feeling inspired

These soft and subtle dream-like images below are giving me some much-needed inspiration on this wet and dreary day in Boston. 

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

and the oscar for best dressed goes to…

The best part about watching the Oscar’s is obviously the pre-awards show on the red carpet where hollywood’s elite is on display in the best and the worst of designer’s top offerings.  Haute couture doesn’t always translate to feminine elegance while looks that popped on the runway can fall flat up close and under the flash of a thousand photogs.   This year’s red carpet entertainment was no exception with a lot of  hits, misses and irritatingly ‘safe’ snooze-worthy gowns, but here are my picks for last night’s best-dressed in awe-inspiring couture. 

1. Halle Berry killed it and took my #1 vote in this glittery stunner by Marchesa

2. Jennifer Lawrence in this chic and sultry gown by CK

3. Reese Witherspoon in strapless perfection by Armani Prive

4. Mila Kunis in this flirty and feminine gown by Elie Saab

xo,

Lauren

Lovesit Nails: colors and trends from around the globe

I used to blame the state of my expired, chipping manicure on the lack of time or energy I didn’t have to keep up with them.  I rarely have time to get them done during the week and after work the last thing I’d want to do was spend the time removing the chipped polish, buffing, filing and repainting them myself.  But maybe my lack of enthusiasm for keeping my nails freshly polished each week wasn’t so much my lack of enthusiasm for the task itself, but due to the lack of polish options in my own collection.  Recently, I was so inspired by a friend who has gone on a full-blown nail polish splurge, I’ve come across colors, shades and finishes (creme, jelly, sheer, opaque) that make me want to paint my nails every chance I get just to be able to use these gorgeous colors as a daily accessory.  Here’s a compilation of my favorite new nail polish shades from companies around the globe- they’re all accessible through their online shops linked below.  (I love being a girl!)

London’s Barry M Nail Paint is avaiable here

Deborah Lippmann’s luxury line is available here

   

London’s Butter lacquers are available here

Zoya nail polish is available here

Just a little insider tip, to get your nails super smooth and polish ready- and the reason salon manicures always look and last longer is because of this little guy:

Happy Painting!
xo,

Lauren

Fashion Week: Street Style Inspiration

I’m always so inspired and awe-struck watching the videos and reading the reviews from fashion week.  There is so much creativity and passion in one place at the same time, it’s hard not to get swept up in it all.  This year, I was really taken with not only what I was seeing under the tents on the runways, but on the street’s by fellow fashion addicts.  Though there were some similarities in late winter/ spring trends (long skirts, lace-up booties, fur, army green jackets, bold accessories, layers and belting of everything and anything.)  I noticed most women were able to personalize their fashion week look’s by pairing one trendy item with several things totally unique to them.  I love when women take the time to carefully pick out an outfit down to the last accessory because it really gives you sense of who these women are, what they’re feeling and how they want to be seen by the world.  In these situations, fashion becomes an art form since its so expressive, organic and personal

photo courtesy of Vogue.com

Here are some of my favorite versions of the It-List trends for late winter and spring- but remember nothing makes these items more stylish than combining them with pieces unique to you.

           

   

   

    

xo,

Lauren

artlovefashion for your floor

When it comes to color, I tend to hold back a bit when I’m decorating but I’m really loving trendy Moroccan accent pieces for your home (this print is also so great for women’s accessories like scarves, etc.)  They add such a fun and unique but sophisticated and exotic pop of color which instantly transforms and brightens any room.  The colors and prints in these rugs are just so pretty I never could imagine getting sick of them or not being able to transition them around from room to room when you want to mix things up.  Anthropologie is offering some really gorgeous Moroccan-style rugs made of shaggy but soft wool that are attracting a lot of attention from their long-time customers and high-fashion editors alike.   “Anthropolgie buyers drove twelve hours through the Atlas Mountains and across a desert before finding the remote seaside town where artisans were still crafting beautiful carpets their ancestors once did.”  This collection launched just yesterday and already the editors at Vogue say the tones and patterns of these rugs “remind us of Proenza Schouler’s recent pre-fall offering.”  Now if only I had the space for one of these beauties… 

Above: Anthropologie’s Agadir Twists Rug in Raspberry, Look from Proenza Schouler’s pre-fall collection. 

Above: Agadir Twists in Plum.  For more information on these rugs please go here

xo,
Lauren

artist spotlight: Norman Parkinson’s fashion photography still bring’s glamour

British photographer Norman Parkinson is best known for his work during his Vogue years-though a bit dated now, these timeless images are still adored by women young and old.  Many of these iconic prints can still be seen in dorm rooms and  apartment’s across the country…despite the fact that they were taken over 60 years ago, they remain a best seller on sites like allposter.com and art.com

Mr Parkinson worked for Vogue as a fashion photographer from 1945-60 and is credited for taking fashion & photography out of the studio and into the urban environment.  His work made fashion more spontaneous and dynamic than ever before and his use of color gave these now vintage prints a fresh, modern and timeless appeal.   Here’s a compilation of just some of his work I adore, which combine ultra-feminine couture and beauty with refreshingly unexpected and exotic locales.

       

 for more information on Norman Parkinson please click here

xo,

Lauren

what films made you cry?

I love this little compilation of interviews by Lynn Hirshberg for W Magazine- here she asks actors from the ‘Best Performances’ category, What Movies Made You Cry? Featuring Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman, Michael Douglas and Colin Firth to name a few. Check it out.

 

pale & interesting: a life-style for your home

I don’t even know if I can do justice to the fabulous site, Pale & Interesting with a write-up because it pretty much embodies everything I love.  As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a fan of neutrals when it comes to my personal style and the same goes for my apartment decor (with the exception of art).  I love a blend of textures, old & new, anything unique and items that offer a blend of feminine & utility function.  Pale & Interesting.com is run out of England, by husband and wife with decades of experience in design, photography and publishing.  Their website offers furniture, accessories, jewellery and books all hand picked by them.  All items are a bit out of the ordinary, handcrafted and functional and some vintage pieces even have a bit of wear and tear, or ‘love’ to add to the charm of it all.  I love the presentation of their website, their homey displays, and of course everything they sell.  I’ve included some of their items in previous posts here and here .  Whether or not you’re in the market for some fantastic unique finds for your home or just want to browse for interior design inspiration, you must check out paleandinteresting.com

Here’s a selection of item’s that stood out for me:
 

    

  

              

everything shown is available for purchase here 

xo,
Lauren

Art & Design collaboration crush: Shane Powers for West Elm

 

As a longtime lover, client and advocate of all things West Elm (no one offers neutral furnishings, accents and decor at affordable prices like WE) I became even more obsessed after learning of their latest fusion of fashion, function and flora.  This time, they are bringing together my favorite home accent piece (plants!) and designs by Shane Powers starting at just $9.  And wow has he delivered; bringing “high- style, low-maintenance, indoor gardens” for the masses and any size or style of living space, if you’ve got a green thumb or not.

“Shane came to West Elm with a completely new concept for the indoor garden. He devised 4 different kinds of vessels, each with a specific function. Hand blown glass bubbles hold dramatic looking air plants. Tall glass jars are designed for floating water plants. A series of classic Greek and Roman-inspired clay forms display every imaginable flower, leaf and branch. And a modular three-tiered mini-garden (that bears a striking resemblance to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum) adds architectural interest when planted with cactus and succulents. Most impressively, Shane created these vessels for plants that require only water and air to grow, i.e. hardy specimens that even the most luckless indoor gardener can’t kill.”

I have about half a dozen plants in my apartment already, and several WE accent pieces adorning table tops and windowsills, so these pieces fusing together nature and art will be such a welcomed addition to our home.

for more information on any of these items please visit here

xo,

Lauren

artist spotlight: prop art

Check out these eye-catching prints that instantly take you deeper at first glance.  Jessica Craig Martin’s photographs are large, glossy prints of the action and reactions of high society galas and benefits.  Instead of giving a straight on, paparazzi close-up or classically framed image, she zooms in on the accessories and details that tell the entire story while pushing the viewer to possibly make up a story or two on what’s going on.  These pictures say a thousand words without saying a word.  I love this concept, the strong vivid colors and point of view Jessica has with her work- so brilliant.

xo,
Lauren

long live the Queen

It’s been almost a year since the untimely death of fashion legend Alexander McQueen, but his brand, runway collections and spirit are still thriving.  I was blown away by the 2011 Spring/RST collection, now under the reign of Sarah Burton, who worked directly with Alexander “Lee” McQueen for over 15 years.  She wowed critics and his long-time fans with a point of view that maintained McQueen’s signature style while executing her own vision- creating a collection that’s slightly softened and a bit more mature than we’ve seen in the past from the Haus of McQueen.  Here are a selection of look’s that really stood out to me:

xo,

Lauren

art imitating life

I love everything going on here- the sophisticated mongolian fur scarf, sleek open back leather gloves, a blazer over black on black (my favorite), coordinating gold hardware and the fun pop of color from the tory burch belt .  Courtesy of ‘The Satorialist’, most of his gorgeous talented shots are taken on the streets of NYC of real women he thinks look great (however, this was taken in Seoul.)  I couldn’t agree more with this pick and this photo is a fantastic combination of  style and art.

xo,
Lauren