Smile Couture

If it isn’t neon, it shouldn’t be on!

2012-02-08T17:44:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! As many long time followers may know, I do have a penchant for neutrals. However, with spring coming up, it’s definitely time to bring out the brights, or in this year’s case, the neons! Yes, there is a fine line with wearing neon tastefully, so I’ve styled a few fool-proof looks that get it right.

If it isn't neon, it shouldn't be on! by gracelauren

Simple, summer-y cute: Of course, J. Crew chino shorts are a staple! And this neon azalea pair is such a fun take on a classic. Paired with a button down, belt, rainbows, and KJP rope headband, you can’t go wrong, but still look put together!

Dressed up chic: I honestly think this lace dress is the prettiest thing ever! I love how it looks with the chunky necklace, too. The neon orange (not a shade for the faint of heart) open toe flats are the perfect unexpected accent.

The classic take: Navy sailor stripes always play well with yellow, and I think this bag’s a great way to spice up an otherwise boring look!

Do any of you wear neon? Opinions?

xoxo Grace

Jason Wu for Target Scores!

2012-02-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone! As I’m sure most of you’ve heard, Jason Wu’s line for Target came out yesterday, and well, it’s adorable! I actually got to Target around 9 AM, thinking I would beat the crowds and score this dress. I underestimated the masses, as this dress was already sold out from the crowd they got when the store opened. However, there was quite a bit left, and I did manage to get these!

This looks unflattering, but it’s actually super cute on. I love the colors, too. I’ll definitely be dressing it up and down this spring, so you might see it an a future OOTD post.

I love this top! I’ve been wanting a bow blouse for so long, and the fact it’s navy with polka dots is just even better.
Did any of you score some Jason Wu? It’s all so adorable!
xoxo Grace

Muse of the Month: Jules Reid

2012-02-03T18:26:00.001-08:00

Hey, everybody! In case you’ve forgotten in this past month or are new, I have started this new series where I choose an style inspiration figure each month! And for February we have…

Muse of the Month:

Jules Reid

Tried and true elements: Bright colors, loose/relaxed cuts, wild prints, unique jewelry, mixing patterns, general “resort” vibe.

Muse of the Month: Jules Reid by gracelauren

P.S. Jules was written up in Matchbook Magazine this month!

xoxo Grace

Top Picks for Spring 2012

2012-02-01T17:13:00.001-08:00

As I’ve said before, spring is truly the best season for clothing! Bright colors, cute cuts, happy prints. Here are my favorites from this year’s lines that have been released.

Lilly Pulitzer Mariana Dress in Bloomin Cacoonin, 228. SO in love with this style and print!

Lilly Pulitzer Tate Skirt in State of Mind, 98. I’m also a huge fan of this print (it’s a patchwork where every state is represented in a square!) and the scallop detail of this skirt is darling!

Vineyard Vines Bouquet Dress, 248. A classic navy dress is definitely a widely unobserved essential! Love the rope detailing on this one!

Vineyard Vines Embroidered Dayboat Shorts, 98. Critter shorts are definitely a great piece to have (that J. Crew doesn’t stock anymore…) and the whales on these are adorable!

Vineyard Vines Under the Sea Sweater, 158. A bit pricey for cotton cashmere, if you ask me, but the little starfish is really too cute.

Brooks Brothers Ballet Flat, 148. I cannot get over how much I love these! Admittedly I have a bit of a ballet flat “problem”, but the fact that these are inspired by bow ties make them even more swoon-worthy!

J. Crew Rugby-stripe Dress, 88. The rugby dress is going to be having a major moment this spring, and I’m super excited! I think I may have to snap up either this or one of Rugby Ralph Lauren’s.

What are you all loving for spring fashion?

xoxo Grace

Dreaming of My Sweet Sixteen!

2012-01-30T18:52:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! As you can see in my “about me” section, I am currently fifteen, but this April I hit my big milestone-16! Although I’ve got time, I’ve already started a Pinterest board to brainstorm ideas, and I thought I’d share with you guys what I’ve thought up so far. I’m thinking I’ll just invite my girlfriends over for a dinner and sleepover, because I did the boy-girl black and white cocktail party last year.

Source: images.pinkcakebox.com via Grace on Pinterest

I am soooo obsessed with the cake to the right! I think I might try to get my favorite cupcake bakery to recreate it!

Source: renttherunway.com via Grace on Pinterest

Of course, what’s a birthday party without a fabulous dress? This Lilly print is one of my favorites!

Source: elizabethannedesigns.com via Grace on Pinterest

I love lemonade and think it looks darling in mason jars!!

Source: katyelliott.com via Grace on Pinterest

I sooo want to make these crepe paper roses!

Source: hostessblog.com via Grace on Pinterest

Weather-permitting, I’d love to have an outdoor garden party set up like this!

What did you do for your sweet sixteen? Any fun ideas? I’m definitely open to suggestions!

xoxo Grace

Fridays Fancies: Blog Swap

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm Eliza and I blog over at Crème de la Crème. Crème de la Crème is a blog about celebrating every wondrous moment! This usually translates into the daily sharing of gluten-free recipes, all kinds of ideas, fashion, funny moments, and pictures. I'm so excited to be linking up for Friday's Fancies with Grace this week! She created an outfit for my blog, so be sure to head over and check it out! Since we decided to draw our inspiration from each other's blogs, I knew the second I looked at this page that something nautical was in store for this week. I imagine Grace would wear something like this while studying on the weekends because it could easily transition into a look more suited for going out with friends. It's classy and cute, just like Grace. :)

Thanks for sharing your blog with me today! xo, eliza

For A Valentine

2012-01-24T19:28:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. As the dreary month of January culminates, I think we’re all looking forward to the cheerful pink and red fest that is February and Valentine’s Day! Here are my ideas for gifts, and honestly, there’s no shame in buying these for yourself! (You don’t need no man, hahaha!)

Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in Love Bug

Kiel James Patrick Asterly’s Dock Pink Sunset

J. Crew Ripplestich Sweater in Stripe

Aerie Floral Boxer (it’s actually little hearts!)

Are you guys looking forward to Valentine’s Day? Any of you have special plans in the works? :)

xoxo Grace

How to: Wear Green Pants

2012-01-22T17:45:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I’m sure you all remember The Great Red Pants Craze of 2011, which I actually never got into. I tend to shy away from red, actually; it’s a little too loud for my tastes most of the time. However, the newest craze, kelly green pants is right up my alley. The look is very Kate Spade/J. Crew/Matchbook Magazine. How to avoid looking like an elf or a beanstalk? Read on, my friends:

How To: Wear Green Pants by gracelauren

*All shown with the J. Crew Café Capri*

Playing it safe: A white blouse (bow if you prefer) will always work, and the sparkly flats give it just the right punch! If you’re really scared though, black flats would suffice.

Color blocking: Before anyone says anything, yes, you can do red and green without looking Christmas-y! Sarah Vickers once owned the look, therefore it is possible. (I base far too many style decisions off that logic, haha). The white Revas act as a neutral while still keeping it fun and spring-y!

Pattern Play: Seems risky, but I think it’s doable. Inspired by a pin I saw, I went with a striped sailor shirt and cheetah loafers. On trend, and looks like something out of a J. Crew catalogue!

Have any of you tried green pants?

xoxo Grace

Friday’s Fancies: Outfit Inspiration

2012-01-20T17:42:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! I absolutely love the Friday’s Fancies theme this week, so I figured I join in! The theme was to recreate a look you’d seen on the internet. I went with this one I’d seen on Pinterest and have been obsessed with ever since!

Fridays Fancies by gracelauren

Gorgeous look, right? I recreated it with nude flats, a white eyelet trim dress, woven clutch and brown aviators. Of course, the stunner is the pink blazer; Alexander McQueen and $7o5! Hey, it’s called Friday’s Fancies for a reason!

xoxo Grace

Book Review: What to Wear, Where

2012-01-19T19:08:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I picked up this book randomly about a month ago and thought some of you might be interested in it. It’s by WhoWhatWear.com’s creators Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power.

Bottom line: this book does not advocate classic style. It encourages leather pants in one situation.

That being said, I did like the concept of providing formulas for every possible style situations, but I felt that most of them would need editing for my style/closet etcetera. It does have valuable information in regards to what is not appropriate in certain situations and proper attire for dress code events, though, which is always useful.

Overall, I’d give it a 6.5/10.

Have any of you read this book? Did you like it?

xoxo Grace

Tag-Blogger Game!

2012-01-16T13:50:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! Becca and Hannah both tagged me to do this game that allows us to get to know each other better, so I figured I’d go for it! (I also have double the questions, haha!)

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Fun Facts:

1. I love seeing indie movies, and pretty much movies in general!

2. I hate getting into breakfast food ruts, but it happens all the time anyway.

3. I only laugh if there are people there. Otherwise I just feel weird.

4. I don’t like cats very much, but I’ve recently decided I want one when I’m older just so I can name it The Great Catsby.

5. Whenever I travel, I always stop in a Hudson News or something and buy a Fiji Water and a copy of Town & Country.

6. I buy way too many handbags!

7. I recently discovered One Direction and looove them!

8. I hate when people act like Facebook is their diary/therapist. Like seriously, no one cares.

9. I have about 19 chapsticks between my various bags.

10. I’m a little bit obsessed with Kate Middleton.

11. Looking at black and white photos of the Kennedys is one of my hobbies.

Becca’s Questions:

1. What was your very first car?

My current silver Volvo S60 that I might drive to school if I had a parking spot.

2. What is your favorite color?

Pink! But for clothing, probably navy.

3. What perfume do you currently wear?

I got Juicy Couture’s “Couture Couture” for Christmas, and actually really like it!

4. Diamonds or pearls?

Either! But usually pearls. :)

5. Favorite quote?

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”-Oscar Wilde

6. Favorite restaurant?

Um, for quick meals after school, probably Smashburger or Panera. Otherwise, the club.

7. Favorite sports team(s)?

Bruins, Patriots. Collegiate-Iowa or Iowa State. Anything but Nebraska. I probably just offended someone.

8. What is/was your major in college?

I’m not in college yet, haha! I’m thinking of maybe double majoring in Business and English!

9. What color is on your nails right now?

This is actually one of the rare times my nails are painted! OPI’s “Royal Flush Blush”

10. Favorite vacation spot?

Ooh, tough one! Probably Maine, London, or Longboat Key, FL.

11. What is the best gift you've ever received?

Probably my puppy!

Hannah’s Questions:

1. Who is your celebrity crush?

Andy Samberg! :)

2. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?

Hmm my pearls or my gold locket necklace.

3. What are y'alls pet peeves?

My sister taking my stuff without asking, high school freshmen who’ve been dating for a week claiming to be “in love” on each other’s Facebook walls.

4. What is your favorite article of clothing?

Probably my big cream Ralph Lauren cable knit pullover

5. What was the last movie you watched?

What’s Your Number? It was good!

6. Who is your favorite book character?

People compare me to Spencer Hastings from Pretty Little Liars a lot, so maybe her or Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye

7. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas!

8. What is your biggest fear?

Snakes. They are the scariest things ever.

9. Where is your favorite place to shop?

Lilly Pulitzer or J. Crew

10. What is your favorite city?

Boston or Washington D.C.!

11. What are your top 5 favorite TV shows?

Scouted, Project Runway, How I Met Your Mother, Saturday Night Live, and Glee.

My Questions!

1. What celebrity’s closet would you steal?

2. What’s your least favorite food?

3. Describe your perfect significant other.

4. What was the best book you read in 2011?

5. What are your quirks?

6. Where would your dream house be located?

7. What was your first pet?

8. What’s the coolest museum you’ve ever been to?

9. What’s your favorite fabric to wear?

10. Which celebrities annoy you?

11. What are your favorite shoes?

As for tagging, ALL OF YOU! Haha, don’t feel obligated, but I’d love to get to know some of you better! Anyone who wants to can!

xoxo Grace

Crushing on…Kate Spade Nautical Jewelry!

2012-01-12T18:27:00.001-08:00

Ever since reading it on Kate’s blog, I’ve been obsessed with Kate Spade’s nautical jewelry! Don’t get me wrong; I always love Kate’s stuff, but the nautical stuff just hits a weakness of mine. Here are my favorites:

Do you guys like Kate Spade’s new nautical jewelry?

xoxo Grace

What I’m Loving Wednesday

2012-01-11T18:48:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I thought I’d link up with Jamie today and share all of my current loves!

I’m loving…One Direction and David Wax Museum! Both of these bands are so fantastic.

I’m loving…the Lilly sale! I got the Stephanie shift and love it!

I’m loving…my comp class this semester! Not a huge fan of most of my schedule, but Composition is going to be great.

I’m loving…this bikini! It’s been making the rounds on Pinterest and Tumblr lately and is so pretty.

I’m loving…this recipe! I made them the other day and they’re wonderful. And 115 calories for a red velvet cupcake—too fantastic to resist.

What are you guys loving of late?

xoxo Grace

Kate Middleton’s 30th!

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone! Just wanted to inform everyone that our favorite classic style icon is turning 3o today!

I can only imagine what Will has planned. :)
xoxo Grace

My Skincare Routine

2012-01-07T11:27:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I thought I’d join in with the people who’d been posting their skincare routines and share mine. I have fairly good skin (or at least better than most teenagers!) when I’m not stressed, but I think it’s all in part to me taking care of it.

I don’t really drink soda. It stains teeth and your skin is so much better if you just drink water!
I use this scrub whenever I feel like my skin’s getting clogged or if it just feels gross. Once a week at most, because it’s fairly drying and harsh.

{via}

Because I use pretty drying products, I put this on about twice a day, after showering at night and before or after putting on makeup.

{via}

I use these Neutrogena Makeup Removing Towlettes because I’m too lazy to use the Clinique stuff I have every night and they're great with eye makeup, too!

{via}

I’ve recently started using this Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, and it’s seriously amazing! I actually like it better for zapping zits than my prescription stuff from the dermatologist! And it’s not super expensive, either.

{via}

What are your skincare standbys? Anyone use an electric brush?

xoxo Grace

Inspire.

2012-01-05T19:11:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I’ve seen this done a lot before, but read somewhere to do it for 2012, and it was just the motivation I needed. So, here we have it! My inspiration collage bulletin board…

Within it we have:

Rowing

Inspirational Quotes

Fashion

Jackie O.

Books to read

Places to visit

Do any of you have inspiration boards? What’s on yours?

xoxo Grace

Out With The Old & In With the New: Muse of the Month

2012-01-03T17:38:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! Big announcement: I’m ending 7 on Saturday. It just wasn’t fun anymore and I found myself putting it off and struggling with coming up with things. However, I am introducing a new feature: Muse of the Month! At the beginning of each month, I’ll share some photos of someone with great style, comment on it, and share a polyvore with some outfits inspired by them. I think it fits the changing direction of my blog pretty well. So without further ado…January’s Muse

Muse of the Month: Sarah Vickers

{via}

Tried and true elements: Skirts in unique, yet classic patterns and colors, Cotton chinos and oxfords, Dainty jewelry (often pearls), Cute sweaters, Classic, practical footwear.

Who is influencing your style this month?

xoxo Grace

Sneakpeeq Winners!

2012-01-01T19:12:00.001-08:00

Hi, everyone! I have the winners of my sneakpeeq giveaway!

Winning a $25 giftcard, we have:

-Neha

-Couture Carrie

-Manish Rana

Congratulations! Send me an email at smilecouture@live.com for information!

xoxo Grace

New Years Resolutions.

2012-01-01T10:42:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I figured I would jump on the bandwagon and post my resolutions, so at least you guys can hold me accountable. :)

Be healthier. Granted, crew’s winter season has me at the gym a lot! But I want to eat less junk, too.

Be friendlier. I’m not a mean person, I swear! But since I’m kind of shy and I seem stoic/cold to people who don’t know me, I’ve been negatively characterized.

Show more initiative. I’m weird about asking for what I want. I want to be more confident this year!

Learn how to manage my hair. I really have no idea how to do anything with my hair. Here’s to learning!

Read more. I used to love to read, but I get so busy I put it on the backburner! I might make a list of books to read.

Dress for myself. Full disclosure: no one of my peers dresses like me. But I need to stop letting that intimidate me out of wearing what I want!

What are your resolutions?

xoxo Grace

Top 5 Wednesday!

2011-12-28T18:32:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! I’m a day late for Top 5 Tuesday, but this weeks theme sounded fun, so I’m linking up anyway. The theme is Best of 2011.

5. Movie

Definitely Midnight in Paris! Love, history, Paris, literature, art…swoon!

Honorable Mentions: Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Help

4. TV Show

Neither of these are new, but Project Runway and How I Met Your Mother!

3. Song

Rolling in the Deep by Adele and Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO!

2. Thing That Happened

Tie between Georgetown Summer IR and joining rowing.

My week at Georgetown was amazing, to say the least. I became a lot more self-assured, learned a lot about people and who I get along with, and confirmed my feelings about wanting to go to school on the east coast.

Joining rowing has been so good for me. It’s such a passion sport, in that you have to be passionate about it to succeed, and the girls in it are so incredible!

1. Favorite Christmas Present

I finally have a stack! I got a KJP bracelet, Kate Spade bangle, and a Lilly watch! I already had the pearl bracelet. :)

What were the highlights of your guys’ years?

xoxo Grace

2012 Playlist!

2011-12-26T18:42:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! So I thought I’d take a cue from Fred and Carly today and post my current playlist. It’s a little way of reflecting on 2011 and thinking about starting over for the new year.

Listen on Spotify!

xoxo Grace

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best (no matter what holiday you celebrate!) here at Smile Couture!

xoxo Grace

Favorite “Fashion” Books

2011-12-21T18:21:00.001-08:00

Have you all entered my giveaway for a giftcard to sneakpeeq? Anyway, as most of you might know by now, I’m a big reader. More so, I have tons of fashion books that all say the same thing. (A little black dress is a staple? Really?) But there are some that just, well, are special! Here are my favorites:

The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach; Hard to track down (my parents would get rid of their copy…) but so worth it!

Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady by Derek Blasberg; If you really need a basic guide-this is it. He covers everything and is SO right about it all!

Style by Lauren Conrad; Admittedly, this isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it did have great beauty tips, helpful packing lists, and gorgeous photos!

Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style by Jeffrey Banks and Doria de la Chapelle; Full disclosure: I haven’t read it yet, but I asked for it for Christmas and have heard great things so far!

By the way, I’M OFFICIALLY DONE!! :) For the semester anyway!

xoxo Grace

Sneakpeeq Giveaway!

2011-12-19T16:26:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I have an amazing giveaway for you all! I partnered up with Sneakpeeq, and you all get 20% off just for entering!

Sneakpeeq is a website similar to Rue La La and Gilt Groupe in that it has flash sales on great items, and you “peeq” at the price! I’ve seen some amazing stuff on there so far: Trina Turk dresses, gourmet food and gorgeous jewelry!

How the giveaway works:

Three (3) of you will get $25 dollar giftcards

Five (5) will get $10 runner-up giftcards!

Amazing deal, right? Those go a long way in the amazingly priced boutiques!

To enter:

Click here to join Sneakpeeq! You can even log-in via facebook! Just leave me a comment saying you did.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, January 1st, 2012!

xoxo Grace

Seven on Sunday

2011-12-18T13:05:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! Sorry about posting this late; time got away from me when I was studying yesterday!

1. Trend of the Week

Oversized scarves, as worn by Blake Lively; I must say, I am constantly amazed that she doesn’t have a stylist! Also, huge scarves are a really fun way to spice up an otherwise boring outfit.

2. Cosmetic of the Week

Garnier Fructis Body Boost Shampoo and Conditioner; I’ve recently started using this and am loving the results!

3. Music Release of the Week

Red by Dia Frampton; Stumbled upon this and fell in love! She’s like Ellie Goulding meets Tegan & Sara.

4. Blogger Quote of the Week

During finals season, Christmas seems like it's miles away.

-The Portuguese Prepster

5. Flickr Photo of the Week

Something wonderful about an empty street at night.

6. Steal of the Week

Artisian Amaryllis Floral Top, 22.99 at Ruche; So pretty and cheap, yet looks vaguely like something from Anthropologie!

7. Splurge of the Week

Amelia Loop V – Pink Sweater by Pink Pineapple, 198 at Kiel James Patrick; KJP is now selling Sarah Vickers’s favorite sweaters, and they’re seriously adorable! SWOON.

That’s all for today! Best of luck to anyone still stuck with finals, and hope everyone whose done is having a lovely break!

xoxo Grace