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. 

Come follow me on twitter here!

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.

Follow me on Twitter 

as I provide you with updates on my 

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.

COME FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER! :)

xx 

Lauren

finding peace in the summer heat

photography by Lucas Velozo and me

 

 Givenchy-esque bandage platform wedges (Anna Kastle)

Crochet bell-sleeve boho dress (Papillon Vintage)

Louis Vuitton crossbody bag (courtesy of my lovely mama)

H&M feather necklace

Jessica Simpson Dany platforms

As if these photos couldn't get more random...but perhaps consider this my photo collage of current little fashion loves that recently entered my life coupled with the new paint job to my "humble abode." First off, I can't stress enough about how much I'm idolizing this long-time fabric favorite we all know as crochet. Whenever I'm scouring shops for a quick retail fix I always find some cosmic magnetic pull to this style, whether it be in the form of dresses, frilly blouses, headbands and even swimwear. Next up are my most recent addition, those yummy chiffon platform wedges in the first two photos -- while I sincerely adore the fierce Givenchy wedges to death, these pleasantly satiate my shoe craving without damaging my wallet. Also, they're remarkably comfortable as though I'm walking on chic marshmallows.

Did a fresh new paint job to my crib space with a calming hue of "Greek Villa" white. With the summer heat beating upon us, I felt the need to find another outlet of "cooling down" since the AC wasn't always enough. I posted my room awhile back (check it out here) when it was a bold peacock blue-ish color (inspired by Bradshaw lol). Now I think after several spontaneous paint jobs (and there were MANY), this white hue whispers complete perfection, especially when paired with my classic "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster that I'll cherish for life (thanks to SFGIRLBYBAY).

FOLLOW MY TWITTER !

PS: First awesome GIVEAWAY (retailing for $359.99)

coming very soon! 

Follow me on Bloglovin' and Twitter to keep posted when the listing is up!

xx

Lauren

who cares about the clouds when we're together?

(wearing H&M apricot blouse and faux fur scarf, Anna Corinna city tote, F21 high waist jeans and rings, Jessica Simpson Dany platforms)

 Can't get enough of these current and very random loves (again may I stress this is absolutely RANDOM):

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Steel Grey and Stiletto Red

Everything apricot-colored 

Lychee bubble tea smoothies

La Tasca tapas in DC

Goldie London dresses

Metallic hues

Laughing hysterically over the little things to the point of tears with my bf

Big hair and cat-like eyes

Coffee table fashion books

Open-backed tea dresses

Cozy 24 hour diners 

Olives, cheeses, and crackers

Air conditioners

Spontaneous naps
Chai tea lattes

Lemon-scented candles

my blessed nikon has arrived

I think it's safe to say that I'm officially OBSESSED with my new cam. For quite awhile now, I've been meaning to get Little Fashion Bird rolling again, and happily, it's time to make it happen!

Stay tuned for some streetstyle images (of others, including myself) as I scour the streets of Manhattan (and possibly London) with my other "photographer" in toe, my amazing boyfriend Lucas.

Here wearing: H&M navy ruffled maxi dress and rings, F21 faux leather cropped jacket and charm necklace, Jessica Simpson Dany Heels, vintage clutch