La Petite Fashionista

"Walk, Walk Fashion Baby"

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:58:00 +0000

From the surreal Alexander McQueen shoes to the sleek Carrera aviators Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" video is one for the fashion books. I seriously can't listen to it without busting out in song ("..je veux ton amour"), how did she know French verses are my weakness?! Why are all of her songs so darn catchy?

The Carrera "Champion" aviator sunglasses Lady Gaga is wearing in the video are part of their new "vintage" collection based on a design from the early 80's. The Carrera brand is a foremost brand in trendsetting and innovative eyewear designs. It seems like everything Lady Gaga turns to gold, theses sunglasses included- they're sure to become the next must have pair of sunglasses. Though you definitely don't need to be a fashion daredevil like Ms. Gaga to pull them off; slipping them on will let you channel your inner rockstar.

xoxo, lauren

Gift Guide for: the Glamour Girl

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Dress: L.A. Made, $110; Solid Perfume Ring:(Very Hollywood by Michael Kors), $40; OPI Polish in "We'll Always Have Paris", $9; Bib Necklace: Fred Flare, $26, Book: Who What Wear, $13

As much as I love shopping for Christmas gifts, sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming trying to find something special for each person on your list. That's why I'm creating a series of La Petite Fashionista gift guides to help in your hunt for the perfect gifts.

So who is the Glamour Girl?

She's the fashionista who always know what celebrity is wearing who, is perfectly put together, sports the hottest nail polish shade of the season, and rocks red carpet worthy dresses for daytime. She always incorporates a daily dose of glitz and glamour in her life.

Keep checking back for more holiday gift suggestions for everyone on your list!

xoxo, lauren

Belle of the Ball

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Belle of the Ball by lapetitefashionista

Tonight is the night my roomies and I have been waiting for all year. Our apartment is decorated with christmas lights, garland, lit up with glittering candles and a faux tree. Our stockings are hung by the stairwell with care. I love to entertain, it's so fun making my nana's helly dolly's and decorating.

There will be pictures to come of my party ensemble, I assure you. Above is what I would wear if I had money to spend on party outfits instead of buying Christmas gifts! I'm obsessing over jewel tones like the teal cocktail dress and lacy tights.

What are you wearing to your holiday parties?

xoxo, lauren

Stationery with Style: PosePrints Giveaway!

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:04:00 +0000

As all of us classy ladies know, a thank you note is proper ettiquette during the holiday gift giving season. I always try to pick out cute stationery to send out to loved ones. It leaves a great impression & is a thoughtful touch often lost in these technological times.

PosePrints are customizable caricatures (that's supposed to be me in a Parisian themed thank you) on notecards. There are hundreds of combinations of features and props to pick from to make it your own. There are also several backgrounds to choose from whether for a special occasion like a bachelorette party or the everyday. They're a cute and unique way to keep in touch.

PosePrints is offering a giveaway for my awesome La Petite Fashionista readers so one lucky person can design their own note cards!

All you need to do to enter is to answer the question (leave an extra post below if you twitter about it as well for an extra entry):

"What's on your holiday wish list this year?"

[Deadline to enter is December 16, at midnight EST; US residents only, i'm sorry!]

xoxo, lauren

Hold Me Closer Tiny Dancer

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:40:00 +0000

I danced for 10 years of my life.. ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop. I was even captain of the dance team in high school. Although I'm not in classes anymore, I'm always the first person to hit the dance floor. My dance background definitely has an impact on my wardrobe choices. I tend to gravitate towards tulle, sequins, and ballet flats reminiscent of my old dance costumes.

I love this 2008 Vogue Germany editorial with the ever-so-graceful Karlie Kloss.

xoxo, Lauren

All Hail Retail

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:42:00 +0000

In theory, I should love Black Friday! It's every fashion lover and bargain hunter's dream right? Clothes, accessories & anything else you could ever want for steeply marked down discounts.

The only thing that stops me from waking up at the crack of dawn the morning after Thanksgiving is that the whole event just plain stresses me out. I love good deals, but waiting in lines for hours and fighting off people for the last pair of heels is not my idea of fun.

This is why, this year I've decided to do my black friday shopping from the comfort of my own comfy couch and pajamas.

I've rounded up what I think are some of the best online deals

20% off at Swell using code: PREPARTY
25% off at Labellush with the code: THNKS25
20% off at Delia's
$20 party tops at Express
20% off at Nasty Gal Vintage with code: BLACKFRI
25% off handmade designs at etsyshop t8designs
40% off full price items at Chickdowntown.com
BOGO 1/2 off sweaters, outerwear, denim & free shipping @ Pacific Sunwear
An additional 25% off sale items at Intermix with code: HOME25
40% off everything at Shop Moderne with code: BLKFRI40

Let me know your best finds & i'll add them to the list. happy shopping!

xoxo, lauren

More Than a Last Name

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Dree Heminway is famous literary, Ernest Hemingway's great-granddaughter..she's also an incredibly chic model. Her willowy frame and all-American good looks would make a paper bag look fashionable on her, but she has a great personal sense of style! She's quickly becoming an editorial favorite, was named the new face of Mango, and a fashion favorite.

Here's a few of her looks that have been inspiring me:

She chooses a lot of drainpipe skinny jeans, slouchy tanks, leather & masculine jackets, and chunky knits-- always paired with a pair of leg lengthening platform pumps. I love that she always looks polished yet not overly styled!

Whose style has been inspiring you lately?

xoxo, lauren

These Clothes are Something Else!

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:17:00 +0000

When I saw the Aussie clothing line, Something Else's lookbook I couldn't help but love all the pieces. Upon reading up on the line I found out that it's designed by Natalie Wood, the same stylish artist whose amazing closet I lusted after a few months ago. These looks are from the "Southern Hemisphere" collection, her"Northern Hemisphere" collection is a polar opposite with tribal prints and vibrant colors; each with a distinct voice.

These looks are all about what I'm loving for winter: thick leggings, architectural heels, whimsical graphic tees, layers galore, topped off with a rebellious leather motorcycle jacket. As much as I love color, the muted gray, black, and white color palate let the clothes speak for themselves. I love!

xoxo, lauren

"I Was 99.9% Sure I Was Dreaming"- Bella Swan

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:34:00 +0000

via November Harper's Bazaar

I'm one of those people, among millions that will be at the movie theaters at midnight to see the next installment in the Twilight saga, New Moon. I'm sure i'll be among teenybopper tweens, vampire lusting college students and maybe even a few moms and guys. To be honest, I think it's going to be really amusing and i'm excited to see the movie too!

I love how much Twilight gear stores have been inundated with; from the line at Nordstrom to the custom made tees at CafePress. You can declare which "Team" you're on (werewolf or vampire?), or even sport a Fork High shirt. if you'd like something more subtle. I'm thinking that the life size Edward Cullen cut out would make a great addition to our living room ;)

Are you one of the twilight crazies (i'm guilty as charged) going to the midnight showing or do you think all the hype is dumb?

xoxo, Lauren

Playing Stylist

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Just what I need.. another fashion website to fuel my procrastination and shopping habit! Looklet as most of you already know is a website that allows you to select a model & backdrop and then the fun part; their outfit! I found the application through H&M's website (and my lovely roomie). It all ends up looking right out of a magazine editorial.

I bedecked my model in exactly what looks I'm feeling for fall: lace tights, gray ankle boots, fur shrugs, and a body conscious dress in emerald green.

Have you played around with looklet yet? If so, post your results!

xoxo, lauren

Feeling Crafty

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:29:00 +0000

The other night at a shopping event in town I bought a black bib necklace. I love it-- it instantly dresses up a basic tee and jeans. Some may call it gaudy, but I love a little bit of bling every once in a while. I decided it would be simple enough to make and was feeling crafty so I made one of my own!

Supplies:

Stiff Felt (The particular style I chose had a tie dye background)
Rhinestone Jewels (I got an assorted pack + black pyramid stud gems)
Black Satin Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun

I cut the felt out in the shape of the bib necklace (sort of a curved circle) and laid down the jewels in the pattern that I wanted then carefully glued them down. Then I glued the ribbon to each side to have ties to adjust the length. It's super inexpensive and easy!

I'd really like to do some DIY's while I have time over Christmas break and maybe even make some gifts! Do you have any DIY ideas or website suggestions?

xoxo, lauren

Go [Rebekah] Green!

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:10:00 +0000

It's true diamonds are a girl's best friend, but let's be realistic.. . on my college budget, cubic zirconia and gems are a bit more in my price range! Rebekah Green's earrings are hand made out of recycled 14k and 18k gold and fair trade gemstones. The classic but modern designs are affordable too and could easily make their way into the every day jewelry rotation. The styles use clean lines and many are inspired by nature (like the cherry blossoms and plumeria flowers pictured above).

While reading the designer, Rebekah's, biography I thought it was so cool that she is no newbie to the "green" movement. She was the little elementary school kid educating her classmates about recycling and remodeling homes into eco friendly living places in her twenties. Her entrepreneurial and passion for making the world a better enviroment for everyone is truly inspiring!

xoxo, lauren

Secret Garden

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:59:00 +0000

This weekend, my mom came to visit and we made a trip to a local gardens. It used to be a southern vacation home for a family during the victorian era and now is open to the public. The wrought iron gates, magnolias, ivy covered brick, and trees dripping with moss had an enchanting feel. I wore my vintage boyfriend shorts, pink coverses, and pink cardigan with a rose print tank.

I love getting out and seeing the cultural sights in my area! Especially when the weather has been as beautiful as it has been lately!

xoxo, lauren

Channel Your Inner: Grunge Goddess

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:11:00 +0000

When I saw this shot of Lydia Hearst from the editorial "Renaissance of Grunge" out of Russian Harper's Bazaar I was instantly drawn to it. It has the perfect gritty darkness to it & all of the 90's grunge wardrobe essentials. It's so easy to channel your inner grunge goddess, it's easy to wear one of the pieces on their own to get the look. I like to wear a flannel plaid unbuttoned with a tank underneath, or some rocker leggings with a pair of killer heels.

The grunge period in nineties fashion was in rebellion to the minimalism look that was so popular at the time. It emerged in Seattle along with grunge bands like Nirvana. People flocked to thrift stores for baggy and androgynous plaid flannel shirts. It didn't mean to start a fashion revolution, but the look has lasted for the past two decades.

Will you be sporting any plaid shirts, band tees, or crocheted scarves this winter?

xoxo, lauren

Cocktail Dresses with a Kick

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:44:00 +0000

I fell in love with these not so basic cocktail dresses by Olivia Rubin. The lookbook, shot by Alstair Guy with the splattered paint artist's workplace as the backdrop has the perfect air of creativity. The nerd glasses and hot pink lipstick gives it an art student gone fashion designer feel. All the garments have a youthful energy, any of these dresses would have a happy home in my closet(and those lace up boots too)!!

xoxo, lauren

Project Reconstruction: Eco Luxe

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Last night was my college fashion club's annual fashion show; Project Reconstruction. It's a fashion show featuring garments made from recycled and reconstructed materials. I'm always amazed at the creativity & talent of our university's apparel design students. This year's theme was "Eco Luxe".

The garments are made out of everything from cut up sweaters to tin foil to sushi paper. I helped set up in the morning and it's always so rewarding to see all the hard work come to life when the first model walks out. I loved the Marie Antoinette picture in the background and lit tea lights at the edge of the stage.

Does your school have a fashion club or annual fashion show? I organized a couple of them in high school; it's hard work, but a ton of fun!

xoxo, lauren

Photoshoots, Styling, Male Models.. Oh My!

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Loving the mini online series of behind the scenes video at Armani Exchange TV! It's a great sneak peek of how they develop concepts for the photo shoots, styling the clothes, and hair & make-up. I love the dark, industrial looking background juxtaposed against pretty designer clothes.

Not to mention the male models are really ridiculously good looking.. did you see those abs (brings me back to my time in Milan this summer, where I swear every guy on the street could have been a model) ?!

xoxo, lauren

"Girl, You Look Fierce!"

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:43:00 +0000

I got SO excited when the weather dipped below 60 today that I took full advantage and threw on my dotted tights under my cutoff denim. When I was walking to class these two girls stopped me on the street and told me they just wanted to let me know how "fierce" I looked! It definitely started the morning off right!

Dotted Tights have been spotted all over fashion editorials & stylish celebs like Alexa Chung and I can't help but love them. Pair them under denim shorts, sparkly mini dresses, or a tough leather skirt.They're definitely going to be a huge trend for fall/winter and it's a great change from the usual black opaque tights we were all rocking last year!

What do you think about the dotted tights trend?

xoxo, lauren

Natural Beauty

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:28:00 +0000

Let me begin by telling you that although I'm a huge clothes junkie, i'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my beauty routine. In the morning I just want to dust on some bronzer & add some mascara and chapstick and be out the door.

So, when I found out that i'd have the opportunity to try out RAWMinerals weightless foundation I was pretty excited. As any beauty product that can make me feel like I'm wearing less make-up is a winner in my book. Another plus, is that it doesn't contain the harmful chemicals that most beauty products contain-- it's important to think about what you're putting on your body!

You start off by finding out which foundation shade suits you best, afterwards I brushed on the mineral glow which works like a bronzer giving you sunkissed cheeks. I decided to try it out for a night out. I was pleased with how easy to apply and how it really felt like I wasn't wearing any make-up at all. The picture above was taken showing off my glowing skin. I felt confident and didn't worry about my make-up coming off at all.

If you're interested in the starter kit pictured above you can use coupon code DISCOVERY50 for 50 % off the $180 retail price. The individual mineral make-up starts at $25!

xoxo, lauren

La Petite Fashionista Likey: Closet Confidential

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:14:00 +0000

When I found out one of my longtime favorite fashion bloggers, Winona, (of Daddy Likey fashion blog fame) was writing a book I was SO excited for her. There are few bloggers that can make me laugh like her posts do. When I found out I would have the chance to read a copy of Closet Confidential I was even more excited!

How could you not adore a book that begins with its acknowledgements giving props to the Backstreet boys and their social studies teacher (a page out of her 2nd grade journal). Winona's book shares the same type of hilarious anecdotes as her blog as well as fashion wisdom. This is no ordinary "how-to-dress-fabulously" kind of book. Her "Style Lessons" are hysterical and quite useful too.

Her book talks about everything from the best bottoms for your body type (beautiful Grecian goddess; Marilyn Monroe; stellar soft siren) to how to tell if your graphic tee is ironic or just lame. Everyone needs style tips for occasions like dressing for travel. For example: "If you don't wear your leopard print trench coat here, you will not wear it in Europe."

This book is seriously a must have for any fashionista and it's great to support a fellow fashion blogger. Buy it in bookstores or online! Congrats on the book Winona!

xoxo, lauren

High Fashion Halloween Costumes

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:02:00 +0000

While dreaming up my new Halloween costume post, I got to thinking how often times designers' avant garde creations can turn out almost costume-y. Runway shows are the epitome of conjured up themed looks.

Looking at Spring/Summer 2010 collections, these were some of my favorite costume inspirations: Barbie at Versace, Wilma Flimstone at Jeremy Scott, Zombie Brides at Rodarte, Dorothy at Christopher Kane, and Jocks at Alexander Wang. How perfect hmm? I definitely wouldn't mind rocking this runway garb to a halloween party!

What are you going to dress up as for Halloween?

xoxo, lauren

La Petite Fashionista in Sketchbook Magazine

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:27:00 +0000

Words can't explain how honored and excited I am to be featured in Sketchbook Magazine's premiere Fashion Blogger issue! Sketchbook is a digital magazine that is printed on demand; issues cost $28 (I ordered a copy already)! It has a wonderful creative and unique perspective. It's filled with a treasure trove of artfully drawn fashion sketches, unique editorials, and interviews with fashion insiders.

It's crazy to see an article about me and my blog alongside my fashion blogging idols like Rumi, and Susie! The issue as a whole looks amazing and Wafa (a fellow fashion blogger at Fashion Ambition) did a fantastic job with the issue. I can't wait to see more from Sketchbook.

Make sure to check out the sneak preview of the issue celebrating fashion bloggers..something we can all relate to!

xoxo, lauren

Pump Up the Stam

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:10:00 +0000

I saw Rachel Zoe styling this Jessica Stam editorial for V Magazine on her show. Only Rachel Zoe would style a fashion workout editorial in high heeled knee high boots and sequined sweaters. I die. It got me thinking about wearing cute clothes to work out in. As weird as it sounds I feel more motivated at the gym when I'm wearing something I feel confident in.

My suggestions for a cute workout clothes include:

Band shirt: I looove bob marley, but i like listening to hip hop when exercising)
Bright pair of stretchy shorts (these are from Roxy's new line, Athletix)
Fun pair of athletic shoes (how amazing are these?!)
SPIbelt (These stretchy zip up pouches can store keys, credit cards, and ipods while you get your sweat on. I have one that I don't know what I'd do without it @ the gym!)

What do you usually wear to the gym?

xoxo, lauren

Confessions of a Fashion Student

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000

In case you were wondering why I've been M.I.A. the last few days... school has pretty much consumed my life. I had a couple HUGE projects due & an exam today. Thus, I've had 6 hrs combined for the last 2 nights. Let's just say I could use some beauty sleep!

I can't even complain about my assignment because I really enjoyed it! We had to select merchandise for our "store" and then show what we could coordinate onto fixtures in a retail store. Then, use excel to create a spreadsheet as a buyer would. I had alot of fun with it, and it made me really excited to think that I could be doing something like this one day as a career!

Here's a mini peek at my assignment and some of my favorite fixtures:

Let me know if you need me to ID anything! (Most of the images are from chickdowntown.com, anthropologie, & shopbop!) Now.. NAP TIME. happy friday everyone :)

xoxo, lauren

Designer Spotlight: Deep in Vogue

lapetitefashionista@yahoo.com (la petite fashionista) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:12:00 +0000

If you haven't discovered Vera's blog, Deep in Vogue, you must check it out! It's full of beautiful photography and features many of her own designs against gorgeous Idaho scenery. Her blog is one of my favorites and never short of sartorial inspiration. She sells her innovative and expertly sewn designs in her etsy shop; keep checking back, she's always adding more!

She was sweet enough to answer some questions for La Petite Fashionista readers about her designs and fashion blog!

When did you start designing clothes? Are you formally trained or self-taught?

I am self-taught. I have always had an appreciation for fashions that were beyond my means financially, so finding a way to make them myself was only natural.

You have such a distinct point of view in your designs-- how would you describe your personal style?

I am very attracted to clean lines, slim and hourglass silhouettes. Let's say elegant with a bit of edge :o).

Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?

Sometimes I find inspiration in specific pieces that I would like to change a bit. More often than not it's the fabric itself that gets me going

How has writing a fashion blog helped you with starting your own line of clothing? The feedback that I get back from my readers is the main thing that keeps me going. The positive reinforcement is priceless. I see blogging as a continuous dialog that helps me evolve.

I can't wait to get my hands on one of her originals ASAP! Best of luck to you Vera!

xoxo, lauren