The Worst Pies in London

A Broadway musical themed birthday party? Uh, yes please!

My friend, the always fabulous Richie, celebrated his 23rd with uniqueness and style last night-having a broadway musical themed birthday party. As actors, we jump on any chance to dress up and play with hair and makeup. Since Richie loves all things Sondheim, Geo and I decided to come as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett. It was so much fun to be scary! And it wasn't even Halloween! Just the process of doing the hair and makeup for both of us, was just such an experience. It reminded me of doing shows, and I missed it quite a lot. So how did we do? Were we creepy enough for ya? 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHIE! I hope it was everything and more! :) xoxo

My costume: F21 top/Victoria's Secret corset/H&M skirt/Williams Sonoma apron/Vintage rolling pin/Hot Topic lace gloves

Don't stop me now...

Have you guys seen these pictures of Eva Mendes looking very Sophia Loren in the new W Magazine? She is smoldering. I mean, can I look like this every day for the rest of my life, por favor? Geez. 

This week has been a pretty eventful one for me. First off, the job hunt is over, and I am now a proud member of the Max Studio team! Isn't that exciting?! I start Monday. The only problem is, I have to wear all black to work, and after looking in my closet, I realized I have very little (like 2-4 pieces) of black clothing. Who knew? Looks like I'll have to get a few more tops and bottoms. But yeah, I'm super pleased and so ready to begin another adventure. 

On Tuesday, Siera and I had a park day. The weather was perfect for it, and it's always pleasant to just have a nice long chat with one of my best friends, and get lost in the lazy summer day.

Wednesday, the fam bam and I trekked over to Santa Cruz to visit my sister's future campus. I have to say, I underestimated how far the place really is. Made me even more sad for fall to come. But she seemed to really love it there. There's no denying-the campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's a good balance between beach and forest. 

On Sister: Handmade hat/UO tee/Vintage cut-offs, shoes, and glasses

On Siera: all UO

On Me: all F21

Hold on to that feeling...

Thursday, June 17th was a bittersweet day. Not only was my little sister graduating from high school (with full honors, no less!) but it was also the night of the final game of the NBA championships. Was I disappointed I had invested all that time following the series only to find I couldn't watch the final game at all?! Of course I was-especially Geo. But nothing really could surpass the feeling of watching my sister, all grown up, ready to embark on another phase of her life. She even wore the gown I wore at my own graduation. To top of the evening, the announcement was made that the Lakers had won, just as the students threw their caps up in the air. It was a pretty spectacular moment! This summer will be a special one for us...we'll be 5 hours away from each other come fall, so we'll have to savor every moment we're together. My sister is my ultimate best friend, so I sure will miss her a whole lot.

I'm proud of you, Seester! <3

Heritage 1981 maxi dress/ F21 cardigan/ Soda sandals/ Vintage earrings/ H&M sunnies

Got a rave in my brain

Monday night, Kate surprised me with tickets to a VIP Concert for Activision at the Staples Center. I already had plans, like legit plans, and scrambled around to change them in order to be her date for the evening. And lo and behold, there we were-floor access standing just a few feet away from Usher, Eminem and Rihanna! I was like-"What?! Seriously, like how lucky am I?" Well, the luck continued with free food, free candy, free drinks-all night long! Our feet were aching by the end of it (standing/dancing/jumping around in heels) but it was well worth it. Needless to say the evening was a complete success, and I'm so thankful to Megs for getting us the tickets to begin with and Bester for inviting me. I guess it pays to know Travis Barker ;)

xoxo

F21 floral dress/TJMaxx green cocoon cardi/B. Makowski bag/Deena and Ozzy mesh boots

Without you, it's a waste of time...

I'm sorry I've been sorta MIA for awhile. I've been on the job hunt, and that doesn't really require a lot of interesting outfits. But this week is packed to the brim with festivities that call for outfit posts, so look out for that. For now I leave you with a little video from the Santa Barbara birthday trip with my boo and Rumi Neely's shoot for Forever 21. I think I'm obsessed with her hair. I hope you enjoy.  xoxo

Love, Lainey

P.S. I can't believe my sister graduates from high school in 3 days. That's nuts.

Can you feel this magic in the air?

Just a few pictures I wanted to share from my sister's prom. She and her bf, Andy, wanted to do an Old Hollywood type theme-and I think they pulled it off quite well. My aunt made her dress, so it's one of a kind piece, only for her. I loved the way she looked that night-absolutely stunning. 

xoxo

Today was a Fairytale

Warning: Picture overload ;p

Geo turned 33 yesterday. And although, he'd told me numerous times he didn't really want to do anything special this year-I of course, took what he said, and threw it out the window. This is the 5th birthday of his we've celebrated together, and every year I always try to plan something he'll enjoy. But since last year I threw him a surprise party, I decided that this year we go on a mini-break to Santa Barbara. I planned it two weeks before and got us train tickets. I had never been on a train before, and we had both been longing to get away from LA for awhile now-so I thought why not? We got to Union Station, and I surprised him with the tickets. He says he had a hunch...of course, he did-because it's insanely difficult to keep anything secret from him. But I was happy he played along, even if he did know. 

The day was magical, even though it was a little foggy and the sun didn't come out til about 2.  Our day sorta started off rough, because we had lunch at this restaurant on the pier (I forget the name, but it had "Longboard" in it) and it was just AWFUL! We ordered the fried calamari, which wasn't even squid to begin with, but some rubbery white meat. It looked like we were eating mozzarella sticks! Don't go there! To make up for it, Kate suggested we do a little wine and cheese tasting at this place in downtown called The Cheese Shop. I'm glad she told me about it, because it was definitely the highlight of our day. The BEST wine and cheese you will ever eat-trust me! We had a great time eating, drinking, walking, laughing, window shopping-it was a much needed day for the two of us, and I'm glad he enjoyed his birthday. xoxo

Trash and Luxury top/ Sneak Peek skinnies/ Soda sandals/ Nine West crossbody bag/ F21 wool cardi/ Geo's Persol sunnies

Sweet Disposition

I'm not one to talk about really personal things on this blog. Usually the things I put on here, are what's considered the "basics." Things I love, things I want, things I dislike, etc...But for the most part, this is a public forum where anyone can see everything I put up-so I try to be careful. But last night, my best friend sent me an email...I feel like before you go any further reading this blog, you should read this first.

Finished? Good.

Almost 2 months ago, I was able to get rid of a poison friend. One who was constantly negative, competitive, irresponsible and just rudely opinionated about almost everything I did. Everything was a competition. When Geo bought a new car, her response was-"Well, my bf (at the time-who was a real winner, lemme tell you) has the same one, but it's newer and faster." I guess she never realized that little comments like that pile up. Every time I felt like I had something positive to say about what was going on in my life, she was always right there to constantly put something down about it. When I introduced her to my Best (the one who sent me the article) she pushed herself on her so much- that she eventually began to turn off my friend. People who had hung around her and saw how she continually upset me, began to question why I put myself through that. "We've been friends for so long..." was my response. I started to realize that you shouldn't have to pressure yourself into staying friends with someone if they no longer make you happy.

A few hours after our fight, as I was unsubscribing to her blog, I saw that she had blogged every single detail about it and how awful a person I was. To which one of her friends (who mind you, has met me once, and doesn't know a thing about me) commented on it and began to judge me. See that's the difference between her friends and mine...my best friends could've easily said all the nasty things they felt about her, since they have seen what she's like first-hand-but they didn't-because they're better people. 

What's my point? My point is, as sad as I am about how it happened, I'm definitely not sad that it did happen. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I felt free of the constant badgering, and the feeling of being suffocated every time we were together. That's not a friendship. The article made me even more comfortable about my decision. And I've become more appreciative of the bestest of friends that I do have in my life. I'm so thankful for each and every one of them.

KATE

SIERA

DANIELLE

BETH

SASHELL

KRISTINA

I hope you all know how truly special you are...as cheesy as that sounds. Learn to never settle, even in friendships.

xoxo