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

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

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

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

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

I am always on the lookout for great-fitting denim jackets for clients. It’s a wardrobe staple that most women I style are in need of to help complete their wardrobe.

I love what InStyle Magazine {March 2012, page 242} said about the denim jacket :: “It can make a sophisticated outfit look casual, and a casual one look cool.”

While shopping with a client a few days ago, I discovered a very flattering, light-weight and affordable {just $58!} jacket by Sister Moon at Nordstrom that is definitely worth trying on if you are on the market for a new denim jacket. {The above picture of this jacket doesn’t do it justice…promise!}

I wish there was a picture available online {there’s not} of the back of this jacket. The back has a “vent” that is really cute and unique. The light material and cropped cut of this jacket makes it easy to throw on over sundresses for Spring/Summer.

Stylishly yours, Lauren

Styling tip :: As the temps get warmer, try pairing a bright blazer with a simple white tee or tank, cuffed jeans or shorts and sandals. Since the blazer’s color is bright, you can keep the rest of your outfit simple and still look stylish and pulled together!

Here’s a few fabulous options ::

The J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer, $175. {available in several colors, pictured here in Chili}

H&M Blazer in Coral Pink, $34.95. {available in several colors, pictured in Coral Pink}

Gibson Linen Blazer, $88. {available in lots of shades, pictured here in Cornflower}

Stylishly yours, Lauren

If you don’t own a “neutral” wedge, this is, hands-down, the first priority. By neutral, I mean something that you can wear with different shades of browns, blacks, navy, gray and white, as well as any other color. My three suggestions for a neutral shoe is either a nude, a gold metallic or a silver metallic. {If you go for a metallic, select the metal of which you wear the most jewelry.}

Nude. Charles by Charles David Thrice Wedge, $59.95.

Gold Metallic. DV by Dolce Vita Onya Sandal, $88.95.

Silver Metallic. Kenneth Cole Reaction Warm Cedar Sandals in Pewter, $69.99.

If you have the neutral wedge covered, a nautical inspired wedge is another incredibly versatile spring and summer wedge. Navy goes with just about anything and stripes add a fun pattern to most any outfit!

Nautical #1. Tory Burch Karissa Espadrille, $195.

Nautical #2. Splendid Kutie Sandal, $118.95.

Nautical #3. Sperry Top-Sider Harbordale Wedge Sandal, $108. {A client purchased these this week and said they were the most comfortable wedges she’s ever worn!}

If you are a fan of the all the bright colors trending this season, then it’s the perfect time to incorporate a vibrant colored wedge into your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to mix it up by wearing a contrasting bright top, pants or dress with a pair of bright sandals!

Color #1. Kate Spade Bailyn in Orange Patent, $225.

Color #2. DV by Dolce Vita Tulle in Turquoise, $79.

Color #3. Old Navy Canvas-Strap Mid Wedges in Khaki/Yellow, $25.

Last but not least, patterned wedges are another stylish option this season. If you are someone who tends towards solids in your clothing selections, a printed shoe is a great way to subtly incorporate some pattern into your wardrobe.

Patterned #1. Tory Burch Camilla Mid Wedge Espadrille, $185.

Patterned #2. Vince Camuto Raven, $95.

Patterned #3. Charles David Baja Sandal, $134.95.

Happy Sandal Shopping! If you try on and/or purchase any of these featured pairs, please report back and let us know what you think! Lauren

Drum-roll please….

The winner of $100 gift certificate towards any service by Contain Home Organization is Allie Schellhammer!! Congratulations, Allie! Your life is about to change for the good and you are going to absolutely LOVE working with Michelle!!

For the rest of you Atlanta gals who entered in hopes of winning, I have great news! Contain Home Organization is offering all Edit by Lauren clients and blog followers an exclusive, limited time discount. Book an appointment by May 31, 2012 and receive $50 off a 2-hour in-home consultation in the room or space of your choice! {Appointment date can fall after May 31st to qualify, just needs to be booked and pre-paid by this date.}

Happy Spring Cleaning! Lauren

A fabulous, “go-to” signature accessory. It amazes me how many women underestimate the power of a great accessory to literally transform their wardrobe. I hear women say all the time:: “I can’t afford to spend money on jewelry, I need to spend my money on clothes.” The truth is that a single statement necklace or one fun pair of earrings can recreate what is already hanging in your closet!

If you are budget-conscious, I highly recommend treating yourself to one new piece of playful costume jewelry for the new year…something you absolutely LOVE. If you are an earring girl, try a pair of statement earrings like chandelier earrings with are both on-trend and highly-versatile. Or, if you are not afraid of a bold accessory, try a statement necklace in a color or metallic that you adore. If you are more conservative when it comes to accessorizing, select a unique delicate necklace that becomes your everyday go-to piece. Any of these three selections can be paired with anything from jeans and a tee shirt to a cocktail dress and everything in between. Over time, you’ll be amazed at how many more outfits you feel like you own as you collect a great selection of jewelry. And even if you have just one or two pieces of jewelry you adore, you will be amazed by how this little investment adds a pop to the simplest of outfits and becomes the conversation piece of your outfit while you are out and about.

A few examples::

1. Chandelier Earrings.

Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings

Signature Clover Chandelier Earrings

2. A Statement Necklace.

Casablanca Bib Necklace

Marchesa Necklace

Leona Pendent Necklace

3. A delicate necklace.

Panther Pendent Necklace

After Midnight Necklace

Infinity Charm Necklace

Stylishly yours, Lauren