lovesit: new twist on an old classic

There are few items in my closet that I wear more than my favorite fitted black blazers.  They instantly polish and add the perfect touch of sophistication to any outfit, for any occasion.  It’s no secret that I have an over the top obsession with Theory, but there’s a reason- their clothes are just SO functional and flattering.  Recently I came across this updated twist on their classic black blazer so unlike anything I’ve seen from them.  The Bennira wool and silk-blend jacket has a draped collar which hangs just right over any blouse or dress and its slightly cropped in the back, making it a little more edgy than your classic jacket.  I can’t wait to wear it on the weekends over dresses and out for dinner over my favorite tops.  During the week I’ve been wearing it to work to dress up an ordinarily basic ensemble and over my favorite sheath dresses.  It’s featured on Net-a-porter.com for full price but the Theory outlet’s are currently selling it for $99.  For more details, visit here.

xo,

Lauren

lovesit: all american, affordable clothing since 1969

   

On a total whim I decided to pop into the Gap on my way home the other day to look for a few basic items I needed to stock up on.  It’s been so long since I’ve shopped at the Gap I wasn’t really sure what to expect beyond the basic white tanks and tee’s I was looking to grab.  I had no idea they were going to have a delicate’s section that could rival Victoria’s Secret, or the most comfy, drapey tanks that could rival Alexander Wang and blousy pull-over top’s that looked like Elizabeth & James’ overpriced shirts.  Not only are they offering a great selection of basics, but their shirts, pants and wear to work collection were updated with modern cuts and clean, trendy silhouettes that are the perfect addition to mix and match with your favorite wardrobe items.  My only advice: ignore the store displays- the models and table displays are kind of messy and dowdy at first glance.  It wasn’t until I picked the items up or tried them on did I really envision myself buying them.  This is not the most glamorous place to shop, but if you can go in and shop without looking to the store displays for what to buy, you’ll have a better shopping experience.  Here’s a selection of item’s that really stood out to me and of course, all are super affordable (including the perfect little beach cover-up at the very end I couldn’t go home without.)

  

  

 

xo,

Lauren

lovesit: collection of wear with anything tops

Here’s a selection of blouses and tops, from casual to dressy, that I’ve fallen in love with because of their versatility and feminine appeal.  I think these tops really could be paired with just about anything, for any event- under a blazer for a dressy, sophisticated night out with friends, with leggings for a chic weekend ensemble, or paired with your favorite pair of jeans for a casual but effortless look.

  

   

    

 xo,

Lauren

sparkle is my favorite color

Ever since I can remember sparkle has always been my favorite ‘color,’ so you can bet I tend to gravitate toward jewelry designers who are heavy-handed with the bling.  I’ve shown the amazing creations of Dara Ettinger in a previous post here, but I had to bring her up again because she continues to create really gorgeous jewelry I just cannot get enough of.  I love the natural element of agate and geode jewelry; the fact that all stones are unique in color in size so you’re really getting an individual piece no matter how many of the same style are produced.  Another jewelry designer I’ve been a long time fan and customer of is Alexis Bittar.  Bittar is last year’s CFDA’s accessory designer of the year award winner, who’s high-profile clientele includes Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga.  His jewelry is unmistakeably modern and each season’s collection offer’s bracelets, necklaces and earrings created in so many different mediums.  From lucite (my personal favorite), to semi precious stones dipped in gold and silver, explosions of swarovski crystals in abstract and clean-cut designs, there really is something available for everyone no matter their personal style.  Here are some of my favorite pieces from Ettinger and Bittar’s current collections.  Enjoy.

All the Ettinger pieces shown below are available here:

All the Bittar pieces shown below are available here:

     

   

xo,

Lauren

lovesit: Theyskens’ Theory design collaboration

I love anything Theory, so obviously I was an instant fan of the pieces created by the collaboration of designer Olivier Theyskens and Theory.  Beyond their initial collection, they continue to churn out gorgeous pieces with sharp, imaginative tailoring giving the traditional minimalistic Theory brand clothing and accessories an edgy feel.

Talking editors through Theyskens’ Theory, Theyskens explains some pieces are lingerie-like, dressed in prints based on his own paintings; and there was a wide array of denim, silk and leather pants from high-waisted flares to cropped jeans specially treated to look permanently wrinkled.

Most of the blazers are designed with a triangle cut from the back of the collar. “It’s what I do to mine,” says Theyskens, explaining that he likes the look of jackets with shoulders shrugged forward. Hems, too, cut away, and shirts with splices up the side seams so they can be worn with the front tucked in and the back pulled out.

Here are some of my current favorite pieces from Theyskens’ Theory (available here), in my favorite shade of clothing- black.  The following pieces are both graceful and artful but not overly designed.

 

And pair any of the pieces or looks above with the following two items for instant, timeless glamour:

 

Here are some highlights from the Theyskens Theory Fall 2011 RTW Collection:

 

 

xo,

Lauren

lovesit decor: glass and wood accent pieces

I really love blending texture, print and materials when it comes to picking items to adorn my apartment.  West Elm has always been a favorite go-to of mine (previously mentioned here) and their most recent catalog’s decorative offerings was no exception.  I was really impressed with many of the objects available because not only are they perfect accent pieces but they look like legit pieces of art and are all so affordable.  Here are some of my favorite items, all currently available  at westelm.com

1. I LOVE these recycled Spanish glass vases and jars- this color palate reminds me of sea glass and these items would look fantastic alone or mixed and matched together.

 

2.  There is nothing I love more in an apartment or house than lots of wood; furniture, floors, exposed beam ceilings and of course accent pieces.

  

3.  The following two items are both functional and decorative:

These glass perfume bottles are so fun and chic I’d love to have them both on my nightstand table or bathroom counter –  and the glass shadow boxes offer a unique and charming way to display your favorite keepsake items or jewelry (tip: mount them on the wall and use the canvas liner backing to hold your earrings.) 

 

xo,

Lauren

Best of Oscar’s Hair: get Reese’s retro pony

 
I really think Reese can do no wrong when it comes to playing dress up.  Not only did I love the dress she wore to this year’s Oscars, shown here, but I was loving her uber-chic and retro 60’s inspired hair.  This mod look is totally a style that works for her and p.s. that is all her own hair- no extensions!   This super high, va-va voom ponytail is the epitome of red carpet glam and I’d love to try to recreate this look for my next dressed up night out (if I can get the front to achieve and maintain a level of volume without channeling Snookie.)  Here’s a step by step guide for getting this look, courtesy of Renato Campora of Fredric Fekkai.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1:  Create the foundation for the style by applying Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel and the Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum.

  

Step 2: Blow dry hair with a large, round brush to enhance fullness and volume.

Step 3: Divide the hair into two sections.

Step 4: Using a 1 1/2-inch curling iron, create movement and volume on the bottom layer.

Step 5: Tease the roots of the top section to create the volume.

Step 6: Finish the look with hairspray to secure the silhouette and shape of the style

xo,

Lauren