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

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: 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

lolalovesit fashion: Charlize in Dior

I LOVE this outfit, hair and makeup worn by Charlize Theron (in Dior.) 
It’s the perfect fall-into-winter-into-spring look.

 here’s some picks to help recreate this chic little ensemble:

   

and of course the finishing touches:

xo,

Lauren

artlovefashion ADDICTION: theory

If you were to ask me about my favorite fitting pants, the perfect shirt, the jacket I throw on over everything?… It’s Theory.  No one does staple pieces for day, work, night, and weekend wear quite like them.  I’m obsessed with their clothing and I could wear only Theory for the rest of my life and be happy.  I love their neutral/ heavy on black color palette and they have continued to create the perfect wear-to-work items for young, fashionable women who want to look the part without sacrificing style or youthfulness.   Their fitted blazers, uber-flattering pants and shift dresses are their signature items and look good on everyone (bonus: they are now offering maternity wear.)   Though their clothing tends to be a bit pricey and runs small (I always go up at least a full size in their pants & dresses) there are tons of Theory outlet stores across the country offering their clothes for at least half off the retail price (the outlets are where I get most of my Theory apparel.)  Deal-a-day sites like Ruelala, Hautelook and Gilt.com also offer Theory fairly regularly at a steep discount.  Here’s a little lookbook I’ve put together of some of Theory’s classic, clean-cut, minimalist yet feminine items currently for sale.

the following looks can be purchased  here and 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

red carpet review: best dressed

When I think of Hollywood’s best dressed at award’s shows, the starlets’ that tend to stand out for me are those who wear the elaborate, haute couture gowns (think almost anything Penelope Cruz has worn, gowns by Elie Saab, Atelier Versace, Oscar de le Renta and Jenny Packham.)  This year, at the Golden Globes, the best dressed were all about minimal, clean lines and low, open-backed gowns in retro, juicy, pinks and peaches.  My two favorite dresses were both by Calvin Klein and they transformed the actresses wearing them; Claire Danes and Emma Stone looked unbelievable and neither women had ever looked better. 

 

 

I think Emma Stone especially stood out with her flawless hair and makeup (she looks unreal as a blonde- remember her in Easy A as a brunette? Yeah, me either…)  She looked amazing with her platinum blonde up-do and her makeup was natural, glowy perfection.  Here’s a run-through of what her make-up artist, Mai Quynh used to create her Golden Globe makeup look.

Face
Mai started by applying mark Calm & Composed Moisturizer all over the skin. Next, Mai applied mark Face Xpert in Honey with a foundation brush and put mark Good Riddance Concealer in Light/Medium around Emma’s nose and under her eyes and blended it with a concealer brush. The foundation was set with mark Powder Buff in Natural using a powder brush and mark Bronze Pro Powder in Pro Glow was dusted onto Emma’s cheeks, forehead and chin using a angled contour face brush. Mai then added mark Good Glowing Blush in After Glo on Emma’s cheeks with the angled contour face brush.

Eyes
Mai applied I-mark eyehadow in Biscotti to Emma’s inner eyelid and I-mark eyeshadow in Gioia to her middle and outer eyelid, from the lashline to her crease. An angled contour eyeshadow brush was used to blend Gioia into the crease of the eyelid. Mai then applied I-mark eyeshadow in Java along the upper lashline using the hookup eyeliner brush and smudged Gioia along the bottom lashline. To finish the eyes, two coats of mark Lash Splash Mascara in Black was used.

Lips
Mai applied mark Lipclick Full Color Lipstick in Bare Hug on Emma’s lips- available here

All products mentioned above are available 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 love fashion: DVF store front

My current art/fashion crush isn’t on Ms Furstenberg’s clothing (though i want her entire spring line)- it’s what’s currently housing them and attracting anyone passing by that I’m loving.  The concept and originality of DVF’s current store front window in her flagship NYC store is so fantastic and noteworthy.  But the element of surprise doesn’t end here.  Once inside, the store has its own unique spin- built on a curve to echo the style of her iconic wrap dresses.  So brilliant!

xo,

Lauren

Splurge or Steal – Jimmy Choo Sparklers

Nothing adds a fun, festive touch to a winter outfit like a fabulous glittery heel – this splurge/steal find came from my friend Lily who covets Jimmy Choo’s like the rest of us with a shoe fetish.  All three ‘steal’ versions of the Jimmy Choo cost about one-third of the price of the originals.

Splurge:

Jimmy Choo $525- $665

Steal:

               

Badgley Mischka $200                                      Badgley Mischka $139                                          DVF $195

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

fashion favorite: VPL

Women’s athletic apparel is no longer being marketed only as workout clothing,  but as wear to/from/after/before the gym, or none of the above.  And most athletic brands are now trying to attract all women, regardless of their fitness level and body type, whether they have a gym membership or not.  Stores like lululemon have set the mark for this trend with their uber-flattering, comfortable pants, crops, tank and jackets.  Though once considered more undergarment-like due to their tight, low-cut, curve accentuating fit- athletic clothes, especially yoga-inspired pieces are practical, functional and look good on everyone.  Designers are being influenced by this swing towards casual chic comfort, and I couldn’t be happier.  I think ‘casual, but looking ‘put together’ daytime outfits are the hardest to create, shop for and even pack for when going away.  My new designer addiction, VPL (stands for ‘Visible Panty Line’) is creating a perfect balance of casual, comfortable, feminine, modern and trendy items.  Their pieces are a perfect staple to add to you favorite luxury lounge wear ensembles, or wear them with your favorite leggings, jeggings or jeans for a more sophisticated, effortless look.  Celebs like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Aniston, Tilda Swinton, Juliette Lewis and Victoria Beckham love their clothes too.

With the tagline “underwear, outerwear, anywhere,” former stylist Victoria Bartlett launched her underwear-inspired label. The brand now also includes handbags, shoes, and jewelry. VPL collections usually hinge around a cheeky theme, such as the “Modern Suffragettes” homage in 2007, which presented a military slant on staples like effortless jersey separates. The brand has merited positive attention from industry insiders including Vogue and was nominated as a CFDA fashion-fund finalist in 2007.   VPA can be purchased at shopbop, scoop, net-a-porter, barneys, bloomies and saks.

all the pieces shown are available here
xo,

Lauren