It's Rodeo Houston time!

With the Houston rodeo fast approaching, I've been thinking a lot about putting together a cute "western wear" outfit, without looking cliche. I have been avoiding the purchase of cowboy boots since I moved here three years ago, as they are just not my style. Living in Houston, I have seen a lot of inspiration as to how to not look cheesy with western wear With that being said, I have seen the epitome of cheesy western wear here as well! Luckily, there are many chic offerings for an urban cowgirl look.

One of my favorite designers of updated western-style shirts is Temperley London. I love the fun colors and patterns Alice Temperley uses in her collections. They are so feminine and modern, while still honoring the western style. A few years ago, I purchased my rodeo blouse from Temperley. I have received countless compliments on it, and is my go-to in the event of anything western-themed I attend.

A few other shirts that have caught my eye this season were these -

Now that I've covered blouses, I would like to share a few of my favorite choices of jeans. When I do wear western wear, I like to pair skinny jeans with my blouses. They are a lot easier to tuck into boots. Here are my picks -

Paige Denim "Skyline" 

J. Brand "811"

And for an actual "bootleg" option -

Goldsign "Passion"

If you know me, or read my blog, you may be aware of my obsession with shoes. I've decided the only way I would be okay with western boots is if I could find a unique vintage pair. Enter Capezio, an Italian shoe manufacturer that gained fame as a dance shoe supplier. The company expanded into making boots in the 70s, which led to the creation of these beauties (from their Miss Capezio line) I have for the rodeo this year!

Hopefully this blog has given inspiration for all of your urban western endeavors! Til next time! :)

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!