harnessed

left to right: Dolcetta by Dolce Vita boots, "Balenciaga-esque" eBay score, Forever 21

Recently purchased three pairs of chunky boots after being weirdly fixated on anything involving black leather, harnesses and heavy metal hardware. After scanning through my previous rack of shoes, I noticed that virtually every pair I owned were silent killers to my feet after a good two hours. But after giving each pair a full day test run, I realized that they are all shockingly comfortable. 

Cool everyday boots + each under 100 bucks = guilt-free shoe scores

dark leopard shadows

photos by Lucas

Zara leopard coat

Forever 21 ribbed tank dress & dreamcatcher necklace

Jessica Simpson Dany heels

Well it's safe to say that proper insomnia has officially set in as I type up this blog post at nearly 4am.  Is it wrong that I'm feeling more dedicated these days to fashion blogging than focusing on my actual work? I can't help but feel a little guilty for wanting to scour all my favorite blogs out there rather than meet my article deadlines. And adding to even more distractions, I love doing shoots with Lucas at the most random hours of the night whenever I feel the slightest bit inspired. Here, I'm wearing my favorite leopard jacket that never fails to keep me warm and toasty throughout the day. I really like the subtle hints of dark heather grey on it too. Another little piece that leaves me obsessed is this dreamcatcher necklace by Forever 21 - a $10 score that I'm so proud to call my own. 

Forever 21...you never let me down, you're awesome. ;)

By the way, I'd like to thank everyone for your sweet comments on my previous posts. Really makes me smile all the time to hear your thoughts on my blog. Now time to catch a few hours of Zzzz's. 

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clouded mirrors and white ruffles

photos by Lucas

H&M Fashion Against Aids white maxi dress

Levi's vintage denim jacket

 H&M faux fur scarf

eBay scored vintage hat

F21 rings

necklaces from my nana 

Whenever I would get dressed for anything lately, it seems that maxi dresses are virtually always included in the mix. Whether I pair them with an oversized sweater, cardigans or massive and cozy coats, it cuts prep time down to five minutes or less, which is a relief to my boyfriend! All it really needs is a trusty pair of thick-ish, opaque tights to shield bare legs underneath from the cold chill. From the looks of it, this particular style is like a contrast between spring and fall, which I really adore. Here, I'm wearing my absolute favorite white maxi dress that has unending levels of voluminous ruffled tiers - it's really quite entertaining to wear. Also that faux fur scarf was possibly the best $14 I've ever spent in H&M. I'm wondering if the matching $12 fur trapper hat is still available. Hmmm, you think?

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new wardrobe staple

Zara oversized knit

Forever 21 cheetah headband

vintage hat and scarf

I recently scored this chunky knit sweater from Zara last week and had to showcase it here right away (pardon the not so amazing photos, but I just got really excited to post). I already have envisioned in my mind the 100 or so ways that I'd like to incorporate this knit into different looks, so you'll probably be seeing it in many of my future posts. I promise to bring you better images of this little beauty. When it comes to thick sweaters I've always been super picky, especially since I loathe anything that feels even remotely itchy or sheds like a furry animal.  Thankfully, this one doesn't fall into those categories. I even love the fact that it's oversized, which allows for perfect off the shoulder access.

snug as a bug

photography by Lucas

H&M chunky knit

Forever 21 ribbed black dress and wedges

Anna Corinna city tote

Gap scarf

Russian hat (fleamarket find)

I love the cloudy, gray days of autumn, especially when the leaves turn into those perfect shades of red and burnt orange - they just seem to amplify the streets with a burst of holiday colors.  But what I love most about this weather is the fact that I get free reign to happily proclaim my love for all things chunky, knitted and furry. It's almost to the point where I just want to wear them during waking and sleeping hours, especially this Russian hat I've been obsessing over. I also bought some new chunky sweaters from Zara, which are pure heaven (will post those photos shortly). Their fall collections are beyond words. It's as if I have to pry myself off the racks in fear that I'll max out my credit cards. As far as footwear, I'm a true follower of Forever 21 - their shoes never cease to amaze. I scored these studded wedges right before they sold out in September, and let me just say - I never thought running across busy streets with five inchers, while feeling totally comfortable and in control was ever possible. This pair proved me wrong.

dusk til dawn

photography by Lucas

crochet top - Hippie Fair of Ipanema

Forever 21 headband

Marc Jacobs, H&M, Forever 21 rings

With the fall weather creeping close, I should be prepping for a 'turn of season' apparel revamp, but instead I feel the incessant need to adorn myself with various mixes of mesmerizing crochet. This might be due largely to the fact that I'm still basking in the Brazilian rays here in Rio - and while New York is preparing for the upcoming chillier days ahead, Brazil is getting ready for its summer.  Although my trip is soon drawing to a close, I'm striving to suck up every bit of summer with maxi dresses, platform sandals, twisted bandeau bikinis and the much personally adored crochet, such as this black one. I think it carries with it some favorable elements - from the slouchy, wide neckline that allows one shoulder to peek up, fringed hem and sleeves and black, floral pattern, which hints a certain little dose of innocence with some subtle feeling of darkness.

I can virtually live in crochet. What are some personal clothing items you just cannot live without?

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xx 

Lauren

how to score in rio

photography by Lucas Velozo

top by Lojas Renner -- Brazilian high-street chain

vintage maxi dress

Panama hat (Leblon street vendor)

Jessica Simpson Dany platforms

vintage cross and F21 coin bracelets

rings (Marc Jacobs Maripol, F21, Feira Hippie de Ipanema)

Perusing Rio's shopping centers (particularly the mall scenes) has been more or less a "hit or miss" experience, especially when a majority of the little sweet-smelling, perfume infused boutiques rack up some pretty hefty price tags for clothes and accessories I can easily get at an H&M or Forever 21 at a guilt-free bargain. I was initially ecstatic to discover Zara stores trickling around the city; only to realize soon after that much of their current full price merchandise was about two seasons behind (compared to NYC) -- it's not a great feeling when you spot a mini bucket bag for close to $200, albeit their new arrival, which you remembered seeing in the clearance rack for 40 bones back in June. What I do love, however, is their individualized and whimsical approach towards retail store design and layout (qualities you'd rarely see in your typical US shopping mall). Although my wallet refuses to shell out $150 and up on faux leather sandals or simple canvas espadrilles, Rio has personally redefined the meaning of "window shopping." (I'll post shots of some aesthetically cool shops later on)

What I did learn so far, in regards to "smart" shopping, is that the best deals are found amidst the heavenly maze of Sunday flea markets and boho street vendors. I luckily scored a hardcore snake ring and knuckle ring for peeaaanuts and a Panama hat, which has been resting on my head, even as I watch tv or cook dinner with the bf -- when I love something so much, I can't seem to take it off (had this slightly weird trait since I was four years old when my aunt bought me my first pair of patent leather mary janes). I've also been toting around the most precious Bolivian backpack, which is a purely satisfying weaved mix of the sweetest colors imaginable (my next outfit post will feature this baby). I have yet to complete my mission of finding the best Rio shopping deals, so stay tuned for more of my new scores.

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shopaholic escapades ;)

on heavy rotation

(scooped this necklace from a native vendor who lives in the Amazon. It's like a little exotic purse for my neck. This came with a precious stone inside, which is believed to give strength.)

Tried to practice the less is more theory when it came to packing shoes for my month-long Brazil trip. And those 3 pairs (JS Danys, Zara clogs and Chiffon wedges) are my absolute favorites at the moment. As you can see from the wedges, the chiffon is getting quite a bit ratty considering what they've been through so far. I've been trekking around Rio with all those babies (flip-flops, however, always in toe as my safety precaution device when I encounter frightening cracked turf). I'm also expanding my collection of new "flair" for my fingers, arms and neck...it's become a pleasant addiction, especially with all those heavenly Brazilian street vendors flocking about.

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xx 

Lauren

a day without rain

photography by Lucas Velozo

Free People Beach Jumpsuit

Anna Kastle Givenchy-esque wedges

H&M headband

Forever 21 knuckle and cross connector ring

Marc Jacobs Maripol spring ring

Touched down in sexy Rio a couple days ago and currently savoring every bit of this exotic (and quite romantic) summer escapade with my bf-- new blog posts of Brasil to come shortly. These images here were taken before I flew out. As simple as it is, this frilly black jumpsuit from Free People has become my instant go-to piece for casual days and nights, even for long sweet naps considering their perfect "pj-like," silky soft quality. I actually wore this for about 3 days straight before giving it a rest in the laundry cycle. Also finally broke in these Anna Kastle platform wedge babies that I scooped up from eBay -- a proud find that quintessentially captures all my personal elements in an awesome shoe purchase: all-day comfort,  steal price tag and instantly bumps my height up about 4 or 5 inches without risky fall-smack-down-on-your-face injuries. They also happily passed the tricky cobblestone pavement test in NYC, which usually terrifies THE CRAP out of me when I have to wobble my way across those fierce streets wearing super high platforms.

Follow me as I chronicle my month-long Brasil holiday with style photos, outdoor shopping markets and mind-blowing food snaps. Also, I'll be listing a giveaway this week on an amazingly effective beauty tool that I think you'll love (coz I very much lovvve) that is currently selling for over $300.

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xx 

Lauren