Road Trip: Alice + Olivia Style

There are seriously few summer pastimes more fun than a good ol' fashioned road trip. Combine that with designer duds, makeovers, an airstream trailer & quirky cute Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet and you've got yourself the best road trip ever! When I first heard about her cross country tour I was so disappointed there were no stops near me.. I've resorted to checking out their blog for keeping up with their travels!

These are a few of my favorite images from their cross-country fashion tour!

All images courtesy of Alice + Olivia!

How could you not love a designer who literally lives & breathes her brand?! I'm so inspired, and it truly looks like she's having an amazing time on her trip with all her stylish girlfriends.. and really how could you not in all those beautiful clothes?!

What are your summer vacation plans?

xoxo, lauren

LPF Book Club: She's Got Game

While I have no trouble picking out a game day outfit or organizing the perfect tailgate, when it comes down to actually knowing what's going on in the game I'm at a loss.

That's why I jumped at the chance to read Melissa Malamut's: She's Got Game: The Woman's Guide to Loving Sports (or Just How to Fake It!). It's sort of embarassing how little I know about sports, even though I've attended more boyfriend's baseball games then I can count, 3 seasons of football games, and danced at every home basketball game in high school.

The book outlines the must-knows of MLB, NFL, NHL, College football & basketball,  tennis, Major League Soccer, and even Nascar. The author has worked in sports PR & resarerches for ESPN, so she really knows her stuff. There's tons of fun facts thrown in about rivalries, sports movies & even what to wear. Maybe I'll even impress the boys with my newfound sports knowledge ;)

Will you be watching/attending any sporting events this summer?

xoxo, lauren

Beachy Keen

I think it's super ironic how many beachy pictures I've been saving to my inspiration files lately when I haven't even had time to soak up sun in a month! Until we get some nice weather & I have a day off I'll have to live vicariously through these carefree & colorful images inspiring me at the moment.

I hope those of you spending more time in an office than poolside with a pina colada this summer can find inspiration in these too! The last picture is of me on South Beach last spring for Miami Fashion Week!

You can take the girl out of Florida, but you can't take the Florida out of the girl :)

xoxo, lauren

ChicFlick

When I stumbled upon J. Crew's Summer 2010 Collection video, Chic Flick on their homepage it was pretty much love at first sight. From the french lyrics in the background, to the coral lipstick, shimmery sequins, chambray, messy hair, skinny stripes, and vintagey rhinestone earrings... it features basically everything I'm coveting at the present moment.

These inspiring lookbook images speak for themselves!

 (Make sure to check out the adorable video that inspired them as well!)

I'm so imrpesed with Creative Director, Jenna Lyon's, ability to transform classic wardrobe staples into something stylish and relevant. I just love her aesthetic; She's definitely made me a new fan of the brand!

xoxo, lauren

Wear Your Wishes Giveaway!

I love everything about Brazilets; the fun bright colors, how they're the perfect summer accessory, and the bit of magic that they stand for.

The bracelets are 200 year old tradition from Bahia, Brazil. They're all different colors with the words  "says, "In remembrance of our patron saint good luck in life" written in Portuguese. The wearer wraps the bracelet around their wrist tying 3 knots and making a wish for each knot. When your bracelet falls off, or the knot falls out your wish will come true.

Kael Robinson started Brazilets to bring the bracelets from Brazil & onto the wrists of people around the world. Each Brazilet comes with a tag to write your three wishes on. They're incredibly affordable too (only $5)!

 I'm a big believer in wishes coming true. Brazilet has given me 6 of their special bracelets to give away to my oh so lovely readers so there's can too!

To win, leave a comment with a wish that you have.

+1 entry if you "like" La Petite Fashionista on Facebook!

+1 entry for tweeting about the giveaway!

This contest is open to EVERYONE & There will be 6 winners! It ends July 3rd at Midnight E.S.T.

xoxo, lauren

Sun Soaked, Popsicle Eating Kind of Summer

This editorial on Fashion156 perfectly depicts all that I want summer to be; soaking up sunshine, eating melting popsicles, and wearing cute bathing suits. The bathing suits are from Australian bathing suit line, We are Handsome, a mix of vibrant art prints & handmade bathing suits. They make such a splash in editorial, but would be equally as cute poolside!

xoxo, lauren

Duluth Pack: Making the Great Outdoors Stylish Since 1881

This outfit shot is from 7 am before my 40 min commute to to work. I'm constantly being inspired by everyone's ensembles; the office is a sea of plaid button downs, rolled up boyfriend jeans, and boat shoes. It's a bit of preppy paradise. I can definitely appreciate a work environment where every day is a fashion show & I get to spend my time surrounded by clothes!

I'm slowly but surely adjusting to life in the Midwest and I have to say I'm really enjoying the small towns, farms, friendly midwesterners & lots of cheese! Duluth Pack, a Minnesota based retailer sent me one of their red buffalo plaid wool shell bags. The company, traditionally an outdoorsy retailer, has some hidden gems in their handbag section. I'm obsessed with the print & love how timeless it looks.

Hunters use them for holding bullets, My bag holds lipstick! The company was started way back in 1882 by a French cobbler & they certainly know their stuff. I love that they have such a widespread appeal.

All the canvas, leather, and wool bags are handmade in the USA & have that classic, handcrafted look that's predicted to be big for fall. They even collaborated with Urban Outfitters on a line of hiking packs. Hipster or hunter, the bags work for everyone :)

xoxo, lauren

Glammed Up Giveaway from Ellafly.com

I hope everyone likes the new look at La Petite Fashionista! The Glamorous Grad Student did a fantastic job sprucing up the design of my blog, (endless thanks)! In celebration of the new look of my site I've teamed up with Ellafly.com  to give away one of their fabulous party dresses!

Ellafly is an online shop featuring plenty of sassy dresses, colorful heels, gorgeous handbags, and trendy blazers.. pretty much something for every fashionista! One of my favorte parts of the site is the lookbook; which gives a great idea of how the clothes fit on real girls! The "Celeste" dress is equal parts girly & edgy; a bit like me I'd say!

To win this hot little number all you need to do is:

1. Leave in  your comment your favorite item from the site

2. "like" EllaFly's facebook page  & follow them on twitter!

Want an extra entry? Become a fan of La Petite Fashionista on facebook or let me know if you already are!

The contest is open to U.S. Residents & ends 6/24 at midnight e.s.t.

xoxo, Lauren

P.S. Congrats to comment #7, Little Lady of Fashion for winning the Sex and the City tour ticket giveaway!

Time to Shine

These images are from the lookbook for Japanese line, Deicy. The shots are so dreamy and the clothes are the perfect summery frocks I'm planning on living in this summer. The florals & nautical are classic, but the styling is trendy. The Mediterranean feel sort of remind me of last summer's visit to Lake Cuomo in Italy.  It's also giving me the urge to take up sailing lessons (I am around a lot of lakes.. hmmmm, I think I need to give it a go)!

xoxo, lauren

Surfing into Summer

Just discovered the Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY and I'm endlessly daydreaming aboout escaping away to this little oasis. It combines two of my favorite things; surf culture and design to create an unbelivably cool but not pretentious atmosphere. I can already hear the waves calling my name!

photos via designsponge

Retro surf culture whether it be in the form of boardshorts, vintage surf club tees, or Hawiian prints has always been super inspiring to me. I love the colors and cheerful prints, and smewhat kitschy feel.

Where are you dreaming about vacationing to?

xoxo, lauren

P.S. Sorry I've been so busy this week getting adjusted to my new internship, can't wait to get all caught up on my blog reading!

The Little White Dress & Life at Lands' End

This white eyelet dress has quickly become one of my summer staple! It's a great dress to take from day to night by dressing it up with acccessories. I like it as an alternative to the little black dress for summer!

I've spent an action packed past 2 days immersed in orientation at Lands' End. It's been fascinating learning all about the company and their values. The headquarters is so welcoming & employees are insanely friendly. The customer service is unheard of (they hand write thank you notes to first time customers!? amazing). We were able to talk to designers, marketers, merchants, sourcers, distribution and everyone involved with the concept to product!



I'm so excited to get started in my department (Outerwear Merchandising). I have so much to learn and i'm excited for the opportunity. I feel lucky to get to spend my days surrounded by clothes! If you get a chance, check out their new line, Canvas; it's incredibly cute (see above)!

 I'm adjusting to life as a Wisconsin girl slowly but surely though someone's already told me "they could tell I wasn't from around here"!

xoxo, lauren