Designing for Dummies

The FashionSpot has added a new feature, its own virtual design studio; the "design wizard" for more of our procrastinating pleasure (as if we didn't spend enough time on those darn forums).

The program is easy to use & gets your creative juices flowing. This is similar to Polyvore, in the fact that you're putting together outfits, but more of the designing aspect. I should have known when I was little and dressed up my american dolls in crazy outfits that I would have fashion in my future. Now, I'm no Diane von Furstenburg but, I think my little wrap top & skirt makes a pretty cute little summer outfit- now all the program needs is a way to add her loud prints onto the fabrics!

xoxo, lauren

Life is a Highway

I did not realize how in need I am of a quality summer road trip. Usually my summers are spent with vacations & a few work days a week. On the contrary, this summer has been jam packed with a college course, working, and interning. My cousin decided to make a spontaneous trip down here this week, so i've decided to take him to my college town & now I'm super excited for my mini-vacation!

There is an art to summer road trip fashion; Stick to clothes that are lightweight and loose fitting. I prefer skirts over sweats in case you pull over for a bite to eat or explore a town. This fifties style checkered one has a great Route 66 feel to it that I'm loving. Also comfy/cute shoes are a must, driving long distances in stilettos is never a good idea. Another essential is a good playlist, choose a variety of genres so everyone hears something they like. I like playing songs that everyone knows the words to; perfect for belting out with the windows down and pedal to the metal.

xoxo, lauren

Better With Age

The other night I watched Seamless, the 1995 documentary following Issac Mizrahi. The biggest supermodels of the 90's made cameo appearances in the film. Its hard to imagine there was a time when the world knew models on a first name basis. Now, the only models that are really known by name are ones that own their own modeling tv show (the ever so fierce tyra banks).

Just when we thought we'd never see them again, the nineties supermodels are making a reappearance and looking better than ever. Claudia, Christi, Linda, and Naomi have all booked huge ad campaigns showing they still have what it takes. Evangelista is 43 years old and is the new face of Chanel; that's simply unheard of in the modeling industry. Will the models of today ever become "super" and leave their mark on fashion history?

xoxo, lauren

Bright Lights, Summer Nights

I've been seeing lots of fluorescent colors, specifically tops lately. I think Jenni Kayne's look is great because it shows that it can be dressed up & stylish without looking too trendy. I think its a perfect summer look, it's the perfect time to wear bright hues. The highlighter colors are easier to pull off than they looks. JustMake sure to pair with something muted on the bottom like khaki or white to avoid looking like an 80's mess; and instead a great throwback look.

xoxo, lauren

My Recipe for Summer Bliss

xoxo, lauren

Vacation All I Ever Wanted..

I love resort collections; small capsules of clothing primarily for the mini-season of jet-setting, beachgoing and sightseeing. Designers seem to go either extreme with them; either risk-free classics or experimental and innovative. These were a few of my favorites that I'll be getting inspiration for my summer wardrobe from..

xoxo, lauren

Go for the Gold!

Usually when I get random annoying facebook group invitations I delete them right away, but this one caught my eye. Miami fashion designer David Jon Acosta has started a line colorful, stylish graphic tanks and tunics. The styles are super liberal and fun, very Miami. It looks like he's taking cues from American Apparel with the styling and models. I'm pretty much in love with the Make Clothes Not War style; these shirts are perfect for summer.

xoxo, Lauren

For the Love of Accessories

Although I love all things fashion, my weakness is accessories.. While i'm working in the accessories department at my job I unfortunately end up spending a nice chunk of paycheck on handbags, earrings, or headbands (thank god for that employee discount!).

I was super excited when I found out that Forever 21 has launched a sister store, For Love 21 containing exclusively accesories. The price points are very similar to Forever 21, but there is a much wider selection. It seems like Forever 21 is slowly morphing into almost an Urban Outfitters type store (you'll see they have a category on the site for home goods like coffee table books). We don't have one of the For Love 21 stores by me, so for now I'll have to settle for their online store. Has anyone been in one of the stores?

xoxo, lauren

Experiencing Gossip Girl Withdrawl?

Like the show, these Gossip Girl shirts are so cheesy, yet fabulous.. I guess it's true what they say; absence makes the heart grow fonder! I miss drooling over all their gorgeous outfits. I'm anxiously awaiting its return.

On a completely unrelated side note, If you're a college student blogger join The Student Blogger Network to get added to the directory of student bloggers like yourself!

xoxo, lauren

Indian Summer

One of the biggest trends this summer is tribal & ethnic prints. I like this new twist on the bohemian looks of summers past. Pair with turquoise and chunky sterling silver accessories for a southwestern feel. Make sure to tone down the bold prints with neutral colored bottoms. Try one some moccasins for size if you want a less dramatic way to take part in this trend; they are equally as comfortable as they are trendy. My aunt just came back from Arizona a couple weeks ago and brought back some awesome jewelry made by an 80 year old indian women (thanks aunt beth)! So, i've been working this style quite a bit lately.

xoxo, lauren

Everything You Wanted to Know about Internships but Were Afraid to Ask

Now that summer has rolled around fashionistas around the world are fighting off boredom and obtaining valulable experience in the industry through the help of summer internships. After spending my first year away from home in college I wasn't quite ready to dive into an entire summer alone in the big city. So, I searched and emailed every fashion related workplace in 30 mile radius to see if anyone needed an intern.

Finally, I found the perfect place; a modeling management center! So far, I've learned an enormous amount from my mentors. I've been styling shoots, building comp cards, and even become a model scout for them! Of course their are some not-so-glamorous jobs like organizing the office supplies and fielding phone calls but it's all part of the experience. I've only been there for a few weeks and I'm excited to see what the summer will unfold. I highly reccomend interning- it's a good test-drive for a future career path & offers some great learning and networking opportunities!

For summer internship coverage & tips check out:

• Style.com's Tips for Summer Interns


• Teen Fashionista & Pretty Legit's stint at Teen Vogue


• Secretista's experiences at First 30 Days


• Jazzi, fashion intern extraordinaire


• Style.com's Tips for Summer Intern


• Teen Vogue's Intern Blog
  

If you're looking for an internship check out:

• ED2010


• Daily Fashion Jobs


• Fashion.net


• Free Fashion Internships
  

I hope some of these links come in handy. If anyone else has any other suggestions or experiences to share please do! We can all live vicariously through you:)

xoxo, lauren

P.S. If you're interested in hearing more about my internship or modeling check out my model scouting blog for M.P.C. at http://www.askfelix.blogspot.com/

EDIT:

huge thanks to Teen Vogue for the mention on their site! <3

http://www.teenvogue.com/style/blogs/fashion

Gypsy Queen

I found this "vintage" March 2001 ELLE editorial in some archives. I love that even though its seven years old it looks relevant to today. I love the smoky eyes, head scarves, stacked bangles, and bohemian dresses. The shoot reminds me of the movie Chocolat, like this is a girl in Johnny Depp's traveling band of gypsies. Be inspired.

xoxo, lauren

Stars are the new Skulls

A couple of summers ago EVERYONE had one of those darn alexander mcqueen skull scarves (or knockoff). The hype of the Pirates of the Carribean movie didn't help.. skulls were emblazoned on every article of clothing and accessory imagainable. Now that the skulls have slowly died off a new print has made its way onto the trend radar. Star prints made some of their first appearances at the Chanel S/S 08 show and are showing up on clothes everywhere (including Kate Moss' newest topshop collection). So, what do you think? Will the star prints stick around for as long as the skulls did?

xoxo, lauren

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