Outfit Inspiration: Lauren Conrad's Leather & Polka Dot Ensemble

I loved this look Lauren Conrad wore during New York Fashion Week a few months back. I would quite possibly give my left arm to own Helmut Lang cropped leather pants and Louboutins to match every outfit.

But then again, with just a little time spent scouring the internet, one can find very similar pieces with less agita-inducing pricetags. I found these awesome leather leggings at H&M not too long ago for $20! (Remember them here?)

Polka Dot Blouse: Daniel Rainn via Piperlime; Leather leggings: H&M;

Black Pumps: Charles David; Pink Clutch: DSW

What do you think of my version of LC's fashion week ensemble? Would you wear it?

CYBER MONDAY COUPON CODES!

It's no secret that Cyber Monday is the new Black Friday. So in honor of one of my favorite "holidays", here are a bunch of coupon codes to all your favorite stores. How nice would it be if you got ALL of your Christmas shopping done today from the comfort of your own home? Ahh, online shopping is such a wonderful thing...


Stella & Dot: New items added to the 25% off section.


Express: Shop new arrivlas and get 30% off everything plus free shipping! No coupon code needed.


Madewell: Save an extra 30% on sale items. Use coupon code ENJOY at checkout.


J.Crew: Use coupon code SURPRISE and save 25% on any order plus free shipping!


Steve Madden: 30% off all purchases plus free shipping using coupon code STUFFING.


Pour La Victoire: Use coupon code THANKS30 and receive 30% off your purchase! Free shipping with every purchase.


Yumi Kim: Enjoy 30% off plus free ground shipping using coupon code BLKFRIDAY.


Rebecca Minkoff: Save 10% on your purchase using coupon code CYBERMON at checkout. Expires after 100 uses.


Forever21: Get free shipping and almost 80% off most items. Enter coupon code CYBERMO at checkout.


Modcloth: Spend $100 and get a free scarf. Spend over $75 and receive free shipping. Plus 25% off favorite items!


Alex & Ani: Save 15% on your order with coupon code CYBER2011.


Tobi: Your last chance to save 30% sitewide! Use coupon code SHOPPER30.


Shoes.com: Save 20% sitewide using coupon code CYBER.


Saks Fifth Avenue: Save up to 40% off their designer sale. Plus free shipping using coupon code HOLIDAY.


ASOS: Use coupon code HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY and get 25% off ASOS brand!


French Connection: Enjoy 30% off any purchase with coupon code FCBLKFRI.


Piperlime: Use coupon code HUGECYBER and save 20% on your order! Free shipping everyday!


Topshop: Free shipping on any order (international & domestic) plus get a free limited edition headband when you spend over $100. No coupon code needed.


Ann Taylor: 50% off EVERYTHING plus free shipping using coupon code MONDAY.


LOFT: 50% off EVERYTHING plus free shipping on any order using coupon code SHOP50.


Victoria's Secret: 20% off one clothing item using coupon code CLOTHING20 plus free shipping on orders over $25 using coupon code 25FREESHIP.


Endless: $30 off orders over $100, $60 off orders over $200 and $100 off orders over $300 using coupon code CYBERMON.


Banana Republic: Save 30% on your purchase using coupon code HUGECYBER.


Gap: Save 30% on your purchase using coupon code HUGECYBER.


Old Navy: Save 30% on your purchase using coupon code HUGECYBER.


DSW: Get $15 off orders over $74, $30 off orders over $149 and $50 off orders over $199 using coupon code CYBER.


ShoeMint: Take 25% off your purchase with coupon code CYBERSHOE.


Karmaloop: Enjoy free shipping plus 30% off your purchase of $350 or more with coupon code KLCYBER. Use the same coupon code and receive 25% off orders over $100.


Lulu's: Save an extra 30% on sale items with coupon code CYBERSALE.


Crate & Barrel: Save 15% today only! Use coupon code SAVE15 at checkout.


Dress Barn: Get 25% off your order plus free shipping on orders over $100. No coupon code needed.


Bloomingdale's: Take $50 off almost any purchase of $250 or more. Some exclusions apply. No coupon code needed.


American Eagle: Use coupon code 49827101 and receive 25% off your order plus free shipping!


Anthropologie: Free shipping on all orders today, no coupon code needed.


Urban Outfitters: Free shipping on all orders today, no coupon code needed.


Amazon: Save $120 on the Kindle DX today only!


Happy shopping everyone!
xoxo,
L

Black Friday Coupon Codes

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving! Are you still as stuffed as I am?


I'm totally more of a Cyber Monday type but in the event you like to skip the annoying lines and stick to online shopping today, here are some coupon codes for you! Enjoy!


Steve Madden: 30% off your purchase plus free shipping. Enter coupon code STUFFING. Discount good through Monday, 11/28.


Shoes.com: 25% off all sale boots plus free shipping. Use coupon code YAMS at checkout.


Banana Republic: 35% off your purchase with coupon code BRFRIDAY.


Piperlime: 20% off guest editors' gift picks. Enter coupon code TWENTY at checkout. Offer valid until 11/28.


Tobi: 30% off the entire site when you use coupon code SHOPPER30.


Endless: Save 33% on select boots, accessories and slippers. No coupon code needed.


Stella & Dot: Get 25% off all new sale items. Think of how many amazing gifts you can buy!!! (No coupon code needed.)


Karmaloop: Get 25% off your order plus free shipping when you spend $65+. Spend over $100 and you'll receive a free $10 gift code as well. Spend $150 and you'll receive a $20 gift code. Or spend $250 and get a $40 gift code! Use coupon code KLBLACK at checkout.


Express: Take 40% off everything sitewide until noon today! No coupon code needed.


Lulu's: Save up to 90% on their most popular items. No coupon code needed.


Yumi Kim: Use coupon code BLKFRIDAY and save 30% on your order!


Gap: Save 20% on your order with coupon code GAPSHOP.


J.Crew: Use coupon code YOURGIFT and save 25% on your entire order. Plus free shipping!


Madewell: Save 20% on your order of $150, 25% on $250 and 30% on $350! No coupon code needed.


Lit Boutique Boston: Save 25% storewide! In stores only.


French Connection: Use coupon code FCBLKFRI and get 30% off your purchase!


LOFT: Get 40% off your order when you use coupon code SHOP40.


Ann Taylor: Save 40% on your order plus receive free shipping on orders over $150 using coupon code THANKS.


Zara: Up to 50% off select items. No coupon code needed.


Macy's: Extra 15% off plus free shipping using coupon code GOBBLE.


Neiman Marcus: Shop their gifts and save 25% when you buy three gifts, 20% when you buy two and save 15% when you buy one item. No coupon code needed.


Saks Fifth Avenue: Spend $100 in beauty and earn a $25 gift card using coupon code SFABEAUTY.

Winter Must-Have: Fair Isle Leggings

One of my favorite purchases so far this fall has to be my fair isle leggings. They're cute and cozy and perfect for the fast-approaching cold weather.


I'm heading home to Upstate NY today to spend Thanksgiving with the family and have a decently long drive ahead of me. Instead of wearing the yoga pants I typically wear during long drives, I opted for this comfy yet stylish outfit. Now I won't be ashamed to get out of my car at the rest stop.

Sweater dress: Victoria's Secret; Fair isle leggings: F21; Socks: Club Monaco;

Wedge Booties: Urban Outfitters; Bangles: Alex & Ani

What is your favorite travel outift? Are you more of a sacrifice comfort for fashion type?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their friends and family!

Safe travels!

xoxo,

L

Insta-Linds

Just wanted to share a few of my favorite instagram shots from the past few months. We've had a great autumn here in New England and I'm sad to see it go. Ahh, such is life. Enjoy!

1.) Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME
2.) The cutest cat in the world, Marley

3.) New Aryn K tweed jacket, also seen here
4.) Alex & Ani bangles (loooove them!)
5.) Apple picking at Smolak Farms in Andover, MA
6.) Sunday Funday complete with Shipyard Pumpkin Head
7.) Homemade pizzas -- Chicken Pesto & Philly Cheesesteak
8.) View of Boston from Tavern on the Water in Charlestown
9.) Girlfriends & I at the Urban Legend Events launch party

Outfit Inspiration: Statement Jackets

I've been seeing so many adorable tweed statement jackets lately, both in fashion mags and on several celebs, that I decided I needed my own.

After oohing and ahhing over several different jackets, I finally decided on this Aryn K version.

Tweed statement jacket: Aryn K via Tobi; White T: Gap; Jeans: Hudson; Shoes: Charles David;

Bangles: Alex & Ani; Ring: Stella & Dot

I purchased this jacket on Tobi.com but unfortunately they are now sold out of it. BUT, fear not my friends, I was able to locate it for you HERE.

I love this jacket because it's so feminine and classic. So Kate Middleton. (But you can also give it a little edge by pairing it with leather shorts or leggings!) This time around though, I went with a more conservative look for date night with the bf. How would you wear it?

xoxo,

L

L's Holiday Wish List

I was dead honest when I said in my last post that gift giving is my favorite part of the holiday season. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a tad excited when I see a beautifully wrapped gift under the tree with MY name on it too. (Hey, I'm only human.)


As a kid I would make my wish list MONTHS in advance. There would obviously be various adjustments along the way. And for my dad, a special hand drawn map with an "X" marking exactly where the sought-after item was located in the store... along with size, color and style number in case they had to locate it at another store.


Luckily my wish lists have matured right along with technology. And as of today, I have graduated from sending emails with direct links to the items, to writing a blog about them, complete with pictures. (Not to mention a smidgen of added pressure... because if the items I'm asking for aren't seen in future posts, my readers will know you have failed me. I'm ONLY kidding.)


So mom, dad, boyfriend... here you go. My 2011 holiday wish list:


Viktor Rolf Flowerbomb from Sephora. This stuff smells SO yummy.  

Tile-Quilted Mini from Anthropologie. Hi skirt, meet closet.

Magic Twisty Whisk also from Anthropologie. If I could own one of everything from their kitchen collection, I would. How ridiculously cute is this whisk?

DV by Dolce Vita Wyatt Boots from Endless.com. I LOVE the blue suede and the edginess of these boots. PS -- they're on sale!!

Oh hi boyfriend, you're looking very cute and generous today. What do you think of this Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch from Piperlime? Wouldn't it look great on my wrist? Next to all those bangles you bought me?

The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in Blood Red from Revolve Clothing. Isn't she gorg? She perfectly complements my skin tone, no?

And last but not least, I wish that everyone who reads this blog would please make a donation (even $1!) to Bessy's Place via the Massachusetts Humane Society. I adopted my cat Marley from a humane society over five years ago and it breaks my heart to think that there are so many cats that need to find loving homes. Help them build a cage-free sanctuary for homeless kitties! (Yes, folks, I truly am a crazy cat lady.)


How about you? What's on your Christmas list this year?


Happy Friday!
xoxo,
L

Holiday Gift Giving Guide + Coupon Codes!

Christmas has always been my absolute favorite holiday. I love the smell of the fresh pine Christmas tree that we cut down ourselves every year. I love baking and decorating sugar cookies with three generations of my family. I love decorating the house with reds and greens and little candles in every window. And yes, I even love the snow. Where I grew up, it was a rare occasion when we didn't already have several feet of the fluffy white stuff by Christmas morning.


My favorite Christmas tradition though, is the gift giving. I really enjoy watching my loved ones open a gift I hand-picked (or handmade!) for them. Since I'm not very crafty, I tend to buy most of the gifts I give. Although I do try to find gifts that other people have made (think Etsy) so that the gifts are more original and often personalized.


Below are my favorite gift ideas for every member of your family. Plus several coupon codes to help soften the blow your wallet is bound to take this holiday season!


Ideas for Mom:


If your mother likes to cook or bake, this Kitchenaid Mixer is a must-have! The standard mixers cost around $200. Plus they come in so many fun colors. Does she already have one? Buy her a few attachments to go along with the it. **TIP: Keep an eye out for the Kitchenaid sale on Rue La La. They tend to have them on sale every now and then. Need an invite to join? Send me a quick comment with your email address and I'll send you the invite!**

Is a mixer a little out of your price range? Head over to LOFT for their $35 and under event and grab her this adorable marled cowl-neck sweater. They also have awesome jewelry, comfy pajama sets and cozy slippers, all for under $35!

Ideas for Dad:


My dad loves to read and is constantly buying books so I figured why not buy him a Kindle. You can buy one for as low as $79 from Amazon.com or if you spend a little bit more you can get the Kindle Fire which allows you to browse the internet, play games and watch movies & tv along with downloading and reading your favorite books.

How about golf? Most fathers like to golf, right? Problem is my dad already has a nice pair of golf shoes, I wouldn't know how to pick out the proper driver (I once bought him a women's lefty club... oops.) and he has enough golf shirts to choke a horse. So how about this hilariously useful golf club drink dispenser from Overstock.com!

Ideas for your college-aged brother or sister:

My brother is currently a senior in college and while I know he is having a blast, I also happen to know that he is often eating meals out of a can so he can save money for umm, nights out "studying" with friends.


So I figured why not send him or her some yummy meals he can grill or cook himself. Omaha Steaks has plenty of gifts to choose from for under $50!


Don't think they will ever cook for themselves? Why not give the Keurig for the college world, the Soda Stream. This cool little gadget let's you turn water into your own soda, flavored sparkling water or energy drinks. You can buy it for around $100 at Bloomingdale's, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohl's, to name a few.

Ideas for the sister that always steals your clothes:


Victoria's Secret is still offering their tiered coupon code FALL11 PLUS free shipping on all orders over $25. They have the cutest colored cords, sweaters, and fur-trimmed boots that could be the perfect addition to your sister's closet. Who knows, you might even have to "borrow" these plum cords. You know, just to pay her back for all the times she borrowed your favorite things.

Or get an extra 30% off already reduced items at J.Crew using coupon code MUSTHAVE! This cable knit sweater will go perfectly with the plum cords. And at $35, you can't go wrong.

Ideas for the boyfriend:

Obviously you'd be girlfriend of the year if you bought him an iPad2. But not all of us can shell out several hundreds of dollars for one so what's a girl to do?

I love this stainless steel watch from Michael Kors.

Or I'm always a big fan of giving a gift certificate to your favorite spa for a nice, soothing massage. It's like "thank you for putting up with me all year, go relax for an hour!" And it secretly benefits you too. But shh, we won't tell him that.

Ideas for your best friends:

I got one of these for Christmas a few years ago and I LOVED it. So much so that I want to give them to all of my friends. These personalized wrap towels from Etsy are so cute and practical, who wouldn't love them?!



Need a gift idea for a neice, goddaughter or any other little girl for that matter? I love these turby twisty towels for your hair. Every girl needs one!

For the cat and/or dog lovers:

Pick up these cute pet stockings at Crate & Barrel for 15% off using coupon code 85675 10045 97522 7610. Plus free shipping on all orders over $99. (They're also having a 25% off sale on "wine & dine" sets!)

Other coupon codes:

Banana Republic: Save 30% on full-priced styles using coupon code BRPARTY now through Sunday, 11/20.

French Connection: Get 30% off your purchase during their friends & family event using coupon code AW11FF.

Ann Taylor: Use coupon code WINTER30 and save 30% on your order. Orders over $150 receive free shipping as well!

Neiman Marcus: Free shipping on any order using coupon code FSNOV.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Earn up to a $450 gift card using coupon code NOV2011. See website for details. Also get free shipping on ANY order using coupon code HOLIDAY.

Steve Madden: Free shipping on any order using coupon code HOLIDAY. Plus check out their fall sale and get up to 30% off fab pumps, oxfords and booties.

ASOS: Use coupon code SAVE20 and get 20% off everything! Hurry, this deal expires 12am PST, Monday, November 21.

Kate Spade: Enjoy 20% off their featured holiday sweaters. No coupon code needed!

Tobi: Now through November 20, get 30% off your entire order using coupon code EARLYBIRD30.

Hope my gift ideas have helped a bit! Looking for a coupon code that you don't see listed above? Let me know and I'll help you find it!

xoxo,

L

Restaurant Review: All Seasons Table

Boston has plenty of amazing restaurants and I still have a long list of places I'm dying to try... But sometimes I just need to get out of the city. Is that weird? Maybe it has something to do with my small-town roots. Either way, exploring the 'burbs one restaurant at a time has been a recent hobby of mine.


One of my favorite finds so far is All Seasons Table located at 64 Pleasant Street in Malden. A year ago I wouldn't have been able to find Malden on a map. Now that I've broadened my horizons, I've found a restaurant that offers delicious food and the perfect backdrop for both nights out with the girls AND romantic date nights with your significant other.


On certain nights they have a jazz band playing in the main dining room. The music is soothing and the ideal volume for enjoying the music or carrying on a conversation. They recently expanded and added a second "room" to incorporate more seating. Along with more seating, they added a second bar and sushi bar in this room. The decor is simple and inviting. There are bonsai trees and Asian sculptures scattered around but they do not overwhelm the space.

Their menu is lengthy, but there is something for everyone. All Seaons Table offers Pan-Asian dishes such as Basil Duck with Chili Thai sauce along with more American favorites like crab rangoon and sesame chicken. They also have a full sushi bar with plenty amazing choices. Call me boring, but my favorite is the spicy tuna roll. It's fresh and delicious and I've never been disappointed with a meal here. If you like spice, get the spicy edamame. They are the perfect (healthy!) appetizer. I also happen to LOVE the pineapple fried rice. Not exactly the healthiest option, but sooo yummy and totally worth the calories.


Now for the mai tais. Oh my are they amazing. I used to think all mai tais were created equally but not so at this place. I don't know what they do differently but one sip and I swear, you could easily close your eyes and wake up on the beaches of [insert favorite tropical destination here.]


Note: For those of you who think the mai tai is a "girly" drink -- order the Man's Mai Tai. And then tell me just how manly you were while dealing with your hangover the next day.


Malden is only a quick five mile ride from downtown Boston. Or a 10 minute ride on the Orange Line, if you dare.


Next time you're craving sushi or Chinese food, resist the urge to order in... Make the drive to Malden and you won't be disappointed, I promise!


Until next time,
L

Workweek Chic

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a little extra boost in the morning to get myself out of bed. Sometimes it's allowing myself to indulge in a salted caramel mocha midweek. Other times it's simply excitement over getting to wear a new sweater or pair of shoes.


Today I happened to remember that I hadn't yet worn my most recent purchase. My Stella & Dot Bamboleo necklace. You wouldn't believe how quickly I sprung out of bed to figure out an outfit that struck a perfect balance between office appropriate and fun.

Blazer: Aqua via Bloomingdale's; Layered silk tank: JCrew (last year); Necklace: Stella & Dot;

Black pants: F21; Penny Loafer Wedges: LOFT; Rings: vintage, Tiffany & Co.

If you haven't checked out Stella & Dot yet, you need to do so right away! Their jewelry has been featured in Vogue and InStyle magazines, on the Today Show and on countless celebs. You'll be seeing me wearing several of their pieces as I recently became an independent stylist. I'm working to put together a few trunk shows in the Boston area within the next few months so stay tuned! (Shameless self promotion is over now, sorry!)

Now for the coupon codes:

You can find my blazer at Bloomingdale's and now through Saturday, 11/12, you can get it for 20% off using coupon code HAPPY.

Like my silk tank? Get a similar one at J.Crew and through the end of today, save 25% on your purchase of $150 or more using coupon code STAYWARM.

How cute are my LOFT wedges? Right now you can save 40% on your order of $100 or more by using coupon code FRIENDS at checkout.


Happy hump day, we're half way there!
xoxo,
L

Sunday Brunch

If you follow me on twitter you know that my little sister was in town this weekend checking out colleges. The idea of her being in the same city as me makes me happier than any fab fashion find would make me. We toured a local college, caught a volleyball game, shopped the boutiques of the North End and, of course, ate a ton.


Sunday morning we went to an awesome brunch in Charlestown before sending them on their way back to New York. I think a classic but casual and comfy outfit is the perfect outfit for a Sunday brunch. How do you think I did?

 From left: Taylor (younger but taller sister!), me, Dad, Dad's fiancee Linda

Jacket: Anthropologie; White T: Victoria's Secret; Scarf: vintage
Skinny jeans: Hudson; Boots: Bandolino via Piperlime; Bangles: Alex & Ani

Looking for a jacket similar to mine? Check out this Schoolboy Blazer from JCrew. Get 25% off your purchase of $150 or more (plus free shipping!) using coupon code STAYWARM. This offer expires Wednesday, November 9 at 11:59pm.

Stock up on basic Ts (like the one I'm wearing) or whatever else your little heart desires at Victoria's Secret using coupon code FALL11. The more you spend, the more you save! Also use coupon code PICK20 and get 20% off one item of clothing or a pair of shoes!


Here are some other codes that might come in handy:


Yumi Kim: Save 30% during their friends & family event using coupon code FAMILY30. In stores and online through November 21st.


Pour La Victoire: I LOVE all of PLV's shoes... now you can get 25% off their boots using code PLVBOOTS.
Happy saving!
L