Chambray + Stripes

Today over on the Midwest Style Bloggers page, me and three other lovely ladies are sharing one look, four ways with our trusty chambray shirts! I seriously love mine whether sporting it open as a jacket, knotted over a dress, or buttoned up over a pair of colorful pants. 

My mom is here visiting for the week and helping me pack up my apartment, so I feel pretty darn lucky to have a live-in  outfit post photographer while she's here! She was able to snap this picture about 30 seconds before a huge summer storm rolled in.

get the look: striped tank dress  (similar) // chambray shirt (similar) // turquoise bubble necklace (similar) // brown leather wedges (similar) 

arm party love: Tortoiseshell Michael Kors watch // gold Swell Caroline bangle // Keep Your Balance Bracelets // Pink Stud Bracelets

one look 4 ways : katelyn // maya // me // samantha

I picked up this striped knit dress on a whim this weekend and am pretty in love with it- I'm a sucker for any dress with pockets! I wore it celebrating my boyfriend's graduation at our favorite Madison spot- the Memorial Union terrace splitting a pitcher with our families and enjoying some live music!

xoxo, lauren

5 Tips Every Blogger Should Know

I seriously can't believe I've been blogging at La Petite Fashionista for over six years, it never ceases to blow my mind! I'm thankful for all the readers who have followed me and supported  over the years and those who are brand new to my blog!

I've been getting a few questions lately on starting a blog/ driving traffic/ any helpful hints so I wanted 

to share a few of the helpful hints I've learned over the years! I feel like because I've watched the blogging world unfold over the years I learned everything the hard way- so I just hope these tips can benefit anyone!

Here are five helpful hints whether you're considering starting a blog or a blogging veteran!

1.Starting a Blog: Choosing a name & niche for your blog is the most important step. Something that is easy to remember &  relates to you / the content is key. La Petite Fashionista specializes in affordable and inspiring fashion, design & DIY! Sign up with either blogger or wordpress for a free blog site, and register your domain on Go Daddy to stake your claim as your blog grows!

• fun tip!: A great blog design keeps people checking out your blog for longer and more likely to save you to their bookmarks. Check out Pugly Pixel & Code It Pretty for DIY tutorials or hire a designer who understands your aesthetic and fits into your pricepoint- like Christine at Great Oak Circle!

2.  Utilize Social Media to Drive Traffic: Build social media sites under your blog name on twitter, pinterest, and facebook. Pinterest is one of the biggest ways people find my blog, so be sure to add a "pin it button" to your blog!

• (fun tip!: before publishing a post right click on the image while in the "compose" mode and select properties. In the pop up screen you will see an area for "alt text". Fill in this box whatever you would want the text to read when someone pins it on pinterest, i.e. this image when pinned will say "5 Tips Every Blogger Should Know".

3. Engage With Readers & Other Bloggers: A lot of people start a blog and just expect the readers to come- but reading and commenting on other blogs, tweeting with other bloggers and brands and connecting with people is really what blogging is all about! You can also join a local blogging network (Midwesterners- be sure to join our newly launch Midwest Style Bloggers network!

• (fun tip!: Join twitter chats/parties as an opportunity to "network" with other bloggers. One of my favorites is the Independent Fashion Bloggers weekly #StyleChat utilize the hashtag within your tweets to be a part of the conversation!)

4. Sign up for Goggle Analytics Account: This sounds super dorky, but  you have to sign up for a free google analytics account for tracking blog traffic I LOVE analyzing my traffic- where it's coming from/unique visitors/most popular content. You can use this information to know what readers are loving the most  to help guide what you write your posts about as well as how people are finding your happy little blog!

• (fun tip!: One of the best parts about having google analytics is the ability to export information. You can use these key findings like "unique visitors" & "average monthly page views" to give insight to PR companies / brands that may want to advertise with you). 

5. Use Free Sites for Photo Editing & Graphic Design: I think one of the biggest misconceptions about blogging is that you have to have a professional DSLR camera, photoshop and a ton of graphic design skills to have a beautiful blog. In reality there are some great free services that allow you to edit photos, create collages of product and images - I love PicMonkey for photo editing & Polyvore.com for photo collages

• (fun tip!: A tip I do have to make blog pages feel more consistent and professional are to keep all images the same size and maintain the resolution. It will depend on the size of your layout, but, once you start an image size try to keep consistency within posts). 

Sorry for the longest blog post EVER- don't hesitate to ask me any questions in the comments or shoot me an email- and please share your insights as well!

xoxo, lauren

Easy Meals for Busy Girls: Baked Greek Chicken & Greek Salad

I am always looking for simple meals I can prepare during the work week when I'm feeling unmotivated but still want to be semi-healthy. I had a some organic chicken breasts I needed to use as well as a romaine lettuce mix so my wheels started turning.

I remembered the article that Jocelyn wrote for the latest issue of LPF Mag featuring diy salad dressings and I knew it was the perfect excuse to make her Greek Salad Vinaigrette and a perfectly paired baked chicken with all of the same great Greek flavor. It turned out to literally be a new favorite that will be on rotation for many weeks to come. 

Baked Greek Chicken

Serves 2;  Prep Time: 10 Min / Cook Time: 45 Min

Ingredients:

2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

1/2 Lemon (juice) & 1/2 slices

2 tbsp Greek Oregano 

1 Finally Minced Garlic Clove

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tsp Kosher Salt

1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven at 400 degrees.

2.  Start by lining a deep baking dish with tin foil 

3. Slice lemon in half, squeeze juice of half lemon & save for later

4. Cut the leftover lemon half into small slices and place on baking sheet under neath chicken breasts

5.. Grease the tin foil & chicken breasts with olive oil

6.. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, salt & pepper on chicken breasts

7.  Drizzle juice from half lemon over chicken

8. Bake at 400 degrees for 43 minutes and set on broil for final 2 minutes

The salad was incredibly easy- I just chopped up onions (you can throw in tomatoes and olives as well!) & some feta cheese and mixed up this homemade Greek salad Vinaigrette. Get the recipe (& more Greek deliciousness) on Jocelyn's blog post at Saucy Jocey's Kitchen- I swear I've never enjoyed a salad so much!

What are your go-to dinners that never disappoint?

xoxo, lauren

Try this Trend: Crochet & Neon

The neon trend is not going anywhere and I love this fresh interpretation by pairing crochet & neon together. The trick to trying this trend is the small bright pops of color paired back to neutral crochet/ lace. If a neon apparel piece is a little too loud for you- try it with a neon bracelet or nail polish.

These are a few of my favorite ways to wear this  fun, summer look- from crochet shorts & neon tees to a fluorescent yellow statement necklace perfect for pairing over a white lace top. 

Get the Look:

1. Neon ID Bracelet- Bauble Bar // 2. Neon a Roll Dress  - ModCloth // 3. Crochet Crop Top - Topshop // 4. Fuchsia Flash Lipstick- Maybelline // 5. 3"  Shocking Pink Chino Shorts- J.Crew // 6.  Anne- Julep Nail Vernis // 7. Foldover Clutch- Clare Vivier // 8.  Pave Embellished Neon Stud Earrings - Express // 9. Neon Lace Top- Madewell // 10. Vachetta Neon Navajo Sandals - Jack Rogers // 11. Crochet Shorts - Vintage Havana // 12. Crystal and Neon Chevron Necklace - J.Crew

I think my favorite part about neon is the instant-tan you get when you're wearing anything that brightly colored. I also seem to gravitate towards anything with lace or crochet- so the two of these trends paired together are a match made in fashion heaven!

What's your favorite way to wear the neon trend- or have you been waiting to try it out?

xoxo, lauren

Let Me Style You- for Free!

I think I am that girl that just loves to be busy! Despite a crazy schedule, I found out about personal styling service Keaton Row and knew it was something I wanted to be involved with! I've always loved giving friends fashion advice. Just ask Jocelyn- I love being the go-to for "which dress should I wear to my friend's wedding?" girl!

Keaton Row is a free online styling service- you fill out your questionnaire of body type/ personal style preferences/ budget/ wardrobe composition / special event you need a look for- if that's the case. Then, within a week you'll get a personalized lookbook & outfit recommendations from me! It's basically the online version of taking me shopping with you :)

You can check out my profile here as well as some fun Q&A, outfit ideas and inspiration ( anyone else a fan of monograms, peonies, crystal chandeliers arm parties, & coffee? I feel like these describe me in a nutshell!)

It doesn't matter what your age/body type/ personal style is- I will find you something you love.. promise! I'm really excited for this fun opportunity to do more of what I love so give it a shot or refer me to someone else you know that would like some professional shopping advice! With no pressure to purchase anything!

I'm looking forward to applying my love of great affordable style, background in fashion merchandising, and trend savvy blogging to picking out fun & flattering pieces!

Sign up here for a styling consultation with me!

xoxo, lauren

LPF Book Club: "The Power of Style" by Bobbie Thomas

I was really excited to review a copy of Today Show Style Editor, Bobbie Thomas' new book, "The Power of Style" because I've followed Bobbies's fashion insight since I was an *NSYNC obsessed tween J-14 reader. I sincerely loved this book, because it was unlike any other fashion book I've ever read. It actually is quite empowering and is equally about loving yourself as it is about loving clothes. 

"Power of Style" is part fashion book/ part self help guide) has two parts: "Change Starts Within" and "Bringing the Inside Out".

In "Change Starts Within", Bobbie talks about getting to the core of what confidence really is, learning how to love and accept yourself and your body, mastering your image and what other people see. I think this is so relevant! One of the things that bothered me most as a fashion student in college was when students would come to class in yoga pants while we had professional recruiters from major retailers come speak to us. What kind of impression does for a person in HR if that is how you're putting your best foot forward?



The second section, "Bringing the Inside Out" features styling tips for your body type, finding the colors that make you look your best (& how to rock the ones that typically wouldn't be), defining your personal style, and organizing your closet. I think the great thing about this book is that it doesn't take a one size fits all approach to fashion- it's about empowering you to make the decisions that make you feel confident, beautiful and stylish.

I highly recommend this book for anyone that wants both style AND substance in a book. One of the fun features is the interactive sections that have you jot down notes while you read (i.e.  a list of your favorite pieces in your close)

So, in the spirit of embracing & loving yourself readers-- what is your favorite thing about yourself (physical feature or personality quality -it's okay, brag!)

For me it's that my petite stature (5'0!") lets me wear the highest heels I want without towering over my boyfriend ;)

xoxo, lauren

I'm a Verizon Voices Style Blogger!

I have very exciting news for LPF! I am so excited to announce that I've been selected as a Verizon Voices Style Blogger! This past weekend I took the train down to Chicago to meet the team of bloggers participating get trained in how to use my new device, and of course have a little bit of fun in the Windy City!

We were given the new Samsung Galaxy Camera to test out for the next 6 months! So you'll be seeing some blog posts talking about it throughout the year. It's pretty much a fashion blogger's dream, because it's sort of a hybrid camera phone / DSLR. It offers the clarity of a high end camera with the ability to edit, use apps &  send photos to social media channels right from your camera's wireless connection! I'm looking forward to taking it with me to all my summer activities.

Now, to share some of my favorite moments from my trip to Chicago!

*disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Style Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange, but all opinions and views about the product are my own!

So official right?! To the right is my geeking out over phone technology face! 

The obligatory #armparty shot with my new camera!

We were lucky enough to have front row seats to attend the Art Institute of Chicago's fashion show! It was SO much fun for the former fashion student in me.The students are so talented and truly the future of the industry. I was dying over this mermaid inspired look, fifties style knits & metallic sneaker wedges!

My look for the day (it ended up being SO cold, so this was covered in a down coat for a lot of the trip!)

Dress / Necklace/ Bracelet: Francesca's 

We had one of the best meals of my life at Spanish, Tapas Restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa! The historic hotel it was in was beautiful (loving that chandelier & gorgeous celings) and food amazing. I loved that the menu was set so I could take some chances trying tapas that I wouldn't normally try.

 I had so much fun meeting all of the sweet & stylish bloggers in the program -Sandy, Teena,  Sarah, Lindsey & more! So much fun bonding with other ladies who don't look at you funny if you ask them to take an outfit picture or need to stop to instagram your dinner ;) Thank you to Verizon for a fun weekend & an amazing new camera to document it!

xoxo, lauren

    

Midwest Style Bloggers is Launching Today!

Happy M

The Midwest Style Bloggers page is officially launching today! Come meet the team that has been pulling everything together over on our page (we have some get-to-know-us Cosmo inspired quizzes coming out throughout the week!), our updated blog with events, members and more. 

Check out the blog here as well as our Twitter and Facebook! And of course - feel free to fill out an application and join.  We are also looking for guest blog post writers for the site to share travel guides to your city, highlight local boutiques, and your Midwest style!

I also spent a fun weekend in Chicago with some stylish Midwest bloggers, but more on that later!

xoxo, lauren

Inspired by: the Great Gatsby

My inner literature nerd is absolutely geeking out over the new Great Gatsby film. I'm pretty sure it's the perfect combination of two of my favorite things- opulent twenties fashion & one of the most noted novels of all time. I even wrote a research paper in AP History about how fashion revolutionized the 1920's for women (say goodbye to corsets + hello to speakeasies and sassy drop waist dresses). 

I've found a few of my favorite pieces inspired by the F. Scott Fitzgerald book & new Baz Lurhmann production! I have a feeling the fashion will not disappoint in the new film.

Get the Look: Chanel No 5 Perfume // Scallop Sequined Clutch // Great Gatsby Cuff // Art Deco Crystal Necklace // Black Beaded Flapper Cocktail Dress // Tassel Earrings // Art Deco Beaded Headband // Gold Beaded Maxi Dress // T-Strap Platform Heels // Pearl Bracelet // The Great Gatsby Novel

1920's fashion is known for art deco elements, drop waist dresses, fringe & beaded details and crystal jewelry. Wear these elements on their own to keep from feeling too flapper costume-y.

The costumes for the film look beautiful & the soundtrack in true Baz Lurhmann style should perfectly set the scene! Are you Planning on checking out the movie?

xoxo, lauren

Latest Lust: Fun Favors

One of my favorite entertaining ideas right now are fun favors! They can be inexpensive & diy'd, but add such a personal and memorable touch to any party, wedding, or event. These are some of my favorite ideas I've seen- so creative, but many are very simple too!

• Succulent Plant: Even for guests who don't have a green thumb, a trendy succulent plan is a fun gift
• Tissue Wrapped Candies: Any roll of cnady gets an upgrade when wrapped in tissue & tied up with string
• Strawberry Jam:  One of the things I'm super excited about this summer is making my own strawberry jam- how perfect is it as a parting gift!?
• Seed Kit Favors: For this gift all you need is packets of seeds + plant marker
• Bubbles: So much fun for a summer cookout, I think I'd have to hand these out before the party was over for added fun
• S'more Kit: Any bonfire needs a sweet s'more kit as a souvenir
• Champagne Can: Sofia Coppola makes these adorable cans of champagne, pair with bakers twine + fun straw for an insta-favor
• Mix CD: This could be used for everything from a country hits at a bbq to a couples favorite songs at as a wedding favor- a fun graphic design for the CD sleeve is a must!

I'm promising myself I will go the extra mile with a favor at a party this summer!

Do you have any fun party favor ideas?

xoxo, lauren