BANGLES!!!!!!!!!

I am obsessed with piling on the wrist adornments!  I just love a good assortment of mixed metals and precious stones with a fierce watch in the mix!  You can make this hot no matter what your style might be!

BoHo Babe ~  Mix in friendship bracelets, colorful pieces and patterns using string and hemp styles!

Classy Chic ~  Mixed metals, a large faced watch and chuncky chain links will add a classic nautical twist!

Bold and Beautiful ~ Sparkles, large charms, and wide cuffs will make this a bold statement!

Edgy Rocker ~  Black, studded cuffs, and leather wraps will make this look rock!

 

Stack on your favorite bangles and create your own Style In The City!

XOXO,

Shopping Girl,

Lora

www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

EMBRACE YOUR AU-NATURALNESS!

When it comes to the summer heat, a lot of things can make you want to take the "less is more" approach and for the most part I say GO FOR IT!  The top of my summer Au-natural beauty regimen is hair and makeup!!

Absolutely Gorgeous!  Natural and Beautiful!

 When it comes to putting any extra layers on in the 90 + degree weather, I can't help but cringe!  One of my favorite parts about summer is that my makeup routine is cut down to three simple components:  my go to Neutrogena lightly tinted moisturizing sunblock (uber important), Burts Bees SPF lip tint, and Maybelline mascara!   Whala!

Next on the list, my hair!  Embrace your natural texture, whatever it might be!  I personally have a long thick curly head of hair that took me over 20 years to accept!  Chicago humidity and my own acceptance of myself have helped me learn to love my natural curls...my simple summer hair routine = condition, condition, condition!  I apply Garnier Fructis sleek and shine leave in conditioner to my damp locks and go!  It's that simple and I feel like I'm adding moisture rather than piling on product that weighs it down!

My typical casual summer style!  :)

I've learned to love and embrace every freckle, laugh line, and crazy curl!  Whether you have porcelain skin, a
freckle infused face, crimped and tousled hair, or a super straight main, just make sure you own it, love it and protect it this summer!
Rock your own Au-natural Style In The City beauty routine this summer with confidence!

XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com

Summer Essentials!

The weather is not messing around this year!  I'M LOVING IT!  This is, for sure, the first year I've been to
the beach multiple times before the middle of May!  If you haven't already stocked up on the summer must-have items and hot weather essentials, now is the time to do it!  Here, in no particular order, are some of my cravings and already acquired goodies for the upcoming sultry months!

*Lace/crochet layers!  The perfect piece can be rocked multiple ways!  Layered with a tank and cut offs, over a maxi, or beach cover up boho chic!

Target $19.99!  HOLLA!

*Neon necessity!  I'm digging the easy accents of neon with a bright blue belt, hot pink clutch, or eye popping multiple colored bangles!

obsessed with her blog, www.jseverydaystyle.com

*Color wheel neighbors!  An easy way to make sure you're owning this trend is to wear two or three shades of the same color that might all be on the same paint chip swatch at your local paint store!  Multiple shades will compliment each other this season!!!

Steve Madden!  Adorableness!

Play with patterns in an unexpected way!  I'm loving a
summer wedge adorned with a funky surprise of print!



Enjoy this amazing weather and shop around for your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora

APRIL SHOWERS AND MAY FLOWERS!

This pring has been undeniably beautiful!  I've laid out on the Chicago beaches, had many sunny runs on Lake Shore Drive, and busted out my sandal collection weeks ago!  Yet, you have to admit this month of April always seems to wedge some showers into the mix!  That's why you should always be prepared to look stylish and ready for the downpours (like today for example :)

When prepping for April showers, I like to use May flowers as my inspiration!  :)  The basics every woman should have in the Spring?  I say a great pair of rain boots, a rain resistant trench, and a super stylish umbrella you aren't afraid to be seen in public with!

Hunter is a force to reckon with when talking sexy rain boots...who knew it was possible!?  The Lonny High Heal in brown and the Kellen wedge in black are great to match any outfit, still give you the height of a heal, and keep your little feet warm and dry in the spring showers!  I love the sex appeal of the Lonny, while the Kellen's mid-rise gives it a more casual day look

A great trench is something every woman should own!  Finding the right shape, length, and color for your life style and body frame is key!  For a lean frame I recommend the classic trench coat style!  For a more dramatic look, a bubble hem is great especially on curvier frame.  Bright colors are everywhere so don't be afraid of color.  If an all over pop is too much for you, changing up the belt on your trench is a fun way to play around with different looks!
 

Umbrellas are the fun part!  I still to this day think about an umbrella that I left at a restaurant.  I got it from Esta Lauder as a gift with purchase years ago!  It was beautiful!  Bright teal with water colored flowers and a curved wooden handle.  I hope it has a new owner who appreciates it as much as I did!  :)  I like to have a few umbrellas around to go with my outfit!  A fun floral pattern brightens up a rainy day, a geometric black and white print is always a safe bet, and the ultimate Chicago umbrella, the clear, wind resistant shape will get you through the roughest storms with out ruining your "do"  :)
 




Grab your spring shower essentials and create your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
 Lora

Leopard Addiction!

I'm almost positive that a few years ago you could have quoted me saying "I hate leopard print"  and "especially leopard and pink TOGETHER".  But, that is why in fashion you should never say never!!!  I have recently become slightly addicted to the massive leopard print craze!  I'm not saying that I want a full on cat suit...or even a completely leopard print dress...but I AM addicted to the tiny touches of leopard you can add to liven up an ordinary outfit and take it to an extraordinary one!


I was on a waiting list for the new leopard TOMS.  LOVE!!!!  What a great way to be comfortable, stylish, and stay completely on trend on a day-to-day basis!  PLUS, you're giving back and this is National Volunteer Month!






 

As you may have noticed in my Love Is In The Air Blog a few months back (http://shoppinggirlxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/03/love-is-in-air.html) , I'm still digging on a thin leopard belt.  It is the perfect little accessory to add some neutrals to a pop of color dress or top plus it looks great with a bright pant as seen here!!  <3  Check out my last blog to see it with a super cute dress!

My personal favorite, and the item I'm pushing the leopard print envelope with the most is my super sexy, super comfortable, super sheer leopard print cardi from Urban.  What a perfect statement piece!  Love it belted over an LBD, over a basic T and jeans combo, or even on the beach!  Leopard perfection!

So grab your go to leopard accessories, remember to never say never and create your own Style In The City!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora

Love Is In The Air!

Wedding season is fast approaching, and if you are anything like me your summer is jam packed with all different styles of exciting and beautiful shindigs!  I LOVE weddings!!  The individuality and unique style of every wedding is so intriguing to me, not to mention the massive amount of happiness flowing through the ceremony, dance floor, photo booths, and bar :)

Aside from loving all of the little details, and being surrounded by great friends, I always love to check out all of the great dresses!!!  What a fun place to style watch!  I've already begun planning my wedding wardrobes for this Spring and Summer...here are a few of my favorite go-to styles this season to be fashionable, fun, fresh, and forever comfortable at any type of wedding!







I'm loving girly cutouts!  This rich color is such a beautiful contrast with tan skin! and the shape is uber comfortable!  I'm a sucker for a dress with a little sleeve, but these adorable cut outs make it completely summer wearable on even the hottest days!  This style is perfect for an outdoor beach or garden wedding!  Pair it with some strappy wedges and keep the jewelry subtle to showcase the cutouts!  <3









I'm really digging the multilength hem on dresses this season!  The flowy material really plays up the romanticism of this dress!  I like it in a navy to keep it sophisticated but not your every day little black dress!  Pair it with a great signature necklace to add a pop of color!  I recommend a high nude heal to elongate the legs and highlight the awesome hem line! 







I adore this look!  This pink is such a fun and happy color!  I absolutely love the tiny leopard detail in the belt!  What a great look for staying beautiful and modern at the same time!  Depending on the venue, I think this dress could easily be dressed up or down with the shoes.  A nice brown sandal for an outdoor wedding, and a classic black peep toe for indoor would be perfect!








For an evening black tie wedding, this classic shape and beautiful sparkly pattern gives a perfect amount of elegant detail to a super comfortable dress!  Pair it with a gorgeous drop earring and some mat grey shoes to highlight the monochromatic movement :)  Very classy, sophisticated, and fun! 



What ever your style is, get excited for wedding season and to create your own Style In The City!                            
                                                      XOXO,
                                                 Shopping Girl,
                                                      Lora
                                        www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com
                                        

Super Bowl Slouchy Sunday!

Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect day to rock your most comfortable, cozy, easy-to-cheer in outfit!  I love Super Bowl Sunday because it gives everyone a reason to hang out with friends, sit on a comfortable couch, and enjoy the Puppies or Football...your preference!  :)

In the spirit of this lazy Sunday, I will be sending off a super short and to the point blog on what I recommend wearing to your favorite Super Bowl Sunday bash!

Bright stripes for a fun sporty vibe!

Slouchy and soft sweaters with uber comfortable leggings are the way to go!  The perfect way to be stylish, comfortable and mistakenly sexy!  :)

 Edgy, cute, and comfortable!

So understated & sexy!  <3

Red skinnies and a touch of leopard!

Stick with the colors of the 2012 Super Bowl and rock some red and blue try to mix in some brown or black as your neutral as opposed to white to stay away from being too patriotic!

Rock your own Style In The City this Super Bowl Sunday!
XOXO,
Shopping Girl,
Lora
www.shoppinggirlxoxo.com