Say "Hello" To My Little Friend

Readers, meet Raphael the Betta fish. Raphael...readers. You can call him Ralph for short. :D

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An Explanation

So I feel like I owe anyone who reads this blog an apology. I know I haven't been on the ball as far as posts go and I feel like it's the responsibility of the web master to let people know in advance if an absence is anticipated - and I haven't done that. I keep thinking that I'll get around to posting, but my life has been pretty hectic lately and it just hasn't happened (obviously).

First of all, I moved into my first apartment this past weekend and that was stressful and crazy. This is the first time I haven't slept in my childhood bedroom for more than a day, ever, and it's caused me some anxiety. Apparently I don't adjust to big changes as well as I thought. I know I'll get over it eventually but for now I've been a little blue. 

Secondly, and more importantly, my dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and, as you can imagine, it has turned my world upside down. His surgeon thinks he can be cured, but it is still scary as hell. This is a big reason I haven't blogged as much as I would like. Between his surprise diagnosis/treatment, work, and my upcoming move-out, I just haven't felt up for blogging. I know this too will change, but I honestly can't give a timeline at this point. I don't plan on taking an extended break...maybe a week. 

I hope you stick it out and wait for my return - because I WILL return. I just need time.

Thanks for your patience,

Lauren

OOTD: Birthday Suit

Earrings, Forever21, OLD (similar here and here)
ASOS CURVE Top with Sequin Hologram Panel, ASOS Curve
Ankle-Length Pants - Plus, JCP
Candie's® Dress Sandals - Juniors, Kohl's (similar here)

I'm going to make this post short and sweet. Today I had a birthday and it was pretty great. I got the day off from work and just lazed about at home for a while. In my family we have the tradition of whoever's birthday it is, they get to pick a restaurant for their birthday meal. Before we left I switched out of my PJ's and threw on this sequin top from ASOS Curve. I've had my eye on it for quite some time but the price was always a little too rich for my blood. Finally it went on sale and I snatched it up knowing I would be wearing it for my birthday. Beware with ASOS Curve sizes! From my experience they run about a size large. 

So I picked the AMAZING place, Turtles, (I believe I've mentioned it before on this blog...) so I could get their supernaturally AMAZING macaroni. Scroll down and weep my friends:

Yuuuuuumm......Now THAT is a thing of beauty. Then we all took ourselves home for Cinnabons! I have Cinnabons instead of cake. You know you're jealous. :P I should have taken a picture of those...but I was too eager to eat one. Finally, it was present time. My parents have been buying tons of stuff for my apartment so I understood that was their birthday gift to me. My sister was kind enough to knit me a couple things! She's a really awesome knitter - completely self (and youtube) taught! I thought I'd share one last picture of the present that stole the night:

It's a fox scarf! It's so cute! It looks even cuter when worn. I can't wait for the weather to turn so I can wear this guy out! I'm anticipating some comments from admirers. Well, that's it folks. Hope your night was as fabulous as mine! :D

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LOOK-ALIKES: Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flats

Hello, my little lovelies. My posts...ugh, I don't even want to talk about my drawn-out post schedule. I'll do a little post later explaining my issues. For now let's just focus on the fashion, shall we?

This week's Look-Alikes post was primarily inspired by the overwhelming popularity of my last Valentino Rockstud Look-Alikes post (see here). It is, without contest, the most visited post of this website. But since the less expensive alternative I offered (the studded heels from Torrid) are sold as (as far as I know) I thought this time I might cater to the less heel-wearing-inclined types (like myself) and offer another solution: Valentino's Rockstud Ballerina Flats!

Valentino Rockstud Flats, Nordstrom, $695.00

I really like the idea of a flat version. I've seen pictures of other fashion bloggers wearing the heel version, and let me tell you...it doesn't NOT look comfortable. I know that since I'm short, I should be ALL ABOUT the high heel, blah blah blah. For more info on my issues with heels, refer here. Anyway, I like these flats. I actually have a pair that look just like them in leopard that I got at Charlotte Russe. Unfortunately, they proved to be a little less than comfortable, so they'll be going on my Tradesy site sometime soon. (EDIT! Check them out here!)

Until then, I found another near-identical alternative option. See below:

Catwalk Collection Ballerina E Fit, Simplybe, (SALE!) $34.00

Pretty nice, huh? This shoe also comes in red (similar to the red Valentino Rockstud flat). I actually like how the toe isn't as pointed as the Valentino one. I'll take an almond toe to a true pointy toe any day. Another thing that most people wouldn't probably think about (which I think because I didn't) is the pointy-ness of the studs. I cross my ankles when I sit and I have a pair of shoes that have sharp spikes that dig into the back of my ankle. I'm not sure of course, but from the picture it looks like the pyramid studs on the Valentino flats are pretty pointy, whereas on the Simplybe version the studs look more rounded. But I reiterate: I am not 100% sure either way which might be more pointy.

Well, I think this is where I will leave you. Have a great sunday and happy shopping!

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OOTD: Checker and Leather

Geo Wire Earrings, F21, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here and here)
Women's Geo-Print Cardis, Old Navy
Pleated Faux Leather Skirt, Forever21+, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here and here)
Merona Emma Genuine Leather Scrunch Flat, Target

This is just going to be a very short and sweet OOTD post. I threw this on speedy quick to go out to dinner with the parents. We go to this small restaurant in Coburg called Chief's (if you ever find yourself in Coburg, Oregon I STRONGLY suggest you visit here at least once...maybe more!). I got the monthly burger special, "Hot Bahama Mama," and it is literally one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten. On top of the patty is avocado, pepper jack cheese, pickles, onions, and (best of all) a cajun cream cheese sauce. Yum...my mouth is watering right now. I wish I had taken a picture for the blog (and myself)!

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LOOK-ALIKES: The Lost Lanes Gold Antler Ring

Bonjour tout le monde! (I took 4 years of French in high school and two in college...can you tell? :P) Just trying to keep things spicy folks. Today is a Look-Alikes segment that I'm very excited about. One: because I was able to convince myself I wasn't crazy (read on for more details); Two: it's about an interesting and unique item; And three (and most importantly) it has to do with deer. And if you know me at all, you know that I am obsessed with all things deer (and lobsters...but that's a different story). I think they are simultaneously one of the cutest and most majestic creatures out there. The fact that people hunt them makes me so sad. 

First, a quick back story for you guys. I was browsing ASOS's website (as usual) and came across this interesting item. I probably would have snatched it up right then and there if it were a bracelet or earrings. Let's just say my fingers are too...curvy for most rings. Anyway, I went back a few days later to write this post and the ring was GONE. I searched high and low and there wasn't a trace of it anywhere on ASOS's site! So, I branched out to google and ran a search. Low and behold, I wasn't crazy! I found the exact same ring on another website! And here it is:

Gold Antler Ring, The Lost Lanes, $155.18

It's cute, isn't it? It looks even cuter on the nice slim finger shown on the website. If I had just come across this, and not the low-end version barely a week later, I would have laid money on the table betting that this was a one of a kind piece. Lucky for me, and you, our old friend Forever21 came to the rescue of our meagre budgets with their version:

Down-to-Earth Midi Ring, Forever21, $3.80

(Ugh! I just went to add the link for this and found out it's already off the website? Is it possible for something to go out of stock so fast???)

While normally I would delete this post immediately after finding the low-end item out of stock, I'm going to proceed and post it anyway. I feel reasonably comfortable saying that you could walk into your local F21 store and probably find this ring still in stock. If you absolutely have your heart set on this item, most women don't know if you call your local store or the customer service number on the website, they will help you track down a store that still carries what you're looking for. Sometimes they can even get the store to ship it either to your house or to your local store. 

There you have it! Another week, another Look Alike. I'm out peeps.

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