Kale is the Color of the Season!

GREENERY!

Hi fashion lovers!  

We all know that Pantone is the almighty adviser of all things color when it comes to fashion, and they have spoken!  I am in love with Pantone's color choice for 2017, Green will be everywhere and I couldn't be happier!  

Think Kale, and you'll be set!  Isn't it funny how the foods of the moment often go along with the colors of the moment!? This year's Pantone color of the year is called Greenery.  I like to picture a leafy green, and it's subtle shade differences so that I'm not pigeonholed into one exact shade!  Find the Green that works for you!     

Pantone explained it as "a refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings." I think 2017, more than ever, needs this burst of positivity in every way possible, so why not in your wardrobe as well!?

GREEN-SPIRATION!

I love greenery being paired with beautiful dusty colors for an ethereal calming palate.  It can easily be paired with brighter colors as spring and summer approach as well!  Try it paired with a rose quartz (2016's Pantone color of the year!) or a cloudy cream in the later days of winter.  Mix it up with some patterns in earth tones or jewel tones depending on your vibe!

We spent the day styling the always stunning Emily (one of the awesome managers of LBD) with different fun looks, head-to-toe LBD!  Get green-inspired and go grab your favorite pieces to make sure you're up on the 2017 Color of the Year!

BOHO CHIC    

DOWNTOWN GIRL 

 RUNNING AN EMPIRE!

MY OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT! 

I can't get enough of this super flattering take on the crop trend that is everywhere!  This top comes in both black and white and can be worn SO many ways!  It looks amazing paired with a high waisted skirt showing a sliver of skin, but if that's too intense for you, it also looks fab over a printed dress to give it a completely different look!  It's also the perfect backdrop to show off a statement necklace!

Top:  The LBD Etc.

Photographer:  Mike Handler

Model:  Cora Buckle

Stylist:  Lora LaPratt

Jewelry:  Tania Rodamilans

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If you're interested in learning more about my styling services or want to follow us on Instagram and Facebook visit ...

WWW.SHOPPINGGIRLXOXO.COM

XOXO,

Shopping Girl,

Lora LaPratt

How I Style My Wardrobe by Staying True to Myself!

We had the honor of being interviewed by the designer of Geek Chic Clothing! Follow along with their blog to learn about the beautiful and talented designer, Lysandra Weber!  Her pieces are fun and effortless which is why I was so psyched to get them in the Shopping Girl XOXO showroom!  

AS SEEN ON GEEKCHICCLOTHING.COM/BLOG/

Personal Stylist, Lora LaPratt shares how she merges fashion & comfort to craft her personal style.

"I’m starting a series of interviews with some of my fashion favs! These women (and maybe men too), will share with you their fashion insights, tips and inspiration. Today, I’m talking with Lora LaPratt of Shopping Girl XOXO, personal stylist…and old friend from high school! Her clients know Lora as a fun and exceptionally talented stylist, who helps them create outfits that fit their personality and lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more… "

Describe your favorite outfit?  

My favorite outfit is ALWAYS changing, which is why I absolutely love fashion!  My day-to-day style changes along with my energy, how I'm feeling, and where I'll be going.  I would say that my "go-to" look tends to be a great pair of skinny jeans with a fabulous over-sized top, a great funky pair of shoes and a statement necklace to pull it all together!  This is what I feel the most "myself" in, the most confident, the most comfortable, and the most fashionable! 

Tell me about your biggest struggle getting dressed in the morning?  

My biggest struggle is finding an outfit that will take me from walking my dog, to client consultations, to the gym, to driving around Chicago for pulls, and everything in between!  Owning my own personal styling business comes with a very hectic and constantly changing schedule.  Especially as a stylist, it is important to always look very pulled together, but that doesn't always mean you have to be dressed to the 9s!  Luckily  athleisure wear is having a major moment right now!  😉

What’s the most comfortable yet stylish piece in your closet?  

I am a major proponent of comfort!  Over the years I've realized that it's pointless to buy anything that isn't comfortable, so luckily I feel like I have an entire wardrobe of comfortable and stylish pieces!  I tell my clients all the time that comfort is one of the most important outfit makers, which looks different for everyone.  For me, that typically means over-sized pieces for my tops!  I just purchased an amazing dress from a local Chicago boutique which I am obsessed with!  It's a navy midi length slip dress that has a fabulous chunky navy knit sweater with statement sleeves to wear on top!  It's a very monochromatic, understatedly sexy look that I can not wait to wear!

If there were one rule about fashion that you do or would follow, what would it be and why?  

THERE ARE NO RULES IN FASHION!  :)  However, there are "tips" that can really help you to show off your own body shape in the right ways!  I think looking good in your wardrobe has more to do with fit, shape, and tailoring.  As long as you're confident in what you're rocking that will be obvious to those around you!  

What is the one thing in your closet that you could NOT live without? Why?  

My grandmother's vintage gold belt.  I wear it with EVERYTHING!  It adds the perfect amount of glam to any look.  It has stretch so it can easily be worn with jeans at your hips, over a dress at your natural waist, or even over a chunky layer to give a little definition!  Plus, the fact that it belonged to my lovely grandmother makes it super special and nobody has anything like it.

Style icon:  Rachel Zoe, Lupita Nyong'o, Lauren Conrad (very different styles, all depends on my mood!)

Fashion Motto:  Be fashionable, Be confident, Be YOU!

"As you can see, Lora’s “comfortable chic” style perfectly suits her lifestyle and is a lesson for us all to be true to styles that work for our own lives and tastes! Stop by her website (www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com) to see all of her services, and visit her Instagram for daily style inspiration (@shoppinggirlxoxo).
Be sure to share your favorite outfit in the comments below, I’d love to see your personal style too!"

The LBD Etc.

ABOUT ME!

Hi fashion lovers!  

My name is Lora, and I am so psyched to be back at this blogging thing! I am going to keep you up to speed on the hottest looks, how to wear them, when to wear them, and WHERE to wear them.  PLUS, I'll be highlighting my favorite local designer and boutiques in Chicago!

As the owner of my own personal styling business, Shopping Girl XOXO, I have had the pleasure of working with so many fab people and places to style all of my lovely clients over the years, so I thought I better get back at this blogging thing to spread the word about their amazing boutiques!  

This is a one-stop shop for you to get up-to-date styling tips and tricks from moi, your own personal stylist!  I'll also be telling you all about my favorite places to shop and give you a glimpse into my life as a stylist along the way!

I'm starting off by highlighting one of my favorite Chicago boutiques who I am also a fashion editor for on their blog!  Be sure to check it out for V.I.P. offers!!!!

ABOUT LBD!

To get everyone up to speed, The LBD Etc. is a KILLER Chicago Boutique!  

One thing (among millions) I absolutely love about LBD, and why they've become one of my go-to boutiques for styling my clients, is that they have everything you could want for everyBODY (see what I did there?  😉) They have a great selection of styles from Casual Chic to Modern Sophistication and everything in between!  I'm always able to find on-trend and classic pieces no matter my client's style, age, budget, or vibe in general at LBD!

For those of you who may not know, there are two LBD locations in Chicago!

There is the Lincoln Park location, which I like to call the younger sister of the River North location; the literal "Downtown Girl".

My "younger sister" title comes from the fact that the LP location is a bit smaller with a more day-time and travel vibe, while the RN location has your cocktail and business casual selections covered to a tee!  Both locations are full of fab finds and truly cover everything from casual to fancy!

If you have only been lucky enough to shop at one location, definitely add it to your list to pop into the other and spread the love!

  

MY OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT! 

This little faux suede dress is EVERYTHING to me right now! It is the perfect piece to add to your winter wardrobe that will take you right into spring!  With it's flirty length, flattering fit (the fabric has stretch, so it's uber comfortable!), and pretty color *it also comes in blush*, this is hands down my LBD (little blue dress 😉) obsession of the moment!  
Find it at both locations!

Dress:  The LBD Etc.
Photographer:  Mike Handler
Model:  Cora Buckle
Stylist:  Lora LaPratt
Jewelry:  Tania Rodamilans

UPCOMING 

LBD EVENTS! 

LOVE AND LIPS!  💋
@ The Lincoln Park Location, Feb 12th:  1-4pm
Blue Mercury will be doing complimentary lip treatments!
Enjoy cupcakes, wine, and a $100 LBD gift card raffle while you shop!

MUD FACIAL POP-UP SHOP!  
@ Mud Facial Bar:  357 W. Erie St., Feb. 13th:  4-8pm
Mud Facial's 1 year anniversary party!  
Enjoy small bites, wine, and 50% off facials while you shop the LBD Pop-up shop!

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I can't wait to keep all you fashionistas up to speed on what's going on around the city and beyond!  

If you're interested in learning more about my styling services or want to follow us on Instagram and Facebook visit ...

WWW.SHOPPINGGIRLXOXO.COM

XOXO,

Shopping Girl,

Lora LaPratt