Look For Less: Emma Roberts

Instagram has slowly become my go-to source for book recommendations, and if there's one celeb who is always on top of the literary game, it's Emma Roberts. I particularly like that her choices are always very broad, one day it's Drew Barrymore's memoir Wildflower, the next she posts a summer reading list that is topped of by Rousseau's Social Contract: 

Teen Vogue

So if you visit her instagram, chances are that you will find at least two or three books that you'll want to put on your own reading list.  

But of course the bookish actress, also has a knack for putting together great book shopping looks. Like this cozy (it's cold in those book stores!) but still summer appropriate ensemble:

Sweater / Jeans 

Coach X Disney Saddle Bag / Matt Nat Faux Leather Bag

Loeffler Randall Shoes / Kiomi Shoes 

Happy (book) shopping!  

Peace, Love and Lobsters
Laura

Look For Less: Taylor Swift

I've always been a fan of Taylor Swift's style (in the literal sense and the song), the way she constantly reinvents her look without ever compromising her identity is almost as impressive as the evolution of her music over the years.  But it hasn't been until recently that I went from being a fan of her look to wanting to emulate it. There's a new edginess to her style (that Vogue cover!), that has me really excited for what's to come next, and at the same time she looks more laid back than ever – which is always a winning combination in my book.

…just like the outfit she wore to a friend's birthday party last week:

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Pairing a camo jacket with comfy high tops is hardly a groundbreaking fashion statement, but that's exactly what makes it so cool – it's an easy no fuss look that anyone can pull of… and afford. Because you don't have to shop at Saint Laurent to get the look:  

Saint Laurent camo jacket  / Topshop jacket

Saint Laurent fringe sneaker  / Vans fringe sneakers

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Look For Less: Olivia Palermo

The weather has been on the colder side lately, but I'm not complaining as I really enjoy bringing out my cozy coats for an encore before they disappear in the back of my closet until next year …and I'm really gonna miss them. A good winter coat is a fashionista's secret weapon, you can throw it on over anything and look put together and glamorous in an instant, and one one demonstrates that better than  Olivia Palermo:

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Olivia's gorgeous Tibi shearling coat is a dream, but since it retails for over 3 grand a dream is all it's ever gonna be. I did, however, find a pretty cute and affordable (it's on sale!) alternative that's also gonna keep you warm:

 Jakke Coat / Topshop Sweater  / Topshop Jeans  / Vans High Tops

Just throw it on with some skinny jeans, a simple sweater,  and your comfiest sneaks.  I swapped Olivia's Max&Co. canvas high tops for some metallic Vans, because I definitely think that leather is a  more weather appropriate choice  …and they just happen to look really cool with the coat. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura  

Steal or Splurge: Moto Jackets

I love a good moto jacket all year 'round: they are easy to wear, look good with boyfriend jeans or your best dress, and are as comfy as an old hoody. But they are especially fun in the fall, when there are a bunch of different textures to choose from.  From lambskin collars and tweed, to plaid and cozy suede in all the best fall colors, there really is one for every style… 

…and for every wallet, because you don't have to spend a fortune to look great (or you know, blow all your money on one when you could buy three):

H&M Moto Jacket / Dex Biker jacket  / Morgan Suede Jacket (Or for an even cheaper alternative: Forever 21)

Ted Baker Moto Jacket / Paige Denim Biker Jacket / Exclusive for Intermix Biker Jacket

Which one is your favorite?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Splurge or Steal: Fringe Sweater

Fringe sweater, let's file that under things I never knew I wanted. 

I practically live in simple sweaters as soon as it gets colder, but they can be a bit boring at times, so I'm not opposed to a little update for this classic staple piece – especially if it involves fringe:

Burberry Fringe Sweater 

Still, as beautiful as it it, there's no way I could justify splurging on the Burberry version (it's almost a 1000, yikes…). But turns out that I don't have to, as I found the perfect alternative for a fraction of the price:

Belle+Sky Fringe Sweater (on sale for 50!)

I only wish it would come in navy, but we can't have everything.  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Get the Look: Plaid on Plaid

I love plaid anything, but I always thought that plaid skirts can be a little hard to pull off when you're in your 20s.  They either look too schoolgirl-like or too matronly – but there is one way to fix that (as proven by Olivia Palermo): add more plaid!

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Pairing a plaid skirt with a plaid shirt, makes the school-girl staple look effortless and stylish. There are however a couple of DOs and DON'Ts:

DON'T: 
Go matchy matchy, you want a contrast!

DO: 
Repeat colors!
The secret lies in matching the colors, and not the patterns. If your skirt is blue with hints of red, like Olivia's, reach for a primarily red shirt.

DON'T: 
Get a skater or a pleated skirt,  you'll look like you're 12 (or going to a costume party).
Simple minis and pencil skirts are your friend!

DO:
Keep it simple on the bottom,  that means nude or black flats.
(Or pumps if you're opting for a longer skirt.)

Aéropostale Plaid Shirt  / River Island Skirt / Jeffrey Campbell Bow Flats

Topshop Flats / River Island Wool Skirt / Maurices Plaid Shirt

Are you a fan of plaid on plaid? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Rosewood Fairytales

Remember my post about making the best Met Gala looks your own? Well, since it happens to be one of the most popular posts on here, I figured I'd do the same for my favorite Pretty Little Liars Prom looks.  And let's be real the fairytale themed Rosewood Prom made the Met Gala look boring.  

Whistles Midi Skirt 

Turn Alison's Belle inspired princess gown into an every day look by opting for this gorgeous yellow skirt. Dress it up with the matching top and heels, or go casual with a denim jacket and simple sneaks.

Max C Floral Shorts 

From the little bow headband to the floral skirt, Aria's Snow White look was perfect. But floral print looks just as enchanting on a pair of shorts.  Pair them with a royal blue summer sweater and some edgy flats, et voilà: casual Snow White, Aria style. 

ASOS Skater Dress

I might be biased because I wore seashells in my hair for my own prom, but Spencer's Ariel inspired look was hands down my favorite (I wish I had closeups of those gorgeous rings!).  And all it takes to bring the Ariel look back to to the beach,  is this little skater dress with a similar neckline. It's easy to wear and the perfect canvas for these necklaces, that even Ariel herself would be jealous of.  

Which was your favorite look from the episode?  

And more importantly, what are your finale predictions?

Peace, Love and Lobsters
Laura

pictures: ABC Family

Look for Less: Hanna Marin

It's been a while since I did a "Seen On" post, mostly because I didn't have time to watch episodes live, and by the time I finally got around to it others had already beat me to the punch.  But I'm back on my TV schedule, and the Pretty Little Liars are back on their fashion A-Game (pun absolutely intended).  

In last night's episode it was Hanna's pineapple print skirt that stood out the most:

It's from MSGM (via Lane Crawford), and currently on sale...but that sale price is still a little too high for something that you probably won't be wearing more than twice, so here are some wallet friendly alternatives:  

1 & 2

Are you a fan of the pineapple trend?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Look For Less: Burberry Poncho

Here's the thing, while I usually have an "it's ok to splurge" philosophy when it comes to all things Burberry, I'm not going to spend my lifesavings on a glorified blankie  – even if it's monogrammed.

And thanks to Zara I don't have to.

Here's Olivia Palermo looking cozy in the Burberry poncho:

picture via Glamour

And here's  Zara's answer to it:

Zara Scarf

 Sure the pattern's different, it's thinner, and  not as much of a statement piece as the Burberry one.  But it is a nice alternative, and who says you can't monogram a Zara scarf?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Look For Less: Taylor Swift

Happy Saturday!  After the rainiest and coldest August ever the sun finally came out  again, just in time to break out the shorts one more time before putting them away for good.  And if anyone knows how to rock  shorts in the fall it's Taylor Swift:

picture: Glamour

Seriously, how cute is this look? I've always had a thing for over-the-knee socks, but  never really considered normal knee socks a good look. They were just always a little too preppy for my taste (which says a lot coming from me). But paired with shorts, a loose oxford, and a matching hat, they're suddenly the coolest accessory around.  Thanks for changing my mind, Taylor!

American Eagle Oxford Shirt / Knee Socks / Scallop Hem Shorts  / Steve Madden Shoes / Charles Keith Purse  / Dorothy Perkins Hat

Would you wear knee socks? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Casual Friday

I've always had an issue with wearing work out gear while not working out. Don't get me wrong, I love casual clothes, but for me casual and sporty are two very different things.  I simply prefer sweaters over hoodies, boyfriend jeans over sweats, and flats over sneakers. The last one was probably my biggest pet peeve, until I went out and bought a pair of New Balance Sneakers on a whim (and yes I have been wearing them  – a lot).

So I figured I should it take it a step further and maybe find a nice hoodie or two, because the few that I do own have been in my closet since high school.  

And how perfect is this St. James for J.Crew one? (Stripes!)

J.Crew

Sadly, it's a little expensive for a hoodie (I know it's St. James but still…)

…so I'm glad that the people at H&M also saw the need for a striped hoodie:  

H&M

…and this one also comes in wine color which would be oh so perfect for fall.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Simply Emma

I love Emma Stone, her flawless style is the perfect mix of preppy, edgy, and casual. Basically,  if I could trade closets with a celebrity it would be Emma.  

What I love most about her style is that she always looks polished - even when she's in washed out skinny jeans and a white tee:

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What makes this work (besides her accessorizing skills), is the unexpected coat/sandals combo.  Just imagine the outfit with boots, not as glamorous right? 

The best though? It's super easy (and not expensive!) to recreate Emma's look:

Gap T-Shirt / Topshop blazer / H&M Jeans / Zara Sandals / ASOS sunglasses / ASOS fedora 

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes (I know I'm repeating myself, but it's my birthday month!)
Laura

Perfect Petals

Is anyone else obsessed with the Burberry petal clutch?

Burberry 

Unfortunately I don't think I could ever justify buying one. But lucky for me ASOS has a pretty cute alternative:

ASOS

Or how about this one from Savida (it also comes in fuchsia):

Savida

Peace, Love, and Chocolate Bunnies
Laura

Check Mate

While I wouldn't call this look a steal, I'd love to steal it right off Lily Collins.  

The Tommy Hilfiger ensemble is the perfect mix of preppy and edgy:

Photo: Vogue US / September '13

If you're looking for a more affordable version I'd start with these ASOS shorts:

...and dress up a basic shirt (try H&M) with a little scarf or bow to recreate the necktie look.

Peace, Love, and Sunsets

Laura

Look For Less: Carey Mulligan

The line isn't even in stores yet, but that doesn't stop Carey Mulligan from grabbing a coffee in Proenza Schouler's Fall 2013 collection.  I wish I had her closet:

But until Proenza starts sending me their collections in advance this will have to do:

 H&M Pants, $23 / Closed Cashmere Sweater, $157 
 ASOS pointy flats, $42  / Cheap Monday Sunglasses, $42 

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes 

Laura

Look for Less: Juno Temple

You were supposed to see a Golden Globes fashion recap today, but after the 17th pastel mermaid gown crossed the red carpet I dismissed the idea, and decided to feature a look from last week's award season kick off that I actually loved: Juno Temple's  floral dress at the EE Rising Star Nominations Announcement.  

pictures: Getty

I've always been an admirer of her style (and her work, but that's a different story), and this Dolce&Gabbana dress is no exception. The girly pattern and the spiked Christian Louboutin clutch (or should we call it a weapon?) give the sophisticated dress a youthful edge. It's classy but doesn't overpower Juno's spunkiness - now she only needs to win that award. Good luck!

H&M, $35 / Karen Millen, $230 / Leather handbag, $58 / Topshop, $35

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura