New Year's Day: Old and New

Sunglasses: Fendi; Dress and Sweater: H&M; Tights: DKNY; Coat: Vintage Aquascutum; Scarf: Burberry; Purse: Vintage Christian Dior; Boots: UGG Australia

 New Year's Day....classic British country brands, pattern tights, last night's hair. 

Laura x

Giraffe Print in the Mist

Dress: H and M; Belt: Michael Kors; Purse: Tory Burch; Bracelets: Vintage, JCP; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Last week I went to Summer Safari at the Pittsburgh Zoo which is a big fundraiser for the organization.  It is also lots of fun.  Of course I needed to find a dress with a jungle slant.  I ordered one from ASOS which was horrific on me and then stumbled across this one from H&M.  I was worried someone else would be wearing the dress, but I didn't see it that night. 

Tip: Belting a maxi dress is an easy and quick way to shorten it. 

These photos were taken at a public art instillation near the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.  The steel pillars spew mist every few minutes. 

Sandals: Urban Outfitters

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

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

Black and White Dress Rehersal for the Races

Fascinator: Edina Ronay London; Dress: H and M; Belt: J Crew; Watch: Nike; Heels: Zara

One item that I wanted to track down on my trip was a hat or fascinator to wear to the Family House Polo Match in September.  I would love it if Americans wore hats to weddings like the Brits.  I found this black and white fascinator at TK Maxx (British version of TJ Maxx). 

I wore it with a black and white stripped dress from H & M and my Zara heels that I bought in Liverpool (thanks B!). 

Laura x

Camden Crescent in PJs

Sweater: H and M; Dress: Target; Shoes: Zara; Watch: Nike; Necklace: J Crew; Purse: Louis Vuitton

My first day in Bath was a great one with beautiful weather (a rare treat!).  This street (Camden Crescent) is one of my favorite in Bath because of the beautiful buildings and because it is off the beaten track for tourists.  Oh, and one of these houses belongs to Manolo Blahnik! 

After a long day of traveling, I felt like wearing an outfit that most resembled PJs.  This t-shirt maxi dress and sweater (sorry Mom!) did the trick. 

 I like tying a knot in a maxi dress to add some visual interest and show off shoes. 

 This sporty Nike watch is the only one I brought. 

 My photographer for the day, my brother Christopher.  Sorry for the bad angle (selfie). 

 This house covered in vines is Manolo Blahnik's pied-a-terre in Bath. 

Off to Blenheim Palace today (have wanted to go for years). 

Laura x