taste the rainbow: a splash of color from head to toe

    

After a dark and dreary week of non-stop rain, I’ve been stepping out of my mostly neutral wardrobe and throwing in a pop of color with each ensemble to brighten things up and give my spirits a lift.  Here’s a compilation of brights I’m loving and using as an inspiration board for my current color cravings.   Although I’m obsessed with each and every item below, the orange mini by Paul & Joe Sister is on my absolute get list.  This gorgeous and versatile piece will be fabulous in the fall with my leather biker jacket, in the spring with a crisp white top and in the summer with a tank and flip-flops. 

                            

 xo,

Lauren         

   

 

  

lovesit: summer edition

It’s been a few month’s since I’ve been able to contribute to artlovefashion.  Somewhere between apartment hunting, moving, interior decorating, countless weddings, summer holidays, local weekend getaways (like our trip to Block Island, above) and spending as much time outside as humanly possible, I’ve fallen behind…but my next few posts will be filled with items and ideas I’ve been working on for a few weeks now.  To start the ball rolling again I wanted to share with all of you my mid-summer obsessions.  Here are a few of my favorite things right now 🙂  Happy August everyone xoxo

1. It doesn’t get any easier than this- for perfect daytime, day-night or straight night-time glam this little compact has it all.  Just mix, blend and play until you arrive at your desired level of impact.

Sand Tortoise Shell Eye Palette

2. The prettiest, punchiest vibrant matte lip color I’ve ever encountered.  Instantly dresses up any outfit and it’s the perfect pop of color for my mostly neutral wardrobe.

 

3.  There’s no such thing as a streak-free self-tanner no matter how much you spend or what it promises- but with this little accessory you’re getting the closest natural glow possible without the streaks.

St. Tropez Applicator Mitt

4.  A wardrobe staple I can’t get enough of right now is my uber chic riding jacket in grey.  Personally I love this version of a grey blazer by Rag & Bone.  It’s the perfect throw-on for a cooler summer night and it looks so great with distressed jeans, jeggings, shorts or a dress.

 

5.  I love the beachy, tropical, sea-glass colored hues of this Ombre Wooden Bead Necklace by Danielle Stevens I recently purchased on sale.  It’s the perfect colorful accessory for your summer whites or favorite black maxi.

     

xoxo,

Lauren

lovesit: wrist candy

(What I have on today from left to right: Good Charma, Chan Luu, Tiffany Atlas Cuff)

After I get dressed in the morning, I don’t feel like my outfit is totally complete until I’ve decorated my wrists with the right amount of bling and baubles.  I love loading on bracelets; mixing and matching old ones I’ve collected over the years with new ones, as well as mixing up different textures and materials, from silver, to gold, glass and wooden beads, to leather wraps and waxed linen (a la Dogeared.)  Each one has a little story, a memory and adds a personal touch to any ensemble.  I’m always buying new types of bracelets and I don’t think I’ll ever have enough.  Lately, I’ve been on a silver kick to compliment a new watch I was gifted and I love the way sparkly, delicate bracelets contrast my older, chunkier silver pieces.  Here’s a list of really pretty bracelets, from delicate (my current favorite) to funky that add just the right amount of sparkle and girliness to any collection.

  

   

  

 

xo,

Lauren

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

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

my Valentine’s Day fashion lust list in shades of pink

  Here’s a little list of items I’m loving right now, inspired by Valentines day in my favorite shades of pink: rose, blush & bisque.  Happy Valentines day, loves!

xo,

Lauren

 

 

        

        

lovesit: the perfect wear with anything, anywhere dress

While recently vacationing in Miami, I was introduced to the gorgeous and feminine dresses from Swedish designer, Acne by one of my most fabulous and fashionable girlfriends.  There aren’t a lot of stores that carry this brand, but I was able to find many online shops selling their splurge-worthy designs.  A fun mix of modern, girly and sexy, these draped, grecian-inspired dresses are super flattering on any figure.  My friend looked amazing and raked in the compliments as she wore her dress to dinner and then out for a long night on the town.  Since she was wearing one of their more revealing dresses, she paired it with a sleek black blazer to make it a little more conservative and sophisticated while at dinner.  I love the neutral and bold jewel toned fabrics Acne has picked for their dresses- both styles look amazing with the most simple or ornate accessories.  They’ve created a dress that will get a lot of  wear if you decide to pick one up since they’re all so versatile and really fun to wear…now if only I could decide which one to get.

      

   

   

xo,

Lauren