Maine Girl

{ Satin-finish linen jacket and wide leg pants: Marc Jacobs NYC} Photo from Vogue December 2010   These looks from Marc Jocobs spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection inspired me to paint my nails a bright coral shade this evening. {OPI's conga-line-coral} I was thinking about how happy these shades of orange make me feel! {Moi} top: Talbots skirt: Banana Republic sequin tie belt: Talbots These are a few orange beads and findings that I will incorporate in my new earring designs. {A beautiful tree in my neighbors yard} {These are just a few orange items that I have a crush on}

Mixing up your patterns and textures looks very interesting, but sometimes can be a challenge when you are deciding how to wear them. The last thing you want to look like is a clown, which unfortunately happens waaay to often. Sometimes when I am out there in the world I may observe what a lady is wearing and wonder, "Was she trying to mix her patterns and textures or is this a mistake? Or was she even trying to make a statement?" This is what you don't want people to be thinking when they look at you. What you want people to think is, "Wow, that is different, but it looks great!" Here are a few tips on how to mix it up without looking like you escaped from the funny farm: 1~ Keep within the same color palate. And if you are going to introduce another color then through something else in with a pattern with that color in it (See the above photo of the look with the blue polka dot skirt and paisley blouse that I created using Polyvore. I introduced an orangey re...

Okay, so you have enough to think about as the holidays near.......but have you thought about what you are going to wear to those many events that you have coming up? Don't let the holidays creep up and take you by surprise. Make your plans now! Choosing what to wear may sound like a petty task that can wait until last on your to do list, but if it seems so petty then why not make it first on your planner and get it over with! Watch the videos below for some Laura's Style HOLIDAY Fashion Tips to get you started! {HOLIDAY celebration night out with your sweetheart} {HOLIDAY celebration night out with your girlfriends} {HOLIDAY hostess} {HOLIDAY office party} {HOLIDAY office party}

When we think of a tuxedo we typically think of menswear. It was Yves St. Laurent who made tuxedo style dressing a classic look for ladies as well. I happen to adore this look for it's total chicness. But it is important that ladies know how to wear this most elegant look. Since this look leans towards the masculine side you must make sure that your hair and makeup are ultra feminine for balance so that you can look as sexy as possible.  Remember how sexy Jennifer Beals looked wearing a tux in the movie Flashdance? (see photos below) You don't get any sexier than that! These great tuxedo style pants are from Gap! Really elegant and within my budget at $69.50! LOVE this tuxedo style look in red that Heidi Klum wore for the Project Runway fashion show finale! A little bit non traditional. Sooooo pretty and unexpected. Here is another non traditional tuxedo style look from Zara. I adore the cropped pants and the fact that she's not dressed all in black.

{Tory Burch} When we think of shorts we typically think of a hot summer day or we think about vacationing in the Caribbean. Well, it's time for change, right? Well, when it comes to fashion anyway;) Why not try a pair of wool shorts this fall and winter?! Wear them with tights just like you would a skirt and you have an instant updated modern look! I personally would wear them with flats like the model in the photo below. But if you are feeling daring, wear them with a heel and flaunt your fabulousness! {Talbots} {Vince} {Theory} {Elizabeth and James}

During the 17th and 18th centuries lace was a sign of prestige and wealth. Could that be why we are still obsessed with the look of lace? Some ladies think that wearing lace can only mean that you are getting ready for a special event. We relate lace to wedding dresses, party dresses and such, but now lace is incorporated in accessories, knit tops, and even jeans! Here are a few examples of lovely lace infused designs that made me look twice.  {I included the links so that you could purchase each piece if you desire.} {Spinning Lace dress from Anthropologie}  {Jersey Lace Overlay tee and Black Lace Layered dress by Tracy Reese.} For just a hint of lace try it on a belt. It will add instant femininity.....and an instant waistline. {Left: ASOS lace skinny belt            Right: Newport News lace overlay fabric belt {Charlotte Russe} I have a feeling that this is going to be a necessary piece for wardrobe. Worn with jeans, black trousers, or a bl...