You're the inspiration...

Inspire: To fill or affect with a specified feeling or thought. To animate or impel. To influence or communicate. 

This is certainly what happens to me when I look at certain blogs...in fact, I'm almost always influenced by blogs these days, that I don't even remember a time without style/inspiration blogs.  I know that whenever I go into my closet, I'm always astonished by how eclectic it is...what can I say, I love trying new things. But I know subconsciously, that the reason my style is the way it is, is because of some of the fashion blogs I follow religiously. I was thinking about it the other day, and these 6 style bloggers, definitely became a prominent influence in my life since I first started reading them...

My first love in the fashion blogging world, Rumi Neely changed how I viewed fashion. I look up to her, because she always took a risk no matter how big or small. In a blink of an eye, she made me realize you CAN take chances and still look beautiful even while getting groceries. She also does the "boho" style better than anyone I know...next to Nicole Richie of course ;p

Whenever I think of going to Paris and my dream wardrobe for the trip, I think-"What would Louis wear?" She epitomizes Parisian Chic. And with her cascading red hair and bookish readers, it's easy to see how fast people fall for her effortless style. And her pictures...goodness, I don't know what kind of camera she uses, but I have yet to see a bad picture of her.

Liz Cherkasova...first of all, I love saying her name. It rolls right off the tongue. When I first saw this girl, I fell hard. She was one of those girls, I wanted (and still do) to be friends with, because she just seems so cool. Cool but without trying. And amazingly sweet. Her style too, is incredibly eclectic-going from romantic to edgy. But she just pulls everything off. Not to mention, look at that face! So incredibly gorgeous.

When I want to put a smile on my face after a bad day, I hop on over to Emily's blog. Not only is she an LA girl like yours truly, but she is also very down-to-earth, which is super rare to find in the blogging world or in LA for that matter. In fact, the reason why her blog makes me smile, is by how fun it is...she puts up recipes, and hair how-to's, and makeup tips, but also has an AMAZING closet! She just makes everything look so accessible, and breezy.

I've posted about Caroline before...but I had to include her in the list, because I think her style is the most similar to mine. I love how edgy she looks every time she goes out, whether she's getting coffee or doing a photoshoot. She just looks so put together all the time, and she has an incredible collection of Balenciaga bags. I think she has like 15 of them! Lucky girl!

And last but certainly not least, Karla Deras. Her wardrobe is the one I envy most...because well, she has the greatest mix of high and low. Most of her stuff is vintage, but she makes it look modern. And she is the only one who makes me think about going back to my short hair. But the best part about Karla? She's ballsy! She doesn't care what anybody thinks, and that's part of the reason why I think her and Rumi's blogs have been so successful all these years. And that massive shoe collection, of course. :)

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I hope you guys enjoyed this first edition of fave style bloggers/my inspirations! I hope to continue to do this every once and awhile to feature some of my fave reads and outfits. I can't wait to discover more. xoxo

Give me liberty...

Showing off my recent purchases, because well I'm quite obsessed with both. I haven't gotten anything for myself in quite a long time, so I felt I deserved a little bit of happiness. Even if that happiness  comes from retail therapy. I showed quite a bit of restraint the other day-only getting the 2 things I've had my eye on since word got out.

1.) H&M Garden Collection Floral Kimono dress

2.) Liberty of London for MAC lipstick in Ever Hip

The dress is quite outstanding in person. This picture and all other promo pics don't do it justice. I adore all things flowy and comfortable.  And I just feel like running through the fields in this. The lipstick is a peachy coral color that comes on pretty sheer with just a hint of color. I thought it was going to be brazenly coral but it doesn't leave my lips looking that way at all. Both items are getting me really revved up for spring!

Another treat was seeing this on Twitter:

MTV Shows

All I have to say, is that MTV certainly knows how to edit well enough to always make Olivia look like the bad guy, and Whitney Port the poor helpless angel. I like to think they focus on that more, because well if it wasn't for Olivia-The City probably wouldn't even be continuing due to their lead's bland personality. Oh well, perhaps I'm just being biased...as Kristina commented in one of my previous posts- "You'd probably marry Olivia Palermo if you could..." Well, yes, yes-maybe I would. Haha!

xoxo

You've left me speechless...

These pictures were taken this past Sunday. Kristina and I ventured out to my favorite shopping destination-the Fairfax Flea Market. She had never been there before, and was super excited to see what all the fuss was about. Needless to say, neither of us were disappointed. I found a very cute, vintage polka dot dress, a leather jacket for the hubby, and Kristina found A LOT of things. Including a Karl Lagerfeld tee which I have to go back for as soon as I can go there, because I've been obsessing over it for the past couple days.
To refuel, we decided to go to Lemonade for lunch. We both had never been there- but it's been on my list of places to eat for a long time. So we thought, hey-why not? This place was a total win. Not only was the food healthy and exceptional, but it was also inexpensive and they have $1 cupcakes! I wish I had gotten 2! Anyway, that's definitely a place I would love to take George one of these days. Another plus from the trip? We saw Nora Zehetner-a super adorable Indie actress who was in Brick with Joseph Gordon Levitt (among other films). Yes, she was just as beautiful in person-perhaps even more so.

On other news...rather really upsetting news...I just found out my old school is doing not one but TWO musicals for their upcoming season. One being Cabaret! I think I cried for about an hour when I found out. Perhaps, this is a little dramatic...but since Cabaret is the reason I fell in love with musical theatre, and it's a song I had been singing since I was 5-it's only fair, I get to throw a tantrum. Sigh. Oh well, if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be...and I can't do anything else about it. But to prove to myself that I would make a perfect Sally Bowles, I'll just have to watch this video over and over and over...

xoxo


On Kristina: Love by F21 top/Unknown black skinnies/Boutique 9 flats/H&M purse
On Me: F21 top and vest/Vintage shorts/H&M tight/Chinese Laundry boots

We're onto a winner...

I cannot even begin to tell you how absolutely proud I was of my birthday boo, Siera Eden Casey, when I saw her in the production of The Waiting Room last night. She was so exceptional as Jersey Girl, Wanda, that I was driven to tears THREE times during the entire show. Part of it, was the feeling I get when I see my friends cry. But the most important part, was that she was able to deliver the material in such a way that it was true and real and just as how I would want to see it. She is a remarkable actress, and I feel so lucky that she is one of my bests.

On another note: so my "business" partner/friend Kristina, and I sell clothes through Facebook as an event called Lainey's Closet. It's in its 6th run, and I am very surprised that it's been going so well. But the other day, lo and behold, Kristina brought over this adorable studded Vintage blazer for me to sell on the event. I tried it on and had to have it for myself. How could I not? It's gorgeous! It's very Balmain, no? Anyway, that is what I ended up wearing to the show. It's definitely something that will stay in my closet for awhile.

I had an exceptional weekend. I hope you all did too!

xoxo

Vintage studded blazer/F21 purple tank/Sneak Peek skinnies/Steve Madden shoes/Vintage and assorted jewelry/B. Makowski bag

Before they turn the summer into dust

I knew this was coming for a long time. Needless to say, I'm super excited about it. I've seen a couple of her designs, and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. Not that I'm surprised! As one of my fashion muses, I knew full well that Olivia Palermo has a great eye for everything style. And accessories are definitely no exception. I'm a little disappointed about the price though, because obviously as a huge budgeter-I don't know if spending $175 on a necklace would be very practical for me. But who knows? She's wearing two of her designs in the pictures. Pretty beautiful, huh?

xoxo

Grim Reaper Blues

This lookbook video from NastyGal is absolutely stunning. I know it's already been all over the blogosphere, but every time I watch, I'm hooked. Plus, Liz from one of my fave reads-Late Afternoon-looks so gorgeous in it. Makes me wanna get some fringe! Anyhoo, was just feeling inspired by this vid and wanted to share. Hope you enjoy!

I know how it usually goes...

Today was such a beautiful day. The sun was shining. The temperature was pleasant. And I had Chipotle! Haha! Lunch with Danielle today proved to be a monumental moment considering she had never had Chipotle...ever. The news was hard to believe, but I was so excited that she was finally going to lose her Chipotle virginity-and with me! :) The first couple of pics of me looking uber awkward was taking in the backyard, when the honey and I were fooling around this morning. And the last two of Danielle while we were at Chipotle, taking her first bites of her humongous burrito! Yes, this is all very interesting. ;p So, the verdict? She is now in love. That's my girl!

XOXO

On Danielle: H&M top/F21 sunglasses and various jewelry/DKNY watch
On Me: UO men's button down/F21 cardigan/H&M leather leggings/F21 sunglasses/Rampage boots

You've got me wrapped around your little finger

THE OSCARS

As you all know, Awards season is my absolute favorite season...it isn't Fall, Winter, Summer or Spring-it's Awards Season. Mostly due to the fact, that it is the one time in the entire year where the best of the best in the Acting world get to recognize and acknowledge one another for their contributions in entertainment. But it's also the time, when the best of the best in fashion get to be displayed. And this year was no exception! Last night's Oscars, in particular, brought about probably the BEST dresses I've seen in the last 5 years (as a whole). Needless to say, hardly anyone disappointed me, and it was very difficult putting together a worst dressed list-because I thought everyone looked stunning. But seeing as I've done this for a few years now-I couldn't break tradition. So starting off with my worst dressed...

WORST

5.) Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham- See, the more and more I stare at this dress, the least I hate it. That's why it's 5 rather than 1, but there were still parts of the dress that really bothered me. Or could it be because it's on Miley Cyrus? I just don't like the way she's carrying the gown. With her back hunched over, and that sort of emo look on her face. I just didn't get it. Now if it was on Marion Cottiliard however-that's a different story. If that were the case, it might have even be in my best list. But even so, I think the corset part could have definitely been a tad longer.

4.) Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten-I really really wanted to like this dress, because I'm a huge fan of Maggie's. I just adore the Gyllenhaal sibs and I wanted to support. But...although she took a risk, I don't think it was the right one. I wanted something more architectural and modern on her because she can definitely pull those kinds of looks off. But this just looked a little ammatureish for her.

3.) Vera Farmiga in Marchesa-I'm a huge fan of Marchesa. Not so much with this dress. Again, I appreciate the risk, especially since her choices at all the prior awards shows have been a little bland. The color is beautiful. But she looks like a walking fan! And I didn't like the way the ruffle curved around her stomach like that. It made her look thicker in the waist/hip area. And she has a stunning figure-but unfortunately this dress didn't do anything for it.

2.) Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel-Ok...breathe. Love SJP. HUGE fan. She's one of style icons, for sure. And I adore anything Chanel usually. But man, did I HATE this dress. I mean, I don't think I've ever felt like this with anything she has ever worn, so it was really shocking for me. What's funny is that my mother-in-law loved the dress...but I just don't even know where to start. Perhaps, I should just say, good attempt. Can't wait for you to calm me down at the Sex and the City II premiere!

1.) Charlize Theron in John Galliano for Dior-God, this frustrates me. She is such a stunning woman. Probably one of the most stunning faces in Hollywood. And then she goes with this! It looks as if two cinnamon rolls were taped on her breasts! That's the only thing I can focus on on this dress...and not her beautiful face. Plus the dress was wrinkly, which bothered me so much. It was just a wreck. But I'll always forgive her, because well, she's Charlize Theron for crying out loud.

BEST

5.) Carey Mulligan in Prada- She just looks so adorable, doesn't she? At first I wasn't too keen on the blonde hair, but I think she's working it well. This dress was very reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's Givenchy (I think) dress she wore in Sabrina. But this sort of had more modern touches on it, like if you look closely at the detailing on the corset-it has keys and screws, etc...I thought that was pretty unique.

4.) (Tied) Diane Kruger in Chanel-This is the Chanel I love. I love everything about this dress, from the black and white, to the flower detailing, to the pleats. I just thought it was so sophisticated and fit her to a T. I have nothing to criticize about it at all. I just adore it. And I adore her.

4.) (Tied) Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive-I'm not one for big dresses. But I thought this one had the best of both worlds. A really unique, architectural, corset top, and then a voluminous bottom. But I think what I love most about it is that it sort of looks like bubble wrap. I wish she had done something more interesting with her hair though. She has such gorgeous hair.

3.) Nicole Richie in Reem Acra- Well, who knew? I love Nicole Richie's street style, but to pull off the Oscars? That, I did not expect at all. She always looks good with more vintage styles and so this dress was pretty much perfect for her. The back of this dress was also breathtakingly beautiful. I thought she looked to die for.

2.) Zoe Saldana in Givenchy-Ok. Can I just start off by saying that when I first saw this on the runway, it took my breath away. And I wanted so badly to have someone wear it at the Oscars. So when I saw it on Zoe Saldana-who is fast becoming one of my favorites when it comes to style-I literally FLIPPED out. I know a lot of people might not agree with this, because yes, the dress is very fashion forward. But Zoe IS fashion forward. She just looks so regal in it, almost like royalty. And with that skin and height-she could seriously pull off anything, in my opinion. This would definitely be the dress I'd want to wear if I were at the Oscars.

1.) Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab-Do you ever get that feeling of when you first see something so beautiful, you take in a huge breath of air...but it just stays there? Well that's exactly what happened last night when I saw Rachel McAdams billowing through the crowds on the red carpet with this stunner. She looked like a walking painting. And looked as if she was literally floating on air. This is probably one of the best dresses I've EVER seen at the Oscars. So far nothing has ever topped Michelle Williams' mustard Vera Wang at the 2006 Oscars with Heath Ledger. Although, this one came very very close.



Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the Oscars last night! Until next year...xoxo

A Very Important Date!

Friday, March 5th was sort of an important day for the Best and me. As huge fans of anything Alice in Wonderland, of course this was going to be BIG day. So Alice (Kate) and her Red Queen (yours truly) embarked on our magical evening, which we had been planning for ever since we found out about it last year. Yeah, we're crazy fans...We were able to arrive early enough that we ended up being 2nd in line. And during the 2 and a half hour wait, we ran into some CSUN buddies of ours- Jake, Phil, Shauna, Gadi, and Brian. It was really cool to see them, and they all ended up right beside us in line. The group definitely kept the time moving, and we were all excited to catch up with one another.

All in all, the evening was a complete success! We absolutely adored Tim Burton's rendition of Alice, and I will always be a forever fan of Johnny Depp. Alice is a definite must-see. I think Kate summed it up best, "It's not going be a classic or anything, but if you go into it with the mind-set that's it NOT going to be the traditional Alice story-then you can just sit and enjoy the beauty of it all instead of nitpicking the entire time." So that's exactly what we did. And yeah, even though it was completely different from the Alice I grew to love-I was able to appreciate it's creativity and NEW brilliance. I hope you all enjoyed it, just as much as we did. :)



On Kate: Michael Kors Jacket/H&M Dress/Zara Cross-over Body Bag
On Me: TCEC Couture Jacket/H&M Dress/B. Makowski Bag/Chinese Laundry Boots