Going West Coast

Posted on May 14, 2013 | 12 Comments

Looking to the lovely West Coast for inspiration today. The steady beat of sunshine, rock-n-roll cool and creative chic outfits that Californians put together, make terrific warm weather influences for the rest of us.

Chictopia A House In The Hills

A House In The Hills

Annabelle Fleur

Annabelle Fleur

Annabelle Fleur

Annabelle Fleur

Hallie Daily

Hallie Daily

Reyal Fashion

Reyal Fashion

Stay Classic

Stay Classic

The Maya Kay

The Maya Kay

Wander Uptown

Wander Uptown

So, Cal

There’s an undertone of ease to these looks, which I am always drawn too. Pops of color and accessories really elevate these looks from anything ordinary. The addition of a white blazer on Elsal of Wander Uptown, takes her short + T-shirt combo to the next level. And did you notice the light-wash jeans on The Maya Kay?! It’s a 180 degree departure from the over-dyed indigo jeans that have ruled for the past few years. The light color feels right at home during the warm months with an ocean breeze on your skin. If you didn’t want to lighten up your jean color (a bad-idea for some of us — like me), maybe a jean jacket is better. They’re back too.

I no longer wear short-shorts (eek), but would happily swap-out the shorts for a skirt or cropped pant in these outfits. It’s all about doing what works best for your body and re-imagining your closet in new ways. We probably don’t need as many new clothes as we think we do, just new ways to pair our current clothes.

See more flat-out fabulous outfits from these LA fashion bloggers on Chictopia:

We’ve finally got warm weather in Boulder and Denver, so we’re catching up to the rest of you. Enjoy the day!

x Laura

All photos via Chictopia.com

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Oh la Lemon

Posted on May 2, 2013 | 6 Comments
Miroslava Duma in Jason Wu

Miroslava Duma in Jason Wu

J. Crew LemLem scarf

J. Crew LemLem scarf

Miroslava Duma neon sunnies (street style NYC)

Miroslava Duma neon sunnies (street style NYC)

Lemon Verbena Gimlet

Lemon Verbena Gimlet recipe

Miroslava Duma (photo: WDUGT street style) via The Covetable

Miroslava Duma (photo: WDUGT street style) via The Covetable

Sephora Smoothing Body Scrub in Lemon Verbena

Sephora Smoothing Body Scrub in Lemon Verbena

Mrs. Meyers Surface Scrub

x Laura

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Loving: Sweatshirts and Skirts

Posted on April 25, 2013 | 10 Comments

Wearing a sweatshirt with a dressier skirt is one of those artfully casual-but-not-really looks, that appeal to me. A throw-on outfit that manages to be both pulled-together and down-to-earth at the same time. It elevates the sweatshirt out of its weekend rotation and is a nice option for cool days and nights. Check out how these beautiful bloggers have styled their sweatshirt + skirt combos. And it seems to me that this outfit  works for many ages and body types.
Sweatshirt + Full Skirt

sweatshirt with skirt

Blogger Auroran Henkarit via Chictopia

Sweatshirt + Pencil Skirt

Left - blogger Fashion Agony, Right - Made With Fashion, both via Chictopia

Bloggers Fashion Agony, left and Made With Fashion, right, both via Chictopia

Sweatshirt + Short or Long Skirt

Left - blogger Glamgerous, Right - Maria Jernov both via Chictopia

Bloggers Glamgerous, left and Maria Jernov, right, both via Chictopia

Links to these ladies:

Two Cute Options:

Rebecca Minkoff Sleeveless Sweatshirt $198

Sundry Pullover $87

Do you think this works for older women as well or is it better on the under 40 crowd? Being 40+ myself, I’m always curious to hear what you think. Are cozy sweatshirts ready for prime time?

x Laura

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The Goods: Lovely Color (on sale)

Posted on April 17, 2013 | 6 Comments

A quick post to share some goodies that are on sale. I’ve been scouring high-end retailers lately looking for deals and wanted to share this lovely trio of orange / coral items from Shopbop.com. Today and tomorrow (act fast), take an additional 20% off with promo code: WEAREFAMILY13. Lots of cute things over at there if you’re looking for a deal.

Shoshanna, Diane von Furstenberg, Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent
  1. Shoshanna ‘Jodi’ Shirtdress, on sale for $231
  2. Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Tonda’ Crystal Clutch, on sale for $237
  3. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent ‘Fallon’ sandals, on sale for $176

I love getting designer goods on sale, especially when they can be worn right away and all summer long.

x Laura

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Just Read: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore + 9 more

Posted on April 3, 2013 | 7 Comments

Somehow I’ve already read ten books this year and I’m not quite sure how that happened. Must have been a combination of bad TV, wintery weekends, one day nursing a cold, and a couple of plane trips, because that is not normal for me.

The good news is that a few of these books are really good and I’ve done reviews on all of them. My favorites being Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore (fiction), The City of Ember (YA fiction) and Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal Itself (non-fiction, health).

books just read in 2013

Here are all ten books recently read (ordered from top to bottom picture-wise):

  1. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore (smart, techie + old-world)
  2. The City of Ember (YA fiction that is a real page-turner)
  3. Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal Itself (change your diet, change your life. Gwyneth follows this, so there’s that, and Dr. Oz approved)
  4. The Last Letter from Your Lover (right love, wrong timing + amnesia!)
  5. The Curse of the Good Girl (tips for raising girls with high self esteem)
  6. The Runaway Princess (beach read, sort of Bridget Jones meets yummy heir to the throne)
  7. Cesar Milan’s Short Guide to a Happy Dog (naughty dog? reset the behavior + tips for picking the right puppy)
  8. Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future (easy adds to your diet)
  9. The People of Sparks (sequel to Book of Ember, YA fiction)
  10. The Secret Lives of Wives (want to stay married? Anecdotes on longevity)

Click over to 2013 Books and Reviews to see more info and detailed reviews. I’d love to hear what you’re reading and liking. Please tell me what’s good. We all need good books in our lives.

x Laura

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