Ready for Spring with Lilly Pulitzer

The Lilly Pulitzer spring collection came out right around the time I booked my trip to Florida and now I'm even more excited about wearing the bold prints and colors when I go down there. For some reason it always feels more right to be wearing Lilly stuff when I'm near a beach and palm trees. Here are a few of my favorites from the new collection: 

Iona Shell

Pearl Dress

Malibu Blazer

Delia Dress

Pearl Dress

I can't wait to stop by my favorite Lilly boutiques in Florida, C. Orrico and Periwinkle. 

What are your favorite things from Lilly P?

-Lauren

Giveaway! Swell Caroline Link Bracelet

Recently I discovered the beautiful collection of jewelry and accessories from Swell Caroline. They have an great variety of bangles, monogram jewelry, scarves, watches and more. They even have a Valentine's Shop right now featuring cute "love" themed jewelry.

Today I'm giving away a Libby Link Bracelet from Swell Caroline to one lucky reader. I love this bracelet because it's a bit of a different spin on the pave link bracelet you've been seeing everywhere. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors like white, pink, yellow and mint.

To enter:

1. "Like" the Swell Caroline Facebook page.

2. Sign up for the Swell Caroline email newsletter.

3. Leave me a comment telling me which color bracelet you'd like, along with your email address.

The giveaway ends next Friday, February 8.

Good luck!

-Lauren

Eyewear as an Accessory

I've worn glasses since I was in 4th grade. But until recently, I haven't seen the value of getting to wear glasses. Now there are more styles and frames than you can imagine and some people even wear fake glasses just to get the look. I have a pair of Ray Bans and recently received another pair of black large frames from Firmoo. I love the big black frames because it's a retro look and a statement accessory. They also match really well with preppy outfits such as button down shirts or crew neck sweaters with jeans.

J.Crew long shirt / J Brand straight leg jeans / Tory Burch loafer / Kate Spade leather handbag / Baublebar bracelet / Firmoo glasses

Firmoo is an online eyewear store that offers free glasses to first time buyers. Click here to check out all the frames they offer, including the ones I'm wearing above. 

-Lauren 

**Sponsored post (opinions are my own)

Trend Alert: Tweed Jackets

I just got an amazing deal on a tweed jacket from Kate Spade outlet (similar) and now I'm totally in love with tweed in all styles. I love a cropped or moto jacket, with or without buttons, or even with funky trim and colors. Tweed jackets can be worn with a business suit or with jeans and a t-shirt, and they really are a great staple item to have in your closet. Here are a few of my favorites:

Rory Beca - style tip here and here

Faith Connexion - style tip here and here

Rebecca Taylor

JCrew

Parker - on super sale!

Kelly Wearstler

Tory Burch - style tip here

Alice + Olivia - style tip here and here

What's your favorite way to wear tweed?

-Lauren

January's Birchbox Goodies

I just signed up for Birchbox with a few of my work friends and finally, after a few long weeks on the waiting list, I got my first box this week. I'm not very experimental when it comes to beauty products, I tend to stick with what I know, but for $10 a month, I couldn't resist trying it out. Plus, if I don't end up working any new products into my beauty routine, at least I'll have all the travel sized products I need!

So far, I've tried the Model lip gloss and as red as it looks in the package, it actually comes out as a nice light pink/red and looks really good too. The juicy perfume is a no brainer, I love them all and the mini ones are great to travel with. I also tried the face moisturizer and the green apple body cream, both of which were good, thick creams that stay on and aren't greasy. I have yet to try the shampoo, but I'm packing it with my travel stuff and will see how it works.

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what's the best thing you've ever gotten?

-Lauren

5 Paper Goods Under $30

The value of a hand written note or card will never go away. After receiving gifts for the holidays and my birthday this month, I took the time to write a hand written thank you note to each person...and for that I needed cute note cards of course! I found some great Papyrus cards at Target on sale for $7, which came with envelopes and envelope seal stickers. Generally I'm the type of person who also likes to write things down, like blog ideas, wish lists or random thoughts, so I thought I'd share 5 paper goods you can get for under $30:

Tory Burch Stationery Set / Kate Spade Spiral Notebook / Ben's Garden 'Paris Is Always' Note Pads (3-Pack) / Jonathan Adler Note Cube / Cin Cin Vintage Cheers Note Cards

What's your favorite notebook or stationary?

-Lauren

Inauguration Fashion Favorites

With the day off from work yesterday, I had the inauguration on TV pretty much all day long. It's probably only the second inauguration I've paid full attention to, but there was some serious style on display on Capitol Hill. Here are some of my favorites from the Obama's and the day's VIPs. 

Love the girls' colorful dresses. 

Obsessed with Mrs. O's Thom Browne coat with the JCrew belt. 

The pop of green is perfect with the black dress. 

Another home run from Jason Wu with this red dress. 

What was your favorite part of the inauguration? Mine was definitely the first dance between Barack and Michelle!

-Lauren

My Dream Desk Area

Lately I have been seeing some beautiful home offices and desk areas on Pinterest. When I have my own apartment in a few months, I can't wait to decorate my desk with fun pencil cups, colorful note pads and a bulletin board filled with inspiring pictures and magazine clippings. Here are some of my favorite desk areas that I've seen on Pinterest:

Love the wall shelving here

Love the color coordination here

Love the hidden shelf here

Love the inspiration board here

Love the wide space and built in shelves here

Love the pastels here

How have you decorated your desk area?

-Lauren

5 Dip Ideas for the Big Game

The Patriots are in the AFC Championship for the second year in a row. It's a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens and if they win, it's another trip to the Super Bowl. I'm wicked nervous but also really excited for the big game this Sunday night. In preparation, I've found some really good dip recipes on Pinterest I thought I'd share. Dips are definitely my favorite game day snack idea, along with mini hot dogs and the occasional batch of pizza rolls.

Onion Dip - best served with Ruffle chips

Baked Clam Dip - best served with crackers or crusty bread

Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip - best served with pita chips

Buffalo Chicken Dip - best served with tortilla chips

Mexican Seven Layer Dip - best served with tortilla chips

What's your favorite game day snack?

-Lauren

Staying In This Winter

When the weather is freezing, snow is falling and frost is forming on the windows, all I want to do is stay in, wear my comfy slippers and sip hot chocolate. But I can only watch so many movies and episodes of Pretty Little Liars. There's actually some productive things you can do around this house until the cold weather breaks.

Make a Festive Drink: Whip up a Pumpkin Cider Beer-tail with some Blue Moon, sparkling cider and cinnamon. Or brew some Mint White Hot Chocolate and add in some Bailey's.

Branca Set of Four Emerald Green Etched Blossom Glasses / Waterford Crystal Two Lismore Nouveau White Wine Glasses / Jonathan Adler Mr. Mrs. Muse Mug / Kate Spade New York Say The Word Mug

Get Organized: Grab your stylish planner and pens and write down some blog ideas, plan for upcoming birthdays and holidays and set some goals for the coming year. 

Caran d'Ache 849 Fluo set of three ballpoint pens / Kate Spade 2013 Desk Calendar / 2013 rugby weekly planner / Lilly Pulitzer Pen with Highlighter Set / Set of 2 Volant Notebooks Plain Brilliant Violet Pocket

DIY Mani/Pedi: I love getting mani/pedis but they aren't always the best money saver. When you're sitting around the house, take some time to do your nails in some fun festive colors. If you're feeling ambitious, try some trendy nail styles like ombre or glitter. 

Essie nail polish / NARS Cosmetics / MAC Cosmetics nail lacquer / Butter London beauty product / OPI nail lacquer / Deborah Lippmann collection

What are your favorite things to do when stuck inside this winter?

-Lauren

Beauty Essentials

It was just my birthday last week and I got a gift card and birthday giveaway from Sephora. They gave out the They're Real mascara and the Watt's Up highlighter, both of which have become some of my new favorite products. My parents gave me the Chanel perfume which is a great fruity scent that lasts all day. I've worked these new products into my regular beauty routine which always includes Dream Matte Mousse as my foundation and a combination of Benefit blushes and bronzers. I don't go too heavy on eye makeup, just a little mascara and natural eyeshadow. Then I finish off with lip gloss or lip stick depending on my mood. 

I'm also excited because I just signed up for Birchbox and can't wait to see what beauty products they surprise me with!

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter/ Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss / Benefit They're Real mascara / MAC Cosmetics glitter eyeshadow / Clinique Almost lip stick / Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse  / Chanel Chance Fragrance  / Benefit Cosmetics CORALista


What are some of your beauty essentials?


-Lauren

Dreaming of Florida

The last few weeks all I've been thinking about is taking a trip to Florida. It hasn't even been that cold but I can't help but think of the warm beach, palm trees and wearing Lilly Pulitzer prints. I've been doing my normal online browsing, but instead of looking at things I can wear now, I've found myself looking at beachwear, sandals, totes and bathing suits. Hopefully I will find a good deal on flights and be on my way down there soon!

J.Crew vintage tank / Club Monaco Lace Shorts / Tory Burch patent shoes / J.Crew straw beach tote / Baublebar bracelet / Madewell Sunglasses / Essie nail polish

What's your favorite place to escape to during the winter?

-Lauren

Navy and Lace

 

Dress (Cynthia Steffe from Trends Boutique), Flats (Banana Republic, old), Clutch (Lilly Pulitzer), Bracelet (ILY Couture), Watch (Michael Kors), Earrings (F21, old)

Finally had a chance to wear my new Cynthia Steffe dress out to dinner with my bf for our anniversary this weekend! 

-Lauren

Mini-Emergency Kit

I'm a frequent traveler. I travel about once a month for work and as much as I can for pleasure. I've bought so many travel sized shampoos and soaps but there's always something I end up needing when I'm on the road, whether it's some bobby pins, clear nail polish to repair nylons or makeup remover wipes.

Recently I found this Pinch Mini-Emergency Kit and thought to myself, how do I not have one of these?? It's a hand-sized little pouch that contains hairspray, nail polish and remover, a nail file, lip balm, earring backs, a sewing kit, deodorant, a tampon, floss, a band aid and more. If you travel at all, this is a great thing to keep in your carry on for those just-in-case situations....and it's only $15!

They also sell them at Sephora, Nordstrom and various other stores. 

-Lauren

Winter Staples

To get through the cold winter months, I usually lean on a few staple items. A flannel plaid shirt keeps you warm and the checkered patterns are very in right now. A boyfriend cardigan is perfect to wear over a button down and with leggings or skinny jeans and I always need an extra layer in the office. Statement stud earrings are great because I tend to go minimal with jewelry when I wear busy prints or big chunky scarves. Speaking of chunky scarves, I rarely leave the house without my gray infinity scarf. Warm gloves are also essential, especially for walking outside or driving. Lastly, high leather boots are a great everyday item since it's too cold to wear flats or heels without socks.

Madewell cardigan  / Madewell checkered shirt / Paige Denim black straight leg jeans / Tory Burch leather handbag / Baublebar studs / Brooks Brothers infinity loop scarf / Echo gloves / DV by Dolce Vita Marco Riding Boot

Hope everyone is having a great week!

-Lauren

Quarter Century!

Today I celebrate my 25th birthday! This age feels kind of like a milestone...it marks 2.5 years out of college and 6 years out of high school, time definitely flies. I'm so happy I got to spend the weekend with my family and friends. My sister and boyfriend are treating me to lunch today because it's also my one year anniversary with my boyfriend....so even more reason to celebrate!

-Lauren