Sunday, January 19, 2014

Style Icons That Inspire


Vogue Brazil Contributor, Costanza Pascolato
Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, the Women’s Editorial Director at Gilt.com
Tory Burch, American fashion designer, Philanthropist
Natalie Portman, Actress
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue
Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress & Food Writer
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, Actress

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

How to Make an Easy Sock Bun

This is a sock bun.

My first attempt at a sock bun. I like it a bit messy! I used a large beige donut.

My sock bun from the back.

Here is photo tutorial I found online.

A sock bun is SUPER easy! All you need is a foam donut, a hair elastic and bobby pins (I used 3 large blonde colored pins). You can get all of this at Claire's boutique in your local mall. My large beige donut was $6. Here is what they look like:


For me, I simply put my hair in a ponytail, pulled the donut down to my crown and wrapped my hair around the foam, also spreading it out around the circle. Then I pinned it. This is more of a "messy sock bun". You can also "fold" the hair over the donut and keep folding until you reach the crown. This is a more polished look. Then spray. It's easy! Give it a try!

How great is this look with the tight and high sock bun, red lips, dark sunnies and fur!?
Stunning!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Simplying My Wardrobe

Simplifying My Wardrobe

After years of "collecting" clothes from New York, London, Paris, Barcelona, California, Dallas, Houston and Mississippi, to name a few (yes Mississippi, we have some really great clothing stores believe it or not), I have realized that it is not about quantity but rather quality. It took many years to realize this but now I am finally simplifying my wardrobe. It's not easy and it isn't happening overnight. I have emotional attachments to many of the items hanging in my closet, each piece reminding me of a specific time and place. For example, when I was studying abroad in London, I purchased some really exciting pieces, including some great tops from Karen Millen, and then some maybe not-so-great whimsical, ruffled lace white camis I thought were just fabulous at the time. These items remind me of my experience in London. How could I part with them? Plus, Karen Millen is a high end designer! (I am not even positive I knew that then.)

 I am sure many women feel the same way. It's hard to just get rid of something, even when donating it, because we feel we have paid good, hard earned money for an item and it also holds sentimental value. However, as I mature, I realize that elegance is simplicity. 

With this in mind, I am trying to focus most of my closet on high quality pieces and basics. I love white Polos (pink Polos too!). I like pairing a classic white cotton polo with jeans, khakis, or gray pin stripe slacks. This is my favorite "classic" look right now. I also love basic white button downs, solid colors, and try to stay away from bold patterns. As a shoe designer, I am wild about high heels, so of course, I am always accessorizing with a nice, neural beige or sand colored Lauren Lorraine, Jimmy Choo, or Prada heel, or a stiletto from Louboutin. I do wear classic black heels, but more seldom. I love fashion, what can I say. I have built a business off of it. But regarding my wardrobe, I now just prefer to express myself with shoes, rather than my clothes. And for those wondering, yes, I wear sneakers to the gym, like anyone else. I think my friends envision me on the treadmill or elliptical in stilettos.

As for jewelry, I love classic diamond or pearl studs, a simple necklace, like the delicate sterling silver heart on a light, feminine chain that my love gave me from Tiffany's for my Birthday one year (classic, sentimental and dainty), a bangle, such as one from David Yurman, my Rolex, and a belt that matches my shoes or purse.

If you have clothes you no longer wear, but are still in good condition, consignment shops can be a lot of fun, but it's also always great to give back. Visit your local Good Will or The Salvation Army and give someone else the joy of a no-longer-worn piece.

- Lauren

lauren lorraine jones, shoe designer, chic look, celine bag
Loving this chic, sophisticated look right now
 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

What a great year it has been and it's only the 9th of January!






















Happy New Year! Oh what a year it has already been, and we are only 9 days in! I am truly "in love with my life" - it's never been better! The Lauren Lorraine shoe business is on fire, and we have our amazing retailers and customers to thank. In 2013, we saw celebs rocking the brand: Brande Roderick, star of Baywatch and Celebrity Apprentice, wore the Lauren Lorraine Nikita boots, and Miss Columbia 2010 was spotted in the Lauren Lorraine Vanna stiletto, just to name a few (check out the photos on my instagram page!). Our bridal shoes have already been seen on real brides across the globe this year, as captured so elegantly by Duke Images in California. I'm still wild about my style icon, Grace Kelly, and can't get enough of fresh flowers, like pink roses and peonies. I used to keep all the fresh flowers in the kitchen or living room, but this year, I am loving them in the bathroom. It just brightens up the whole space! I am still loving shots and behind the scenes photos from my shoot with Ryan Astamendi, and look forward to a second shoot with him & his incredible style team this year. I have made a new year's resolution to stay even more connected with my family and closest friends, and so far had the luxury of spending some amazing and fun filled quality time with my best friend, Anne, laughing, catching up, & touring the galleries of Fairhope. I spent New Year's Eve in Houston and hope to return to Cap Juluca with the love of my life, I want to purchase fewer, but more quality pieces for my wardrobe, rather than have a bountiful wardrobe from which I can find  nothing to wear, and I have already, again, experimented with this new ombre hair craze, and did not like it on me, so promptly returned to blonde as of today. Here are a few pictures that capture what's been going on in my world, not only 2 weeks in to the new year. Find more photos and stay connected with me here, on facebook: Lauren's Facebook, and on my instagram page: Lauren's Instagram. I am grateful to all who read & support. XO

{SHOP: Lauren Lorraine Shoes }

Cheers to love, health, wealth, & wisdom in the new year!
- Lauren
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Thank you so much for stopping by! Xo, Lauren

Thank you so much for stopping by! Xo, Lauren
Lauren Lorraine Jones, Co-Founder & CCO of Lauren Lorraine Shoes