the coldest I can ever remember. Perhaps it’s because I’m younger, a little shy of 100, which is the last time cold temperatures like now were ever registered. Even sharks are freezing to death. This year was the second-coldest New Year’s Eve ball drop on record in New York City. It’s not an exaggeration to remind you that if your pipes freeze or if your heating is not working, don’t mitigate and immediately call your local authorities for help at 311. Boston has a website dedicated to assist residents on how to get help during winter heating season. Well, I guess I must’ve scared you enough… Life keeps going even in the coldest Winter so let’s get the right gears that are essential to survive this brutal Winter.

While in Chicago, I desperately run to Uniqlo to stack on these extra warm thermal underwear for me and my family. Women extra warm turtleneck t-shirt, Women extra warm leggings, A more affordable version of thermal underwear t-shirt, and its matching affordable leggings.

My husband told me to get these socks to my next trip to the Arctic, well you know what… Here, right now feels like in the Arctic. 3 pair of -30 below thermal winter socks, Women’s Cashmere socks.

Aviator Hat Black Label, Hadlock Trapper Hat.

I got these boots on the left while in Chicago and I have to say that they saved me of a few frostbite. They are also water resistant. Temperatures in Chicago were unforgiving. Shearling-Lined side-zip ankle boots, Insulated Snow Boots.