This week we hit up our West Coast colleague, Lauren Urband, for her work week wardrobe. Lauren turns to street and personal style blogs for inspiration. “I love seeing how real people dress around the world and have come to appreciate the individual styles of so many fashion bloggers”, she says. Some of her go-to blogs and websites include The Sartorialist, Hanneli Mustaparta, Garance Dore, Jak & Jill, The Coveteur, Sea of Shoes, Cupcakes & Cashmere and, personal favorite, The Man Repeller.
Day 1
What are you wearing?
Jen Kao jacket, T by Alexander Wang tank, Theory leather shorts, Alexander Wang shoes, Givenchy Nightingale bag, Giles & Brother bracelet, Hermes watch
Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
The Jen Kao jacket is from my favorite store, Aura in Santa Monica, which just closed its doors. R.I.P.! I was truly devastated when I heard the news; I’ve been shopping there since I moved to California five years ago. I discovered the store when I was jogging in my neighborhood and saw a cute pair of pants in the window, which promptly ended my workout. Ah, priorities!
What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
Aura’s manager, who is also a close friend, urged me to buy this jacket, despite my hesitation due to the Dynasty-esque shoulder pads. But, as always, she was right – it’s one of my favorite pieces in my closet.
How does this outfit work for your work day?
This outfit is casual yet pulled together at the same time. Perfect for LA!
Day 2
What are you wearing?
Christian Cota blouse, James jeans, Collar necklace from Mexico, Thakoon by Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Giles & Brother and Madewell bracelets
Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
I picked up the necklace at a store in a small, artsy town outside of Cabo called Todos Santos while on vacation. It’s a really versatile piece, and I love that it reminds me of my trip.
Ah, the shoes… I first spied them at Kirna Zabete while in NYC with two clients, who insisted on going to the best stores all over town in between meetings. After much debate, I left them at the store and thought about them all the way back to California. I ended up finally purchasing them on sale. Score!
What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The shoes. Any time I am still thinking about something after I leave a store, I get that “Wayne’s World” line stuck in my head, “It will be mine; oh yes, it will be mine.” Case in point!
How does this outfit work for your work day?
Today, I have a meeting with a client who appreciates a great shoe, so I always take extra care in choosing a pair he hasn’t seen yet when I know I’m going to see him.
Day 3
What are you wearing?
T by Alexander Wang tank, Isabel Marant pants, Ann Demuelemeester sandal booties, Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew necklace, Celine luggage tote
Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
These are my “husband-repeller” pants. Every time I wear them, he cringes and rolls his eyes; they epitomize everything that men hate about women’s fashion, although I always get compliments from other women when I wear them. I’ve been married for just over 5 years, so I’ve learned to wear what I like, and my husband has learned to keep his opinions to himself.
As soon as I heard of Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew collaboration, I immediately called every store within a 10-mile radius until I could get my hands on this necklace. I wear it at least once a week. Such a genius partnership!
What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
This outfit incorporates all of my favorite colors – neutrals, metallics, leopard and a little sparkle.
How does this outfit work for your work day?
Today, I’m recovering from last night’s dinner in honor of the Westward by Emily Current and Meritt Elliott for kate spade new york collection, so I went for comfort!
Day 4
What are you wearing?
Vanessa Bruno romper, Vanessa Bruno jacket, Balenciaga sandals, Norma Kamali sunglasses, kate spade new york bag, Giles & Brother, Madewell and David Yurman bracelets
Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
Showing some client love today! I’m wearing pieces from two of our clients – Vanessa Bruno and kate spade new york.
What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The sunglasses are a classic yet timeless cat-eye shape. I especially love that the tortoise pattern looks like leopard, my favorite color.
How does this outfit work for your work day?
It’s a perfect day-to-night outfit!
Day 5
What are you wearing?
Isabel Marant jacket, 3.1 Phillip Lim top, J. Crew pants, Eddie Borgo necklace, Celine sunglasses, Alaia sandals
Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
I stalked these shoes after seeing them at Des Kohan, a really cool store here in LA, but they were a gazillion dollars. I thought they were never going to be mine until I spied them on The Outnet. Luckily, they were available in my size, so I immediately snapped them up, of course! They’re a perfect sandal-bootie hybrid.
What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
This necklace always sparks conversation. It’s a bejeweled spike, but people get really creative when trying to figure out what it is…
How does this outfit work for your work day?
I’m meeting my husband for a dinner date after work, so this outfit is another great day-to-night number. Unlike NY, LA is a driving city, so you have to think about your entire day when getting dressed in the morning.
