The Cardio Skort

In case you haven't already heard, there is a wonderful new "invention" in the world of women's athletic wear: the cardio skort! Cute and feminine in style and superb in comfort, this is a must-have for any running/walking/cardio-loving woman! I personally have found this new skort much more comfortable than running shorts...I have tested it out in running, walking and even in spin class! I must warn you, however, that until this trend catches on across the public at large, it will seem that everyone asks you if you are playing tennis, thus mistaking the skort for a tennis skirt! :)

Two to try: Target carries a few skorts made by Champion (both of my skorts are from Target) like this C9 by Champion® Basic Run Skort (pictured and priced at $19.99). Nike also carries a variety of colors and styles such as the Dri-FIT Core Knit Women's Running Skirt (currently on sale for $41.99 instead of $60.00)

Currently, Target is offering free shipping on women's clothing items when you spend $50. Click here for this deal.

I am packing up and heading out to warm, sunshiny Florida with some of my best college girlfriends today for a girl's weekend in Orlando! No blogging for me while I am away...so look for the next new blog on Monday! Until then...have a great weekend!

Stylishly yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Edit by Lauren's Mother's Day Specials

Mother's Day is quickly approaching!

How will you be saying "I love and appreciate you" to your fabulous mom, wife or grandmother on Sunday, May 10?

Give the Mom in your life the unique Gift of Style and Luxury this Mother's Day with an Edit by Lauren Gift Certificate. Each gift certificate comes stylishly wrapped and ready to present...and is promised to make it to you (or the lucky mom!) no later than the Saturday before Mother's Day.

Edit by Lauren's Incredible Mother's Day Specials (valid through May 10, 2009):

• Special #1: A 2-hour Edit Your Wardrobe Consult: $115 (valued at $200)
• Special #2: A 1-hour "mini" Edit Your Wardrobe Closet Consult plus 1-hour of personalized shopping: $135 (valued at $215)
• Special #3: A 2-hour "complete" Edit Your Wardrobe Closet Consult plus 2-hours of personalized shopping: $275 (valued at $400)

Visit www.editbylauren.com for details on services. Contact Lauren at lauren@editbylauren.com to place an order or with any questions! **Edit by Lauren travels for appointments over the entire Southeast. Inquire for rates.**

Stylishly Yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

A Faux Summer Glow

No matter where you live, nobody wants to be pale-faced now that Spring has fully arrived. I am a huge advocate of sunscreen...and especially slathering a high level of SPF on my face. Unfortunately, we all know that the price to pay for preventing future wrinkles is giving up a present-day natural tan. Thus, I believe face bronzer is one of the greatest inventions of all time!! The best bronzer I have found is Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder . (Thanks to my friend, Nicole, for turning me onto this product!) This bronzer is sure to give you the perfect "I just returned from a week in the Caribbian" bronze! And a faux summer glow is the perfect accessory to any outfit!

P.S. Click here for free shipping on any Nars online order!

Stylishly yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Men's Style Monday: The Pocket Square

Like the tie-bar, the pocket-square is another stylish men's suiting accessory this year. Pocket-squares should be worn as just a small straight line peeking out of the pocket (as pictured). These are an easy, inexpensive way to add a pop of color to any suit. Don't be afraid to experiment with a bold color this spring and summer. Jos. A Banks offers a silk pocket-square in 18 colors, for only $18/each. Consider these as a more unusual Father's Day gift this year than a tie!


Stylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

The Maxi Dress

In case you haven't already noticed, the Maxi (long) Sundress is a trend-setter this season. I wore a Maxi today and was amazed by the comfort, as well as the ease of transitioning from daytime to night with a simple change of my shoes. Maxi dresses are flattering on pretty much all body types (unless you are very petite/short, in which case the dress might appear to overtake you!)...and I think they are particularly flattering showcasing the baby-bump of pregnant women! Two to check out: Forever 21's Floral Eyelet Maxi Dress ($27.80) and Nordstrom's Velvet Touch Maxi Sundress ($58) that is available in a variety of colors (Turquoise pictured here).

Stylishly yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Celebrate Earth Day with Origins

Happy Earth Day! Help celebrate with Origins Earth Day offer! April 22 Only! Choose 4 FREE skin care samples with any Online order. Select during checkout while supplies last.Plus receive Free Standard Shipping with any $75 order. 

2 easy ways to help the planet with Origins:
1. Plant a tree. Buy A Perfect World Antioxidant moisturizer, and Orgins plant a tree on your behalf.
2. Recycle. Bring empty cosmetic jars, bottles or tubes to any Origins store and Origins will recycle them for you.

Cheers to going green!

Lauren 

www.editbylauren.com

Recycle Your Wardrobe at Sage

Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22nd and in honor of celebrating our Planet, all three Sage Atlanta locations will accept gently worn clothing to donate to the Salvation Army. Bring in up to 5 items and receive 22% off each new clothing item you purchase (up to 5 items). While you in store, pick up a recycled Sage bag and receive 10% off all your future shopping trips!

Here's to the Earth...and to good deals!
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Men's Style Monday: The Cardigan

This preppy essential made a huge comeback this past Fall/Winter and is sticking around for the Spring. A light-weight cardi is perfect for transitioning your wardrobe from winter to spring to summer and can be worn over almost any type of shirt and paired with jeans or shorts for a casual look or with dress pants (and with a tie) for a great business-day look. Target currently has a good selection of men's cardigans online at Target.com, priced at only $21.99. (Both pictured are made by Merona for Target.) Target is offering free shipping for online orders over $50 (until April 25).

Sylishly Yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Chic Laptop Bags

Isn't it ironic that us women will scrutinize our purse purchases, yet continue to carry around an ugly black nylon laptop bag wherever we go? Until recently, we were left without many (if any) chic alternatives to the unisex, utilitarian laptop carrier. But thanks to a few fashion-forward career women, we are now without excuses to accessorizing our technological travel companions.

Careerbags.com has an incredible selection of stylish laptop bags at a variety of price points. Pictured are the Yellow Knomo Slim Laptop Case and the Red Floral Laurex Laptop Messenger Bag. 

Now you can think of your laptop as your newest fashion accessory.

Stylishly Yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

I wanna be a Cowboy (or girl)!

In response to a recent question posted asking whether or not cowboy boots are still "in," I decided to blog about it. My answer to this question is a resounding YES!! In fact, cowboy boots are on Edit's "Top Ten Must Haves for Every Wardrobe" List! In my opinion, cowboy boots are classic, timeless and a year-round staple, for both men and women. Rule of thumb when picking out boots: more authentic is better (i.e. try to buy from a western store rather than a department store) and a brown tone is most versatile, since you can wear with any tone of brown as well as black. In fact, I will be sporting my trusty boots tomorrow in a photo shoot! Yee-haw!

(Pictured boot is a Women's Western Ariat Boot priced at $128 on Bootbay.com)

Stylishly yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Obsession-Worthy Wedges

Head over to Piperlime.com and enjoy 20% off shoes and handbags, plus free shipping and free returns. That's hard to beat! I am crazy about Piperlime's fabulous selection of wedge sandles, one of the hottest shoes of the season. Two to obsess over (both pictured): The Emma Pink Laria patterned with a fresh yellow daisy print and the champagne-colored Ciao Bella Rielly. Enter this code at checkout by April 19: DM87JHD91YBL

Happy Shopping!
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Men's Style Monday: The Chino Jacket

The Chino Jacket is a stylish way to transition from spring to summer. This blazer-styled layering piece looks refined yet relaxed paired jeans and tee-shirts, polos or button-downs. The possibilities are endless. Two to check out are the Urban Outfitters "Shades of Greige Cotton Coated Blazer" (pictured right, $78) and The Gap's "Chino Murphy Blazer" (pictured left, $88).

Stylishly Yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Unbelievable sale at JOS. A. BANK this weekend!!

There couldn't be a better time for men to stock up on menswear than this weekend! (Or for women to surprise their special someone with a fabulous gift!) This weekend (Friday, April 10-Sunday, April 12), Jos. A. Bank is offering "Buy 1, Get 2 Free" on all Mens Clothes...on everything except for shoes!! I can't think of a better deal. Although Jos. A. Bank has plentiful store locations nationwide, for the best selection during a huge sale like this, shop online. Another perk to shopping online is free shipping on all orders over $175. Click on the green/black link box above for details on this sale. My top pick at Jos. A. Bank? The Tailored-Fit Traveler Dress Shirt. This shirt is literally wrinkle-free and was rated "best overall wrinkle-free shirt" by the Wall Street Journal. The slimmer, tailor-fit is a more modern cut that looks great tucked into dress pants, khakis or jeans.

Happy shopping!

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Tide: The Latest "Must-Have" Fashion Accessory

At first thought, it might seem strange that the newest "must-have" fashion accessory, for both men and women, is laundry detergent! But when you really think about it, shouldn't taking care of your clothes and keeping them looking their best be an in-style priority? Tide Total Care (TTC) is making a giant splash in the fashion world. TTC claims to stop the "7 signs of aging" of your clothes by cleaning thoroughly, protecting color, preserving shape, maintaining finish, enhancing softness, preventing pills and fighting stains. I have been testing TTC on my laundry for the past month and my initial perception is that its citrusy smell is wonderfully fresh. Talk of TTC is current a buzz in the fashion world. For instance, last month, TTC announced a marketing partnership with The Limited apparel chain, adding to a relationship it already had with Ann Taylor Loft stores. Additionally, TTC has its own fashion maven, "Project Runway" host Tim Gunn. In an online video for Tide, Gunn says, "If your clothes don't look their best, you don't either." I couldn't agree more.

Oh, and if you are the skeptical type, TTC is offering a money-back guarantee. Visit its website for details.

Stylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Men's Style Monday: Checks Are Not Just For Preps

Checks and gingham prints are making a splash this season, especially in menswear. Incorporating some colorful checkered patterns into your wardrobe is a must for style-seeking men this Spring. The best bets to try are a gingham shirt or tie, both are versatile enough to look good dressed up or down. Pictured is a handsome green and navy check woven silk Nordstrom-brand tie (How great would this tie look for Easter Sunday or an outdoor Spring wedding?) and a Banana Republic light gray slim fit checkered dress shirt, that would look great for the office or tucked into jeans for an easy-going weekend ensemble. Keep in mind: Don't mix checkered patterns whatever you do! One gingham print per outfit is plenty! :)

Sylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Lovin' Some James Perse

I am often asked, "Who makes the best fitting, most comfortable basic tee?" My answer every time, hands-down, is James Perse. The James Perse brand is known for their extremely comfortable, soft, fitted, casual clothing style. It's unbelievable how constantly flattering these shirts are...and how they keep their shape wash after wash! High profile celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson and many more share this opinion and are pictured wearing JP shirts all the time...both on screen and in "real life." The brand represents low maintenance high fashion—emphasizing elegance and comfort, and pairing sophistication with simplicity. I firmly believe that the basics are worth investing in...and in this case, James Perse is always worth the investment! James Perse is sold in select high-end retailers, but the best selection is found online. And since the brand is very difficult to ever find on clearance in stores (since it sells so quickly), you may want click on the link on the right hand sidebar of this blog to check out a current "up to 75%" sale while it lasts! Yay for James Perse and double yay for James Perse on sale!

Stylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Fetish for Etsy

If you haven't shopped on Etsy, you need to drop everything and take a look! Everything on the site is hand-made, which means great prices on unique finds. I have a quite an obsession with the jewelry selection on Etsy. Here are a great-priced, lovely spring pieces I found on Etsy just today. These tropical pink lily earrings add a fun pop of springy color to any ensemble...for only $10! Love these turquoise and lime green beaded brass ferns earrings for $36. And how great is this brass butterfly necklace...priced at an incredible $19!