Post Holiday Outfit Inspo

After Christmas has come & gone I am feeling the need to get some new outfit inspo. This outfit would be perfect for the post-holiday madness, for those times you just want to be comfortable while remaining stylish at the same time.

Holiday

I am in Ohio this week spending Christmas with my family. And although these photos were shot right before I left California this outfit would actually be perfect for Ohio weather right now. Normally, they are covered in beautiful layers of white snow right now, but this year it is sans snow and all sunshine. I guess I can't complain because I don't have to alter my wardrobe much at all.

Bardot Top

Feeling flares lately. It has always been a little tough for me, as a shortie, to rock flares and feel completely comfortable, however I have always loved the way they look. 

Off We Go!

Any one of you doing some traveling this holiday season (which is so many of us!) knows the struggle of trying to maintain a semi-stylish outfit whilst keeping the comfort factor in check.

Lace Up Flats Under $100

When you walk into work and someone asks if you own those shoes in every color...you know you have a problem. Well I guess it depends who is defining "problem", ha. Regardless, one of my favorite shoe trends of 2015 are these lace-up flats that I do perhaps own in multiple colors. However this is the perfect shoe of all you ladies who don't always want to rock heels but still want to feel stylish. Another plus to these shoes is that they are totally office approps but you could still wear them while not in an office and feel equally as chic.

Shop my favorites all under $100 right now! 

P.S. Here are a few quick tips to remember when styling these shoes:

1. They look best with skinny or straight leg pants that don't cover your foot too much. This gives the shoe some space to shine & really show off. Try a skinny "crop" style is you are short like me. My favorite jeans to pair my lace up flats with are these from Paige Denim

 2. You can wear them with skirts & tights during fall/winter months too! That will help to keep your legs a bit warmer.

 3. Also, if you are in a colder climate you can try layering a thin pair of dress socks underneath for some added pizazz and warmth - or try those no-show socks I mentioned a couple of posts back!

xx

Hawks + Cross

Happy Friday loves! Sorry for such a short post before the weekend but I wanted to share the love! I am starting the weekend off in the ‘Hawks + Cross’ necklace via Mirina Collections. Get yours for 20% off using code ‘laurenxo20’ (you can use this on all items on the site!). This is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted one of these bib necklaces without the hefty price tag attached.

Shop here: Mirina Collections

xx

Last Minute Gift Guides

If you are anything like me, chances are you haven't completed all of your shopping yet. In the spirit of helping others, and myself, I put together a few gifts I feel are quite ah-mazing. I would pretty much love & adore anything off of the "for her" list and I think many girls would agree! The "for him" list, well I would just be super excited to buy my beau any and all of the gifts on there if I could!

Happy Shopping!

For Her 
**Click any image to shop**

For Him 
**Click any image to shop**

5 Tips to Wear Your Summer Wardrobe This Winter

After taking these photos I am pretty sure I should be packing for a tropical vacation due to the level of tan I feel is needed, however I am not. Instead getting ready to head to Ohio where I am told it isn't quite that cold yet but nonetheless I don't see myself wearing a summer dress with a fuzzy sweater draped over it.

Black, White, Gold, Repeat...

Starting the week out simple in black, white, & gold. 

"In" With the Old

In an industry that is filled with fast fashion, what’s hot now, what’s not, it can be so easy to succumb to the buying pressures and always want to purchase new, new, new. When in reality many of us have a closet full of things that are just dying to be worn and feel new again.

5 Ways to Wear a Poncho

Keep it cozy-chic this season by layering a poncho over almost any look. Click through to read 5 ways to wear a poncho...

Uniform

I've been on the hunt for a great pair of vintage or vintage looking denim. Something made of a heavier denim, not too light (but not too dark either), and more of a straight leg than skinny. Until then, I am resorting to my favorite ripped jeans- sometimes you just have favorites. 

Instagram Giveaway

If you guys follow me on Instagram (@blameitonbarneys) you may have already seen a sneak peek of this look. I styled this look for the lovely ladies over at: Love Tatum, Daou Denim, Kayu Designs, & Shore Soap Co. for their Instagram giveaway that is happening right now! They are gifting one lucky gal (or guy!) the three bracelets styled here, the denim, the clutch, along with a candle, body scrub, and face soap from Shore Soap Co.

A Little Bit of Everything

Ever have one of those days when you don't know if you feel like dressing up or wearing sweats? No? Me Either - I always want to wear sweats, ha! Seriously though, I could probably live in sweats but I try to switch it up and throw on a skirt and heels and be civilized somedays.

Makeup Ready in 15 Minutes or Less

Although I am always open to trying new products, once I find something that works for me I am hooked. I've got my daily products down to a science - easy to apply and last all day! When I am rushing out the door in the morning and have about 10-15 minutes to get it together this is my go-to routine....

 Click through to read up on all of my current go-to makeup products that get me ready in 15 minutes or less

//WINTER FLORAL//

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! I am easing back into the week in a floral mini and fluffy jacket. Normally I stick to a pretty minimalistic color palette; black, white, tan, stripes, etc. I am working on breaking out of that monotonous routine by adding more print & color into my wardrobe. I will always be a sucker for black & white but I love having fun and experimenting with new looks!

//SALE EDIT//

Nursing a food hangover but still want to get your Black Friday shopping on? No worries, you can do it while still wearing your p.j.'s and watching Netflix. Click through to check out the amazing deals we sourced for you and some of my top picks from each retailer. 

//UNEXPECTED PAIRINGS//

Adding a little coziness to my Monday look....

//BUNDLED UP//

This scarf is literally eating my head and I love it! I have been bundling up in huge oversized knits lately and remaining oh-so comfortable.

Shop the trend // OTK Boots

One trend that I cannot get enough of right now are over the knee boots. They seriously go with everything from feminine floral dresses to skinny jeans with a chunky knit.

If you are a little hesitant about trying this style, I would recommend snagging a pair without a heel. After you get comfortable wearing the flat version of these boots you can move onto something with a little added height. Right now, that is where I am at in my OTK boot journey. I started off with the Stuart Weitzman 'lowland' boots last winter and I have been wearing them so much lately, sometimes I have to make it a point to not wear them.

Click through to shop my top picks...

//CASUAL MONDAYS//

For the most part I try to wear things that I am truly comfortable in. It is the worst when you have to constantly adjust your outfit or can't move your arms. That's why on the weekends I take full advantage of comfort and throw on some sneakers, ripped jeans, and a t-shirt. Have to get my comfort casual looks in when I can!

//MONOCHROME TIPS//

[Image from HarpersBazaar.com]

We’ve all seen it; the super stylish girl who looks effortlessly pulled together wearing a monochrome color palette. And if you've tried it yourself, you know it isn’t always as easy as it seems. Sometimes, when you have the right wardrobe essentials to pull from or have a good idea of what pieces work well together, it can be a fun and easy process. Other times, it seems easier to throw up your hands in frustration and opt for your “uniform” or go-to outfit you know works. That can be great and all but sometimes you want to challenge your personal style and try new looks. Keep reading for some tips that can help you pull off that effortless monochromatic look this fall.

//CHUNKY KNITS & BLACK RIPS//

Sometimes I wonder how I ever managed the freezing temps in the midwest. I think this day it was in the mid 60's in sunny San Diego and I was literally freeeeezing. Okay maybe not freezing, but you know...really really cold. 

//CALIFORNIA CAMEL//

I am loving November. Cooler temps mean the ability to layer up a bit which can be so much fun.

//IT'S A GIRL THING//

Feeling kinda' girly in this, yet again, black & white get up. Sorry for the lack of color- promise I am planning some pops of color & prints in upcoming looks. However, black & white can be such an easy pairing when you aren't really sure what to wear.

// THE LBD //

November in Southern California calls for a LBD. When fall rolls around I love wearing an all black ensemble. As you have seen I am not against wearing all black in the summer either, but I guess it is more fitting now that it is fall/winter.

//WHITE SNEAKERS//

Happy Friday everyone! We all know that nothing beats being comfortable, and when you can be comfortable and feel stylish- double win.

//STRIPES ON REPEAT//

Stripes on repeat. I have always had a love affair with stripes and it is kinda stronger than ever right now.

//BLACK VELVET//

Black velvet. Enough said. I have always been kind of obsessed with velvet anything. Bodysuits, capes, couches, curtains, you name it. 

//Irresistible Me 8-in-1 Curling Wand//

The Irresistible Me Sapphire 8 in 1 curling wand has kind of been saving my life lately. I am in between hair lengths, styles, whatever you want to call it. I want to grow my hair out but it is so fine that it always seems to fall flat.

//COLOR OF FALL//

Although, I am currently crushing on an all white or off-white look for fall, I really tend to wear black, black, & more black during these cooler months. I tried to break up the monotony a bit by adding a little color with the blouse and a snake print shoe.

//COATS COATS COATS//

photo: Alex Finch via Voguerunway.com

In the spirit of blaming Barneys for all of my bad shopping habits, I had to share with you the amazing sale they have going on right now- up to 65% off women’s coats at Barneys Warehouse online, eeeek!

//GRAY DAYS//

Finally starting to feel like fall here in sunny San Diego! It was absolutely beautiful this past weekend, a little rain here & there but other than that a beautiful cool breeze and some sun sneaking through the clouds. Made me want to run to the closest store, buy pumpkins & spray paint them white & silver (planning on doing that this week!).

// FASHIONABLE HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS //

It's that time of year again- Halloween! For all of you fashion loving individuals out there you might be thinking to yourself "what can I be this year and still feel stylish?" Well, I too have been thinking that, and have decided to compile a list of some fun fashion-related and stylish halloween costume ideas.

//STAPLES//

Staples. As in wardrobe staples, not the office supply store...As I refine my wardrobe I am trying to keep a closet full of classic pieces that I can mix and match.

//SUEDE//

Suede has been a huge trend the past few seasons and this fall it is stronger than ever. It plays into the 60's-70's trends as many pieces from that era are done in suede.

//CAMEL & BLACK //

Camel & black. A classic & timeless color combo for fall.

// LEATHER WEATHER //

All black ensembles are one of my all time favorites. There is just something clean and chic about wearing all black when the pieces are right. I like to mix different textures when doing a monochromatic look like this one, i.e. the faux leather skirt paired with a lightweight knit.

// POST LABOR DAY WHITE //

On the weekends I prefer to be as casual as possible. That usually means ripped jeans and a t-shirt. Now that it is cooling down I can add a chunky knit to the mix!

// LIGHTWEIGHT LAYERS //

Lightweight sweaters under jean jackets, or leather jackets, has become one of my favorite combos as of right now...

// THAT VINTAGE FEELING //

I'm kind of a sucker for anything vintage and denim is no exception. Also, I've kind of been bucking this "mom-jean" thing with a certain level of understanding- I mean come on, not the most flattering thing. But I'll try anything once, or twice if I'm feeling risky.

// FALL TRANSITION //

Fall transition- SoCal Style. Fall is officially here & I couldn't be happier! We are still lingering around in the upper 80's and 90's but there is hope for cooler temperatures yet! 

// CASUAL SUMMER VIBES //

 Trying to stay cool yesterday was a task but this little romper & iced coffee was a huge life saver. Nothing like some lightweight fabric and a little (or a lot!) of wind to keep you cool when the sun is melting you.

// ORANGE CRUSH //

Orange is one of those colors I really thought I'd never wear. Well, the say never say "never" because I guess there is always an exception to the rule.

// NYFW TRENDS SS16 //

Photo: Phil Oh via Vogue.com

It's that time of year again- Fashion month! Starting off with a bang last week in the big apple, New York Fashion Week is almost coming to a close making way for London, Milan, and last (but most favorite) Paris.

After perusing all the shows (via the web- wahh) I have done something that I have always thought fun to do. I have compiled a few of the SS16 trends that have been popping up throughout the shows thus far and ways to shop them now! New York showed us a lot of fringe on structured pieces, wrap belts, pops of color, feminine and frilly dressing, & so much more! Click through to view a few of the top trends so far!

| STRIPES |

This season I am all about trying new things. Well, trying to try new things I guess you could say.

| SIGNS OF FALL |

Signs of Fall are finally starting to show. At least in the wardrobe department. The weather- not so much. So hot today however I really can't complain because the ocean breeze tends to make everything a little bit better. 

Step Into Fall | Labor Day (shoe) Sales!

Hope you are all enjoying your Labor Day weekend! I have come to realize that you can take almost any outfit to the next level with the right pair of shoes.

| IT'S A WRAP |

For someone who is a fan of black and white I have been leaning towards shades of tan, brown, & camel lately.

| LITTLE WHITE DRESS |

August means two things to me in the terms of fashion. Cut-off shorts & easy breezy dresses.

| THOSE LITTLE HIGH WAISTED SHORTS |

Let's talk about the high waisted short. You either love them or you hate them. It seems there really is no in between.

| LACED UP |

August. The month of heat in Southern California. Well, really in most of the United States that probably holds true.

Love Tatum x Dinner in the Garden

Love Tatum x Dinner in the Garden 

San Diego designer Tatum of Love Tatum hand-selected local bloggers and brands to connect, share ideas, & inspiration over a dinner in the garden...