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red plaid shirt
Sometimes as a blogger I feel the need to come up with really creative outfits. To put something together that maybe you wouldn't have thought of on your own. SO I was hesitant to shoot this simple/classic look that I'm sharing with you today. (I mean, a red plaid shirt for Fall? Not the most creative). But honestly, it was love at first sight between this red plaid shirt & myself. And I just thought it was too good to not share with you. Another reason I wanted to share this look today is because each one of these pieces (the red plaid shirt, these dark skinny jeans, these booties, and this hobo bag) are amazing Fall basics. The price point on these items might be higher than what I typically post, but I have already gotten (and will continue to get) so much use out of them. Believe me when I say, they are worth the money! I'm all about a bargain and a good sale, but when it comes to jeans, it's worth the investment to get a pair that fits well, and that are great quality.If you're wanting sizing information: the shirt runs pretty big. I'm wearing an XS and it's still a little loose, which I love! The jeans are pretty true to size (I'm wearing a 25), and I love how they fit!
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casual friday
Don't get me wrong - I love getting dressed up as much as the next girl. But, for a special occasion. My go-to style is easy and laid back and comfy. Which is why I love this mint + ivory tie front blouse paired with distressed skinny jeans! (PS - These jeans are absolutely my favorite pair of jeans I've ever owned. Such a good purchase!)
Mint top | Distressed skinnies | Sandals | Purse | Woven bracelet | Double ring
Shop the look here: (I linekd the jeans from two different retailers in case one of them didn't have your size!)
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From Trendy to Timeless
Random fact about Lauren: I majored in Apparel Merchandising at Baylor (sic 'em!) and one of my classes was Trend Forecasting. I remember in that class we talked about the difference between trends and staples. For example - a trend is something that is cool for a season, then goes out. Like, way out. Think jelly sandals in the 90's. A staple is something that you can buy and wear season to season because it's classic and timeless. I'm sure you've seen tons of plaid this year, paired with fur (or faux fur!) vests. In my opinion, I think this is becoming a classic look and one that we'll continue to see year after year!
Faux Fur Vest | Plaid Shirt | Watch | Bracelet | Gold Wishbone Necklace | Sunnies | Skinny Jeans | Booties | Quilted Clutch
I love this combo (of plaid and faux fur) because it somehow feels cute and comfy, yet chic all at the same time. It's such an easy look to throw on for running errands, or dress it up with a pair of leather leggings for a date night out.
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[show_shopthepost_widget id="488272"]Photos By: Melanie Foster
Top Knot || How To
Ladies and gentlemen (well, probably just ladies but you never know). I am SO excited to feature Tracy Melton on today's post! Tracy did my hair and make-up for my wedding day and is incredibly gifted. In addition to that, she's just the cutest thing you'll ever meet!Lots of girls have asked me how to do a good top-knot. The ones I do on my own are always super messy and fall down, so Tracy here has created a step-by-step tutorial (pictures included!) to teach you all how to get the perfect top-knot. Enjoy!
Here's Tracy's step-by-step instructions!
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail at the crown and securing it with a hair band.
Once secured, take a comb and give your mane a tease. Teasing is an important step if you have fine or thin hair – helps to bulk it up and give it some grip.From there, simply twist the teased ponytail (loosely) to help form the shape.Continue by wrapping the twisted hair around the base of the hair band creating the bun shape.Secure in place with bobby pins. Don’t be scared to tug at the bun to get it to the desired height and shape. Tuck in any strays and finish off with hair spray. You’re all set!Tip: To make this look more messy and lived-in, take the palms of your hands and rub them on your temples and near your ears to loosen up more face framing hairs. You can also pull on your bun to make it more textured.
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[show_shopthepost_widget id="460428"]Photos by: Kristen Dee Photography
the edgy side of flannel
I, along with probably ever other girl, have a crazy obsession with flannel - particularly plaid flannel. I love how warm and comfortable it is plus I feel like no matter what kind of hair or self-esteem day I'm having, I always feel cute in it. Which is why as soon as I laid eyes on this green flannel, I knew I had to have it. Flannel Shirt - Madewell | Leather jacket - Milk & Honey Boutique | Earrings - Kendra Scott | Ring - Kendra Scott | Distressed denim - Nordstrom | Booties - Sam EdelmanFlannel shirts are great because they're perfect for a weekend at a bakehouse and always look great with jeans + riding boots. My inspiration for this look though was to give plaid a little bit of an edgy look by pairing it with my favorite distressed denim and a leather jacket (which is currently 50% off!)
3 Days of Thanksgiving
There might be 12 days of Christmas but there are 3 days of Thanksgiving: travel day, turkey day, and black friday. All of which require their own distinct outfits! Have you planned yours out yet?Travel day: Whether you'll be in a car or on a plane, comfort & layers are key. I love this legging pant because it can still look dressed up but they are comfortable enough to sleep in! Nordstrom snood // Milk & Honey plaid shirt // LOFT skinny ankle jean // / Ray ban sunnies // Michael Kors Watch // Steve Madden riding bootsFor Turkey Day: We all want to look our best on Thanksgiving Day with all our loved ones, but also need something that allows for lots of turkey and lots of lounging. I love this sweater dress look below from Madewell because it looks so chic but so comfortable at the same time![show_shopthepost_widget id="396080"]For Black Friday: If you dare brave the crowds on black Friday, you're gonna need your sneakers on. Lo's favorite sweatpant jean is now 50% off and would be perfect for black Friday shopping! Pairing these jeans with a white tee & Vince sneakers is the perfect comfy/chic look[show_shopthepost_widget id="396088"]
5 Friday Faves || Fall shopping guide
As seasons change and you're due for a serious wardrobe update, shopping for this season's trendy staples can get a bit overwhelming. So many options! For this week's 5 Friday Faves, I wanted to put together a little shopping guide for you, for items that every girl needs in her Fall wardrobe. 1. Favorite scarf - I recently added this scarf in the photo to my fall wardrobe, and it was the best $17 I've spent in a while! So soft, and all the colors make it so versatile.2. Favorite denim shirt - You can't have a fall wardrobe without a denim shirt in your closet. Perfect for layering under sweaters, or an easy "throw on and go" top.3. Favorite flats - I'm crazy about the d'Orsay flat right now, and when I saw these in grey, I knew I had to have them!4. Favorite fall lip color - Laura Mercier creme smooth lip color in "damask". I love this color because its not too "red, red", but is still bold and beautiful. The creme lip color also makes your lips super soft and has a long wear to it!5. Favorite fur vest - I feel like the fur vest has officially moved from a trend item to a staple. This vest is my personal fave because it's still on trend but the grey color makes it unique! The length is perfect and I love the smokey effect on the fur.
warm cozy blankets.
Winter nights are all about wrapping up in a snugly throw by the fire and watching a movie while munching on yummy popcorn. Here are some of my all-time favorite cozy blankets to keep comfy and warm. P.S. These are always a great gift!1. Dotto Sweater Throw 2. Super Soft Fringe Blanket 3. Faux Fur Throw4. Grand Chenille Throw benefiting Give a Little Hope Campaign 5. Pale Rose Throw 6. Quirky Heirloom Throw 7. Threshold Plaid Throw 8. Serena & Lily Navy Pom Pom Throw
Layer up.
Who else is loving the hooded comfy sweatshirt paired with a classy mini, the striped light sweater with a pleated skirt, and a solid baseball cap with a tailored suit? Oh, and did I mention the return of the classic sneaker. In conclusion, don't resist rocking a messy top knot, a sweet skateboard, or some Tommy Hilfiger socks with the previous ensembles mentioned. Photos: Josephine Skriver for Elle Sweden Shoot by Jimmy Backius