Ten Things!

10 things I Love

1. Scouring vintage and thrift stores for hidden treasures

2. Starbucks' Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (w/ a shot of espresso!)

3. Taking spontaneous road trips

4. Surfing & being at the beach in general

5. When my friends let me style them

6. Line Dancing, one of my guilty pleasures.

7. Hawaii, my favorite place on earth.

8. Wearing high heels, especially the ones that people make you say "how can you wear those??!"

9. Watching my college team play football

10. My little yellow ford ranger truck



10 things I Hate


1. Having my heart broken.

2. Not succeeding

3. Techno music

4. Peas

5. Waiting in lines

6. CROCS

7. People that don't think I'm capable of something because I'm only 19.

8. Jerks

9. When something goes on sale right after you buy it.

10. That the economy is doing so poorly right now



10 Random Facts about Me


1. I'm studying abroad this summer in London, Paris, and Milan and I CAN'T wait!

2. My living room is painted lime green, per my suggestion

3. I love a night of movies & apples to apples as much as going out

4. I just learned how to cook this year & I've mastered mac & cheese, lasagna, cheeseburgers, and chicken salad!

5. I spend an obscene amount on lattes yet I'm hesitant to splurge on other things.

6. I would travel the world if I had the funds & someone to accompany me.

7. I should have lived in the 80's! I love the movies, music, and clothes of the decade.

8. I thrive on throwing themed parties-- I even planned Homecoming my senior year.

9. Every Monday night I get together with my girlfriends to watch Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and the City and gossip.

10. I'm attending Miami Fashion Week in March as a member of the press, it's going to be an amazing opportunity!

Whoever would like to participate feel free to tag yourself & let me know you're doing so so I can check out your answers!

xoxo, lauren

Dreaming of Dallas

I don't usually share much about my personal life on here, but I thought I'd talk a little about my fashion career hopes for the future. Although I have no idea where my life will take me. I'm graduating in a little over 2 years, I've got a bit of time to figure things out but, it's crazy think about!

Although most in the fashion industry turn to New York or L.A., I think I'd be overwhelmed (and obv. broke) in the big city. I like the excitement of both of those places, but I can't see myself living there. I've always been drawn to the Southwest, particularly Dallas.

It's more fashion forward than most cities, yet more slow paced and full of that Southern hospitality and charm. It's also, the home of Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, and Fossil. Who knows, for now, it's a fun thought.

This editorial from Flair Italia immediately caught my eye:

Do any of my ambitous readers work or want to work in fashion without living in the "big city"? Or have any advice for me on my maybe-Texas-plans?

xoxo, lauren

Lessons in Design: The Arts and Crafts Movement

I'm taking a 20th Century Design class as an elective for my major and I'm really enjoying it. It's sort of like Art History but more focused on fashion. There's a lot to learn from the past. I thought I'd share some of the things I'm learning about in class and impart some knowledge on my lovely readers!

The Arts and Crafts movement originated in Great Britain at the beginning of the 20th century as a rebellion to manufacturing and industry. Artists and designers wanted to emphasize the imperfections and indivudality of handmade pieces versus identical machine made goods.

Some of my favorite designers of this time include furniture maker Gustav Stickley (wood chairs with high backs, often referred to as mission style), Louis Comfort Tiffany (stained glass lamps often with a nature motif), and Walter Crane (illustrated classic children's stories). Other great artists of the time include Frank Lloyd Wright and textile designer William Morris.

On a complete side note; I'm dying to live in an adorable craftsman bungalow someday; so cute!

xoxo, lauren

Neutral & Neon

Neon's been popping up all over the place lately, especially in accessories. Sticking to my new years resolution of wearing more color, I've been throwing in splashes of fluorescent colors with neutral colors, like gray.

Combined with a gray tank dress, neon brightens up an otherwise ordinary outfit. The day-glo colors are definitely an 80's/90's influence, a big trend for Spring 09.

On a complete side note, after making a trip to the mall this weekend and perusing some department stores, I'm really worried about the retail industry! Almost everything in the stores was on sale with an additional percentage off. Retailers must be barely breaking even or losing money. It's so depressing! I really hope things pick up..

xoxo, lauren

"Looking Glamorous is a Feminine Instinct"- Alber Elbaz

Looking at the images from Lanvin's Pre-Fall 09 Collection is giving me the urge to throw on my slinkiest LBD, faux fur shrug & smoky eye shadow (..and maybe become an ex-pat and move to France haha). The collection is undeniably Parisian and the looks seem right out of a Hemingway novel. I love the overt dressiness, glitz, and glamour of the clothing and accessories. It makes me long for a time/place I could dress up like this!

I think toned down versions of these will be popular for Fall 09 (so strange to think about considering it's only January hm?) So many of the Pre-Fall collections have a hugely vintage feel to them, I wonder if this is where fashion is headed?

xoxo, Lauren

Is Michelle Obama the Next Jackie O?

JFK & Jackie O on his Inauguration Day

As I watched the Inauguration today I couldn't help but wonder, could Michelle Obama be the next Jaquline Kennedy in terms of her fashion sense. I never thought I'd be connecting fashion and politics, but it seems like style may be returning to the White House

Jackie O. was the first to bring fashion to the Capital city. Oleg Cassini was her designer of choice, turning her into a fashion icon. He dressed her in sheath dresses (similar to the one our new first lady is wearing), pillbox hats, and pearls.

Michelle Obama has taken to wearing designers that are relatively unknown to the masses. So far she's worn outfits by Thakoon, Phillip Lim, and Narciso Rodriguez. For today's inauguration she chose a dress by Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-American clothing designer. The color is actually very close to Pantone's color choice for the year, Mimosa which “embodies hopefulness and reassurance in a climate of change".

If there was any question as to if she was a style star in the making, she already has a fashion website dedicated to her- Mrs. O.

Best wishes to our new President..

xoxo, lauren

Eco-Friendly Glamour

I'm still a big supporter of the eco-friendly clothing movement. My roommates tease me for carrying my reusable shopping bag when we go grocery shopping, but even that teeny effort makes me feel like I'm doing something to help out.

Eco friendly fabrics are definitely going to be a part of a big movement in the fashion industry. It's a great niche market for designers. Nicole Bridger is showing that designs composed of environmentally safe materials no longer have to be fit for leftover hippies but can be glamorous and stylish.

I'm loving these floaty sillhouettes in luxurious fabrics like cashmere, satin, and organic cotton. They'd all fit seamlessly into any wardrobe and look super comfy. The lookbook offers some sartorial inspiration as well; it looks like the line is for the earthy fashionista who still wants to look stylish.

xoxo, lauren

Tough Times Recall Vintage Fashion

So, fashion forecaster David Wolfe was right; as econonomic conditions take a turn for the worst designers are turning to designs that evoke time periods where the U.S. also had to come together as a nation during times of struggle. Marc Jacob's 2009 Pre-Fall collection for Louis Vuitton is inspired by forties wartime fashion with a modern twist with the fabrics and prints used.

These images remind me of Rachel McAdams' character in the Notebook. I like that it's vintage inspired but still is cohesive with today's fashion. Like during WWII, the U.S. is experiencing some rough times, but things will get better.

It's really frustrating to be studying fashion and retail in college and hearing resports every day how it is it at an all time low. But, i have faith that in timethings will pick up and hopefully be better than they ever have.

Already Dreaming of Spring Break..

As a Florida girl, I have a healthy appreciation for warm weather, beaches, and the flip flops that accompany those things! I'm already dreaming of Spring Break and picking out bikinis online!

When I went to South Beach over the summer to volunteer at Miami Swim Fashion Week everyone seemed to live in their trusty Havaianas. I even saw the woman entrepreneur who first brought them to the U.S. while I was working backstage at a show for a Brazillian designer.

The brand has come a long way from their original flip flop design. The peacock pair offers some flashiness, the gold fit style creates a dressier look, and there's even a pair of glow in the dark for going out at night. At less than $20 bucks a pair, I'm adding them to my Spring Break wish list.. along with toned abs & a nice bronze tan! Only a couple months to go..

xoxo, lauren

Everything You Wanted to Know about Fashion but Were Afraid to Ask

I'm probably the last fashion lover to find out about the awesomness that is fashion infomat. I stumbled upon this site via the PrettyLegit blog & it's pretty much the most informative and expansive site about the Fashion industry i've ever seen! I just wanted to spread the word!

From information about upcoming tradeshows and events to trend forecasting to guides to opening your own retail business it's a very valulable resource to someone who wants to make this their career. There's a wealth of information and advice. It reminds me a lot of my Careers in Fashion course I'm taking right now. I definitely feel like I'm going into the right field. Taking classes about fashion is something that I'll never get tired of!

xoxo, lauren

There's No Such Thing as Overdressed

"People tell me that what I wear every day is what most people would wear to a wedding"

-newly appointed Kate Spade creative director, Deborah Lloyd

I would honestly be perfectly happy sporting high heels, party dresses and giant baubles every day like its no big deal. I love that this is how Deborah Lloyd chooses to live her life. In February's Harper's Bazaar she talks about how she rides the subway to work in her girly ensembles. This quote seems like a very Kate Spade mantra & a modern day Holly Golightly way to go about things. I'd love to embrace that attitude & apply it to my life!

xoxo, lauren

Punky Parisian

I was so excited when I came home for Winter break & found a Zara store in our local mall! I picked up this ruffled dress & striped turtleneck (that has buttons going up the back of the neck). I love the store because it's so European and of course inexpensive! I've also been on a huge Francophile kick lately; I'm loving this long eiffel tower pendant necklace I got at Forever 21 a while ago.

A huge thanks to everyone who voted in my poll! I'm going to be more diligent in my outfit picture taking and perhaps invest in a tripod (thanks for the tip Nina!)

xoxo, lauren

My New Year's Fashion Resolutions!

I had a great, relaxing vacation; cut off from civilization with no cell service or computer. Now, it's back to reality! Classes started today but, I'm starting off the new year feeling very positive and excited to see what 2009 will bring.

I'm one of those annoyingly strict resolution makers; I'm pretty good about sticking to them; this year I've made a few fashion related resolutions:

1. I feel like it's so easy to reach for black and neutral colors every day; i'd like to inject more color into my wardrobe!

2. Reading less mainstream fashion magazines gives great insight! It's worth spending a little extra money for such a different viewpoint.

3. I just got accepted to a study abroad program this summer for my fashion major! I'll be spending 5 weeks in London, Paris, and Milan and I CAN NOT WAIT!

4. I used to make my dad take a picture of my outfit every day, now that I'm in college; I'm on the hunt for a new photographer/perfecting the art of the self-timer!

5. I need to save up some money for summer & get some more retail experience!

What are everyone's resolutions for 09?

xoxo, lauren