Category Archives: Inspired By

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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Posted in Fashion, Inspired By, Street Style, Style, Trends

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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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Posted in Fashion, Inspired By, Shopping, Street Style, Style, Trends

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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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Posted in Fashion, Inspired By, Sportswear, Street Style, Style, Trends

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Inspired by: Ancient Moors

Posted on November 11, 2012 | 30 Comments

Stepping out of my comfort zone here with this colorful and bold print. But hey, the orange and very, very deep navy just made me happy. In the grey and cold days ahead, I think its cheerfulness will be a welcome sight.

Odval cardigan and jeans

Tabitha ‘Odval Cardigan’ – Anthropologie (still available), T-shirt – LOFT, Black jeans – Levi’s Curve ID.

The pattern on this cardigan reminds me of the Moorish tiles that decorate the Alcazar in Seville, Spain. Many years ago, my husband and I went on a self-guided trip of Spain and Portugal. This was pre-marriage, pre-kids, pre-Part 2 of my life. After spending a few days in Madrid (which we loved), we took the fast train to Seville, which is one of the quaintest cities I’ve seen. Seville had an intimate feel, with winding cobblestone streets, vibrant neighborhoods and old ladies sitting on their balconies.

There we went to the Alcazar, which roughly translates into castle. It was originally built as a Moorish fort when the Moors had a foothold in southern Spain, but was later turned into a royal palace by the ruling Moroccan dynasty. It remains a shining example of mudejar architecture and the tilework at the Alcazar is awe-inspiring with riots of color, intricate patterning and masterful craftsmanship. It’s probably a huge stretch that I relate this cardigan with an important World Heritage Site dating back to the 10th century, but fashion often follows art, architecture and nature — maybe this is one of those times.

Tilework at Alcazar, photo: wikipedia

Photo via Flickr

I’m linking up with Patti over at Not Dead Yet for Visible Monday.

Also, linking up with Nicole for Monday Mingle over at Momtrends.

Have a great day!

x Laura

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Posted in Fashion, Inspired By, Style, Travel

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Made the Trees Rustle

Posted on November 6, 2012 | 9 Comments
Made the Trees Rustle

It’s not this cold yet (thankfully), but as the leaves shake and drift from the trees, we know that it’s coming. Inspired by winter trees, this frosty vignette features many ‘Just Arrived’ pieces with opposites-attract style pairings.

  • Minimalist black & white top + ornate Bohemian accessories
  • Country cozy knit sweater + Ladylike structured handbag
  • Rocker print top + DIY-esque colorful scarf (with coordinated nails)

Which one do you gravitate toward?

For shoppers: The tri-colored structured handbag is only $98 and is looking significantly more expensive than that, don’t you think? Most items are less than $400 and click-able if you’re looking for more info.

x Laura

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Posted in Fashion, Handbags, Inspired By, Sportswear, Trends

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