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: 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: 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

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