My New Years Fashion Resolutions

I can't believe a new year is ahead of us already! It seems like were were just ringing in 2007. I'm so excited to see what 08' has to hold! I always make a New Year's resolution and I'm pretty good at sticking to them. This year I've made up a list of my 2008 New Year's Fashion Resolutions:

1. Learn to Sew: A sewing machine was at the top of my Christmas list this year. Now that I have one I can't wait to begin learning the basics of sewing and start some cute projects! I decided if I want to be in the fashion industry knowing about the construction of clothing is vital.

2. Score a Sweet Internship: This summer I'd like to find a local boutique or magazine with a fashion department. I'd like to learn as much as I can about the industry and take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way.

3. Open up a Vintage Shop on Etsy: I've been scouring local thrift shops and consignment stores for unique, trendy vintage finds. Coming in January will be a La Petite Fashionista vintage boutique on etsy! I can't wait to share my love for vintage shopping with the world.

4. Invest in Classic Wardrobe Staples: I'd like to find some classic pieces that my wardrobe is missing. I'd even splurge on some if I knew they would never go out of style. Particularly a cashmere sweater, trench, and pair of jeans tailored to fit me perfectly.

5. Update my Blog more: Since I've been in college I've definitely not been fulfilling my blogging duties! So I'm going to make more time to make sure I'm making my blog the best it can be.

xoxo, Lauren

Merci Beaucoup to you and you!

all the featured thank you notecards can be found on etsy.

Yes I should be sleeping because Santa's coming tonight, butttt I've been working non-stop the last few days that I've had no update. So in my wee bit of relaxation time i've decided to blog! I already opened a few gifts from my family tonight- lots of fashion books & a sewing machine! I can't wait to go to my grandma's house tommorow where we'll have our traditional christmas morning breakfast & spend the entire morning opening & oogling over presents.

I think that thank you notes are a lost form of etiquette that is no longer expected, but definitely appreciated. So, take some time out to write some to those who endowed you with lovely gifts this holiday season.

Here is a handy guide t0 Thank You Notes courtesy of themorningnews.com :

1.Greet the Giver

Dear Grandma,

2. Express your Gratitude

Thank you so much for the hand-knitted socks!

3.Discuss Use

They will be sure to keep me warm and toasty in the bitter florida winters.

4. Mention the past, allude to the future

It was great spending Christmas with you and I look forward to seeing you during my next college break!

5. Grace

Thank you again!

6. Regards

Love Always, Lauren

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all my La Petite Fashionista readers!

xoxo, lauren

Stocking Stuffers for your Favorite Fashionista

I don't know about you all, but I can not believe christmas is in less than a week! It just doesn't feel like the holidays; it's in the eighties- where I live there is no such thing as a white christmas. I still have gifts to be purchased, presents to be wrapped, and cookies to be baked! I feel so behind on everything and since I've gotten home I've been working my butt off to make some money. I feel so grateful to have a job to come back to when I'm on my breaks from school but I feel like I have so much to do still! Just thought i'd leave you all with some last minute gift giving suggestions. The gift on the top of my list is a sewing machine so I can learn the basics and hopefully get a little creative with it.

xoxo, lauren

Santa's Little Helper

Your significant other can't get the hint about what you want for Christmas? Net-A-Porter has made it easy with their Santa's Helper application! Just by filling in a short form your "santa" will recieve a personalized message informing them of exactly what you'd love to recieve for christmas! They've even added the option of attatching your wishlist. It's amazing what technology can do these days! :) No more unwanted socks or ill-fitting dresses for presents this year!

xoxo, Lauren

p.s. if you've noticed a lack in posting this week it's because i'm busy studying for finals! (yikes.. wish me luck!)

Exercise your Rights!

If you're at least 18 and an American citizen, you have no good excuse not to vote! Why not show your political pride with a republican/democrat shirt or accessory. Not sure which party you prefer, well there's no better time to get informed :)As I am a political newbie myself I plan on learning as much as I can about all the potential candidates so I can make an informed decision about who I'm going to vote for in the 2008 election. When I decide, you'll definitely see me supporting them a la fashion!

xoxo, lauren

The Kitsch Niche

Kitsch (n.): something of tawdry design, appearance, or content created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating taste.

I've always heard the term kitsch thrown around, but never truly know what it meant, just that it referred to adorably cheesy jewelry/clothing/art/etc. The word often refers to retro, witty, or just plain cutesy items. Often time i find stuff like this a little over-the-top, but in small doses and can give your outfit a witty edge, or create a conversation piece. Kitsch has always been around, but with popular culture oozing over to every area of our life it is becoming more widespread than ever. There is even an article in the New York Times magazine about buying kitschy gifts.

xoxo, lauren

So many Parties.. so Little Time

Everyone knows the holidays are an excuse to get dressed up and socialize with family and friends. Buying new outfits for every occasion can get pricy very quickly, thus the Little Black Dress. Black goes with everything, is slimming, and timeless. I decided it's okay to splurge a bit on the dress if you can get a lot of wear out of it.

Try buying a little black dress (LBD as we fashionistas like to call it) in a simple minimalistic design. By buying inexpensive accessories you can style the look in a completely different way to get more wear out of it. I like tucking it into pants for a blousy look with casual/trendy buffalo plaid hat, paired with argyle knee socks and complementary knit cardigan, as well as some sequins and faux bling for a flashy new year's eve look. I'm all about reinventing outfits and a LBD is a great piece with a lot of uses.

xoxo, lauren