Close but not the Same; a Twin Blog Post

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a life sized Barbie doll to dress up? My favorite twin/ best friend/ therapist Anna kindly subjected herself to my dressing her for our picnic and trip to Biltmore Estate this weekend. It was very casual, and the weather was perfect. I bought the shirts we both wore a long time ago, when I thought it acceptable to purchase the same shirt in two colors. Photographing people makes me happier than I realized, and we had an amazing trip.

What we wore:

Shirts: Express, similar Here 
Jeans: On Anna, American Eagle, On Me, Banana Republic
Ankle Booties: On Anna/similar here, On Me, Forever 21
Accessories: Hat/Forever 21, Bag/Old Navy, Sunglasses/Steve Madden
Her Jewelry: Necklace/Kate Spade, Bracelet/Francescas
My Jewelry: Necklace/Swarovski, Bracelets/Jewelmint 

Biltmore Estate Frozen Over

Everyone has that one semester in college that hits them like a ton of bricks. This past semester was difficult to say the least, and I was more than glad to kick its butt to the curb in 2015. Now that the New Year is here I can't wait to blog more and spend less time stressing out over school, work, and life. My best friend came to visit me, and I knew just the place that I wanted to take her to. The Biltmore Estate is a getaway that screams blank slate and was just what I needed to start my year off. The grounds are gorgeous and have so many beautiful places to take photos. It was freezing outside, not literally freezing, but for the south it was COLD. The weather forced Elizabeth and I to wear layers on layers and it made for an interesting ensemble. I layered my fur coat on top of a black poncho on top of a knit kimono on top of a wool dress on top of a button-up collared shirt. So all in all, I was wearing five layers, plus leggings underneath. You lose most of your body heat from your head, or so I've heard, and the hat was amazing for blocking out the cold. I loved how cozy I felt all day, as if I were wrapped up in blankets.. Oh wait. Photos were taken by the amazing Elizabeth Speer.

Collared Shirt (teal, under dress:) H&M

Black Ribbed Knit Dress: Mossimo for Target  

Knit Long Sleeve Kimono: Francesca's 

Black and White Poncho: Forever 21

Coat (removable faux fur trim:) Christmas Gift, similar here 

Hat: Forever 21

Boots:Nine West

Gloves:Target
Liz's Blog: Divine2Define 

Autumn Enchanting

Fall is my favorite. There is a romance to all of it, and I wish there were a magical land where Octobers were eternal. Mixing work wear into a college wardrobe has been tricky, but this outfit was a good mix between the two. Never before have I bought two of the same pair of shoes, but for my birthday, I purchased these from Nine West in brown (shown here,) as well as in black. The back is a stretchy material, and the rest is a pristene leather. I sometimes struggle to find boots that lack a lot of embellishments, which can date a pair of shoes. These boots don't have any buckles, chains, or odd embellishments that might but a "date" on them. They're comfy and versatile and I love them. The sparkles on this tank are great for a night out, but when I threw this brown blazer over it, it turned the top into a appropriate look. I can't get over my neighborhood right now; the colors, the air, the postcard quality scenes, all call my name on my drive home. 

Just so you know, there is an "Autumn Jazz" radio station on Pandora and it is perfect. Yes, I am listening to it as I type this up. Enjoy fall for what it is. Ignore all of the stores rushing Christmas. Enjoy the now, and enjoy Christmas when the time is right! Get out there, shine bright, and embrace the enchantment that is Autumn. 

Until Next Time,

Lauren Elizabeth Millsaps 

Top: old, similar here 

Blazer: Banana Republic 

Jeans: Banana Republic 

Boots: Nine West 

Biltmore Birthday

Casey and I visit the Biltmore Estate frequently, when I need to get away from classes, work, and technology for a while. Every year we make the trip for my birthday, and this trip was just as special as any. There was an overcast, which is my favorite kind of weather (for pictures at least.) We had lunch at the Stable Cafe (swoon,) and indulged at the candy shop. The house is prepping for a Downton Abbey exhibit, and we won't even get into that excitement. I kept it simple and warm with a creme sweater and my new favorite vest, and since it called for rain, I opted for my Hunter boots. Getting some alone time away from school, and seeing my favorite spot in NC made for the best birthday possible.

Vest: Old Navy
Sweater: Anthropologie
Jeans: American Eagle
Boots: Hunter 
Earrings: Charming Charlie
Bag: Old Navy

Romping Around

If you know me, you know that no one loves fall like this girl. I do, however, love to embrace the seasons. As the summer season comes to a close, I had to get my last few uses out of cutouts, rompers, and sandals all day. I wore this look to an event I've been looking forward to forever: The end of Summer Weenie Roast. Two of my top ten favorite bands played, and I think it was one of the best nights I've had in a while. Fitz and the Tantrums, Foster the People, and WEEZER (swoon) performed. The night was amazing, and totally worth the humidity. Rompers are a trend that I never hopped aboard, but at these outdoor music festivals, the 'fashion' can go a little crazy. This is as close as I get to festival fashion, and I won't apologize for not wearing a bikini and cutoffs to a concert. Also, how beautiful is the greenery around my house right now?! Had to throw in a tree comment. Embrace these last few weeks/days of summer!

Until Next Time,

Lauren Elizabeth Millsaps

Romper: Ark & Co
Belt: H&M, old
Sandals: Jack Rogers
Bracelet: Charming Charlie
Earrings: Forever 21
Bag: Target, old
Sunglasses: Karen Walker 

Swing

While we don't have a tire swing anymore, my family still has five swings around the house. It's great for when "kids come over," but I still love to swing and stare out at the lake. I love the details on this top and paired it here with navy shorts. I can't wait to pair this top with some gold bottoms for another look, but for now I went casual and cool. These shorts have a breathable feel which makes them perfect for the summer. I'm loving this bag more and more as I have it, because it goes well with any outfit and looks much more expensive than it actually is. Classes have been so hectic this week, and I hope that any of you still in school are having a great time back!

Until Next Time,

Lauren Elizabeth Millsaps

Top: Francesca's
Shorts: JCrew
Belt: Marc Jacobs
Shoes: Steve Madden
Bag: Old Navy

A Watch that Feeds Ten

One of the many reasons I can't wait for the fall is so that basketball, hockey, and football will all return! Another reason is that my tolerance for the sweltering heat has reached an all time low. Some days you just need a light t-shirt and an airy skirt to help combat the temperature. I love the old Charlotte Hornet's logo, but the new one isn't too bad either. Sports aside, my favorite part of this entire outfit is the watch that I'm wearing. One Face (1:Face) is a company that sells watches like this one, in many colors. Each color represents a specific cause. When you purchase a watch in your favorite color or charity, proceeds go to that organization. The white watch is for hunger, and one watch purchase feeds ten people. I also have my eye on the breast cancer watch, which is the other charity nearest to my heart. For $40 you have a cool new digital watch and can feel like your fashion actually has a function. One purchase, and one person can really make an impact in the world. Click on the link below to browse all of the charities, and consider these as great gifts for anyone with a caring heart.

Tee: Addidas
Skirt: Forever 21
Sneakers: Keds
Watch: 1:Face
Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Earrings: Vintage
Bag: old, similar here 

Jeans and a T-Shirt

You can never make enough outfits out of a plain white t-shirt and dark wash jeans. The limit does not exist! This outfit is a great option for back to school. The sweater looks pretty heavy, but in reality, the knit leaves a lot of room to breathe and makes for a great summer and fall piece. When it comes to jeans, I've tried them all. Seven for all Mankind, Banana Republic, Lucky Brand, no brand has EVER come close to fitting me (and my height) as well as American Eagle Jeans have. They last forever and are extremely affordable. In case you couldn't tell by now, I have a thing for trees, and this one in my driveway is my new favorite piece of eye candy. Keep a lookout for my next post, which will feature some back to college essentials, including this t-shirt! Anyways, stay happy guys and embrace the rest of summer while it lasts.

Until Next Time,

Lauren Elizabeth Millsaps

Tee: Target
Sweater: last season, similar here
Jeans: American Eagle
Bag: Old Navy, similar 
Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Earrings: Forever 21
'C' Necklace: Gift, similar here
Flats: Clarks