monday mood: college

Morning! This weekend I was lucky enough to attend the wedding of one of my closest college friends...and as I'm waking up today, it still feels like it might be 2006. I spent the weekend recalling memories with some of my favorite people; reminiscing about college, laughing about our 22 year old selves, and filling each other in on where we are now. College changed me - it's when I found my true friends, and where I cemented what I'm passionate about - and I feel so lucky that I was able to relive a bit of that this weekend. All that talk this weekend made me think about my collegiate fashion choices - of which there were many interesting...attempts, I suppose, is the right word. My Sophomore year uniform was essentially a vintage tee, a pair of Juicy Couture sweats, and my jean jacket. Inexplicably, I also wore a white hanes tank under everything. Today I think it would be fun to imagine what I'd wear if I were in college now...

4_13_15_college_

I want college Allie to be a bit more sophisticated, but still keep her wistful sense of humor; this top is just right for that sort of thing. Juicy Couture is out, but comfy pants are not. Some silky joggers are just what the doctor ordered for those 3 hour acting classes and rehearsal. I would trade in her backpack for a bright bag - maybe she can carry her books like the teens in 80's movies! And what's more scholarly than a pair of loafers and a schoolboy blazer? I'm already impressed by her sartorial prowess...

I'd love to hear what you wore in college! The more embarrassing, the better. Bring it on!

xoxo,

ALLIE SIGNATURE

shut your mouth

One of my goals since coming back from Alt Summit is for LRW to have more amazing photography for you guys to look at - whether that be my own or someone else's. As luck would have it, Julia is one of my favorite photographers and was also more than game to snap some pictures. Last Friday, armed with stories of wedding planning and not much else in the way of outerwear, we ventured out in Park Slope, Brooklyn to bring you all something pretty to look at. JuliaElizabethPhotography-50

Sometimes, to create beautiful stuff, you have to give your insecurities the what for:

JuliaElizabethPhotography-10

 

JuliaElizabethPhotography-37

 

// shirt // sweater // skirt // tights // booties, similar // bracelet//

JuliaElizabethPhotography-47

JuliaElizabethPhotography-20

JuliaElizabethPhotography-36

JuliaElizabethPhotography-34

 

If you're loving these bracelets as much as I am (they're engraved with NYC's coordinates!), never fear! I'll be doing a separate, more in detail post on my collaboration with Samantha Faye!

 

JuliaElizabethPhotography-27

JuliaElizabethPhotography-23

JuliaElizabethPhotography-33

 

xoxo,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

ALLIE SIGNATURE

 

 

all images via Julia Elizabeth Photography for LRW.

vacation's all i ever wanted

beachbabe

dress // hat // tote // sandals // scarf

This weather is killin' me! Actually, it's kind of cozy, and it's making me so thankful that Raven are escaping to warmer climes on Sunday. I can't stop thinking about our upcoming trip, and as I was wandering the web this morning, mentally making note of all the cute pieces I don't have for my trip, I realized it's been a while since I put together a moodboard for you all!

Doesn't this dress just look like a big hug? It's one of those multi-use items in your suitcase; from cover up to dinner dress, it's perfect (also let's be honest - nightgown). I'm not a fan of hats at the beach, which is silly because I'm essentially allergic to the sun, but I thought this hat was different in the sweetest way.

Tell me, what are your vacation wishes? I'll be back tomorrow with my packing list and tips...looking forward to seeing you then!

xoxo

uber comfortable work wear

I'm not a fan of the phrase "no pain, no gain" with regards to outfit choices. I believe that we should be comfortable all the time - especially while working! I once visited a real estate client at her place of work, Goldman Sachs, to pick something up for her lease. She was dressed in a beautiful, work appropriate black dress and sky high stilettos. I remember thinking I didn't actually believe that people wore outfits like that to work! Don't get me wrong, I kind of wish I had the guts to dress like that every day, but the truth is, I like to be comfortable. Most of my (incredibly talented :) friends have jobs that require them to move a lot - Event Planners, Actors, Photographers, and for them, comfort is paramount while working so they can concentrate on their art. So, this is my ode to them! Comfy work wear that looks good, ya'll.

Tops

4633e73437d9ecbfe0627d3463b4aa9e

 

The brand Cuyana is a god send. Their philosophy is to make fewer things better, so essentially, really good quality clothing and accessories that last forever. Like this shirt. If you're moving a lot, silk is lightweight and comfortable, and no sleeves means you can lift your arms without anything getting in the way.

815c10c343c2f9cfbeb4ef476edd123d

Emerson Fry has classics with a twist, and I love the detail on the collar of this top. If you work in weddings or events in any way, your wardrobe has to consist mainly of black, so this works perfectly.

bcdfa1537dc02efcb14ff9a44cb5bff6

If you've been a longtime reader of LRW, you remember how much I love Wayf. This shirt is no exception. Loose fitting and flattering, I would put a nude or black cami underneath.

d489a18ce764e1827d20b7831ebec8d4

Another classic from Cuyana; a drapey sweater to layer when the temps drop.

Pants

If you're moving around a lot, there's nothing better than jogging pants, or as I like to call them, 90's workout pants.

ebc190b082caf56062b704fa3e4f67fd

These from Zara come in grey also - I love the zipper at the ankle.

cb62e68e674aa0732d91cc6baebba121

These palazzo pants are basically a skirt - perfect for when you need to go a little more fancy.

9baf7710e21c57369e0a3e79f8b31fa2

Love the print on these.

9a0dbeaed1971a88dcfe7aa0e2be4ee2

 

Don't discount Juicy Couture. These are on sale!

c3a3b82572fa7fc490856c1e7e1316c1

Classic black. These have been my go-to for events, and I get endless compliments.

Jumpsuits

My photog friends rave abut these. So much that I think I'm going to have to add one to my closet soon.

1ee8f767f7ac64e63d83052f07b45295

Emerson Fry does it again. You have to be careful with this one - it could come off as really casual. Add a silk scarf,  a braided up-do, and some bright lipstick to get the correct message across.

f0fc461f31ffd624e7cde7fa7a408adb

Topshop is jumpsuit heaven, definitely check it out. I love this one, definitely formal enough.

Dresses

Sometimes you just want to take it up a notch. Just a little notch.

69fc50aa84614c947c529f643e18d98f

The dress version of the aforementioned tank from Cuyana is perfect. If you're photographing, wear some boy shorts underneath - black, so that people get what they're for.

Shoes

When I was working as an event planner, my feet took a beating. I never really found a shoe that had enough support and was pretty. Enter Tieks. My friend Ashley swears by them for weddings.

35e8ebadd897a24ac66afad3ffc564e4

I just got a pair and I feel like a new woman. They're incredible! Ashley prefers the soft leather, but I chose a vegan pair and they're awesome. Oh, and they come in every color ever.

6b278bb243df3d6d8f45a8f92886098a

Before I found out about Tieks, I wore these constantly (still do). Yes, they cost a fortune, but they are worth every cent. They embody the word classic - they're quintessential ballet flats and they're definitely comfortable. Supportive? Meh, as much as any other flat (aside from Tieks!). But I recommend them wholeheartedly.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post - it was a blast to put together! I'm always on the lookout for comfy classics. Did I miss a brand / item that you love? Holler at me in the comments. xo!

short story

What are you all watching these days? Since none of my favorite shows are on during the summer (Key & Peele, American Horror Story, Girls, Mad Men, Workaholics, Scandal), I tend to watch a lot of good bad TV. This means that a couple nights a week I'm parked in front of MTV, watching Teen Mom 2 for hours on end. That, I am not ashamed of. However, I started watching MTV's drama Finding Carter, and I'm definitely ashamed to say that I'm hooked on it. Have any of you seen it? The main characters' names are Carter, Bird, and Crash. Am I old or something, because WTF.

Anyway...I realize summer is soon coming to a close, but lately I've been thinking a lot about shorts. I own two pairs of shorts, and frankly, that's not enough. Wanting to expand my repertoire, here are some awesome shorts that are not denim:

shortstory

one // two // three // four // five // six

Shit...I want them all.

xoxo!