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

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

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! 

www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

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

www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

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

WWW.SHOPPINGGIRLXOXO.COM

Necklace:   Ali's Collection

Earrings:  La Pucara

Scarf:  Rho Silk

Jacket:  Bod & Christensen