Friday, July 19, 2013

My Summer Obsessions!

I took a little Spring/early Summer vacation from my blog posts!  Luckily this heat wave has me staying INSIDE today and ready to tell you all about MY SUMMER OBSESSIONS!  :)

1.  Lace and Scalloped Shorts! 
When you're looking for a fun and flirty way to dress up a casual go to summer staple like shorts, grab a delicate lace pair or a pair with a fun scolloped edge!  It's an adorably easy way to take your look up a notch!  <3

Free People!
Urban Outfitters!













2.  Sheer Tops!
Nothing looks better on these hot summer days when I open my closet to decide what to wear than a loose fitting sheer top!  Depending on the sheerness make sure to wear something respectable underneath and enjoy the tons of options out there with this style staple!  You can go the sheer material rout or go for a funky cut out rout!  Either way you cut it, this option is COOL!  :)

trendnstylez
Cut Outs!













3.  Chunky signature Rings!
Rings are everywhere this summer!  They are such an easy and fun way to add a pop to any outfit!  Plus, sometimes piled on bangles or chunky necklaces are too hot to even think about, but a great statement ring can get you noticed with out making you break a sweat!  :)  I'm in love with raw stones and mixed metals when it comes to statement rings this season!

Fashion Fascination

I'll be keeping you posted on more summer trends I'm loving soon, let me know what else you're dying to hear about in Style In The City's next blog posts!!!

Stay cool and rock your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com










Saturday, May 4, 2013

Style Trends

Hi everyone!  Welcome to first of hopefully many attempts at a Vlog!  Check out this fun and quick video to learn about my favorite Spring style trends and how to rock them in your every day life!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com






Tuesday, April 9, 2013

TOP TRANSITION PIECES FOR SPRING!


We all know that Chicago weather is a guessing game and the answer changes from hour to hour in the beautiful Windy City!  Spring is the time of year when my e-mails and texts are overflowing with clients looking for items to get them through the transitional months of the season!  Everyone wants to start wearing fun bright colors and can't wait to start rocking the easy breezy dresses that summer begs for, but the weather doesn't always cooperate!

I've highlighted my three top transitional wardrobe pieces that every fashionable city girl should own!  The best part about the pieces is that they really do help expand the longevity of your favorite summer duds, and most likely they will become your obsessions as much as they are mine. Let's just say I have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to....




1.  Blazers!  I can't get enough of a great fitted blazer!  It is THE PERFECT way to make almost any dress work appropriate, and takes any casual top to a much more trendy/sophisticated level!  You can get them in major color statements, funky materials, and the perfectly flattering length for your height!  My check list when searching for the perfect blazer for you = *Check the lining!  A fun print on the inner cuff will add an element of expense! *Look for a material with some stretch so the fit forms to your body and doesn't look to stiff!  *Pay attention to buttons, I recommend a one button blazer for a modern look that will create a perfect hour glass shape!













 2.  Tights!  A cute pair of tights can not only keep your legs warm on a breezy Spring day, but easily add texture and appeal to any outfit!  Tights are such a fun, inexpensive way to play with your style!  Try a pop of color, an interesting print, or a subdued texture!  Wear them with boots, flats, or heals!  Play around in the mirror to find the perfect combo for your personality!
 










3.  Scarfs!  Such an obvious answer to the problem of seasonal temperature changes!  So many people think scarves are just for winter, but luckily in the last few years the materials, lengths, shapes, and uses of scarves continue to evolve!  Find yourself an infinity scarf that you love and experiment with all of the different looks you can create!  Once you fall in love with the infinity scarf as much as I have, you can easily turn any and all of your other scarves into an infinity with a quick line at the sewing machine!  LOVE!













So bust out your favorite warm weather looks and use these easy transitional pieces to make them wearable NOW!  Have fun creating your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping girl,
Lora
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com












Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Beautiful Escape,the perfect staycation to get you looking and feeling fabulous!

These cold winter nights and short daylight hours can leave just about anybody feeling a bit un-energized.  Does the idea of a vacation to a far away place to lighten your mood, brighten your outlook, and step up your confidence seems amazing...but SO far away from your own cozy bed!  :) 
If any of this sounds familiar, (which believe me, you're not the only one!)  there is a new a perfectly planned Beautiful Escape Package made just for you right here in Chicago!  With out having to leave the comfort of your own home, you will be treated to a weekend of pampering from the inside out and tools to continue the inner and outer confidence through out the year!  This is a perfect gift for any woman you cherish, and want to feel as amazing as you know they are, including yourself!  


Your exclusive weekend begins Saturday morning with Milan from SoNaturelle, as she helps you feel healthy on the inside with a morning of inner cleansing and relaxation.
     The Details: Her specialized herbal body wrap is designed using herbs & essential oils which infuse total bliss through your skin to detoxify and tone your body. Receive a custom lifestyle report designed to discover your unique vitamin/mineral deficiencies.  Enjoy 3.5 hours with Milan in a fun relaxed Cooking Demo which includes a lesson in food styling and  2 easy healthy entrees tailored to help you stay Beautiful & Healthy.

Later that  afternoon, style yourself beautiful with Lora from Shopping Girl XOXO, a personal stylist who will bring specially chosen outfits from boutiques across the city to your home!
     The Details: After an email/Skype consultation, Shopping Girl XOXO will pull items from boutiques, and department stores across Chicago specifically chosen to fit your style and bring the clothes TO YOU! She will go through all of the options with you putting together head to toe looks; teaching you tricks to styling yourself confidently while incorporating pieces from your existing wardrobe. You can buy as much or as little as you want!  Champagne and light snacks will be included. This day will end with plenty of fabulous options to bring to your photo shoot the next morning!
Your weekend concludes Sunday morning with Anne from Portraiture by trü studio, with professional makeup and hair styling and a beauty photo shoot!
    The Details: Vanessa, our very talented hair and makeup artist, will make you look and feel your best. There is no need to arrive with your hair styled or makeup applied since she will do that for you! This is a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered while sipping on complimentary mimosas. Each step of the process is designed to calm your nerves. Anne will help you look and feel like the best version of you; she will professionally and respectfully coach you through poses that flatter your body type. Most of all, expect to have fun and leave feeling confident - you will look gorgeous, so make a day of it and enjoy some time for yourself!

There’s no need to hop on a flight or reserve a hotel room - this staycation is designed to pamper and encourage you to feel positive, classy, beautiful, and at ease in your own body.
SO contact A Beautiful Escape today and create your own Style and Confidence in the City!
Experience the Beautiful Escape >>
XOXO,
Lora

Thursday, January 3, 2013

MY TOP 10 FAVORITE STYLE ADDITIONS OF 2012!





I LOVE FASHION!  I get so inspired throughout the year through fashion and style choices!  The feeling after purchasing an amazing new piece to add to my collection of accessories or my ever growing wardrobe is like no other!  :)  Especially when that piece becomes a staple for years to come!  I've highlighted the top 10 additions I made to my wardrobe this year that I still can't get enough of!  Just looking at this post makes me giddy!  Enjoy!  :)





 
1.This dress has become my ultimate go-to alternative to the LBD!  The girlie sheerness, perfect shape, and classic color make it easy to change up with accessories!

2.Holy comfort!  I adore the chambray shirt!  I wear it with a chunky crystal necklace and red skinnys, over a maxi and tied in a knot in the front, or layered under a leather cropped jacket with a fun scarf and top knot in my hair!  :)
3.  What a great statement necklace!  I'm loving the geometric shape and the colors are to die for!  Great over a basic T, under a silk colored shirt, or a bold sheath dress!


4.  I have a love-hate relationship with leopard print, but this flowy, loose, three-quartered sleeve cardi is 100% LOVE!  It is the perfect sexy and sophisticated topper to any outfit.  Super modern and casual chic!

 5.  This perfect pop clutch is a great burst of excitement to any day!  I rock it when shopping the city during the day, for an evening out for martini's, or to hold all my necessities at a wedding!
 6. My newest obsession! I can't get enough of this sheer perfection! It's every adjective I love in fashion all rolled into one! Purple, unique, comfortable, sheer, sexy, romantic, easy to accessories, perfect with skinnies! 
 7.  ROSE GOLD ROCKS!  I wear this beautiful men's inspired watch with a twist of rose gold beauty with everything!  Classy and sassy!  :)
 8.  This chunkified infinity scarf in dusty sea blue is to die for!  Such a great neutral blue to grab on my way out the door to match my ever changing daily mood and style!  Also a great color to take you from Fall through Winter and into Spring!
 9.  House of Harlow must make an appearance on my lists always!  These glasses make me happy!  The retro cat eye and black/brown leopard print is eye catching with a fierce dress or a perfect match for your everyday jeans and chunky sweater!  ADORE!
10.  I just rocked these on New Years Eve!  They seam to be the perfect pairing to any over sized top I'm ever wondering what to wear underneath!  These pleather leggings with slimming cotton side panels take any outfit to the next
level!







What are your favorite fashion additions of 2012?  Grab them and continue creating your own Style In The City......in 2013!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

Friday, December 14, 2012

LAST MIN. HOLIDAY GIFTS!


Sometimes it takes a good, fluffy, city covered in white, winter wonderland snow to really get inspired for holiday gifts!   It hasn't really happened yet in Chicago and believe me I'm at a loss for inspiration too...until I walk into the Shopping Girl XOXO showroom!  We have the perfect gifts for any price point, age, and style!  You can make an apppintment any time through next Wednesday to stop by and pick up gifts for everyone in your fam!  OR we can always ship for a flat rate of $5.00!

BEST SELLER GIFTS AVAILABLE AT SHOPPING GIRL XOXO'S SHOWROOM!:

Shopping Girl XOXO Gift Certificates for your mother, sister, friend, brother, husband.or for anyone, at any price range!  What a great way to give the gift of VIP treatment and style all in one!   You can also check out the available packages by clicking here

La Pucara Jewelry!  This fair trade jewelry is made in Ecuador and brings an easy pop of color to any outfit!  Wrap bracelets, funky earings, statement necklaces!  The colors make me super happy!  Different colors for each personality in your circle of friends at great prices!  (range from $10-$50)











Heart Felt Hair Accessories!  These beautifully handmade hair bands from Chicago are the perfect bling for your holiday season and the perfect girly gift for that neice that loves flowers and all things princess!  (range from $28-48)










CRAVE Books!  "The ultimate guide to women-owned businesses in the Chicago Metropolitan area, featuring more than 100 entrepenures you need to know!  This is THE perfect gift for a girlfriend who is dreaming of starting her own business or one who loves to shop local!  It also includes pages of coupons in the back for participating businesses!  ($20)
Dar Lin Scarves!  These eclectic, classy, colorful scarves are to die for!  Everything from cotton umbre prints to 100% silk humming bird prints!  They are scarves that will last a lifetime and always get a conversation started!  (range from $45-$165)












Karina Dresses!  These are the magic dress!  My clients love them and they are sure to be a hit for such a range of age, body type, and comfort levels!  The prints are super fun and the fit is extremely flattering!  They are sized S/M and M/L so it makes it easy to purchase these dresses as a gift!  100% machine washable and packable to the extreme!  :)  LOVE!





Help your friends and family create their own Style In The City this
 














holiday season!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Giving Back & Getting Gorgeous!

I'm super excited to be participating in a fun event to get the Holiday season started off right on Nov. 29th!  My Daily Find Chicago will be throwing a fun night out event with stylist advice and specials from Shopping Girl XOXO!!!  There will also be lots of shopping to be had!  I will be bringing fabulous pieces from unique Chicago designers (mentioned in my Oct. blog, Frock N' Roll, and Stella & Dot will also be participating! 

Of course there will be wine flowing and tasty treats compliments of Naked Pizza!  The best part of the event is that the proceeds (donation of your choice) at the door will go towards Imerman's Angels, an amazing organization to provide one on one support for those effected by cancer.

Giving Back and Getting Gorgeous!  What a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!  Hope to see you all there!  Share this with your friends and family and be sure to RSVP here!  http://givingbackgettinggorgeous.eventbrite.com/#




Rock your favorite Style In The City on Nov. 29th and head to Abeille Beauty and Bridal!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora