On The Fence...

Honestly, the term "vegan leather" makes me cringe. I have absolutely nothing against people who don't like to wear leather, but referring to pleather as "vegan leather" makes about as much sense  as calling tofu  "vegan meat".  It just doesn't work.

That being said, I only hate the name and not the product itself. Especially not when it comes in such amazing shapes as this shift dress from Anthropologie:

Vegan Leather Shift Dress

It's the perfect late summer / early fall dress, and  how cute would this look with some burgundy tights and a big furry jacket for when it gets colder? 

Penny Lane would approve.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Well Composed

I'm always excited about updates from Out of Print. The website is my go-to address whenever I'm in need of a unique gift, and their shirts are some of the most worn items in my closet.   

But  their newest collection might just be my favorite, yet:  

pictures: Out of Print

A composition book tote and pouch!  

Before I did most of my writing on my laptop, I used to carry one of these black and white composition books everywhere.  And now I can actually carry my laptop in a composition book.  Thanks Out of Print! 

More about Out of Print Clothing

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Early Fall Essentials

Summer isn't over yet, but the first signs of fall  are creeping up everywhere. And after months of wearing flats and tank tops I can't  wait to break out  my boots and sweaters.  Sadly it's still a little too early for that, but here are a few things that you can already rock now, without looking like you're seasonally confused:  

Red Plaid Top / Overknee Socks / Sam Edelman Ankle Boots 
 Elizabeth and James Bucket Bag / Catarzi Hat

I love the way a good hat can dress up any outfit. So put away the straw fedoras and floppy beach hats, and wear a structured wool number with  denim  shorts and a chambray shirt (Emma Stone has been rocking this  look all summer).  

Plaid flannels are perfect for when it's still too warm for sweaters but too cold for T-Shirts, and when they're red and black they're super in style.  

And there is absolutely no reason why you should hide your knee socks under  your boots when you can show them off with adorable – summer appropriate – booties.  

Last but not least, the perfect fall bag.  I'm in love with this Elizabeth and James bag (it's a leopard bucket bag!), but any good fall bag (or backpack)  is an easy way to incorporate a fall piece into your summer wardrobe. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Chocolate

Ever since OPI came out with their Texas collection in 2011, I've been obsessed with "Suzi Loves Cowboys" a dark chocolate brown. I'm especially drawn to it during this time of year, I just think it's the perfect transitional color before breaking out the burgundy reds for fall, especially paired with white or cream outfits…

And it looks like the rest of the world finally caught on because brown polish is everywhere this season. Sadly, my beloved Suzi isn't available anymore, but here are a couple of fantastic alternatives:

Essie Fierce No Fear  / OPI  Ice-Bergers & Fries 

Maybelline Taupe / Essie Hot Coco

Technically brown looks good on every skin tone, but if you are on the paler side like yours truly you should opt for a warmer more chocolaty tone, and avoid anything that's on the grayish side. And always use a good top coat! If brown doesn't look flawless, you'll end up looking like you forgot to wash your hands after a chocolate bender (it's ok, we've all been there.)

Peace, Love and Lobsters

Laura  

Polka Dots

Happy Sunday! I hope you're all having an amazing weekend! Did anyone try the Skillet S'Mores?

Anyway, I'm usually not the "OMG this so cute!" type when it comes to electronics.  Because lets be real, the cute stuff usually isn't the best when it comes to the actual function of the device.

But in this case I'll just have to make an exception because: OMG this is so cute!

Emma Bridgewater

And going by the reviews on the website, the sound quality of this Emma Bridgwater Radio/iPod dock seems to be surprisingly good.

…I'm almost wishing that the black brick I'm using now would break, just so I'd have an excuse to get this.  

Peace, Love and Lobster

Laura 

Early Weekend

The weekend's almost here, and to make the wait even shorter I figured I'd highlight some of the things that I am looking forward to this weekend. And hey, there's really no reason to wait if you've got the time now…

If you're like me and love S'Mores but aren't so crazy about the whole campfire thing, then you'll love this Skillet S'Mores recipe I found on Instagram:

Click here for Instructions

I can't wait to try this. Yum.

I downloaded the  the Devil in the White City a while ago  but never got around to reading it. But this weekend, I will takle  the historical non-fiction book  that is set in Chicago during  the turn of the 20th century, and explores the world behind the 1893 Worldfair. Oh and there's a serial killer, because we all know that every good book needs a serial killer (or at least a friendly neighborhood sociopath). 

Amazon

Since this is a fashion item it isn't really something I'd like to do, but it's certainly something I'd like to wear this weekend: 

ASOS Sweater

It's a leopard sweatshirt. This thing should be tacky by default, but somehow it's not. And I already know that it'll look perfect with cropped black skinnies and tan flats.

Peace, Love and Lobster

Laura 

Memorable Meals

The main character of my favorite book series, (Diana Perterfreund's Secret Society Girl) has a weakness for Greek salad, and whenever I think of the books I find myself craving feta bits and olives. 

This got me thinking about the role food plays in other books, and apparently I am not the only one who found the topic intriguing, because photographer Dinah Fried put together an entire book that focusses on literary cuisine:

The book captures culinary moments from contemporary and classic literature, such as the tea that was served in Wonderland, the chicken breakfast from To Kill a Mockingbird, Holden's Swiss cheese sandwich from The Catcher in the Rye:

…or my personal favorite from On The Road: 

Do you remember a dish from your favorite book? 

Check out Fictious Dishes here 

or visit the Fictious Dishes Facebook Page 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

How the leopard got its spots...

Did you know that leopards have spots because it helps them to blend in with their surroundings? I think it's quite funny how this is the exact opposite of how  fashionistas around the globe are using the pattern to stand out. 

And even a classic nailpolish like  Essie's Sand Tropez, can easly be transformed into a red-carpet worthy eye-catcher by adding a couple of spots:

source

Start to apply the black spots with  dotting tool  (a hairpin or  toothpick will do just fine), and then add a few highlights with a glitter polish or a fun contrast color of your choice. I for one love to use brown and hot pink instead of  black and gold. 

Tweet me some pics if you try this look!

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 

August Playlist

Since you guys actually enjoyed my last Spotify playlist, I figured I could make this a monthly thing. So I hope you'll also find something you like among this month's picks

 …and yes it is a bit heavier than the last one, but I warned you about my eclectic taste.

Listen to it on Spotify

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura