Color Me {Winter White}

It's finally starting to look like winter around here. The past few days have been filled with gray skies and colder temperatures making me feel like Christmas is right around the corner. As I do every December, I've put together some holiday theme boards that will take us right up to the celebratory day. No matter if you prefer a traditional holiday, a coastal Christmas or a winter white one like today, I'll have all the holiday cheer you need right here. 

Being in Florida, the closest thing we get to a white Christmas is sandy white beaches and a decked out Palm tree, but that can't stop a girl from dreaming right? Even if you don't live in the snowy white North, you can still create the perfect white Christmas. Adorn the tree in soft shades of white with silver accents and keep the rest of your decor neutral. Apply this theory to your holiday table as well. An ivory tablecloth topped with white plates and silver decor is just what you need to make it perfect. All that is left is to light a fire and curl up with a mug of hot chocolate! 

Weekend Reads {9.13.13}

If you follow any sort of social media you've probably realized that this week was fashion week. It's always an exciting time to see what's going to be trending the next season. Although this week of showings made me a bit sad because Summer just ended and I'm already looking to Spring. But, I'm thrilled with all the freshness that will be upon us next year. I've always considered fashion to be an insight into event trends. Chevron became a focus on the racks and the center of attention at weekend bar-b-ques and weddings alike. Next year it looks like we will be diving head first into fetes filled with soft metallics, embroidered lace detailing, bold florals, and 60s inspired prints. Here's a round up of my five favorite looks from Fashion Week that I plan on incorporating into Spring soirees...

Have a great weekend!

1. White, Bright & a Pop of Color from Mara Hoffman

2. Soft Metallics from Diane von Furstenburg

3. Lace Details from Thakoon

4. 60s Inspired Prints from Tory Burch

5. Bold Florals from Trina Turk

Color Me {Pure White}

There is something so pure and beautiful about the color white. With it's symbolization of starting a new and fresh, it's appropriate for so many occasions. Whether it be a baby shower, wedding, or the start of a new year, it's crisp clean feel works so well as an accent or center focus. I love to use it as my main color and accent with soft shades of blues and silver. The combination is like a breath of fresh air that can be used all year long. Yes, it may get dirty quicker, but when kept clean, you can't go wrong. White is just one of those colors with timeless universal appeal perfect for whatever you may need. If it was up to me, I would use it as my primary focus for everything!

Have a refreshing Monday!

Color Me {Red, White & Blue}

Happy Monday! It's Fourth of July week and we are gearing up for a week full of patriotic goodness. Over the next couple days, I will be posting some fun all American DIYs to make your July 4th gathering stand out. Today, though, I'm sharing the inspiration behind the celebration. Stars and stripes provide not only great pattern but symbolic meaning accompanied by signature shades of red, white, and blue. I plan to fill the house with bundles of red carnations and blue hydrangeas, DIY flag garland, star spangled table runners, and more. July 4th is the quintessential All American summer holiday, and one of my favorites I must say. I can't wait for the week of festive posts and the big celebration on Thursday. Until then, let's just enjoy the inspiration and dream of fireworks to come...

Have a happy day!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day friends. I hope everyone is enjoying their long holiday weekend. Today’s post is going to be short and sweet so you can all get back to the party! While today is full of celebration and fun, it’s about more than just BBQs and pool parties. Take some time today to remember those who have fought for our country, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice giving you to ability to celebrate today.  Without those individuals, we would not be the country we are. Thank you to all the veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. Words could never express how grateful I truly am for you!

Have a safe Memorial Day! 

Color Me {Green & White}

One of my favorite times of year is when the grocery stores start stocking tulips again. They have always been one of my favorite flowers and their arrival in the floral section means that spring is impending. While tulips come in all sorts of gorgeous spring colors, my favorite is white. I love how crisp and fresh the white bud is matched with the green stem. It symbolizes newness to come and brighter days ahead. The color combo is classically bright and perfect for soirees of all types.

Color Me {Black & Gold}

When searching for color inspiration this week, I found it in the lack of color. Originally inspired that by that lovely image encouraging you to eat more, I knew this week's color me post had to feature the combination of black, white and gold. It's classic with a touch of glitz and is perfect for elegant affairs. A black and white printed linen with gold flatware and gold etched menu cards. Imagine gold vases filled with anemones to top off the perfect black, white and gold table scape.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Hopefully by the time you are reading this, you have already seen the goodies Santa brought and indulged in a little Christmas morning brunch. I'm forgoing a regular post today so that I can celebrate with loved ones. So with a mimosa in hand, I wish you a happy celebration and a joyous day with family and friends! I will see you right back here tomorrow as we start to prepare for the new year! 

Merry Christmas dolls!

Color Me {White Christmas}

I shared with you last week my plan and inspiration for a blue, blue Christmas. Living in the Sunshine State and being as obsessed as I am with all things coastal, there is one type of Christmas, I'm guaranteed to never get, a white Christmas. There may be white sand beaches but pure white snows are far and few between. While a coastal holiday is my favorite, I've always dreamed of waking up to snow falling and sitting by the fireplace opening gifts. The pure, beautiful scenery fills my head as I anxiously await Christmas morning. If you're like me and enjoy a much greener holiday, here's a little white Christmas inspiration!

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is just a short week away, and I've got my table all planned out.  This year I'm going with a simplistic rustic feel. Thanksgiving is the ultimate holiday to go rustic in my book. A centerpiece of branches is perfect for guests to hang what they are thankful for on. I've laid out felt leaves in the middle of the table along with a silver sharpie so each guest can take one and write what they are thankful for and hang it on the branch. Somewhere towards the end of dinner, you can pick a leaf off and read what it says. I plan on setting up the meal as a buffet but by tieing guests silverware with a piece of twine they won't have to worry about carrying that on top of their already full plates. Keep the colors fall like and neutral using reds, oranges, and browns and whites. What I love about decorating for Thanksgiving, is you don't have to look farther than your back yard for all the items you need! How will you be decorating your table this year?

Color Me {New York City}

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a relaxing and fabulous weekend. Ever since fashion week began last week, my mind has been focused on the city. And, with the anniversary of 9/11 tomorrow, there is no taking my thoughts away from it. This magical city captures all that is classic. Full of history, it's hard to not think about it's pure beauty and significance in history. With city sights floating in my head, I'm feeling inspired today by classic New York beauty. Black and white with pops of vibrant yellow lend themselves to the industrial timeless feel of the city. I can't help but dream of an event decorated in nothing but shades of gray, black and white with the occasional pop taxi yellow. Industrial modern inspired centerpieces would top it all off perfectly.

So, as we move through this week, especially into tomorrow, my head will be constantly filled with notions of the city's great wonder, it's amazing past and bright future.

Have a lovely day!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day y'all! It's been a long, great summer and I'm very sad to see it come to an end. With traveling about and celebrating many milestones with great friends, I have sure made some memories to last. So, with the summer officially over, let's all send it out with a big bang today. I am hosting a beer tasting party a bit later today that will be featured in the next issue of LPF Mag. I can't wait to see it all brought together and spend one last summer night with friends. Instead of creating a whole new inspiration board for you today, I wanted to share one of my favorites centered around the dream of an endless summer.

Hope you all have a great holiday. How will you be celebrating the end of summer?

Color Me {Stars & Stripes}

I know it might look like I'm trying to celebrate the 4th of July all over again, but I'm not. It's time to celebrate my favorite athletic event (or series of events), The Olympics! It only comes around once every four years, so it's time to do it big and bust out the stars and stripes and root on the U.S. in true American style.  For your Olympics viewing party, stars and stripes are a must. Not only is it fun pattern play, but incredibly patriotic. If you can't be there in person, I must say that this is definitely the best way to celebrate! Striped linens, flag cupcake or burger toppers, and star shaped foods will complete the setting in perfect patriotism.

Color Me {Gray}

Hi lovlies! Happy Monday. How was everyone's weekend? Hopefully rather relaxing. Speaking of relaxing, when I want an event to have a relaxed, modern feel, I immediately turn to neutrals. In the past, I've always been a big fan of using black or white, but recently gray has taken center stage. This beautiful combination of black and white is not as harsh as black but also not as subtle as white. It goes with any shade and is the perfect neutral in my mind. Whether paired with vibrant turquoise or soft petal pink, you can't go wrong with mixing in bits of gray. It's a modern shade with a vintage feel that makes the perfect accent to any event. 

Essentially {4th of July}

Happy almost 4th! It's time to start making those final party plans and preparing for a patriotic celebration. There are so many things I naturally associate with the 4th of July that it can be hard to pin down a specific focus for a get together. For this party, I wanted to focus on American classics, you know, the things that represent American tradition. Here are some of my must haves for classic patriotic  celebration...

1. Sparklers: No Independence Day is complete without an outstanding fireworks show. But, if you are anything like me, you are too scared to set them off yourself. Sparklers are the perfect compromise and it's so fun to see what shapes you can make before they burn out!

2. Hot Dogs: A true American favorite. Whether you like it topped with chili and cheese or mustard and relish, this handheld dish is great for large gatherings. Make it fun for guests and do a hot dog bar featuring all the toppings they could imagine like ketchup, mustard, onions, relish, chili, cheese and whatever else you can thing of.

3. Cracker Jacks: This fun snack even comes with a prize inside. Serve it up as an appetizer or give each guest a box as they leave. Either way, the ball park delicacy should find a home at your soiree.

4. Red, White, & Blue Decor: Incorporate our nation's colors wherever possible such as in your food, in banners or signs, or even on the table. Make up cute sayings like "Sweet Liberty" to top off cupcakes or other sweet treats. 

5. The American Flag: No explanation necessary. The symbol of our great nation should be the focus of the event. Get creative and incorporate the different flags throughout the years.

6. Mason Jars: A true Southern American classic. While the clear jars get the point across, if you have some vintage blue jars lying around use them as vases, silverware holders, or even cups. The shade of blue is gorgeous and keeps with your color theme. 

Color Me {Red, White, & Blue}

Hi dolls! I hope everyone had a fabulous last week. Mine was amazingly relaxing and I wish I was back in the Islands already. But, another holiday is upon us and it's time to celebrate. When I was a kid, I used to hate the 4th of July because the fireworks scared the living daylights out of me. But, the older I got, the more I realized what an amazing holiday it is and how much fun it can be. I love incorporating the patriotic stars and stripes in any way possible. Striped linens topped with star shaped treats in the traditional red, white, and blue will make for one chic event. Add in new favorited American traditions like bandanas and mason jars to complete the decor. Serve up cracker jacks, hamburgers and hot dogs to make for the perfect red, white, and blue celebration! 

Celebrate in Style {La Petite Fashionista's Guide to 4th of July Style}

 Fourth of July is the one day of the year you can really show your American spirit and wear all the red, white, and blue you want. I like to add a little bit of sparkle to my looks because after all, you can't let the sparklers glitter more than you!I love the idea of mixing girly and tomboy with a sequin tank and an all-American baseball cap.  I'm also dying to DIY the American flag shorts & Free People has an awesome tutorial for them (http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/06/american-flag-shorts-diy/). It seems like the 4th always falls on one of the hottest days of the year, so make sure whatever you wear is chic & comfortable and save the heels for another day, unless you'll be the one sitting and staking out seats at the 4th of July Parade.

I hope everyone has a fun & safe Independence Day! Thanks for letting me guest post Sarah!

xoxo, lauren

Fabulous 4th of July Looks by lapetitefashionistablog featuring flats

Monki dress
€30 - monki.com

J Crew sequin top
$55 - jcrew.com

J Crew stripe shirt
$78 - jcrew.com

J Crew chambray skirt
$55 - jcrew.com

Jack Wills leather shoes
$90 - jackwills.com

Keds ballet shoes
$55 - endless.com

Flat
$20 - bakersshoes.com

Andrew Hamilton Crawford yellow gold ring
$98 - endless.com

Earrings
$42 - swellcaroline.com

Ebbets Field Flannels® for J.Crew twill ball cap
$45 - jcrew.com

Happy Memorial Day!

Hi dolls! I hope you are enjoying your 3 day weekend as much as I am. I'm spending this bonus day off waiting out the storm in hopes that the rain stops long enough for us to catch some rays by the pool and grill out on the back deck. But even if it doesn't I'm sure we will find some way to celebrate the real meaning of this holiday and honor those who fight for our country everyday. What do you all have planned for today? Hopefully something fun!

I'll be back tomorrow with a fun DIY that screams summer!

Essentially {Memorial Day}

If you stopped by yesterday, you know I gave you some great inspiration to throw your best Memorial Day bash yet. And, today I'm going to give you my essentials for helping make it fantastic. While a grill, delicious food, and laughs are a must, here are some great outdoor dining and party essentials that just happen to be patriotic!

1. Star Napkins (Pottery Barn): These linens are reminiscent of the American flag and almost too pretty to use. I love using linen napkins for a party for a couple reasons. One, they are always more festive and fit your theme. While you do have to do a load of laundry after using them, they are much more absorbent and people don't waste dozens of napkins when they could have used only one. 

2. Claudia Pearson Summer Plates (West Elm): I've always been anti disposables for a party. Especially a small festive gathering in the back yard. By using melamine, you get the same impact as real glassware but without the worry. Melamine can be dropped and tossed around and you don't have to worry about it breaking. Plus, it's 100% dishwasher safe. And, how can you beat the design that can also carry you through the Fourth of July and Labor Day?

3. Red, White, and Blue Bunting (Etsy): While I do always encourage the hanging of the American Flag, especially on patriotic holidays, it can be a little overkill to have it be the main decor item. Try keeping color scheme constant and hanging red, white, and blue bunting across the backyard in All American patterns like gingham and polka dots. 

4. Woven Pitcher (West Elm): Serve up guests delicious cocktails out of the this pitcher that will not only get you through the holiday, but all your summer soirees. The woven outer shell keeps it from sweating all over the table and is nice change from that boring old plastic pitcher everyone is used to. 

5. Crab Party Tub (World Market): Perfect for keeping beers and other drinks iced down in the hot summer heat. The blue stripes and bright red crab, both symbolic of summer, are a cute way to incorporate the colors of the day. It's also a much more eye pleasing alternative to the traditional plain cooler! 

What are you summer party essentials? I'd love to know so I can add them to my list! 

Color Me {All American}

Hi dolls! Happy Monday. I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm starting to get really excited because one of my favorite holidays is just a week a way. To me, Memorial Day is more than just another day off of work, it symbolizes the start of summer and is an amazing way to remember all the amazing things men and women have stood up for in honor of our country over the years. While the official beginning of summer won't come until the middle of June, I can't help but think of Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of sun and fun. And, what better way than a patriotic backyard BBQ to welcome in the next couple months of outdoor celebrations. I'm imagining a yard full of friends and family indulging in fresh slices of watermelon, BBQ chicken, homemade ice cream and ice cold beers. Decorate with red, white, and blue accents and throw in touches of the stars and stripes to complete the soiree. If you are lucky, begin the whole fete with a celebration at the beach. After all, Memorial Day does symbolize the official opening of the beaches!

How will you celebrate this amazing and fun holiday next week?