Happy January, my dears! I am really on a resolutions kick, aren’t I? To continue, today I would like to make a few style resolutions. I may be able to put a room together, but when it comes to my own outfits I am sorely lacking. Especially since having a child, I have been really letting my sartorial sense go. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I was really happy with an outfit I was wearing, and I’ve had about enough of that. To illustrate my resolutions, I’ve chosen a few favorite images from Kendi Everyday – don’t you just love her?

Sartorial Resolution #1: Practice the “rule of 3″

Have you heard about the “rule of three”? It states that adding a third item to your outfit (scarf/jacket/cardigan/etc.) is what makes it look pulled-together. Yes, I definitely need to do that.

Sartorial Resolution #2: Try new shapes.

I tend to reach for the same types of things when I go shopping. What’s the point of that? Next time I shop I resolve to try on a few things a bit outside my comfort zone. A long skirt looks fun and comfy for spring, don’t you think?

Sartorial Resolution #3: Wear more dresses.

They’re cute, and so easy. With thick tights and boots they work right through winter, and in summer there is nothing simpler or more chic than a sundress with flat leather sandals.

Sartorial Resolution #4: Wear a signature color.

I am thinking red. Whether in a small dose like shoes or a main piece like a coat, red cheers me up so why not make it a regular part of my wardrobe – what to reach for when I need a little boost. : )

Sartorial Resolution #5: Develop a few go-to casual running around looks.

Let’s face it, I am the mom of an active toddler. Most of my life is spent chasing him around, and I need clothes that work for playgrounds, playgroups, grocery shopping, and other mundane things – but that’s no reason I can’t also look cute and stylish, right?

So, those are my top 5 style resolutions for 2012…now I want to hear yours! xo Laura

(all images: Kendi Everyday)

1. The Trail Blazer. So cute, right? Now, I am not a big drinker, but I do appreciate a well crafted cocktail from time to time; especially when made with top notch ingredients and fresh herbs from the garden, yum! Plus, I am such a sucker for nice packaging, and Eva seems to choose the prettiest bottles – perfect for setting on a cute little bar tray in the living room.

2. The Outside Land. I love ginger drinks, so these first two sound delicious to me…and the outfit above would be so cute on my hubby! I think he would really like the sneakers, and probably the sunglasses, too, but he’d likely veto the bag ;)

3. August Dusk. Have you tried absinthe? It has quite a history, and has been enjoying a revival here in the States recently. I wouldn’t recommend drinking it straight, it’s strong stuff! But a little mixed into a cocktail imparts a deliciously warming anise flavor.

4. Mister Bramble & 5. Boyes-enberry Bliss. That dress! Those shoes! The straws! And what a very pretty drink, too. Don’t you think “Boyes-enberry Bliss” and “Mister Bramble” would make wonderful signature drinks at a wedding? You can find all of the recipe details, sources for the outfits and more in the Swell Sips column on Monkey in Los Angeles.

Cheers to Monday! xo Laura

(images/layouts: Monkey in Los Angeles)

Have you ever heard that most people either have a talent for decorating their homes or dressing well – but not both? Ha ha. Well, I am afraid that does fit for me – and you know I have a lovely home, so…! Really though, I know what I like when it comes to clothes but I have trouble stepping it up and getting out of my comfort zone of jersey top + jeans + ballet flats. In other words, I could use some serious style inspiration/motivation!

One thing I loved about this GOOP article was that Gwyneth showed how to wear each of her favorite pieces two ways, like the gorgeous long jersey dress above. I could see myself wearing a long dress like this to Bixby’s first birthday party in our backyard with a fun necklace, flat sandals, and a light cardigan.

All of Gwyneth’s picks are available to purchase at Net-a-Porter – but of course if you are like me, your wallet is not fat enough to buy these exact items! Luckily, there are so many other good options these days from Anthro to Old Navy, it shouldn’t be too hard to recreate some of these looks on a real-world budget. You can see the full article along with all of the past archives (and subscribe to get it weekly in your inbox) on the GOOP site. Enjoy! xo Laura

(all images: GOOP)

Let me tell you, it was difficult to pick just one! I ended up choosing La Tour Eiffel because I love the simple chic striped top and black a-line skirt, I could see this being worn well by all different kinds of people and body types.

And if you don’t win the giveaway, don’t despair – Shabby Apple is also offering a 10% discount on anything from their shop for Lolalina readers :) Simply enter the code “lolalina10off” at checkout. There are tons of adorable choices in the shop, and I wish I knew about their cute maternity line, Mama Apple, when I was pregnant with Bixby! If you would like to enter the giveaway, visit Shabby Apple and then leave a comment below between now and Tuesday, March 8.

And remember…

• Include your first name and last initial, along with a valid email address (only I will see your email address); no anonymous entries will be accepted.
• If you have won a giveaway on Lolalina in the past year, you are not eligible.
• Get a BONUS ENTRY if you “like” Shabby Apple on Facebook – to do this, leave one comment as your regular entry, then come back and leave a SECOND comment after liking Shabby Apple’s Facebook page.
• Get a SECOND BONUS ENTRY if you blog or tweet about this contest and link back to this post. To do this, leave one comment as your regular entry, then leave ANOTHER comment with a link to your post or the caption of your tweet and your twitter username.
• Only one entry per person, unless you have “liked” Shabby Apple on Facebook or tweeted or posted about the contest!
• I will announce the winner in a new post on Wednesday, March 9.

Now doesn’t this make Wednesday a little more fun? :) Good luck everyone!!!

I love how simple this outfit is, and so easy to change up with accessories. Just for fun, I am imagining that this lovely lady above is going to work at her job in the Art Department of a small literary magazine…

(I must apologize in advance for a few items that are no longer available – they will have to be for inspiration only!)

While walking from the train station she uses this witty umbrella (it means shit, it’s raining ;) to keep her dry. At her workspace she perches on this little stool and makes herself a cup of tea using her favorite teapot. While waiting for her jasmine green to brew, she enjoys looking at the art above her desk: an Inaluxe print which inspires her color sense & a Paper Jam Press poster that makes her smile. She flicks on her lamp and makes a few calls using her fire engine red telephone, jotting off notes on chic gray stationary before joining her team to meet about the new issue.

So happy Monday, friends! Let’s all get off to a stylish start, shall we?

(images: linked to sources above)

Drapey knit top +  shimmery mini + opaque tights = 9-to-5 fete

Little black dress + longish cardigan + crystal necklace = cocktail party

Silky printed dress + sweatercoat + cozy scarf + flat boots = bakery stop

Slim pants + ruffled top + striped cardigan + heeled oxfords = decking the halls

Ikat shift + woodland sweater + ribbed tights + moccasins = hosting at home

Don’t you find this a tricky time of year to dress for? If I’m honest, my impulse is to throw on jeans, boots and a sweater every day. But maybe a little trip to Anthro will convince me there is a better way…

(images: Anthropologie)

Specimental is a gorgeous line of jewelry made by Laura Treloar – who also happens to be a high school Art teacher and mama to three little boys! That feather necklace above made my jaw drop. Want to see more?

Such gorgeousness! I love the natural materials and rich colors she uses; each piece feels like a little bit of found treasure.

(images: Specimental)

The necklace has a sweet feather charm and a quote from Emily Dickinson, “hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul”. I think this would feel so good to wear, don’t you? And then there is this one:

So sweet + inspiring. I just love Lisa Leonard! I hope your Friday is off to a beautiful start, and I will be back later in the day with my happy weekend post!

(images: Lisa Leonard Designs)

Or perhaps something like this:

Ah, but then I may never leave the house. And alas, I do need to leave the house. On Monday is my first web design class, and I am going to need something to wear aside from snuggly pajamas and leggings! Like, oh, maybe something like this:

Ah, but you know what no one tells you? That after you have a baby, there will be this interminable period of time when you still don’t fit into your pre-baby clothes, and yet you can’t wear your maternity clothes anymore either. Which is why I find myself somewhat dreading a shopping trip this afternoon to pick up a few in-between outfits. Repeat after me: I deserve to look lovely right now, no matter what size I am!

(images: Toast)

Toggle coat + Cross-body bag + Lace-up boots + Cute bike

Layered tops + Blazer + Jeggings + (more) Lace-up boots

Jacket + Bold necklace + Full skirt + Cowgirl boots

Do you have any favorite outfits you’re yearning to pull on again once the weather changes?

(images: Urban Weeds)