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

Summer Beach Style for the City

Hat: Lulu Guinness; Earrings: Vintage; Necklaces: J Crew and from NYC art market; Top: Topshop; Jeans: American Eagle; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Purse: Tory Burch; Sandals: J Crew

These photos were shot after being caught in a torrential downpour and then sitting in a freezing air conditioned movie theatre watching The Bling Ring.  They show exactly why I will be wear a variation of this outfit all summer long.  Covered, but cool and with just enough accessories to make it interesting. 

I love gold accessories when I have a tan. 

This white shirt is perfectly cool and breathable and has an interesting shape for long necklaces.  I wish that I had bought it in more colors, but I can't find it on the US site! Perfect lesson to learn: if you like something and it fits well and is versatile, buy it in more than one color! 

I love hats mainly because I am not good at doing my hair and it hides a multitude of sins. 

Hope you can stay just as cool wherever you are.

Laura x

Motown Party and Channeling Diana Ross

Dress: Lilana; Earrings: Zoe and Syd; Bangles: J C Penney's; Shoes: Nine West

I recently went to a Motown themed party at the Mattress Factory Urban Garden Party.  Motown is such a broad inspiration, ranging from the 50's and on that I wasn't instantly struck with what to wear.  I originally was going to wear a black sequined cocktail dress with full length gloves ala 1950's girl groups.  But, when I spotted this dress online, I thought that I would go the 1970's route. 

I love a themed party and with over the top hair and make-up, I think that I was able to channel the theme. 

In this case, the dress was first for me, but sometimes hair and make-up can dictate the dress/shoes.  Always have fun with your choices and don't be too afraid to be "over the top."  Like how the motto is it is better to be overdressed than under-dressed, I always thinking airing on the side of the theme rather than not is the best. 

Your local beauty supply store is the best place for your hair and make-up.  I used some over the top eyelashes that I had (confession: I am obsessed with false eyelashes for special occasions). 

I bought a piece of fake hair from Sally Beauty Supply and braided the loose strands to the size of my head, tied the ends together with a rubber band and had a great and cheap hairpiece ($1.17!). 

Have fun with your theme! Confidence shows and if you don't feel comfortable in your outfit it will show. 

Laura x

How To: Eton Mess-A Classic British Dessert

 

It seems very fitting, during Wimbledon week in the UK, to post my favorite (and easiest British dessert), Eton Mess.  I fell in love with it at the Short family's house (along with some of my other favorite things like cheese feast and game night).  My "recipe" does not do the original any justice, but when I can't get the original, this has to be the next best thing.  

I first had Eton Mess on the Isle of Wight before I was a teenager and I remember it was enough to scare me off for years, too sweet, rotten berries, yuck.  My first taste of Louise's was like a rich and creamy cloud and I was hooked.  See below for my variation made at my Dad's and with Christopher's help!

 The ingredients are: strawberries (the riper the better), heavy cream (or in England "double cream"), sugar, and meringues (either one large or about 10 small ones). 

 1. Wash and hull the strawberries.

2. Macerate the strawberries for as long as possible.  Preferably an hour or so to allow the berries to soften and incorporate the sugar. 

 3. Get ready for the fun part! Breaking up the meringues! You can be as messy as possible. 

Tip: The larger meringues are nice because they have a gooey center which tastes almost like a marshmellow. 

 4. Beat the heavy cream for about 2 minutes, or until it forms stiff peaks. 

5. Layer the finished ingredients in single serving bowls; alternating between strawberries, meringue pieces, and cream. 

 6. Finish until you are out of ingredients and either refrigerate to chill or serve immediately. 

I hope that you can make this dessert to share with your family and friends this summer!

Laura x

How to Stretch Your Wardrobe: Dress as a Skirt

Shirt: Ann Taylor; Dress (as skirt) Anthropologie; Belt and Bracelet: J Crew; Shoes: Nine West; Earrings: Vivienne Westwood

I find blogging to be a fun and creative escape, but unfortunately it comes last on my list of work, family, friends, professional activities etc.  I am looking forward to blogging more regularly as the summer continues. 

This outfit is an example of how summer office dressing can be so challenging.  I swear everything in the stores now looks beach ready! This skirt is really a dress which is too low-cut for work which I modified with a tucked under black t-shirt and my favorite belt.  I really need a thicker leopard one and a zebra version! Knowing how to layer the clothes you have is a great way to maximize what you already have.

I love cage-style shoes because of their stability and added texture and design.  These were a recent buy which I think I will be wearing a lot. 

Laura x