hot and broke.

i'm gonna level with you guys:  i really can't afford to buy even 99.9% of the clothes, accessories, and shoes that i want.  not even the cheap stuff.  i'm a social worker with a bad habit of parking my old car in spots that inevitably lead to parking tickets.  a lot of them. if you don't believe me, check out this pic of me cuddling with a freshly-issued violation.

and i'm wearing a jacket that i recently got from forever 21 for like $24.99.  gimme a break, philadelphia parking authority.  anyway, the point is that I have to choose items wisely and often end up wearing things that aren't as up-to-date as id like.  and, no, i don't think articles that tell me "invest" in $500 shoes are gonna help me out.

my suggestion for all of you is that you find a piece of clothing or an accessory that's relatively inexpensive, versatile, and cool enough to make your old stuff feel fresh or at least remind your and everyone that you're not completely out of touch.  at least until you finally hit the lottery (and you will).  i've put together a list of items that i think will do just that.  choose one or two of these awesome-enough-to wear-several-times-a-week pieces, and i'm pretty sure you'll be looking less broke in no time (disclaimer:  you'll actually be more broke after you buy them):

Fanned Earrings - $25.00, TOPSHOP

Patchwork Infinity Scarf - $40.00, Nasty Gal



Shire  Boot by Marais USA  -  $160.00,  Need Supply

On point ring  -  $12,  Pixie Market

Morocco Bag - $70.00, Need Supply



Grypon Cuff - $30.00, Need Supply



Point Ring by giantLION - $36.00, Need Supply

twin tested: printed jeans

i got mine at forever 21 for less than $25.00. AND they were comfortable enough to do ballet in. on a rooftop. just go with it.

anyway, here's miranda kerr in printed jeans and me in a similar style. thoughts?

xoxo lauren

fall trend: black & white!

i'm loving the black & white trend going on right now.  there's so many ways to wear this trend: shoes, dresses, shirts!   AND any style:  preppy, edgy, etc.  anyone can do it!  i can hear michael jackson now .."it's black, it's white".. no? ok.

even just today i spotted a few celebs wearing this trend on people.com.

simple & casual

Pippa Middleton

edgy & structured

Jessica Alba

some easy ways to incorporate this:

Urban Outfitters Pointy Pony Skimmer; $19

J.Crew Raglan Sailor Top; $68

Zara Vamp with Platform Heel and Ankle Strap: $89.90 (swoon..)

Zara Blouse with Diamante Bib Front; $49.90

(pair with a black skirt, pants, shorts..)

p.s. lauren - where are you?  haven't heard from you in awhile! come back.... :) :)