Friday's Fancies #34: Road Trip Time

I rock at roadtrips.

No, but really. I'm not just talking about a few measly hours. I mean the legit, long distance road trips.

My senior year in college 5 friends and I drove to Pasadena to see the Badgers in the Rose Bowl. If you'd like to calculate that- it's about 40 hours each way. We drove straight through. No stopping. No hotels. 

In case you're new to the blog, you probably didn't see our epic road trip a few months ago I documented on Instagram. Michael and I were living in Virginia, and before we moved back to Wisconsin we drove up to Maine, hitting every single East Coast state on the way, then over to WI. 

I rest my case. I feel like I've proven myself to you. Thus, take my advice when I say I know how to dress for a road trip. This outfit is perfect for a fall trip in the car:

 Make sure you have sunglasses, there's nothing worse than a staring at the sun headache. Check out these perfect tortoise ASOS sunglasses (under $15!).

If you're the passenger and you're anything like I am, you want to be able to kick off your shoes. These mauve GAP Scrunch Flats are perfect slip on flats in case you make a quick pitstop to see the world's largest ball of yarn.

You all know I love gigantic jewelry- but when in comes to road trips, I ain't messin' with any of that. Simple studs all the way, like these Marc by Marc Jacobs studs will do just fine. 

Gosh this striped knitted sweater looks comfy, eh? Do I need to justify it? No. 

 I know people might think yoga pants should be a go-to road trip bottom. Well, I disagree. If you're going to be getting out, seeing things, eating dinner, taking pictures, my vote is for jeans. Especially with the soft, stretchy, comfy jeans out there today, like these: TopShop comfy jeans!

Okay, I get you're probably all thinking I'm crazy with Kate Spade Passport Holder in my mix, but let me justify. If you're really taking an all out- where the road takes you road trip, always have your passport. Case  in point : When Michael and I were on the epic road trip I mentioned above we stopped in Niagra Falls. We  turned on the GPS to leave & start heading toward Ohio. Long story short we ended up going through a toll and realized they were asking for Canadian money. Turns out the fastest way to get there was through Canada. Welp, dear M doesn't have a passport so we couldn't get through. The attendant wouldn't let us through so he had to back up the line to let us out #embarrassing. Just bring a passport and cover it in a cute cover, okay?

Anyone else bring a passport with them on roadtrips?

Or try to sneak into Canada like it's nobody's business?

xo,lp 

 

Friday's Fancies #28: Stars & Stripes

Thanks to all virtually traveling with me during the Instagram overload on our New England road trip! We've been having an amazing time and love being able to share it all! 

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This Friday's Fancies is special this week because I got to meet the lovely and talented {av} last night from {long distance loving}! You can tell someone is 100% true to themselves on their blog when you meet them and they are just as you'd expect. {av} happens to be just as sweet and intelligent as she seems, and Michael sat patiently while we ate delicious Italian food and blog-talked. BTW, if you haven't looked into her Polish Your Blog services, do so now!

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Alright, so the main attraction: Friday's Fancies. This week was of course 4th of July themed, and so I cheated and made basically copied what I wore for the holiday. I decided to go the all out, tacky, red, white, & blue route, and stuck out like a sore thumb in Mystic, CT. I missed the subtle memo. Shoot.

As you can see below the collection, there's proof it's what I wore...and proof we ate a lot of ice cream!

red pants: collection is from forevernew, mine are from Marshalls (in store only)

blue stripe shirt: collection is from zumiez, mine is from GAP -find it here

anchor necklace: the one in the collection & mine is from F21- sold out

gold circle necklace: the one in the collection & mine is from Gorjana- find it here

chain necklace: the one in the collection is from F21, mine is thrifted 

shoes: the ones in the collection are ASOS, mine are from Urban Outfitters forever ago

Images via Instagram (@lpodlich)

What did your 4th of July outfit look like?

Please tell me I'm not the only tacky one! 

xo, lp

psssssssssssssssst: I'm over at Because Shanna Said So today, check it out!

Friday's Fancies #27: Beach Chic

This week's theme for FF was beach chic, and it was easy to find swimsuits that make me feel beach ready!

I think it's pretty clear to everyone that wearing matching top & bottom bikinis is the thing to do this summer, so I figured to make a little game of swimsuit roulette this week:

Sailboat top & bottom (J.Crew)  /  Turquoise stripe top & bottom (RiverIsland)   /  

Green dot top & bottom (J.Crew)   /  Coral top (J.Crew) & bottom (RiverIsland)  / 

  Orange top (Barneys) & bottom (RiverIsland)

Which combo is your favorite?

My vote is for the sailboat top and green dot bottoms...

xo, lp

pssssssssssst: we officially are moving sunday- AH! want to follow along for our 17 state road trip on our way back to the Midwest?

find me on twitter HERE and Instagram HERE! (both @lpodlich)

Friday's Fancies #26: Colorblock

I've officially been participating in {av's} Friday's Fancies for 1/2 a year. Wow...where did time go?! 

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As you can see from last week's Friday's Fancies, I've suddenly warmed up (hah, summer pun) to the whole pink and orange combination. The theme this week was colorblocking, and it wasn't hard to find a whole array of gorgeous colorblocked pieces....

1. This Madwell Colorblock Tank looks too comfortable to be true. Anyone own it & can attest to it?

2. Um, the first person to send me this Street Level envelope clutch is my new best friend. Seriously.

3. Bauble Bar has by far the best summer baubles. These boho drops are colorful bits of heaven.

4. If my budget allowed it, this Roksanda Ilinic skirt would be mine in a heartbeat. Le sigh.

5. This Big Buddha bag rocks. My current go-to bag is already a black hole, may as well switch it for something more colorful!

6. J.Crew, why must your shoes be so perfect? Loving these colorblocked flats.

Have a happy weekend everyone!

(stay cool! i know we're melting in the 95+ heat here!)

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #25: Outfit Crush

So here's the deal with me and maxi anything:

I'm 5'2" and had myself convinced that I was far too short to hop on the maxi trend bandwagon, but oh was I wrong. After some convincing from Lauren, I bought a maxi dress, and I ain't ever going back (yes, I said ain't...told you the South was rubbing off on me). Being able to have the comfort of a skirt/dress without having to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions because of a windy day or sitting down at a picnic? Sold. 

My thoughts when I first saw this look in Pinterest:

1. Flowy!

2. I could so not pull that off.

3. Orange + pink + plum + gold = genius.

Clearly I have a highly developed brain. Clearly.

Shop the look:     tank   /   blazer   /   skirt    /   necklace  /    bracelet   /   purse  /   belt    (image)

Are you madly in love with maxis too?

If not, it's not too late to jump on the bandwagon!

XO, LP 

psssssssssst: I'm super excited for some posts next week on the blog (mainly monday)- I have some exciting news to share!!!

Friday's Fancies #24: Short & Sweet

Here's the deal:

I don't own any nice pairs of shorts.

I know, you're all thinking "we don't really care Laura". That's fine. I just thought I'd state it. 

Other than running/workout shorts, I own zero pairs. My summer wardrobe is full of dresses..but  JCrew's shorts this season are seriously making me reconsider my past summer clothing choices.

Their chino & twill shorts come in every color imaginable....

 Which color would you snag for summer?

(I'll take the kelly green & coral please)

xo,lp

Friday's Fancies #22: Memorial Day

I'm salty about having to work on Memorial Day.

 Thus, I'll keep it short:

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Red, white & blue of course, with some perfect star studs. Very Americana, right?

If I was going out for a picnic or to the beach, this is the outfit I'd wear! I recently bought a pair of white pants and thoroughly love them. AND I got them for $6. Yeah. I'm that good people, that good.

Sunglasses   /   Star earrings   /   Tory Purse  /   Cobalt top   /   White Jeans

Bangles 1 /  2  / 3

What will you be doing on Memorial Day?

xo, lp

(sidenote: giveaway on the blog next week! woohoo!)

psssssst: i'm very anti-war, but i have the utmost respect for those who have fallen while dedicating their life to their country. between picnics and mall sales, take a minute to remember what memorial day is all about. for history on the day, click HERE

Friday's Fancies #21: Chambray Season

It's Friday. 

As you're reading this I'm on the beach. In the sun. Eating salt water taffy.

Like I mentioned earlier this week, Michael and I have friends from MN in town, and we're spending the weekend in Virginia Beach! Hopefully I'll be getting a good tan so I can pull off an outfit like this:

Yep, {av} had us great chambray inspired outfits this week, and I instantly knew what outfit I'd want to wear. I love the combination of chambray & neon- and to top it all off with aviators and a bun? Yes, please.

Would you wear chambray + neon?

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #20: Color Crush, Take 2

I have today off.

As you're reading this I'm either enjoying a hot cup of coffee or some delicious wine (I won't say what time I'll have which...).

If you have to work: sorry for rubbing this in your face.

If you don't have to work: come have an awesome day in Richmond with me!

Okay, back to the task at hand, Friday's Fancies. The first Color Crush post was over 2 1/2 months ago, and for this go 'round I thought I'd cheat and do a Color Combination Crush. 

For that, I've chosen:

Now, give me a white tee and I'll rock just the coral, or just the turquoise, but if it's acceptable- I'd like to wear both please!

coral:  necklace  /  earrings  /   tee    /  lacy dress

turquoise: lacy dress  /   tee  /  earrings /  necklace

Would you go for coral or turquoise? 

[happy friday you lovely people, see you monday!]

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #19: Derby Girl

This week's Friday's Fancies is all in honor of the Kentucky Derby. Now, I've never been to a derby, but now that Michael and I live in the South, it's a lot more feasible we'd go to one. The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs in really close to Richmond, so if Michael will let me wear a big floppy hat, I am SO in.

Although I've never been, I feel that there are derby staples for every woman- mainly a big floppy hat & some pearls! I know pastels always scream "Southern Belle", and these D&G Mary Janes seem perfect for the occasion!

dress  /    hat   / sunglasses   /  shoes   /  earrings   /  necklace

Am I the only one who wants to go to the derby solely to wear a gigantic hat??

xo, lp

Make sure to stop over to {long distance loving} to check out more derby outfits & have a lovely weekend!

Friday's Fancies #18: Date Night

This week's Friday's Fancies theme: date night. 

Usually when we go out it's somewhere fairly casual, so I usual stick to basics like skinny jeans and black heels, with light shirt and some pop of color either in jewelry or a clutch!

jeans  /   shoes  /  necklace  /  blouse  /   clutch

I'll be working through the weekend, and won't get a chance to wear a cute outfit like this- so if you're all out, have a drink for me!!

What's your go to date night look?

[make sure to head over to {longdistanceloving} for more!]

Friday's Fancies #12- St. Patty's Day

I've been sharing gorgeous green and gold things all week, and today's St. Patty's Day themed Friday's Fancies is no different.

Close your eyes and pretend you're going to have a classy St. Patty's Day. 

Is it working? Are you picturing it?An elegant green tinged martini instead of dyed beer? A classy white top with dark skinnies instead of a "KISS ME I'M IRISH cutoff tee?

If you can't picture it, here it is. Grab this crisp blouse and choose one bold, green accessory that says "I'm celebrating, but in a sophisticated way...or at least until the third green tinged martini I am.."

Personally, I'd take any of them, but if you're going to make me choose, I'll take the kelly green flats. Then the necklace and bag are tied for second...and the ring coming in a close third.

(here's some green beer for those of you not diggin' the classy St.Patty's Day)

As usual, make sure to head over to {long distance loving} for more green getups!

Happy [early] St. Patrick's Day everyone!


(psst- Badgers won their first game so the UW Grad inside me cheers..and VCU did too...so the RVA resident is thrilled. Good week for basketball!)

Friday's Fancies #11: Spring Break

   Friday's Fancies this week is all about Spring Break...and while the majority of my coworkers get one, I do not. Oh, the bummer of not being in college anymore. This week, use your imagination with me folks, and pretend I get a week away from work to lay in the sun, drink, and be merry:

 This simple cotton tunic would be perfect for a cover-up or just to relax in by the beach, all while reading this book full of inspiration hiding from the sun with this hat or these shades. Oh, and how perfect is this beach bag and those shiny gold flip flops? No, don't start calling me out for wearing bangles (1, 2)- they may not be practical, but...it's my hypothetical vacation dammit, let me wear some pretty bangles.

Anyone care to send me that Design Sponge book? Pretty Please?

Pssst...Make sure to stop by {long distance loving} for more spring break get ups!

Friday's Fancies #10: Tangerine Tango

  This week for Friday's Fancies the every trendy {av} has us making our outfits around the Pantone Color of the year: Tangerine Tango. I originally included this color in a FF post a few weeks ago, without knowing it was the Pantone Color of the Year. The funny thing?  I called it "clementine" not "tangerine"- because I was literally eating a clementine as I wrote the post. Suuuuuper great creativity going on over here, folks. #coolfail.

This week, rather than go Tangerine Tango crazy, I decided to do an array of gorgeous accessories I would wear with the Tangerine blouse I'm madly in love with (and at $474 can't afford) by Phillip Lim. Oh Phil, why do you do that to me? Heartbreaking. I'm convinced it's the color of the year because just about any color looks great with it, from turquoise to neon pink. Mmm-hmmm!

Green Earrings/ Bubble Bracelet/ Turquoise Earrings/ Cobalt Necklace/ 

Neon Heels/ Chain Bracelets/ Neon Necklace

What color do you like best with Tangerine Tango? 

Friday's Fancies #9: Hollywood Glam

 Happy Friday friends and followers! This week {av} decided it was Oscar excitement time- and left it up to us whether we wanted to share an outfit we'd be wearing to watch the Oscars- or something we'd wear if we were actually going. Quite frankly, this year I'll probably be wearing leggings and an oversized sweatshirt bumming around the apartment- and that wouldn't be the most fun to see, now would it? 

   I love all the red, gold, and silver that comes out each year at the Oscars- especially the ladies that do it up in an old Hollywood glam fashion. I also am partial to the looks that feature a simple, elegant dress with a stunning necklace or pair of chandelier earrings. If I were to go to this gown-appropriate event, that's definitely the look I'd be rocking. As for color-navy for sure. I mean, navy is the new black, isn't it?? I'm hoping to see some navy stunners this year on the red carpet- and I am loving these four!

 1. Nightshade Blue Tulle -Mullberry/  Valentino Pleated Ombre/ Chandelier Earrings/ Kite Earrings
2. Mikael Aghal Strapless Crepe Dress/ Lanvin Pleated/ Tiffany & Co/ Harry Winston

Would you wear navy on the big night??

(oh, and make sure to stop by {long distance loving} for more great looks!)

Friday's Fancies #8: Let's Fly Away

Before FF I have to say thanks for all the birthday love yesterday between twitter/comments/facebook/etc. You all rock. Seriously.

Ooooh this week's Friday's Fancies is a good one folks. This week {av} has us workin' the theme "let's fly away!" We're supposed to pick a destination we'd love to go to- and what we'd wear there! I instantly knew my destination: Gorgeous Greece.

I can't get over how stunning all the pictures I've seen from there are- clean, crisp, white buildings all looking out over turquoise waters. Amazing, no?

As for what I'd wear, I did the collection based on being a tourist taking a Mediterranean cruise- some good old nautical pieces that scream "I'M CLEARLY NOT A LOCAL! BUT DANG I LOOK GOOD!". I'm especially loving the chambray top and the yellow Sperrys. Mmm-hmmm.

source

Look 1: Glasses/ Anchor Ring / Sperrys/ White Crops/ Chambray Top

Look 2: Espadrilles/ Yellow Shorts / Stripe Top/ Hat/ Necklace

What do you think about going to Greece- or wearing the nautical-obvious tourist get up? Are you lovin' the yellow Sperrys as much as I am??

Friday's Fancies #7: Red & Pink

Alright, I didn't fully follow instructions this week. {av} asked us to come up with an awesome outfit using red + pink, but I can't lie- I'm not the biggest fan of red and pink together. Thus, instead I put together a collection of gorgeous red and pink dresses perfect for Valentine's day:

 REDS:  1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 /
PINKS:  1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 /

 Which one is your favorite? I think I have to go  for #5 from the reds (Which is John Lewis, and I can't find it anywhere in his shop) and #1 or #5 for the pinks!

oh, and of course, head over to {long distance loving} for more red + pink!

Friday Fancies #6: Spring Fever

     It's Friday's Fancies times again, ladies and gents! This week {av} gave us the theme of Spring Fever. I have to say, this week in Virginia it's been in the 60s, so it's already warmer than the Springs I'm used to in the Midwest! When I planned this outfit- I focused on being able to wear it through the ever changing sunny and rainy MN/WI season!

A few highlights:

1. Great rainboots are a necessity- and these black ones are somehow practical and stylish- I mean they're Burberry..so naturally they look good!
2. Floral and pastels are everywhere in the Spring forecasts, so this simple pink over-sized tee and floral scarf are a great way to start the season out right!
3. If you're going to have to cover up a great outfit, it might as well be with a great coat. This MiuMiu khaki one is pure class.
4. This green Clare Vivier bag is quite the object of my affection these days (sorry Michael). Gotta have a touch of green for Spring!
5. Do I even need to justify the sunglasses and Marc Jacobs bangles? No? Good.

Don't forget to head over to {long distance loving} to see what others are doing to cure their Spring Fever!

Friday's Fancies #5 BLOG SWAP

Happy Friday friends and followers! Today's guest post is from Julie of Run Dream Cook. If you're like me and desperately need inspiration to start running- check out her blog, it's amazing! So not to be redundant- I'll shut up and let Julie explain why she's here this week! 
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Hello there Beauty and the Beard readers! I'm Julie of Run Dream Cook, a fellow reader and lover of Laura's blog.

Laura and I are blog swapping today for this week's Friday Fancies! A couple weeks ago Alison of Long Distance Loving suggested that we do a blog swap as the theme for this week and I was super excited. She paired up the those of us who were interested and that's how I got here today! I'm a huge fan of Laura's blog and I'm super excited to be showing off my collection to her readers! Laura and I decided to ward of the "Winter Blues" this week. Laura chose to pick fabulous blue items that will add a beautiful pop of color to an otherwise dreary winter wardrobe while I chose to day dream about warmer days.

winter blues by rundreamcook featuring michael kors sunglasses

I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to skincare and sun protection. I'm petrified of skin cancer and therefore I'm super neurotic about covering up. What better way to cover up than with a big floppy hat? I'd love this for a bright and sunny day outside.

 Dress - What's not to love about a perfect blue cotton sundress. During the spring and summer I live in skirts and dresses. I love the stripes on the top of this one!


Since it still is actually pretty chilly outside I thought I should include a way to keep a tiny bit warm and I loved the idea of adding a punch of bright color to the dress. The cardigan is also a perfect addition for night time during the summer.

Once I picked that cardigan, these Michael Kors sandals were a no brainer. I posted the same pair in silver a couple weeks ago, I'm just totally in love with them. Again, unfortunately they're jellies, which I'm generally not a huge fan of, but I couldn't find anything like these!

Perfect simple silver earrings. I love a tiny bit of shine with a casual outfit like this.



A fabulous pair of sunglasses are a must have summer accessory. I love these with the hint of blue in the lenses. Apparently I have a bit of a Michael Kors obsession this week.



I hope you like my outfit today! And don't forget to head over to my blog to check out Laura's gorgeous picks this week. I'm loving all the blue that's happening over there today!

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Thank you so much for the awesome post Julie, perfect blog swap partners, if I do say so myself!!!


*On another note---are there any Richmond bloggers that will be going to the Richmond Comedy Coalition "Richmond Famous" Show tonight? Fellow RVA bloggers Sherry and John from Young House Love are featured, and I'm going for a night of great improv comedy! PLEASE leave a comment or email me if you are, I'd love to meet you! You can find more on the event here.

Friday's Fancies #4: Outfit Inspiration

   I don't need to keep introducing Friday's Fancies, do I? No? Good. Glad y'all got the hang of things. This week {AV} gave us the theme "outfit inspiration" - and encouraged us to find an outfit we loved off of Pinterest and create an outfit from it. Now, I didn't go too crazy out of the box this week with the inspiration- but rather used the same colors from my inspiration piece and mixed them all around!

Here's what I came up with:

This outfit was one of the first I pinned on Pinterest, and still love it. Perfectly effortless, feminine but not overly girly.

1. I grabbed the mint green from the skirt and brought it up top with this Zac Posen bow blouse-light, airy, and lovely.

2. The dark grey from the original made its way to some Wendy Mink teardrop earrings- better than a necklace to clutter up the statement bow.

3. The subtle original gold clutch transformed into some gold Marc Jacobs accent bracelets. Man, I could handle wearing those babies with any outfit.

4. The yellow pop in the necklace is now in the form of a simple yellow clutch. I have to say, the popular yellow + grey combo is even better with the mint green!

5. Miss Thing in the picture isn't showing off her shoes, but you can't go wrong with these camel Louboutin pumps.

So what do you think about adding mint green to the usual grey+yellow mix? Yay or nay?

Now, don't forget to head over to {long distance loving} for more inspiring outfits!