Edit by Lauren

The Shift Dress

This 60’s style is coming back…only it’s not so, well, 60’s; and that’s how we like it! This is a stylish, chic, and wearable trend for virtually any body type. Whether you are a corporate working woman, or catching lunch with some friends, the shift dress is so versatile it can be worn for multiple occasions, day-to-night.

A couple of my favorite ways to wear this trend are:

1. With a long necklace, or long layering necklace(s). This draws the eye up and down, and really creates a slimming effect to this dress that can so often look shapeless.
2. Belted with a skinny belt. Since this dress does not have a defined waistline, create one and give your curvy figure some credit! Try a dress like this one below, from LOFT, with a skinny leopard belt.
3. With a chunky, statement necklace & wedges. Pair with a fun color statement necklace, like the Stella & Dot below. Then wear with wedges or pumps to elongate your legs.

Follow these tips, and you will be rocking the shift dress in no time!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

Courtney’s Married!

To all of my fellow fashionista blog readers,

I’m back! After taking a long hiatus from blogging (I am SO sorry!), I am back on track. A little update on why I’ve been missing you all… I have spent the past couple of months planning my wedding, and boy did it turn into a full-time job. After much anticipation, I got married on March 24 and have since been making the move into the Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta. Now that I’m settled in and back in the groove, you can expect to hear more from me! I’ll be bringing you all the latest tips, trends, and no-no’s for your summer fashions.

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

it’s shorts season!

Tis the season for shorts! I can’t remember a summer with more colorful and patterned shorts available…and I am absolutely obsessed with these styles! {And now that I live in Texas, I am quickly learning that shorts are going to be my primary wardrobe staple when the temps heat up June through August.}

The great thing about shorts this season is that virtually any length, style and color is “in.” I find that cuffed shorts are usually more flattering if you have curvy legs/thighs and often tell clients not to be afraid to try on shorts a size larger than their regular pant size. You don’t want to shorts to fit tight on the thighs and, thus, often going up a size can help the leg to appear leaner. Another leg slimming tip? Try pairing shorts with a low wedge sandal for instant lengthening of the leg.

Here’s a few pairs to keep your eye on ::

I’m loving these black/white patterned shorts by The LOFT, $39.99. These could be easily dressed up for evening wear and would look classic paired with a black or white top or combined with a pop of color, such as coral.

I saw these Merona patterned shorts from Target {$17.99} featured on another fashion blog recently. They looked much cuter on than they appear online and would looke great paired with a navy or black top and a pop of turquoise jewelry.

These Sunlit Antique Paisley Shorts by J.Crew {$59} are just so happy. And I love them paired with a chambray shirt, as shown in the picture. {I get so many questions about what to pair with a chambray shirt…so here is a great look for summer!}

In my opinion, J.Crew has the corner on the market when it comes to solid colored chino shorts. They come in over 5 lengths and styles, ranging from a 3″ inseam to a 9″ inseam {pictured below} as well as over 10 colors.

Since I’m pretty much obsessed with anything striped, it’s no surprise that I think these Striped Nico Shorts by Kate Spade {$198} are pretty fantastic. These are so classic and could easily be worn for endless summers to come.

These Gap Ikat shorts are unique and come in three color choices {$49.99, pictured here in blue/black}. If you are shopping the Gap site, I am also liking the Paisley Canvas shorts in Orange.

These Scalloped Lace Shorts by Free People {$78} are a very feminine dressy-casual look for summer.

Stylishly yours, Lauren

The Webster at Target

I stumbled upon Target’s newest designer collection, The Webster Miami, while buzzing through the store this week. The bold floral patterns and bright colors from this Miami-based art deco designer collaboration immediately caught my eye. I was fortunate to arrive at the store in the early morning, as the Target employees were stocking this new line of clothes, so I was able to view the majority of the collection in a full variety of sizes and colors! Since I believe it is nearly impossible to have too many summer dresses, I had to try a few of these cute tropical patterned dresses on…and absolutely LOVED the styles and fit! This collection is so fun and so flattering, I encourage you to RUN, not walk, to Target if you are craving some bold color and/or patterns in your warm-weather wardrobe. Or, shop the collection online. As I am writing this blog, the online availabily for these fun pieces is very good…but I don’t think they will stay in stock for long!

Here are the two dresses I purchased::

The Easy Waist Dress in Navy/Melon Deco Print, $44.99. This dress is a great length, a swing skirt and is super flattering! I normally don’t like the fabric tie belts that come with dresses, but this one actually cinches the waist well. This dress could also be worn with a wide belt. I also like that this dress could be worn into the Fall by pairing it with boots.

The Strapless Maxi Dress in Cream Wallpaper Print, $44.99. I was attracted to the colors and bold print of this dress. This dress can be dressed up or down depending on what shoes and accessories are paired with it. It is very pretty and surprisingly expensive-looking in person. I could envision this being dressed up with a nude heel and gold jewelry for a outdoor summer wedding.

And, here are other dresses I am eyeing ::

The Easy Waist Short Sleeve Dress in Melon, $36.99. Love the color of this dress {coral is my favorite summer color this year!}. Though I didn’t get to see this dress in person, I’m pretty sure this is the easy-to-wear kind of dress I would throw on with flat sandals and a fun necklace and want to live in all summer.

The Crossback Tiered Dress, $39.99. If you are looking for a white dress for summer, I think this one is so pretty!

And some fun accessories, too ::

The Striped Wedge Sandal in Green/Blue, $39.99. How fun are these?!

The Palm Straw Tote, $39.99. Perfect for the pool/beach!

Last but not least, this Bandeau bikini in the navy Palm Print is super cute, too!

Can you tell I’m a little crazy about this collection?!?! If you purchase a piece from the Webster at Target, please comment and tell us what you found and love!

Stylishly yours, Lauren

a white summer shirt

If I were to have “too many” of one article of clothing during the summer, it would be white tops and blouses. There are few summer looks I love more that a crisp white top or blouse accessorized with bright jewelry and paired with cuffed jeans or shorts. Since there are endless ways to wear and accessorize a white blouse, the look never gets old and never goes out of style. I am currently mourning the loss of my favorite white blouse, which I have literally worn out over the past three summers and have been on a mission to find a replacement {or two!}. You’ll notice by the selections below that I particularly attracted a lacy, bohemian-styled top…I find these tops look great with a variety of accessories and dress up a casual shorts outfit with ease on hot summer days.

Here’s a few in the contending…

The Artha Peasant Blouse, $128.

The Sagiso Blouse, $168.

The J.Crew Tessa Top, $88.

Lucky Brand Jasmine Cutout Blouse, $99.

The J.Crew Rococo Shell, $128.

If you’ve recently purchased a perfect white top, please do share!

Stylishly yours, Lauren

add some prep to your step!

For those of you who define your style as “preppy,” your perfect summer shoe has been born!

Sperry Top-Siders and Milly have joined together for a genius designer collaboration. I love the feminine, vintage-inspired Milly prints combined with the comfort of a classic Top-Sider.

How fun are these?!

The Southport Sandal, $194.

The Cunard Wedge, $195.

The Milly Authentic Original Top-Sider, $125.

If you are searching for this collection online, I found that the Sperry Top-Sider website was sold out of most of the Milly Collection, but that other sites such as Nordstrom and Piperlime still have many of these shoes in stock.

Stylishly yours, Lauren

Orange Crush

Tangerine {or “Tangerine Tango” to be specific} is the “official” color of 2012 according to the Pantone Color Institute.

Here’s what Pantone says about this color, “Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward…Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it.”

One of the best things about a vibrant orange/coral/tangerine hue is that there is a shade within this color spectrum that looks great on EVERYONE. These tones instantly “wake up” the skin and make you look more tan and vibrant. It may take trying on a few shades of orange to find the color that best suits you, but I promise, there is a shade in this color family that will flatter you well!

If you want to incorporate some fresh color into your wardrobe this summer, you must try adding a shade of orange! Orange looks fantastic paired with white and looks fresh accessorized with gold and/or turquoise.

Here are some orange pieces to crave ::

What a pretty ballet inspired halter wrap dress by Ann Taylor {modeled by actress Kate Hudson in picture below}! This versatile dress could be worn for SO many occasions from a summer wedding to a shower or luncheon to an outdoor cocktail party.

How fun is this coral-colored crochet belt from Anthropologie? Worn with contrasting colors or neutrals, this is sure to make any simple outfit pop! {I am adding this to my personal wish list pronto!}

A brightly colored pair of shorts like these chino shorts from J.Crew is an easy way to wear orange.

I love the look of adding a little burst of orange to your arm with a colorful enamel bracelet like this newly released bangle by Stella & Dot. Looks great worn alone or layered with other bracelets and bangles.

Tory Burch has designed a fabulous collection of orange wedges, flats and sandals this season. I am loving ALL of them, especially this comfortable thong sandal.

This is a great, very affordable little orange top that could be worn with jeans or dressed up for the office by tucking it into a skirt or slacks. {It’s one of Rachel Zoe’s picks on Piperlime, too!}

Last but not least, how fun is this Kate Spade coral wristlet? It’s so bright and happy, I want to carry it everywhere this summer!

Stylishly yours, Lauren

A Charming Mother’s Day Gift Idea

Looking for a Mother’s Day gift idea? Moms and grandmothers of all ages LOVE the Stella & Dot charm collection. And this month, in honor of Mother’s Day, select pieces in this collection is on sale. If you are looking for a personalized, stylish gift idea, creating a charm necklace for the special mother in your life is a perfect present.

Here’s what to do::

1. Start with a base. Our 18″ delicate chain in gold or silver {$29-$34, pictured below} is most popular. Other length chains are also available.

2. Select charms.

I recommend picking initial charms {$21.75-$25.50 on sale} to represent children’s or grandchildren’s initials.

You can also select our Signature “Mom” Charm {$25.50-$29.95 on sale, pictured below}. This statement charm looks great layered with initial charms or surrounded by smaller charms like our birthstone charms or small symbol charms.

Accent the necklace with birthstone charms {$19, pictured below} or one of our small symbol charms, such as a heart {$16}.

All chains and charms are available in either Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil and are lead and nickel free.

And one more idea if you are shopping for a classic-styled lady, she may enjoy a necklace from the Stella & Dot La Coco Collection, many of which are also on sale in honor of Mother’s Day. For example, the La Coco Pearl Necklace {pictured below} is a fabulous gift now on sale for just $29.25.

If you are a mom who would love one of these pieces yourself, feel free to give a “hint” to your hubbie, children or other family member and pass along my email to them {lauren@editbylauren.com}. I am happy to help your loved one select or create a fabulous piece for you!

As far as shipping goes, click here to view the Stella & Dot Mother’s Day shipping schedule. Order through this Sunday, May 6th at 11:59pm CST for guaranteed Mother’s Day delivery via standard shipping. All jewelry come complimentary gift wrapped in pretty boxes, ready to gift.

Happy {early} Mother’s Day to all you hard-working Moms! Lauren

The Best Facial…ever!

If you are an Atlanta girl, I have a little secret I want to let you in on…I have discovered the hands-down BEST facial in town. I have had dozens of facials over the course of my life and none even come close to comparing to this one!

I’ll be honest…I have never had a “perfect” complexion. I’ve struggled with on-going acne since my teenage years and most recently, thanks to hormones from my pregnancy with the twins last year, I now have a lovely condition many of you fellow-mommy’s can relate to called “melasma” or hyper-pigmintation. I have tried countless products for both conditions, including professional peels, microdermabrasion, etc.  I was in a desperate state when a friend referred me to Caroline Brown, esthetician and owner of Renew Skin Care Studio.

The first thought I had when I was introduced to Caroline is that she has the most gorgeous, radiant complexion I have ever seen! {It’s more than obvious that she knows what she is doing when it comes to skin care!} The minute I stepped into Caroline’s private studio I felt instantly relaxed…and then the facial?! Holy moly, it’s unbelievable…and lasts 2 hours!

It’s truly the only facial I’ve ever experienced where I not only leave with a radiant face but actually see results for the next days and weeks. For the first time in my entire life, I am receiving compliments on my skin. People tell me my skin glows…and that certainly is not because I am getting plenty of sleep these days or eating a perfect diet! Caroline has me on a brightening regime that is really working. {Even my hubby told me he noticed results within a few weeks of me starting on it.} And I’ve recently added a few acne products to focus on the area of my face prone to breaking out. My problem areas cleared up within a couple days and I have yet to have a single breakout since.

It feels like a true miracle!

If you schedule a visit with Caroline, please tell her I sent you! You will love her {and love me for referring you!}.

Renew Skin Care Studio

Caroline Brown, Licensed Esthetician and Owner

404.512.0543

caroline_brown@bellsouth.net

Stylishly yours, Lauren

fantastic flip-flops

Every gal needs a great pair of flip-flops for summertime. Yes, flip-flops are a practical and necessary shoe for the beach, pool and lake, but why not also consider them as a stylish accessory for slipping on with shorts or a sundress for running errands on a hot day?

Here’s a few pairs I’m currently eying…

The Tory Burch Enamel Logo Flip Flop in Habanero Pepper, $50.

The Havaianas Slim Lace Flip Flop, $40. {Havaianas have been my favorite flip flops for years. They are super comfy and durable!}
The J.Crew Skinny Wedge Flip-Flop, $22. {Shown in Pewter, many other colors are available.}

Stylishly yours, Lauren