Inspired: Vintage Christmas Eve

Like most kids, three and older, around the world--I'm feeling pretty excited about Christmas Eve...Eve. Redundant? Yes. Irrelevant? Not at all. It's the EVE before the eve of a holiday that I have been anticipating since the autumn winds started blowing. Maybe a little premature, maybe not.

I dress up for Christmas Eve every year. Despite the fact that we stay in our house and don't even step near enough to the front door to feel the cold that's slipping in uninvited, I enjoy getting creative with my red, green, and sparkles (which are a color. Do not rebuttle). 

If my closet were endless (like Santa's oversized, velvet, drawstring, tote) then this is the outfit I think I'd put together this year:

I liked the idea of taking the typical color scheme and putting a twist on it. I think the lace adds a vintage feel and, in combination with the shoes, looks so vivid. I chose gold accessories, including a detachable gold collar, to give it a classy sophisticated feel. I'd accent with a red lip, winged liner, and maybe a pair of tasteful (and minimal) tights.

And yes. I would carry around a pretentious stack of well wrapped presents.

What're you wearing this year?

Until Next Time,

Lo

Back to School/Fall Trends, Episode 1: DENIM

Today I looked at the calendar: July 31. WHAT? Where did summer go? In a few weeks (or even a few hours for some) schools will awaken from their summer hibernation and be once again full of life...or something like it. 


I know for me the start of school always meant one thing (excluding the new backpack and school supplies frenzy): a back to school shopping trip. The clothes bought on this groundbreaking shopping trip were to remain, untouched, in my closet until the highly anticipated first day of school arrived. 


Now (three years into college) back to school shopping is more like...fall preparation. A time to get my bearings on the season's trends and to see what I can add to the overflowing rack of clothes that keeps me company in my room. The next few posts are going to be about just that. No, not my overindulgent shopping or my socially awkward relationship with my closet, but the trends of the season to come. Today's topic: DENIM.

I realize this familiar fabric has had it's moments of misfortune in the past. I mean...what isn't red carpet ready about this?:

Yikes. Not cute.

Denim has come a long way since it's  initial appearance in the United States in the 1950s, though, and there are definitely a million ways to wear it. Of course, there are some donts, but there are some definite do's as well.

DO.

Invest in something denim that you can wear a million different ways. 

For example, a seventies inspired, midi length (aka mid calf) high waisted skirt can take down like three of this seasons top trends with just a little changing up in the styling. A trend within a trend, Lauren? Yes. Get ready to receive your acceptance into the fashionistas of America. 

DONT.

Invest in something denim that you can only wear one way.

I think i'm just going to continue to refer you to the picture above of the DENIM TUXEDO AND EVENING DRESS. You just don't REWEAR that.

DO.

Step outside of the box when it comes to the way you're wearing your denim. 

Take denim out on the town! It can be completely chic in an evening look, or even in different styles of tops, skirts, and all that in between, but there are clear exceptions to the potential of it's chic.. (you know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't even have to say it).

DONT.

Just wear denim in your jeans.

That's boring. And, if you do wear it in your jeans, find cool jeans! There are more styles out there than just bootcut, wideleg, and skinny. Explore your options. A good pair of denim harem pants can be a more exciting addition to your wardrobe than you know.

DO.

Take your denim further than just your clothes. Experiment with denim bags, shoes, belts, hair accessories, and jewelry. Wearing a dark denim pant can be super complemented with a denim shoe in a lighter wash. Which brings me to my last point..

DONT.

Be afraid to mix washes or colors! 

Yes, we've all seen that tragic pair of patchwork denim pants, or maybe even that friend of yours who wears the entire denim ensem...but the combination just doesn't look right. This isn't to say that every shade of denim will look good together, but to give the idea that certain shades of them will. The most effective way to make this happen is to beware of the undertones of your blues. Hold your pieces next to each other before sporting them out on the town (or even to the grocery). As with all colors, blues have cool tones and warm tones. Getting the right mix isn't as hard as you'd think. Just pay attention.

until next time,

Lo

And then I felt like Rocky.

Lets start with a recap:

A couple of weeks ago I tried a program called hot yoga, AKA 90 minutes of bikram yoga in a room heated/kept at 105 degrees (this feels comparable to sitting in an oven in the desert). I really enjoyed the first session and was signed up for a beginners program that spanned 7 consecutive days. I had every intention of being committed to those seven days and seeing what kinds of results they produced...and then I got scheduled for like 4 double shifts during my 7 consecutive days. Needless to say, I wasn't able to attend most of the classes. I was able to go to one other session...and at that session, for the first time in my life, I thought I was going to faint. I blame this on the fact that there were more people in the room (more breath being exhaled, less open space, more body heat, etc) and that I hadn't had enough water that day (because God knows before you go you need to drink like a milk jug's worth of h20).

Hot yoga is a really great program. It completely relaxed me, put me in a good place mentally (and physically), and made my body feel fantastic...after class was over. Personally, I get the most out of workouts when I can enjoy them, at least somewhat, and therefore put my all into them. When I was at hot yoga I felt like it was more of a struggle than it was worth. I do plan on still practicing some of the postures, but as far as going back to another class...I think not.

Being in the experimental fitness phase that I'm in right now, I decided to try another new type of workout last night. This workout: kickboxing. 

Walking into the big studio room at the Y, I didn't know what to expect. My friend, Corrine, had invited me to go, and I'm always up for trying something out. I'll admit, I was a little intimidated being surrounded by punching bags, medicine balls, and hand weights, but I tried not to let it show. Class started out with doing laps around the room. First running, then squats, then high knees, and a few other variations...and then she (Claire, the instructor) released a bear- one lap around the track outside, 5 sets of stairs (running up and down them), and then circuit training started. Please note: by this point, I was wheezing. No one likes a wheezer, it's not cute, but I refused to give up.

The circuit training was made up of 3 parts: a stair stepping portion, a hand weights portion, and a punching bag portion. The stair stepping portion had things like mountain climbers, toe taps, squat jumps, etc. It was probably the hardest part of the circuit for me (crazy intense cardio). The hand weights were just different kinds of lifts (this was a little difficult too, as my arm strength is comparable to that of a small cat or a rag doll). My favorite part of the circuit was the punching bag. Jabs, roundhouse kicks, crescent kicks, fist slaps...talk about a way to deal with anger and frustration. I felt like a bad ass. And whenever I'd feel my endurance starting to wear a little thin, the playlist (going strong in the background) always seemed to switch to something that would pump me up again. By the end of the circuit training I was starting to see why Corrine goes to the class so often.

We did a series of other exercises using the bag (punching and kicks) and then ended class with some crunches and planking (sans photos). On the way out of the studio I was feeling great. Yeah, the workout was hard, but it was really great cardio and I felt like I had accomplished something. 

Zumba easily has the spot in my heart as my favorite workout, but I think kickboxing just pushed itself into the number 2 spot. I know I can't wait to go again, and I highly recommend trying it out if you haven't ever thought of it or have just been kind of nervous because you don't know what it's all about. It's definitely worth your time (and your abs will thank you in the morning).

until next time,

Lo

That's Hot

A few weeks ago my friend Rachael invited me to go to hot yoga with her. Initial thought: Oh God. Is this going to be like flirty girl fitness? Wrong. So wrong.
Hot Yoga is a 26 posture yoga sequence developed by Bikram Choudhury, and is also called Bikram Yoga. According to the Bikram website:

"It has been proved and experienced by millions that these 26 postures systematically work every part of the body, to give all the internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all the muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function.  Each component takes care of something different in the body, and yet they all work together synergistically, contributing to the success of every other one, and extending its benefits."


The difference between a normal yoga class and hot yoga? Hot yoga is performed in a room that is kept 105 degrees (F) and 40 percent humidity. The classes are 90 minutes long and are taught by Bikram Yoga Instructors.


Some of the benefits of hot yoga are as follows:

• Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle in the whole body every Bikram Yoga session
• Expands your capacity to breathe deeply and fully
• Prevents injury and may prevent or improve chronic illness
• Promotes better sleep, you may even need to sleep less
• Fabulous body toning effects
• Weight loss or gain depending on your body's needs
• Improvement in posture and body awareness
• Improve the healing and regenerative powers of your body
• Improvement in T-cell function and your immune system
• Lengthening and strengthening of muscles
• Increased flexibility
• Improvement in metabolism / digestion
• Gives the body a cardiovascular workout without negative impacting forces
• Nervous system is exercised
• Endocrine and exocrine glands are massaged and stimulated to better function
• Muscular and skeletal network are enhanced
• Weight bearing exercise will help prevent osteoporosis
• Improves heart and lung function
• Improves back conditions of pain and misalignment
• Improves flexibility of your spine in its range of motion in all directions allowing the improvement in function of your central nervous system. Better nervous system communication means a better functioning body and mind
• Helps cultivate a sense of well being and a more peaceful mind
• Integration of both sides of the brain to improve memory, learning, body coordination and balance

Today, after pumping myself up for a week, I was finally ready. Rachael and I walked into that studio and I was totally not intimidated...until I walked into the actual yoga room...my jaw dropped. IT WAS SO HOT. When the instructor was greeting the class she said to me, "And Lauren, since it's your first time, your biggest goal is just to stay in the room the whole time." Hello, confidence breaker.

Finally, after 90 minutes of learning about what sweat REALLY is, the lights went out and we were left to breathe and leave at our own pace. I felt tired, and sticky, and gross... but I also felt overwhelmingly great.

I signed up for a 7 day yoga class, and  I'll definitely be doing a follow up post after my seven days are up to let you know what it's done for me. I'm really looking forward to the results.


Until next time,
Lo

Melonade (Recipe post)

Lemonade seems to be the beverage of choice of summer (unless you are: a- a lemonade addict like my roommate and you drink it like it's going out of style or b- a die hard southerner who's day just isn't complete without a 99 cent large sweet tea from McDonalds.) Whether it's Country Time or Mike's Hard, people just seem to be drawn to the idea of an ice cold glass of the sweet (and sour) stuff.


Seeing as my friend Holly is, truly, the hostess with the mostest,  we always look forward to evenings at her place: great food, great company, and her cats (but that is a blog post all on its own). We went over there last weekend and she offered us some lemonade. I noticed it was pink, but I didn't think much further than that. And then I took a drink. AND THAT is when I was introduced to watermelon lemonade.


It seems to be kind of a trendy thing this summer (and by that, I mean I saw it on a poster at Genghis Grill the other night), but I think it could be something really cool and new to take to fourth of July parties this weekend.

WATERMELON LEMONADE (like Martha S. does it)


Okay, this recipe is real easy (prep time is 5 minutes) and should make about 8 glasses. If you want to make more, just increase the ingredients as you need.


Speaking of which...INGREDIENTS


2 lemons, quartered
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 medium seedless watermelon (about 9 pounds), rind removed, flesh (the pink tasty part) cut into chunks
and JUST FOR FUN
1 cup vodka (optional, of course)


DIRECTIONS
1. Squeeze lemons into a large pitcher; add squeezed lemon quarters. Add mint and sugar; mash with a wooden spoon until mint is bruised and sugar is dissolved (Jesus, Martha. So violent with your spoon)
2. In a blender, puree watermelon in batches until smooth; pour through a fine mesh sleeve into pitcher (you should have about 8 cups of juice). Stir to combine. Refrigerate covered (for up to 3 days). Add vodka, if using. Serve over ice.


Not only is the recipe simple, but I can tell you from experience that (sans vodka) it is both refreshing and delicious. Martha Stewart's recipe can be found here, but also know that lots of other places have put out recipes as well. When I was googling earlier I saw that whole foods has one on their website and I think that would definitely be worth trying.


Bring this to your parties this weekend. It'll get more attention than the bottle rockets.


Until next time,
Lo

Hello, Yellow

So, today I was watching e news and, amongst the countless clips of celebrity scandal and movie rumors, they had a segment on how the hot new summer color was yellow. Yellow is a sunny, bright, and popular color so I see where they get that, but the celebrity outfits they chose weren't the most original takes on the bold summer statement. 
Instead of pointing you towards a database of celebrities looking their best in various shades of lemon, butter, and baby yellow, I thought I'd style a few looks myself to show you some interesting ways to make yellow work.

For a cool and contemporary work or lunch look, try a little color blocking. Primary color combinations (such as the turquoise, mustard, and red orange that I used here) are a good way to make your yellow look a little less sunshine and a little more put together. Here I paired a looser, blouse top with some skinny jeans and a red orange cropped blazer. I accessorized with a unique watch, who's band is the same color as the wedge oxford shoes, and topped everything off with a color blocked Vivienne Westwood shoulder bag to tie it all together.

For a fun, weekend look I focused more on the complementary color of yellow, which is purple. The skirt and tank top combination would be super comfortable, and the ruched short sleeve jacket adds a little extra style to it. The accessories add the whimsy to the outfit, with the lego earrings, statement watch, and patent leather bag. It wouldn't take much to amp this outfit up from a day of shopping to a night on the town. Just a little accessory swapping and you are ready to go. 

Finally, I did an evening look, and a monochromatic one at that. The different shades of yellow work together to create an interesting effect. I think the jewelry I've chosen to go with this outfit is super elegant, and that the shoes and bag add even more of a vintage touch to the ensemble. 

There is so much you can do with yellow, other than just wearing one shade of it to the video awards. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

Until next time, 

Lo

Summer Lovin - Accessories

So recently it has come to my attention that I am developing a mental wish list of accessories I have got to have by the end of the summer. Though I am on a little bit of a shopping fast right now, I could probably make an exception for a few of the things on my list. 

BUCKET BAGS

not only do these bags hold everything you could ever need, but I love the shape of them and the variety of styles that they come in. They are sold anywhere from designer boutique to urban outfitters.

EAR CUFFS

I'm not sure where I saw these for the first time, but I think it was on a y outube video a few months ago. I keep seeing images pop up of them though, and I just can't get enough. I think they are such an edgy take on earrings and I cannot wait to get my hands on some.

TYPOGRAPHY INSPIRED NAIL ART

SHORTS WITH PRINTED EXPOSED POCKETS

I know that sometimes pockets hanging out of shorts can be a little hooch, but when it's done intentionally by the company I think it can look really cute. Hint: if you are asking yourself if your shorts are too short they probably are.

ARMOR RINGS

Another edgy take on jewlery. Armor rings are meant to overtake the finger and then bend with the joints. I think they are such a rocker chic accessory and they could definitely punch up the look of an outfit.

until next time, 

Lo

PS: Bon Iver just put out a new album, check out this song from it called Calgary

Work it.

Days at the pool, spontaneous trips to the local fro yo shop, and the broken in pair of ripped blue jean shorts I always seem to find myself wearing are all tell-tale signs of the lazy daze of june, july, and august. The heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and never ending need to drive the car with the windows down at night ... I think it's pretty safe to say that it is officially summer. 


Though summertime is supposed to be easy livin', most of us snap back into reality when we hear the obnoxious blaring noises of our alarm clocks in the morning to wake up for an opening shift, or even worse, when the schedule for the week gets posted and we find out our Friday night plans will have to be postponed. Defeat. Summer jobs are definitely a downside to the months between semesters, but you gotta have money to boogie down, am I right?


7 Steps to: Surviving Your Summer Job 
1. Routine
One of the worst parts of a summer job, as most of us know, is having to wake up early--I mean, it's summer. AKA three months of sleeping in. Ways to make waking up less bad? Get into a routine that is time managed well. Do what you can the night before (figure out what you're wearing, if you get the option, and shower) and when you wake up throw on your clothes (but don't look janky because your clothes are wrinkled), decide on a makeup look that is easy and everyday friendly that you can do in about 5-7 minutes, arrange your hair in an easy bun (get creative with headbands, scarves, hair accessories, etc to change up your look), grab a bagel and a bottle of water and you are ready to go. The longer you get to sleep the better you feel. Figure out what works best for you in your mornings and don't waste your beauty rest (chances are with how late you stayed out the night before...you'll need it).
        
2. Take advantage of your breaks
You have 3 double shifts in a row one week, where on earth are you going to find any free time to have fun? Um. Your breaks. Though they may not seem like much time (because, really, what do you get but 1-3 hours) you can at least use that time to enjoy yourself. Scope out lunch places around where you work and ask a friend to eat with you (or eat alone, because people watching is awesome), run an errand, have a coffee date...you don't have to mope around on your cell phone and drink your sonic route 44 diet coke in the back of the store until you're due back on. That's silly.


3. Have fun with your uniform
Being a fashion lover, I'm not one to put minimal effort into what I wear to work. Our dresscode regulations are pretty much: wear dark clothing, don't look provocative, only wear white if you are going to wear a light color and only wear it on top. Even though it is just work you should still feel good about yourself--thus cute outfit. Find a reliable place to shop for work clothes (that fits the standards of your job) and that is reasonably price. Don't be afraid to change  a look with accessories or even a different makeup look (whether its a blue eyeliner or a new lipstick you are dying to try).  Who doesn't love options, right? Forever 21, TJ Maxx, and Target are definitely reliable stores for me. I mean who can complain about wearing things like this to work?

ps: pants with the second one. 


4. Hang out with your co-workers outside of work
Hanging out with your co-workers outside of work will make your time AT work even more bearable. Getting to know new people is all part of the experience, and people aren't always completely themselves within the walls of work. I mean, I'm totally different when I'm playing laser tag than when I'm seating people at table 53. Being surrounded by people (even just some) who's company you enjoy will make your day even better and your service-with-a-smile smile even more genuine.


5. If you scratch their back, they'll (probably) scratch yours
Cuss. You need to give up your shift friday because you have a concert you want to go to, but who will do it? OH stephanie will. Because you definitely did the same thing for her 2 weeks ago. See how that works? What goes around comes around (most of the time). But don't get to dependent on it. Not all co-workers are as keen to pick up as others.


6. Request off way in advance
As a follow up to #5: REQUEST OFF when you know you have something to do. The further ahead of time you request off for something the more likely you are to get it off. Or at least that is how I've always understood it. 


7. Remember not to take yourself too seriously...it's just a summer job.
Most importantly: this isn't your career. You won't always be taking people's sandwich orders or asking people what size of the green shorts they need from the back (hopefully). Take it one shift at a time and remember to breathe when things get hard. DO however, try to work somewhere you could see yourself working again (like, next summer) or somewhere that will pay off in the long run. Every rose has it's thorns.




Until next time,
Lo

Summer time and the living is... busy

Before this summer started I had about 90 goals to accomplish during my 3 month break from school. I had to do lists, and plans to make, and a netflix queue to cruise through... and somehow or another a little place called pf changs has stomped on my summertime ambitions like an annoyed housewife steps on ants in the kitchen. Not that I mind TOO much--I mean a girl's gotta make money, honey. 


The good news is I think that the crazy period of weeks full of doubles and closing shifts every other night has finally come to a close. It's back to a normal partly full time schedule (which is just as satisfying and dissatisfying as it sounds).


Altogether summer so far has been.. incredible. It started with a trip to a place, you may have heard of, called Italy, followed by an adventure to Bonnaroo, and in between has introduced some time for good food and time with friends (with many more to come, I hope).


With more free time comes more blogging time, which is really exciting to me, because honestly blogging has been at the top of my to do list all summer (it's just somehow gotten overridden). But those days are over! And FWIK is ready to make a ferocious comeback. Recipes, outfits, fashion news, music, DIY, rants, adventures, reviews... They all will be making appearances. I don't want to make any sort of blogging schedule, like music monday or tutorial tuesday, but instead just do whatever is fresh on my mind that day. I think it could make for some really awesome posts that will be fun to write and to read.


To finish out tonight I just want to highlight a few of my fashionable favorites from youtube and their most recent uploads. 

Sammie -AKA Beautycrush

Clothes Encounters

the Style Diet

until next time,

Lo

To Tan or Not to Tan?

So, on paper, this summer is looking to be one of the most exciting I've ever had. I leave for a two week Italy adventure in a few days, and then immediately after that I'm going to Bonnaroo (first timer). Now, as many of you probably know, I am a little pale...and by a little pale I mean I fall somewhere between the colors of apricot and snow. I don't have a problem with my fair skin, but it does come with its downfalls. Example: I go from snow white to lobster queen real quick. Even though I try to protect my skin, sun burns and I have a pretty fierce history together.


With all of my failed efforts of sun screen application and reapplication, I thought I might try something a little different this year. Instead of going out into the blistering-middle tennessee sun without any sort of skin preparation, I bought a groupon for a month of unlimited tanning bed use. Generally I am completely against the idea of a tanning bed, but I really hoped that getting a base of sun on my skin (before standing in it for hours on end) would help me to avoid getting, potentially, the worst sunburn I've ever had.


When I walked into the lobby of EuroBronz I felt pretty confident. The the woman behind the counter was super helpful and answered all of the questions I had. I told her I'd never tanned before and she sent me back for my first 5 minute session in room 3.

STEP 1: APPLY TANNING LOTION

Tanning lotion: like tanning oil, tanning lotion helps welcome the sun to your skin, but unlike tanning oil, it also protects your skin from sun burns. Buying lotion at tanning salons can be expensive, but buying samples (like I did) is a good way to start out. This was a sample of a lotion called "Mohawk," which retailed for $60 at EuroBronz, and I thought worked pretty well. I did not burn in the places that I used it generously. The sample was $3.68.

STEP 2: PUT ON PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR/PROTECT FACE

Waiting on me in my tanning bed was a small towel and a pair of eye protectors. It is mandatory that you wear these to protect your eyes from the UV rays projected by the tanning bed. Many people use the towel to cover their face in the bed, to avoid wrinkling and other post-tanning side effects. 

STEP 3: LAY IN BED FOR A TIME THAT SUITS YOUR SKIN

Things to remember when laying in the bed: 1) it is your responsibility to lower the top part...it will not lower for you, 2) do not attempt to look at the UV lights. Your eyes will thank you. 3) Lay still, and with your arms away from your body (otherwise you will get an awkward tanline). I also heard that you are supposed to rotate...but I never really gott that skilled at tanning.

I continued to go back for about 2-3 weeks. My schedule was: tan 2 days, skip a day, tan 2 days...etc. I progressed from 5 minutes to 7, and thought I saw a little bit of difference (needless to say I was getting pretty excited). However what looked like a tan in some like, felt like a burn in the shower. Discouraged, I made the (possibley premature) decision of discontinuing my tanning endever. Maybe if I would have kept it up I would have seen more difference, but it wasn't worth it to me to damage my skin further to get there. When it says on the bed,  "if you don't normally tan, tanning beds will not work for you," it is not kidding. Tanning is just not for me.


If you do decide to take up tanning, remember to research it first. You need to know about the real risks of it, and the safest way to go about it (not to mention the most effective ways).


So, what is my answer to my summer sunburn dilemma? Sun screen (with a HIGH spf), shirts that cover my shoulders, and retreating to the shade when possible (unless it means missing a great band). The risk of a bad burn is still there, but hopefully the chances will be a little slimmer.


Until next time,
Lo

Spring Fever

This morning when I stepped out on my balcony I expected to be faced with another morning that was a little to brisk for my taste. What happened instead is that I was suddenly over come with spring fever, and a day that was 75% completed sans cardigan. I got in a little while ago, and I want to say my car thermometer read 60 degrees. Thank you, sweet sweet groundhog, for predicting an early spring this year. I owe you one.

Outfit of the Day

I technically wore this outfit last weekend, but temperatures were pretty similar to how they were today, so I'm posting this guilt free.

Tank top- William Rast for Target. I got this tank top for my birthday from my mom. It was on clearance when we ordered it online, and with target's lack of shipping costs, it was a steal for about $8. It's a light pink color (a  current fave of mine) and made of a thin, slick, soft material. I could look on the tag to be more specific, but it's in hamper land right now, and begging not to be disturbed. I really love this top, and expect to be wearing it often this spring and summer.

Cardigan- Urban Outfitters. I got this cardigan last spring on clearance at urban. It's a really thin material, and a size up from what I normally get so it hits the big baggy notes that I crave every so often. It kept me just warm enough (and offered my hands some shelter in it's pockets) and was easy to store in my purse when it seemed to warm for it.

Jeans- Levi's. Levi's are my holy grail of jeans. Never do they fail me. The only thing I'll wear more than my Levi's this spring is my jeggings...and don't even get me started on those. They are a lighter denim and have a few rips and the perfect stretch. Skinny fit, aka the only jean fit I ever buy, but not to tight. Perfect.

Boots- Lucky Brand. I got these boots for my birthday, and ohhhh my lord do I love them. They are military/work boot style, olive green, lace up, and comfortable as can be. They tops and tongue can be worn up or folded down (depending on the look you are going for). I got mine at Belk, but as far as I know they are still available on Lucky's website, and are available in the green color I have as well as black. They are made very well and I can tell I'll be wearing them for a few years before they give out.

I already know this spring/summer I'll be doing the half tuck I did with my shirt this day. I love the way an outfit looks with a tucked in top, but leaving it untucked makes it look more relaxed...the solution? If you tuck in a bit of your shirt in the front you still get the length in your torso, but the remaining part of the shirt that is left untucked keeps your outfit looking easy going and comfortable. Voila, an easy way to amp up your outfit.

Spring Fling
When it feels as good as it did today outside it is hard for me NOT to drive with my windows down and my music turned up ridiculously high. Here's my driving playlist of the moment:

• Annie waits - Ben Folds
• Howling for You- Black Keys 
• Wagon Wheel-Old Crow Medicine Show
• Calamity Song-The Decemberists
• Dog Days are Over-Florence and the machine 
• All the Pretty Girls -Fun.
• Tight rope-Janelle Monae
• Camera Talk-Local Natives
• Kids-MGMT
• Winter Winds-Mumford and Sons
• Mutiny, I Promise You-The New Pornographers
• Badman-Newton Faulkner
• Little Secret-Passion Pit
• Holiday-Vampire Weekend
• Let's Dance to Joy Division-The Wombats

**click on the link above to hear the whole playlist**


Spring trends I'm Stoked About
According to the magazines, blog posts, youtube videos, and websites I've been reading there is a lot to look forward to this spring, but to narrow down the huge, intimidating list of trends that is going to be enveloping our malls and boutiques within the coming weeks, I'm just going to rant about a couple of my favorite up and comings.


BALLERINA
The ballerina trend is something I've been a fan of since I realized what it entailed: pretty girly dresses, chiffon (aka sheer, my fave), flowy silhouettes, frills, neutral colors, and bodysuits. All of the above are something I crave to wear in the springtime. I love the femininity they bring to the table.

white top-topshop, chiffon skirt-urban outfitters, 

rouched blue dress-topshop 

SIDEBAR: I am a sucker for neutral colors and chiffon, so those will definitely be a huge part in my spring wardrobe.

70'S

 I never hear anything positive about fashion in the 70s. Even when I was in a history of fashion class, the teacher did nothing but grimace through that chapter in the book. This seasons modern take of the 70s style is really intriguing to me. Bold colors, longer hemlines, crochet, and bright patterns made for a delicious spectacle on the runway. I cannot wait to wear rompers, crop tops, and MAYBE even a maxi dress.. but I think we all know about how I feel about those on short people. Either way, whether this spring trend lives in fame or infamy, i'm excited about it.

both the top and dress are from topshop

until next time

Lo

currently listening to: The Avett Brothers Live: Volume 3

Fashionably Late.

There is nothing I have been meaning to do more than start a blog that was more than witty rants.

First, let me introduce myself.
I'm Lauren, or Lo if you'd rather.
I'm currently a fashion student and I love everything about the fashion industry.
Trends, accessories, outfit epiphanies.. all my part of my daily life.

I love music, typography, art/design, coffee, boots, MAC lipstick, and my canon rebel t2i.
I constantly quote zack galifanakis, anchorman, and the office.
I am a huge fan of pizza, nutella, and most things sweet.

I'm newly a vegetarian, rarely asleep before 2AM, and always thinking at a million miles a minute.

I have so much to say about fashion, about beauty products, and about cosmetics.
Not to mention about design trends in other areas and things that are inpsiring me at the moment: music, movies, literature, designers.

I'm sure I'll be sneaking in some oh so clever remarks here and there, in fact it's inevitable.


But mainly I just want to share what I know and what I love.

You can expect regular updates.
Whether they are a review, an outfit of the day, or a full out fashion debriefing about an upcoming season will be TBD.

I'm really excited about this blog, though.

Questions? comment me.
Something I should address in my blog? let me know.
I'd love some feedback once I get rolling.


I'm Lo. And I am officially a fashion blogger.