Stylized Existence: July 2010

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Airport Travel

Ok, so I know leggings aren't pants, and I preach this a lot... but there is ONE exception: Incredibly lengthy airplane rides. I know, I KNOW, you're shaking your head and saying "Lauren, it's an excuse. Leggings are NEVER pants!" Well folks, I guess I am breaking my cardinal rule today then, because as I type this I am sitting in the Prague airport in leggings.... as pants. Seriously though, when you have a 9+ hour flight ahead of you, leggings are going to be pants for the day. Which brings me to today's post - what to wear for a comfortable lengthy flight (note: I do not condone leggings as pants for flights < 6 hours).

I've been doing a lot of long-haul flights lately, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert at this point - here is my list of what I can't be without on a Transatlantic flight

Leggings - make sure they are thick so you don't look like you're wearing tights!
Socks to keep your feet warm when you take off the stylish sandals
Scarf
Long sweater that covers your butt (the only way I allow leggings as pants)
Neck pillow - especially if you are stuck in the dreadful middle seat
Sleep mask - a girl's got to look fresh coming off that plane!
Cute passport cover - this faux alligator looks so chic. Not only is this an accessory, but it also helps your passport from getting beat up. My sister bought my first pretty red passport cover and I love it.
Accessories as needed that don't interfere at security line... I prefer to keep this light on a travel day, usually only wearing post earrings and my David Yurman cable cut bracelet that never comes off my wrist

BDG Racerback Tank

$16 - urbanoutfitters.com

Pins and Needles Ruffle Back Cardigan
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com

Deux Lux Oversized Asymmetrical Hobo Bag
$68 - urbanoutfitters.com

Set of 3 Metal Knot Studs
$18 - urbanoutfitters.com

Abstract Animal Oblong Scarf
$24 - urbanoutfitters.com
More scarves »

Jalda Croc Passport Cover
$100 - endless.com

Homedics® Sqush™ Go® U-Neck Pillow
$9.99 - bedbathandbeyond.com

Bathery Luxury Sleep Mask : Target
$5.49 - target.com

Juicy Couture Leggings
$38 - zappos.com

Steve Madden - Tribal Glamour
$70 - stevemadden.com

Black Socks
$40 - zappos.com

Dolce & Gabbana DG 3045B Eyeglasses
go-optic.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

From the couch to your closet

I am slightly addicted to design blogs, it's sad, but at least I can admit it. I wasn't always into interior design, but since I started reading so many of these types of blogs, I've gotten a lot more into it because it also often inspires my fashion sense. One thing that design blogs introduced me to was the Ikat print, which I think is gorgeous. If you're not familiar with Ikat, wikipedia tells me that Ikat is a method of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft fibers. The dye is applied prior to the threads being woven to create the final fabric pattern or design. I have seen a ton of different Ikat designs in various home furnishings that I've seen while feeding my addition to design blogs, and I was thrilled to stumble upon an adorable (and affordable!) Ikat clothing option. Forever21 has created a perfect-for-summer Ikat top that would look wonderful for a Summertime date night outfit. Pair it with a slim cut white pair of jeans (keep it slim to balance the wide bottom of the top) and some earth-toned accessories, and you've got yourself a laid back look that will knock your guy's socks off, without looking like you tried too hard!

Ikat Top
$18 - forever21.com

White Denim Matchstick
$98 - jcrew.com

Seychelles 'Kick Up Your Heels' Sandal
$90 - nordstrom.com

Straw Studios Sydney Tote
$46 - endless.com

Schaul Bracelet
$15 - aldoshoes.com
More bracelets »

Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad - Bright Eyed
$6 - sephora.com

NARS Nail Polish
$16 - sephora.com

Cauterucci Earrings
$12 - aldoshoes.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

Steal Her Style

If I ever feel like I am beginning to fall into a style rut, I immediately browse my way over to The Sartorialist blog to find endless amounts of fashion inspiration. This blog is a collection of photographs taken of some of the world's most fashionable people in some of the world's most fashionable cities (Paris, Milan, NYC, Florence). Scott Schuman started the blog years ago after spending time working in the fashion industry and owning his own showroom. Eventually he closed down the showroom and pursued his passion for photography which inevitably converged with his interest in fashion. His blog now has an archive dating back to September 2005, with thousands of beautiful photographs.

Image via The Sartorialist

This photograph was taken in Paris, and Scott noted that he took interest in this woman's look because it was "so simple and yet so refined". I completely agree with Scott and admire the way this woman is able to achieve such a sophisticated and balanced look with just a few simple pieces.

Here is how you can achieve this look:

Equipment Signature Washed Silk Blouse
$178 - shopbop.com

7" chino short
$42 - jcrew.com

Leatherette Thong Sandals
$16 - forever21.com

Joffrion Bag in Cognac
$30 - aldoshoes.com

Lucky Brand Peace Cuff Bracelet
$78 - macys.com

Gorjana Sonora Leather Wrap Bracelet
$58 - shopbop.com

PATRIZIA PEPE Belts - Item 46151211
$45 - yoox.com

Gold Cuff Bracelet

$58 - ralphlauren.com

Friday, July 16, 2010

Beach-bound

As if I wasn't looking forward to my return to the US enough, Joe and I just booked our plane tickets to spend an upcoming long weekend in the Cape! I have never been to New England and am anticipating a relaxing weekend full of quaint shops and clam bakes. Ever since we started devising our plans for this little getaway, one thing has been on my mind - "What am I going to wear!?".... Well, I spent some time over the last few days thinking about what's important to pack for the beach. In my opinion, the essentials go something like this: bathing suit(s), sandals (preferably flat for exploring of the cape), bathing suit cover-up, and last but not least, cute jewelry to dress it up a little. So without further ado, I give you my two perfect beach outfits:

BDG Knit Tank Swing Dress
$32 - urbanoutfitters.com

Madras Romper
$23 - forever21.com

Steve Madden Sysco
$40 - piperlime.gap.com

Stella Gladiator Sandal
$23 - payless.com

Gap Coated canvas tote
$40 - gap.com

Water Droplet Posts
$30 - anthropologie.com

Sailor Knot Bracelet
$5 - urbanoutfitters.com

Serpent Chain Trim Bracelets
$4.80 - forever21.com

Mixed Stone Chandelier
$28 - urbanoutfitters.com

Charm Necklace
$16 - urbanoutfitters.com

Large Brim Womens Hat
$17 - tillys.com

Anadyomene Maillot
$298 - anthropologie.com

Solid underwire twist bandeau
$48 - jcrew.com

Solid ruffle hipster
$44 - jcrew.com

Tory Burch Fedora
$95 - toryburch.com

Thursday, July 15, 2010

A little bit of whimsy

Lately I've found that I've been thinking to myself, "Wouldn't it be nice if some women wore more clothing?".... I don't know if this is a sign of me getting older or if something has happened to my generation, but it seems that women are covering up less and less these days. I've noticed this mostly in dresses and skirts sold over the last few years. Forever 21 actually carries a line that they say has "a more modest fit" which basically equates to "doesn't show your bum if you bend over". I have pretty average length legs for my height and still do the "bend over" test every time I try a dress on to ensure it doesn't show the goods to the whole world... is there something wrong with this picture?

In today's post I want to celebrate that fact that their are many modern day stores that are making beautiful dresses that still allow you bend over and pick that pen that you dropped up from the floor without showing your whole office your polka dotted underwear. In particular, Anthropologie has done a wonderful job of keeping the classiness and whimsy in their clothing, year after year. I picked the two beautiful and vintage looking dresses from Anthropologie in order to celebrate the classiness of styles of the past with modern updates. These two styles are from different eras, but I picked accessories that could work for both outfits to show you how a few well-appointed accessories will get your wardrobe very far.

On the left, the floral print dress has a bit of a "stepford wife" vibe to it, but a nice cropped sleeve and interesting print modernizes the dress. The dress on the right is a classic that will work through your 20s and well into your 30s. This dress could work for the office, but would also be perfect for a Bridal Shower or a dressy Sunday brunch.

The t-strap black shoes will always be in style - this is a purchase you will be glad you made, especially if you buy a pair that can last through the years. I chose the black bag from Urban Outfitters because it also has a lovely vintage look to it, but it is rather large in size (check out the other pictures on their website) to accomodate the loads of things that the modern day girl puts into her bag. The necklace and the ring are simple, cheap pieces from Forever 21 that won't break the bank, but complement the prettiness of these two looks.