Right Place. Right Time.

This past week was a bit of a jumble...

I started the week off by venturing online to search for internships. Job hunting never fails to leave me tight-chested and in a tizzy. 

I go through the same routine of "I'm never going to get a job. I'm living in the middle of nowhere Alabama and I'm going to have to live at home for forever and then Mike and Lisa are going to put me on the streets and I'll never get my Range Rover or French Bulldog's!"...all said in one breath...

Well, two days later I get a phone call from one of the company's I had contacted who was showing their recent collection at the Dallas Market. 

They called because one of their interns got the flu, the show was this weekend and an extra set of hands was needed. 

 I thought to myself that this was so typical. I would be in Auburn when a job in Dallas calls for me...

As I turned red in the face I had to politely inform the woman, calling me from New York, that I was in Auburn, Alabama and would be unable to attend... 

Frustrated, I called Lisa because lately I have been getting the feeling that I'm just in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Have you ever felt like that? I'm a city girl to the core and I've got a bad case of cabin fever. I miss being in cities and seeing buildings and stores. When I'm in Dallas I get a sense of opportunity that lacks in a small town. 

[Side note: I haven't seen my family or been home since the first week of August when I left for Auburn. My feelings of being in the wrong place really stem from this because I'm so far away!]

Well...Sunday rolls around and I got a text from a good friend asking if I wanted to grab Fuji  (sushi) for dinner. I happily accept and I am so glad I did...

I walked into the restaurant and a dear, dear friend of mine was at the dinner table waiting to surprise me. I haven't seen her since June and she's moving overseas in January so you can imagine my excitement. 

Naturally when I saw her skinny-mini body in an outfit I would have re-pinned on pinterest trot across the restaurant, I started to cry. But she wasn't done with the surprising...she held up her left hand to show off the most beautiful engagement ring I've ever seen! Again, more tears and squeals. 

I have never felt so much that I was in the right place at the right time than I did in that moment. Had I flown home for the weekend to work the Dallas Market, I would have missed celebrating the most special occasion with one of my favorite people. 

She never fails to remind me that my life is on track and that I'm exactly where I need to be. 

Congratulations Tinks...I couldn't be happier for the two of you!

-Lo. 

Safe Haven.

We all have those days where you aren't feeling as fierce as usual. Maybe you woke up late or your go-to outfit is in the wash or you updated your iPhone to the new iOS5 and you no longer receive text messages from non iPhone users...!!! (or heaven forbid all of the above!!)

Regardless, it's rough not having your usual fab day.

I had one of those yesterday (hint: iPhone struggles) so I decided to make today a new day! I woke up early, cleaned my room, left halloween surprises for my roommates on their beds, gave myself a kardashian-worthy middle part, threw on a great outfit (leggings, blue v-neck, blazer and rider boots) and drove myself to my safe haven: Starbucks.

Starbucks, is my safe haven, as I'm sure it is for most people. No matter what city in America, it never fails to make me feel trendy and important... and let's be honest, everyone needs to feel trendy and important every once in a while day...

Ironically, Savannah, my beautiful partner in crime fashion, sent me some wise words that I've decided to share with all of you.

Her text message reads as follows:

"From one diva to another, whenever I'm having a rough day I do one of these things: put on a fab piece of jewelry that you save for special occasions and drive directly to Starbucks, put on a cocktail dress or gown, whichever you choose, and throw yourself dramatically across a sofa, or if all else fails, go get a mani/pedi and a cookie."

Words to live by. Trust.

-Lo

P.s: What do you do when you're feeling less than fab? Where do you go? I want to hear!

RTR.

I recently applied for an internship position with a FAB company called Rent the Runway. This website offers designer dresses and accessories, available to rent, for up to 90% off!

Not only do you get chic designer-wear for less, but the return shipping is free, they send you the proper packaging for returns and NO DRY CLEANING! Not even if you spill! When you rent the dress there is a $5 insurance charge you pay that covers you for any stains or snags!

Sounds too good to be true doesn't it? Well lucky for you, this time it's not.  Help me help you update your look by registering for the website under my name!

The company liked what they saw and have put me into the 2nd round of applicants. My challenge is to get 100 people to register and I am SO close to meeting this goal but I'm going to need your help!

If you copy and paste this URL link into your browser:

http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/haines.lauren

and answer a few quick questions, we'll both be on our way to a successful, fashionable future.

Happy shopping and thanks for your support :)

-Lo.

Fall into Preppy.

Everyone has that go-to outfit. You know, the one that when you put it on you feel invincible?

My friend Savannah tends to gravitate toward jeans, a button down, her Tory Burch leopard flats, and if the weather is cool, her Fendi scarf. My friend Erin has a great pair of green denim skinny jeans from Anthro that she pairs with cool sandals and a top (usually from Urban Outfitters)

I could go on and list what you could spot my friends wearing on any given sunday...which would probably be a comical post for my friends to read...

But the point is, when the season changes to that of your preference, your wardrobe is nothing less than fabulous. And rightfully so.

Fall is about to be in full swing so I decided to show you my go-to look for the season. It's so fab (if I do say so myself) yet so simple and easy!

There is nothing better than a great, classic, button down.
Warm enough for the crispness of fall but cool enough for "Texas Fall: upper 70's low 80's
I choose to go for the over-sized look so it's long enough to wear with leggings 

ESSENTIAL! black leggings get me through the fall and winter seasons!

Sometimes I'll skip the leggings and pair with jeans.
Gap jeans are my favorite.
Great price and they last FOREVER.
Perfect every day denim. 

I have fallen in LOVE with these Steve Madden Boots. I love them in both black and brown. Definitely a great switch-up from the classic rider boot. 

Steve Madden Miidori. $150

If you know me you know I'm always sporting a HUGE bag. But I found this gem and have fallen in love with the saddle bag. The across-the-body strap is perfect for a hassle-free evening.
Target: $20

Love, love LOVE aviators. I think it really completes the preppy look.
I'm cheap so I don't have the Ray Ban's but Urban Outfitters makes excellent knock-offs for $20 

I am obsessed with my Michael Kors watch. I have the Tortoise Shell on the left.
A great watch adds so much to any outfit.

The fall brings out the preppy girl in me, what can I say?

Happy fall :) 

-Lo.