Perfume Fashion: July 2010

Dazed & Confused

I picked up this acid washed Roxy skirt & tribal print Billabong top in a tiny boutique in the north woods of Wisconsin. While they were on clearance because they're a little too wild for "up north", the 80's surfer girl look is perfectly me!

my 80's power pose hahaha ;)

These turquoise chandelier earrings are perfect to add to my growing colleciton!

Endless Summer by lapetitefashionista featuring Roxy skirts

I love this look for summer; the tribal print t-shirt can be easily paired with denim skinny jeans for a more modernized look. The acid wash can be paired with a slim fitting v-neck for an update as well. I chose the over the top 80's surfer girl look, because well... why not? ;)

xoxo, lauren

Soul Sisters

This Spring 2010 lookbook from Aussie line, Mink Pink. reminds me lovingly of my younger sister & I. We both love fashion, getting all dressed up, & we're always making eachother laugh. She does my hair & make-up for me when we go out together & I help pick out her outfit.

She's a blonde, I'm a brunette. Our personalities are super different, but in some ways we couldn't be more alike! We're both going to be up at college together this year & I know the two of us back in action together spells nothing but trouble! :)

my sister & I <3

Are you close with your siblings?

xoxo, Lauren

Gaga for Gingham

I was instantly drawn the street style image from Elle.com; how cute is her adorably preppy gingham button down & copper cuffed shorts (& the pup)?! Around my office, there's no shortage of people sporting cute checked blouses, fueling my need to add one to my wish list.

I love that the colored gingham look is less Dorothy from Wizard of Oz now & more of a modern preppy look now. This trend has been hitting menswear in a big way lately, but it's about to hit women's styles now too. Updated stylng into sweetheart neckline dresses & pintucked blouses give this 50's print new life. The great thing about gingham is that it could easily transition from summer into fall!

Get inspired by these vintage gingham images from the forties and fifties!

xoxo, lauren

Rhinestone Cowgirl

Whoever thought to combine model Erin Wasson, with western wear must have seriously read my mind! I LOVE her; she just has a free spirit that comes out in her photos. I'm always a fan of all things in the name of cowgirl & it's super interesting to see Elle Italia's take on such a deeply rooted Amerian look!

The editorial borders dangerously close to trailer trash, but Miss Wasson keeps it classy in her rhinestones and plaid & it doesnt make me want those gorgeous studded cowboy boots any less!

xoxo, lauren

LPF Book Club: Nina Garcia's Look Book

I just received a preview copy of Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion. It's the perfect guide for finding the ideal outfit for any event from the first day of work, to when you've been dumped, to a wine tasting, to a casual wedding. One of the occasions I'm always unsure of is the infamous first date outfit.

Here are Nina's suggestion for making a smashing impression on your first date (that will be sure to follow with another!)

What to Wear: the First Date by lapetitefashionista featuring Old Navy t shirts

A fitted dress (not too short or too tight)
Skinny jeans and a fitted t-shirt
Flats or not-too-high heels
Minimal make-up and jewelry

Nina makes the point that most guys just plain don't understand fashion. Don't wear too many designer labels or big purses at the risk of looking pretentious. Save the flashy outfits for date two and let your personality stand out during the first date. Of course confidence and a great smile are key to making the best out of your first date!

The book is full of colorful illustrations, witty quotes, and pearls of wisdom from Marie Claire editor & Project Runway judge, Nina Garcia. I totally reccommend adding it to your fashion book library.

What would you wear on a first date?

xoxo, Lauren

Style with a Story: Novica

I love handmade jewelry as much as the next girl, but shopping for a good cause is something I can really get into! Novica is an online retailer associated with National Geographic. They give artisans from around the world a place to share their work with the world; the artists are able to retain 40% of each item. Each piece has a story about the person who made it & tells where the piece comes from.

Novica let me pick out my favorite pieces from the site (which came to me in beautiful packaging) to try out and share their story.

Here's a little bit about where each of my pieces came from:

Kenari [Sterling Silver Frangipani Ring] is from Bali. She was raised in a silverworking village & started out crafting silver pieces from a very young age. She continues to do so and is constantly coming up with new designs.
Parichat [Western Leather Cuff] is from Thailand. She learned how to make leather bracelets from her mother & is inspired by patterns around her. Her goal is to open up her own leather shop someday.
Busarin [Turquoise Flower Earrings & Dreamcatcher Earrings] is from Thailand. She has been able to employ 5 other artisans through the business she's received through Novica and her designs inspired by nature.
Sasina [Freshwater Pearl necklace], from Thailand, loves earrings and their ability to subtly decorate the wearer and is a big believer in the power of stones.

Check out Novica for more bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other unique gifts & keep checking back for upcoming outfit posts featuring my special finds!

xoxo, lauren

Zest for Life

As a a Florida girl, my summer, I associate summer with fresh squeeze lemonade, roadside stands selling just-picked oranges, and lush green palm trees. So, it's only fitting that these colors remind me most of Summertime.

Right now, is the perfect excuse to break out your citrusy brights and scents. You can give yourself an Atomic Orange O.P.I. pedicure, or use Citrus Verbena scented french soap or fragrance from L'Occitane as the perfect lightweight scent. Give your outfit a punch of color in lemon colored wedges.

Try spicing up a little white dress with a lime colored statement necklace, and giving your skin a break & trying out some naural beauty products! I'm personally dying for an excuse to throw a fiesta and try out those margarita mixes, which sound amazing.

This summer definitely has been about finding a zest for life! It's been wonderful living somewhere different for the summer & having to meet new people and adjust to life in a new place :)

xoxo, lauren

Boys in Bow Ties

Call me old fashioned, but there is something I can't help but adore a boy in a bow tie.. throw a southern accent into the mix & it might be love at first sight! I was totally inspired by these pretty printed styles up top from Lumina Clothing Co, what I love even more about them is that the company was started by a group of stylish and ambitious college guys!

via needle plus thread

Ever since Rachel Zoe's right hand man, Brad started sporting them, they seem to be popping up all over the place lately; especially southern universities! I personally love the throwback look and the idea of guys being a little bit dressed up.

& by popular demand.. the dapper guy who made bow ties hot again; the infamous Chuck Bass!

Do you swoon over boys in bow ties too?

xoxo, lauren

Summer Beauty Must Haves

When it comes to a beauty regimen in the summer, I'm about as low maintenance as it gets! I hate feeling like I have a face full of make-up, but want to have fun with bright colors and a bronzed glow.

Here are some of my beauty must haves for Summer 2010:

Make-Up Forever Coral Lipstick, $9, Sephora: Coral is my favorite shade for summer, i've been putting it on for a quick dab of color on my face.

Raw Natural Minerals Mineral Glow, $25, DermStore.com: Applying a dab of bronzer gives you the perfect summer glow, without staying out in the sun. It's my absolute go-to for make-up.

Raw Natural Minerals Active Veil SPF 18, $25, Dermstore.com: This make-up is lightweight enough that it feels like you're not wearing anything, though you have the bonus of sun protection. It can be dusted over existing powder.

Klorane Dry Shampoo, $11, Sephora: Whether you've just come from the beach or don't have time to primp, dry shampoo can give hair a much needed boost!

iQDerma Firming Body Gel, $80, Dermstore.com: I usually don't trust claims that products will help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but I feel like this has actually sincerely helped my bikini body a ton; Very impressed.

"Lapis of Luxury" Nail Polish, $8, Essie: A pretty shade of polish on my fingers instantly puts me in a great mood.

Special thanks to Dermastore.com for letting me try out some of their awesome products! I highly reccommend adding them to your summer beauty routine!

A wrist full of bracelets is about as excessive as I get when it comes to getting ready in the summer!

What's your must-have summer beauty product?

xoxo, Lauren

Hart.breaker

I'm absolutely loving Aussie model, Jessica Hart's style! Although the girl would look gorgeous in a paper bag; she knows how to work the vintage rocker tee & roughed up denim!

Her personal blog has some wonderful photography and street style shots. My friend Carley, a model in Miami, also has a lovely blog with lots of insight to life in the modeling world.

xoxo, lauren

Sucker for Seersucker

I scored this seersucker sweetheart dress at a local Madison boutique & it's been one of my go-to summer looks. This shot is from our 4th of July parade. It's a timeless preppy look but it can be given a modern update with exaggerated accesories like my statement necklace or a pair of patterned heels.

Seersucker is the perfect summer fabric; crisply patterned, lightweight, and screams classic prepster. Working at a classic preppy retailer has given me a new appreciation . I'm dying for a pair of shorts now with a rope belt to complete my latest seersucker lust!

xoxo, lauren

Summer Wonderland

Lately I've been drawn to a romantic 70's inspired wonderland of lace, clogs, and vintage floral prints. There's something so grounded yet whimsical about these styles. I loved these looks from British site Very.co.uk, especially the women's bags & shoes. They're perfect for the long, hot & hazy days of summer!

These images from weheartit, perfectly capture the feel I'm talking about:

On an exciting note, I wanted to announce the 6 winners of the Brazilet "Wear Your Wishes Giveaway".. I really enjoyed how heartfelt everyone's responses were!

Congrats to ediot, lindsay, sherin, stephanie webb, caity & brittany! Contact me with your info & I can get them sent off to you :)

xoxo, lauren

Summer of the Sunglasses

My grandparents lakehouse in northern Wisconsin is one of my favorite places on earth. My family has been coming up here since I was a little girl. My time here is spent boating and swimming around Indian Lake & treasure hunting at the weekly flea market.

Being up here gives me a literal breath of fresh air & some piece of mind. I also, like to look stylish lakeside. I decided to go cheesy Americana and rock an american flag bikini with solid red bottoms & denim shirtdress coverup. The sunglasses that Angel Eyewear sent to me were my constant companion during my solo kayak rides & boat rides with the family.

My nana has some pretty sweet sunglassses too. It's always so great to be able to spend some time with my family and slow down from the chaos of life!

Where do you go to "get away from it all?"

xoxo, lauren

P.S. Check back in my next post for the announcment of winners of the "Wear Your Wishes" Brazilet giveaway!

Independence Day

4th of July is one of my favorite days of the year. For me it's usually surrounded by parades, fireworks, apple pie, and boat rides on the lake. Gingham, seersucker, denim, and pearls scream scream vintage Americana. I love the idea of putting a modern twist on these classic prints for the 4th of July.

I'll be spending my 4th of July with friends and then family lakeside in Wisconsin. I can almost smell the brats on the grill & smoky campfire as we speak..!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July weekend.. would love to hear your plans!

xoxo, lauren