Lady Lafayette

I love finding editorials from magazines I don't normally read. This dark but beautiful editorial, Lady Lafayette from Numero Magazine is something I don't think you'd find in your run of the mill fashion magazine. I love the detailed & luxurious fabrics, crystal brooches, and rock and roll accessories mixed with feminine sillhouettes.

(EDIT: hahah after much deliberation and curious comments, I've decided this isn't just an adrogynous model, I'm pretty sure it is in fact a male model! It's crazy how ambiguous fashion has become hm? Plus, it would make the title of the editorial extra ironic)

xoxo, lauren

Miami Fashion Week: Part IV

This is my final installment of Miami Fashion Week Coverage. This last show, Amato Couture, was truly spectacular. The designer was from Dubai which as we all know, is a country that does nothing halfway. The collection was over-the-top, extravagant, and absolutely beautiful. All the clothing sparkled on the runway with its thousands of swarvoski crystals bedazzling the looks. The models wore winged black eyeliner and black airbrushed tattoos. The candy colored infections were like works of art in themselves.

The clothing truly speaks for itself. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit in the front row for this show and it was the perfect ending to my fashion week experience. I was sitting near the front and one of the directors asked me if I wanted to fill an empty seat there. I was able to see all of the extreme detail and adornment on the clothing and the view from the front is definitely something I could get used to!

xoxo, lauren

Miami Fashion Week: Part III

Former Miss Ecuador, Gabriela Candena had one of my favorite collections in the bunch. From the silver splattered yellow shorts, to the sweetheart necklines and slouchy slacks, I adored all the pieces in the show. The show displayed elements of metallic mixed with colored silk separates in royal blue, golden yellow, and coral. The shapes were figure flattering and contained strategic pleats and peek-a-boo lace. Other pieces in the collection contained large sequined looks and high waisted shorts and glittery fabrics. It was colorful glamour at its best.

Belkola is designed by Dominican Republic native who specializes in pret-a-porter, lingerie, and couture. The collection took my award for cutest accessories! The exposed zipper motif was visible throughout the line from the provcoative back of the dresses to the rosette hair pins and satchels. The white curly haired wigs reminded me of Juicy Couture advertisements and matched the punky but girly aesthetic. "Heavy metal" was essential to each of the looks; draped chains, gunmetal colored silk and cage skirts. This gave the collection a futuristic feel.

I have one final installment of my Miami fashion week runway reports coming up on Monday! I'll be in Atlanta all weekend visiting Americasmart, the apparel marketplace, with my Collegiate Merchandising Association. I'll be back next week with pictures & stories from my adventures!

xoxo, lauren

Miami Fashion Week: Part II

Frederica Vaccaro is a young designer from Italy. The whole collection had this khaki and black color scheme with the red folded over ankle socks. I loved all the details down to the tousled pinned up hair & bold cherry red lipstick on each of the models. The collection included a lot of double breasted khaki waistcoats and skirts, mini black bows, and black spandex bike shorts. Some other themes of the collection include starched white collared shirts, masculine tailoring, and poufy sleeves.

Argentinian designer Veronica de la Canal's Marie Antoinette inspired collection immediately reminded me of my blogging friend Modern Marie. The designs seemed like something the queen herself would have worn; super extravagant, lacy, and dripping in pearls and feathers. The highlight of the collection for me was the handpainted corsets with portraits on them of Antoinette and other 18th century figures. The usual pastel brocades and tight corsets were updated with a rock and roll feel using colored tulle and slicked back pontails. The last model to walk the runway even had dreadlocks.

xoxo, lauren

Miami Fashion Week: Part 1

Jeronima Bonilla, a designer from Colombia presented designs for the "classic woman" with simple, feminine sillhouettes. I loved this bold yellow dress (almost every designer had one in their collection), the fringe went all the way to the back where it knotted. The sheer dress was very Carrie Bradshaw, empowering and feminine. Some trends woven throughout the collection were volume & drama, samba ruffles, and structural shapes.

Guiterrez-Marcano is a design duo hailing from the Dominican Republic. Their forte is discreet luxury and modern conceptual creations. This black leather and feather creation caught my eye on the runway, something only an Olsen twin could pull off. The brown caged skirt was very futuristic and the model was working the balloon sleeves and giant skirt. The themes throughout the show were leather, sequins, colored silk slips underneath sheer dresses, and brocade.

Universidad del Caribe is a fashion design school out of Columbia raising the talent of the country in all things fashion. The looks had the most amazing silkscreened bathing suits and colored raffia fedora hats & bags. The wedges were tall, multicolored and some lace-up paired with chunky wood necklaces. The island vibe of the accessories was summery and fun.

John Estrada from Colombia was inspired by the indigenous Sicuani people and their jungle locale.. The exotic silk off the shoulder & halter dresses had nature inspired prints in green, brown, and white. Some elements seen throughout the collection were macrame handbags, kimono sleeves, trapeze shapes, and dark gold sequins.

Keep checking back for more coverage of Miami Fashion Week shows and my favorite looks from each collection!

xoxo, lauren

South Beachified Style

Just got back from my whirlwind fashion filled weekend in Miami for Miami Fashion Week! It was a fantastic experience, I met some other fashion lovers, and a couple who run their own websites as well. I was grateful to have someone show me the ropes! I truly feel in my element when I'm at the shows watching creations prance down the runway, few things make me giddier. The international designers whose collections I saw were relevant, trendy, and incredibly talented! I'll be posting pictures and reviews from the shows throughout the week.

Striped cotton jersey dress by BCBG Max Azria & headband by Stella Accessories

My friends at Stella Accessories custom created this headpiece for me especially for fashion week! It has silk rosettes & a braided leather band. Check out their newly designed site!

Dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Journey's, Hat: Roxy

I picked up this raffia fedora while shopping in South Beach earlier in the day! A cute guy working the sales floor talked me into it, but it comepleted the outfit!

A better shot of the shoes; they have a missoni-esque pattern on the side. Only in South Beach could you wear acid lime & purple and make it work!

xoxo, lauren

Vintage Miami Beach

In excitement for my Miami Fashion Week trip I've been loving these old vintage photographs of girls on Miami Beach from the 50's and 60's. From the retro bathing suits to the fun cheesy poses, they evoke a wonderful sense of nostalgia! Although I can attest that South Beach has been nowhere near this conservative in quite a long time, the images are fun to look back on & i love the bikini styles!

I'll be back on Monday with full coverage of Miami Fashion Week; look out for live twitter feed updates on the sidebar or at my twitter site!

xoxo, lauren

Fashion Predicitions in the 1930's

Things have been absolutely insane lately trying to cram everything in before I leave for Miami Fashion Week. I'll be back with a full post tonight, but just wanted to post this!

We watched this video clip in my 20th Century Design class and I found the fashion predictions pretty interesting (and funny). Some of their ideas aren't so far off from today's styles!

Does anyone think those shoes they feature remind you of Marc Jacob's surrealist heels?

xoxo, lauren

Go Green for St. Patty's Day

Before college, St. Patrick's Day was no big deal. Of course, I knew you had to wear green so you didn't get pinched. Though, once I reached college the holiday became a whole different ballgame. It's pretty much an all day celebration, thus a stylish yet not cheesy St. Patrick's Day outfit is a necessity. A subtle shamrock motif paired with a green frock in any shade (I prefer an emerald or lime) is the key to getting the look! Comfy pot o' gold colored gladiator sandals will be perfect for a long day of green beer and kiss me i'm irish pins .

Is St. Patrick's Day a big deal in your town/college?

xoxo, lauren

Let Us Eat Cake!

This week marks 2 years of blogging on La Petite Fashionista and my 20th birthday! I can't believe how much time flies! When I started my blog I had no idea if people would even read it, but it was my own creative outlet! Now, I've gained so many fashionable friends, learned so much about fashion, and have gained so many awesome experiences through my site. Thank you to the people who have been with me since the beginning to the brand new readers!

I've grown up with my blog; I'm no longer a teenager, but still a petite fashionista! Here's to many more years of blogging, more wonderful opportunities and enjoying my twenties!

xoxo, lauren

The M.O.D. Squad

When asked the other day what "my personal style was", i cited Model Off Duty as one of my go-to outfits. Models have this easy going "I just threw this on" look going for them. I often find myself going to the Model Street Style thread and ogle their effortless style.

Some wardrobe staples in the "Model Off Duty" look include leggings & skinny jeans, blazers, ballet flats paired with fun headwear and minimal accessories. The idea is to show off the body without having to wear revealing and scandalous clothes. On those mornings where I can't seem to find anything I want to wear I like to find inspiration in their laid back looks.

xoxo, lauren

All Mixed Up

One of the best ways to stretch your dollar during bathing suit season is to choose separates that you can mix and match. I remember doing this quite a few years ago & getting some weird looks for throwing together a random mix, but now it's acceptable and encouraged! If you're an avid beach or pool go-er, it's a great way to switch up your look without having to buy several separate bathing suits and a bit more stylish than the traditional "matchy-matchy" suits.

Some popular designs for spring and summer include neon colors, tribal prints, and hardware/embellishments. There are bathing suits for every taste and price point. An insider tip is to check out stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross for last season's bathing suits at incredible markdowns ($25 or less for both pieces)!

xoxo, lauren

It's a Jungle Out There

I just realized I already have an outfit shot with my Rogan for Target zebra skirt from a while back haha, but that's alright, this one is styled a bit differently. I have worn this pair of Nine West platform wedges to death, I adore them. I wish you could see the awesome coiled yellow snake pin I attatched to the v-neck! I'll have to try to get a close-up of it. Obviously animal motifs are a guilty pleasure!

Right now, I'm spending a lazy afternoon watching the Coco Chanel Lifetime movie, sipping on a homemade caramel latte (i'm a coffee addict), and catching up on my favorite blogs! I would say it's a great way to start my break.

xoxo, lauren

Fashion Emergency: Sandals You Can Wear Day to Night

So, I'm officially on Spring break! Although I don't really have any fascinating Spring Break plans, I am lucky enough to live near the beach so that's where I anticipate spending most of my free time! I know a lot of us will be traveling to beachy locales this Spring Break and it's hard to know exactly what to pack.

I personally prefer a pair of dressier sandals over flip flops; they're sturdier and are easy to take from the beach to the streets. Gladiator styles are super popular again this Spring/Summer as are metallic designs and it's easy to find an affordable pair. I'm in need of a pair I can wear with a bathing suit & tunic as well as with a sundress for a night out and these are a few of the styles I really liked and are within my budget!

Do you have anything specific on your Spring Break/Summer wardrobe shopping list?

xoxo, lauren

Ettika: Stackable Bracelets to Mix & Match

I just discovered accessory line, Ettika. They primarily make accessories that are on silk cord or colored leather with silver and gold charms.I'm a huge fan of stacking on bracelets and that's exactly what these are meant for. You can mix and match as you please; they're cute on their own or worn with others. Ever since I was little I've had a thing for hearts, so I'm especially drawn to those charms, but they're all somewhat customized to your taste.

Reading the history of the company is so inspiring-- they started out as a kiosk in a mall and now the jewelry is sold in department stores all over the U.S. & Internationally and worn by celebrities. The prices aren't bad for us "recessionistas" either considering how often you can wear them. They have bracelets as inexpensive as $24.

xoxo, lauren

Check Out My Interview at HiFashion

The lovely stylish girls at the blog, HiFashion have posted a "Style Swap" Interview with me on their site. Check it out to find out a bit more about me & my blog!:)

In other news.. T minus 3 Days until Spring Break. Can't wait for some much needed relaxation time!

Velvet Magazine March 09

xoxo, lauren

Can I Quote You On That? M.K. Edition

I think Mary-Kate and I must be kindred spirits. I've seen so many quotes from her where I can't help but think.. "that's exactly how I feel". Take this quote from Fashion (a Canadaian magazine) by Ms. Olsen; this is my shared perspective on fashion.I love to play dress up every day & wear things that other people wouldn't dare, sometimes the fashion risks pay off, othertimes you get some weird stares. Either way, I make it my goal to just have fun with fashion.

I've followed the Olsens since I was little watching Full House and I'm still being inspired by them as entrepreneurs and fashionistas over 10 years later.

Check out the other images from the editorial, pretty enchanting:

xoxo, lauren

When Art Imitates Life

When the label Issa, wanted wild runway hair they turned no further for inspiration than one of the shows own models; London it-girl Alice Dellal. Alice is infamous for her rebellious half shaved head. Somehow she still manages to look beautiful with a style very few could pull off.

Half the runway models sported the adventurous Alice Dellal look, one of them being Alice herself. Thankfully the models didn't have to shave their head but hairstylists achieved the look with hairspray and strategically placed bobby pins. The look is compared to a punky, modern day Veronica Lake hairstyle. I think it's so fascinating when fashion designers seek inspiration from their everyday surroundings.

xoxo, lauren