Friday, February 3, 2017

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!  πŸ˜‰

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!"

Thursday, February 2, 2017

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 lookshow 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?  πŸ˜‰) 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 πŸ˜‰) 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!  πŸ’‹
@ The Lincoln Park Location, Feb 12th:  1-4pm
Blue Mercury will be doing complimentary lip treatments!
Enjoy cupcakeswine, 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 biteswine, and 50% off facials while you shop the LBD Pop-up shop!

_______________________________________________________________



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


Friday, March 20, 2015

My Spring Shopping List!


I was recently published in the Spring copy of The Chicago View highlighting what's on my Spring Shopping List!  
You can read my article below, and check out the whole issue of The Chicago View here!
I've been getting tons of questions about who I was wearing in the photo, so I wanted to fill people in on my look and the awesome local designers and boutiques that I found these pieces from!  I'm rocking a few of my highlighted trends including; white, lace, and the white/blush combo!   









My jewelry is by two of my favorite local designers. 3 Hearts Boutique made these insane rose gold hoops, and Ali's Collection made this gorgeously perfect go-to hoop necklace!  They both are great pieces that truly work with everything!

My cashmere and lace sweater is by Autumn Cashmere and from one of the best boutiques in the city, Cinnamon!  I make it my duty to purchase a fun and unique cashmere sweater from them at least once a year!  















Lastly, my skirt is....wait for it....my prom dress!  No lie, I had my floor length white two piece prom dress from 2000 (totally aging myself here) altered to make the perfect fun and flirty knee length skirt for Spring!  I'm obsessed...probably mainly for the fact that it still fits me, but a close second is how perfect the A-line, short, white skirt is for this season!

I paired the look with a black booty and a an over-sized leather bag to give a bit of edge to an otherwise quite girly look.   I felt I was the perfect combo of funky and fun in this ensemble!


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What’s on a personal stylist’s Spring shopping list?
There are so many fashion magazines, blogs, and websites out there that it’s hard to know what to believe when it comes to what’s “hot” in fashion each season! 
As a personal stylist my clients count on me to break down the most wearable and long lasting looks so they don’t have to!   Below is my simple and relatable checklist for this spring’s hottest trends.  Keep in mind they’re all easy to incorporate into your looks and the best part is that you most likely already have some of them in your closet!   

Hot color for Spring:  WHITE!  Head to toe looks in white are everywhere!  If that’s too monochromatic for you, blush and white color combos are also going to be hot for Spring!
Hot pattern for Spring:  GINGHAM!  This fun and flirty pattern is easy to incorporate!  Try a classic gingham print shirt for a fun addition to your Spring wardrobe!
Hot detail for Spring:  LACE!  A modern lace dress or just a subtle lace trim, either way, lace makes everything more extravagant!
Hot material for Spring:  SUEDE!  Leather has been a strong facet of the trend list for a few years now, but this Spring it’s all about the suede!  Try an A-line skirt in your favorite neutral!
Hot shape for Spring:  SHIRT DRESS!  Such a great style to dress up for work or weekend!  It’s also a perfect option to carry you from the first days of Spring through the early days of Summer!
Hot jewelry for Spring:  DROP NECKLACE!  Long pendant necklaces are the new hot trend and easy to throw on with any look plus they’re great at elongating you!
If you are on the hunt for something specific from my shopping list, want to find the right styles for your body, or need help putting tons of fabulous looks together from your existing wardrobe SGXOXO can help!  Schedule a free consultation today! 
Photo:  Andrew Garcia Photography
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It's time to start checking some of the Spring fashion additions off your shopping list!  Hope this list gives you some inspiration to create your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt






Monday, March 9, 2015

Springspiration!

I'm so in love with the weather today and it's going to continue to be beautiful for the rest of the week!  I'm finally starting to believe that Spring weather is right around the corner!



Two of my all time favorite pieces to grab and go as the weather starts to warm up are a fabulous light weight scarf and fierce leather jacket!


The showroom is always stocked with stunning hand painted, super unique silk scarfs by one of my favorite local designers!  Rho Silk scarves come in any color combo you can imagine and an unlimited amount of beautiful designs!  The luxury of adding a unique hand painted silk piece of art to your new Spring wardrobe at an unbeatable price is a great way to get anyone excited about the sunshine!




I'm rocking one of my favorites here with my new go to jacket as Spring arrives!  I love a brown leather and this caramel color goes well with everything!  When searching for the perfect leather (or pleather) jacket a secret to look for on your hunt is a side panel or back that stretches!  This will give you a great fit no matter what you're wearing underneath and add to the comfort level!  

Hope you're enjoying this weather as much as I am!  Contact us to find you your perfect Jacket and scarf combo for Spring!

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt

Necklace:   Ali's Collection
Earrings:  La Pucara
Scarf:  Rho Silk



Monday, February 23, 2015

Academy Awards Red Carpet Favs!

The red carpet season came to an end last night with the Academy Awards, but not without some absolutely stunning looks!  My favorite looks of the night had a range of colors, and silhouettes!  You can check them all out here along with many more!

 Scarlett Johansson was an emerald queen in Versace!  I live for that necklace!  Statement necklaces are having a major come back and this one is everything!


Cate Blanchett is such sexy sophistication in this simple, yet bold look by Maison Margiela


Although I don't love actress Laura Dern's overall styling of this look, I'm pretty obsessed with this Alberta Ferretti dress!


Chloe Grace Moretz is the perfect age and size to pull off this Miu Miu dress!  Anyone older or larger wouldn't be able to, but she was able to keep it young, fresh, and flattering!  I love the risk she took, and I believe she really pulled it off!


Reese Witherspoon is the picture of classic Tom Ford perfection!  She always gets fit better than anyone else on the red carpet!  What a girl next door bomb shell!


Emma Stone does it again!  An Elie Saab shimmering golden goddess!


Until next year awards season!  It's been real!  :)
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt

Friday, February 13, 2015

TGIFF : V-Day in Vegas!


For Valentine's Day my husband and I are in Vegas for the week!  We have tons of exciting plans including seeing Le Reve', going hiking, and maybe getting re-married in a drive through wedding with Elvis to name a few!  :)

Also on our list we have fancy dinner reservations at Mon Ami Gabi where we will have beautiful views of the fountains and The Eiffel Tower in "Paris" while sitting at their outdoor patio!  Just the sound of being able to enjoy a meal on an outdoor patio sounds AMAZING to me!




Since  I'm always a major planner of my "looks" on vacation, here is my pre-planned Valentine's Day look for TGIFF!


I'm SO obsessed with this dress that I got from a boutique in Lincoln Park!  I've been waiting for the perfect time to wear it and I believe this is it!  :)  The dress is so chic and classy plus the ease and comfort factor just make it perfection for a romantic night out on the town in Vegas! 






I've styled it with a fun pair of metallic heals, some 3 Hearts Boutique bangles that are to die for, a Brynne Capella golden clutch, drop earrings by local designer Ali's Collection, and my favorite vintage belt!  All of the metallics are so on trend and help to take the look up a notch from casual chic to fancy chic!  :)  
 


(Although this dress also looks amazing un-belted with a pair of brown flat sandles and a leather cross-body!)

Hope you all take a little inspiration from my look and have an amazing Valentine's Day out on the town with your girlfriends, at a romantic dinner with your special someone, or in your PJs drinking wine and watching Sex In The City!  

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt

Dress:  Vertigo
Earrings:   Ali's Collection
Purse:  Brynn Capella
Shoes:  Franco Sarto
Belt:  Vintage (my grandmother's :)












Monday, February 9, 2015

My favorite Fashion Trends as seen at the Grammys!

I DIE FOR THE GRAMMY'S RED CARPET!  
This is everyone's chance to push the boundaries and rock something that is more unique!  This is artists chance to really stand out and make a statement! 

There are always some crazy and questionable looks walking down the red carpet.  A few of this year's perfect examples of this were Madonna, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian.  All three of these fierce ladies are inspirational for their fashion guts!  But their red carpet looks this year got some pretty strong hit or miss opinions...for me it was a miss for these three.  

On the other hand, I did have some total love fest situations for many beautiful ladies looks!  They were all showing off so many of my favorite trends in fashion this Spring!

TREND #1:  The Jumper!
Gwen in Versace


TREND #2:  Lace!
Beyonce'

TREND #3:  White!
Chrissy Tiegen, Emelio Pucci



TREND #4:  Lavender hair!
Katy Perry


TREND #5:  Metallic!
Rita Ora


Love this season of such fun fashion on the red carpets!  Take inspiration from these trends and create your own Style In The City!  Make the sidewalk your red carpet ladies!

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora LaPratt