Lora's Spring Shopping List!

My Spring Must-Haves!

Hi fashion lovers!  

Every spring I get super psyched to be wearing fun and flirty patterns, colors, and styles that wont be covered up by my layers of warmth!  As a stylist, spring is one of my busiest seasons because my clients are just as excited as I am to start rocking new looks with confidence!  I've created a shopping list of my spring must-haves for 2017 just for you!  Grab something from each category and you'll be turning the streets into your own runway in no time!

LORA'S SPRING SHOPPING LIST!

PRETTY IN PASTEL!

Add soft shades in a monochromatic look to take your style game to spring in a pretty and powerful way!

EAR BLING!

Possibly my favorite trend of the moment!  Grab some geometric or tassel-tastic statement earrings to take any look to the next level!

MOTTO JACKET REALNESS!

Bring out your inner rocker with a modern motto jacket in just your style!

HARD & SOFT!

Mixing elements of edge and flow is everything this season!

MY OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT!

This navy monochrome slip dress with statement sleeve sweater was my first splurge of the season!  I. am. obsessed! Not only is it the perfect look to take me into the early months of spring but the two pieces can be worn separately in so many different ways!
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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

Packing Tips from a Pro!

PACKING TIPS FROM A PRO!

Hi Fashion Lovers!  

With spring fast approaching and vacation season right around the corner Tania Rodamilans, one of my favorite Chicago jewelry designers, and I have collaborated to help you build the perfect travel wardrobe for any trip!  Join us March 22nd for a fab event to help you put together the PERFECT looks for any spring break on the horizon! 

 *Details Below* 

As a personal stylist I help my clients pack Vacation Capsule Collections for all sorts of fun destinations!  Don't we all just want to look fashionable and be stress-free while traveling!?   By following these simple steps I ensure you will be just that!  :)

*We used the fabulous travel blogger, Emily Hines, as inspiration for our shoot.  Think of a trip full of everything from low key coffee shops, funky breweries, and fancy dinners out.  She loves a good print, always looks effortless, and has to pack looks that will take her anywhere!*

Start with Neutral Basics!

This makes it super easy to wear these items with multiple combinations in very different ways depending on what your travel plans throw your direction!
Think blacks, grays, and whites!

Same neutral basics, two totally different looks!

Purse:  Brynn Capella

Kimono:  Sophia Reyes

Layers are Key!

I always like to pack an assortment of different weight jackets, sweatshirts, and kimonos on trips for layering.  This way you’re sure to have the right piece for different weather and different events!
Also the perfect way to add in fun texture, print and color to your travel wardrobe!

Cool textures with these layers created new dimension!

Sweater:  Anna Hovet

Purse:  Brynn Capella

Keep a Cohesive Color Scheme!

Come up with a color scheme and stick to it so that your pieces can easily be mix-and-matched throughout your trip!  With our travel collection, we focused on one of the hottest color combinations of 2017; oranges and blues!

Pulling those colors into your jewelry and accessories is key!

Kimono:  Sophia Reyes

Skirt:  Wulfka

Accessories take any look from Day to Night!

When it comes to shoes really plan for comfort and necessity!  Over packing shoes is the quickest way to fill up a suitcase!  I like to have at least one statement shoe that can take my looks up a notch!  Then, make sure you have a COMFORTABLE option!  Add in a few fun accessories that you can play around with on your trip like sunglasses, hats, turbans, and bags.  
These are smaller items so you can pack a few and see if they feel right while you’re traveling!

Notice how the accessories pull these looks together!

Purse:  Brynn Capella

Dresses, Dresses, Dresses! 

If you are someone who feels more comfortable having more options, opt for dresses!  They are only one item and can usually be folded to take up less space!  Make sure to consider fabric choices and choose dresses that won’t wrinkle as easily!
This is the perfect way to add in a few extra options without breaking your suitcase!  😉

Two of my favorite LBD options to make sure you're ready for anything on your vacay!

Pre-plan your looks before packing up!

I swear by pre-planning looks before take-off!  It is the only way to feel completely at ease with knowing you’re covered for your different events and not having to stress while you should be enjoying your trip!
It is amazing how much this will simplify your wardrobe!

Turban:  Sophia Reyes

Clothing:  The LBD Etc.

Photographer:  Mike Handler

Model:  Cora Buckle

Stylist:  Lora LaPratt

Jewelry:  Tania Rodamilans

Create a capsule collection of jewelry!

Think within the same color scheme and pack pieces that can be worn multiple ways! Fun statement necklaces and a “wear with everything” bracelet are all you need to tie your looks together and feel uber fashionable!  We checked in with Tania to hear what inspired her newest "On The Road Capsule Collection"!

These pieces can be worn separately or layered and the different chains are interchangeable for tons of different combinations!!

ON THE ROAD CAPSULE COLLECTION 

with Tania Rodamilans

Being a jewelry designer I am spoiled when it comes to accessories, as I get to select from all the pieces I have in my studio when I get dressed in the morning. However, when I travel I have no choice but to edit. Trust me, a bag full of necklaces gets heavy fast and occasionally gets you stopped at security. True story.

That's how I started to design pieces that could be worn more than one way and work with a broad range of outfits.

What started as a design challenge to avoid my own personal accessory packing meltdowns, quickly became a trademark of my brand. Now I have made it my mission to always have at least 2 pieces in any of my collections that can be worn more than one way.

My On The Road capsule collection will be available at our event March 22nd and is available on my Etsy store now!
*details below!*

These necklaces are meant to travel, where will you take them?

UPCOMING EVENTS! 

VACATION CAPSULE COLLECTION EVENT! 💎
@ The LBD, Lincoln Park Location, March 22th:  5-7pm
2202 N. Halsted
Tania Rodamilans jewelry trunk show + SGXOXO (ME!) doing complimentary styling to help you find the perfect spring break travel wardrobe! Enjoy travel treats and cocktails while you shop Tania's exclusive capsule collection!

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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

Find Your Tribe, Love Them Hard: T.C. Edition

Part 1

Happy International Woman's Day 2017!

With my styling business in full swing, it's important for me to squeeze in moments to get away from the city and keep in touch with the people closest to me!  I'm always trying to fit in trips with my tribes in order to fully focus on the friendships that have shaped my life, so I've decided to share my experiences with you in case you want to visit any of the cool places on my itinerary!

*don't mind the blur, we were using a tripod and hooking it to trees for most of these shots!*

Traverse City, Michigan

I found my tribe 16+ years ago in good ol' Waverly High School!  Some of these friendships started all the way back in elementary school and we've been lucky enough to keep in touch and plan much needed girls trips throughout the years! These women are some of the most beautiful, inspiring, hard working, kind, and HILARIOUS people I know, and I honestly don't know what I would do without them!

We just wrapped up another amazing trip in Traverse City, Michigan.  The very best times together are sitting around in our pajamas talking about our families, remembering the crazy things we did in high school, and playing silly games, but we were also able to squeeze in tons of great TC stops along the way!  

If you're looking for a beautiful city to visit, full of great restaurants, breweries, and shopping, add T.C., Michigan to your list!  Summers there are stunning, but if you want a more relaxing trip, winter is beautiful too!  Just be sure to pack a few winter coats (I got a REALLY good deal on coats, SO...I brought five!)

In the halls of WHS!

My faves from the trip!

Brooke Haven Inn:  

The most adorable girls trip rental ever!  

I mean for real, click the link above to see where we stayed! Slumber Party central!

Our Own Brewery Tour:

Brewery Ferment:  The perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle to have great conversation!  Bonus, it was located directly next door to our rental!  

Rare Bird Brewpub: Awesome place for a light lunch as well! DO get the fried avocado tacos, steer clear of the Moscow Mule.  Probably should have been a no-brainer for me to stick with beer at a brewery, oops!

The Workshop Brewing Company:  LOVE this casual vibe with fun games to play and delicious cider options!

The Parlor:  My favorite dimly lit cocktail bar with live music AND bags!  What!?!?

Northern Natural Cider House:  As a cider drinker over beers, I was SO excited to find this amazing spot!  Get a cider flight...or two!  If you happen to be there on a Sunday you might be lucky enough to hear their Children's Open Mic! Cutest thing ever, not to mention the crazy talent!

Restaurants:

7 Monks:  Amazing comfort food with the perfect large table in back to make your crew feel super V.I.P!

Blue Tractor:  Amazing dinner salads (but do yourself a favor and get a side of homemade mac-n-cheese too!) We were rolling with a pretty large group so rather than wait we put some tables together in the bar and got to sit right away!

Poppycocks:  I was literally drooling over everything on this menu!  Adorable little cafe vibe with an amazing menu!

Fire Fly:  If you're looking for a great brunch spot where you won't have to wait for hours this is it!  They also have pitchers of mimosas!  👍

Shopping:  

Front Street:  So many great boutiques with a wide range of price points!  Great selection of locally owned women's clothing stores on this adorable little street!  Not to mention tons of fun restaurants and shops to get TC souvenirs!

Coffee:  

Blk/Mrkt:  Obsessed with this gem!  Grab a coffee, visit the other shops in the building, and don't miss the succulent shop connected through the back!

I would love to hear where your favorite places to visit are! We need recommendations for our Girls Trip 2018!

Stay tuned for the next installment of "Find Your Tribe, Love Them Hard" Park City, Utah edition!

FLOWER PRINTS ARE EVERYTHING!

FLOWER FEVER!

Hi fashion lovers!  

IT'S MARCH 1ST!!!!  You know what that means!?!? Spring is basically here!!!  Time to dust off your fun flirty dresses, bring those sandals out from hiding, and brighten up your wardrobe!

This spring, even more so than ever before, floral prints are EVERYTHING!  We're going to be seeing them in a much more vibrant way than your typical subtle romantic print. Think BIG, BRIGHT, BOLD and BEAUTIFUL *remind anyone else of a day time soap?*

Color palates are totally up to you!  Have FUN with this trend.  Find a print that really speaks to you and incorporate it into your everyday wear, your festival looks, or your spring break go-to!

FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOUR CLOSET!

I used flower power looks from the runway as inspiration to style our girl Emily over at LBD!   Find the look that fits your personality the best and hop on over to LBD to snag your favorite bold and beautiful new spring looks!  To make the look your own...  

BELT IT

 PLAY WITH INTERESTING NECKLINES

ADD A COLLAR!

Runway Photos:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/g8002/spring-2017-runway-fashion-trends/?slide=1

MY OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT! 

Everyone needs a great chambray piece in their wardrobe! It is a very classic trend, so you want to find the perfect one so it can become a go-to basic in your wardrobe!  I love this little chambray dress for the early days of spring because you can do SO MUCH with it!  Pair it with an ankle booty and scarf, belt it and pop the collar, or throw on a pair of kicks and run around town!  Plus, who doesn't love a pocket?!?!

Find it at both LBD locations!  And get the killer accessories from the showroom! 

Dress:  The LBD Etc.
Jewelry:  Tania Rodamilans

Photographer:  Mike Handler

Model:  Cora Buckle

Stylist:  Lora LaPratt

UPCOMING SGXOXO EVENT! 

SPRING BREAK STYLE & JEWELS!  💎

@ The Lincoln Park LBD Location, Feb 22th:  5-7pm

Tania Rodamilans jewelry trunk show + SGXOXO (ME!) doing complimentary styling to help you find the perfect spring break travel wardrobe!

Enjoy travel treats and cocktails while you shop Tania's exclusive capsule collection!
*tune in to our next Blog on March 15th to get pumped and learn some Spring Break packing tips!

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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