LPF's 2011 Resolutions

I can't believe I'm moving in a couple of short months, I'm making sure to enjoy my time in Florida to the fullest, but excited for the next chapter of my life to start!

What are your 2011 resolutions?

xoxo, lauren

Inspired by: 50's Sweater Girls

I saw this wool, pearl covered cardigan at a local vintage shop and it was love at first sight! I've given it a casual spin with dark wash jeggings & sparkly gold Starla Sandals (a gift from them; they are so glam!), and a wrist full of bangles.

Embellished sweaters like mine were all the rage in the 50's, they usually wore them with coordinating sweater shells & a string of pearls, but I think they can definitely look stylish today too!

I love the idea of pairing a very vintage looking sweater with a bold print and full skirt to give it an update. All of the images remind me of old photographs of my nana! I also thought this 50's fashion news reel about sweater girls was pricelesss; check it out:

What are your ideas for styling a vintage embellished cardigan like mine?

xoxo, Lauren

Inspired by: Chic Cowgirls

Cowgirls seem to be the latest trend, popping up everywhere from fashion editorials to movies (Leighton Meester & Gwyneth Paltrow are starring in the new "Country Strong"). Cowgirls make the perfect fashion inspiration; in their steel toed boots & wild carefree spirits, they carry the perfect amount of sassy confidence.

Here's a little cowgirl cassanova inspiration for you:

I can't get enough of my leather boots, bedazzled belts, & turquoise cuffs, call me a cowgirl at heart!

and here's an added bonus, my rhinestone cowgirl glamour shot circa 1994, don't say I never share anything embarassing on La Petite Fashionista :)

Would you try out a little boot scootin' boogie in some cowboy boots?

xoxo, lauren

Happy Holidays from La Petite Fashionista!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and happy holidays! I finally made it home, and will be spending the weekend with my family in sunny Florida watching Christmas movies, eating lots of yummy food, opening presents and catching up on eachothers lives. Although it may not be snowy and white here, I did make a trip to the local beach to go for a jog. Life is good!

xoxo, lauren

Getting Artsy with Etsy

I've been on a major etsy kick while geting things together for my new apartment. One thing I love is a great art print and etsy has such a huge and affordable variety of stylish prints by independent graphic designers and illustrators.

I plan on throwing them in some decorative vintagey frames and making a statement on my walls they'd look great in any home or dorm!

Here are a few of my favorite etsy shops for art prints:

This inspiring print from Valentina Design was on my Christmas list this year!


Mae Cheverette's Emerson typography print makes me want to live life with zest!


jkldesign has a shop full of gorgeous photography & art prints, obvi I'm drawn to the Paris print!


How cute would this BluLima print be in a kitchen?


this print from qadesign is a great reminder of my FL girl roots!


This curryonthecouch print would look so cute at the entrance of an apartment!

LOVE emmakisstina's fashion illustrations. This would be chic next to my closet!

Are you an etsy fan too? Share your favorite shops with me!

xoxo, Lauren

Down to Earth

These military green thermal leggings were an impulse buy while shopping for Christmas gifts at Target. When I move to the frozen north I can layer them underneath jeans, but for now, I can rock them as outerwear! I've been loving earth tones lately; olive green, tan & cognac brown are definitely my favorite colors of the season!

What I'm Wearing:

White Crochet Tunic: Forever 21

Tan Jacket: Lands' End Canvas

Green Thermal Leggings: Target

Nude Heels: Apepazza from MustHaveShoes.com

Shell Necklace: Touristy Hawaii gift shop

Flower Clip: APHI Designs

Lately I've been lusting after all things cozy and stylish!

What are you lusting after lately?

xoxo, lauren

LPF in JAYE Magazine!

I couldn't have been more excited or honored when JAYE magazine asked me to grace the cover of their January issue. It is a seriously fantastic online lifestyle publication with the content created entirely by college students. JAYE covers everything from runway fashion trends to home decor to interviews with bands.
They wrote an incredibly sweet article/interview about how I got started blogging, balancing being a fashion student and blogger & my personal views on fashion! If you're interested in learning more about the girl from behind the blog, please check out the article (it's on pg. 100).

Thank you again JAYE for featuring me & EVERYONE for your endless support!

xoxo, lauren

Dressy Casual: a Fashion Oxymoron

First it was Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, then it was J. Crew President Jenna Lyons, now its your turn! The mixing of dressy and casual is no new concept to the fashion world, but it can take a little style courage to wear this look.

As anyone who follows my blog knows, I'm a big fan of sequins for day, strappy heels, & glamour for day. Too not look too overdone keep it to one or two dressy pieces balanced out with something much more casual. One of my favorite styles is a denim jacket with a silky tulip skirt & motorcycle boots. It can even be something as simple as a faux fur collar with a plaid flannel button down.

Do you like to mix dressy & casual; what are your favorite pieces to pair?

xoxo, lauren

Gift Guide for: the Baking Guru, Classic Prep, & Beach Babe

I'm back with a few more gift ideas; this time for your favorite baking guru, classic prep & beach babe on your gift list!

Give your favorite baker a cute as pie apron, a cookbook from famous cupcakery, BabyCakes , or heart-shaped measuring cups from Fred Flare for gifts as sweet as they are.   

Know a southern belle or classic prepster who's always decked out in her pearls? Try gifting her a copy of the classic Preppy Handbook, a paisley printed Vera Bradley clutch, or cute Coach Poppy bow ring.

The beach babe is often seen at the beach or dreaming that she was at one! Give her a pair of jeweled Starla Sandals, Bumble & Bumble surf spray for perfect surfer girl waves, or perfect sunscreen & saltwater scented body wash from Philosophy.

I've been spending lots of long hours working retail lately, so much it's even consumed my dreams... I woke up this morning in a cold sweat after a nightmare about a huge return & huge pile of clothes to put back. Anyone else working a retail job during the holidays?

xoxo, lauren

Make Your Spirits Bright!

Even though I'm working non-stop, and my university feels like a ghost town. I've been doing all I can to keep it feeling like the holidays; christmas movies, girls nights out & lots of hot chocolate. I've been slowly investing in cold weather clothes, like this is a new navy peacoat I scored at a local boutique!

I'm also loving my Steve Madden suede wedges & buffalo plaid Duluth Pack bag & how they toned down my sequined shirt w/ their cute, outdoorsy vibe!

It's supposed to be getting down to the 'teens tomorrow. I'm so excited to start preparing myself for chilly weather!

xoxo, lauren

Gift Guides for: The Glamour Girl, the Jetsetter, and Eco-Conscious Chick!

Finally I'm finished with finals & now all I have to worry about is working retail during the holidays (crazy in itself), baking lots of cookies, & finding the perfect Christmas gifts!

I'm going to be releasing a few gift guides for gifts under $50 for every type of friend (& boyfriends/family). For those of you like me a little behind on your gift giving (& buying), maybe you'll find some suggestions!

You can click through the sets to find the gifts to purchase online! I'm also planning on buying quite a bit handmade on etsy for more unique gifts.

Who are you still struggling to find the perfect gift for?

xoxo, lauren

"When in Doubt, Wear Red!"- Bill Blass

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This marked the third and last holiday party with my roommates, since we'll be graduating soon! In our tiny apartment we deck out the tree, request everyone dress up classy & entertain our little hearts out. This year we had chocolate fondue & some bubbly!  I love any excuse break out the fancy dresses we never have the opportunity to wear in college & love seeing the guys in blazers!

When I was home for Thanksgiving I found my red junior prom Jessica Mcclintock dress sitting in my closet. I knew I'd probably never get another opportunity to wear it, but didn't want to feel like I was going to prom all over again, so I channeled my inner T. Swift and paired it with some vintage black ankle cowboy boots!

Finals are ALMOST over, so I can finally relax a litlte bit, catch up on my blogging and start my Christmas shopping! What are you looking forward to most about the holidays?

xoxo, lauren