Weekend Comfort over Style: Black Sack Dress

Dress: Forever 21; Necklace: J Crew; Hat: Lulu Guiness; Purse: Louis Vuitton; Heels: INC for Macy's

Sometimes on the weekend, especially on Sunday, all I can handle is a sack dress.  Is this very flattering...no.  But, after being zipped and tucked and pinned in all week long, it is the best that I can manage.  Stacked clogs (aka shoes of death), a hat, and necklace complete the look. 

Tip: Always try to buy casual dresses that are 100% cotton.  It will allow you to cool off a lot better than synthetics. 

Laura x

Chambray Work-Shirt at the Homestead Steel Works

Chambray Shirt: J Crew; Pants: GAP; Necklace: Vintage; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Purse: Vintage; Shoes: Zara

I don't wear pants too much at work but these black crop pant are my reliable go-to when I do.  I wore them on a casual day with a chambray work-shirt which I finally sprung for at JCrew.  Paired with my new favorite heels....which I am pretty sure I will wear until the soles fall off.

One of my favorite shoot locations yet: A huge caldron that was used at the Homestead Works Steel Mill.  It is amazing to think about the thousands of workers, including some of my relatives, who helped make Pittsburgh the center of the steel industry for decades. 

Laura x

A Midsummer's Night Dream: Grecian Black and Gold

Dress: H and M; Necklaces: J Crew and Forever 21; Purse: Tory Burch; Sunglasses: Ray-Bans; Shoes: Steve Madden

I haven't worn this dress very much, but I pulled it out last week when I was super hot.  I pulled my hair back and piled on some gold necklaces which took this simple dress up a notch. 

Piling on necklaces makes them look more substantial. 

I have have to become more creative with my hair this summer because it has been way too hot to have it down during the day.  A simple textured ponytail with the rubberband covered by a loose strand makes things a bit more pulled together. 

Laura x

White, Red, and Purple: All About the Accessories

Sunglasses: Serengeti; Dress: H and M; Jacket: J Crew; Necklaces: Pearl and J Crew; Clutch Vintage; Heels: Zara

I wore this outfit to work with some basic nude patent heels.  It is so much more fun with this after work heels.  This H&M dress has been a real workhorse for me.  Although I love structured dresses, this one can be a perfect change because it is cool and washable. 

Tip: Zara is a great place to find trendy and beautiful heels that won't break the bank. 

This vintage clutch is one of the newest thrift store finds.  It is marked "Debbi Jerome" and I would guess that it is from the 1960's.  I love the basket weave and paisley lining.  I really think that a clutch makes an outfit seem more sophisticated.  I love the East-West style bags like this one. 

 

Laura x

Northside Boucle Heatwave

Blazer and T-shirt: J Crew; Necklace: Vintage; Sunglasses: Ray Bans

This summer has been incredibly warm, heat index into 100 and waiting for the bus etc. in work clothes has not been pleasant.   It doesn't help that all of the summer clothes in the stores look like they are made for those attending a rave in Ibiza.  I still have to wear a blazer to work, so I try to keep my hair up, wear natural fabrics, and keep my make-up simple. 

This house in the Northside of Pittsburgh is too fun to pass up.  I would never want to live in or near this residence, but I really admire it as a piece of Americana art. 

My Mom gave me this diamond and pearl necklace that she bought for $5 at a thrift store.  It is the most classic and beautiful piece that I have and reminds me how generous and chic my Mom is.

 

 

Shoes: Aldo

Try and stay cool!
Laura x

Americana Kitsch

Dress: H and M; Sandals and Belt: J Crew

I have been enjoying a week with my Mom in town so I haven't posted in the last few days...more posts to come. 

These pictures were taken in Elmira, NY at Harris Hill which is "famous" for its airplane gliders.  A simple dress like this makes you look a bit pulled together but without thinking much at all.  Pretty sure someone asked if I "wasn't from around here" that day.  Think the key to fashion and what makes it fun is to have fun with what you wear and once you are dressed not to think of it too much, I definitely was this day. 

I couldn't resist making a daisy chain.  

Laura x

Denim and Burgandy in Homewood

Sweater: GAP; Denim Oxford Shirt: American Eagle; Necklace: Vintage; Skirt: J Crew; Shoes: Nine West; Purse: Vintage Dior

Layering in the summer is a challenge, especially for work, but I just can't seem to wear one piece on top.  This summer-weight sweater provides texture over a denim shirt (not in court this week) without adding too much bulk.  The deep shade of the skirt and purse keep it from being too summery of a look. 

Laura x