Latest Lust: Summer Sheets

One of my favorite ways to freshen up my bedroom in the summertime is swapping out solid sheets for a fun pattern. Because let's face it, in the heat of the summertime, no one wants a heavy comforter on them anyways! These patterned sheets offer a playful pop of color paired back to a solid comforter or mixed and matched for a bolder look.

 I absolutely adore these happy + stylish summer sheets! If not for your own bedroom, try using them in a guest bedroom for an instantly warm welcome. 

get the look: red polka dots // blue gingham // pink floral sheet// watercolor floral sheet // trellis print // striped // mint ikat dot // yellow geometric // lilac scallops

One trick to finding a bigger selection of colorful printed sheets is to search in the kids or teen section for the more sophisticated prints. Most scale up to size King and there is always great color and pattern, like ikats, geometrics, classics stripes + dots.

Which is your favorite sheet print?

xoxo, lauren

Easy Meals for Busy Girls: Arugula Salad + DIY Vinaigrette

One of the nice things about rooming with K for the Summer is getting to make dinner for two! He has a  CSA (community supported agriculture) membership, so we have a weekly influx of fresh produce (lately lots greens). This means lots of summer salads for dinner because they're quick & healthy to whip up!

This feta, orange, onion & arugula salad is the perfect mix of flavors made even better with a homemade vinaigrette. I was inspired by Jocelyn's DIY salad dressing recipes in LPF Mag.

Salad Ingredients:

 Arugula

Mandarin Oranges (slice in thirds). 

Red Onion (sliced thin)

Feta Cheese 

Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette: 

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2/3 tbsp honey

1 tsp dijon mustard

1/3 c extra virgin olive oil

salt + pepper to taste

I love the idea of making salad dressings from scratch instead of buying premade. They're so much tastier have less preservatives & are more cost effective (I mix mine up in a mason jar and shake all the ingredients up).

Be sure to check out Issue #3 of LPF Mag for more DIY salad dressing recipe ideas to make your own!

xoxo, lauren

Summer Steals // Fashion Finds for $30 or Less!

I am all about a good fashion impulse buy. At $30 or less, these colorful summer pieces can easily make their way into your wardrobe! They pretty much make up all of my favorite things this time of year, bright & bold blouses, denim vests to throw over all my sundresses, and colorful statement jewelry to mix & match.

These guilt-free purchases are perfect summer steals for your closet!

Get the Look: Pink Sleeveless Blouse // Bright Sandals // Lime Green Earrings // Turquoise Friendship Bracelet // Striped Pouch // Turquoise Nail Polish // Lime Nail Polish // Coral Band Cloche Hat // Pink Flower Earrings // On-The-Go iPhone Charger // Sleeveless Denim Vest // Turquoise/Cobalt Statement Necklace

I'm pretty much in love with all of these affordable summery pieces. (I'm especially dying for that jonathan adler on-the-go phone booster- perfect for all of us social media lovers constantly wearing down our phone batteries!

Which summer style steal is your favorite?

xoxo, lauren

Beach Bums + Butter Beer!

I'm back from four fun days in the florida sunshine! It was such a great opportunity for some rest & relaxation, spend some time with Kyle, and even have the chance to catch up with my besties (some who surprised me in Orlando!).We miraculously had beautiful weather and enjoyed every second!

I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures from the trip before I get back to reality this week (sigh!).

(L-R:  1. Catching up with my best friends // 2. Shaved ice to cool us down from the florida heat // 3. Da Kine Diego's my favorite surf shack burrito joint // 4. Finally made it to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure // 5. Drinks on the beach // 6. Cocoa Beach Pier // 7. Kyle's first surfing lesson // 8. The beautiful ombre mosaic bar at the hotel // 8. Picking oranges for souvenirs at the Showcase of Citrus)

our outstanding Vero Beach resort owned by Gloria Estefan, Costa d'Este

Complimentary mojitos on the beach upon our arrival, my kind of place!

Obligatory in-love at the beach picture :)

Coronas + Arm Parties.. Cheers!

Enjoying a butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

My favorite local gem, Da Kine Diego's in Satellite Beach, FL

I can't tell you how great it is to take a little mental break, disconnect from social media and enjoy eachother's company. We had such a great time whether getting to be kids again at Islands of Adventure, taking surfing lessons together, or listening to the waves on our patio. I'm counting down the days to my next vacation- can't wait!

xoxo, lauren

What to Wear: Beach Babe Chic

Kyle + I are off to Florida tomorrow for a much needed four day weekend of R&R and fun! The beach is calling my name. I really think I get more ocean sick than homesick about Florida. Home will always be wherever your friends and family are- but you can't make the ocean come visit you ;)

Wish us sunny vibes as this tropical storm moves through the state and that I come back tanner + more relaxed than when I left (shouldn't be too difficult ;). This is my favorite little beach ensemble with all the essentials (and some thrown in for fun!)

Get the Look: Monogram Hat // Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses // Mini Teardrop Earrings // Coral Ruffle Bikini Top // Geometric Bikini Bottoms // Maui Babe Browning Lotion // I'm Really A Mermaid Tote // Navy Tunic // Tribal Print Shorts // Silver Ankle Strap Sandals Mint Surfboard // Turquoise Striped Turkish Towel // Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Cup // Surfboard iPad Case // Waterproof Digital Camera (Similar)

Follow my travels on instagram this weekend!

xoxo, lauren

Latest Lust: Summer Statement Necklaces

If you follow me on instagram, you probably know that statement necklaces are my go-to for polishing off an outfit! All it takes is throwing on one of these colorful pieces to instantly make an outfit feel fabulous.

Try pairing one of these bright statement necklaces with a basic tee for a more casual look or for a colorful outfit completer with a summer sundress!

Get the Look: 1. Chunky Pink Link Necklace via Bauble Bar // 2. Neon Stone Necklace via J.Crew // 3. Teal Marquise Bib via Bauble Bar // 4. Fan Fringe Necklace via J.Crew // 5. Beaded Charm Necklace via Chan Luu // 6. Ocean Bauble Bib Necklace via Anthropologie 7. Turquoise Necklace via Tinley Road // 8. Field Day Statement Necklace via Kate Spade // 9. Coated Confetti Statement Necklace - Kate Spade

A few of my favorite statement necklace #OOTD's! I like to use the excuse that I literally wear accessories like my job because it is (I work as an accessories merchant for my day job!).

What's your favorite way to wear a statement necklace?

xoxo, lauren

Packing for Vacation!

I am SO anxiously awaiting my long weekend getaway to FL in a few short days! Whenever I'm headed somewhere beachy, I instantly gravitate towards the brightest pieces in my closet. The trick is to packing versatile pieces that can go from day to night by swapping out shoes or adding a statement necklace. Also, finding pieces that will travel well without needing ironing!

I've been trying to be on my best healthy behavior before we go + doing some spray tanning so I don't look like a pasty Wisconsinite on the beach.

I know I'll fit in perfectly on our little beach trip in these colorful + patterned outfits!

I picked up this tie dye VIX bikini for $30 at Marshalls.. score!

I'll choose a pair of sparkly sandals over rubber flip flops any day..

A colorful statement necklace is my must have when traveling!

I am SO in need of a vacation and I wish I could share all the details but, I'm trying to keep our destination and activities of our trip a surprise for Kyle! 

I used Samsung Galaxy camera to snap these and can't believe how great the quality is!. It's going to be the perfect travel camera for capturing all of our adventures (+ mobile uploading on the go- woohoo!). 

What are your essentials when traveling to the beach?

xoxo, lauren

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Fashion Voices program and have been provided  with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product! :)

Life Lately (& Living with a Boy!)

A quick little update on life lately. It's been pretty crazy busy! Last week my lovely mom helped me pack up my apartment for yet another move! This time, to my boyfriend's home for the summer while my new apartment is being finished.

I am trying to be a a good roomie and learn the ropes of this whole living with a boy thing (I'm not too worried though)!  He has been a great sport about sharing his space with me. The La Petite Fashionista Magazine team & I are also hard at work on issue #4 (due out by mid-june!).

I'm so excited for the many summer adventures to come! 

Life lately.. 

1. Kyle actually upgraded his closet to have extra shelving for my move in. He was sweet enough to give up half his closet. I amazingly was disciplined enough to minimize my wardrobe to fit inside. The colorful fabric bins are a huge organizational help too!

2. Kyle + I for his graduation dinner (woohoo!). Next week we are jetting off to a surprise graduation trip to Florida for him. I've kept our itinerary a secret and have been leaving a clue every few days!

3. The fresh & fragrant lilacs that are blossoming in the yard. They look oh-so-pretty in a mason jar

4. One of the perks of living with him is being able to do some grocery shopping and meal planning together. We're trying to eat healthy and tried out the Lightened Up Chicken Francese (& garlic mashed cauliflower) for dinner tonight and it was unbelievably delicious!

So lovely readers for those of you that live with the men in your life-- Do share your tips for living in harmony together!

xoxo, lauren

Affordable Beach Getaways

When it comes to traveling, I'm all about experiencing things like a local. When I studied abroad, I found bed  & breakfasts and rented homes to stay in. Usually at a much more affordable rate than a hotel, you're given access to a local's insights and often unbelievable locations (i.e. when I stayed in Rome we were literally a block away from the magnificent Vatican). The experiences are almost always more memorable!

I recently stumbled upon airbnb which offers listings for shared rooms or rented homes all around the world. It shows reviews from previous travelers, verified pictures of the homes, and you can really get a great feel for if the place will be a good fit for you! 

I was perusing today for some affordable beachy getaways- from Hawaii to California, to Florida. They vary from offering incredible hospitality (i.e. welcome drinks upon arrival and bikes to borrow) to incredible locations (i.e. steps from the beach or in the heart of a trendy area). 

Ready to get away to one of these beachy locales?  (starting from top left corner):

1. Kealakekua Bay Bali Cottage, - Captain Cook, Hawaii - from $125 per night- This home is a minute and a half walk on the beach, this cottage is decorated with vintage teak panels & beachy outdoor shower.
2. Charming, Colorful, Close to Beach- San Diego, California - from $79 per night-  This studio rental looks like it stepped off the pages of an Anthropologie catalog, use the free bikes to explore Pacific Beach.
3. Need Some Rest? Come to Key West - Key West, Florida- from $95 per night- Relax on the hammocks, enjoy fresh coconut every morning & take a sailing lesson with the owner of this rental room.
4. Beachy Chic South Beach Studio Apartment- Miami Beach, Florida- from $99 per night-This colorful and modern studio apartment is in the heart of the art-deco district, walk to Miami's hottest restaurants, bars & beaches.
5. "Hale Moana" Small but Special- Maui, Hawaii - from $95 per night- This private studio offers ocean views, fruit trees in the yard, surfboards to use, and Hawaiian hospitality.
6. Cozy Laguna Beach Artist Cottage - Laguna Beach, California - from $100 per night-  This comfy and colorful cottage would be great for a group with its breakfast nook, outdoor area,  and walking distance to world class surfing beaches
7. Malibu Zen Retreat on Organic Farm- Malibu, California- from $75 a night- This airy room with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean is also situated on the host couple's organic farm. For a small extra fee have a home cooked meal using ingredients from the orchard & farm you're staying at
8. Venice Beach, Canals, Abbot Kinney - Venice, California, from $125 a night- This new apartment was designed by a local interior designer featuring vintage meets modern decor and a killer location by the Venice boardwalk and one of the city's trendiest shopping / dining areas
9. Historic Santa Monica Home by Beach - from $100 a night- Stay at a private room in this beautiful Santa Monica home where you will be walking distance to beaches and able to enjoy the California lifestyle at their beautiful outdoor entertaining area

Reading all the reviews of people's visits to the different airbnb locations makes me reminisce about my travels! It makes a world of a difference staying somewhere other than a hotel chain and truly getting to experience an area.

These beachy destinations will not disappoint for a little summer beach getaway!

xoxo, lauren

Perfect Pairings: Dip Dye Denim & Eyelet

I've been loving the look of denim tops for summer, but even with the sleeves rolled up, chambray button downs are a little bit too hot for me. I loved this sleeveless dip-dye variation I found at Forever 21 last weekend- especially paired back to an always summery white eyelet skirt & colorful arm party!

get the look: ombre chambray shirt // white eyelet skirt // tan wedges (similar) // pink bracelet // turquoise bracelet (similar) // elastic hair tie (similar)

I can hardly believe it's Memorial Day Weekend already- it sort of marks the unofficial start of summer! As much as I'd like to be lounging by the pool or grilling out- I'll be in the process of moving out of my apartment & on to new summer adventures!

What are your memorial day weekend plans?

xoxo, lauren