Five Trends

I have missed blogging more than I thought I ever would and so to kick off my third attempt to really get back into this, I'll start with five trends I'm crushing on.
1. Statement Coats
I'm obsessed with bright bold accent pieces, such as this anthropologie orange trench coat. Perfect to finish off these last few months of cold in Colorado.

anthropologie.com

 2. High Waisted Shorts
I loved high waisted shorts last summer season (shown here and here) as well but I'm especially excited to see them coming back with a bang this year. They're so retro and so flattering!

chictopia.com

 3. Leather everything!
This is an example from one of my favorite blogs Cupcakesandcashmere.com of a leather shirt, but leather has been coming back from dresses to shorts (my friend just got a pair from Free People--so cute.)

cupcakesandcashmere.com

 4. Transparent with Modesty
I love the trend of having transparent shirts and slits, but especially love this example of it being done with a touch of modesty rather than letting everyone see your bra covered by a mesh shirt.

lightinthebox.com

 5. Polka Dots
Polka dots are back everywhere, especially with skirts and dresses. They're fun and a hint vintage and the perfect pattern for summer. (swimsuits anybody?)

thedaybookblog.com

Overall I'm excited about the upcoming trends this season and excited to get back into blogging! I'll be doing my best to post regularly and show y'all what I've been up to. For example tomorrow I'm going to the Miranda Lambert concert and could not be more excited to pull out my cowboy boots!

May the Prada be with you

Leah

Sorry for Sucking

Hi! SO. I am fully aware of the fact that I haven't blogged in....God knows how long. I have been swamped by my Junior year of high school and between six IB classes, violin, tutoring kids, and young life haven't had a spare moment. But I am making the effort and once I figure out a time to regularly take photos I plan on getting everything back up and running.
But my latest fashion obsession has been realized by my obsessive use of pinterest.com (seriously check it out, it's addicting) and that is following my theme this year of androgynous dressing. That means mixing opposites, a guy plaid shirt with skinny jeans and heels, a dress with tough boots, or in my latest delight, denim oversized shirts with ultra girly skirts.

clothes by J. Crew
source: www.lovelyish.com

source: modelcentric.tumblr.com
(I looked but couldn't find the original ad)

What I love about these looks is that they are so cute and feminine and flattering without going your typical sundress or skirt + cardigan way. They allow girls to be chic and girly at the same time. The rough denim shirt also allows for a really dramatic skirt, because with anything else the skirt would be overdone. (boy clothes=getting to wear ultra girl clothes...funny how that works.)
Basically, I'm still searching for a floor length, crazy, beautiful skirt, so let me know if you find one, and am also stocking up on cute denim/plaid shirts for this winter season. Also loving for this season: oversized loose knit comfy sweaters, minimalist chic tanks that will layer perfectly with blazers, and tailored long sleeved shirts with ruffles.
More to come, and sorry for sucking these last months!
p.s. blog is officially one year old. wahoo!

May the Prada be with you

xoxo

Leah

The Key to my Heart

Hello lovies, I'm sorry I've been away longer than I anticipated, but after getting back from Michigan on Tuesday I came down with a nasty cold that I am still battling. So as I sit here surrounded by tissues, cough drops and a nice hot mug of green tea, I will update you on some basics and hopefully be up on my feet and sharing my style again soon.
First of all, I am leaving a week from tomorrow for San Franciso where I will be for the next six weeks. Hurrah! As excited as I am, I'm a little stressed...okay maybe a lot. My To Do list is page after page, and with so many people to see, places to be, and goodbyes to say before the "Big Day", the task of packing for a month and a half is increasingly daunting.
However, even with the craziness and head cold I did squeeze in time to shop and came across the book Style by Lauren Conrad.

If you haven't looked at this book, you should. I've read the first bit and it already has helped me with two realizations. 1) I should start buying more versatile pieces to maximize possible ensemble combinations. 2) Packing will be made easier with said versatile pieces.
The first chapter focuses in key pieces and after some thinking I narrowed down to a few key things that I absolutely need for San Francisco.
The first:
My anchor cardigan from Urban Outfitters.

I literally pair this with everything. It's comfy and light enough for warmer days, but also has long sleeves for cool evening. And it goes with everything without being bland or boring.

Second comes my Franco Sarto pump sandals

They're surprisingly comfy and have a great pattern to them. I wear them with nearly everything and of my collection, they rank first when it comes to likelihood of being able to wear them walking the streets of SF without feeling like my feet may fall off.

My Urban Outfitters long white skirt

SO comfy. I wear it all the time and it looks great with simple tshirts as well as structured blazers, in addition to being a neutral color, making it so I can wear it anytime....admittedly it's hard not to wear it twice a week. It will also be nice to wear a feminine skirt during some of the colder days of SF weather since the skirt is long and has thick fabric.

My oversized white button up

Stolen from my moms closet and far to big for me, this shirt is perfect for belting and pairing with anything from skirts to denim for a classic look. It's easy and simple and timeless.

Also while shopping today I snagged some totally adorable espadrille wedges from Aldo that I've been dying for since they're so summery (and will complete a boho look I'm working on for y'all)

Much love, hoping to be back to normal soon!

As always, keep it classy and may the prada be with you!

xoxo

Leah



Top It Off

Browsing through my closet this afternoon in leui of some warm weather tomorrow, I realized that my summer dress department was well stocked, however I largely lacked tops for the season. Super bright, verging on neon tops are a must for this spring, as well as some sheer fabric which can be made less scandalous with a tank top or...a bandeau! American Apparel has some great ones that I am looking forward to inspecting. Finally, to complement that great stock of sundresses, I am in dire need of a great blazer. This is my most urgent mission and will hopefully be completed this weekend!

(From left to right starting at the top)

1. Upper 5th | Upper 5th Cindy Cardigan  $84 {Love: bright pink color, great femininity and bows}

2. Descending Sun Top, modcloth.com $65 {Love: sheer fabric perf for hot summer days, warm shade}

3. Elizabeth and James James Xi Contrast Collar Jacket $545 {Love: The standout white color and versatility-it will def go with anything}

4. LANDON Blazer, theory.com $385 {Love the cleanness of the white and once again will go with anything}

5.Francis silk-chiffon blouse Erin Fetherston, theoutnet.com $119 {Love: The silk chiffon material, the great big bow and high neckline and the flowiness}

6. Oversize Stripe Dolman, delias.com $25 {Love: the stripes in neon (love nautical too but a unique twist is always fun) and the longer hemmed end}

7. (3-Pack) Cotton Spandex Ruched Front Tube Bra, $45 American Apparel {I LOVE BANDEAUS}

8. Yellow Pocket Front Blazer - River Island $56, riverisland.com {the 3/4 sleeves and bright yellow color to brighten more neutral dresses}

Happy Monday to all, and to all a good night!

-Leah

Shall We Go for a Stroll

Lately the weather in here in Boulder Colorado has been thouroughly pleasant, however, particularly in the months of March and April the weather can change quickly, and is most definitley not the promised 70 degrees until past noon. However, being one who simply revells in the adornment of dresses, I often bear the shivering and chattering of teeth until the sun peeks out. But, also being resourceful, I've brainstormed a compromise. I feel that an addition of a scarf to dresses can be a stylish way to warm up your shoulders and add another layer to a cute dress.
Hello adorable ruffles! And very versatile...I'm not sure I can come up with many dresses at all that you couldn't pair this with, and nice and light fabric so that if it heats up you won't suffocate from heat.

Nordstrom
Accessory Street Sheer Ruffle Scarf
$42

 I really like the adorable floral pattern that could add a focal point to a more plain dress.

ShopRuche.com
fresh bouquet floral scarf
$13.99

 This I actually saw on a clip of Gossip Girl this afternoon while channel surfing and I really loved it. The crystal work at the bottom is beatiful and kind of reminds me of my last design. Also a more classic scarf look.

Valentino
Fringed Crystal Cashmere Scarf
$380
(Found at Bergdorf Goodman)

 Scarves also seem to be popular for head accessories as well, which I for one fully support. It's nice to be able to wrap up hair, especially when it's long and thick, during hot summer afternoons. While I'm aware it's not Summer, I'm daydreaming of it constantly.

Urban Outfitters
Cooperative Conversational Print Oblong Scarf

 Not a scarf, but still very adorable and perfect for spring to warm up your frigid shoulders in sleeveless dresses. I also love the crocheted look (very popular this season) and it gives me a nostalgic vintage feel.

Anthropologie
Shadow-Spun Capelet
$198

Hope everyone's having a breezy week!

-Leah

True People and Free Religion

I decided that for the upcoming seasons involving warm weather that fully permit dresses everyday, I would like to find less feminine jackets to rough up a super feminine dress. Paired with some killer heels, and I will be set. So browsing Free People and True Religion I found some possible dress/jean jacket combinations that I would love to wear if I only had $400 to spend on one outfit. Sigh, at least good inspiration for browsing the more affordable stores.

Parisian Bouquets Halter Dress
Free People
$128

 I like the halter and the fun print that seems to completely encompass Spring itself, and let's be real, who doesn't want a Parisian inspired dress?

Solid Lace Neck Dress
Free People
$98

 This fuels my love of lace and all it's class, and I've also been very intrigued by high necklines lately. I think it's nice that fashion is taking a turn away from the scandalous and bare-it-all mentality.

Summer Flora Dress
Free People
$168

 This has an eclectic vintage feel that I adore. Also feeling the off the shoulder sleeves. I kinda of like that it isn't a super organized dress, and it makes me feel like I would really enjoy skipping in it because of the feel it gives. Odd, but if I feel like skipping in a dress, I know it's a winner.

Womens Emily Western Jacket
True Religion
$196

The jacket is classic, dark wash, fitted and would look good with a dress, particularly the halter one is what I'm thinking. For the Flora dress I would probably pick a denim vest, but I'm really tired and have a lot of tests so I'm going to just leave that to y'alls imagination rather than find a new picture.

Is anyone else so ready for Spring Break? (2 more days!!)

-Leah

Puttin On My Shades To Cover Up My Eyes

With sunnier days quickly approaching I've been looking into another pair of sunglasses. I'm pretty particular and usually just stick to what my friends refer to as my "bug eye" sunglasses. It is accurate to say I like oversized shades, but hey I think they're classy and I've been hooked ever since I was twelve and a sales associate at Sunglass Hut showed me a pair from Prada. Even then I was a little fashionista! (I didn't buy them since most twelve year olds dont get $300 allowances.)



My babies that I've had since last year from Nordstrom
(photo from last year)



Now though, while I will still frequent my bug eyes, I'm looking for a pair or two extra since I often misplace things right when I most need them, and it would be nice to have some variety.

I like these Forever XXI aviators and actually had a pair I lost last year. However, they're wonderful because I usually hate how I look in aviators, and yet, the cheapest pair I've ever tried pleases me more than even the couple hundred dollar pair I tried on for fun once. And you can't complain about affordability.

Forever XXI
F0806 Sunglasses
$5.80

 I think the bow on these is so adorable and definitely something I would wear. I think Urban has some really great sunglasses overall right now, so I'd recomend checking them out if you're in search as I am.

Urban Outfitters
Adorn Bow Wayfarer Sunglasses
$14

 I love the retro twist on these, and that they come in fun colors rather than your typical brown or black and I think they're very summer appropriate. They make me reminisce of vintage beach babes and driving in a convertable in the sun.

Nordstrom
Lacoste Eyewear Retro Strip Square Sunglasses
$128

 This is me reverting to my love of big shades but I think the shape is unique and they're simplicity is refreshing and chic.

Burberry
BE4077
$190

 I'd love to hear what you think of these and what sunglasses are on your list of must haves! I've really appreciated the comments in the last week and they've made my week!

 Hope y'all are having great weekends and looking forward to sunnier days!

-Leah

If the Shoe Fits, Buy It!

This last week I was given a surprising treat-shoe shopping with my mom. Normally I am required to pay for all my clothes and outings with my monthly allowance, but my mom made an exception due to her dismay at how much I wear my Gianni Bini booties. It is true that for some time I have been sorely hurting in the shoe department and besides my new brown sandals, haven't purchased any shoes in a year, not because I don't like shoes, but because shoes are expensive, and generally I just buy a couple pairs before the start of school and hope they last through the year. Most of them did not this time, and so my mom took the reins and drove me over to DSW. I am pleased to say that my mother supported my obsession with high heels, and helped me find two cute new pairs, as well as a pair of black flats that I've been needing since I listed them in this post. 

Lexie Sandals by Tahari

Sadly, it will be a little while till I can wear my new heels. I'm already not supposed to wear heels before my tennis season starts because it tightens your hamstrings, and just today while hitting I slipped and hyperextended my hamstring. While I'm letting it heel I will be sticking to flats like the ones I purchased.


Kelly & Katie Lexee Ballet Flat

 My mother mostly approved of my selection, but was not happy that I didn't find new black heels or booties to wear in place of Gianni Bini's. She requested I find some as soon as possible. As much as I love the Gianni's, they've acquired some serious stains from snow and slush that is unavoidable in Colorado, and it's doubtful they'll make it through next winter. However, in order to increase the lifespan of my shoes, my mom has come up with another proposition that thrills me! If I practice violin (which I've been neglecting because I'm so swamped in homework and tennis) for ten days a minimum of half an hour then she will be me a new pair of shoe. Her theory is the more shoes I have, the less I'll wear each one adn the longer they'll last. I'm guessing this is a limited time offer because she's not going to buy me very many shoes, but I'm excited about the prospects of a couple new pairs before summer! Here are some that are high on my list:



Urban Outfitters
Cooperative Peeptoe Woven Wedge
$98
(Possible Gianni replacement?)



ShopRuche.com
elise lace-up ankle booties in taupe
$79



Chinese Laundry
Heart Throb Platforms

$70

Hope all of your weekends are off to a good start!

-Leah

Dying for Denim

As shown by yesterdays post, I recently acquired denim pumps, and am deeply in love with them. They have also sparked an interest in denim, with more and more of it appearing now. I think if you do it the right way, denim is classy and so versatile since it goes with everything. I prefer deeper hues and less grainy textures. Here are a couple of my favorite denim items out there:

Farinaz
Rapture Washed Denim Tunic
$69

 Denim tunic-want sooooo badly. I think it'd look stellar this summer with some messy hair tied back with a ribbon. I know, specific.

Charlotte Rousse
Tube Denim Button Front Romper
$26

 Rompers are wonderful as they are, and a denim romper would exponentially increase my love of them.

Stella Mccartney
Ink Lace Embroidered Denim Dress
$795

 I love that this denim dress doesn't have any reminiscence of those dowdy country ones we so often think of. It's modern and the embroidery at the hem adds that feminine touch. And the following skirt is another example of a modern take on a denim piece!

At the Break of Dawn Denim Bow Tie Skirt
ShopRuche.com
$35

And now for a couple more denim pumps I adore:

Yves Saint Laurent 'Tribtoo' Denim Platform Pump
$795

Christian Louboutin Greissimo Denim Knot Pump
$875

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week. And if not-halfway done!

-Leah

Just a Little Suspense

Doing some browsing on the Urban Outfitters sight I found a skirt I fell head over heels for! So vintage, so chic and very original.

Urban Renewal Chambray Suspender Skirt
$49

 Loving: the buttons all the way down. The defined band around the waist. The unique color.
Then doing a little more research, here are some other suspender skirts I'm dying to add to my wardrobe.

Breanna Lee Ignorant Little Girl Suspender Skirt in Floral
on sale for: $86

 Love: the floral print. The big pockets. The corset style torso and higher neckline. The feminine feel.

Beny & Hizzin High Waisted Suspender Skirt
$60

Love: the modern look. That it can go with anything. The oversized buttons and over all classy appearance.

Cotton Pink Lolita Suspender Skirt
$30.99

Love: the vintage feel. The full skirt. The very bright pink. The rouching on the skirt.
And a little addition to this, is this amazing corduroy blazer also at Urban. So vintage and versatile. I would probably wear it with a suspender skirt or suspender shorts.

Urban Renewal Vintage Curduroy Blazer
$48

Hope y'all are having a super classy week!

-Leah

Open Back

On a nice little shopping trip last weekend I gave in and started buying spring clothes, fully aware that warm weather is not anywhere close here in Boulder, Colorado. And while most of what I bought will be revealed in a few months, I did fall madly in love with a few items that had open backs.

O'neill Nautical Mile Dress $40
didn't buy but planning to soon
Pac Sun

 I love that this isn't your typical open back and the overlap/triangular shape.

Kirra Open Back Bustier Tank $25
Pac Sun
I bought this

 Here are some things I'd love to try:

Thanks a Bunch Romper $37.99 Modcloth

Lucca Couture Open Back Dress $69

 Love this, so vintage and adorable and classic. I also like the shape of the back of the dress.

Hope everyone's having a good week

-Leah