Now that we are all getting in tip-top shape with my Bikini Boot Camp Plan, it’s time to start actually shopping for the perfect swimsuit. I usually like to snag a new suit before Memorial Day since I almost always end up on the beach or at the pool… What about you?

But before you shop, make sure you check out my swimwear guide on how to pick the right swimsuit for your body. That way you will have a better idea as to which cuts work best with your shape. Once you’ve pinpointed a style that works, get shopping!

Here are 10 of my favorite swimsuits for summer 2012:

 

1. Divided Tapestry Bikini
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Bandeau Bikini
3. Tori Praver Betty Ruched Bikini
4. J.Crew Polka-Dot Bikini
5. Madewell Telegraph-Stripe Tanksuit
6. Opening Ceremony Balconette Swimsuit
7. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Bikini
8. Fluorescent Throwback Bikini
9. Chloe Scalloped Bikini
10. Poolside Glow Bikini

Which one is your favorite? 

Or if you found another cute swimsuit that’s reasonably priced elsewhere, share the link in the comments below. Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

XO Lauren

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As if the spring runways didn’t make it clear enough, “Tangerine Tango” is the color of the year according to Pantone. (Side Note: Pantone is known as the worldwide authority on all things color. So it has to be true!) From Elie Saab and Jill Stuart to Peter Som, Nanette Lepore, Charlotte Ronson and Diane von Furstenberg—orange was the statement color of the season too. While I love this bright punchy shade, I have to admit it is not the easiest color to pull off. Especially head-to-toe. That said, instead of drenching yourself in shades of tangerine, stay on trend by adding just a touch of tango! 

Below are a few of my favorite tangerine pieces along with tips on how to style each one into your existing wardrobe… 

 

1. Pair a LWD with some flashy tangerine t-strap platforms like these beauties from Zara.
2. You don’t necessarily have to wear the tangerine trend—you can carry it too. This chic wallet from American Apparel is the perfect fashion-forward accessory for spring and summer.
3. Pair a lightweight tangerine blouse, like this one from American Apparel, with cropped pants or layer it over a fitted dress and cinch the waist. 
4. Layer on a cute cardigan like this one from H&M for a laid-back take on the trend.
5. Make a statement with a bold melon necklace like this one from J.Crew.
6. If you’re hesitant to try the tango trend, start by glossing your nails with an orange polish. Nail polish is my favorite way to test-drive new colors.
7. Get shorty with tangerine cutoffs like these by J Brand. Pair them with a neutral top or color-block with a contrasting solid colored blouse.
8. Add a taste of tango by sporting these gorgeous stud earrings by Elizabeth and James. The unexpected pop of color is sure to liven up any outfit.
9. Pull off two trends with one top by wearing this adorable tank from Zara. The tangerine hue and peplum detail are a seriously stylish combination. Talk about a fashionable one-two-punch…
10. Tango to the beach in an itsy-bitsy tangerine bikini like this one from J.Crew. I love the polka dot versions too!

All in all, this juicy orange hue is a great way to revamp your closet for spring and summer. If you feel like your wardrobe has gone a bit stale, try adding in one or two citrus infused pieces for an instant update. And remember, it only takes a touch to tango… 

Which tangerine piece is your favorite?

XO Lauren



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Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away (it’s on Sunday, May 13th). Translation: It’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do for your mom on her special day. While some may argue that Mother’s Day is just another “Hallmark holiday,” I beg to differ. I think it is the perfect excuse to show your mother how much you love and appreciate her. Whether you present her with a thoughtful gift or make her something special—it’s the thought that counts. At the end of the day, moms just want a little love and recognition. When I lived at home, I used to surprise my mother with breakfast in bed or I would cook her dinner. Now that I’m out of the nest, we usually do a family brunch and I get her a little something special. Seeing as many of you probably have Mother’s Day on your mind, I thought I would put together a little gift guide…

Here are ten sweet and simple gifts you can give your mother on her special day:

1. Love Knot Necklace… for a little extra sparkle.
2. Monogrammed Buckle Shoulder Bag… for the mom on the go.
3. Enamel Initial Cuff… for a stylish statement.
4. Monogram Cellphone Cases… because personalized is always better.
5. Cook’s Books Set… or better yet, sign up for a cooking class together.
6. MicroGreens Windowsill Grow Box… for the mother who loves to cook.
7. Gift Certificate for a Mani/Pedi… so she can be queen for a day.
8. ModClotch Apron… to stay chic, even in the kitchen.
9. Printed Summer Scarf… the perfect addition to her spring wardrobe. 
10. Brown Sugar Body Polish… for a touch of luxury.

Do you have any creative Mother’s Day DIY gift ideas? If so, share them in the comments below. My team will spotlight the best ideas in a follow up post next week!

XO Lauren 

P.S. Don't forget to install the "Pin It" button into your toolbar so you can pin things from my blog posts! 

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You know that moment when you discover something so cool yet so simple you just want to tell everyone you know about it? Well ladies, I’ve struck domestic goddess gold… How, you ask? A friend of mine taught me 10 great alternative uses for dryer sheets. Yes, those inexpensive scented sheets you throw in the dryer to reduce static can be used for a multitude of things. Read on and get ready to be amazed…

1. Cure clingy clothes. With the swipe of a dryer sheet you can do away with clingy, static-ridden clothes in seconds. I suggest carrying a dryer sheet in your purse to avoid said situations. It will make your bag smell nice, too. 
2. Scent your stuff. I like to tuck a fresh sheet into my drawers. I love the subtle fragrance they lend to everything stashed away with it. This is also a good trick for gym bags, suitcases or even smelly sneakers (ew). 
3. Tame frizzy hair. Don’t you hate it when you’ve just blow-dried your hair, smoothed on some anti-frizz serum and yet your strands are still determined to go haywire? Static + hair is never a good combination. To combat Medusa-like strands, simply run a dryer sheet over your tresses. Trust me, it may seem odd but it works like a charm.
4. Wipe away pet hair. Forget your lint roller. Dryer sheets are great for doing away with unwanted pet hair and lint on clothing, furniture—you name it. How do you think I get Chloe’s coat off all of my black pants?
5. Repel bugs. I learned this trick while I was traveling in Tanzania (sadly, I didn’t have any dryer sheets with me at the time): If you loop a dryer sheet around your belt or put one in your pocket, it will repel mosquitos and bees. Sweet. Wish I had known this in kindergarten during recess… 
6. De-squeak Your Feet. Are those new rubber-soled shoes squeaking all over the office? Quiet them down by rubbing the bottoms with a dryer sheet.
7. Freshen your ride. I don’t know about you, but those scented pine trees on a string tend to give me a headache. Instead, slip a few dryer sheets under the seats in your car. It will keep your whole car smelling so fresh and so clean. 
8. Dust it up. Dryer sheets can be used on nearly any surface to do away with dust. 
9. Help your hairbrushes. Clean brushes mean clean hair. Fill a bowl with warm water, add a couple dryer sheets and then place your hairbrushes and combs into the mixture. Let it soak for a few hours. Rinse. Dry. And voila—your brushes are like new!
10. Ditch deodorant stains. Use a dryer sheet to wipe away unwanted deodorant stains on your clothes.

Are you completely inspired to put your dryer sheets to work now? I am… 

If you know of some more alternative uses for basic home items, share them in the comments below! I love this sort of stuff… 

XO Lauren



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If you’re like me, your phone rarely leaves your grasp these days. I’m constantly checking my iPhone for work, but let’s be honest… I also use it to keep myself entertained and in touch with my friends and family.  

I have a collection of favorite apps that I use all of the time, and I thought I’d share them with you today. Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite apps too. I’m always looking for new finds! 

1. Words with Friends 

Who doesn’t love scrabble? This app lets you play up to 20 games at a time! Challenge any of your friends, but beware it gets addictive…

2. Camera Plus 


This is a great app if you take a lot of pictures with your iPhone like I do. You can play around with filters, anti-shake features and use the countdown for self-portraits (no more MySpace mirror shots please!). 

3. Pinterest 


I totally love Pinterest and the app is easy to use when you need a little pin-fix on the go. 

4. All Recipes 


Not sure what to make for dinner? This app that has over 40,000 recipes for you to choose from! You can search by ingredients, prep time, dish type or choose “spin” to get a random selection of dishes and ingredients. 

5. Pandora 


Pandora is great for discovering new music within your favorite genres. Plus the app allows you to create your own free, custom radio stations. 

6. PocketBooth


Take1950’s-esque photobooth pictures that you can share or print with just a few clicks! This is a great app to have for a party or get-together with pals. 

7. White Noise


This app works like a charm when I’m traveling and have to get to sleep in a noisy location. 

8. Instagram 


Instagram is another cool app to edit and alter pictures. But word to the wise: everything you upload to Instagram gets published on your Instagram profile, so adjust your privacy settings if you want to keep your images personal. 

9. Sig Alert 


I wish the freeways in LA looked as green as they do in the picture above! Just once. I use Sig Alert to help me ditch traffic all the time. Hello side streets!  

10. Draw Something 


This drawing and guessing game is one of my more recent addictions and it keeps me entertained for hours. 

Did any of your favorite apps get left off my list? Let me know in the comments! 

XO Lauren 


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At the end of this week, I will be putting on my finest hipster attire and heading out to the desert for three fun-filled days of music, dancing and other shenanigans in honor of Coachella.

If you haven’t heard of it before, Coachella is a three-day music and arts festival that takes place just outside of Palm Springs. Everyone from The Black Keys and Miike Snow to Florence + the Machine, Avicci and Girl Talk will be performing. And I cannot wait! I haven’t been to Coachella yet but I’ve heard nothing but good things so I am really excited to finally go. A bunch of my friends have been faithful Coachellers for years so I feel fortunate to be going with a group of seasoned attendees.

While packing is definitely one of my #1 priorities, putting together a killer Coachella playlist is just as important if you ask my friend Jilly. And she’s got a point. It’s a music festival! Thankfully, Jilly has us covered with a great Coachella playlist. Whether you’re heading to Coachella or not, this playlist is the perfect upbeat mix to take your through spring and summer…

But first, a little note from Jilly:

My favorite time of the year is quickly approaching. It doesn't involve cakes and white dresses; only flowers, love, and music. Also known as Coachella. I put together a list of 10 artists I'm most excited to see. I hope you enjoy!

1. Kaskade - Move for Me 

2. The Horrors - Still Life

3. Grouplove - Tongue Tied

4. Madeon - Icarus

5. M83 - Reunion

6. Martin Solveig - The Night Out

7. SBTRKT - Wildfire

8. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close

9. We Are Augustines - Chapel Song

10. The Shins - Simple Song

Which song is your favorite?

Also, let me know if you’re going to Coachella this year too—or, if you have any other music festivals on your calendar too!

XO Lauren

P.S. To check out more mixes Jilly put together for me, click here and here! And don't forget to follow Jilly on Twitter @JillyHendrix.



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Remember when you couldn’t decide which Hansen brother you wanted to marry? It was a time when the Backstreet Boys were “back” (back from what, I still don’t know) and you had to learn the moves to Britney Spears’ newest music video before you could show face in P.E. the next day...  These are the things that marked my years as a tween. My days were marked by bouts of anxiety as I raced home to tune into TRL so I could watch Carson Daily count down the same 10 music videos. Every. Single. Day.

I was your typical girly girl in middle school—caught up with friends and especially trends. It’s funny looking back. At the time, fads seemed so cool that the thought of them going out of style didn’t seem possible. Needless to say, as time would tell, trends die out, leaving those who once enthusiastically embraced them slightly embarrassed to admit they were once fans… Below are 10 of my formerly “favorite” fads from my tween years:

1. Roll-on glitter. You could never have enough…
   
   
   
2. Scrunchies. If Clarissa wore it, it was a hit in my book…
   
   
   
3. Butterfly clips. The more, the better!
   
   

   

4. Brown lipstick. No comment. (Mother: Why?)
   
   
   
5. Soda can tabs. No accessory was complete until it was adorned with one of these guys…
   
   
   
6. Slap bracelets. I think these are illegal to bring to school now.
   
   
   
7. Tattoo-style chokers. I used to buy these by the bushel at Claire’s…
   
   
   
8. Spice Girl inspired footwear. Not sure how I convinced my mother to let me out of the house in these things…
   
   
   
   
9. Best friend necklaces. Funny, I’m still best friends with a few of the girls I shared these with…
   
   
   
10. Last but not least… Jelly shoes! Okay, these definitely pre-dated middle school, but I couldn’t resist including them.
    
    
    

What’s an old fad you cannot believe you loved from your elementary or tween years?

XO Lauren



P.S. If you thought this post was as fun as I had putting it together, share it with your friends! I bet they’ll get a kick out of it too… Use the social media buttons at the bottom of this post to send it around!

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Today is the first official day of Spring! And there’s a lot to get excited about now that spring has sprung—gorgeous blooms, warmer weather, Girl Scout cookies, and if you’re like me… pretty pastels! I love the feminine appeal of pastels and this season they’re more popular than ever. Major designers like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jill Stuart and Louis Vuitton featured the trend in their Spring 2012 collections. I also incorporated the muted palette into the spring lines of Paper Crown and my LC Lauren Conrad collection.

If you’re looking to add a touch of pastel perfection to your closet, look no further: Here are ten pretty pastel pieces that are sure to freshen up your spring wardrobe…

1. Add some color to your casual wear with these pale apricot MIH jeans:
   
2. This bold Oliphant necklace makes a minty style statement:
   
3. Embrace the peplum, one of the most ladylike trends of the moment, with this pale pink Carven top:
   
4. Wear these LC Lauren Conrad Peep-Toe Platforms with a flirty sundress for the perfect warm weather look:
   

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5. Sport these Ray-Ban sunnies for a stylish finish:
   
6. These Rachel Zoe flats are an excellent example of a perfect spring staple:
   
7. Be a lady in lavender with this Topshop pleated shirtdress:
   
   
8. This mint Topshop sweater would look great with pastel pants or skinny jeans for a chic daytime look:
   
9. Do a sleek twist on femme pastels with this leather clutch by Paul Smith:
   
10. Lastly, sport this pastel blue ASOS watch for a delicate pop of color:
    

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Which piece is your favorite? Are you excited to add pops of pastel to your spring wardrobe?

XO Lauren

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You guys know I’m a big fan of the LWD, but I’ve also been eyeing a new trend that’s sure to catch on come spring: the LPD. As in a little pink dress. Most people would think that because it’s pink, it is limiting—I beg to differ. The LPD is definitely going to be a hit this spring. In fact, varying shades of pink were splashed all over the spring 2012 runways. From Jenni Kayne and Valentino, to Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren and Nanette Lepore—the LPD is the “it” dress for spring and even summer. Think of the LPD as 2012’s take on the LWD…

Below I have listed 10 simple ways to style your LPD for spring to help you get the most mileage out of this trendy spring staple:

1. Be bold. Keep the look simple by pairing it with bold, solid colored accessories such as cerulean blue heels or an orange clutch.
2. Nab some neon. Contrast your LPD with an oversize Day-Glo bib necklace or a braided neon rope bracelet. Keep the rest of the outfit balanced by complimenting it with neutral pieces such as nude flats.
3. Add some edge. Pink may be sweet, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make it a little sour. Offset the girly hue with a leather jacket and black booties.
4. Keep it sleek. Pull your hair into a high pony and accessorize with black pumps and an oversize black clutch for an understated take on chic sleek.
5. Dress it down. When the weekend calls, make it casual with neutral flats or sandals, an oversize cardigan and an unstructured bag.
6. Make it posh. Bring your LDP out for a night on the town by wearing it with strappy heels and adorning it with a crystal brooch. If it’s chilly out, layer over a bouclé jacket.
7. Layer away.  Top off the dress with a crewneck sweater (my favorite!) and a sharp jacket for an eclectic, layered look.
8. Go boho. For a down-to-earth vibe, style it with a fringe-trimmed scarf, a cute jacket and a relaxed cross-body bag. Finish it off with scrunched boots or studded sandals and voila—you’re LPD has gone boho.
9. Work it. Take your LPD to the office office by pairing it with a blazer, a belt and simple pumps.
10. Get waisted. Add some structure to your LPD by cinching the waist with a belt. By changing the silhouette, you can make it feel like an entirely new dress!

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Tibi Essentials Shift Dress
• ASOS Pink Mini Dress
• Rory Beca Dahan Low Waisted dress
• Adam Blush Sheath Dress
• Jenni Kayne Overlap Dress (pictured)

Are you going to give the LPD a try?

XO Lauren

P.S. Click here to read one of my favorite quotes, which happens to be all about the color pink!

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Word to the wise: wrinkles are inevitable (sorry ladies, I only speak the truth). Whether we like it or not, they are a part of life. Needless to say, there are many simple tricks you can work into your everyday routine to keep them at bay.

Here are my top ten tips for not looking like this:

1. Don’t be a straw dog. Try not to use straws (and definitely do not smoke). Pursing your lips constantly will cause micro lines to become serious crevices. No thank you.
2. Sleep smart. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to sleep (in terms of positioning at least). The wrong way: sleeping on your face or side. The right way: sleeping on your back (even the American Academy of Dermatology recommends this).
3. Slather the SPF. No surprises here: SPF is a must if you want smooth, youthful looking skin. While a tan might look good now, don’t forget who you will look like later…this! (Click here to learn about what ingredients I recommend looking for when buying sunscreen.)
4. Moisturize. Prevent cracks and keep your skin soft and supple by moisturizing your face (and body) twice a day.
5. Sleep clean. Always, always wash your face before bed. I cannot stress this enough. Never, ever sleep with makeup on.
6. Wear your sunnies! Not only are sunglasses a great style staple, they also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from harsh UV rays. Just make sure you buy sunnies that are polarized to ensure maximum protection. And the bigger, the better! (I definitely just gave you a wonderful excuse to go buy a new pair of sunglasses. So use it! Click here to check out my favorite sunnies.)
7. Take your vitamins. Take a multi-vitamin every day and make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
8. Eat right. You are what you eat so be sure to make your diet vibrant and full of color. Do this by consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday. This will keep your skin firm, hydrated and happy.
9. Drink up. You’re only 8 glasses away from happy skin…don’t forget your h2-ohhhs.
10. Smile! While science has yet to prove the direct link between wrinkles and stress, based on my experience the evidence is pretty clear. Stress manifests itself externally (and from what I’ve seen, wrinkles are a common symptom). Take a deep breath, exhale and smile!

That said, if you already have wrinkles—wear them proudly! I have little smile wrinkles. Most women my age would freak out, but to be honest, I kind of like them. As Lauren Hutton once said, “We have to be able to grow up. Our wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life.” Couldn’t have said it better myself…but it can’t hurt to make those “medals” a little less obvious before you join the half-century club. Right?

Is there an old beauty wives’ tale you’d like demystified? Let me know in the comments below.

XO Lauren

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What did you think about the Academy Awards on Sunday? While I love movies, I always find myself most enthralled with what happens on the red carpet: Fashion! Below is my list of the 10 best-dressed ladies at the awards…

1. Kristin Wiig in J. Mendel

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2. Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

3. Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

4. Rooney Mara in Givenchy

5. Cameron Diaz in Gucci

6. Bernice Bejo in Elie Saab

7. Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

8. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

9. Kate Mara in Jack Guisso

10. And last but not least, Miss Piggy!

Who do you think was best dressed? I think my favorite is a tie between Kristin Wiig and Michelle Williams... 

XO Lauren

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