Lucky Umbrella

¿Puedo Ir Al Bano?

2009-11-11T16:29:00.000-05:00

French Connection plaid blazer, silky shorts from The Limited, old Converse, F21 headband

;)

D.C. pictures

2009-11-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

Behold, the world's fattest weiner dog of all time!

Question: What program do you use to upload your photos? Tiny pic isn't cutting it anymore.

Vegas, Baby!

2009-11-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

Last year I spent Halloween in New York, which was crazy hectic and absolutely fascinating. There's nothing like roaming those city streets on Halloween night. It was as if there was this ginormous party and all you had to do was walk out your front door and you were invited.

This year I spent Halloween at home with friends and family, and though it wasn't as wild and crazy of a night, we had so much fun.

I originally wasn't going to dress up this year, but as the day went on I decided I couldn't resist. I went to my closet and started searching. I figured it would have to be something simple, since I didn't plan for it and I didn't have much time, but I also wanted it to be fun. I found this dress I bought last year with the tags still on it and thought, why not! As I put it on I immediately thought of this headband I made a few years ago with a little girl I babysit. I decided that the combination of the tiered dress and sequin headband would be totally flapper-esque.

It took a little persuading, but I finally got Taylor to agree to wear one of Robbie Knievel's vintage leather stunt suits that his dad collects. It fit him perfectly.

Obviously our costumes didn't exactly go together, but with some creative thinking we came up with a Vegas theme. He is a stunt man/entertainer and I'm a show girl/dancer. :P

Jet Set

2009-10-22T15:35:00.000-04:00

As of tomorrow at 9 am I will be starting my much needed weekend vacation. Usually when the weather gets cold people head south, but not me. My dad is running the Marine Corp Marathon, so I'm headed to DC for support...and shopping! ;) I'll be staying with my brother and everyone's favorite, Christen of La-Rue-Neuve! I'm terribly excited. Not only is she stunning, but she's quite possibly the most well-rounded, intellegent person I have ever met, and she has a killer style. She's such an inspiration... But you guys already know all of this!

Pictures from the concert:

Yuck. Sorry for the crappy quality and editing. It was so over-exposed by the flash, it was hard to even see our faces.

Floral Decorations

2009-10-20T19:19:00.000-04:00

Vintage tunic, tights by Hue, Chinese Laundry heels.

This tunic is one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. It's super sheer and flowy, which makes it perfect for warm weather. Today I decided it would have to work for cold weather, too.

This weekend I went to see Rebelution, which is probably my favorite reggae band of all time. I'll post some pictures tomorrow, maybe a video if you would like to listen.

Who Says?

2009-10-14T11:19:00.001-04:00

"Who Says" was released yesterday, which is something I've been looking forward to for weeks now, but knowing me, I forgot. Luckily, I'm personal friends with John Mayer's number one fan who sent this to me via Facebook.

There's a lot of controvery about John Mayer because of the way the media portrays him. They want us to think of him as this sarcastic asshole who treats girls like trash. And for all I know that may be true, seeing as I don't actually know John Mayer, but who cares? He's a singer-song writer/musician, not a saint.

Who says I can’t be free?
From all of the things that I used to be
Re-write my history
Who says I can’t be free?

He is my favorite. I would probably turn into a screaming, babbling twelve year old if I ever met him.

Photo Party

2009-10-12T10:47:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I enjoyed a relaxing dinner by the pool after seeing Love Happens. I warned you, I'm a movie guru. It was so cute that it actually changed my mood for the rest of the day. I love the effect cute movies, songs, and pictures have on me.

"Hey Caroline, throw an acorn in between those two red leaves."

And just when you think I have done something amazing behind the camera...wrong! This was a freak accident. My finger magically pressed the button at the exact time the flash went off. I feel wrong even taking credit for this. But isn't it cool?

This last one was my idea, his photography. But hey, who's keeping score?

Online-ista

2009-10-07T20:21:00.000-04:00

Because I live in a town where "fashion" is practically an unknown term, I either have to travel or depend on online stores to shop for clothes. Online shopping can be risky and so I stick to a few stores that have earned my trust, like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. I love their clothes, they have reasonable prices and they have a respectable return policy.

Stores I have access to:
-TJ Maxx
-one designer ($$$) boutique
-numerous touristy beach shops

1 hour drive:
-Express
-Off Saks Fifth Avenue
-J. Crew
-Coach
-Gap
-Nine West

Fortunately, I have family in DC and New York. So all in all, it works out.

I never would have thought to check out JCPenny's selction because I've never been there, but I'm happy I did. Here's a peak into my wishlist:

$39.99 Knit Blazer -I would have guessed more like $80

$49.99 Ruffle Dress -how Gossip Girl is this?

$29.99 Riding Pant -favorite!

$24.99 Long Cardigan -versatile, potentially worth the money

What do you guys think? If you've shopped here before, was it worth it or do you think I should save my money?

Out with the old, in with the new!

2009-10-06T14:10:00.000-04:00

Hellooo ladies! And gents, perhaps? How was your weekend? Mine was not very productive, but I did have a lot of fun. Being too young to participate in Oktoberfest, I swapped the beer for a soda and the partying for a movie night. I saw The Invention of Lying, which was cute. However, if you drag your man to this one hoping to teach him a lesson about lying, don't count on it. There is no moral value and infact, the only thing I got out of it is that lying is okay and Jennifer Garner gets better with age.

Moving on...

The leapord dress and "leatherette" jacket are both from Forever 21. Stud detailing, leather essentials, and animal prints are in full fashion force this season, so be prepared to embrace these trends!

Photography:

Breathtaking, right? Taylor and I enjoyed a nice evening on the dock last weekend. I could be wrong, but I think I actually took this picture. Who knows! We take turns with the camera. I'm in love with the simplicity this photo represents. What else could you possibly need in life?

Picture This

2009-10-01T21:03:00.000-04:00

This isn't a fashion post as much as it is about photography. These are some more of Taylor's stuff from Taylor Lowe Photography.We had a blast taking these and we now have over 250 pictures like these, just waiting to be shown off. I'm thinking about adding one picture to the end of every fashion post. What do you guys think? Good idea or too distracting?

I know I said I was taking a break, but I got inspired. :P

Time Out

2009-09-30T13:42:00.001-04:00

Hello fabulous followers! If you're wondering about the lack of posts this week, I have decided to take some time off to pull together my thoughts and outfits for this coming season. Although, fall is technically here already, it's still feeling like summer in South Carolina. I've got a few new pieces this week that I can't wait to show off...think studs, sequins, and leapord (not together!) I'm unbelievably excited for all the new trends. I can honestly say that I've been dreaming about clothes and exotic shoes. Crazy? Somewhat. Obsessed? Very.

I hope you all are having a low-stress, fabulous, spectacular week! Check back in next week for my summer-turned-fall looks.

PS. There were a pair of shoes that I got to wear in one of my dreams. I don't know if I made them up or if I've seen them somewhere, but I'm dying to show you! They were a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

Stole Yo Style

2009-09-22T11:18:00.002-04:00

This was a project I did a few weeks ago where I tried to replicate my best friend's style. His look is increadibly simple, but he always looks nice and put together. I worked from the shoes, up. And once I chose the shoes it was easy. Skinny jeans. Check. Understated, funky t-shirt. Check. Ray bans. Check.
Anyways, less about me, more about him. He is my life-saving best friend and secret blog-loving photographer. He's undeniably the sweetest person I know. Back to the whole 'secret blog-loving photographer' thing. Yeah, he does all the photography you see on this blog. (stop for applause) And even though he pretends to not be into this whole blog thing, he totally is. I catch him quoting nice comments I've received and he's always checking in on followers. :)
So anyways, I finally persuaded him to start his own blog. He's started a little bit, but I think with a little encouragement, he may start getting more into it and posting more often.

So without further ado, meet Taylor.

(Yes, I made him pose for this)

Forever Monday

2009-09-21T14:47:00.003-04:00

Forever 21 top and skirt, Kenneth Cole wedges

I can't believe it's already Monday. This weekend flew by and even though I accomplished a lot, I still feel like I have a million things to do. I finally got around to cleaning my room. I went through my closet and filled a few garbage bags full of clothes to take to Goodwill. I erased and replaced my entire iTunes library (on purpose). I went to one of my friend's birthday, which is where I wore this outfit to. Kind of simple, but totally comfortable.

Right now I'm catching up on last weeks Gossip Girl. Still can't believe I completely forgot about it...it's Gossip Girl for crying out loud! :) I just watched Blair bitch out some Abercrombie model for touching her man. Man, I missed this show!

Kourtney & Khloe: Take Miami (my guilty pleasure) wasn't as good as I was expecting, but I'm super excited to find out more about Kourt's pregnancy next week.

Disco Inferno

2009-09-18T06:53:00.001-04:00

Urban Outfitters blazer, dress from TJ Maxx, Joan & David booties, Ray Ban sunnies

I've been excited to debut this dress ever since I got it. I found it on the sale rack at TJ Maxx, so I don't feel guilty that I'll probably only wear it once or twice. Sequins are making a come-back this season and they're bigger than ever. Leggings, dresses, hats, blazers... you name it! I feel like a Spice Girl. And I like it.

Senior pictures are today. Woo. Can you tell how unenthusiastic I am about that? If they're not too embarassing (which I'm sure they will be), I'll consider posting them when they come in the mail.

Speaking of mail, I got a little box of goodies I've been waiting on from Urban Outfitters. They're pretty much my go-to store, especially when they're having a sale. You should definitely check out their website, if you haven't already. Shirts for $9 and $14, cardigans for $19, and dresses for $29. Today I got this blazer, a fedora, a pair of sandals and two shirts, which I can't wait to show ya! Their fall shoe selection is very, very tempting.

Black Out

2009-09-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

My closet contains a whole lotta black. It's probably my favorite color. It's timeless, powerful, edgy, flattering and guess what? It goes with everything. It's the foundation to any wardrobe and I just can't get enough of it! Plus, I don't know any other color you could wear all over without looking like a crayon.

Kenneth Cole Peacoat $163 at Nordstrom
Michael Kors "Jet Set" watch $250 at Dillards
Sequin dress $160 at Topshop
Zip tote $495 by Linea Pelle's Dylan
Alice & Oliva fringe tee $275 at Saks
Thigh-high boots $119 at Chinese Laundry
Drapped skirt $16 at Forever 21
DKNY lace tights $20 at Bare Necesities
Rock & Republic t-strap pumps $310 at Shopbop

I have a feeling I'll be investing in some more black very soon!

Alley Cat

2009-09-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

Dress- Kimchi Blue, Belt- American Eagle, Shoes- Kenneth Cole

I apologize for the lack of posts recently. It's been a hectic week, but I'm back!

Don't you hate when people fail to tell you that your tag is sticking out and you walk around all day until someone finally tells you?

Sketchy back alley + gloomy day + summer dress = perfection.

XYZ: examine your zipper

2009-09-09T00:12:00.001-04:00

Silence & Noise tank, BDG jeans, Olivia Harris leather satchel, Dolce Vita sandals, Michael Kors watch.

Woke up late. Forgot breakfast. Way late to class. Traffic sucks. Need food. Sound familiar?

I quickly found my favorite Italian joint. They have the most amazing chive fries. It's not the healthiest choice on the menu, but they sure are worth it.

I got this shirt in the mail last week and I've been dying to wear it. It's hot pink, oversized, increadibly soft and has an exposed zipper down the front. Perfect for a casual day like this.

Meet bag #2 from the yard sale. If you missed that post, you can find it here.

Guess what? I was featured on Look 10 yesterday. I'm Look 587 and unbelievably flattered!

Cinematic

2009-09-07T13:36:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is curl up on the couch and watch a great movie, which is also my guy's favorite thing to do. Convenient, eh?

Last weekend we had a few friends over and watched Adventureland, which is officially a favorite of mine because it's hilarious and artistic.

Yum. Apples with peanut butter!

Tonight we're watching The Hangover. I haven't seen it yet but it's apparently epic in the comedy department. Should I be as excited as I am right now? Probably not. :P

Some nights I perfer couches, but when we have friends over his house is perfect for entertaining. Have you guys heard of this Vudu movie box thing? It allows you to instantly download just about any movie you want to watch. Either I'm easily amused or this is just amazing!

Not going to lie... We do movie nights way too often, but we're not tired of it yet, so here's to many, many more nights!

What's In My Bag

2009-09-04T06:58:00.002-04:00

I can't figure out what it is that's so appealing about other people's bags, but everyone has one of these "What's In My Bag" posts, so here's a look into mine.

Wallet- filled with random junk and coins.
Digital camera- I used this a lot more before I got my own photographer ;) but I still use it all the time.
Kenneth Cole wristlet- small enough for a coin purse, cute enough to carry when you don't feel like lugging around a big bag.
Random lip sticks- moisturized lip color, need I say more?
Crackberry- this technically isn't a part of my bag, since it's in my hand 24/7.
Pen & notepad- I perfer writing down my thoughts and to-do lists.
Ray Ban sunnies- that reminds me, I really need to find their case soon.
Raspberry lemonade flavoring- I like water, but it gets boring. Quick fix.
Lavendar perfume stick- just incase.
iPod- this was semi-permanently borrowed from my mother.
(Not pictured- bobbi pins, gum wrappers, fifty bazillion receipts)

TGIF. Hope you're having a superb weekend.

ILL

2009-09-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

Hello beautifuls! Today may not be the first official day of fall, but it is the first chilly day since winter and that's something to celebrate. Okay, so it's 75°, but that is pretty chilly where I live. Considering that's probably hot to some of you, let's just call it a 'semi-chilly' day.

I've noticed that a lot of you fashionistas (for lack of a better word) are consistantly serious in your photo shoots. And when you look as smokin' hot as you guys do there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I encourage you to try an ILL (I Love Life) shoot. Even if the pictures don't come out to your standards, atleast you had a blast taking them. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. This is the most fun I've had taking pictures - so goofy and carefree.

PS. I got you a gift!

;)

Tour de France in training!

2009-09-02T07:52:00.003-04:00

Who wouldn't want to be Lance Armstrong on a bright blue beach cruiser wearing some strappy wedges?

On second thought...maybe not.
;)

If you're wondering... I got the skirt, necklace and flower belt from Urban Outfitters, the shirt is from 5/48 via Saks Fifth Avenue, and the t-straps are from Ann Taylor.

Mellow Yellow

2009-09-01T12:33:00.006-04:00

Shirt- Lux, Jeans- home made, Shoes- Steve Madden, Bag- American Eagle

It was to my understanding that fences were used to enclose things, but not this fence. It's in the middle of the woods with nothing on either side. It's been there for as long as I can remember, but it was recently painted with this soft yellow paint. Since I was using such a subtle background, I wanted my outfit to pop. I went with these jeans I made a few weeks ago. As you all know acid wash is a pretty big trend right now, but I didn't want to invest in it, so I followed Christen's DIY. It was really simple and they turned out better than I could have hoped for. The bag isn't a typo. It found it here and as you can imagine I was extremely skeptical. But because it was on sale for $19 with free shipping and return, I ordered it anyways. It came in the mail about a week later and I've been carrying it for about a month. And yes, I am "dancing" in the sixth picture. ;)

Oh, and I know it's just a fence, but I think it's the simplicity of it that really made this photo shoot work.

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-08-31T06:05:00.001-04:00

I went to a yard sale this weekend and just happened to stumble across this buttery-soft leather Junior Drake bag. Tags included, originally $389. They had a lot of bags that I liked, but the detailing on this bag won me over; tobacco color, exposed zipper, braided handles, silk lining. The only thought in my head, "marry me...please?" They hadn't marked it, so I had to ask. And since it had literally never been used, I was expecting it to be way out of my price range. I asked anyways and it turns out they were desperate to get rid of every single thing they had and would gladly except $15 for it. You would have to be out of your mind to let this steal pass, which is exactly how I ended up with three bags that day. Now that is what I call successful shopping!

Because people pay hundreds of dollars on shoes, bags and clothes it's fascinating (and relieving) when you find great deals like this. Where do you turn to for your best wallet-friendly finds?

Rain, rain go away...(so I can post a blog today!)

2009-08-27T18:21:00.009-04:00

Meet Buster.

Trying to get him to sit. Not easy.

That's a good boy. Doggie treats!

Wrapping me up with his leash.

Jacket- H&M, Shirt- Gap, Jeans- BDG, Boots- Marc Jacobs, Arm Candy- Buster

Today was a particularly gloomy day. During class, I kept gazing at the window watching the rain pour down, completely blocking out everything else around me. I couldn't stop myself from daydreaming about what my next post should be about. Since I'm new to blogging, it's all very exciting. I started thinking of random tutorials and things I could do inside, but then it hit me... Instead of working against the rain, why not work with it? And that's what Lucky Umbrella is all about; learning how to make the most of every opportunity. You know? Grab an umbrella and tough it out.

By the time I got home the monsoon had turned into a mere sprinkle. I grabbed my best friend, his leash, my metaphorical umbrella, and some rain boots. We headed out the door and didn't look back once.

Sitting on the dock of the bay

2009-08-26T16:31:00.019-04:00

Top- Elena Solano, Jeans- Hudsons, Shoes- Chinese Laundry

I found this ruffle blouse at TJ Maxx and paired it with my never failing black straight-leg jeans. Oh, and these pretty little black pumps that I'm kind of in love with. I'm thinking the top would look great with a high waisted skirt, blazer and tights for winter. Any thoughts or suggestions?

High School Sweetheart

2009-08-26T11:58:00.011-04:00

When I first laid my eyes on this white Micheal Kors watch I knew it was true love. Not only is it adorable, but it's also chic and sophisticated. I can't think of one outfit it wouldn't go with. It's subtle, yet statement-worthy. I could wear it every day with every color and I'm not going to get tired of it anytime soon. It's everything I want in a watch. The price isn't all that bad, especially for a luxurious watch, but I still wasn't sure if it was a commitment I was ready to dive head first into. Because it was constantly on my mind, I bragged about it every chance I got. One night, I was watching a movie with my boyfriend who surprised me with - guess what! - this watch. I couldn't have been happier. Not only did I get this fabulous watch, but it was a gift from someone who means the world to me. So now when I look at my wrist, not only can I tell you what time it is, but I'm reminded of all things great in my life. And yes, I do wear it almost every day. I am truly, sincerely in love with this.

Top 5

2009-08-25T21:32:00.007-04:00

The first thing you should know about me is that I'm extremely indecisive, especially when it comes to things as replacable as make-up. Every store and every brand has ten different types of the same product, right? How do you know what to chose? Answer..uh, you don't! If you're anything like me, you've tried just about everything (within your budget) out there. These are currently my five favorite products that I use every day.

1. OPI nail polish. Okay, obviously I don't apply this every day, but it's the best brand I've tried so far. For it's price range, it's the least messy, easiest to use, and they have the most beautiful colors. I pulled one for summer and one for fall. The violet/gray color is called Affair in Times Square and the peach/coral is called Sushi Me Salmon. Did I mention they have the most adorable names?

2. Cargo Big Bronzer. It's not shimmery or glittery. It's the perfect shade for my skin tone because she shade is determined by how much you apply. Also, it doesn't magically vanish fifteen minutes after you put it on.

3. Lorac Croc Palette. I'm going to do my best to describe this one, but you honestly just have to try it for yourself. It's a eyeshadow/liner/blush palette that I bought about a year ago. Right before I bought it I was watching Angelina Jolie's kickass action movie, Wanted. I couldn't even focus on the plot of the movie because I was so mesmerized by her eye make-up. On my way home I foud myself in a Sephora requesting a smokey eye tutorial. They used this palette, which I purched on the spot and I've been in love with it ever since. Worth every penny.

4. Sonia Kashuk eye liner. The back of the container says "dramatically defining long wear gel liner" and that's what I'm going to go with. I found this on sale at Target for $5. I apply this with a regular liner brush and it goes on incredibly smooth. It doesn't dry on the spot, so there is plenty of room for error.

5. Maybelline Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara. We've all seen the commercial and we probably thought the same thing, "greattt..another waist-of-money mascara from the drug store." Wrong! I love this mascara so much that I don't think I'll ever use any other mascara ever again. I bought it in waterproof because it's hot where I live and my eyes sometimes water when I laugh really hard. :) Seriously, stop hesitating and go buy it now. You will not be disappointed. PS. If you go to the website, you can print a $3 coupon!

If you have any questions about beauty products you're not sure about, feel free to ask me. There's a good chance I've tried it and if not, I'll be happy to find out for you!