The Perfect Bow!

Ok, y'all.   This one is big.  So as you all probably know by now, i'm a little obsessed with big floppy bows.  The problem is that if they aren't tied PERFECTLY, it ruins the whole look.  After practicing time and time again, I still struggle at times.  So today was the first day of Dallas apparel market. I'm here with my husband and son, NO other girls to help me tie my bows that are behind my back! Now, The Livingston comes already tied and can stay tied, and it's a pretty perfect bow! BUT… The Stratton needs to be tied each time you wear it!  This is a problem because if I can't tie the perfect bow while LOOKING at it, how am I going to tie the perfect bow BEHIND MY BACK??  I was desperate so I asked my husband to attempt it… He ties his own bow ties all the time, after all.   YALL..   PERFECT.   I was like, what in the world?!?  He said he just tied it like he would any bow tie and just adjusted the long ends a little to make it look more like the bows I like.  

LONG STORY SHORT.  Girls, have your beau tie your bows! It's full proof, and gets them involved in your outfit, which makes them want to tell you your EXTRA pretty!

And on the flip side (yes, I just said that)  You can learn how to tie a bow tie as well and then you can help your beau get ready for a fun night out WITH you!

See, aren't they perfect??

Here is a step by step to tie a bow tie!  

You're welcome.

XOXO,

Lauren

The Livingston

www.shoplaurenjames.com

The first, and quite possibly our favorite design of the flagship Lauren James Co. dress line is our preppy but chic Livingston dress.  This dress dons a floppy bow in the back so you'll turn heads as you walk in a room, as well as walking out!  The seersucker fabric is just the beginning of this perfectly preppy design; from the pleats, to the modest mini skirt, this dress is sure to impress!  This dress will be available early spring 2014 but here are some pictures from our photo shoot to hold you over until then! Enjoy!

Seersucker on my mind

With football season starting this week (and tailgating!!) and our spring 2014 collection in the final stages of production... we have one thing on our mind.  SEERSUCKER!

Seersucker is a thin, cotton, puckered fabric, commonly striped and used to make clothing for the warm spring and summer months.  The word "seersucker" means "milk and sugar" because of the resemblance of it's smooth and rough stripes to the smooth texture of milk and the bumpy texture of sugar. Another plus? Since the fabric has a wrinkled appearance, you never have to iron it! This makes it PERFECT for us southerners who need to throw on a sundress at a moments notice! It's also naturally moisture-wicking so it's great for hot summer months!

Because of all of these fab qualities, we decided to design our debut spring fashion line completely in seersucker! We're slightly obsessed and we know you will be too! Pictured above is one of our three designs for spring.  This dress is made in high quality seersucker, with a static free lining.  The pleats and pockets make it perfectly preppy!  We also designed it with a modest mini skirt so it's perfect for any occasion. It's Easter appropriate but also fashionable for the tailgate! The bow in the back can be tied to your liking; unlike most bow dresses out there. I know everyone has their own personal style so you can tie this bow tight and pristine, or tie it into a more floppy bow.  Last but not least, the flattering waistline and sweetheart neck make it perfect for any body type!  

Thanks for checking out one of our sneak peek designs for spring!  Check back next week for a sneak peek of our second design! It's backless - enough said!  :) 

XOXO

LJ

The Sundress

“Southern girls are God's gift to the entire male population. There is absolutely no woman finer than one raised below the mason-dixon line and once you go southern may the good Lord help you - you never go back” -Kenny Chesney

 As a southern lady in the 21^st century, we may not wear a hoop skirt, pantalettes, corset or gloves, but we do know how to rock a sundress! 

A southern lady can wear a sundress with the highest level of grace. Whether it's lace, bold florals, modern silk, or the ultimate southern textile, seersucker, a sundress should be a staple in any southerner's closet.

 

To complete the look, throw on a pair of wedges, your grandmother's pearls, bright lipstick and a hat and you've got yourself an outfit! Now, go face the world with reckless abandon, for no one can stop a woman in pearls! 

And remember, you can never be overdressed!   

XOXO

LJ

The Modern Southern Belle

During the Antebellum Period, a Southern belle was a term used for the young, unmarried woman in the plantation-owning, upper class southern society. She was a flirty, girly, pulled-together beauty who was expected to to marry respectable young men, and become a lady of society dedicated to the family and community. 

Here we are 150 years later, and while much has changed in the south, you are sure to catch a glimpse of the 21st century rendition of a Southern belle at places like Cotillion, the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and deep in the heart of the mississippi during an Ole' Miss football game. 

Most southerners today don't own plantations, but we still embody the spirit of the Southern belle.  We still want to be courted by a respectable gentleman, we  still strive to become a society woman and an upper tier socialite, and the thought of someday raising babies to wear matching smocked outfits on a daily basis while saying yes ma'am and no ma'am is as close to perfection as it gets.  

So next time you're heading out for tea, remember your sundress, heels, pearls and lipstick. And above all, smile, for being a Southern belle is a privilege.  

XOXO
LJ 

Welcome to the Blog! -LJ

Hey Everyone! We hope to keep you all updated with new products, promotions, and designs through the blog!



Thanks for stopping by!
LJ