A Hollywood Story

Despite my early obsession with anything fashion related, I've never been one to read the fashion magazines - No, I always got my inspiration from my other obsessions the big and the small screen. So I figured it would be fun to to narrow down a few characters that play the biggest inspirational roles for my personal style.  

1) Troian Bellisario as Spencer  Hastings  in Pretty Little Liars 

I love this girl, even though there are a few misses (what the heck was that sailor dress last night?), she's my fave Little Liar - her style almost has something Nancy Drew-esque and is rather hard to narrow down - which is why I love it so much.  

2) Amber Heard as Jenn Jones in the Joneses 

I'm gonna be honest, I wanted to see this movie cause I loved Amber's outfit on the poster - but that lead to discovering an awesome movie, and finding out that I actually LOVE boyfriend jeans.   

3) Misha Barton as Marissa Cooper in The OC 

I wasn't the biggest fan of the character, but even after the show's long over  I still adore (and copy) her style a lot. She is the epitome of a preppy California girl (and I especially love her edgier side that showed in season 3).

4) '80s  and '90s teen Movies

                    

I love unique vintage pieces, and especially quirky accessoires or crazy statement pieces like the jackets Corey Haim wore in Dream a Little Dream (which also happens to be the sweetest movie ever made). And then there's Clueless, over -the-knee socks and mini skirts?  There's a reason everyone was in love with Cher ;)  

So who is your style inspiration? Comment below!

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura

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Horsing Around

Girls love horses - I know it's a cliché but  for me it's true - when it comes to fashion at least (as for the real thing, I prefer to admire them from afar).  Horse print tops and blouses are one of my favorite  trends  right now (and just imagine how cute these tops will look with riding boots in the fall).  So when I  saw my favorite Pretty Little Liar Spencer (Troian Bellisario)  sporting a  gorgeous navy horse print  tank in the newest episode, I had to find it:  

Spencer's  layered Tank is  by  BCBGeneration and can be found on Bluefly where I also stumbled across this adorable ruffled  silk blouse  by  Leifsdottir,  and if blue isn't your color you can find this  beige tunic on  Asos.

  

...And if you prefer a more casual style just go with a  horse print thermal (try Free People and Primp)

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura

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Private Eyes

Take Nancy Drew, let her  grow up a little, add a twin sister with a pink Harley, and move it  all to  Hollywood. What you get are the  McAfee Twins,  Kerry and Terry, two sleuths more reminiscent of Philip Marlowe than our beloved Nancy.

Mystery, action, humor and zany characters, what's not to love?  (and if all that isn't enough to get  your attention there's even a Christmas mystery...yes CHRISTMAS MYSTERY!)  

But what attracts me the most about these books are the redheaded heroines, brainy and rational Kerry and the more impulsive wild child Terry. ‘Cause honestly, who didn't dream of solving crimes with their best friend at some point of their life?  And even if that detective dream didn't come true, there is no reason why you  shouldn't dress the part:  

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1) Every detective needs a cool leather jacket, if it's a pink one like Terry's trademark biker jacket  or something  a little more classic, you can't go wrong  with vintage leather.

2) Boots - if  you wanna chase suspects on your Harley strappy sandals aren't the best idea, and sturdy boots add an instant coolness factor to any outfit.

3) Jeans and a T-shirt - yes it does sound a little simple, but that's the point.  You're a  PI , you wanna blend in - a silver satin dress  would be rather inconvenient.

So whether you're an armchair detective who likes to get lost in a good story,  or  aspiring to do the real thing take these  fashion clues  and you´ll solve  any crime by dinner time. 

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura

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It's a (Beach) Party in the USA

What is the best part about summer?  The summer lineup of USA Network  of course!

Summers would be pretty dull without all their awesome shows, especially the Hamptons set medical show Royal Pains, and  the explosive spy drama Burn Notice.  So if you wanna know how to dress for a summer in the Hamptons or a spy mission in Miami then keep reading:

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If you're heading for the Hamptons (or if you just wanna dress like you are) keep it simple and nautical. Shorts, sundresses, colorful beach totes and comfy wedges are all you need to meet a cute doctor on the beach (for more inspiration check out my post on resort wear).

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I have to admit that I am a little bit obsessed with Fi's style, but I simply am a sucker for anything army green and combaty looking (there's just something about the color that makes my hair look blonder, and my eyes pop - it's a double win!). So if you wanna look just as cool (or should I say hot?) as Fiona go for military inspired pieces and mix them with classic elements like a white button down, and of course you're gonna need a flowy sundress to keep cool in that Miami heat.

So what's your fave USA summer show and style? Comment below and let me know!

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Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura  

"A"-List Approved Summer Styles

The weather isn't the only thing that gets hotter in the summer, TV shows are close behind, and Pretty Little Liars  is on top of that hot list...especially when it comes to style. So if you wanna know how to keep cool during the sumer time and still look as hot as Hanna, Spencer, Aria and Emily then keep reading.

But this isn't your typical “get the look” post, I picked one summer essential (a pair of navy cotton twill shorts) and came up with a look for each one of the girls:   

J.Crew Chino Shorts

To get Hanna's look go for sleek materials and bright colors, slip your feet into a pair of espadrille wedges (preferably golden ones), and throw on a fitted blazer if it gets chilly at night.

Spencer loves classic menswear inspired pieces, to make this look more girly wear a lace cami under your button down, and  add a leather belt with a little bow. For shoes go with classic Keds, or Oxfords for a more dressy look.

Aria's boho chic  is perfect for those hot summer days. Find a flowy top, go crazy on the jewellery (try Asos.com and thrift stores for cheaper options, and Free People if you want to splurge), protect yourself from the sun with a cute floppy hat, and forget that boots are only for the colder months.

If you like a simple and sporty style like Emily, look for striped tops and fun sneakers in all the colors of the double-rainbow,  pair them with neutral pieces (like a cute cardigan), a sporty watch, and keep other accessories to a minimum.

So who is your fave Pretty Little Liar?  Let me know in the comments!  And I'm thinking of making this "1 item 4 looks" thing a series, so tell me if there is anything that you want me to Pretty-Little-Liar-fy.

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura

Resort Wear To Die For

With summer just around the corner I tried to figure out how to make the good old "what to wear to the beach" post a little  more fun. My solution?  To base this on my favorite summer guilty pleasure:  Cheesy horror stories that take place  in beach resorts, secluded islands...or well just any  place that has a creepy old guy on a boat.  

...And what do all these stories have in common?  A bunch of preppy kids who just wanna have a good time (and survive). So to achieve that perfect "horror-story-beach-resort" look you just have to remember the 3 essential Ss (Stripes, Shorts & Sperrys) and you're good to go...and run.

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But of course the look alone is not enough, here is the entertainment to go with it:

 X-Isle (by Peter Lerangis) is probably the  epitome of  a trashy horror story, which is exactly why it is so great! Put this on your summer reading list if you enjoy scary stories with shocking twists...

...And talking of shocking twists, those of you who like the movies should check out Fear Island (2009),  or if you're a fan of the classics  stick to I Know What You Did Last Summer and (if you're really into it) the sequel (but please, only the first one!).

Stuck in your hotel room or beach house thanks to a storm (and hopefully smart enough to know that meeting that townie on his grandpa's boat is a bad idea)?  Well how about an island set mystery series like Harper's Island?  It's guaranteed  to give you a good time without the risk of getting chopped into pieces by an angry fisherman.

Peace, love and shivers...uhm sunshine ;)

Laura 

Sweet Sweats

Those of you who love to workout know that the perfect  outfit can be quite essential to give you that extra energy  boost, so here's some inspiration:

For the Minimalist (or Ninja Assassin):  

  

Nike Dry Fit Tank&Capris

If you are looking for some basic pieces, these will be your best friend. I love them for more intense workouts, like running,  and usually wear them on their own  (gotta love that sleek all black ninja assassin look)  - but sometimes I like to add a pop of color to this outfit by layering a fun tank or hoodie over it.  

For the Cool Kid:

Hollister Henley&Yoga Pants

There's nothing you can't  do in a white tee and a good pair of skinny yoga pants (well  unless we're talking of a black tie event), whether it's yoga or dancing (or outdoor shopping) this combination always looks great.

...but yes this classic look might also be a little too plain for some of us, so lets add some fashion magic and stir: 

Peace Love world Sweatpants & Wildfox Tee 

Just pair that white tee with some fun sweatpants, or wear your yoga pants with a printed tee. Personally I LOVE Wildfox tees, and yes I know they are a little bit pricey (okay total splurge items), but they are the softest, comfiest and coolest shirts you can get - so they are definitely worth the money!  But of course there are other stores like H&M that sell similar styles, and then there's always the option to hit some  thrift stores and look for vintage pieces.  

For the Material Girl:

Juicy Couture Velours Hoddie &Terry Sweatpants

This post  wouldn't be complete without some Juicy pieces. Some might consider them tacky, but If you go for classic colors and styles (= avoid neons, pastels, and rhinestones) these sweats are anything but tacky, and there are only few sweatpants that are as flattering as the Juicy Couture ones...Just never wear them with UGGs (unless you're practicing yoga in your bedroom)  

Hs&Ks Laura  

A Brief History of Fashion

As some of you might know I am a tiny bit obsessed with Francesca Lia Block's wonderful Weetzie Bat books, and especially Necklace of Kisses, the sequel to the series, has a very special place in my heart and inspired this post.

As Weetzie leaves My Secret Agent Lover Man (I refuse to refer to him as Max) to stay at the Pink Hotel, she starts reminiscing about fashion. And all this talk about treasured items got me thinking, what are my "treasures"? What would I pack into the white suitcase with the pink roses?

This list is not about "favorites" as much as I love my fave pair of 7 Jeans or that navy Abercrombie hoodie I practically live in, those items could be easily replaced if something should happen to them...This is about things that are actual treasures, things that couldn't be replaced with a trip to the mall.

So lets see what made the list:

1) I found this Vintage Men's Ralph Lauren Army Jacket on the island Sylt last summer, and even though it is 3 sizes too big it was love at first sight.(It might also remind me a little of my favorite movie: Dream a Little Dream, but that's another story) ...all in all it is just plain COOL!

2) This shirt from Yellow Bird Project speaks for itself...and it was for a good cause (gotta love charity T-Shirts)

3) I don't even remember where or when I got this pink Amor&Psyche cashmere sweater, maybe it was a present maybe one of those magical flewmarket finds, all I know is that I had it forever. And yes it is a little 90's with all the rhinestones and a little 60's with all the peace signs and tie-dye...but that's exactly what makes it so unique.

4) RED.COWBOY.BOOTS. ...enough said!

5) Remember the blankie you had as a kid? Well this Scarf I got at a small local store a few years back is mine and I rarely leave the house without it.

So those are my fashion treasures and I´m gonna end this post with my fave quote from Necklace of Kisses:

"That was what clothing could do, It could seduce, soothe, enhance, disguise, protect. It could empower. Like magic."

And as a special treat (seriously do yourself a favor and watch!): 

YouTube - Francesca Lia Block Weetzie Bat Reading Part 1