The Science Fair

Casual Sunday

2012-01-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

{Mavi jeans, Steven Alan button down, Mac and Jac jacket, Better Than Cashmere scarf, Forever21 oxfords and bracelet, Michael Kors watch}

Hi, all! Hope you're having a wonderful, lazy Sunday!

Vintage+Neon

2011-12-20T22:08:00.002-05:00

{Vintage blazer, Gap tank, Mavi jeans, Forever21 heels and studded bracelet, vintage clutch and bracelets, Micheal Kors watch, Macys wrap bracelet, ring—unknown}

Over the years, I've become quite good at deciding within one trip around a vintage or thrift store whether there's anything I need to take home with me. What I have not perfected, however, is deciding how I'd like to wear an item once I've actually gotten it home. Case in point: this very yellow vintage blazer I purchased well over a year ago. Though I liked it instantly, almost every time I put it on I felt it was too preppy, too grandma, or just too...yellow. As my vintage collection continues to expand, I'm learning to rely on modern accessories, like studded bracelets and metallic bags, to keep things feeling current. Red lips never hurt, either.

Double Duty

2011-12-05T23:38:00.001-05:00

{David's Bridal dress, vintage sweater, Zara pumps, Gap clutch, Forever21 bracelet, earrings—purchased from a street artist in NYC}

I've been in a lot of weddings. I'm talkin' like ten or more so you can only imagine the number of bridesmaid dresses I have amassed over the years. Recently, I got to looking at all of them—lonely and unworn in the back of my closet—and thought about how each dress had been chosen by the bride in hopes that I'd one day be able to wear it again.

So, I thought I would.

My tips for getting some use out of a bridesmaid dress once the big day has passed:

• Experiment with different dyes (you can find some good ideas here), and when in doubt, remember— black is always a good option.

• Have your dress shortened to a more desirable length. I've found that most bridesmaid dresses are a bit longer that what I find myself wanting to wear on a day-to-day basis.

• Hack the top off your dress and alter it into a skirt. Some of my most commonly worn skirts were once dresses.

• Don't want to commit to anything? Throw a sweater or jacket over a strapless dress like I did here.

A Christmas of Firsts

2011-11-28T23:18:00.000-05:00

{DIY candlesticks via the Centsational Girl}

The Holidays have always been, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. Though I'm older, to me, the holiday season will forever be that feeling I got when I rounded the corner at my grandparents' house (Nanny and Pepaw) to see that the old Santa Clause with the punched-in nose was finally lit up. It's carefully unwrapping ornaments to hang on our tree and listening to my mom tell the story behind each and every one of them. It's those moments of anticipation when Christmas morning had finally arrived and my parents would make us wait to come out of our bedrooms until my mom had put on a pot of coffee and dad had gotten out his video camera. This is the first Christmas that my family and I will spend without our sweet Nanny, which will be hard, but I know I have memories of Christmases past to get me through the season. And as the first Christmas my boyfriend and I will spend together as a "living in sin" couple, I can't wait to decorate our apartment and start some traditions of our own. Here are some of my favorite Pinterest images that are inspiring me as I get into the holiday spirit.

{Martha Stewart }

{Via Better Homes and Gardens}

{Country Living}

{Martha Stewart}

Hidden Gem

2011-11-15T22:43:00.000-05:00

{Vintage dress, thrifted vintage vest, vintage clutch, DIY sequined belt, Jessica Simpson platforms}

I’ve had this vest for about two years now. At only 25 cents, I was powerless to resist such a deal (that’s practically free!) even though I knew in the back of my mind it would likely end up alone and unworn in the back of my closet.

Which it did.

I recently rediscovered my lost leopard treasure while frantically searching for something to wear after not having done laundry for a while and have since been incorporating it into my wardrobe on an almost-weekly basis.

Funny how that happens.

Morning Sparkle

2011-10-30T20:28:00.000-04:00

{Target Dress, Gap Jacket, Forever21 boots and belt, vintage bracelet, Michael Kors watch}

I once believed that all things sparkly should be reserved for nights on the town. However, I recently wore this sequined Gap jacket to work and found myself in a much “brighter” mood than what is normal for me at 7am. Officially a daytime sparkle convert, I fully plan on incorporating as many sequins as possible into my fall/winter wardrobe.

Gettin' Crafty

2011-10-25T21:35:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure what it is, but there's something about the onset of cooler weather that sends me into a DIY frenzy. Here are a few of the projects, like this rustic jewelry display, that I've got my eye on to keep me busy while the cold weather keeps me indoors. How do you battle fall/winter-related cabin fever?

{I love the idea of using something from the hardware store to make something pretty, like t his hex-nut bracelet}

{ I've had my eye on this rainbow cake for years and plan to attempt a gluten-free version in the future}

{While it may be a bit ambitious (and dangerous!) of me to think I could tackle a project like this one, I think this tin headboard would add the little "somethin" my all-white bedroom needs.}

{I adore these paper garland necklaces and am thinking of using some of my vintage fabrics to create a fabric version}

Roadside

2011-10-11T20:08:00.002-04:00

{H&M tunic, American Apparel leggings, Zara pumps, Buji Baja scarf—Threads of Blue Ridge, Michael Kors watch, Forever21 bracelet}

I probably stress over what to wear when traveling more than any other occasion. When on the road or in the air, my goal is always to be comfortable without looking like a shlub. But try as I might, I've never gotten it quite right and generally either arrive at my destination feeling embarrassingly under dressed or overly cranky after spending hours fidgeting with an uncooperative (and probably inappropriate) ensemble. For once, I think I may have hit the nail on the head when I chose these faux leather leggings and long tunic for my road trip to Montgomery, Alabama for a friend's wedding. I'm a firm believer that, when in doubt, black and white is always a good choice. Fun accessories, like this rabbit fur scarf and gold studded bracelet keep things feeling polished.

What's your go-to look when traveling?

Lunchroom Nostalgia

2011-09-29T00:34:00.001-04:00

{Thrifted vest, Mavi jeans, vintage tank, belt, and bag, Zara pumps}

Did you ever have those "clean out the lunchroom" days when you were in high school? I know you know what I'm talking about. You could always expect them in the days leading up to school being released for Christmas or summer break. During this time, the lunchroom ladies would serve super random food combinations like tacos, macaroni and cheese, cranberry salad, and mini egg rolls. They usually attempted to get rid of the strawberry milk at this time, too. As much as it didn't really make sense—you didn't hate it.

This outfit is sort of like my fashion version of that.

After being in New York for a week, I came home to Nashville just long enough to dirty up some more clothes and pack my suitcase for another week away. In need of something to wear to an "I won't see you for while" dinner with my boyfriend, this outfit was born from my closet rejects.

Crazy Dog Lady: Outfit Post

2011-09-27T01:41:00.003-04:00

{Zara shirt, thrifted Gap shorts, DIY scarf (made from old sweater—tutorial coming soon!), vintage clutch (The Family Jewels-NYC), Forever21 oxfords, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Bing Bang heart pendant, Micheal Kors Watch, vintage bracelet}

I relentlessly began begging my parents for a puppy during my freshman year of high school. While they would have loved a family dog, we hadn't had the best luck with animals in the past due to a coyote problem and couldn't stand the thought of getting attached to another animal only to have it one day disappear. To pacify my need for a furry companion, I told myself I'd get a dog upon college graduation, but I've been out of school for a little over three years now and have yet to live in a space large enough to take on an energetic puppy. Luckily, my boyfriend is just as dog-obsessed as I am, and we do what we can to get our fix. Most recently, we attended Dog Day (an annual event hosted by the Nashville Humane Association) to support our nephew dog (yes, I said nephew dog), Franklin, who was participating in the Cutest Dog Over 40lbs contest. Although Franklin didn't win (he is a beautiful Boxer/Italian Mastiff mix), he's certainly a winner in our eyes and went home with lots of treats to celebrate his big day!

{Costume contest winners! I fully plan on doing something this ridiculous one day.}

{I would like to snuggle up with a good movie and this dude.}

{I haven't been able to stop thinking of this little guy. His owners discovered he was deaf and decided they didn't want him anymore. I would have taken him home if he hadn't been promised to someone else—look at hat face!}

{The one and only, Franklin}

{Sweet baby!}

New York Changes Everything

2011-09-22T18:19:00.000-04:00

{Forever21 dress, Frenzi cropped top, Guess lace-up wedges, Ray-Ban sunglasses, vintage necklace, DIY bracelets, bag-unknown}

These photos were taken the day before I left for my first New York Fashion Week. Filled with so much excitement, I never got around to posting them. Now, as I attempt to get settled back into Nashville living, I can't help but feel forever changed by the friendships made and experiences had in the Big Apple. My first NYFW was certainly special, and I hope with all my heart it won't be my last.

Speaking of change, every couple of years I begin to toy with the idea of cutting my hair. Nothing too drastic (I doubt I would ever get up the courage to go above the shoulders), but just a change. I probably won't go through with it (I never do!), but I'm really liking the color and cut Katherine Power's sporting here. Thoughts?

Hope you're all having a great week! I'm heading home to my parents' house this weekend to spend some much-needed girl time with my mom while my dad is out of town on business—I can't wait! What are your plans?

Goodbye, Big City

2011-09-21T03:04:00.002-04:00

I don't know where to even begin to properly thank Nokia and Elle for making my first New York Fashion Week a reality. As I write this, I am almost moved to tears just thinking of it all. I can't tell you how much I wish I could board another plane to do it all again.

When I found out that I was being afforded this grand opportunity, my goal was to use the NokiaN8 and other tools to enhance what I focus on most with my blog—the writing. You see, first and foremost, I am a writer. I also happen to love fashion. Despite my best efforts (and as the type of person to not easily let go of an assignment), I found it difficult to document my experiences as quickly as my mind and heart wanted to.

I'll never forget a moment of this trip—from my first Fashion's Night Out and frolicking the streets with Ricardo, Barbro, and Bonnie to interviewing Samantha Black and winning the last challenge— I feel forever changed. I have a sneaking suspicion New York City has that effect on people.

Thank you Nokia and Elle (specifically Prima, Katie, and Momma Bear Meg) for, well, everything. And thank you to all my new friends, Ricardo, Bonnie, Barbro, Isabelle, Julie, Jessica, and Cindy for just being you.

There are no words.

•A bit of the big city, captured throughout the week on my NokiaN8.

How Could I Forget?

2011-09-21T02:30:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to mention our vintage challenge! I've always heard amazing things about the vintage shopping in New York, so I was really excited when we were given an assignment to scour the city in search of a complete vintage look... with only $100 to spend. Barbro was the winner of this challenge, with her awesome sequined jacket and strappy sandals! Head on over to her blog here to see why!

Here's a little video I captured and created on my Pink NokiaN8 of my vintage journey!

Nearing the End

2011-09-21T02:12:00.002-04:00

{Gap tank, vintage leather shorts, blazer, necklace, and clutch, Bamboo booties}

I tried to steer away from personal outfit posts during my trip to NYFW, as wanted to concentrate all my attention on the events going on around me, however, I felt compelled to share this particular set of photos, which were taken the day before I left New York as I exited the 3.1 Phillip Lim show. So happy for all that I had experienced and so sad to be leaving the city, this day left me cycling through a plethora of emotions, ultimately ending on a high note when I was named the winner of our third challenge!

For the challenge, entitled "The Classics," each of us were given a simple black cotton dress which we were asked to customise in our own "classic" way. We had a $100 gift card to complete this challenge.

In the end, I hacked the top of my dress off at the banded waist and sewed it up the back to create a pencil skirt—I knew I packed that travel sewing kit for good reason! It wasn't quite tight enough, so I ended up tying the excess fabric in a knot and securing it with a rubber band—classy lady. Wanting to keep a simple color palette, I paired my creation with a black and white polka dotted shirt and a pair of Zara pumps. To add a bit of color (I can't help it!) I added a red leather bow, which I used to pin up one side of my hair.

It was a happy day!

Photos in this post were taken for me by my sweet friend, Ricardo.

Beginning the Day With Petra

2011-09-21T02:02:00.000-04:00

"Eventually, if you work hard enough, you meet someone who believes in you,"-Petra Middelthon

Have you ever met someone you find yourself completely in awe of? That's how I felt when I sat down to breakfast with Petra Middelthon, Fashion Director of Elle Norway.

I've been obsessed with the magazine world since a young age (I talk a little more about this in my post here), but have never gotten a behind-the-scenes point of view from someone in the business. Petra, who began her career at a magazine called Top Hair, is a living, breathing example of where hard work and dedication can take you. Early in her career, when she began working as an assistant stylist, she continued to work as a bartender and housekeeper just to make ends meet.

With her stance now solidified in the fashion world, Middelthon advises that magazine publishing is not for those who just like a pretty picture, but rather that to be a part of it, it must be your lifestyle. She fondly recalls of the times in which she hauled her children to photo shoots, and admits that while it's difficult to balance motherhood and work, it can be done.

After only speaking with her for a short time, I admire her greatly. I hope our paths cross again.

Anna Sheffield Bridal & Commitment Collection

2011-09-21T01:57:00.001-04:00

It's safe to say that I am jewelry designer and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominee Anna Sheffield's new biggest fan (you can read about the first time I met her here), so I was thrilled when she invited my fellow bloggers and me to check out her most recent line, the Anna Sheffield Bridal & Commitment Collection, prior to its official public presentation to be held the following evening in the Empire Suite of the Standard Hotel.

Using feathers, black sand, and sugared roses to showcase her work, Anna labored all night to create each display, paying just as much attention to the details of her displays as she pays to the jewelry she creates.

Staying true to the Southwestern upbringing that heavily influences her Bing Bang collection, Anna uses everything from moonstones, rubies and rutilated quartz to Mexican fire opal, black, white, champagne, and antique diamonds in her engagement rings, wedding bands, promise rings, and anniversary pieces. Each design is set in either 14k white, yellow, or rose gold.

As someone who finds most engagement or celebration rings to lack character, the Anna Sheffield Bridal & Commitment Collection feels really special. My personal favorite? A rose-gold diamond solitaire placed upside down in its setting.

{From $500 to $25,000, the Anna Sheffield Bridal & Commitment Collection appeals to every budget}

{The view outside the Empire Suite}

{Gifts for the party goers}

{Anna}

{My favorite ring!}

{Love the details of her presentation}

3.1 Phillip Lim: Model Mania

2011-09-20T23:12:00.002-04:00

There was a certain tension in the air as I waited for the 3.1 Phillip Lim runway presentation to begin. Whether it was out of excitement for the show to begin or having barely made it on time, all was lifted when the first model, in head-to-toe sherbet heaven, stepped foot onto the runway. As the models, like little soldiers, weaved back and forth for the audience to admire, I fell more and more in love with the collection, which managed to feel both feminine and masculine, minimal and elaborate, all at once.

{Models, models everywhere!}

{A nice take on the little black dress}

{So effortlessly cool. I want to be a Phillip Lim girl}

{I adore all the oversized bags}

Red Carpet Induced Jitters

2011-09-20T22:35:00.002-04:00

On one of our first nights in New York City, the Nokia+Elle Search for the Next Style Correspondent contestants and I drew names to see what Style360 designer we'd be interviewing. I was thrilled to be assigned to women's clothing designer, Samantha Black (she used to work for Alexander McQueen!) and immediately began preparing my questions for her.

Well, I wasn't the only one excited to see what Samantha had up her sleeve. On the day of her runway show, it was a mad house backstage where I waited to speak with Samantha. Because of all the chaos, my interview was pushed until after the show, which meant I'd have to conduct the interview on the red carpet...in front of everyone—something this small-town, southern girl has certainly never had to do! Despite my initial nervousness (and some not-so-nice camera men who were not happy to have my face in their shot), I managed to hold my own and loved getting to know more about Samantha as a designer. I'm so, so thankful to have had the opportunity, as I have no doubt the experience will be invaluable in the years to come.

At what age did you know you wanted a career in the fashion industry, particularly as a designer?

I knew by the age of 16 that I wanted to be a designer. I spent most of my time drawing and painting and apparel design appealed to me because it felt like another way for me to express myself.

What or where did you look to for inspiration when dreaming up this collection?

I really looked back to the 1970's for inspiration but wanted to use that inspiration in a modern way. I was interested in using a lot of color, but it was still important to me for the collection to have a vintage tone.

Do you design with a specific girl in mind? If so, what is she like?

I design with a girl like myself in mind. My designs are often a mash up of all the things I love.

How would you explain the differences in your two lines, Sammy B. and Samantha Black?

Samantha Black is a more detailed and sophisticated collection while Sammy B. is wild and fun—no rules apply.

Through research, I know you worked for Alexander McQueen. Tell me a little bit about that experience and how it has influenced you as a designer.

Working with Alexander was amazing. He always did exactly what he wanted when it came to his designs and that's how I try to approach my work.

What do you like to do in your spare time to get your "creative juices" flowing?

I still enjoy painting and drawing and am also into photography. I play basketball, too!

{Solange Knowles, who performed before the Samantha Black runway show}

{Love this blue!}

{My favorite piece from the collection}

The Ladies Behind Sachika

2011-09-20T20:54:00.001-04:00

{A few of my favorite looks from the Sachika Style360 runway show}

To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika, more commonly known as the "Sachika twins," were born in Paris and grew up among a large family of artists and business owners, so it seemed only natural when they made the move to New York City a few years ago to pursue their true passion: fashion design.

Inspired by their idea of the "modern woman," Sachika's designs—in all of their tight-fitting glory—are not for the modest woman. While I am not particularly drawn to their recent collection, I do admire the creativity and passion that I can tell is behind each look.

Want to know more? Check out my friend Bonnie's interview with the Sachika twins here.

So Classic, So Ladylike, So Carolina

2011-09-20T19:38:00.002-04:00

I can't even begin to adequately describe what it's like to witness this type of beauty first hand.

Carolina Herrera's Spring 2012 runway presentation during NYFW= fashion heaven.

{Carolina herself—what a classy lady!}

A Dose of Inspiration

2011-09-20T19:06:00.001-04:00

While waiting in the long line for Custo Barcelona, I noticed a very stylish young man with some very interesting accessories. Particularly curious about his shell "bow tie," I started up a conversation with him and learned that he actually made this piece himself!

Between preparing for a fashion-filled week in New York and getting settled in as Nashville resident, most of my creative projects prior to NYFW had been put on hold. Sometimes, I find it's the little, unexpected things, like this "bow tie," that can free you from a creative rut—all you have to do is take a look around.

All That Glitters...

2011-09-20T18:27:00.003-04:00

Perhaps it was the gilded light of The Plaza Hotel, my lack of breakfast, or the fact that I was attending my first major fashion show, but Thakoon Panichugul's Spring 2012 RTW runway presentation completely took my breath away. The saturated colors, the attention to detail, the prints—each look was perfection wrapped up in a neatly-styled little package. While it wasn't completely apparent to me what the design influences were behind this collection, Thakoon once again managed to achieve a balance he is well known for—effortlessly combining in-your-face prints and colors in simple, easy-to-wear shapes.

Ghostly.

2011-09-19T19:52:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, I think if I weren't such a messy person, I'd make everything around me white. Furniture, bedding, walls, bookshelves—I feel like life would be so much simpler if my living space were completely devoid of color in a chic-meets-insane asylum sort of way.

However, as a person who always incorporates color into her wardrobe, this all-white obsession has yet to influence my choice of clothing —until recently. While in New York last week, I had the chance to see the bebeBLACK Style360 runway show, and I must say, I was impressed! Having not purchased anything bebe since an overly-bedazzled bikini my sophomore year of high school, I wasn't sure what to expect. Overall, I loved the sweet detailing and impeccable styling of each look and feel that every item in this collection was just unique enough to appeal to a wide variety of women.

Come Spring 2012, you may see me in a whole lot more white. Nicely done, bebe!

Better Luck Next Time

2011-09-19T17:43:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, Avril Lavigne joined the long line of celebrities-turned-fashion designers with her self-described "rocker-chic influenced" collection, Abbey Dawn. Having been present for the debut of Abbey Dawn Spring 2012 during New York Fashion Week, I would like to be able to at least praise Avril for her effort, but I'm not even sure this collection warrants that. In fact, to say that Abbey Dawn Spring 2012 left a lot to be desired would be a serious understatement.

Who is the Abbey Dawn girl? Well, judging from the most recent runway presentation, I would say she closely resembles that of a prostitute-in-training. With runway looks by the name of "Champagne Room Dress," "Music is My BF Tee," and "Flamingomelon Dress," yes, "Flamingomelon,"I'd say it's time for Avril to grow up, put on a happy face, and give up the angsty teen act. What's her age now? Oh, yeah, 26.

I acknowledge that this collection is meant to appeal to a younger girl and that this plays a big role in why it doesn't appeal to me, but I must say, I would promptly demand my daughter to change clothes if she were to try and leave the house in something like this. Perhaps if each look had been styled differently, the overall effect might have been slightly more appealing.

On a positive note, I did find the shoes to be fairly interesting. I might even wear the studded loafers pictured at top if they showed up on my doorstep label less and alone. And even then, it's a pretty big maybe.

{The Kardashian sisters showed up to support their kid sister, who was in the show}

{The best look of the bunch, in my opinion}

{what?}

Style360+Boy Meets Girl

2011-09-17T23:08:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Elle, Style360 gives up-and-coming designers and brands a voice during fashion week. This year marked Style360's 10th year of runway shows and celebrity-hosted parties and featured designers from Avril Lavigne and Samantha Black to Sachika and bebeBLACK.

I had the pleasure of attending several Style360 runway shows during New York Fashion Week and even got the chance to interview one of the designers (more to come later) myself.

The first Style360 show I attended, Boy Meets Girl by Stacy Igel, was a bit crowded (good for Stacy, not so good for my blog!) so I wasn't able to capture the best photos. Want to know more about Boy Meets Girl? Head on over to Barbro's blog to check out her interview with Stacy.

Following the show, I attended the Boy Meets Girl after party hosted at Avenue, a chic, vintage-y bar that makes you feel as though you've been transported to another time. I had fun mingling with the other Nokia and Elle Search for the Next Style Correspondent contestentants—definitely a nice way to end a busy, fashion-filled day!

{Boy Meets Girl model}

{Another time...well, minus the computers}

{Oh, to be as cute as Cindy!}

{All photos taken with my NokiaN8!}

My, How Time Flies!

2011-09-16T16:25:00.000-04:00

I love meeting new people, but I'll admit, I wondered what it would be like when eight people from eight different countries came together for New York Fashion Week. I assumed we would meet the first night and warm up to one another as the week progressed, but I couldn't have been more wrong! Instantly upon meeting, it was like most of us had been friends for years! I already miss my new friends so much!

Here are some photos from the first few days of our trip. Throughout the week, we were given several challenges to complete, the first one being a street style challenge (shot with our PinkN8, of course!). Julie, Ricardo, and I headed off to Lincoln Center, where we were met by many stylish people. At dinner, we presented our work, and Ricardo (you can see his photo post here) won the challenge! It was well-deserved!

{Challenge 1 winner: the stylish and talented, Ricardo!}

{Me, before heading out on the day's mission. I was also mistaken for a hooker this day. Win some, lose some, right?}

{One of my street style photos. This lovely girl was in NYC covering fashion week with Tumblr. A sucker for vintage, I loved the shape of her leopard skirt.}

{Double trouble}

{On the steps of The Met}

{Goodnight, Big City!}

It's Good to Be a Girl

2011-09-16T13:46:00.000-04:00

I love makeup (I think I'm just a sucker for the cool packaging) and have a ton of it (you can see a post I did here), but I'll be honest, I'm not the best at applying it—especially eye makeup. So when the Nokia girls told us we'd be taking a trip to Blue Mercury on the Upper West Side to have our makeup done before our first Style 360 show, I was ecstatic! There, I met makeup artist Rexana, who said she was wanted to keep my red lip color and take inspiration from my outfit (I was wearing this vintage orange skirt) for my eyes. Ultimately, she decided on grey/brown eyes and added a bit of bronze/orange to make things pop. While I would have never picked these colors on my own or applied them in the way that she did, I was really impressed. I wish I had my own personal Rexana every day! Oh, and Blue Mercury sent us home with some pretty awesome goodies (I may have to buy a new suitcase to fit everything from this week!), as well as a gift card, which I used to purchase a pretty Nars nail polish and blush.

{Heaven!}

{Loved their flower arrangements!}

{Good things come in small packages}

{The lovely and talented, Rexana}

{In the process}

{The beautiful Barbro's makeup look!}

{Dolled up and ready to go!}

*All photos taken on my NokiaN8

My Anna Sheffield Original

2011-09-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

Wondering what I took home from my visit with Anna Sheffield? I chose a deep purple heart pendant and added a rose-gold axe. Salty and sweet, just the way Anna likes to keep things.

*photo taken on my NokiaN8

WeSC

2011-09-12T13:21:00.001-04:00

So much has happened in the last few days that I don't even know where exactly to begin, so brace yourselves for a post overload as I try to catch you up on all of the wonderful things going on here in the Big Apple!

In my previous post, Spotlight: Anna Sheffield of Bing Bang, I spoke of Anna's recent collaboration with Swedish clothing company, WeSC. The Nokia+Elle bloggers and I got the chance to meet with the lovely Danielle Krasse, WeSC's Public Relations and Web Manager, who gave us a tour of the WeSC concept store in SoHO and told us a little bit about the company and their recent collaboration with Bing Bang. We even got to take home a few items for ourselves!

WeSC, which stands for We Are the Superlative Conspiracy, first gained attention by their sponsorship of underground artists and musicians, especially those with ties to the skateboarding world. While those influences are certainly evident in the collection, the brand still appeals to a wide customer base.

Danielle also invited us to attend the Fashion's Night Out event at WeSC where they were premiering a video showcasing the WeSC+Bing Bang collection (you can watch it here, if you'd like). Overall, it was an amazing first (and hopefully not my last!) Fashion's Night Out!

{Before heading inside the WeSC concept store}

{I want to steal everyone's shoes on this trip! Well, except maybe for Ricardo's, since he's a dude and all}

{Gettin' down: FNO at WeSC}

{The lovely Emilie, who was featured in the WeSc+Bing Bang video}

Spotlight: Anna Sheffield of Bing Bang

2011-09-10T12:48:00.003-04:00

I recently had the chance to visit jewelry designer Anna Sheffield of Bing Bang in her chic-meets-rustic downtown New York studio, and let me tell ya—what a treat! Anna is not your average jewelry designer. As a self-described "hippie from New Mexico," she never planned to pursue a career in the fashion industry, and in fact, it wasn't until she found herself in need of a birthday gift for her mother that she set out on her first jewelry-making adventure.

With a background in welding and sculpture (pretty awesome, huh?), Anna's unique design perspective has garnered much attention, affording her the opportunity to collaborate with numerous designers and brands, including Marc Jacobs, Phillip Lim, Urban Outfitters, Target Go International and most recently, Swedish streetwear company, WeSC (check back soon to learn a little more about WeSC).

When designing, Anna draws inspiration from her Southwestern upbringing and keeps to the same "salty sweet" aesthetic, working primarily with sterling and brass chains, mixed metal finishes, and small amounts of turquoise, pearls, or Swarovski crystals.

Incredibly warm and inviting, Anna is the kind of person you meet and instantly feel at ease with. Not only did she answer every single one of our questions (there were a lot!), but she also invited my fellow bloggers and I to customize our own piece jewelry, which she then put together for us. In a city that can chew you up and spit you out, it's so nice to see good things happening for good, kind people.

{My favorite piece from her new collection. Such a beautiful and unique ring}

{Picking out our charms}

{Hard at work}

{My fellow Nokia/Elle Magazine bloggers and I+Anna}

To learn more about the awesomeness that is Anna and Bing Bang, visit the Bing Bang website here.

Day 2: N8 Sneak Peek

2011-09-09T02:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Fashion's Night Ou t, everyone! Here's a quick Nokia N8 peek at what I've been up to today. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the whole story. A little suspense never hurt anyone...muwahahaha!

For now, I sleep. Goodnight!

And So It Begins...

2011-09-08T03:29:00.001-04:00

When you're a child, hoping and wishing and dreaming for big things comes pretty naturally. It's like there's a certain confidence built into us at a young age that makes it seem as though almost anything is within reach if you just work hard enough. As we get older, though, those aspirations can begin to feel less attainable and eventually fall to the wayside in favor of something more realistic, or essentially, what will pay the bills.

I've been there. But this year, I started dreaming again.

From the time I flipped through the pages of my first fashion magazine (it was Teen, I was 11, and I snuck and bought it without my Mom's permission) and realized there are people out there who are able to combine fashion and writing as a career, I've wanted that job.

I've often imagined what a day like today would be like, but even as the lights of Times Square creep through my hotel window, I find I have to remind myself that I am here, and this is actually happening to me.

Here is a look at today's journey to what already feels like a dream come true:

{Waiting and ready at the Nashville International Airport}

{NYC Bound}

{My first glimpse out my hotel window}

{Setting out on my first solo NYC adventure—this primarily consisted of me walking in circles around Times Square}

{I can't describe to you how happy I was in this moment}

{I may have overdone it}

{Dinner at the Bryant Park Grill with Bryan Boy, Erika and Marissa from Elle, and the lovely ladies with Nokia—so nice to finally put some names with faces!}

{My NYFW tool kit}

Daytime Basics

2011-09-05T00:42:00.002-04:00

{Vintage striped shirt, Forever21 trench, Gap jeans, Kimchi Blue pumps, vintage clutch, Kohl's necklace}

I'll be honest. I've yet to pack a thing for my trip to New York Fashion Week with Nokia and Elle Magazine. I've been so overwhelmed with excitement thinking about what I'll get to write about, what shows I'll be attending, and finally meeting my fellow blogger friends, that I've put packing on hold for a bit.

If all else fails (and because I certainly can't go naked to NYFW), I figure I'll rely on what's always worked for me in the past: a pair of ladylike pumps and a fun trench— the perfect daytime look for running around the city.

NYFW Wish List

2011-09-01T15:08:00.000-04:00

Steve Madden Gretta Platform

Between the loss of my precious grandmother (or 'Nanny' as we call her), planning a bridal shower for my best friend, and settling into a new city—the last month and a half of my life has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. And after recently receiving some (good!) news, it doesn't look like it's going to settle down any time soon.

I'M GOING TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK WITH NOKIA AND ELLE MAGAZINE!

To be a finalist in the world-wide Nokia and Elle Magazine Search for the Next Style Correspondent competition is a dream come true. I can't wait to cover NYFW along with seven other bloggers (you can meet them here) that I've come to very much admire.

In honor of the exciting news, this week's wish list focuses on items I'd love to pack in my NYFW bag, like these berry-colored platform mary janes.

{I imagine this little Zara dress best paired with a fun blazer in an equally-as-cheerful color}

{A good journalist is never caught without a notebook on hand. This green one from Anthropologie is both fashionable and functional}

{Loving these long, dreamy skirts from American Apparel, especially in this sea foam green color}

{I've been searching for a trench for quite a while. This one from Zara meets all my requirements}

{I'm completely obsessed with this spotted turban and believe it would add just the right amount of color to help me stand out in the NYFW crowd}

Nokia+Elle: Help Me Get to the Big City!

2011-08-16T14:19:00.002-04:00

Hi, friends! As you may know, I'm a semi finalist in the Nokia+Elle Magazine Style Correspondent Competition and recently submitted my portfolio (see post prior to this one) as the final step of the contest. Tomorrow, they announce the eight participants who have been selected to cover New York Fashion Week.

If you like what you see and wanna help a girl get to the big city (I've been told Facebook "likes" will play a part in who is selected) you can "like" my entry here.

I appreciate the support, as this competition has become so very important to me.

Thank you times a million,

Laurren

Nokia+Elle: My Style Portfolio

2011-08-09T16:35:00.017-04:00

Hi, I'm Laurren

Almost two months ago, I came across this video about Nokia and Elle Magazine's Search for the Next Style Correspondent Competition and submitted the above photo for consideration (it came from this blog post). Only having had about a year of blogging experience under my belt, I didn't have high expectations of making it to the second round of this world-wide search.

Well, I did make it to the second round where I was then asked to explain in 250 words why I should be sent to cover New York Fashion Week. This is what I had to say:

"Growing frustrated with writing about too-gross-to-mention-here health-related topics (I previously worked as a writer in healthcare publishing), I created The Science Fair to escape the monotony of my everyday life. After receiving some encouraging blog feedback, I accepted a management position at an upscale clothing boutique. Now, a year later, I am a months way from moving to Nashville, Tennessee to work as a full-time stylist. What I've learned? Taking risks is sometimes the smartest thing you can do for your career. While the likelihood that a girl from Blue Ridge, Georgia will be selected to attend New York Fashion Week and perhaps even become Nokia and Elle Magazine's Style Correspondent is seemingly slim, I can assure you that, if chosen, this factor will motivate me to work even harder than someone who might have seemed a more obvious choice for the job. Bottom line? I will not disappoint. Despite my urge to use this space to list all of my qualifications—from writing experience and technological savviness to a knowledge of designers and genuine love of meeting new people—I'll keep it simple: I have an overwhelming desire to combine the two things that interest me most—fashion and writing—in a way that makes the fashion world not only accessible to the industry at large, but also, that small-town girl, much like myself, who wants to connect to a world that feels far removed from her own."

Now, ecstatic to be a semi-finalist in the company of so many bloggers that I admire, I've created this portfolio so that you, and the folks at Nokia and Elle Magazine, can get to know me a little better.

In my portfolio below, you will find that I chose to document my first week in Nashville, Tennessee, as I thought this approach might offer some insight as to how I might document a fashion-filled week in New York City and convey to you why I should be afforded this wonderful opportunity.

I feel honored to be a part of this competition and have had such a great time working on this project. I hope you enjoy it!

A Little About Me

Sherbet-Colored Surprises

To me, there's nothing worse than the process of moving from one city to another. While I'm all for new beginnings, I have an aversion to most moving-related tasks, such as driving long distances, saying goodbye, lifting heavy objects, practical shoes, climbing stairs, and most of all...sweating. Which, in the currently one trillion degree Nashville heat (okay, more like 100-degrees), is unavoidable.

The one redeeming quality of the whole moving process? Finding lost treasures! I hadn't thought about this dress in over a year (in fact, I was certain I had lost it) until my best friend and one saint-of-a-woman, Nora (she helped me pack up all my stuff), found it shoved into the back of my closet. I love when this sort of thing happens because it makes a regular day feel like my birthday, or Christmas, or some other awesome, present-filled holiday.

Overjoyed, I decided to wear my "new" dress while running some errands. It might not have been the most appropriate outfit for buying paint, establishing electric accounts, and having keys made, but at least I felt good, right?

{Forever21 linen dress, Sbicca wedges, Vintage belt and jewelry (Collective Clothing, Chattanooga, TN), Ray-Ban sunglasses, Olsenboye bag, Michael Kors watch}

On Foot at NYFW

Nothing can ruin a designer-shoe induced high faster than foot pain. If you're not likely to give up those extra inches any time soon (don't worry, no one blames you), try these tips to ensure you are able to navigate NYFW in style, because let's be honest, there's nothing chic about band-aids or blisters.

Get the Right Fit. Did you know that 88 percent of women wear shoes that are too small for their feet? While it can be tempting to try to squeeze your foot into a pair of two-sizes-too-small-but-on-sale designer shoes, making sure your shoes fit properly can make a world of difference in how your feet feel at the end of the day. Not sure how to get the right fit? Remember this: your shoes should be snug (but not too tight!), and shouldn't allow for any movement forward or backward, as this type of friction is what creates painful blisters.

Cushion Your Step. Silicone foot pads (the ones that feel like jelly) are a great investment for your highest heels, as this type of padding works to reduce the shock often felt when running or walking. They will, hands down, become a staple in your wardrobe.

Take a Break. Flats can be chic, too! Ditch those heels every once in a while and your feet will thank you.

Thicken Up. Thicker heels and wedges improve your balance and overall stability by distributing your weight more evenly. Need to chase a cab? This is one trend you'll be glad you decided to embrace.
{From left to right: Forever21 lace-up wedges, Jessica Simpson pumps, Forwever21 leopard wedges, Aldo pumps, Gap wedge sandals, Sbicca wedges}

New Traditions

I could spend hours and hours roaming thrift shops, flea markets, etc., so I was thrilled when my boyfriend suggested we spend my second day in the city at the Nashville Farmer's Market. Not one to go home empty-handed, I found this cute hat and a little cactus, which I'm hoping (if I don't manage to kill it first) will become part of a small outdoor collection.

What could be better than the Nashville Farmer's Market? The Nashville Farmer's Market in the fall—I can't wait!

{Vintage skirt, top, and jewelry, vintage Gucci watch, Sbicca wedges, purse and sunglasses—unknown, hat—Nashville Farmer's Market}

A Day with Avindy

It is my steadfast opinion that everyone in the entire world should have their wedding photographed by my friend, Julia Robbs. Every time I look at one of her photos (you can visit her blog here), I feel as though I've been transported to some kind of magical fairyland where everything is beautiful and super awesome. So, obviously I responded with an emphatic 'yes!' when she asked if I wanted to be a model in the lookbook she was creating for Atlanta jewelry company, Avindy.

I'll admit it, prior to the photo shoot, I didn't know a whole lot about Avindy. Sure, I'd seen their stuff before (they've been featured in almost every major magazine), but I had no idea what was behind this mother-daughter duo. Merging their passion for beautiful, unique objects, Avril and Cindy Joffe rely on an eclectic mix of materials—from diamonds and semi-precious gemstones to antiqued sterling sliver, gold vermeil and one-of-a-kind beads—to create their nature-inspired jewelry.

Even more inspiring? As business has increased and Avindy has garnered world-wide attention, Avril and Cindy have both been able to leave their jobs as attorneys and business-owners to pursue their passion full-time. Oh, and to top it all off—you won't meet anyone nicer than these two women.

To learn more about Avindy, visit their website here.

{The beautiful ladies behind Avindy}

Facing NYFW

When I was in college, it wasn't unlike me to roll out of bed, throw on a t-shirt and jeans, toss my hair into a messy bun and head out the door. On exam days, however, things were different. You see, I've always been a believer that if you look and feel your best, you'll perform better. So, every time I had an exam coming up, I'd carefully pick out what I was gong to wear the night before (usually a dress) and get up a little earlier so that I could take more time with my hair and makeup.

Here is a look at my favorite, tried and true products that are sure to keep me looking (and feeling!) my best through NYFW.

1. I'm not always the best at picking out complimentary eyeshadow colors so I love kits like this one from MAC. All of the purple-grey colors in this palette work beautifully together.
2. I've been searching for the perfect matte pink lipstick for what seems like years now, so you can imagine my excitement when I finally found one—Lancome's Pink Preview.
3. Over the years, I've tried other foundations thinking I might find something I like better, but without fail, I always revert back to Bare Minerals. My tip for a great foundation finish? I Layer Estee Lauder's Shimmer Powder in Gold Pearl over my Bare Minerals—it instantly brightens up my complexion.
4. Nothing works as a better primer for my collection of MAC eyeshadows than the Paint Pot in Painterly by MAC. A friend of mine introduced me to this product and I've been hooked ever since.
5. Day in and day out, I rely on Lancome's Hypnose mascera in brown, Lancome's Le Stylo Waterproof eyeliner pen in bronze, and Benefit's High Brow pencil (especially when I haven't had time to wax my eyebrows) to keep me looking well-rested.
6. Quick and easy, Almay's eye makeup remover pads are the best I've found. I love the smell of Caudalie's Nourishing Body Lotion and Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray is my most recent obsession.
7. If I'm not wearing Lancome's Pink Preview, you can bet I've got on #R06 by Sephora. It's a beautiful orange-red and lasts forever. Another plus? It's cheap!
8. Bathina Body Balm by Benefit is luxury in a tin can. I keep one with me at all times.

Past to Present

I have great admiration for fashionable women of the past. Eadie Sedgwick, Marlene Dietrich, and Greta Garbo are all incredibly inspiring to me and have certainly had a hand in shaping my personal style and the things I love. And while I doubt anyone would argue that these women were influential, there is one thing that they (and many Hollywood stars today) lacked: accessibility.

What I think I love most about the direction in which the fashion industry seems to be headed, is the number of incredibly stylish bloggers and industry workers who have become style icons in their own right. Personally, I am continuously inspired by Joanna Hillman, Katherine Power, and most recently, Blair Eadie (this outfit post was inspired by her), and find these women to be just as influential as some of the women more commonly recognized as fashion icons.

{plaid shirt—stolen from my boyfriend, American Apparel shorts, vintage scarf, shoes, and jewelry, Gucci watch}

Nashville+Nokia: Street Style

1. Molly O'Rourke, 25, server/inspiring stylist
What is you favorite Nashville shopping spot? Savant Vintage Couture
Is there one designer or store you feel best represents your personal style? I love everything Chloe Sevingy.
What is your most treasured item in your closet? My vintage floral halter dress.

2. Ann Cooper, 25, graduate student/taco slinger
What is your favorite Nashville shopping spot? I love the variety of vintage shops Nashville has to offer and tend to do most of my shopping there.

Is there one designer or store you feel best represents your personal style? As far as designers go, I would wear Zac Posen every day of my life if I could. I would also describe myself as a grunged-up Anthropologie.

What is your most treasured item in your closet? Right now, my black canvas wedges that I seem to be wearing with everything and a bicycle charm necklace that is also a clock.

3. Meghan D'Amico, 24, yoga instructor/musician
What is your favorite Nashville shopping spot? The Nashville Flea Market

Is there one designer or store you feel best represents your personal style? I'm really into the rock 'n' roll Dolce&Gabbana stuff.

What is your most treasured item in your closet? A long, copper necklace a friend of mine found on a local college campus and my black lace-up combat boots.

An Unlikely Pair

Growing up, I managed to lose or destroy every single pair of sunglasses I've ever owned. Understandably, this made me little reluctant to spend the money on anything nicer than what you might find at a Target or Forever21. Almost five years ago, I was given these white Ray-Bans as a birthday gift, and have managed to hold onto them ever since. Despite being reminiscent of 3-D glasses, I still truly love them, and hope I'll be able to keep them for years to come.

{Old Navy dress, Target shirt, Forever21 wedges, vintage belt and bag, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Michael Kors watch}

The Hip Zipper

As I've mentioned in previous posts, there aren't many things I love more than browsing through vintage/thrift shops. Excited about exploring all the vintage shopping Nashville has to offer, I decided to document my quick trip into The Hip Zipper using the Nokia N8. Enjoy!

Daytime Sparkle

This dress pretty much meets all of my ultra-girly requirements with its sheer layers, low back, and chevron-striped sequins.

{Urban Outfitters dress, Forever21 ankle boots, purse—Christmas gift from my mom}

A Rainy Day with the N8
Sometimes, I secretly wish for rain so I can wear outfits like this:

{Forever21 shirt, BB Dakota skirt, Gap trench, Khol's necklace, rain boots—unknown}

Downtown Daydreamer

Whether you've read my blog before or are just stopping by for the first time, you may have noticed that I can be a bit of a daydreamer. Most of the time, I'm thinking about the things that may come with one day owning my own home, such as decorating front porches, finding the perfect puppy, and claw foot bathtubs. But since entering the Nokia and Elle Magazine Search for the Next Style Correspondent Competition, most of my daydreaming has centered around what it would be like to attend/document New York Fashion Week. What will I wear? Will I fit in? How can I avoid overpacking? What will I wear? What will the weather be like? Will I make any friends? How much are you supposed to tip a cab driver? What will I wear?

While I'm obviously having some trouble deciding what I might wear, I do know one thing that would certainly come with me to NYFW: my vintage Gucci watch. A good friend gave it to me the week before I moved as a birthday/going away present and I pretty much haven't taken it off since. As I continue to get settled in, I'm sure there will be instances where my new city will feel a little lonely. To me, this watch serves as a nice reminder of home and all the love that's there.

{Vintage skirt, BCBG Max Azria shirt, Gap wedge sandals, vintage bag and jewelry, vintage Gucci watch}

Summer Magic

2011-06-26T22:40:00.001-04:00

{Forever21 skirt and jacket, Frenzii cropped tee, vintage flats, turquoise necklace—stolen from my mom}

I’ve passed by this little jumble of trees about a million times and each time I’ve wanted to hop out of the car and frolic through them. On our way to dinner the other day, the sun finally made its way out (it had been raining all.day.long.) right as we were driving by. I took it as a sign.

Downtown Bravery

2011-06-21T21:06:00.003-04:00

{DIY dress, thrifted belt and clutch, Forever21 shoes, Kohl's necklace, Michael Kors watch}

Every year, a week-long music festival known as "Riverbend" takes over my city. Although I think it's wonderful that we are able to offer this sort of thing, it makes it almost impossible to get anywhere or do anything non-festival related. In years past, my friends and I have avoided the downtown area all together, choosing instead to enjoy the festivities (I could hear the music outside my old apartment!) from the comfort of our own backyards. This year, however, my boyfriend and sweet sister-in-law were both randomly able to come into town, and instead of hiding out, we decided to get right in the middle of all the chaos by attending a non-Riverbend event going on downtown (anyone ever heard of Jesco White? Yeah. He was in Chattanooga). Despite the closed-to-traffic streets, being completely overdressed, and the twenty mintues of my life wasted on locating a parking spot, the fun we had was well worth the trouble. Hey, next year I might even brave Riverbend itself!

psssh. Who am I kidding?

Oh, yeah! And as far as fashion stuff goes, this is easily the least expensive thing I've ever worn. The dress is actually the lining of a dress my mom was planning to throw away. I ripped it out and then hacked off the length and voilà — a new dress! My belt and clutch were each less than a dollar and my necklace was no more than three buckaroos. The shoes (which I fondly refer to as my 'Spice Girl shoes'), are from Forever21—and at no more than $25—are the most expensive thing I'm wearing. I win!

A Little Color/Effort

2011-06-20T16:58:00.000-04:00

Mac & Jac shirt, Forever21 DIY cut-off shorts and turban headband, Express earrings, Vintage bracelets, shoes, and belt (all vintage clothing and accessories from Collective Clothing, Chattanooga, TN)

Haven't been putting very much effort into my appearance lately, as I've been waking up significantly later than normal (my best friend is visiting from South Dakota!). So when I managed to get up at a normal time this past Saturday, I decided to take full advantage of the extra time on my hands by experimenting with this poufy updo—a nice way to fancy-fi an overall casual look.

In My (Opening Ceremony) Dreams...

2011-06-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

To say that I love this Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony blazer would be a pretty sizeable understatement. Perhaps it has a less expensive but equally as colorful cousin?

Counting Down

2011-06-08T22:31:00.002-04:00

The last few months have been very exciting to say the least. Dear friends have gotten engaged. Another has a sweet baby girl on the way. First homes are in the process of being purchased, wedding dates have been set, and dream jobs have been accepted. With big things happening in the lives of almost everyone I love (and with only two months to go before my move to Nashville), I'm trying to soak up as much as I can of what's going on around me before it's time to leave. I started with my trip to the beach and look forward to a summer spent with my sweet, sweet family and friends.

{Whatever this was, it was D-lish.}

{Never got up the courage to do this. Next time...maybe.}

{Heterosexual soulmates}

{Crazy Pete was...interesting. He had a tip jar to "support alcohol research" in the area.}

{Beach Love}

{Is it time to go back yet?}

Second Chances

2011-05-29T22:36:00.002-04:00

{Miss Me shorts, Old Navy tank, Top Secret bralet, Forever21 wedges, Michael Kors watch, vintage ring, earrings, and necklaces, sunglasses-given to me by my best friend}

Priced at a mere $6, I was powerless to resist these shorts. However, after getting them home, I realized they were a little more "voluminous" than I remembered them being when trying them on in the store. Determined to get some use out of my purchase, I paired them with a form fitting top in an attempt to balance out their fullness. Mistake. To my dismay, I ended up looking like I was trotting around in a giant chambray diaper (extremely attractive, I know). At the end of the day, I banished them to the back of my closet, hoping to never cross paths again.

It wasn't until I was running late and in need of something to wear to dinner with my boyfriend's parents that I decided to give them another try. This time around, I opted for a loose tank in a similar color and piled on gobs of my favorite vintage gold jewelry to make things a little more interesting. Ahhhhhhhhh, much better.

Wednesday Wish List

2011-05-25T00:00:00.009-04:00

Yesterday, I returned from a much-needed vacation with some of my closest friends. In the past, reentering the "real world" following a vacation has been a difficult adjustment for me. The harsh reality of all there is to catch up on after missing several days of work typically makes me more anxious than what I find a vacation to be worth. This time, however, things were different (although I wouldn't entirely object to being thrown back on the beach for another week or so), and I'm so very glad I was able to go. Ultimately, I came home feeling refreshed, confident, and excited about the all that is to come—the perfect dreamy mindset for my Wednesday Wish List.

At the top of my list this week? A pair of coral canvas platforms by Alexandre Birman, which I could see myself pairing with...well, pretty much everything.

{Round (and affordable!) sunglasses from The Cobra Shop}

{A fun alternative to my current cutting board. This one is from Fine Little Shop}

{Cotton candy inspired maxi skirts from Planet Blue.}

{A set of chairs similar to my friend Kristen's (you can check out her blog here). She has the BEST taste and was recently featured on Design*Sponge for her chair makeover}

I Need a Tan, Part 2

2011-05-17T19:05:00.001-04:00

{BB Dakota Skirt, Antonio Melani blouse, Forever21 belt, Michael Kors watch, Dylan's Candy Bar bracelet, vintage owl pin, thrifted ballet flats}

Every time I wear this skirt I feel like I'm dressed in some sort of modern day I Love Lucy costume, which I'm not ashamed to admit is exactly what I look for in an outfit from time to time. But why is it that a skirt of this kind always manages to stay put when you're walking down the street alone, but never fails to fly up as soon as you pass by a massive group of construction workers? I spent most of the day asking myself this question.

As for "I need a Tan" parts 1 and 2, I leave for the beach in less than 48-hours! Although I plan to slather on obnoxious amounts of sunscreen, I do hope to come back with a little bit of color. Fingers crossed. Also on my list? Finding the perfect dolphin-adorned airbrush t-shirt. I'm not even being the slightest bit sarcastic.

I Need a Tan, Part 1

2011-05-14T19:21:00.002-04:00

{Topshop shirt, Mavi jeans, Goorin Brother's hat, Sbicca wedges, Michael Kors watch, Dylan's Candy Bar bracelet, vintage necklace and bracelet}

While I usually prefer to wear dresses or skirts (I find them to be more comfortable), sometimes you just can't beat a great pair of jeans and a breezy top—especially when you're going to be in the car for a while. I wore this recently when my boyfriend and I took a mini road trip home to see my mother for her birthday. On our way, we decided to take a little detour and ended up at this boat ramp, which was practically deserted. I'm thinking this would make a perfect little future picnic spot. mmmmmmmm, picnics.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. These cheap little shoes by Sbicca have been amazing. I've worn them more than I can count and they've held up very well. They may even be my favorite thing in my closet right now, and I never choose favorites. Bravo Sbicca, bravo!

Wednesday Wish List

2011-05-11T00:25:00.000-04:00

With my upcoming move to Nashville in August, I've initiated a major spending freeze in order to save money. This leaves me with a lot of free time to daydream about the damage I would do if I weren't putting myself through this horror. And so begins my Wednesday Wish list!

Toying with the idea of using a turquoise chandelier to offset what I hope will be an all-white apartment (our future place is currently a very hateful coral color). I especially love this one from Shine by S.H.O.

I've been searching for a set of (affordable) Lucite chairs for years now but have never been able to find anything even remotely in my price range. I adore these acrylic ones (especially the honeycomb detail) and imagine them best paired with a rustic, almost-broken-down farmhouse-style table. yum.

Despite what this color will look like with my red hair, it seems that almost everything I've been drawn to lately clothing wise has been orange. I think this Zara dress would be the perfect foundation for all of the wild color blocking I've seen in fashion lately.

A step above the terrariums I made out of plastic soda bottles in elementary school, these DIY terrariums found at Ruffled (intended to be used as wedding favors) would be a welcome change to the heaping mass of bills, photos, and other not-to-be-forgotten-but-almost-always-forgotten items covering my refrigerator.

Long Overdue

2011-05-06T20:52:00.003-04:00

{Vintage Neiman Marcus tank, Gap pants, Forever21 heels, New York & Company bag, vintage bracelets, Ray-Ban sunglasses}

My lack of posts lately hasn't been due to a lack of interest, but rather, a week-long power outage. As tornadoes ripped through the south last Wednesday, I spent the majority of the day in a dirt basement playing Connect Four by candlelight with my very brave 7-year-old neighbor. While my family and friends are all safe, many in the surrounding areas were not so lucky. My heart aches for those who have lost.

These photos were taken the weekend before the storms hit when I traveled to Atlanta to be fitted for the dress I'll be wearing in my best friend since 7th grade's wedding. Although we've spent the last eight years in separate cities (she chose to go to college in Georgia, I headed off to Tennessee), we never fail to pick up right where we left off. I wish more things in life came so easily, especially in light of recent events.

Love+Work

2011-04-20T23:06:00.018-04:00

When I first created my blog, I was taken aback by how frequently I managed to stumble upon lifestyle/personal style blogs littered with images of its creator making out with a significant other rather than supplying content related to the blog's suggested purpose. Yes, I see you are in a relationship. I'm sure he's a catch. While I believe everyone should do with their Internet space as they please, I made a mental pact with myself to keep the gushing at bay and only make mention of my relationship when it directly applies to the topic at hand. This post may bend the rules a little bit, but here we go:

My boyfriend recently asked me to style a fast-approaching photo shoot (you can check out his website here. I think he's pretty rad), and I agreed without hesitation, immediately excited at the prospect of adding to my in-progress portfolio. Then, knowing that creative minds can sometimes clash (much less two creative minds in a relationship, yikes!), I started to feel a tad hesitant. What if he isn't happy about something but doesn't speak up just to spare my feelings? Luckily, my anxiety regarding most things in life typically vanishes as quickly as it comes, and I'd say all in all it turned out to be a pretty good day. Hope you enjoy!

Photo: Dustin Lane, HMU: Jill Clark, Model: Kelsi Holt

Prevention

2011-04-15T11:23:00.033-04:00

I'm not one of those people who spend a lot of time agonizing over what to wear each morning, however, when I have an event to attend, it can be an embarrassingly different story. I find that dressing for weddings in particular--whether daytime, evening, indoor, or outdoor--are especially difficult and almost always end with me frantically running out the door feeling cranky and looking disheveled. Determined to break this cycle (and with several weddings to attend in the coming months), I've already got my eye on a few things, like something similar to this mustard yellow dress (this one is actually a child's dress), to get me through the (wedding) season.

1. Yellow Bow Dress-Elias&Grace

2. 22-karat Gold-Plated Bib Necklace-Kenneth Jay Lane

3. Suede Envelope Clutch-Topshop

4. Platform Pump-Christian Louboutin

Thawing Out

2011-03-17T23:23:00.000-04:00

For as long as I can remember, I would have said that I preferred winter weather to the hot, sticky summers we have here in the south. Well, times have changed my friend! After what seemed like the longest winter of my life, warmer weather may finally (fingers crossed) be here to stay. From the abundance of brightly colored dresses arriving daily at Frankie and Julian's (the clothing boutique I manage) to the sound of laughter echoing from the park, signs of spring are everywhere! These are just a few of the things making me giddy as the seasons begin to change:

Running into a best friend without making plans

Finding the perfect shade of matte pink lipstick (Lancome's Pink Preview)

All things Corey Lynn Calter, particularly this printed dress

Long walks across this bridge

Finding thought-to-be-lost treasures

Googly-eyed

2011-03-15T23:35:00.002-04:00

While in Nashville recently, my friend Lauren invited my boyfriend and I over to her place for a little dinner party. Almost immediately upon my arrival, I noticed an unsuspecting touch: Lauren had turned googly-eyed glasses into napkin rings and placed them at each setting. There was something super fun (and a bit creepy!) about enjoying one of the best meals I've had in a long time while wearing these beauties. As someone who can become overly-stressed when planning (or, at times, even attending) a gathering of any sort, this serves as a nice reminder of what's most important—having fun!

Googly Sangria

Googly Gentlemen

Googly Fun

Googly Love

Hostess Gift

Lovely Lauren

Year After Year

2011-03-08T21:06:00.005-05:00

[Gap shirt, vintage blazer, Mavi jeans—available at Frankie and Julian's, Chattanooga, Tn, Forever21 boots, vintage necklace and bracelet, Michael Kors watch, gifted ruby ring]

As an annoyingly meticulous packer (I organize everything I'm going to wear on a trip several days prior to leaving), I rarely deviate from wearing outfits exactly as planned; however, I was left to improvise this weekend when I headed to Nashville and the weather took a turn for the worse. You see, every year, after weeks of beautiful Tennessee weather, the sun will inevitably disappear for a period of time, leaving me cold, cranky, and ill-equipped to dress myself for such moody weather. Ever-so-thankful that I brought along this vintage blazer, it turned out to be a wonderful weekend filled with much-needed laughter and fun.

Little Things

2011-03-04T20:08:00.004-05:00

Addison Pitcher

Over the last year or so, I've made it a priority to try and meet up with friends every weekend for brunch. What began as a way to ensure I actually got to spend time with loved ones (I was working a very stressful job and had become a bit of a hermit) still remains the highlight of my week long after starting a new job.

Last Sunday, my sweet friend Melinda hosted brunch at her house instead of the usual Sunday spot. It was such a lovely, lovely day, filled with delicious food and lots of laughter. Aside from spending the day with great company and eating french toast for the first time in over a year (I have a gluten allergy), Melinda's attention to detail—from the cute little cream and sugar pitchers to the strawberry-rimmed mimosa glasses—made the day extra special.

As a bit of a daydreamer, I spend a lot of time thinking about things that may come along with one day owning my own home, such as decorating front porches, finding the perfect puppy, and claw foot bathtubs. Thanks to Melinda's Sunday extravaganza (our "brunch" ended up lasting 6.5 hours), I've most recently become obsessed with hosting the perfect brunch. Aside from learning how to make eggs benedict, these are just a few things I've got my eye on to make my own Sunday gathering a success.

Jadeite 12" Cake Stand

Stoneware Napkin Holder (I'd use this for little muffins!)

Bud Vase

Change of Pace

2011-02-21T21:13:00.020-05:00

Change of Pace by laurrenwelch featuring platform shoes

After a long weekend of running around like a crazy person, all I could imagine myself doing once the workday ended was going straight home, filling up a bubble bath, and relaxing with a new book. That was the plan at least, until I remembered the Forever21 grand opening here in Chattanooga.

Once I got over the initial shock of how large the store was, I picked out a few items and headed to the fitting room. It wasn't until the salesperson commented on my choices that I realized it: every single item I had picked out was a neutral color. As a person who has always been attracted to bright color combinations, I can say with quite certainty that this has never happened before. I have no intention of steering completely away from my color obsession but plan to embrace my curiosity by combining neutral pieces with muddy-red accents and bright jewelry, like this turquoise ring.

{T by Alexander Wang tank, A.L.C shorts, ASOS sandals, Trousse bag, Batteridge ring}

A little REVIVAL

2011-02-17T23:36:00.006-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to style a photo shoot at one of my favorite stores, Revival Uncommon Goods. Located in Chattanooga, TN, Revival is one of those home furnishings stores where it's almost impossible to leave without having created a rather lengthy mental wish list. I tend to roam the store, mouth wide open, in a home-goods-induced haze (Imagine— the glory of living in something larger than a 600 square foot apartment!) until some kind soul snaps me back to reality. ahhhhhhhhh. So many fur rugs......

Equal parts edgy and sophisticated (not unlike Revival itself), both the model's skirt and top are by Poleci. I'm a big fan of Poleci and particularly love that every piece—whether present on the hem of a shirt or via the placement of a zipper—has some asymmetrical element to it. Don't even get me started on the beauty of what Poleci has in store for spring. You're in for a treat!

{Poleci shirt and skirt (available at Frankie and Julian's, Chattanooga, Tn), vintage bangle, shoes-model's own}

Photo: Tim Cofield

Hair: Rose Riley

Makeup: Jill Clark
Model: Chloe Wright

Happy (Valentine's Day) Monday!

2011-02-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

My boyfriend and I have been together for three years and have never gotten to spend a Valentine's Day with one another, so needless to say, this holiday is always a bit of a bummer for me. This year, instead of moping, I decided to take a cue from my dad (who every year, hand delivers one long-stem rose to his mother, mother-in-law, and 98-year-old aunt, Edith) and dish out a little bit of my own Valentine's Day cheer. One dozen hand-delivered roses and many surprised faces later, I'd say this Valentine's Day was a success. I hope your heart is happy.

Other things making today more bearable:

{Valentine's Day Leftovers}

{New (to me) vintage jewels}

{Signs of happy children and warmer weather}

{A newly organized jewelry bin to store today's treasures}

Overuse

2011-02-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

To say that I love cardigans would be an understatement, especially in regards to the one pictured above. In fact, I'm fairly certain that at this point my friends and family may be starting to wonder if I ever wear anything else. I don't think I've felt this way about a particular article of clothing since the Lion King shirt (don't judge!) I begged my parents to let me wear every single day in second grade. I know there really isn't anything incredibly special about this piece, with its drab, gray/brown color and slouchy shape, but I've literally been able to wear it with everything. From jeans and scrunched leather leggings to denim shorts and tights,you name it, I've done it. And once again, without fail, my trusty cardigan didn't let me down when I felt determined to wear this sequined dress during the daytime.

{525 America cardigan, Forever21 dress, UO tights, Forever21 ankle boots, vintage earrings}

Zealous

2011-02-09T11:46:00.001-05:00

I'm not upset at all about the in-your-face color combinations I've been seeing pop up all over the runways, but until the weather learns to be a bit more cooperative, I'm looking for other ways to embrace this trend. A little clutch in a cheerful color may be just what I need to brighten up my winter wardrobe...and my spirits.

Zealous by laurrenwelch featuring tory burch handbags
1. $24 - dorothyperkins.com
2. $24 - dorothyperkins.com
3. $64 - irregularchoice.com
4. $96 - endless.com
5. $395 - julesb.co.uk
6. $105 - yesstyle.com
7. $26 - gingerpinks.com
8. $78 - nordstrom.com
9. $295 - net-a-porter.com

*Photo from style.com

A Smooth Transition

2011-02-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

I'll admit it. I have, on occasion, been known to wear some "not quite appropriate for daytime/ the office" dresses. While I'm no longer in an office setting (I now manage a clothing boutique and work as a freelance writer), I still look for ways to tone down some of my fussier pieces so that I can get the most wear out of them. Recently, I have become obsessed with over-the-knee socks for this particular purpose. Not only do they provide significant warmth, but they also have the ability to completely transform an entire look. The fact that they manage to make my thighs look significantly smaller than they actually are is just an added bonus.

{Gap dress, Penguin cardigan, Hue socks, Forever21 oxfords, vintage belt, gifted necklace}

Daydreamin'

2011-02-07T00:57:00.000-05:00

Daydreamin' by laurrenwelch featuring dressy heels
For the last several years, whenever I've had dreams where really awesome things have happened, I'm almost always wearing a mid-length (hopefully Burberry!) trench coat. Strange? Yes, I know. While it's never apparent what I'm wearing underneath, I imagine something girly and simple. A pop of red never hurt anyone either.

Happy Monday!

{Claudie Pierlot shirt, Jaeger trench, Adam skirt, Forever21 heels, Marc Jacobs bag}

Balance

2011-02-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

{Ali Ro dress, Matisse Boots}

Silk dress + fun color + rugged lace-up boots = happy camper.

Get up, Get Going

2011-02-03T01:46:00.000-05:00

Tonight, as I sat down to dinner (a double order of french fries), I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed in myself. It's only the second day in February, and already I've abandoned (or never even initiated) several of my New Year's resolutions. Rather than let it get me down, I've been researching ways to make keeping my resolutions a little more enticing. I particularly have my eye on these mini cupcake liners (you can find them here), which I think would be a very festive addition to a spring brunch.

In 2011 I'd like to see myself:

1. Make good health a priority. Aside from a healthy diet and exercise, the one thing I hear consistently in regards to living a healthier lifestyle is the importance of drinking plenty of water. In my rush out the door every morning, however, I almost always forget to pack my water bottle and refuse to drink the tap water at work. This colorful "Bobble", with its built-in filter, leaves me no excuses.
2. Experiment with gluten-free baking My gluten-free (I have an allergy to wheat, barley, and rye) experiments thus far have turned out to be pretty disastrous. But hey, if they don't taste great, at least they'll look pretty in these little liners, right?
3. Knit an entire scarf (I've managed to knit several little blobs). I'd like to finish up my classes here. and maybe even learn to knit something like one of Adrienne Kinsella's creations.
4. Relish the small things. This year, my mother purchased all of her Christmas wrapping supplies from a company called Nashville Wraps. While my mom does take gift wrapping pretty seriously, it reminded me that sometimes the smallest attention to detail can really go a long way in making something truly beautiful.

Take it Up a Notch

2011-02-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

{525 America shirt, Mac & Jac leggings, Matisse boots, necklace unknown}

Every season, there is almost always one trend that I claim I won't dare try. And every year, without fail, I end up purchasing the shunned item. This year's case in point: the cropped shirt. As someone who doesn't feel especially comfortable showing off my midsection (Hello, Christmas cookie binge!), I had no idea how best to style this. While my first inclination was not to pair this type of shirt with a tight-fitting bottom, I think the higher-rise of the pants worked to balance things out nicely. How are you wearing this trend?

In the Details

2011-02-01T01:08:00.000-05:00

In the Details by laurrenwelch featuring a hinged bangle

{Valentino jacket, PRPS boyfriend jeans, Michael Antonio heels, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, Alexis Bittar bracelet, Nars lip pencil}

It's no secret that boyfriend jeans are currently in style, but as a girl of 5'4, they can be quite the opposite of fashionable if not styled properly. In an effort not to overwhelm my petite frame, I like to pair my boyfriend jeans with my most girly, polished pieces. This Valentino jacket pretty much meets all my ultra-girly requirements with its delicate lace detailing, structured fit, and romantic bow accent. Throw on a pair of jade-colored heels (the higher, the better!) and a structured bag and you're out the door.

Hope you're all having a wonderful week so far! I appreciate all of the comments and encouragement you've given me as I get my blog off the ground.

Goodbye, Dreary Skies

2011-01-28T01:09:00.000-05:00

Every morning, as I pile on layer after never-ending layer, I almost always catch myself wondering if I'll ever see blue skies again. While this may be a bit over-the-top (Okay, maybe more than a 'bit'), winter can leave you feeling pretty rotten if you're not careful. This year, rather than succumbing to my winter hermit ways, I'm attempting to stay on track by concentrating on the things that make me happiest once the seasons begin to change. A few of the things I'm most looking forward to as the weather gets warmer include:

People watching at Coolidge Park

Thrifting for vintage jewelry

Visiting this Chattanooga waterfall

Late lunch dates.

Roaming the Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Hanging out with my pal Hank at the local zoo.
* Sadly, upon making this post, my boyfriend informed me that Hank recently passed away. I had no idea! We sat and stared at each other for over an hour once. It was nice.

With a Twist

2011-01-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

Forever21 shirt and jacket, Mavi jeans, Michael Kors watch, vintage flower pins and bracelet

My whirlwind weekend was spent in Nashville visiting my boyfriend for his birthday. After celebratory drinks with friends at The Patterson House on Sunday night (one of my favorite places in Nashville), we spent the majority of Monday doing nothing. No matter what time of year, I always seem to reach for Breton stripes when I crave something uncomplicated but still want to feel pretty and polished.

What's your go-to choice for lazy-day dressing?

Hard to Be Soft, Tough to Be Tender

2011-01-25T21:47:00.001-05:00

What I Want Now by laurrenwelch featuring leather bags

As a child/teen, it became problematic whenever I felt "moved" by a particular movie or book. Often, I would obsess over its ending for weeks at a time (hello, Life is Beautiful), hardly accomplishing anything as a result. Although this type of behavior has improved (somewhat) over the years, I felt that familiar feeling creep up on me after laying eyes on the Lara Jacket from Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2011 RTW collection. I imagine this type of girly perfection best paired with edgy, stand-out accessories, like J Brand's Agnes low-rise cropped waxed pant or a great pair of cat-eye frames.

{Rebecca Minkoff jacket, JBrand pants, YSL sandals, Zara messengar bag, Roberta Chiarella bib necklace, Wejetset sunglasses, D.L. & CO. candle set.}

2010-11-03T20:27:00.000-04:00

by Laurren

Floral prints have been going strong since returning to the runway in Spring 2009, but with the crisp, fall weather now in full effect, I am often tempted to put away those bright prints in exchange for solids and neutrals. Determined not to get lost in a sea of grey and black this season, I'm finding that floral prints can, in fact, transition to fall, adding a little whimsy and excitement to what can easily become a very basic fall/winter wardrobe.

Remember:
• Tone down a bright print with a chunky sweater in a neutral color.
• Hats, scarves, and gloves can "winterize" any outfit.
• Skip dainty footwear and opt for this season's rugged lace-up or over-the-knee riding boot.
• Keep warm with leggings or thigh-high socks.

(Corey Lynn Calter dress, Mac & Jac leggings, Matisse boots. Model: Kat)