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

Book Summer

The other day I was brainstorming ideas for new posts, and all of them lead to two things: summer and books  – so why not combine them, make it a series and call it a "Book Summer"?

Now, I'm not saying that my content for the next three months will exclusively consist of "summer read reviews" …but you will find a a book – in one form or another – in every post.

So pack your beach bag, find a quiet spot by the water – and don't forget that sunscreen, because we're gonna be out there until September.

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

Farewell, Nashville

I'm usually not one to dwell over the cancellation of TV shows.  It was fun while it lasted, time to move on, circle of life and all that jazz …but Nashville,  Nashville was special.

It wasn't something I had been watching for years (on that note: RIP Castle), or something that makes each day it's on feel like Christmas morning (thank God Lucifer is still with us…literally), but it was that one show I watched almost every sunday afternoon with my best friend. Coffee, tea, cake (lemon meringue pie for premieres and finales) and the shenanigans of Rayna, Deacon, Juliette and co. So it doesn't only mean the end of a show, but also of a  really fun tradition. 

The cancellation didn't come as a surprise, the writing was on the wall for a while, still with all these stories that probably won't get proper closure now, I was still hoping for a miracle.  But to ease the pain at least a little bit, ABC just released a series of special performances that can be experienced in 360° view. It's almost like being at the Bluebird Cafe, which is pretty neat (especially if you're like me and the music was your favorite part of the show): 

Chick here for more

And there's still two episodes left. So who knows, maybe the writers had some sense and we'll get a somewhat happy ending after all.  Here's to hoping.

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  

Aim To Misbehave …and Celebrate

After celebrating their 35th anniversary earlier this year,  Essie just hit another milestone: the nail polish giant is releasing its 1000th shade!  

And instead of playing it safe with a classic red, or a festive silver, the limited edition shade called "Aim to Misbehave" comes in what might be the most controversial nail color to ever exist: Yellow!

Essie

Aside from that one time I tried a pineapple nail design (don't ask), I've never worn yellow.  I'm simply too pale for it, and unless I want to look like I'm dying of organ failure yellow is just not a good look.  But "Aim to Misbehave" promises to be different. It's an extremely warm shade and has a jewel like quality to it – which tends to look good on everyone.  And all things considered, it is a pretty genius move from Essie to go with such a controversial choice for their 1000th shade – because fans and collectors are going to make sure it sells out no matter if it's wearable or not.  

"Aim to Misbehave" launches  on May 31 with the 2016 summer collection.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
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