Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Must Have of the Week: American Eagle Jumpsuit


Springtime is almost here... maybe. I know that's hard to believe when there's still plenty of snow on the ground. I don't know about you but I've been obsessing over jumpsuits lately and I want one so bad. I love the boho vibe they give off and I think they'd look great paired with some gold jewelry, a leather jacket, and a pair of wedges. Unfortunately, I haven't found the perfect jumpsuit for me yet but I do love this one from American Eagle. It's chic and casual at the same time and I think the pattern is great. I'm looking forward to stopping into AE and trying it on! 

Pick this jumpsuit up for yourself here

-BL

Monday, February 17, 2014

Packing Light for February Vacation

For some, today is the start of February break.

A lot of us struggle with packing only the essentials when we go away on vacation (especially myself) and this can be an issue when it comes to traveling. If you're flying you don't want to have to pay for extra luggage and if you're driving you'll have limited space for all your stuff.

To help troubleshoot this common problem I've created 7 outfits made out of only 8 items for a winter vacation.

I know what you're thinking. 8 items can't possibly make a weeks worth of outfits. Don't believe me? Check out these looks.



















When it comes to making the most out of what you're packing here's what to look out for.

Neutrals are important - Choose items that are neutral colors. Black, brown, olive, and beige clothing pieces are the easiest to pair with other clothes.

Patterns and graphics add interest - Without the floral dress and graphic crew neck a lot of these looks would be really boring. Don't be afraid to choose some patterned pieces to go with your neutral items too.

Layering is everything - A denim shirt can become a jacket and a dress can become a skirt or a shirt. When you layer your clothes the options are endless.You'll be able to make countless looks out of the same pieces.

Pick the right shoes - Don't bring a pair of shoes that only look good with one or two pieces. Stick to the basics. A pair of black and brown boots is really all you need. They can go casual or dressy.

Whether you're going away or enjoying a stay-cation I hope you have a wonderful February break!

-BL

For more about the items featured click here

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Smells Like Spirit Week

It's Spirit Week at my school. Each day has had  a different theme and students are encouraged to dress accordingly. Today's theme was Time Warp, where you dress like a certain time period. I went for 90's grunge. This style is completely different from what I would normally wear but I actually really loved the final look. Here's the outcome.





Jacket - Dollhouse (similar)
Flannel - Forever21 (similar)
Jeans - Charlotte Russe (similar)
 Boots - Dr Martens
Ring - Kohl's
Beanie - Forever21(similar)

Does your school have Spirit Weeks?
Let me know in a comment!

-BL

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Must Have of the Week: Betsey Johnson Earrings


Valentine's Day is this Friday. If you're in the market for a fun and festive accessory or a gift then these adorable earrings might be just what you're looking for. Betsey Johnson never fails to design super cute and feminine pieces and these earrings are no exception. Adorned with pink rhinestones, hearts, and bow ties, these cute little bears are perfect for V-Day.

Pick up these earring here.

-BL

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Lauren Designs Team USA's Olympic Ceremony Looks

For more click here.

Making it to the Olympics is a dream for many of the nation’s athletes. There is a powerful association with representing your country and wearing your Team USA gear.

Most Americans who are not athletes live vicariously through Team USA. The Olympics pull the entire nation together and people show their pride in our country.

Everyone wants Team USA to represent the nation's best assets while competing and make the country look as wonderful as possible.

For me, one of the things I always look at during the games is what the athletes are wearing. I want Team USA to look powerful, confident, classy, and All-American.

Personally, I think a team’s uniform says a great deal about their country. It's what people see first about a nation while watching the games at home. So that uniform better be a great representation.

This year, American designer, Ralph Lauren has designed Team USA’s uniforms for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Lauren first won the contract to outfit USA’s athletes in 2008 for the Summer Olympics in Beijing. He has designed the team’s official ceremonial outfits ever since.

His partnership with Team USA was running smoothly until it was discovered that the uniforms designed for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London had been manufactured in China. This information was upsetting to American officials and U.S. senators created the Team USA Made In America Act of 2012 in order to make it a requirement for all USA Olympic uniforms to be officially produced and manufactured in the United States.

Even after this controversy Lauren went on to design for this year’s Olympic Ceremony. His designs are not out of the norm. They include classic Polo shirts which were to be expected along with sweaters, cardigans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and pea coats, all made in the USA.

In my opinion the sweaters look outdated. They are covered with large knit American flags, the Olympic logo, snowflakes, reindeer, and other designs. Looking at one might conjure up the thought of an 80’s Christmas sweater.

The American flag and the Olympics logo are both things to be extremely proud and supportive of but I wish the cardigans and sweaters were just toned down a bit

I have to say the best part of Lauren’s Olympic collection is his pea coat. It’s navy with a single red stripe and features the official logo for the U.S. Olympic Team and Lauren’s signature pony. Overall, very nice. The coats definitely have the All-American look and also a regal and powerful vibe.

I don't really care for the sweatpants that Lauren created for the Olympic ceremonies. Yes, they’ll keep our competitors warm, but for the ceremony a nice pair of dress pants would have been much more appreciated in my eyes.

Lauren designed the Opening and Closing Ceremony looks for Team USA. Nike will be providing the uniforms that athletes will actually be competing in.

Other countries’ Olympic Collections are either hits or misses. France looks clean and modern with minimalistic blazers, pants, and sweaters designed by Lacoste. Sweden’s uniforms designed by H&M give a modern twist to Sweden patriotism. My personal favorite goes to Estonia who’s Olympians will be looking very chic in black and white sweaters, jackets, and hats.

My question and many other's is should Lauren continue to design for Team USA in the future?

You’d think with his popular preppy All- American style that he would turn out the perfect fashion representation for our team, but in some cases I think he went a bit over board. The sweaters are too much but the Polos and pea coats are a step in the right direction. Lauren has been in charge of Team USA’s fashion choices for awhile so maybe it's time to see what someone else can do.

I’d love to see Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Tom Ford, or even Rag & Bone design a collection for Team USA. I think each would bring a cool, modern twist to the preppy style the U.S. is known for.

I can see team USA blazers, collared shirts, and cardigans with each of these designer's spins on them and I think any of them would do a great job.

Yes, I think Lauren’s everyday designs apart from his Team USA collection really show off an Americana look. It doesn't get any more American than a Polo, jeans, a plaid button-up, or khakis. Even his more runway ready looks have a very American aspect to them. They are tailored, classic, elegant, and dignified, all of which describe the USA. I can find pieces on his website from any of his lines completely unrelated to the Team USA Collection that our Olympians would look wonderful styled in.

I don’t have any problem with Lauren designing for Team USA. I think he’s a great fit. What I would like to see is for him to modernize his designs for the Olympics and bring a bit of an edge from his Black Label and other line, Denim & Supply Co. to the pieces.

At the next Olympics I hope to see Lauren fit Team USA in looks that show the unique and classic elements that are shown in The United State’s ever evolving fashion scene.

Check out Lauren's designs for Team USA during tomorrow's Olympic Opening Ceremony.

What do you think of Lauren's designs?
Let me know in a comment!
-BL

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Flappy Bird: Major Fashion Statement?

There is nothing on this planet more frustrating than watching a little animated bird plummet to the ground.

If you can relate to this then you've definitely played a game or two of Flappy Bird. For those who haven't added to the irritations of your everyday life by downloading this game, you've probably heard about it through social media or through a friend or family member's aggravated yells at their phone.

But, is Flappy Bird just the world's most annoying game or is it also the next big fashion trend? You decide.

Check out these fashion picks that resemble your least favorite bird.

For more about the items featured click here.

What's your high score?
Let me know in a comment!

-BL

Monday, February 3, 2014

Must Have of the Week: H&M Top


Celebrate Valentine's Day (or Single's Awareness Day) with this funky graphic crop top from H&M. It features a hot pink kiss pattern that's perfect for V-Day and has the super popular scuba feel material. Pair this edgy but still feminine top with your favorite black high waisted jeans or skirt and minimal accessories for a festive look that isn't tacky. 

Pick one of these tops up for yourself here.

-BL