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

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