Ahoy Matey!

The world of fashion gets its inspiration from all over the world and different time periods. Perhaps this explains why there has been an influx in stripes - and not just the average stripe. It's the nautical stripe and it originated in Brittany, France. During the late 19th century, sailors from this coastal province made these stripes popular while tackling the open waters. Thanks to a dear friend who traveled to this boat-friendly town, I have my very own set of stripes straight from Brittany. If you really wanted to have the authentic nautical stripe, you could travel to France (wouldn't we all?) Although I'm sure all of you would love to travel to France, I know you're on a budget. So if you really want the real Brittany look, check out LLBean.com. Or if you're digging the stripes, but need something a bit trendier, JCrew and UrbanOutfitters both have excellent versions of the Brittany stripes. I know deep down in all of you there's a sailor just waiting to get your hands on these stripes and set sail! Let me know about your adventures!

Travel in Style

Picture this: You're in the airport and you realize you forgot your NARS bronzer. Oh no! It's the one you use every day, the one you cannot live with out. You freak out - but only for second. You look up and see a vending machine with the word Sephora written across the top. Suddenly the gates to heaven open up and run to find the bronzer sitting behind the glass. You slide your credit card in, punch in the appropriate code, and voila...your NARS bronzer is happily in your hands!

Yes, that's right people! Sephora as well as other big name fashion designers are putting their goods in vending machines. From airports to upscale hotels, such as the Standard in Downtown LA, you can find bikinis, handbags, and sunglasses. These vending machines are not only GENIUS, but are great money makers for these companies. So if you're traveling any time soon - definitely check these out! And of course, tell me what you think!?

Image Source: www.musingsofamuse.com

For more info about the hotel vending machines check out this article from the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-hotelgift-20100718,0,6170752.story

First Shoot @ CBS!

This was my first week interning in the Wardrobe Dept. for CBS! I've been having a great time and learning A LOT! Yesterday, the head stylist, Anya Sarre, was here filming Looks for Less for The Insider. It was a very "behind-the-scenes" look at what goes into filming a fashion-friendly segment. The mannequins have to be perfectly dressed and ready to go when the director needs them - no dilly dallying! I was able to assist with dressing the mannequins, making sure the wardrobe studio was quiet, and even got to use the Flip camera! It was a great experience and I can't wait to share what happens next!

Vote for Lara's Look on The Insider Website!

DIY: Denim

Inspired by the designer Chloe, one of my favorite fashion blogs, WhoWhatWear, has taken this runway look and made it easy for the fashionable to become affordable. Denim is always in, so why not add some spice to your old jeans. Jeans are great. They're versatile and go with ANYTHING. They can be dressed up with a pair of heals or dressed down with some sandals or flats. You can't go wrong with a good pair jeans, so why not try this simple DIY to give those faded jeans a new life!

Image Source: Refinery29.com

TWO-TONE DENIM JEANS

Ingredients:

-1 pair of medium-wash jeans

-1 pair of light-wash jeans

-Scissors

-Fabric Glue

Directions:

1. Measure out and mark up two rectangular panels on the light-wash jeans. Make sure these panels are equally wide—about 6" x 11"—then cut them out using fabric scissors.

2. Place the darker jeans on a flat surface and determine/mark where you want the patches to go.

3. Apply a generous amount of fabric glue to the backside of the light-wash panels. Be sure to evenly distribute the glue on the fabric.

4. Position the light-wash patches over the knee area on the dark-wash jeans and press firmly.

5. Make sure the pieces are completely dried and adhered before you pick them up.

6. Wait 72 hours before washing them—and remember to turn the jeans inside out first!

One Dress, So Many Ways

We’re all about versatility and saving money, especially in these tough times. So that is why I’m pulling out an oldie, but a goodie from my closet. It’s the bandeau dress by American Apparel. It can be worn over 15 different ways, so not only does it save room in your closet, but in your wallet too! The dress can be found on the American Apparel website or in stores.

Here are just a few of the many ways it can be worn:

Image Credit: http://store.americanapparel.net

And The Winner IS...

One of my favorite shows, Project Runway, just ended its 7th season on Lifetime, and I could not be happier about who the winner is. It was a close call and all the three finalists produced some amazing looks throughout the entire show. Emilio Sosa, Mila Hermanovski, and Seth Aaron Henderson showed their final looks on the runway during New York fashion week in Bryant Park. They exposed their true selves while at the same time creating timeless pieces that could also be worn straight off the runway. As the judges deliberated, the contestants waited patiently. Heidi Klum announced Seth Aaron as the winner, and I could not help but let out a sigh of relief! I loved his looks throughout the whole season, and he had a great attitude as well! Here are some of Seth Aaron’s winning looks

A Forever Fav

Just a few weeks ago, the Los Angeles Times ran an article about the profitable fashion company and the newest additions to the Forever 21 team, the Chang sisters. Forever 21 is surviving in this volatile economy, but how? For starters they offer fashion-forward trends at unbelievably low prices. If I never need something that I know will only be in style for a few weeks, Forever 21 is the go to spot. Their merchandise is constantly changing and where else can you find those great deals?

But behind those great prices and fast-fashion trends are two sisters that have put a new spin on the company’s image. Linda and Esther Chang are both in their twenties, and joined their parents’ company a little over a year ago. Linda runs the marketing department, while her younger sister, Esther, runs the visual department.

With their young, fresh ideas the company is thriving. They have turned to social media outlets to promote the company and don’t see it slowing down any time soon. Forever 21’s image can be found on their Facebook page, Twitter feed, and blog, the Skinny. Both the sisters have a love for the fashion industry, and know they have helped maintain their family’s company.

Check out the article in the Los Angeles times.