Featuring Charlotte Olympia again!

If you read my blog, you have already seen me mention the British designer Charlotte Olympia. I am really into the idea of velvet flats in rich gem tones for autumn. For the upcoming season, they have released their adorable cat flats (YES!) in multiple autumn hues!

My favorite style of the cat flat is called "Capri Cats". To me, they look a bit more relaxed and comfortable than the standard "Kitty Flat".

Meow! 'Til next time!

Outfit du Jour: Travel Edition

So I'm trying something different today for a blog post. I'm doing my first outfit of the day post!

I thought it would be a good day with me traveling up to Michigan for vacation/my friend Claudia's wedding that I'm a bridesmaid in!

My outfit du jour is very comfy and travel-ready. With my newest obsession being florals, I chose to wear my new pre-fall floral Zara blouse, teamed with navy Jbrand 811's, and taupe/white Sebago boat shoes (thought it would be fitting to wear a Michigan brand!). 

So there we have it! Travel, Laura style! 

'Til next time!

Latest and greatest designer collaboration!

I, like a lot of modern day fashionistas, am obsessed with designer/common store collaborations. The latest, which started today, is the Issa London x Banana Republic collection. Now, let me give a little background on Issa, being one of my personal favorite labels.

Issa London was founded in 2004 by Daniella Helayel. Popular with celebrities and royalty (everyone remembers the iconic sapphire blue dress worn by a certain Duchess), Issa has become a pretty well known name in the fashion world. I love the feminine features of the dresses, with their beautiful silk drapery and array of lush colors. I have found them to be very comfortable too, yet sexy enough for a night out.

When I found out there was to be a collaboration with Banana Republic, I was tickled pink! Issa dresses do not come cheap, so they have recreated some of their most popular looks to fit into a more normal every day budget. 

Most notably in the collection, is the recreation of the famous "Duchess" wrap dress.

It does appear to be shorter than the original, but that problem can be easily solved with BR offering "tall" sizes. 

My other favorite pieces are the kimono wrap dresses. They are perfect for using a day dress with sandals, then morphing them into going out wear, pairing with heels and a clutch.

   

      

I adore the coral colors of the first one! So cute for spring and summer, while the olive colored one is perfect for transitioning to fall. 

Lastly, I wanted to mention the printed wrap dress (as seen on Naomi Watts!). Very fresh, very flattering!

Happy shopping!

Thursday Shoe Therapy

A good alternative to the ballet flat is the smoking slipper, which is currently all over designer collections and department stores alike. I bought a pair of black studded suede slippers from Topshop, but I would really love to get my hands on these from Charlotte Olympia: 

I love Charlotte Olympia's flats! They are so cute and unique. First came the "kitty" flats, now, there are these zodiac flats! I just wish they offered each shoe in different colors! Enjoy!

Hump Day Fashion Wants

As I sit here sipping my Pimm's no.1 drink, I got to thinking about what I would write a new blog post about. I'm going to try to write at least twice a week from now on. Maybe a feature every Wednesday and Sunday, perhaps? Anyhow, I want to show you all my current fashion lusts for spring.

Naturally, I want to start of with some pieces from one of my favorites, Zara. I've really taken to the bright colors they have to offer this spring season. After winter's dark colors, it's nice to see happy brights.

Here are a couple items from UK retailer, Great Plains. Florals are always a huge thing for spring and summer. They are so unbelievably cheery and playful. 

I will post more tomorrow!!! Stay tuned!

Stylish fitness

For today's post, I got to thinking of fitness programs, as I recently joined a local gym. Is it just me, or does it seem like it is easier to work out when one has cool gear for said workouts?! Let me highlight some of my favorite brands for workout apparel.

When it comes to shoes, I tend to gravitate towards Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. I absolutely love the release of bright colors in trainers, as of recent. For a while now, my work shoes even included a pop of bright coral pink. That was until they decided to make everyone wear all black. I miss the last way of expressing individuality in my work uniform!

I love yoga clothes for working out. They seem more airy and breathe better, which is better for me with how much I sweat! 

I have just heard about a UK fitness apparel brand called Sweaty Betty. They were just running an online promotion code (USACR), which gives US customers 15% off PLUS free shipping! Quite a good deal if I do say so myself! I went a little crazy, but can't pass up the limited time coupon code. My haul included these:

"Kriya" leggings in gray (bought black too!)

"Karma" yoga pants in black

"Mantra" tank in coral (also purchased gray and black)

Lastly, I couldn't resist the cute hot pink microfiber workout towel!

Even after a few years of owning it, I still love my pink yoga mat from Lululemon Athletica. It's so cushy, and has ample space for any position your yoga program throws at you!

Lululemon offers a lot of variety in workout gear as well, but is a bit on the pricier side.

I'd like to finish off this post with how much I've been enjoying my gym, 24 Hour Fitness. It's quite inexpensive compared to most gyms - offering machines, fitness classes (Zumba, yoga, pilates, etc.), a pool, and of course personal training. Very good experience so far, and hope to see the start of a new me in a few months!

Happy workouts everyone! Til' next time!

Lenten promises

Quick post on giving up for Lent. 

Being Catholic, it's that time of year when everyone decides what they are going to give up for 40 days to become a better person, and show dedication to God. 

When I was little, my parents always asked what we were going to give up for that year. It would usually end up being chocolate or candy (did I mention it was their idea? haha). 

As I grow older, I realized I need to utilize this time as a way to improve my lifestyle. Without further adieu, here are my Lenten promises:

1. No online shopping. This is going to be the biggest challenge. I have found I buy most of my clothes/accessories/shoes online. Big commitment. 

2. No alcohol besides vodka-sodas. I love beer. I love girlie drinks. All the calorie-rich drinks. Vodka-sodas are only 40 calories a piece.

3. Cut back on fried food/sweets. I'm a foodie. I love anything that tastes good. I'm going to try to consume food that is better for me.

Of course, Lent is also a time to improve the lives of people around you. I would like to do some volunteer work possibly. It always makes me feel so good helping out those in need.

Happy fasting!

Happy New Year!

So with two months passing since my last post, there are a few things to catch up on.

With winter in full throttle in most of the country, boots and cold weather clothes are still flying off the shelves. Here are a few items that have caught my eye.

Living in Houston, there aren't many opportunities for boot weather. As much as I love the warm weather, I miss boot season. I found this pair from Stuart Weitzman. It is a knee-high black suede boot with a zipper up the side.

For those uncomfortable with heels, I found these ballet flats of black suede with bows from Pretty Ballerinas. They are so chic and would go very well with my black velvet bow clutch!