Leopard Sweatshirt and Silver Flats

Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Necklace and Chambray shirt: J Crew; Sweatshirt: All Saints Spitafields; Jeans: American Eagle; Flats: Zara; Bangle: Kate Spade; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Purse: Christian Dior

I am always drawn to a grey sweatshirt.  This muted leopard-print version is one of my favorites.  I am still learning that it is better to buy what I really love rather than lots of things that I "like."  This sweatshirt was more than I would usually spend, but in costs-per-wear is worth it. 

Also shown are a vintage Christian Dior bag and new Zara metallic loafers. 

Laura x

Leopard Skirt and D'Orsay Pumps

Blazer, necklace, and t-shirt: J Crew; Skirt: Forever 21; Pumps: Zara

Not much to say about this outfit apart from it combines some of my favorite things: leopard print, witch looking heels, white t-shirts, and blazers. 

Rings and sunglasses: Vintage; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I just wore these shoes to a wedding and I am in love.  D'Orsay heels are very classic and are back on trend this fall.  This style of shoe is cut-away on the side of the foot to reveal the arch.  Another example of Zara's shoes as an affordable fashion option.

Laura x

Why I Love Hipsters: White and Black in Ithaca

Shirt: GAP; Jeans: American Eagle; Sandals: Zara; Necklaces (one worn as bracelet): J Crew; Purse: Louis Vuitton; Scarf: Vintage Valentino

I half-joke that I love hipsters and last weekend in Ithaca confirmed why: I grew up surrounded by the original hipsters!  Ithaca was a great place to grow up.  It wasn't until I went away to college that I realized that cultural diversity and integration is not the norm and tie dye isn't de rigueur. 

I wore this outfit going to antique stores with my Mom and the disheveled look with heirloom pieces fit right in.  We definitely did not have "fast fashion" in Ithaca and they still don't.  

Keys to my take on the hipster look: (1) something with holes in it; (2) jewelry worn in unique ways aka wearing a necklace as a bracelet; (3) scarf tied on your bag....you never know when you might stumble upon a festival and need a hippy accessory. 

Another great find by my Mom: vintage Valentino scarf with trademark red accents.  This scarf is huge and will also be great as a belt. 

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

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

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

Haul from London's Oxford Circus

I spent my first day in London hitting the shops of Oxford Circus, London's main high street.  I found a couple basics with an edge which I hope will easily lend themselves to things that I already have. 

Shirt: Topshop

This is my favorite find and something I should have bought in multiple colors.  The shirt's light cotton drapes and folds to add some visual interest to what could be a very boring shirt.  

All Saints Spitafields

I couldn't pass up this shirt: leopard print and a grey hoodie = my two favorite things.  It is All Saints Spitafields which I purchased at Selfridges.

Zara

This shell is white faux leather with mesh details on the sides and back.  I think I will wear it quite a bit with jeans and a blazer.  With a tan, it will be a softer way to wear "leather" in the summer. 

 I also purchased some cool cosmetics. 

I am excited to try each of these nail polishes.  The red one is a leather effect polish, I have the black version (http://theglamorouspursit.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/leather-effect-nail-polishskulls.html).  The other is designed to look like feathers. 

I have needed to stock-up on my Chanel pressed powder which they don't seem to stock in the States. 

I bought this poster from the Transport Museum.  I thought that the muted colors were beautiful.  I can't wait to have it framed.  

 Macaroons from Lauderee Paris and their packaging were too beautiful to pass up. 

Finally, I got a wicker hamper from the veritable Fortum and Mason (photos of the store to come).   I think that I will use it to decorate in my kitchen and pretend that I take picnics to the park. 

 Laura x