Ugly Never was This Cute

We are approaching December, and with that Christmas parties, and what do we need for Christmas parties?  Christmas sweaters. Duh.  

And this year Forever 21 is really knocking it out of the park:

    

The snowman one is so cute, and the chimney one is hilarious.

    

The fair isle sweater is almost too pretty to be consiered ugly, and plaid + sequins? come to me!  

    

One for the cool kids, and an ugly Christmas sweatshirt!

Click here for more

And the best? They are all under 30. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Dino-mite

Maybe it's my inner six year old, but I am loving the current dinosaur trend! #RexyTheCoachDino has taken my heart (and the top position on my Christmas list) by storm and I just can't get enough of the little guy and his friends.  But since Rexy falls into the luxory category of gifts, I also included a couple of alternatives that won't break the bank: 

Coach Sweater / Coach Purse / Necklace / Coach iPad Sleeve

Phone Case / Coach Coaster Set / Dinosaur Lamp / Coach Large Rexy

ASOS Cufflinks / Toy T-Rex / ASOS Dinosaur Socks

How do you feel about this prehistoric trend? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Last Minute Costumes

…that aren't Eleven from Stranger Things (although I'm definitely not against it).

TV or Movie characters always make good last minute costumes, because most looks can be recreated with things you already own. But it is still important to pick a character with a very distinctive look. Because no matter how perfect a recreation is, there's always that risk of looking like you forgot to put on a costume (especially to people who don't know that you don't dress like Rory Gilmore on a daily basis). So here are three easy and foolproof ideas:

Angie Tribeca 

Get a pantsuit that's just a little too big, a police officer set from the toy store, and most importantly bangs! If you're not a brunette I'd go with a cheap wig, but if you are then clip on ones (or scissors) will do the job just fine. Bonus points if you find a friend with an orange jump suit and a fancy belt who can go as Diane Duran. Oh, and if you're not watching the funniest show on TV, then you need to drop everything and fix that right now.

Chanel #3

I love her to pieces, and there are so many options for this. Sorority Girl #3, Med Student #3, or my personal favorite (and probably the easiest costume) Mental Patient #3. You need grey sweats (1&2), slippers, and a hospital gown, and of course the iconic earmuffs. Comfiest costume ever.

Corey from Empire Records 

I've always wanted to do this, and someday I definitely will.  Liv Tyler's iconic outfit is one of the easiest, but most recognizable looks ever.  Fuzzy sweater (over a red bra if you're a perfectionist), plaid skirt, worker boots, and done. Now all that's missing is your empire records employee badge and maybe a Rex Manning record if you wanna go the extra mile and get a little crafty.

Happy Halloween!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

picture sources 1, 2, 3 

ALL CAPS

I am loving the baseball cap trend right now. I mean, it's always been a go-to accessory for me, but the fact that it's actually in style means that there's a much bigger selection to choose from. From wool, tweed and velvet, over suede to satin… There's one for everyone and (almost) every occasion. I  think I'll need one of each: 

River Island Wool Hat  / Rag & Bone Tweed Hat

H&M Velvet Hat / New Look Velvet Hat

 Rag & Bone Suede Hat / ASOS Satin Hat

Which style is your favorite? 

Peace, Love and Lobsters 

Laura

Libraries & Poe-Ka Dots

Just when I though Out of Print already had everything a book lover could want, they put something new on the shelf. And their new collection of leighweight cotton and silk blend scarves might be my favorite addition yet:

I'm in love with the Pride and Prejudice design (and I'm not even a fan of the book).  You can't really tell that it is a book cover unless you unfold it, and a bit of mystery is always a plus …as are brilliant  puns "Poe-ka Dots" anyone?  I can't wait to see this collection grow (Nancy Drew scarf, please).

Which cover would you like to see on a scarf?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Loafers For Fall

A little less bulky than boots and a little more substantial than ballet flats, loafers are the perfect fall shoe. And this year the preppy staple is back in full force.  

They are comfortable, versatile, and make every outfit look a little more put together. But the best is that even something so classic can have a lot of personality: From the elegant patent version to sporty white soles and trendy platforms (= extra warmth for colder days!), there really is a style for everyone
…and every budget:

KG Kurt Geiger Suede Loafers / Madewell Leather Loafers 

Tamaris Slipper / Dune Fringed Loafers

 Tommy Hilfiger Platform Loafers /Stuart Weitzman Loafers

Nancy Drew would approve.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Coast to Coast

There's no better summer read than a good mystery series, especially one that's set at the beach. But – much like the detectives that investigate on them – every beach is different, and not every beach is right for everyone.  So I put together a little quiz that will lead you right to the literary beach that's  perfect for you.

Simply pick what's more your style, and buy a plane ticket hit the bookstore:

If you answered mostly A, then the sunny beaches of Neptune, California, are your destination:

As a follow up to the popular TV show The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line brings girl sleuth extraordinaire Veronica Mars from the screen to the page:  A grown up Veronica is back in Neptune, and struggling to keep her father's PI business afloat while she waits for her first big case. But it soon becomes a case of "be careful what you wish for" when a missing person's investigation hits a little too close to home.  Even though the book serves as a continuation of the TV show, you don't have to be familiar with it to enjoy it.  Sure, it might take a little longer to get into it, but once you're there it's "Sunshine Noir" at it's best. And by book 2, it'll be like you've lived in Neptune for years.   

And if you answered mostly B, then it's off to Cape Cod to solve a case with Asey Mayo: 

When author Dale Sanborn is found dead in his Cape Cod refuge, it is up to hobby sleuth Asey Mayo (also known as the "Codfish Sherlock") to find the killer.  A task that's easier said than done – as almost everyone on the island had a bone to pick with the victim.  First published in 1931, full of quirky characters, and oozing with local color and charm, reading  The Cape Cod Mystery is almost like jumping into a time machine and visiting the the Cape yourself …and the actual mystery is pretty great, too.

Markus Lupfer Tee / Sperry Canvas Sneakers 

 Le Specs Sunglasses  / Urban Decay Bronzer 

Enjoy the trip! 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Cami Time

Statement camis are one of my favorite wardrobe staples. They're just so easy to throw on with a pair of jeans, and – depending on the top – you're good for the farmers market or a night out.  

And ASOS is usually my favorite place to shop for them, because where else would you find sequins, leopard, and lace on one top?

…But just in case that's a little too much for you there are, of course, many other options:

        

Tassels,  leopard,

Floral, Grey

& many more

Which one's your favorite?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Catch of the Day

&Other Stories is killing it this season! First with the Rodarte collab and now with a collection that would make the little mermaid jealous (well maybe not that claw key ring …let's just hope it didn't come from one of Sebastian's relatives):

Shrimp Keyring / Ocean Floor Tote / Ocean Floor Purse / Lobster Clutch 

Embroidered Cotton Sweater / Ocean Floor Dress / Ocean Floor Scarf 

Lobster Claw Keyring / Braided Bikini Briefs  / Bikini Top / Starfish Ring

If I had to pick just one piece I'd definitely go for the little shrimp key ring, but the lobster clutch is a close second, and then there’s that sweater with the tiny lobster embroidery… The perfect piece to throw on after a long day at the beach? I think yes.

See more on &Other Stories 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

La Vie en Rose

Rose-colored  | rōz ˈkələrd | 

adjective

1 of a warm pink color: rose-colored silks.

2 used in reference to a naively optimistic or unrealistic viewpoint: you are still seeing the profession  through rose-colored glasses.

3 An eyewear trend that helps us see the world a little more rosey:  

Ray Ban

Le Specs

Quay

Mint & Berry

Peace, Love, and Lobster
Laura  

Look For Less: Taylor Swift

I've always been a fan of Taylor Swift's style (in the literal sense and the song), the way she constantly reinvents her look without ever compromising her identity is almost as impressive as the evolution of her music over the years.  But it hasn't been until recently that I went from being a fan of her look to wanting to emulate it. There's a new edginess to her style (that Vogue cover!), that has me really excited for what's to come next, and at the same time she looks more laid back than ever – which is always a winning combination in my book.

…just like the outfit she wore to a friend's birthday party last week:

source

Pairing a camo jacket with comfy high tops is hardly a groundbreaking fashion statement, but that's exactly what makes it so cool – it's an easy no fuss look that anyone can pull of… and afford. Because you don't have to shop at Saint Laurent to get the look:  

Saint Laurent camo jacket  / Topshop jacket

Saint Laurent fringe sneaker  / Vans fringe sneakers

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Still Sweater Weather

Spring is actually my favorite time to wear sweaters. Of course, they're still a winter staple, but I just think they work way better paired with a lightweight spring jacket than a heavy winter coat that's already bulky enough on it's own …and as a bonus they make it possible to break out that spring jacket  just a few weeks earlier. Because let's face it, once April comes around we'd all rather be cold than having to put on that parka one more time. 

And bonus number two: There are so many new styles!  

Topshop Cricket Sweater / ASOS Crochet Sweater

ASOS Ruffled Sweater / ASOS Denim Sweater 

No matter if you're looking for something classic, something that will actually keep you warm until the temperatures catch up to the calendar, or something that'll keep you cool if spring is already in full force in your part of the world (jealous!) there really is something for everyone (and every temperature).

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Another Story

I'm usually not one to buy into the hype whenever a luxury label collaborates with a high street brand.  My main issue with the concept is, that it often means paying higher prices for the same old quality. Because no, a label does not turn a polyester blend sweater in a luxury item…

But Rodarte's capsule collection for & Other Stories is another story (I couldn't resist).  I'm a big fan of & Other Stories to begin with,  especially their bags and shoes can easily compete with more high end pieces when it comes to design and quality. So I actually wouldn't mind paying a little more for a piece from the Rodarte collaboration (and in this case it really is a little, because the  prices hardly stray from those of the brand's regular collection):

& Other Stories

The goal was to create a collection that represents the textures of a California lifestyle and would easily transition from day to night, and the result is a perfect blend of 70s glam and 90s cool girl style (think Weetzie Bat after a makeover for a Vogue cover shoot). It's going to be so hard to decide what to get! (That blue suede jacket, is high up on the list though.)

Check out a preview of the collection on & Other Stories,
and shop it online and in select stores tomorrow.

Peace, Love, and  Lobsters
Laura

Ballet Shoes

It's the same thing every year, spring comes around and pastels start popping up everywhere. And as much as I love a blush jacket or a baby pink sweater on the hanger, the moment I put it on I feel like I'm wearing a Halloween costume. It's just too girly, too cutesy …too not me.  But  there are a couple of exceptions:  A pastel scarf is the perfect way to add some lightness to a winter coat, a blush bucket bag is one of the most versatile things you can own, and the one thing you really can't go wrong with are shoes:

KEDS slip ons / NIKE sneakers

ASOS loafers / ASOS suede Shoes

I'm personally partial to the Keds, they are a fun spin on the white sneaker trend, and definitely just as versatile.  And those Nikes are so wonderfully 80s…  

But if sneakers aren't your thing, look for men's wear inspired pieces like a classic pair of loafers or opt for a fresh take of the fringed bootie … and if all fails, there's always the tried-and-true ballet flat.

What's your favorite way to wear pastels? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

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

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  

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  

5 January Things

I have to say that January has been a pretty awesome month,  

…filled with many awesome things:

Nike Air Max "Thea" 

I really didn't need new trainers, but I saw these on sale and just couldn't resist.

What can I say, charcoal leopard ...I never stood a chance. 

Young Sherlock Holmes :

I rediscovered this recently, and fell in love with it all over again. It might not be the best movie (and yeah some parts are a tiny bit over the top) but it's just one of those awesome 1980s Spielberg movies that's a pleasure from beginning to end.

Ciaté "Prima Ballerina": 

This is one of the shades that came with the Ciaté advent calendar, and while it didn't look like much it seemed perfect for that "I'm so over sparkly reds and gold" after Christmas manicure. The shade is a nude-ish mink, goes with pretty much anything, and might even replace Essie's Sand Tropez as my go-to toe-color.

Lucifer:

It's nothing we haven't seen before, it's predictable as hell (no pun intended), but it's exactly the type of fun procedural I've been missing ever since Forever was cancelled. And Tom Ellis is a joy to watch.  

Sundays:

You may have noticed a pattern lately…  I slipped into a sunday morning posting routine that has been working rather well.  Now, I'm not saying, that I will only post on sundays from now on (as you never know when something post-worthy might happen), but I think blogs and lazy sundays are a winning combination.

What are your favorite January things?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Closet Cleanse

I'm a bit of a neat freak, and actually love to clean out my closet,  but I also know that it can be a bit overwhelming if you didn't do it in a while, so I wanted to share my closet cleansing philosophy:

I always start by taking everything (and that means everything) out, this way you can be sure that you won't overlook anything when it comes to deciding what to keep.

Many people like to use the "throw out what you didn't wear in a year" rule, but I don't like that approach at all. I have a ton of things that I did not wear in a year, but sometimes there's a good reason.  Maybe it just wasn't cold enough to wear that lambskin jacket, or you simply didn't have an occasion to wear that beaded dress.

I also hate it when people say you should only keep items that bring you joy. I mean honestly, what does that even mean? A white tee isn't likely to bring you joy, but it would still be a good idea to have one… 

So my approach to cleaning out my closet has always been a little simpler:  Just get rid of everything you don't feel comfortable in. This means everything that doesn't fit (and can't be altered) or just isn't "you". Think of it like this, if someone else were to pack your bag for a surprise getaway you wouldn't want to be miserable just because they reached for that one pair of jeans that's way too tight, or that cat sweater that makes you feel like an overgrown toddler.

I'd be lying if I said that I've been good about following this rule in the past, but during my last "cleanse" I really went for it.  There was, for example, a pair of moto jeans that I just needed to have when I saw them in a sale two years ago…even though they were a size too big.  I kept them because I liked them, but not because I liked to wear them, so last week they found a new home on Ebay, and I might use the money to invest in a pair that actually fits me.  

So whatever it is that is filling up your closet, make sure that your wardrobe doesn't turn a good surprise into a bad one. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Weather Sweater

First of all: Happy New Year! I know I'm a little late with the New Year's wishes, but my number one New Year's resolution is to get back into writing. And by that I don't mean this blog, but actual story writing. I can't remember a time in my life where I didn't constantly have my head in a notebook, but last year I simply didn't have the time, so I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't write anything else until I had at least 3 full pages of a story …and that happened  to take 9 days. But hey, you can't force inspiration. 

…There is, however, one thing that always helps me to get into the the writing grove: a good old rainstorm. Sadly I can't control the weather, but my first purchase of 2016 might help to summon a couple of storm clouds: 

H&M Cloud Sweater 

I squealed when I saw this in the catalogue and pretty much ran to the store the next day. I'm usually not big on sequins, but they just work on this sweater …and it's just so freakin' cute.  And who knows, maybe it will even inspire some stories. I'll definitely keep you updated on that front.

Here's to Sweet 16!

Peace, Love, and Lobster
Laura