6 February Things

Maybe it's because of the extra leap year day,  but I just couldn't narrow it down to 5 things this month…

TV Workouts:

Buzzfeed presents, 43 workouts that allow you to watch an ungodly amount of television. Yes, you read that right workouts that include watching TV. This list has been around for a while but I just came across it recently, and  it's definitely a fun way to get a little extra workout time in while binge watching your favorite show, no matter if it's Boy Meets World or Game of Thrones.

Margot vs. Lily:

Talking of workouts, Nike Women  just launched a brilliant new web series.  Their advertising is always on point, but the series about two very competitive sisters might just be the best idea they ever had.

Topshop scarf:

I was eyeing this Topshop scarf for a while, just waiting for it to go on sale … and it finally did.  It's probably the softest thing I ever owned (I actually wish they'd make a giant blanket version of it), and it's so easy to wear – just throw it on over a navy coat and look like a movie star.  

Jake Bugg:

I  used to listen to Jake on repeat, but then I kinda forgot about him  …until I saw his performance at the Burberry Fall/Winter 2016 show ...needless to say, he made it back to the top of my personal charts (and I can't wait for his new album!)  

Even&Odd

Even and Odd Sunglasses:

Whenever fall in love with a pair of expensive sunglasses, I usually buy a cheap version to "test-drive" them, but these Even and Odd sunglasses are so great that I don't even want the Dior ones that inspired them anymore (my bank account loves them too).

via: Sarah Michelle Gellar Instagram 

Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to Cruel Intentions:
In the best news I've heard all week: Sarah Michelle Gellar is reprising her role as Manhattan's original Queen Bee Kathryn Merteuil  in the Cruel Intentions TV reboot.  She announced the news via Instagram, and I'm over the moon that I get to see my favorite teenage sociopath all grown up.

What was your favorite february thing?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Lucky Me

With only one more stop to go until award show season is officially over, you might soon feel a little lack of Hollywood drama in your life. But don't worry because Saba Kapur's debut novel Lucky Me is guaranteed to fill that void.  

High School senior Gia Winters seems to have everything a girl could want, a hot boyfriend, a killer wardrobe, and – thanks to her famous parents – she's first in line to be the next next Miss Golden Globe. Most would consider her to be pretty lucky, if it only weren't for a pesky stalker and an even more annoying bodyguard. Or scratch that, because the bodyguard isn't all that annoying after all (even though Gia would rather be seen in last season's Louboutins than admit that). 

In Lucky Me classic screwball comedy meets Hollywood Glitterati, and the result is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time.  If you are looking for a light read, and enjoy campy drama (think White Girl Problems, or Celebutantes), then Lucky Me won't disappoint. Yes, the main characters, Gia and bodyguard Jack, come across as a little immature at times, but for me that only added to the charm.  They don't take themselves too seriously, which makes for a great contrast to the otherwise rather grim subject of a dangerous stalker, who likes to get creative with his methods (poisoned dumplings,  anyone?).

Preorder Lucky Me

Lucky Me is available from April 5
…just in time to ease that Hollywood withdrawal.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Advanced copy provided by Net Galley 

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:

source

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  

A Study in Charlotte

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little apprehensive about A Study in Charlotte. Holmes and Watson at boarding school, in Connecticut? Please…

Whether they came in the form of an actual teenaged Holmes, a descendant, or a younger sibling, I've read a fair share of …lets call call them rather adventurous young adult books based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. And they all had one thing in common, I only enjoyed them because I do enjoy almost anything Sherlock Holmes, which I can't say about  Brittany Cavallaro's A Study in Charlotte …because I quickly realized that it's more than just another reinterpretation of the classic. But let's start from the beginning… 

When Jamie Watson ends up at the same American boarding school as the infamous Charlotte Holmes, it seems like the two teens are destined to be anything but friends, even though Jamie spent the greater part of his life dreaming about going on adventures with the descendant of his great-great-great-grandfather's best friend. In old "be careful what you wish for" fashion, these dreams come true when another student – who happens to be a mutual enemy of the two – is murdered and everything points towards Jamie and Charlotte. 

Even though the suspenseful mystery is filled with (really clever!) references to the original stories,  the characters – especially Jamie …I mean Watson, whose narration is compelling, witty, and sometimes awkward in the best possible way –  are strong enough to stand on their own. Yes, they are Holmes and Watson, but they aren't just Holmes and Watson, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to someone who has never read a Sherlock Holmes story in their life.  Granted, I have a soft  spot for boarding school mysteries, and basically dedicated my entire academic career to teenage detectives, but it's not often that a book keeps me up until 4 in the morning because the cliffhanger endings make it impossible to put it down. So no matter if you're a fan of Conan Doyle's famous detective, or if you just in the mood for a clever and edgy mystery -  A Study in Charlotte won't disappoint.

PREORDER "A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE"

…and even the Connecticut thing makes perfect sense, I promise! 

A Study in Charlotte is the first installment of a Trilogy, and available from March, 1.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

In The Mood For Love

Holiday themed gift guides are always a little tricky. The stores are flooded with adorable heart print everything right now, but buying that pink heart shaped clutch just to wear it once before putting it into storage until next year is just a little ridiculous. That's why I kept it on the subtle side (as subtle as heart print can be), and only chose things that I think would work year round.  

So no matter if you are shopping for a loved one or just want to treat yourself,  these Valentine goodies are sure to keep any heart fluttering: 

Sportmax Heart Sweater / Topshop Shirt / Forever 21 Pajamas / Topshop Socks / 

Keds Shoes / Longchamp Tote / Brighton Handbag / Burberry Scarf / 

Casetify iPhone Case / Ciate x Olivia Palermo Nailpolish

See something you like? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura