Over The Knee Boots

Ann Taylor sweater (similar) and scarf (similar), Madewell denim, Michael Kors boots (similar, love the bootie version!), Henri Bendel handbag, Baublebar earrings, Jared bangle, David Yurman bracelet and ring

Happy New Year's Eve! Can you believe that 2014 is already coming to a close? My apologies for not preparing any NYE outfit posts. Graduating right before the holidays has thrown me though quite a loop in which I am still trying to recover from!

Coincidentally, this post consists of nearly all Christmas gifts. These over-the-knee boots and Henri Bendel bag (as seen on Taylor Swift!) were atop my list and Santa scored them both on sale! I am 5'3", so I really love how over-the-knee boots elongate my legs and the heel ads just the right amount of height. You can consider me fully converted to the trend.

Another amazing piece is this Henri Bendel bag from the Jetsetter Collection (currently 30% off!) which also doubles as a backpack. Since I have a few big trips coming up in 2015, this bag will be the perfect carry-on, yet still practical for everyday use.

Lauren

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Rocksbox Review

To be completely honest, I find that statement jewelry can be a little intimidating. I always see pieces I love, but worry I won't get much use out of it. So, when Rocksbox contacted me about their subscription jewelry service, I thought it would be a perfect way to test out statement pieces from amazing brands (like Loren Hope, House of Harlow, and more) with very little commitment.

Here's how it works: you fill out a style survey and their team of stylists individually curate three pieces that fit your style profile that are worth around $200 for just $19/month! The awesome part? You get to wear the three pieces as long as you'd like! Once you decide you would like to try something new, you simply send the pieces back in the oh so adorable package they came in along with a pre-paid shipping label (if you misplace it, you can just print a new one from their site!). So what if you get a piece that you just cannot part with? You have the option to keep whichever pieces and buy at a 20% members-only discount!

Rocksbox does all the hard work for you. You just get to wear the jewels!

Want to try this amazing subscription jewelry service for yourself? Rocksbox is offering my readers the first month for only $9! How awesome is that?! Click here and use the code BeYourBrightest. You'll never have to shop for statement jewelry again! 

Lauren

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Virginia Tech Graduation

photo by Laura Wolff

This past Friday, I graduated from college. Since not all of my credits were granted when I transferred, I had to forgo the Spring graduation. Which was fine, because I got to graduate along side my boyfriend! Although the above photos were taken a few months ago, on my graduation day I wore an orchid lei and this dress (now on sale!). The Hawaiian lei tradition was started by my mom and some other moms for our high school graduation!

Although I am sad that this chapter of my life is over, I am so excited for what is ahead. My time at Virginia Tech helped me grow into a person that I could not have imagined becoming, and I met some truly amazing and life-long friends along the way! If you are a student or graduate of Virginia Tech, you know that there is no place on earth quite like it, and I know that it will always be my home whenever I come back and visit (okay, I better stop before I start crying!).

A special thank you to every single person who helped and supported me along the way!

GO HOKIES!

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Casual Plaid Holiday Outfit

L.L.Bean Sweater, Burberry Scarf (similar), Marc Jacobs handbag, Madewell Jeans, Tory Burch flats, David Yurman ring, BaubleBar earrings

I hope everyone is having a great week! Today I wanted to share with you all a holiday-ready look that is put-together, yet still extremely comfortable! 

I live in cozy scarves and sweaters in the winter, and I firmly believe that they are pieces to invest in. While I am lucky to borrow my mom's Burberry scarf, I have linked a few below that still have the coziness but for way less (I'm talking well under $50)! And this fisherman sweater is one of my favorite things I own. It is so unbelievably warm and is such a steal for the quality.

Lauren

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shop the post and other scarves here:

Winter White & Faux Fur

Sweater, Corduroys, Scarf, Steve Madden booties (similar), Burberry handbag (similar), Ring, Earrings

If you couldn't already tell, I love wearing white in the winter. Just like a white ensemble during the summer months, there is something so timeless and chic about a monochromatic look for winter (I also love all black!). 

I've added this faux fur infinity scarf to make the look more winter appropriate and to be quite honest, I am reaching for it about four times a week. It is unbelievably soft and a great alternative if you don't have a faux fur vest (I am still in search of the one). Seriously though, the quality of this scarf is amazing and after picking it up on a whim, it has quickly become a wardrobe staple.

I hope everyone's week is off to a great start! I am finishing up my last few presentations and will be graduating this Friday! It still hasn't hit me yet, but I am really excited to have all of my family in town and then immediately celebrate the holidays!

Lauren

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Gift Guide: $50 & Under

Here are some cute and girly gifts that are $50 and under but are still from the designers you love. Bobbi Brown, Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, and J.Crew are all present! These would make great gifts for friends or would be perfect as stocking stuffers!

click directly on the image to shop:

Happy Shopping!

Lauren

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Seeing Green

Sweater: Talbots (almost identical) | Jeans: Madewell | Heels: Ann Taylor (similar) | Handbag: Marc Jacobs | Earrings: BaubleBar | Ring: David Yurman

We are having a bit of a green theme going on this week, aren't we? Anyway, these pictures were taken while the sun was setting, so the coloring really doesn't do this sweater justice. It is a gorgeous forrest green color in person, I promise! Here it is on my Instagram for reference. There are only a few sizes left, unfortunately, but I found another one that is practically identical (linked above) for a much lower price tag.

I have really been into big chunky sweaters for fall. It gets pretty cold on my college campus, so I love to throw one of these on and sip on some tea (or coffee, we all have those days) after class to tackle homework as I finish up my last semester of college (eeep!)

Good luck if you are going through finals!

Lauren

I have linked more cozy knits below:

Green Monday

photo: Neiman Marcus holiday book 2011 via laurenconrad.com

If you are like me, you may have indulged a little bit in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, but still have some gifts left to purchase for others. Thats ok! Because Green Monday is here and I have some awesome deals to share with you. Wether you are still looking for things to gift your friends and family, or its time to treat yourself, the list below will help you stay ahead of the holiday shopping while still leaving some money in your wallet. 

Act fast, many of these sales are ending at midnight!

Forever 21 | 30% off ends 12.8.14
Club Monaco | 30% off w/ code WINTERFAVES ends 12.8.14
Anthropologie | extra 30% off w/ code EXTRAMERRY ends 12.9.14
Amazon | early access for Prime customers to promos
Nordstrom | extra 40% off select new markdowns
J.Crew | up to 30% off w/ code MERRYMERRY ends 12.9.14
C.Wonder | 30% off + free shipping ends 12.18.14
Madewell | 30% off w/ code MERRIEST ends 12.8.14
ASOS | 20% off select brands
Saks Fifth Avenue | up to 40% off designer sale
Neiman Marcus | up to 50% off womens & 33% off mens

FREE SHIPPING
Urban Outfitters | ends 12.8.14
FarFetch | $160+ ends 12.18.14
Bloomingdales | ends 12.22.14
Zappos | ends 12.31.14
Barneys New York | ends 12.31.14
Saks Fifth Avenue | ends 12.31.14
Amazon | $35+ ends 12.30.14
Net-A-Porter | ends 12.31.14

Have a wonderful Monday!

Lauren

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Winter White & Herringbone

Herringbone vest: J.Crew | Turtleneck: Old Navy (so soft!) | Skirt: J.Crew (similar) | Handbag: Marc Jacobs | Boots: Tory Burch (newer version) | Necklace: J.Crew | Earrings: BaubleBar

While I was home for Thanksgiving, the Tuesday before was absolutely beautiful (I'm talking 70 degrees!) so I had to take full advantage of the nice weather. The next day we had a huge snow storm, so I am glad I got to wear one of my favorite warm-weather fall/winter outfits.

Skirts and boots are one of my favorite combos because you are able to get more wear out of some of your more summery pieces. I opted for a turtleneck and vest to make the white skirt more winter appropriate. I absolutely love wearing white in the winter! When done right, it can look so chic and classic. I have a few winter-white outfits planned for the future, so stay tuned!

Lauren

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Cyber Monday Sales

In case you missed out on the Black Friday sales, I have rounded up my top 11 favorite Cyber Monday deals for you! No need to wait in long lines, all you need is a cup of coffee and your credit card.

1. Ann Taylor + LOFT // 50% off entire purchase date: 11.30 5pm EST - 12.03 3am EST
no code needed

2. ASOS // 30% off date: 11.30 8pm EST - 12.2 3am EST

code: ILOVEMONDAYS

3. Bloomingdales // 25% off date: 11.30 - 12.1
no code needed

4. Brooks Brothers // 30% off select styles + 10% off entire purchase date: 12.1
no code needed

5. DVF // 15% off sitewide date: 12.1 ends 11:59pm EST

code: CYBER15

6. J.Crew // 30% off select full-price styles & extra 40% off sale + free shipping date: 12.1

code: MONDAY

7. Joie // 25% off date: 12.1

code: THANKS

8. Piperlime // 30% off + 40% off markdowns date: 11.30 - 12.1

code: CYBERSALE

9. Kendra Scott // 15% off + free ground shipping date: 11.26 - 12.1

code: BFCM2014

10.  Barrington Gifts // 10% off date: now - 12.1

code: CYBER10

11. BaubleBar // 20% off date: 11.30 6pm EST - 12.2 11:59 EST

code: CYBER20

10. Sephora // Mystery Sample bag w/ $25 purchase date: 11.29 - until supplies last

code: SURPRISE

click directly on the image to shop:

Happy Cyber Monday Shopping!

Lauren

Follow Along:

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Gift Guide: Beauty Guru

One of my favorite things to receive for Christmas? Makeup! This is one thing I cannot seem to splurge on myself. I do need refills of a few things, but I absolutely LOVE trying new products. And I am pretty sure I could spend an entire day just browsing the various beauty counters. I have added some value packs along with individual items any beauty lover will want! Who knows, you may even find something for yourself.

To shop, simply click directly on the image to be forwarded to the website:

Happy shopping!

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Gift Guide: For the Boys

I like to pride myself on my gift-giving skills. I have to say that I truly enjoy picking out the perfect presents for people. But you know who are especially difficult to shop for? Boys. Whether it is your brother, dad, or special someone, they always say "I don't know" or "I don't care" if you ask them what they want. Luckily I have some experience in picking out gifts for my guy, so I have compiled a fool-proof list of ideas for you!

Patagonia pullover, wallet, 'Shake' cocktail book, watch, gloves, slippers, Vineyard Vines shirt, Nike running shoes, beer making kit, flask

At some time or another, I have gotten my boyfriend or dad these items, so I can assure you they'll be a hit! Some of the top contenders are the Patagonia pullover (I think my boyfriend wears it every day, great investment!), the 'Shake' cocktail book, the Beer Making Kit (imagine any guys face when they open that!) and the Vineyard Vines shirt (I used to get my dad one each year in high school).

Is there anything I missed? What are some things that you have given to your guy?

Lauren

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Pinterest Wish List

Up until now, I have had my wish list on Pinterest private. I am not quite sure why (especially since my boyfriend has my password solely to look at my "Wish List" board). However, I decided that since I am an extremely nosy person and love seeing what other people are loving, I made mine public (extremely trivial stuff, I know).

Anyway, its a collection of things I am coveting (no matter how realistic or not, or just completely random) and sometimes I just sit there and pretend I am looking into my closet (I promise I'm sane). But hey, a girl can dream, right? I try to keep it very short and up-to-date to make sure I only have pieces on there that I really love. Check out the widget below to see what's on my wish list!

Follow Lauren Middledorf's board Wish List on Pinterest.

What's on your wish list this season?

Follow Along!

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Ivy Wall

Asos waterfall sweater (similar), Burberry scarf (budget friendly), Madewell jeans, Tory Burch boots (similar), Marc Jacobs handbag, David Yurman ring and bracelet, Burberry watch, BaubleBar studs

Whew! These past couple of weeks have been an absolute whirlwind. With exams and projects it can be hard to find some downtime to relax. Luckily, this past weekend, my parents came down for my sorority's parents weekend and it honestly couldn't have come at better timing.

Saturday afternoon we headed down to a winery in southern Virginia called Chateau Morissette. Being from Virginia, I have been to my fair share of Virginia wineries, but this one is definitely in the top two. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and the best part? They are 100% dog friendly, even in the tasting rooms!

When we were driving back, we had to stop at an overlook to take in the most amazing view of southern Virginia that I have ever seen (that's my boyfriend off in the distance). It truly took my breath away!

LOOK FOR LESS

P.S.

I added a widget that had the same and similar pieces in this post that are just as cute for a fraction of the price! I would love your feedback, do you like it?