Always, Lakin

Paul

2013-06-19T14:01:00.002-07:00

Last Tuesday, June 11th, it was Paul's 21st Birthday! I'm so sad that I wasn't there for him, but to honor him I got lunch at this cute patisserie named Paul on Gloucester Street. This area of Kensington is so charming, I'm so glad that I get to visit more for my course at the FIE Foundation House. (I learned later that this restaurant that I thought was so special is actually a chain... ha ha)

I had a delicious mozzarella, tomato, and lettuce sandwich with basil spread on olive ciabatta. I will definitely by a returning customer.

Police officers in Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street after containing a protest.

Piccadilly Circus (aka "The Times Square of London")

Regent Street and a Porsche

Burberry Trench coat display.

Burberry bespoke tailoring.

British Style I'm trying to emulate.

Get Lucky

2013-06-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

My roommate and I have seriously been listening to Get Lucky by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams on repeat. It's pretty much our theme song.

On Monday I took a test run to my internship location in Notting Hill. I took the Hammersmith & City Line to Ladbroke Grove.

In England they don't typically use the word "Exit" they say "Way out."

While walking around amidst the school kids in blazers and ties, I noticed some calla lilies, my favorite flower, which I took as a good sign. Notting Hill is incredibly beautiful with red brick, green trees and flowers, and birds chirping.

Finally, I stumbled across Trinity Mews, where my work is located. I couldn't keep from grinning when I saw the arching sign over the gate. I had been lost for 45 mins and finding my way back to the Tube when I saw it. The building is an old stable that has been converted to a fashion showroom where I will be working starting on Monday.

My roommate, who we call Tepper (her last name), and I met up and went to get phones in Islington. As dedicated iPhone users, we went for the cheapest option and still carry around our American phones. We call this one our "fake phone" or "play phone." When we were at the store we were making conversation with our cashier, a younger man named Calum, and he was asking us where we were working. Tepper talked about the production company she's interning for on "Gooch street." Calum's eyes bugged out, making the funniest face I have seen in a long time. Tepper had meant to say Googe Street. After some coaxing he told us that gooch is similar to "crundle" or "taint" in America. Ha ha ha... oops.

Across the street we went shopping. Here is a pillow I want to recreate from the cutest, preppiest British store ever: Jack Wills. Their motto is "Fabulously British." We had to ask what their logo was, at first we thought it looked like a dinosaur with a top hat and cane, it's actually a pheasant. :P

A beautiful blouse at Miss Selfridge on Oxford Street with detailing inspired by the Great Gatsby.

Cute boots that I must have!

After a long afternoon of shopping on Oxford Street, Tepper and I hit up The Court on Tottenham Court Road for some fish and chips and cider. The song Get Lucky came on while we were eating. We joked about how in Britain you don't leave a tip so we feel like we're stealing! At this place, you order at the bar and pay before you get your food. When I asked the bartender how big the fish and chips were (as in the difference between a small order and large order) he told me that the large was "approximately 255 grams." That's supposed to mean something to an American? Ha ha. It was delicious. I plan on sampling many different fish and chip venues while I'm here. This one I would definitely return to. Except I didn't eat the peas... I hate peas!

London Calling- The First Few Days

2013-06-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Flying over England in the early morning.

First beer (Peroni) out with all of my American friends at O'Neill by Kings Cross.

All sorts of pounds and pence. All of them have the Queen on the back. I feel like they call it the pound because we all lug around a pound of change.

At the supermarkets here they have mixed drinks in a can! Can America please get on this?

Check back soon for more posts involving my 8 week adventure in London, UK!

Hey, you!

2011-05-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

If you're a fellow blogger or blog follower (as in, Daddy, you don't need to do this, I already know you love me) you should head on over to Bloglovin' and follow me!
That way you can get all your blog updates in one place, even mine! Love ya!

To Grow or Not To Grow?

2011-04-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

Before- August 2009

After- April 2011

I'm having a really awkward hair day. Honestly, I feel like I look like a blonde oompa loompa who is really tall and absolutely not orange. So I don't look like an oompa loompa, but that doesn't change the fact that my hair is bothering me. After I cut it all off, all I wanted was to grow it back to the length it was: long. Deep down, I still want that back, but I also can't help but love how my short hair is sassy, I get compliments on it, and people identify me with it. Plus, it's retro, which I dig. So, tell me what you think, do I grow it out, or keep it short? Or grow it out and go back to short one day? I don't know!

Vote here

Risen

2011-04-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dress: Max & Cleo

Hat: David & Young

Shoes: Madden Girl via TJ Maxx

Clutch: vintage

Pearls: vintage (from my great grandmother)

Remember this dress from the Design Your Look challenge? Yeah, I didn't win the challenge, but I had to have the dress! I love it.

I'm so sorry I've been away from you all for the past week! Many things have happened that have kept me busy.

-I went home to crown the new Mayfete Queen (it's like prom) at Lake Oswego High School. Congrats to Sara! And I got to meet some of my teacher's children. One of which looks like a young Justin Bieber. I got to hold the hand of a four-year-old heartthrob in the making. Girls, eat your hearts out.

-For Easter, my family and I (including the two doggies) went to Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The food was amazing. And people were looking at me because I decided to dress up (it's an opportunity! not an obligation) while many people were in jeans. But damn, I know I looked good. (Pictured above)

-It has pretty much poured for a week. So I've been in athletic clothes all week. Sad.

-I joined Weight Watchers! Fighting with the zipper of that dress was the last stray. Last year I was on a medication that made me ravenously hungry and I gained 40 pounds. I finally decided to get some professional help and get in tip top shape. I'm gonna be the diva I was born to be.

-And the best news of all! I was accepted into the Oregon State Apparel Design Professional Program! I am officially an Apparel Design Major. Yay me!

I promise I won't leave you like this again!

Have a great weekend!

Flora & Fauna

2011-04-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Top: J. Crew

Skirt: LOFT

Headband: Nordstrom B.P.

Heels: Madden Girl via T.J. Maxx

Bag: Dooney & Bourke via my grandma

Necklace: Faux pearls via my mom

I wore this outfit to the annual Chi Omega Eleusenia Luncheon where we (the Chi Omegas from Oregon State) meet with the Chi Omegas from University of Oregon. Isn't their house beautiful?! I'm actually jealous. We have a nice house, but they have a fantastic house! The architecture is to die for.

It's a Man's World

2011-04-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Earrings: Anne Bocci Boutique
Sweater: Forever21 Men's
Jeans: Levi's Outlet
Shoes: Sperry Topsider via Nordstrom

It's a man's world, where the only thing you end up liking in Forever21 is a man's sweater. Particularly in a store that does not have a men's department. Is this fate? Or did they realize that no guy would seriously wear a sweater like this? The world will never know.

Hautelinks- 4/16/11

2011-04-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

This post is inspired by the Hautelinks of the Week posts on College Fashion.

The next big thing to hit the runway is the show itself. Check out Burberry's unconventional runway show in Beijing.

I'm loving this creative and simple way to create a glamourous dress!

Plenty of color and a bit of sporty edge, I'm digging the DIY potential of these camping cord bracelets.

This website allows you to watch the best kids' show in the world FOR FREE. Rhombus!

Trying to make the best of your time in college? You may want to implement some of these ideas: 101 Things to Do Before You Graduate.

10 poses that will be getting me into Vogue.

You can make your own organic lipgloss at home. And it's easy. Who knew?

I need to make one of these nautical bracelets! I am in lust.

Here is a sassy idea for repurposing one of the cheap bangles that you don't use anymore!

These cute decorations make me want to have a map themed room in my house! My mom collects globes, so it just may work. I am in Map Love!

After getting a cupcake pin cushion for christmas (made of felt, and the pins are the sprinkles! so cute!) these crafts are cute enough to eat!

This statement necklace is a DIY dream.

I've discovered the perfect way to repurpose old shirts and those ones you find abandoned in the laundry room: make a skirt! Cutest girl at the game? Yeah, that's me.

GLEE Style: Quinn Fabray

2011-04-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've decided to do my first style series focusing on the well dressed characters of GLEE. The first wardrobe recreation I did was for everyone's favorite show tune singer: Rachel Berry. Next I wanted to take a look at McKinley High's queen bee: Quinn Fabray.

Who is Quinn Fabray?

Quinn Fabray is played by up and coming actress: Diana Argon. She is the girl that everyone finds perfect. Quinn has been head cheerleader, dated the quarter back of the football team, she is president of the celibacy club, and she is perfectly gorgeous. Quinn has everything a high school girl needs, and she often uses that power to antagonize the outcast, Rachel Berry. Quinn is often torn between her desire for romance, as she fosters relationships between Finn, Puck and Sam, and her lust for for the crown of Prom Queen. After all, "Prom queens live, on average, five years longer than regular people. Probably because they smile all the time."

Quinn Fabray Style Essentials

Romantic dresses- Lace, floral, and a flouncy skirt, Quinn Fabray's style is all about leaving a little up to the imagination by offering a wardrobe full of innocence

Ballet Flats- Comfort is key when dancing around, but Quinn retains a feminine touch by wearing ballet flats

Cropped jeans- Quinn's cropped jeans show a feminine silhouette while remaining classic

A Cross- As a devout christian, Quinn likes to keep her faith close to her heart

Ruffles- Quinn is often seen wearing ruffles on many of her tops and cardigans. Ruffles add a subtle touch

Cardigans- A cardigan can add contrast, as well as modesty to any outfit

Q is for Queen

(Cardigan, Dress, Necklace, Flats, Barettes)

Let's Pray

(Jeans, Blouse, Flats, Bag, Necklace)

Status is Like Currency

(Dress, Cardigan, Boots, Socks)

Pip Pip Cheerio

(Cardigan, Skirt, Shoes, Bracelet, Earrings)

Also, here is my favorite site for real GLEE fashion! Check it out: fashionofglee.com.

GLEE starts in 5 days!! I'm so ecstatic!

Standing In The Sun

2011-04-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sunglasses: Ray Ban New Wayfarer

Shirt: Nordstrom men's via Goodwill (similar shirt)

Belt: Old Navy

Jeans: Levi's Outlet

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom (similar watch)

Shoes: Sperry Topsider via Nordstrom

At first I thought this outfit was totally an 80s throw back to maternity tops, but actually it's a revelation. Men's shirts are so comfortable! Finally a garment that has shoulders. I've always been peeved about the women's garment industry failing to recognize women that live on the outskirts of the "normal" body type curve. It just bothers me when clothing companies can't find it in their hearts to make an extra large. I'm not that big, am I? I like to think that there's not that much "extra" to my "large." Maybe I'm just focusing on stores like H&M and Forever21, but I'm entering the fashion industry with the goal of implementing size integration. Every woman has the right to purchase clothes that fit and make her feel beautiful. And the first step is making those clothes accessible.

Anyway, to a more lighthearted topic: these photos were taken by my good friend Julie Ruppert! But I decided to edit them a bit for some interesting effects on a website I discovered: befunky. I'm been going through a bit of a blogging slump lately, mostly due to the weather but also I'm still coming off of my spring break hangover. It's so hard to get back into the swing of things when the break simply wasn't long enough. But don't fret! I'm buying a tripod this weekend! I've been working on the Quinn post and whole other list of ideas! Including DIY. And I'm revamping the layout. This is gonna be good.

Happy Thursday!

DESIGN YOUR LOOK- Vote for me!

2011-04-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I need a favor. As I posted earlier, I entered a styling contest for a chance to win some spending money to put towards my spring wardrobe, as well as some jewelry be designer Jess LC. Would you please vote for me? All you have to do is click on the banner below, scroll to the bottom and leave a comment saying that you're voting for Lakin M. One vote per person, so share the love!

Also, I'm almost done with the Quinn Fabray Glee post! I hope you're excited!

Design Your Look

2011-04-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

I recently heard on The Daybook about an awesome contest and I've decided to give it a shot! The challenge is to submit an outfit collage of your perfect spring look featuring jewelry by Jess LC. I used my Lust List as inspiration! Although, my entry is a little less of an outfit and a bit more of a suitcase of weekend wear. Oh, well! I'd wear it all until people begged me to stop (but they wouldn't, because it's all so damn cute).

If you're interested in entering the contest is here. Entries are due by April 8th (tomorrow). Good luck (and you may need it, because I've given such short notice... I'm sorry)!

My Ice Cream is Bigger Than Your Ice Cream

2011-04-06T19:25:00.001-07:00

When: April 4, 2011

What:
Cardigan: Nordstrom B.P.
Blouse: Oldnavy via Goodwill
Skirt: J. Crew
Wedges: Nine West via Piperlime

Where: Monday night dinner at the lovely Chi-O house

Today I had a "Magnum" ice cream bar. Although, I decided that the more appropriate name would be "The Vinny (from Jersey Shore)." Seriously, who names ice cream "Magnum?" That's both pornographic and intimidating, neither of which I want my ice cream to be. They could've at least gone with something like "Ecstasy" or "Fire & Ice cream."

Lust List: April 2011

2011-04-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a some of the best items I've bookmarked this month. I'm pining to add these to my wardrobe!

{1} Factory Rugby-Stripe Silk Top, J. Crew, $59.50

{2} Factory 5" Chino Short, J. Crew, $34.50

{3} Factory Skinny Belt, J. Crew, $12.99

{4} Seersucker Underwire Tank, J. Crew, $80

{5} TOMS Stonewashed Twill Slip-On, Nordstrom, $47.95

{6} Factory Braided Tab Belt, J. Crew, $22.50

{7} Two-toned Flat, Marais USA, $64

{8} Sperry Topsider 'Montauk' Leather Boat Shoe, Nordstrom, $89.95

{9} Minnetonka Deerskin Moccasins, J. Crew, $78

{10} Blue Jean Ballet Flats, J. Crew, $128

{11} Spring-Ready Dress, Anthropologie, $98

{12} Women's Dakota, UGG, $100

{13} The Trench Dress, EmersonMade, $228

{14} Stripe Boatneck Sweater, J. Crew, $88

{15} Seersucker and Brass Dress, EmersonMade, $218

{16} ASOS Pussybow Short Sleeve Blouse, ASOS, $43.83

Nautical Nonsense

2011-04-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit to Julie Ruppert)

When: March 31, 2011

What:

Sweater: Lucky Brand

Jeans: Levi's

Shoes: Sperry Topsiders via Nordstrom

Bag: J. Crew

Earrings: DIY (more on that later)

Where: To classes and around campus

Hey friends! Sorry I've been slow getting back into the blogosphere. I feel like I'm still on spring break. I keep getting distracted by DIY ideas, and potential outfits, and jobs I'm applying to, and I remember, these things are really cool and that I should share. Sharing is caring, right? Also, after a long winter, I just rediscovered this thing called sun.

In Oregon, when the sun comes out and the temperature reaches anything above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, half the campus breaks out the shorts and sandals. I'm serious. I'm all over the nautical look this season, and I have been for pretty much my whole life. The night before I made these adorable little fish earrings (which I will do a post on later so you can see them is full aquatic glory), and decided to continue with the nautical mindset by adding stripes with a boatneck and topsiders. Perfect! And it was comfortable to boot. Now all I need is a day at the beach.

The weather recently has been fantastic! I am so ready to start planning outfits that don't involve a jacket. I feel like I'm at a California school. Also, I wanted to share with you the song I'm loving right now! "Next 2 You," by Chris Brown (feat. Justin Bieber).

Have a great weekend!

Blue Angel

2011-03-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

When: March 24, 2011

What:

Jacket: J. Crew

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Levi's

Shoes: Jack Purcells via Nordstrom

Bag: Dooney & Bourke via my grandma

Belt: American Eagle

Where: The Evergreen Aviation Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

Paul and I were planning on going on a day trip to the beach this spring break. But being me, I wanted a back up plan incase the weather didn't want us at the beach, I suggested going to the aviation museum. Paul practically hyperventilated and the beach was no longer an option. But I'm totally ok with that, as much as I love the beach, I also love planes. Blue Angels are my favorite.

I wanted to wear my militaryesque jacket with aviators (ha ha, I know), but I didn't find the glasses until the next day. Guess we'll have to go back! Ha ha

Here are some photos from my day date!

Also, I was inspired by the military uniforms on display! Take a look.

Color Trends for Spring 2011

2011-03-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

This spring I've noticed a few popular colors that many designers have utilized! Put away your Easter pastels because this season is all about bright and bold hues. The three colors that I've seen out and about are tennis green (a lime colored yellow-green, much like that of a tennis ball), bittersweet red (bright, bright red with a hint of orange), and flirty fuchsia (think hot pink, spiked with purple).

Tennis Green

Bittersweet Red

Flirty Fuchsia

What do you think? What color will you be incorporating into your wardrobe this spring?

Bryn & Beau

2011-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Meet my sassy sister! This is Bryn and her/our dog Beau. Technically Beau is her dog, but he loves us all, so we share. Bryn is sixteen years old and Beau is one. Here Bryn is wearing a Jessica Simpson blazer from Cupcake Couture, black Vigoss jeans from Nordstrom, boots also from Nordstrom, and earrings from Anne Bocci Boutique. Bryn's style is a mixture of equestrian and rocker. She says her signature is "boots." Beau opts for the scruffy look with shaggy hair and a studded collar. They are a match made in badass heaven.

Hey, Jack Kerouac

2011-03-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

When: March 22, 2011

What:

Jacket: J. Crew

Shirt: Merona for Target

Jeans: Levi's

Necklace: LOFT

Shoes: Sperry Topsider via Nordstrom

Bag: Dooney & Bourke via my grandmother

Where: Hospital check up and to the hair salon

Why: Here are a few of my new purchases! I've been looking for a chambray shirt for awhile and I finally found a great one at Target for $19.99. Of course, when I looked online it was on sale for $14.99, but it sure beats the similar ones for $69.50 at j. crew. Also, I got this bag from my grandma! It's perfect because my camera fits in it. Thank you, Mo! (She reads my blog. :D) I love you! And I love you for reasons more than just sharing your excellent style with me.

Also, I got my hair touched up! Russ, my hairdresser, is a pro at straightening hair, but my curls were a bit of a challenge when styling so I ended up with some crazy waves in these pictures.

Mirror in the Sky

2011-03-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

When: March 19, 2011

What:

Dress: Target

Jacket: Gap (similar jacket)

Boots: Mossimo Target via Goodwill

Scarf: Old Navy

Tights: Forever 21

Necklaces: gifts

Where: Shooting photos with my dad at the Rose Garden in Washington Park

Why: Can it please be spring now? Tomorrow is the first official day of spring and I decided to jump the gun by wearing some floral and pastel colors. Although the roses aren't in bloom, there were some other beautiful flowers to at least make it look like spring even though the weather disagrees. I was tired of wearing jeans so I grabbed this dress, with tights, it feels like I'm in pajamas. Perfect. I love the denim jacket! It's the first one I've ever owned and this is the first time I've worn it even though I've had it since August. I just needed a little inspiration. I like the boots with this outfit, but I'm not sure if I love them. They were great considering that the area was muddy and they aren't super nice, but perhaps next time I would try a springier shoe.

Tomorrow I am shopping with my mom! I went to the mall yesterday with Paul to shop for him and do my first research run. Ha ha, I needed to scope around what I like so I don't go too insane with lust. I found a bunch of things I love at J. Crew. Hopefully I'll be bringing back some new things to show you! I think I deserve it, since all the shopping I have in Corvallis is Goodwill and TJ Maxx. That's also why I can't give you many links to the items I wear, because they're all remixed from past seasons. And we all know how quickly the fashion industry moves.

Hope you're all having a great spring break! I'm crossing my fingers for some sun.

Oh, and Beau says, "herro."

GLEE Style: Rachel Berry

2011-03-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

Photo Source

I've decided to embark on my first ever post series (Finally)! We're going to take a look at the characters of one of my favorite shows: Glee. Each character has their own unique persona and a wardrobe to go along with it! Glee is a sassy mixture of high school drama, laugh out loud comedy, and motifs that touch on social issues. This show offers a little bit for everyone, and so it became a must watch for many Americans. But not to forget the most alluring part of the show: the music. My aim is to recreate a few outfits from the character's wardrobe with a wearable approach and an affordable budget. With that, I introduce my first inspiration, the Broadway diva herself: Rachel Berry.

Who is Rachel Berry?

Rachel is a "strong and driven but somewhat neurotic" female lead portrayed by actress Lea Michele. She is the self appointed student leader of the Glee club. Throughout the series Rachel is torn between her career aspirations and her affections for Finn. She is the adoptive daughter of an interracial, homosexual couple, which adds to her unique disposition. Rachel's idol is Barbara Streisand.

Rachel Berry Style Essentials

Plaid- on skirts, accessories, and the occasional cape, Rachel is a girl that loves her plaid

Pleated skirts- she opts for the preppier pleated skirt, which adds fullness to her small frame

Sweaters- she is seen in a lot of sweaters and cardigans, many with knit designs like a horse on the front or cable knit

Knee socks/tights- Rachel often adorns her legs with knee socks or tights

Loafers/flats- she is almost always in some sort of flat shoe, whether it is penny loafers or simple ballet flats

Mary janes- many of Rachel's shoes exhibit the classic school girl shoe style of mary janes (a strap over the top of the foot)

Bows- Rachel Berry loves her girly touches, especially bows and cutesy animals

Brittany: "What is this look called?"

Rachel: "Sexy schoolgirl, librarian chic."

Sexy School Girl

Sweater, Skirt, Socks, Loafers, Clips, Necklace

Librarian Chic

Sweater, Skirt, Flats, Headband

Monochromatic Cute

Top, Skirt, Flats, Bangles

Rachel Berry Style Separates

Blouse, Pleated Skirt, Socks, Flats, Cape, Pearl Earrings, Horse Sweater, Bow Skirt, Bow Clips

Real Life Rachel

I was browsing some of the blogs I follow, and I came across a post from koi story that showed some everyday Rachel Berry style. Check it out here!

(PS: Sorry for the lack of text, I wanted to talk about each outfit, but I am so frustrated with the formatting of this post! Polyvore HTML just wasn't working for me. Let me know if you would prefer if there were more explanation! Or if you like it just the way it is, less talk and more pictures.)

What do you think? What character do you want to see next?

I'm still alive.

2011-03-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry you've all been neglected the past few days! Finals are that time of the term where all normal life ceases to exist, and all that's getting you through is your sweatpants and the dreams of spring break. A cute outfit for finals week? That is a waste of an outfit. As of today, I have completed two finals. And by tomorrow night, I will be home! For now, I thought I'd share with you my good hair day. It's getting longer and I'm so excited!!

My hair is unusally manageable after I straighten it. Speaking of which, I rarely straighten my hair, and well, my bestie Erin was in town and she wanted to give it a go. Then, we had a mini-photo shoot. Here are some photos:

I'm warming up to the straightened look... but I'm still a curly girl at heart. I'm getting my hair colored (the same blonde) over break, and I'm thinking that once it's touched up I want to get some red lipstick, dress up and do a photo shoot as Marilyn Monroe. I need to start bugging my photographer friends!

I'm still working on my first Glee outfit inspiration post! And I'm planning some fun things over spring break. And I will be shopping, finally. Don't fret, friends! I'll be back soon!

Say That You Love Me

2011-03-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

To my adoring fans,

I just wanted to take a moment to say
THANK YOU

to all of you who read my blog! Today is the "monthiversary" of Always, Lakin and I also got my 30th follower! Yay! I look forward to sharing many more ideas, outfits, and DIYs with you all. Stay classy! ;)

Always, Lakin

xoxoxo

Sing Sweetly Party Dress

2011-03-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

On this week's episode of Glee (one of my must watch shows), Quinn Fabray was wearing the same dress I wore in my post The Only Girl in the World. I guess I'm not the only girl in the world that has this dress!

It's called the "Sing Sweetly Party Dress" from anthropologie.

I've been thinking of doing a series of posts that are affordable outfits inspired by Glee character's wardrobes. What do you think?