Lauren's Lookbook

Nashville on My Mind

2010-05-14T14:43:00.006-04:00

I visited Nashville for the first time last month, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.

Of course, the horrific flooding has captured the hearts of many, but I have to admit, Nashville had mine long before the flood photos started showing up in my news feed. It really is a remarkable city, full of unique character and style, and I hope the recovery effort goes as quickly as possible. The thought of Nashville without visitors makes me incredibly sad.

Aside from my work-related commitments, my first order of business was to seek out a kick-ass, authentic pair of cowboy boots. Liz Phair was humming in my ear, telling me I was the kind of girl to find "alligator cowboy boots they just put on sale," and, as usual, she was right. I found these beauties at Nashville Cowboy, arguably the best of the downtown boot shops.

Could you just die? They weigh a ton, but I adore them nonetheless. I can't wait to rock them this fall.

My next stop was the lovely little town of Franklin, where I had some time to kill following a shorter-than-expected meeting. Happily, I stumbled upon Philanthropy, a store which combines two of my great passions: fashion and charitable giving. 10% of their revenue goes directly to charitable organizations -- they've raised over $120,000 in the last three years! And best of all, their stuff is cute. I was drawn in by their awesome window display and left with an overflowing shopping bag of cheap chic clothes and accessories. I mean, look at this place!

The sweet girl at the register clued me in on their mission...somehow I'd missed this sign on my way in.

It's a delightful boutique, and well worth the trip to Franklin the next time you find yourself in Nashville. I, for one, can't wait to go back.

Brushstrokes

2010-02-08T19:48:00.008-05:00

Paint and I are having a moment. I'm not actually painting, mind you...I'm just draping myself with artfully painted silk and wistfully pondering Spring.

It started with this gorgeous silk dress that I snatched off the sale rack at an obscenely overpriced boutique in Old City. There was something about the paint-splashed effect that made me gasp...and the $60 price tag (marked down at least 75%) didn't hurt, either. I plan to style this down with a denim vest, gray wedges, and a cotton scarf from Paris. Is it April yet?

Then I tripped over this stunner at Banana Republic of all places. It's more graphic than the dress, but it has the same silk painting effect -- in fact, they're calling it the Painterly blouse. The fun thing about this one is that I've already given it a test drive at work, peeking out from under a cashmere cardigan. But it'll be even sweeter with skinny jeans and flats this Spring.

These purchases got me thinking about art-as-fashion, and lo and behold, I found a few other paint-inspired options that are just the thing for the warming months ahead...

Stunning, stunning silk t-shirt dress brought to you by the genius that is Thakoon:

A mermaid-worthy fantasy by ADAM:

This sweet little DVF number is actually called "Monet Fields," and would you believe it's currently 70% off at Shopbop? And the only remaining size in stock is...mine?

Gotta run! I've got some, um, painting to do.

Please stop bedazzling my cardigans

2009-12-16T10:51:00.007-05:00

There is a piece of every working woman's wardrobe that is so essential it is nearly sacred. My friends, I give you...the cardigan.

The cardigan goes anywhere. Solves any fashion crisis. Eases you from a non-suit day at work to picking up groceries on a Sunday afternoon. It goes with your favorite t-shirt and your favorite LBD. It is a garment for all seasons.

Or, at least, it used to be.

Every few years, my trusty cardigans begin to look worn, and I know it's time to replace them. Generally, this is not a problem. I drop by a Banana or a J Crew or an Ann Taylor and pick up a few in neutral colors. No, it's not high fashion, but it is an absolute necessity for pulling together my wardrobe. And, frankly, it's kind of a no brainer. I'm pretty much convinced that places like Banana and Ann were put on this earth solely to provide the working women of America with decent quality basic cardigans. Right?

Not right. This year, a terrible, terrible thing has happened to cardigans. It looks like this:

And this:

And (shudder) like this:

The cardigan has gone bedazzled, my friends. Which means that 1) it is no longer a trusted basic and 2) it's gonna look dated in a hot second. You might buy one embellished sweater for fun, but two? Three? That's a first class ticket on the train to fashion disaster.

After more than a decade of wear, I have exacting standards for what a cardigan should be. It should have long sleeves, a lightweight cashmere/silk blend, and small, non-obtrusive buttons. Ideally, it should lightly skim the body and hit at the hip. It should have a bit of stretch and feel slightly cozy. It should retail for under $100 and last at least two years.

In other words, it should not come with flair.

For months, my search has been in vain. A couple of places have carried the basic model, but they sold out in ten seconds flat and/or could only offer me an XXS or an XL. I was beginning to court desperation.

But then, like a beacon of hope in a world gone mad, I discovered this place on a recent business trip to NC. Finally, a mid-level clothing retailer without a Bedazzler at the ready! I nabbed a basic black cashmere cardy for $70 on sale, and then had them track down a beige version somewhere in VA that should show up in my mailbox any day now. Like all other non-crazy cardigan styles, it was nearly sold out across the country. (Case in point: I would typically insert a photo here, but the the inventory is so low that they took it off the web site.)

So, I'm safe for a few years now. Perhaps by the time I need to restock, everyone will have put away their ruffles and sequins.

We can only hope.

Here Comes the Dress

2009-11-30T20:12:00.006-05:00

As much as I love fashion, I've never been much of a wedding girl. The pomp and circumstance has always seemed so artificial to me. And all the ridiculous pressure to have ONE PERFECT DAY? Gah. It's a recipe for disappointment and disaster.

But here I am, a second time bride gearing up for a non-traditional wedding that's a little bit Him (family, friends, vows, old-fashioned romance) and a little bit Me (we're having a big ol' multi-course dinner party themed to 1920's Paris).

But what to do about the dress? 1920's Paris calls for ultimate fabulousness, but A) I'm on a budget and B) wedding dresses these days all look the same to me: strapless satin A-lines or mermaids with tasteful details of beading or lace. Which, to be fair, is perfectly nice. It's just not my style.

A couple of weeks ago in Bal Harbour, I found a gorgeous, 100% silk evening gown on the Neiman's sale rack for 75% off. I can't go into detail because Scott reads this, but suffice it to say, it looks the part. And the whole thing felt somewhat fortuitous. It was the only one left, a size 6, and it zipped up as if it were meant to be mine. I had it shipped home, tried it on for my family, and felt good about it.

But...I can't quite commit, and I don't know why. Maybe it's the fact that it's the only one I've tried on. And while I do love a bargain, I also like to exhaust all of my options before making a final purchase. And so, I made an appointment at Bridal Mecca, aka Kleinfeld's. If I don't find my WOW dress there, then it just doesn't exist, and I'll be happy with the one from Neiman's. But if I do...

So, in preparation, I started searching the web for ideas. Here are a few I like, although I don't think any of them are quite "it."

Vintage glamour from Claire Pettibone.

A little evening bling from Pnina Tornai.

Simple elegance from Sarah Arnett.

These are all perfectly nice. But, of course, what I really want to do is rip this Chanel Couture gown from Kirsten Dunst and make a run for it.

Now that's a WOW.

What they're wearing in Memphis

2009-11-08T17:19:00.006-05:00

On a recent business trip to Memphis, I found myself with a free afternoon. When visiting a new city, some people seek out museums. Some visit famous landmarks. Some catch a local sporting event.

I shop.

And as luck would have it, the very first boutique I happened upon (in a strip mall, no less), was the adorable Flirt. The owner, Stephanie, was on hand to show me around the fall collection. Flirt specializes in fun, easy pieces -- I picked up a colorful tunic that can be styled in a million ways.

Before I left, Stephanie was kind enough to provide me with a comprehensive list of some of the best shopping Memphis has to offer. I headed out toward Germantown, where I popped in on Lola, Divine Rags, and the super cute (and super affordable) Wish. The store was so well merchandised, I couldn't help but take a few photos...

All in all, it was a great afternoon. The next time you find yourself Walkin' in Memphis, be sure to show some love to the local boutiques!

Kate Spade makes clothes. And they are fabulous.

2009-10-24T09:32:00.006-04:00

I don't know why I didn't discover this sooner, but Kate Spade is making clothes these days, and they are fabulous.

When her bags first hit the scene, and the boxy fabric style became somewhat ubiquitous of the streets of Boston circa 2000, I wasn't much of a fan. They were a bit too prim for my taste, and I never bought one.

But on a recent trip to Nordstrom, I came upon a rack of perfectly crafted, ladylike garments that has forever changed my opinion of the brand. Not only were these clothes wearable from the office to a dinner date and back again, they were extremely high quality -- luxe fabrics, impeccable detailing, and refined craftsmanship. Best of all, the price point was far below what I would have expected for this level of construction.

Here are a few looks I'm loving from katespade.com.

This one is to die for. I love that you can channel Coco at the office, and then take off the sweater and sweep into your favorite cocktail lounge later that night as a vision in ivory. Perfection.

If I owned this blouse, I might never take it off. Here's proof that this seemingly ladylike garment pairs as easily with jeans as it does with your favorite work attire.

Who doesn't need a little colorful tweed in her life? I'd throw a jacket over this for work, and then wear it as is, with some great jewelry, for a fall evening event.

I can't wait to add a little Kate to my closet.

Well, I guess that answers that.

2009-10-07T17:00:00.004-04:00

While styling Jill last weekend, guess what I found at Bloomingdale's at a really great price point?

Coming soon to a fall event near you: Lauren, in a fur vest.

Will you in-vest?

2009-09-27T15:41:00.006-04:00

The faux fur vest is everywhere this fall, which comes as no surprise; I couldn't walk a block in Paris last winter without bumping into one. First come the Parisians, then come the Americans. 'Tis the way it goes with fashion, toujours.

Anyway, I hated them last year, especially the brightly dyed ones that the French girls seemed so fond of. But now I'm not so sure. I do love me some fur, and a good faux is nothing to scoff at, especially when it looks so real.

Take, for example, this faux red fox by Rachel Zoe. It's pretty darn cute.

Here's a faux lynx by Damselle with a nice edge to it.

And a simple but luxe faux bunny by LaRok.

Of course, these vests are uber-trendy, which means they'll look dated in a hot second...but there's always H&M, the good girl's guide to disposable fashion. I saw one there this afternoon for $50, just the right price point for a garment you'll only wear for one season.

My concern with this trend is that it has the potential to add bulk where no one really wants to add bulk -- the middle of the body. Since I'm a textbook hourglass, I'm just not sure the fur vest is a wise choice for my body type.

But, for a pear or boyish figure, the faux fur vest might just be the perfect update for a fashionable winter wardrobe. What do you think?

The YSL blouse I can't stop thinking about

2009-09-21T15:46:00.004-04:00

Apologies if I've already discussed this blouse with you ad nauseum (which pretty much includes anyone I know in real life), but I just had to add it to the Lookbook.

Behold! Crisp, clean, structural details. Equal parts elegance and whimsy. A statement piece, not a costume. The woman who wears this wears it. It does not wear her.

Oh, how I long to be that woman.

These Boots Were Made For Awesome

2009-09-18T17:00:00.003-04:00

It's boot season, and there's nothing that makes me happier than a fabulous tall boot. Here are just a few that have caught my eye of late.

Walking on the wild side with my beloved Louboutin...

A fun and functional scrunchy street find from Asos...

For me, Valentino rarely takes a misstep, and this elegant boot is perfection...

Of course, being the owner of dancer calves, I'm often prevented from wearing some of my favorite boot styles. Thank god for Duo, an amazing UK company that will build a fabulous tall boot to your exact measurements. I'm a 41/41 in Duo, and get constant compliments when I wear their stylish, well-crafted boots. If you, too, have larger-than-average calves...or even if you don't!...I highly recommend a visit to their web site.

Vince: Cozy Cashmere

2009-09-05T11:33:00.000-04:00

When it comes to comfy basics, nobody does it better than Vince. I've collected several pieces over the years, including a go-to cashmere dress that I've worn through two Boston winters and still looks as fabulous as the day I took it home from Barneys. LOVE.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across this gem from the new season. From the front, it's the perfect, ladylike wrap sweater; flattering to any body type.

And from the back...BAM!

I love that this can go straight from the office (with a jacket over it, natch) to a fabulous dinner date in 30 seconds flat. Paired with fitted black pants and great heels, it's a total win.

Fall 2009

2009-09-02T21:57:00.001-04:00

I'm having a blast putting together my fall 2009 lookbook. It's been a while since I've made a physical version -- combing through magazine and web sites, cutting out things that are "must haves" or simply inspire me, and pasting them into a leather book that I carry wherever I go. I forgot how much fun it is. Honestly, after a decade of serious shopping, I'm pretty comfortable with my eye. I can edit a rack of clothes in just moments; I know what works for me, what doesn't, and what will mix and match well with my existing collection. But it's a constant evolution. No matter how well-honed your sense of style may be, new influences are critical. Thus, the lookbook. I don't care much about being on trend, but I do respect the Masters and want to know what they're presenting each season.

I'll take some photos of how the actual book is shaping up, but for now, here are a few things I'm loving for fall...

Let's start with Chanel, since it is the alpha and omega of all things fabulous. And let us forget for a moment that our dear Karl sent most of his models down the fall 2009 RTW runway dressed pretty much exactly like...him. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Take this one, for example. Yes, it's very Karl. But I'm loving the sheer black over ivory, and the exaggerated volume at the neckline. Two elements I can easily weave into my wardrobe.

And I will never, ever apologize for loving a great deep V. I mean, seriously. For those of us who do not need bras, there is no more flattering cut. Viva la V!

Over at Hermes, there's a So Kelly bag that I'm absolutely mad for...and, of course, will never have. That is one lucky puppy!

Valentino is playing with this gorgeous jewel green color for fall...I mean, could you just die? Must snag a piece in this color!

And speaking of Valentino, check out this elegant, work appropriate ensemble. Okay, so the coat is over the top...but the detailing on the sweater? The beautifully draped camel? Divine.

How about you? What's in your lookbook this fall?