Spring Break Essentials & Pantone's Spring 09 Colors

Pantone released their forecasted colors for Spring 2009 a year ago and it's crazy how accurate they are/how much designers pay attention to them. These 5 colors were among their list and it says on the site that they "Provide Optimism and Stability for Spring". I love the mix personally and think they are a great combination together or separate. They remind me of the Carribean.

Also, Spring Break is coming up for most of us (mine is in a week!), and these are some essentials for break, assuming the weather will be warm-ish where you are!

• A Going Out Top: Something slinky and flattering to wear for a night out on the town is a Spring Break must.
• Sunglasses: A pair of shades for eye protection is a necessity in the sun! This wayfarer inspired style is super cute.
• Day To Night Dress: This dress could work as a cover up or dress to wear shopping and when glammed up with some accessories and heels a good night look as well.
• Carry All Handbag: A roomy bag can fit everything from a change of clothes to a stash of fashion magazines.
• Shoes in a Shocking Color: A brightly colored pair of shoes such as this azure blue pair makes an instant statement and an eye-catching touch.

xoxo, lauren

P.S. This picture is from my hometown beach. I can't wait to spend some relaxing days in the sunshine!

Rainbow Bright: Henry Holland F/W09

Henry Holland's latest London collection unveiled colorblocked ensembles in hues of blue, pink, purple, green, and black. The garments as brought up by Fashionista, actually look like those paint sample cards you get at Home Depot. I love the bold use of color! I'm sure a watered down version of this look will make it to Ready-to-Wear. Although, it looks like more of a Spring collection than Fall, I'm enjoying it.

xoxo, lauren

Paris Vogue Does South Beach

I think I mentioned it once before, but I'm anxiously counting down the days until Miami Fashion Week a fashion filled event I'll be covering for La Petite Fashionista! It will be an incredible experience and I promise I'll come back with tons of pictures, stories, and fashion show coverage.

I'm looking forward to fashion week wayyy more than my week off for Spring Break. Right now, I'm trying to find the perfect outfits to rock; you can get away with a lot of crazy ensembles in Miami. I'm even having my lovely friends at Stella Accessories design me a headpiece!

Imagine my excitement stumbling across this Paris Vogue editorial that looks like the perfect mix of Parisian Opulence and Over the Top South Beach. It's styled by Carine Roitfeld, and modeled by Daria Werbowy (thank you diorette for the scans!):

P.S. Where can I pick up one of those awesome neon Chanel tees?

xoxo, lauren

I Wanna Rock!

As promised, a picture from my friends 80's Glam Rock themed 21st birthday bar crawl. Since the majority of us there were fashion students we had a lot of fun going all out with our outfits and got some interesting looks from the people around us. And you better believe we rocked out to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" when it came on. It was so fun and a great excuse to break out my neon pink tights and metallic eyelashes. I want to have an 80s themed party just so I can dress up again!

I can't wait till I turn 21-- I'm already pondering over what theme I'll plan for! Has anyone else had any fun themed costume parties?

xoxo, lauren

Fashion History: Harem Pants; Then & Now

Did ya know.. Harem Pants were first popularized in the early 20th century during the Orientalism Movement? Paul Poiret was very inspired by the Orient and Ballet Russes; from the jewel encrusted lampshade tunics to tapered harem pants. He encouraged women to free themselves from uptight corsets and indulge in some exotic apparel.

Now, harem pants are making a huge comeback, they were all over the runways in Spring/Summer 2009 fashion shows and have made their way into stores and many fashionistas' Spring wardrobes. It's absolutely crazy how fashion recycles itself!

The look is best worn with open toed high heels sandals & a fitted top. To add to the oriental look try a pair of dangling chandelier earrings in a deep violet or emerald. I personally think the pants in black are the most versatile and least Jasmine looking, but they come in all colors. I like the idea of wearing it as a more fashion forward, dressier evening look.

xoxo, lauren

P.S. A huge thanks to College Fashion for putting me on their list of must bookmark fashion blogs! I'm incredibly honored & appreciative-- Welcome to any new readers! <3

Um, Can I Drive This?

In honor of label Lily Pulitzer's 50th Anniverary the company released a Jeep Wrangler with one of her famous floral prints. As much as I associate Lily with sorority girls and Palm Beach socialites, as a Floridian I can't help but love the fun prints and bright colors. For Fashion Week, the company's chauferring editors and stylists in the sunny vehicle. Personally, I'd love to roll out in this cute little jeep anddd maybe road trip to the beach too?

xoxo, lauren

Marc Jacobs & Tracy Reese F/W 09 Collections

Marc Jacobs' shows always take me a few days to sink in. He's always coming up with collections out of left field. They're so quirky that at first I don't like them and then I start to see the inspiration that each and every collection becomes each season. The neon brights are obviously here for another season and 80's influence as well. I've always thought I should have lived in the 80's so I can appreciate that.

Tracy Reese's collection is nothing earth shatteringly influential, but I would wear absolutely everything in the collection! It's so girly with that bit of edge that I love. It's wearable, and saleable. Plus, really makes me want to go out and buy a skullcap :)

I have a friend's 21st birthday tonight with an 80's glam rock theme.. can't wait to dress up!

xoxo, lauren

Chris Benz Covering All His Bases

So far, Chris Benz's collection is my favorite yet. I think he had the perfect balance of clothing that is recession and fashion friendly. It's definitely wearable and the bright color palate is refreshing during dismal economic times! The individual items cater to both the young & old, and the looks are easy to recreate and find inspiration in.

I've been trying to keep up with all the looks, and I'll be posting some more of my favorite collections later this evening and try to mix it up for those who aren't so into the fashion week flashiness:)

xoxo, lauren

Red Lipstick Lovin

DEX New York was kind enough to let me try out one of their high pigment mineral eye shadows! Mine came in the Jungle Red color so I mixed it with a tube of Vaseline lip gloss to create a bright red lipstick.

The color was super vibrant and it had great staying power with the pigments. I'd love to try other colors that could be used multi purposes as an eye shadow & lipstick or play around with the red for a theatrical editorial look. I'd definitely reccommend the loose powder pigment for people who want to get more bang for their buck or love playing around with make-up!

I rarely brave the red lipstick look, but there's something about it that's so glamourous! It's been featured in editorials and fashion shows a ton lately, it's a easy way to add a bit of drama to an everyday outfit.

xoxo, lauren

Lela Rose & Diane Von Furstenberg

I've been spending every spare minute on style.com looking at pictures from the shows. Here are a couple more show reports from some of my favorite/most eye-catching looks of today's shows!

What are your favorite collections so far/trends can you spot forming?

xoxo, lauren

F/W 09 Shows: Alexander Wang & Abaete

It's the most wonderful time of the year.. Fashion Week of course! I've just began looking over all of the fantastic shows this year. I'm glad to see that despite many being a no-show at the tents their clothing is not any less beautiful or creative than could be expected. Although a lot of shows seem to be going for a "retail ready" look rather than fashion forward, "runway ready".

These two shows have been my favorite thus far; keep checking back for more Fashion Week coverage:

xoxo, lauren

Fashion= The Only Love of my Life

So, I spent my Valentine's Day afternoon going to see Confessions of a Shopaholic with one of my girlfriends. I thought it was really cute anddd perfectly appropriate since there is no guy in my life, and fashion is my only love. Maybe that sounds depressing, but it's okay with me. Guys may come and go, but channeling my frustration over them through my appreciation for fashion has helped me through a lot.. (ever heard of retail therapy?).

Patricia Fields is an amazing costume designer, all of the outfits in the movie make me want to go out in something comepletely over the top. These were a couple of the fun and outrageous outfits from the film:

Look at all of those shoes!

CRAZY bridesmaid dress!

No need for a necklace with this bejeweled blouse!

The muppetlike orange shrug is so crazy that I kind of like it.

What are everyone's Valentine's Day plans?

xoxo, lauren

Volunteering= Good for the Soul

Last week I got the opportunity to volunteer with one of my university's organizations at a daycare with pre-school age kids. When I was in high school I did tons of volunteer hours with a local Hospice thrift store & I've really missed giving back to the community. The little kids were absolutely adorable & I was having as much fun as they were doing arts & crafts, eating cupcakes, and playing outside. It's such a rewarding experience!

I'd just like to pass along the opportunity to volunteer to be a counselor this Summer for the Fresh Air Fund, a summer camp in Fishkill,NY. The program provides a life changing experience for 2,000 low-income New York City children. Counselors have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life along with sharing fun times like campfires, watersports, and crafting sessions. If I wasn't studying abroad, it's definitely a way I'd enjoy spending my summer! If it sounds like something you may be interested in, please check out the site!

xoxo, lauren

Sugar and Spice

I saw these editorial photos of Ugly Betty's Becki Newton on WWD & thought they were the perfect mix of sultry and sweet. As much as I love cutesy hearts and hot pink this is a very sophisticated way to do a Valentine's Day outfit.

These looks are all about knowing how to accessorize from the necklace to the trendy peek-a-boo bralette. Whether you have a hot date or a night out with the girls on February 14th, it's a day to feel beautiful!

I saw "He's Just Not That Into You" last night & thought it was pretty inspiring. Their advice should be taken with a grain of salt, but there's a lot to be learned from the movie. I'm tired of waiting around for guys who aren't worth my time!

xoxo, lauren

Red Carpet Looks from the 2009 Grammys

I'm not usually a big fan of awards shows, but I decided to watch the Grammy's with my roomies. I pay more attention to the fashion than who wins the awards of course. Now that I'm in college I never get any opportunities to dress up in gowns and jewels (although I like to make my own excuses). I actually enjoyed the performances a lot-- usually the show doesn't hold my attention.

As for my favorite red carpet looks:

• Taylor Swift looked age appropriate in a black v-neck dress with a patent leather belt. It's a basic dress, but a trendy design. The thick cuff is a good choice for an accessory.

• British songstress Adele took a risk with her lime colored satin evening jacket, but I love the pop of brightness it adds to the look. I could do without the silver brooch though.

• Carrie Underwood wore a super-flattering nude colored column dress. It looks perfect with her tan complexion and blonde hair and has a great lengthening effect.

• Although reality star Audrina isn't a musician, I really liked her look for the red carpet; the royal blue is a bold color. The sweetheart neckline and side bun ties everything together.

xoxo, lauren

Spring's Key Trends + My Love for Tank Magazine

I just discovered the awesome fashion, art, and culture filled Tank Magazine . The European publication has a fresh viewpoint yet not so avant garde that it's over my head. This editorial, Julia's World is a great display of some of spring 09's more wearable trends. (Plus you've gotta appreciate the Bret Michaels look-alike love interest haha) I love the photography and styling & will have to look out for more editorials from the magazine.

I think for a magazine to survive right now they need to think outside the box and do things no one else is doing. With the death of so many of my favorite publication I'm hoping other magazines will follow suit.

xoxo, lauren

Colorful Crochet

I fell in love with this look on Style.com's Rio Street Style photo collection. The black crochet dress reminds me of the beach or an exotice locale.This is a bohemian, versatile style that you could change up by switching the color of the dress underneath. The bright color plays peek-a-boo from under the crochet.

Although, I think I'd probably pair the look with a jeweled sandal or gladiators instead of ankle boots for more of a "Spring Break friendly" look. The braids go perfectly with this laid-back look. The dress could even be worn as a simple cover-up with a bathing suit underneath for a low-maintenance yet stylish option.

Ah, Spring Break.. only a month and a half away..!

xoxo, lauren

90's Trends That Should Stay in the 90's

Alot of 90's fashion is making a comeback: neon, crop tops, and acid washed denim. The 00's versions of these aren't dated & offer a fun, colorful look. On the other hand, there are some nineties looks that better not be showing up again in the fashion world!

I spotted these ridiculous editorial pages on Jezebel from some "vintage" issues of InFashion magazine and just about died laughing. Check it out:

Ah, gotta love the 90's.

xoxo, lauren