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Have fun! 

But hurry - It's only valid until Saturday!

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Hump Day Homework: Guilty Pleasure

We all have our guilty pleasures, so I figured I should share some of mine:

Read: Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer (Cecily von Ziegesar)

read me

You have to admire an author who has enough humor to write a parody of their own best-seller, because that is exactly what Cecily von Ziegesar did with Psycho Killer, the newest release in the Gossip Girl series.  The book retells the very first Gossip Girl Novel: Serena returns from boarding school to make amends with Blair, but that won't work as long as Nate is still between them so he has to go. Meanwhile Blair also has a list of people she wants to get rid off...  let's just say Patrick Bateman has nothing on these girls.  

This book is, however, nothing for the faint-hearted. It is aimed towards an older audience than the original - and some scenes are a bit gory to put it mildly. But if you don't mind graphic details then you're in for a good time. 

Listen to: The Donnas, Spend The Night

listen to me

Talking of a good time... I used to be so obsessed with this band, and I wouldn't even call them a guilty pleasure if it wasn't for the lyrics: Take Me To The Backseat? Not exactly something you would want others to find on your iPod,  even though it is exactly the bluntness of the lyrics that makes the songs so refreshing and fun. We need more girls who aren't afraid to have fun.

Watch: Midnight Madness (1980) 

Any movie that begins with the line "Allow me to explain why I gathered you all here..." is a great movie, and this wacky Disney comedy is no exception.  Hilarity ensues when grad student Leon gathers nerds, jocks, and sorority girls to compete in an all night scavenger hunt. It's Disney's first venture into PG territory before Touchstone Pictures was founded, and stars Michael J. Fox in his very first movie role...   I wish I had friends like Leon. 

What are some of your guilty pleasures? Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Keep Calm and Buy Shoes

Flag prints can be tricky.  I love my Union Jack scarves, but I'd never wear a full on flag print shirt, that just seems, for the lack of better words, tacky. But there's one thing you can't go wrong with - Shoes!

Flats (these puppies are sadly sold out, but Ebay is your friend with this brand):

Pretty Ballerinas Union Jack Ballet Flats

 Booties:

Graceland Wedge bootie

And of course:

Hunter Original Brit

Would you wear them? 

Peace, Love and Sparkles
Laura

I Heart...

The expression "wear your heart on your sleeve” got a whole new meaning when Anna Sophia Robb wore this lovely French Connection Sweater in that latest episode of "The Carrie Diaries":

source

And in case the French Connection one is out of your price range: 

River Island

A Wear

Peace, Love and Sparkles
Laura

Snow Business

When celebrities are heading down the red carpet in snow boots it can only mean one thing: It's Sundance time! And as exciting as the many movie premieres are I'm even more excited about all the great 'ski resort meets film festival' looks. Here are some of my favorites:

Troian Belliasario: Amazing boots, wool skirt,
and boyfriend Patrick J. Adams

Kaya Scodelario: Amazing boots part 2

Alison Brie: fantastic coat, adorable hat

Which Sundance premieres are you most excited about? Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Ice Princess

Ice blue, baby pink, frosty shades of mint and white  - usually the last colors you'd find in my closet, but lately I've been craving them just like the macarons they remind me of…

Chloe Moretz in Max Mara

Burberry Spring '10

Essie Nailpolish

H&M sweater

ASOS Lively Slippers

So, so pretty...

Peace, Love and Sparkles
Laura

Way Existential…

Clueless is one of those movies that never gets old. I loved it when I was 7, and I still love it today.  So it's no surprise that I squealed in delight when I saw the Wildfox Spring '13 collection:

Pictures from here

Isn't it classic? And this isn't even the first time that Wildfox found their way into my heart (and wallet) by drawing inspiration from a childhood favorite of mine. Before Clueless there was Weetzie Bat. Ever since I saw the 2010 collection, that was inspired by Francesca Lia Block's magical stories (why don't people name their kids 'My Secret Agent Lover Man' in real life?), I've been in love with the brand - and it looks like that love will continue. It's way existential…

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Birdsong

The Pretty Little Liars fashion department seems to love British designers, and especially Ted Baker's whimsical prints. Last summer I blogged about Spencer's navy circus blouse, but this week it is Hanna who stood out in a bird print dress by the designer: 

via ABC Family

The gorgeous dress is available via ASOS, and currently on sale for $146:

Ted Baker Bird Branch Dress

But it wouldn't be ASOS if they didn't offer a few wallet friendly alternatives, like this bird print dress from The Style (on sale for $50):

The Style Bird Print Dress

Peace, Love, and Sparkles

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

Winter Deals

What's the best way to beat post-holiday-depression?  Shopping the post-holiday-sales of course!  And this year Zara has some amazing deals. I basically got a new spring wardrobe for less than 75 euros, including a sweater, three tees, a pair of flats, and a bulldog print blouse that would make any J.Crew Frenchie sweater jealous.

Zara top / Zara cotton t shirt / Zara striped top / Zara shoes

Found any amazing deals yourself?  Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love, and Sparkles
Laura

Hump Day Homework: Happy Birthday Mr. Holmes

It's never too late for a Birthday party, so even though the greatest Detective of all time celebrated his on Sunday, it's the perfect excuse for a Sherlock Holmes inspired Hump Day Homework:

Watch:  Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

This is one of the more...let's say adventurous...interpretations.  But as any Spielberg movie from the 80's it's an epic two hour adventure. Think Goonies, but in Victorian London, with a rather dashing Moriarty, and a teenage Detective who has more to worry about than just the case - this Sherlock has a girlfriend.

Read: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

read me

Admittedly not the most original choice, but you can't go wrong with the classics.

Listen To: Sherlock Series 1&2 Soundtracks

listen to me

The score of the show is just as fantastic as the show itself. If you enjoy classical music with a modern edge (or just want to relive the episodes) then the Sherlock soundtracks are perfect for you.

Peace, Love, and Sparkles

Laura

Carrying Art

Who is excited for the Pretty Little Liars winter premiere tonight? I for one can't wait to get back to Rosewood, life is simply  not as fun without all the crazy villains, and even crazier outfits.

In the promos for tonight's episode Hanna (Ashley Benson) is rocking a colorful purse that reminds me of the Mondrian print that's been hanging above the fireplace in my parent's dining room for as long as I can remember:

source

It's from Aldo and also available in other colors, like this gorgeous pastel version:

Aldo, Bunger Bag ($50)

I think I like it even more than the painting...

Peace, Love, and Sparkles

A  ...I mean Laura

Case Crave

Etsy is always my first address when it comes to tech accessories. I love the large variety of things, there's basically nothing you can't find if you look long enough.  And when I found myself searching for a new iPad Case last night, I stumbled across a shop called Jabba Cookies.  Not only do they offer some of the cutest designs I have ever seen, but the cases are all under 20 bucks (US!). The only downside is that there are so many great ones to choose from...

iPad 3 case

Kindle Fire Case

iPhone Case

...Oh and they also offer some pretty awesome Doctor Who inspired designs, just thought I should mention that ;)

Peace, Love, and Sparkles

Laura

Statement Piece

I was so lucky to receive this wonderful red military coat as a Christmas present. If you have been following this blog for a while, then you know that I am crazy for anything uniform inspired, and this gorgeous coat is no exception. As much I love my classic trench- and pea-coats, I think that everyone should own one item that's a little more out there, an eye-catcher, a statement piece...

via Asos

My favorite place to find these pieces is Asos, not only do they have a huge selection, but also amazing prices - because you don't want to spend too much on something that won't be a part of your every day wardrobe.

P.S: I wore it last night, and my mom told me I looked like the nutcracker, which I'm gonna take as a compliment.

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Never Say Die...

Everyone's number one New Year's Resolution? To hit the gym. And everyone knows that there's no better motivator than cute work out gear. Here are my favorites: 

Burberry sweatshirt, American Eagle legging , NIKE shoes /yoga mat, 

Book Slim Calm Sexy, Goonies T-Shirt, Water Bottle,  APPLE iPod nano

How awesome is the Goonies shirt? And "Never Say Die" is also a really cool workout motto. Have fun!

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Hump Day Homework: Let's Do This...

Here's your first Hump Day Homework assignment of 2013, and it's a white one...

Watch: Chalet Girl (2011)

This British comedy is perfect if you are looking for a fun way to start the new year. It's not the most cutting edge film, nor does it have a lot of suspense - but none of that matters because it is simply a joy to watch. Another plus is that it reminded me a lot of another  favorite "snow-com" of mine: Better of Dead.

Listen To:  The Chalet Girl Soundtrack

Listen to me

It's just as great as the movie, and and has something for everyone - Highlights: The Two Door Cinema tracks and Silvia Dias' Violins in Chains.

Read: The Last Resort (A Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Mystery)

Read me

I like to start the year with an easy read. And this ski lodge mystery is not only easy but also entertaining. Who can solve the mystery first? Nancy, Frank and Joe, or you?

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Happy New Year!

No better way to say Happy New Year than with this:

What's your favorite rendition of the song?

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura