Dress Heaven

I've got a few events coming up this year and I am really needing to add some new dresses into the mix.  The 2012 calendar includes multiple weddings that I will attend as a guest, as well as a bbridal shower + bachelorette party + rehearsal dinner + wedding of which I am a bridal party member!  (So I am not lyin' when I say I need to up my dress game this year)!

In the process of my hunt for the perfect dresses, I've found four that have my heart going "pitter patter".   Dress #1 makes my list because of the eye-catching color and the back detail (but offset by the length so as not to look too scandalous), Dress #2 catches my eye because of the gorgeous slate blue color and the open back, which works for small chested girls like me.  The third dress would be PERFECT for a night time event, classy but different, and peplum is making a huge comeback at the moment.  Lastly, dress #4 would be beautiful for a bridal shower or daytime event, but the price tag is a little steep for such a bold patter.

Which is your favorite?  Where would you wear each dress?

Figure 1 / Figure 2 / Figure 3 / Figure 4

Crushin' on some COLOR

So the white death was predicted for the Midwest last night, and I don't know how much the Chicago area got, but Cincinnati had a few flurries and that was the end of the story!  I am not a big fan of winter, and although I think snow looks pretty, I'd rather live in a warm climate; that being said, this frigid weather has me yearning for high 70's warmer temps and some COLOR!  I am ready to say goodbye to drab winter and welcome the warmer months with open arms (and hopefully a full wallet so that I can buy this entire look!)

Necklace / Dress / Clutch / Polish / Sandals

P.S. I am linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving.  Head on over to check out all of the other color crush posts!

New York Inspiration

On Friday, Joe and I jetted off to New York to spend the weekend in the city as a surprise birthday gift for his 29th birthday.  We had a wonderful time full of eating including BRGR, Levain cookies, Grom gelato, a visit to the Meat Hook in Brooklyn (Have you been? it is owned by my brother's best friend Brent and is an absurdly awesome cooking/butcher store), and a trip to Almond restaurant... a lot of splurging, but since I eat clean 90% of the time, these splurges were OK and I am back on the healthy eating wagon this week!.

I spent a lot of time eye-ing up the women of Manhattan to see how they handled the cold weather.  Although it was a gorgeous high-50's day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday were much colder and the city sure bundled up, but the women still looked great.  Of course, as New York as it is, there was a LOT of black, but it looked so good.  Black will never go out of style, it goes with everything, and it looks chic.

It's evident in my blog that I love color; however, I do think that it is a lot easier to get ready to face the day when it is FREEZING outside if you can just throw on a black outfit (maybe a bit of color around your face) to trudge to work.  Without further ado, here is some New York City inspiration for your Tuesday!  (P.S. The boots are only $45!! You're WELCOME!)

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Oh and one more thing - I FINALLY got my hands on a Spike the Punch necklace (Happy dance!!!!).  If you've been trying to order a necklace, you should follow her on facebook because she always posts when she adds new necklaces to Etsy so you can grab one up right when she posts them!

1.5.2012

Today, I really feel the need to thank the blogging community for continually inspiring me.  I read many, many style blogs (thanks to my lengthy Google Reader feed and Pinterest) and lately I've been using the inspiration to put some intense focus on my personal style. I've always enjoyed styling others, which is why I started my blog and my styling business, but sometimes my own style takes the back seat.  I've finally pushed myself to buy some foundation pieces, but I'm also looking out for some inexpensive and fun pieces to complement the basics.

That's where something like this Polka Dot skirt (Forever 21, $25) comes in.  No, the skirt probably won't last longer than one season, but I don't need it to for a cost of $25.  It's super on-trend now (who isn't loving polka dots right now?) and it's in a gorgeous dark teal, perfect for pairing with supple leather and brown tones.

.........and if you like nothing else about this outfit, you must admit that the purple earrings really rock.  Yep, I just went there.

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12.8.2011

If there is one thing I can get down with, it's sparkly dresses for New Years Eve.  Sparkly dresses are really a must-have for any celebration.  Since sequin dresses are quite popular these days, there is no shortage of options available, but most of them will run you $200+, which may not be worth it for those of you who will probably only wear the dress 1 or 2 times.  Luckily, I found a $91 sequin dress that is TOTALLY worthy of your New Years soiree.

Add a little color to the look (otherwise it might be a little one-note and neutral) with these classy blue suede shoes and keep your shoulders warm with the addition of a faux fur shrug.  Add some neutral accessories and a bold red nail polish to tie the entire look together!

Necklace / Dress / Shrug / Bracelet / Shoes / Clutch / Polish

White Tee Guest Post: 26 and Counting

I am excited to introduce you to our guest blogger, Liz, of
26 and Counting!  She'll introduce herself a little more below, but I've been following her blog for a while and LOVE it because she features corporate-friendly style with a twist.  I asked Liz if she'd join in on the "White Tee" fun this week and she obliged!  Without further ado, here is Liz with a lovely work-friendly look!
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Well hello! My name is Liz and I blog over at 26 and Counting. Like Lauren, I’m a corporate gal who likes to dabble in a little style blogging on the side. I’m also a fellow Cincinnatian – so we have that in common too. When Lauren asked me to style an outfit around a white tee, I jumped at the chance. Immediately this red skirt came to mind and after a few trials and adjustments I ended up with this finished look.






What’s white and black and red all over? Apparently, me {if you answered newspaper or sunburnt zebra – you’d also be correct}.
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A HUGE thank you to Liz for contributing today!  Head on over to her blog to be schooled in mixing colors and patterns for fun and inspiring work-friendly looks.  Also a reminder to any new readers - if my facebook page gets 250 likes by December 1, I will be doing an exciting giveaway!  Please click the "like" button in the top right corner of the page, or head to MY FACEBOOK PAGE and like it there!

11.16.2011

Hi there lovelies!  I wanted to give you another idea for your holiday parties, well in advance so that you have time to buy these beautiful pieces to make your party outfits extra special.  Today's look is sparkly and fun, but not over-the-top dressy.  This look would be good for a cocktail or dinner party.  How gorgeous is the jeweled detail on the silk top?  You don't even need a necklace, and those back buttons are such a gorgeous and unique detail, so wear your hair in a simple side-swept bun (credit to Sarah Markle for introducing me to the SOCK BUN!).  The swiss dot tights are an all-time favorite of mine:  they're classic mixed with a bit of playfulness, and always feminine.  What do you think, would you wear this for a holiday party this season?

Shirt / Skirt / Tights / Shoes / Ring / Polish

Friday's Fancies: 10.21.2011

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, this week's Friday's Fancies is dedicated to PINK!  I built my outfit today around the combination of pink cuffed trousers and a fun polka dotted blouse.  Here's an important tip: Layering and the use of a variety of fabrics (and colors) will make your outfit more eye-catching.  This look features the silk blouse on top but then I added another layer in the form of the faux fur vest - just a little addition to make the look more interesting.

Next, add a few tasteful accessories (aren't the loafers awesome?) and you've got a luxurious (and playful!) look!

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As usual, I am linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving!

Guest Post - Ryah Sofia

Hi all!  I wanted to let you know I am guest blogging over at Ryah Sofia blog today.  Angie designs hair accessories and asked me to style a woman's outfit and a little girl's outfit to go with her Tinsel Tidings applique.  Here is a sneak peak of the woman's outfit.  Head on over to Ryah Sofia blog to see the child's outfit and all of the sources for the outfits!

10.05.2011

I've never been camping, but if I ever do go camping, I want to wear this look.

I kid, I kid.  If I were wearing this to camp, camping would probably involve a rolled ankle and a few chipped nails, so actually, I'd really just like to wear this ANY day.... other than when I am camping, of course, because that would just be silly and impractical  :)

 One - Two - Three - Four - Five - Six - Seven - Eight - Nine

9.9.2011

Inspired by images of the 60's, I created the mod look below, something I know Twiggy would have loved to wear in her time; and I know animal print is everywhere right now, but I still can't resist using it in small doses within my wardrobe (in a belt, shoes, a headband, or even a main piece if I am feeling really vibrant).  An animal print shoe is the perfect way to add some fun to an outfit.

Dress | Earrings | Purse | Polish | Ring | Shoes | Hosiery

9.7.2011

Monochromatic (all one color) looks can be so sharp if done properly.  Either the colors in the outfit need to be exactly the same, or they need to only be in the same color family, but with differing shades and fabrics.  What not to do?  Wear two colors that are VERY close to matching but just a bit off - this will be very noticeable as a monochromatic fail.

 

Today I took a pair of classic navy trousers and paired them with a silk, flowy blouse in a lighter shade of blue.  To break up the look a bit, I pulled in a peach and blue silk scarf and a pair of camel colored stacked-heel shoes.  Round out the look with a bold red nail polish and a gold watch.

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