Five August Things

August is almost over… let that sink in for a moment.  But that also means fall is just around the corner – and you know how I feel about fall (boots, pumpkins, and a new season of American Horror Story…) 

…but more on that next month, because now it's time for my August favorites: 

(Skip this one if you did not see the Pretty Little Liars summer finale)

The Dead Weather is back!  

And if the rest of their new Album is gonna be as good as the first single, then it was definitely worth the long wait. And how cool is the video? 

Tidal 

Talking of that video, I was so excited to see it that I finally caved and got Tidal to watch it a week early.  Best decision ever! Yes, it's expensive compared to other  streaming services,  and the free trial ends after only one month (gasp!), but quality and content are definitely worth it.  And with 9.99 a month the basic version is cheaper than a movie ticket but will entertain you a lot longer. 

Cece is A:

I know many didn't like the reveal, but I really did.  Yes there were small plot holes, but that would have been the case with anyone, and the clues are all there! Just go back and rewatch  – and honestly after six years of guessing I would have been ok with finding Pepe the dog under that hood. 

Lolita

The day after the Pretty Liars Finale was spent re-reading this. Because #clues. They really did tell us everything we needed to know. And I'm thrilled that all those references actually meant something. 

H&M Fisherman's Hat

It's navy,  and I could not be more excited about it.  

What's your favorite "August thing"?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Dance into Fall

Glamour came up with the cutest way to showcase this year's fall trends: Dancing them! Watch Dance Moms stars Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler dance through this year's hottest fall trends, and keep reading to find out the easiest ways to wear them:

Chunky knits:

 Nothing says fall like a big cozy sweater. Get a light colored one that's a little cropped, and start wearing it now – it's the perfect transition piece until it's cold enough to break out the coats.

Banana Republic Sweater

Sparkle and Shine:

This one's for the brave, but no one says you have to go for the head-to-toe look. Just pick one shiny item  – like a fun skirt –  and style it with a casual sweater or denim shirt. 

Alice & Olivia Skirt

Statement Coats: 

I love a good statement coat, there's simply no easier way to dress up a plain outfit.  And while I'd usually say that a good coat is something you should invest in,  statement coats are a different story as you won't be wearing them for years to come. So be sure to check out cheaper options and thrift stores! 

Miss Selfridge Coat

Tweed:

While I'd usually suggest a tweed skirt (they look great with everything from vintage band tees and leather jackets to cashmere sweaters and pearls), these shoes are too cool to ignore:

Saint Laurent Slip Ons

(+ a more affordable version from J.Crew)

Graphic Prints:

Just start with a cool scarf and work your way up from there:

MCQ Scarf

The Slip Dress:

I was about ten years old the last time these were in style, and I'm really glad they're back.  No matter if you wear it with a long cardigan and chunky boots, or strappy heels – there are few items that are as versatile as a simple slip dress. I'd suggest investing into a nice solid one, and one with a cool pattern:

Rag&Bone Silk Slip

What's your favorite new fall trend?  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

The Rock Show

I admit was a bit skeptical about Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll, the cast is awesome, the promos looked fun... but comedy is always a slippery slope. But then I watched the pilot, and now I have a new favorite comedy.

The premise is simple, aging "has-never-been" Johnny Rock (Denis Leary), gets a chance to turn his life around when his estranged daughter Gigi (Liz Gillies – I've been a fan of her since her Victorious days, and excited to see her in a "grown up" tole) hires him and his old band mates to kickstart her own career. 

                                       

The characters are hilarious, the guest stars are out of this world (Joan freakin' Jett!),  the soundtrack is awesome, and  don't even get me started on the perfection that is Liz Gillie's wardrobe… 

And you don't even have to be a music freak to enjoy it,  I watched it with a friend who doesn't share my enthusiasm for that aspect of the show and she also loved it.  

Check out Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll Thursdays on FX. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Attention, Campers!

I've never been one to enjoy camping. I love being outside, but I simply prefer to go home to a nice clean bedroom at the end of the day. Yet, I've always had a thing for summer camp shows and movies: How funny is Wet Hot American Summer? Or Sleepaway Camp – the best bad horror movie ever. And let's not forget everyone's favorite summer camp tale The Parent Trap.

Thanks to Camp Collection, you can now relive those glory days without actually having to spend the night in the woods. "Inspired by the smell of fresh cut grass, color wars, contraband and that cute dude from Cabin 14" their casual and carefree designs are everything you need to make the most out of these last few summer weekends:

Camp Collection

Camp Collection

Varsity Sweater

Wittles Tee

It's not easy to find cute loungewear without tacky slogans or brand names plastered all over it, but these sweaters and tees are classic without being boring. And they make a summer camp movie marathon on a stormy night twice as fun. (You don't even need a camp fire to make S'Mores!)

Camp Collection

…and be sure to check out their Tumblr and Instagram for more camp nostalgia, and exciting giveaways!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Shop Now, Wear Later

The end of summer sales are hands down the best time to stock up on fall essentials.  Whether you're looking for accessories that you can wear all year round, summer pieces that you can easily transition into fall, or simply a good pair of jeans - be sure to check out the sales before browsing the new collections.

Even though my style is rather classic, I love incorporating boho pieces into my outfits, and the free people sale is the place to get them:

Free People Bucket Bag

Free People Scarf

How great would this look with a navy pea-coat once it gets colder?

Another thing I love are fall appropriate summer dresses, and this little Anthropologie number will look even better with a cardigan and a pair of rugged riding boots than it does with sandals:

Anthropologie Shirt Dress

And let's not forget about Jeans. Why pay full price when these are 75% off?

Anthropologie Flare Jeans

Happy Shopping!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Summer Survival Roundup

Struggling to cope with the heat?  Don't sweat,  here a few links to make those dog days of summer a little more bearable.  

This fruity drink is guaranteed to keep you cool, while  gluten free mini pizzas,  zucchini fries  or a super quick peach bruschetta are the perfect treats to snack on during a movie night after a long day at the beach, 

… And talking of the beach, here are a couple of items you should bring, even if the closest you get to the water is your bathroom.  

If your summer plans take you to the city,  just bring the beach with you on your nails,  and no matter where you are headed a hat's always in style.

And last but not least, a wearable summer playlist.  

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

Late Summer Playlist

Ok, I admit that this one looks a lot like last year's August playlist,  but it's not August without listening to Boys of Summer on repeat (it's just not!). The rest is the usual eclectic mix of everything from power pop anthems to "reflecting while watching the sunset" ballads.

Enjoy!

Listen to it on Spotify

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura