Season Limbo

As I already made it known, I love fall. And we are currently in what I call "season limbo" where its too late for companies to bring out new summer merchandise, and too soon to bring out what's new for fall. Although some companies introduce a few "fall" items, it still isn't the hardcore fall clothing that I've been waiting for. This tends to make shopping trips rather dull. You've seen everything that is out at your favorite stores, and they are trying to get rid of what they have left to make room for the new clothing and accessories that fall brings. This is definitely the time where I save up my money for when fall comes around...to me, there is no sense in buying anymore summer clothes right now! However, companies do tend to put out transitional items that you can wear during these awkward times. Here are some of my favorites:

J.Crew Tippi Sweater

This is one of my favorite sweaters and I own it in burgundy and marled camel. It is such a versatile and SOFT, comfortable piece. Its a lightweight sweater, so it can be thrown on at night. Or, you could put an OCBD underneath to add a little warmth when fall comes! I recommend sticking to colors like black, navy, grey, burgundy, camel, and white. Colors that can easily transition between seasons! Even better? They just introduced the Tippi sweater in a cardigan style!

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

A navy blazer is, in my opinion, a must in any closet. It is versitile in transition months and is a great investment piece because it will never go out of style and can be used during any season. This is another item of clothing that can be thrown over a shirt for when the nights start to get cooler. Or, can be worn with a sweater underneath, like the Tippi mentioned above, for more warmth!

Any type of sweater, pullover, or blazer is a perfect transition piece if you have the urge to shop. Or, you can save until the fall lines come out...that's definitely what I am doing!

XOXO,

Lauren

Wish List Wednesday

I want need a Barbour Jacket. I cannot tell you how many years I have been obsessing over these precious pieces of clothing. Not only are they extremely high quality, they are a classic piece that can be worn well into my years. This year I have finally decided to save up and purchase one. Sometime soon I plan on going to the Barbour store in Georgetown and purchasing my very first coveted Barbour Jacket. And I cannot tell you how excited I am.

I know I am most likely going to go with the Beadnell Jacket:

Ah, such a beautiful coat.

They are pricey, however. But, great news...a friend told me that they give a 15% discount to students! This may just be for the Georgetown location, but I am hoping it's everywhere. (It is always a good idea to ask stores if they provide a student discount...I use my student ID every time I make a purchase at J.Crew and it certainly helps!)

Anyway, you already know about my obsession with Fall and Winter clothing, and this would just be the cherry on top!

Do you have a Barbour Jacket? I would love to hear from those who have one!

Kate Spade: I Mean Business

This past Friday, I went with my mom to Nordstrom for their Anniversary sale. The Anniversary sale is when they have tents set up in each department and, if you are a Nordstrom Card holder, you can go into the tents. Once inside, you can preview (or purchase!) a select group of items that will be for sale this coming fall. The best part? The brand new, not-on-the-shelves-yet merchandise is generously discounted! My mom and I went into the tent in the handbag department, and we found my new school bag.

Kate Spade Helena (black)

Gold Kate Spade detail and patent leather bow

Black & white polka dot inside with plenty of room! Dividing zipper pocket in center, zipper pocket on the side, and two "cell phone" pockets. So much space!

This is everything that I put in it to give an idea of how much space it can hold...and there was still room left over!

I am very pleased with this handbag and like all Kate Spade, is exceptional quality. The timeless style and size will make an easy transition from college life to the business world when that point in my life comes!

XOXO,

Lauren

I'm So Excited!

Okay, I have been trying to hold back on posting this because well, it is still July...but, I cannot keep it in any longer...I AM SO EXCITED FOR FALL! Don't get me wrong, Spring and Summer are great. The beach, pool, barbecues, bright colorful Lilly dresses, nautical attire, etc, are all wonderful things. However, I love Thanksgiving, pumpkin spice, cozy cable knit sweaters, LLBean "Duck Boots", corduroy pants, riding boots, winter coats, tartan, more tartan, hats, snow,  Nordic Sweaters, Christmas, red and green, Christmas lights, reindeer, I could literally rant on and on.

I favor Fall and Winter fashion over Spring and Summer not only for the colors (don't get me wrong, I LOVE bright colors), but for the layering aspect! I love being warm and toasty under a few layers of clothes comfortably sipping my coffee outside with my hands perfectly warm inside mittens (slightly daydreaming).

For those who follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed my recent pinning binge of fall and winter clothing. Here are a few pictures I have pinned that will definitely inspire me in the colder months:

Are you as excited as I am for Fall and Winter? Or would you like for it to be Spring and Summer forever?

XOXO,

Lauren

I Baked!

I read on College Prepster that you should try to complete about 20% of your pins on Pinterest. This was pretty alarming to me considering I am a "pinaholic" and have well over 2,000 pins. So, I figured I better get started. The first thing I made was Chocolate Chip Oreo Brownies. And let me tell you, they were probably the EASIEST thing I have ever baked...and they were so delicious!

There were so many recipes on Pinterest and they all seemed the same, so here is my version!

After preheating the oven to 350 degrees, I lined my super awesome baking pan with the cookie dough (because edges and corners are the best pieces). I just used a Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie mix because I was feeling kind of lazy.

I then placed even clumps of cookie dough in the pan and coated a large spoon with cooking oil to spread out the cookie dough. The cooking oil helps the spoon to not stick to the cookie dough (in my opinion, this was the hardest part).

Then I evenly placed Oreos throughout my pan

Then I poured my brownie mix overtop (again, I used Pillsbury boxed brownie mix...lazy!)

Then I stuck it in the oven for 40 minutes and voila!

I was shocked at how good they turned out. I definitely recommend baking them!

It felt SO good completing my first pin. If you like Pinterest as much as I do, I suggest doing the same! I am already thinking of what craft or recipe I am going to make next!

XOXO,

Lauren

Wish List Wednesday

Okay, so I may be a little strange when it comes to my wish list, but I have a journal that sits on my desk next to my computer. And whenever I see something I really like, I write it down and put the price next to it (am I crazy?). This really helps me visualize how much money I want to spend vs how much money I actually have. I can have lists a few items long and it is crazy to see how quickly everything adds up! This helps me to prioritize things and eliminate things I can live without. However, there is something that has been on my wish list for a while now and it's a monogrammed necklace.

Swell Caroline

However, there are 4 problems:

1. There are SO many places to purchase them. 

I am indecisive in general, so that makes it extra hard for me.

2. The font.

I am not crazy about the font Swell Caroline uses,

so I would like to find one with different font!

3. The quality.

Since there are so many places to purchase them, I am skeptical.

4. The price.

I am not trying to spend more than $100.

I knowEmily got hers from Marinette Jewelry off of Etsy, so I may try that!

But I also really like this one...

(from Pinterest)

Do you have a gold monogrammed necklace that you love? Please share with me where you bought it...as you can tell, I would love one of my own!

XOXO,

Lauren

Summer Playlist

This summer I have definitely ventured out of my musical box (pun intended). Although I am not one to listen to Top 40's, there are actually a few songs I cannot stop singing and are perfect for the summertime and driving with the windows down. However, there are other songs that are not so popular, but equally as great! Here is what I am currently listening to:

1. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

2. Little Boxes - Walk Off the Earth

3. Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk Off the Earth

(their version is AMAZING!!)

4. Some Nights - Fun.

5. The Writer - Ellie Goulding

6. Eyes Wide Open - Gotye

7. Drunk On You - Luke Bryan

8. This Ain't Rock and Roll - Steve Moakler

9. Titanium (feat. Sia) - David Guetta

10. Good Time - Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

11. Shinin' On Me - Jerrod Niemann

12. Bronte - Gotye

13. Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men

14. Payphone (feat. Wiz Khalifa) - Maroon 5

15. We Run the Night (feat. Pitbull) - Havana Brown

16. Give Your Heart a Break - Demi Lovato

17. Springsteen - Eric Church

What are you listening to this summer?

Have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Lauren

Mad About Madras

Although there are many places to purchase madras clothing, it is pretty difficult to find a one-stop-madras-shop. However, Just Madras is just that place! They are a company from Connecticut and their products are made in the United States...I love that! Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Ellie Strapless Dress - Great Island

Mackenzie Top - Blue Seersucker

Madras Cricket Ballet Flats -Nappatree Point

I have never purchased anything from Just Madras, but I have heard they have exceptional quality! Do you own any Just Madras clothes or accessories?

XOXO,

Lauren

Happy 4th

Thank you to all of the men and women who have served and continue to fight for our freedom.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

XOXO,

Lauren

Independence Day Soiree

 However you plan to spend July 4th, you gotta celebrate in style! Living so close to D.C., I am taking advantage of it and heading into the district to see the National Fireworks display. Those who have never seen it should really check them out. They are incredible!

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons. The main reason is fireworks. I love them!! But I also love the style options. Red White & Blue is probably my favorite color combo (aside from Pink & Green) and there are so many ways to achieve the perfect Independence Day ensemble.

Casual: 

Lots of places have a community fireworks show, and I have gone a few times to the one my town puts on and they are great! We typically sat on the ground or on a blanket, so I would always opt for a more causal outfit like this:

top: Polo Outlet (old) | shorts: J.Crew | shoes: Ann Taylor Loft (old) | headband: NY&Co. (old)

"Nantucket Casual":

This is an ongoing joke in my family because a lot of places on Nantucket Island prefer for guests to dress "Nantucket Casual" meaning ladies: dresses/skirts and men: khakis and blazers (in other words, not very casual). This is typically referred to as "Country Club Casual"or "Semi Casual", so if you will be spending the evening somewhere dressier, this is my pick:

dress | belt | shoes

If any of you were stuck on what to wear for the 4th, I hope this helped you out! How do you plan to spend Independence day? And what will you be wearing?

XOXO,

Lauren

Don't Knock It Til You Try It: Consignment Shopping

Okay, I will admit, I am not normally one who would go consignment store shopping or "thrifting". However, a few weeks ago I came across a consignment shop near my home and spotted an adorable Lilly Pulitzer beach bag in the window. I had gone consignment store shopping once before and got a pair of Lucchese cowboy boots for $9 (retail value over $350), but I had never thought of hunting for Lilly pieces. So, a few days later I went back and dragged brought my brother along to purchase the beach bag, only to find out that it had already sold.

However, sad feelings aside, my mom and I went back today and this is what we found!

This is a vintage Lilly Pulitzer jarvey skort. It's actually a size 8 (I am a 00 and still have "wiggle room") but this seriously fits me like a 2/4. And, for $25 I can get alterations done and it will still cost less than a new skort!

The Lilly Pulitzer capri pants look much darker than they actually are...but they are so cute! They have little elephants on them and I think they are absolutely adorable. These are a size 2 (and again, will be needing alterations). I don't know how much use I will get out of them, but for $20, I couldn't pass them up!

Both the pants and the skort have the old black and white Lilly label.

This is probably my favorite find of the day, it is a Talbots petites dress in a size 4 that was $29! This is a classic shift style with bright colors, making it look very Lilly-esque. 

I think the coolest feature about the dress is the pattern. It looks like mosaic tile!

Although these items need serious alterations, I just couldn't pass them up! I am very pleased with the consignment shop my mom and I visited today and will definitely be stopping by again soon.

Do you frequent consignment shops?

Have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Lauren

Just Add Water

In the spirit of summer, I decided to write a post about the essential items brought to the pool, beach, lake, etc. Whether it is to complete your water wardrobe, or just a few essentials to pack in your pool bag, I have compiled a list of my current must-have items!

The perfect swimsuit

I am currently loving the Lilly Pulitzer Keene Bandeau in High Tide Toile. In fact, I just purchased it! Does this suit scream summer or what?! I personally love the bandeau style of bathing suits, and they have become increasingly popular! This swimsuit is definitely more expensive than I would normally spend, but I saved up and I can honestly say that it was worth every penny! It fits perfectly and is extremely flattering!


A fun coverup

Although I am guilty of wearing the same old t-shirt and shorts combo to the pool/beach, a fun, bright beach cover up is something I have been in the market for for a long time. I have had my eye on this Three Islands Beach Tunic for the longest time!

A Beach Towel

Okay, I am not an advocate to spend $95 on a beach towel, but if you're willing to, then I will definitely support you! In my opinion, you can't get much preppier than a Vineyard Vines beach towel. However, I just use ones that my family has had for years from our lake house (they are cobalt blue/white stripes) and they work just as good! I do, however, prefer really big towels that cover the entire lounge chair.

Sunscreen!

My very first job was at a tanning salon, so I know all about the dangers of the sun! I swear by this Neutrogena sunscreen for my face and use it everyday under my makeup (disclosure: I always get 80, and thought this bottle said 80 when I bought it, but I definitely read it wrong!) Since I accidentally got 30, I have been applying it on my arms and legs to try and use it up. I am a freak about burning, so I reapply sunscreen nearly every hour! As far as what I put on the rest of my body, I always get something thats at least SPF 30 and is water/sweat proof.

A cute beach bag

sCe from SummerWind mentioned Needham Lane on her blog a little while ago and I have been dying to make a purchase of my own! She also mentioned a coupon code on her Facebook page for these very tote bags and I think they are so darling! They are lined on the inside, which is great if you want to throw your wet suit in it, and it also has pockets inside to keep everything organized! I currently use a shopper tote bag I got ages ago from a store in Nantucket called Eye Of The Needle, but these shopper totes from Needham Lane are adorable!

Other than my essential items, I always bring sunglasses, a hat, reading material and a friend!

What do you all bring when you're surrounded by water?

Also, thank you so much to all of you who wished me a happy birthday yesterday on Instagram! You all really helped make my 20th birthday the best birthday yet!

Have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Lauren

My First Post!

Hey everyone! I am brand new to the "blog-o-sphere" but after reading blogs for several months, I began to fall in love! I have been on Instagram (@Lmidd14) for a while, and  the blogging community seems so friendly and inviting that I decided to give it a try. I am not very good with technology though, so bare with me! To start things off, I am going to tell you all a little bit about myself (I am going to use my first name, but friends and family members will be referred to by the first letter of their first name):


-I am 20 years old...today!
-I was born & raised right below the Mason Dixon line and attend college in my home state…Virginia!
-I am a transfer student. I will be transferring to my university in the fall and I cannot be more excited!
-Being a transfer, I know all the ins and outs of the process, so feel free to ask if you have any questions!
-I am studying Communications with a concentration in Public Relations
-I hope to live in Washington D.C. after college
-I have an older brother, R, my two amazing parents who are my biggest supporters, and my wonderful Golden Retriever, Molly!
-My favorite place to travel is Nantucket
-My favorite foods are lobster and hardshell crabs

-Either I dislike technology, or technology dislikes me, I have not quite figured it out
-I love Nicholas Sparks books and any romantic movie…but what girl doesn’t?!
-I own every single episode of Bewitched
-I have OCD and get a little too excited about organization
-My favorite flowers are hydrangeas and peonies
-I love country music!
-My main style icons are Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn and especially Kate Middleton
-I love fashion and everything preppy, which is the main reason I wanted to start this blog


I plan for my blog to consist of fashion, my passions and my everyday life. If you have any suggestions to help start me off, it would be greatly appreciated!

XOXO,
Lauren