California Dreaming

Guys it's officially summer and I am loving it. I'm trying to soak up every last minute of the warm weather, before I make my move to San Francisco where summers don't seem to exist! I feel like a lot of the trends this summer have this kind of California Dreaming flair to them- flared jeans, platform sandals, patterned dresses and soft pants. I just want to cruise down Sunset blvd with my sunroof down and listen to the Beach Boys. 

I'm not sure how you guys feel, but I'm beyond excited that platform sandals are making a comeback. I very vividly remember my first pair of platform shoes when I was in 3rd grade. They were a white pair of Sketcher platform sneakers and I thought they kicked up my school uniform a notch, my first pair of platform sandals came a little later. I begged my mom for months convincing her they were a perfectly acceptable and practical shoe for a 10 year old. I bought them at a local department store called Mervins... I think they were some brand called Soda? I'm not sure, but they were this like shiny metallic color and I wore them for my first day of public school in 5th grade with a pair of jean capri pants with the little slits on the sides and a white tshirt and butter fly clips... obviously I was on top of the trends back then. I am 100% positive I thought you could not get cooler then that outfit. It's only a matter of time before the butter fly clips make a comeback...and I'm not sure I'll be ready this time! 

Photo Credit// Gina Tomassone
Hat// Similar One Here 
Dress// LF Robertson Blvd
Shoes// Free Bird X Steven 

Feeling inspired by my new Free Bird x Steven shoes I put together two different ways to wear them with some fun flirty patterned dresses.

Photo Credit// Gina Tomassone
Dress// LF Robertson Blvd (similar here)
Shoes// Same as above. 

I put together a few patterened dresses and platform sandals that are currently catching my eyes for you guys to shop!

Dresses

Platforms 

P.S. If you guys have any great tips for my move to San Francisco, let me know!! 

- xoxo Becca 

March Necessities: Elastic Shorts & Holey Jeans

Photo Credit// Gina Tomassone
Top// LF Robertson Blvd
Denim Shorts// Distressed Elastic Carmar

Despite my ghostly white skin, with the weather warming up I've been gravitating more and more towards shorts. If I can find pieces that are pajama comfortable and still acceptable to wear outside of the house that is always a plus in my book! I'm so in love with these elastic Carmar Denim shorts and predict this will be a growing trend this Spring/Summer. I scoured online and found some of my favorite elastic shorts to share with you.

Elastic Shorts 

Photo Credit// Gina Tomassone
Top// LF Robertson Blvd
Denim// Riley Carmar
Shoes// Danica Oxford Jeffrey Campbell 

I'm always a fan of boyfriend jeans and distressed jeans no matter what time of year it is. I'm particularly obsessed with the pair above because of the size and placement of the holes. They have a more grungy feel to me. I've put together some of my favorites right now for you to shop! 

Holey Jeans 

-Xoxo Becca 

Espadrilles

Photo Credit// Stephanie Fantauzzi

Top// LF Robertson Blvd (last summer)

Denim// Carmar Denim (similar jeans here)

Shoes// Dolce Vita Ceyla d'Orsay Espadrilles 

Necklace// LF Robertson Blvd

These last few weeks have been so crazy!! I flew to portland for a grad school interview (and got in!!!), then one of my good friends and cofounder of Southward Apparel stayed with me for a long weekend, and this weekend I have birthday festivities for my bestie and I fly to Philadelphia for another interview! The rest of my month only gets crazier, but I love it! Next year my life will be all about the books and paper writing, so i'm enjoying every last minute to hang out with friends, go on unexpected trips, and be almost care free. 

So I don't know if you guys follow Sincerely Jules  but she's my absolute favorite blogger and style icon. I'd be twenty times more excited to meet her then I would be to meet Kerry Washington from Scandal which is saying a lot... though maybe not as excited as I was to meet my favorite pig in the world Hamlet. Anywho, if you follow her blog you have probably noticed her insanely cute Espadrilles by Isabel Marant that she often wears. Honestly, at first I kinda hated them, and I wanted her to stop wearing them. But like many things in style, the more and more I saw them the more they grew on me. It's pretty rare that I openly seek out items that I see other bloggers wear, the only other item I can really think of is my Mink Pink slasher shorts that have become an absolute staple in my closet for the last 3 years. Not prepared to spend the money on the Isabel Marent Espadrilles (I'm not even sure if you can still buy them), I was so excited when I spotted these Dolce Vita look alines! They also come in black. They are sooooo comfy and I know I will be wearing them so much this summer. 

Have you guys grown to love something in fashion that you once hated before?!

I pulled a few pairs of Espadrilles that I'm currently loving, for you to shop right now.

Espadrilles 

-Xoxo Becca

P.S. follow me on Instagram @leather.lace.andcupcakes for more outfit pictures and my trip to Philadelphia this week! Any good recommendations for places to go eat or things to see?!

My Superbowl Sunday

Photo Credit// Stephanie Fantauzzi
Sweater// on Sale at all LF Stores 60% off (similar sweater here)
Skirt// LF  (similar skirt here)
Shoes// Matisse Footwear (similar boots here)

I imagine that most of you spent your Superbowl Sunday with an excessive amount of guacamole, 7 layer bean dip, and whatever other kind of wonderful food you are capable of cooking and for good measure some beer while you watch Katy Perry perform and more commercials in one sitting then you will watch the rest of the year (and I guess the game). I however am not a fan of the Superbowl, including the halftime show and commercials. I've tried to get into it a few times, went to some parties in college, occasionally watch the halftime show and commercials online so I know what the rest of the world is talking about the next day...but I couldn't really find it in myself to care this year. So I did what any non loving SuperBowl human would do, I brunched! I picked up Steph and we headed to Square One Dining in East Hollywood (fun fact it's across the street from the Scientology Center). I've been wanting to try this spot for a while, the last time my mom was in town visiting we attempted to go there for breakfast but after 30 minutes of searching for parking we gave up and headed to GRUB one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles. I will admit parking is quite difficult, and there was about a 25 to 30 minute wait for a table but it was absolutely worth it! The restaurant kinda looks like a whole in the wall but it has a very charming outdoor patio that we were lucky enough to be seated in. This place really cares about the quality and freshness of their ingredients. After debating between the pancakes with a bacon infused carmel sauce and breakfast tacos, I went with the tacos and a fruit salad that consisted of mangoes, apples, pears, oranges, and pomegranate seeds. It was easily the best fruit salad i've ever had, and I wasn't complaining about the tacos! I can't wait to go back and try the pancakes. 

 While very slowly cleaning out my closet the last few weeks I've discovered that I have too many pieces that I've either never worn or only worn once or twice. When I was getting dressed for brunch I decided to try to wear some of these neglected pieces. I honestly can't tell you the last time I wore the patterned skirt, and almost positive my Matisse shoes have never seen the light of day. I love the look of an oversized sweater thrown over a short dress or skirt, and this sweater is especially fun because of the low v back.

 What did you guys do for Superbowl Sunday?!

-Xoxo Becca

Oldie But a Goodie

Photo Credit// Stephanie Fantauzzi
Top// LF Robertson Blvd
Jeans// Express
Choker// LF Robertson
Shoes// Steve Madden
Star Bracelets// A Marketplace in Maui

I don't know about you, but I tend to keep things in my closet for wayyyyy to long. I really hate cleaning out my closet, it takes more time and energy then I feel like I have. The bright side to my lazy disposition and somewhat messy closet, is that every once in a while I stumble upon an old gem. I recently found these old jeans I got from Express when I was an undergrad at Baylor University. I probably haven't worn or thought about these jeans in five years!! I'm absolutely loving everything about them now, probably more then I did when I first bought them! 

After being gone for Thanksgiving and being sick with Strep AND a Sinus Infection for what seems like forever, this weekend was about watching Netflix and catching up with friends over coffee! I paired these newly found favorite jeans with an oversized black button down (that boyfriend look) with a sheer back, and a bunch of large bracelets for a more put together look. I also wore my favorite black velvet choker with a large cross, it really makes me feel like a product of the 90's. It was the perfect outfit to wear in order to be comfy but cute while still feeling slightly under the weather. 

Do you guys tend to save items in your closet for too long?! Have you recently found an old item of clothing that you now love more then when you originally bought it? I'd love to hear! Also don't forget if you want to be featured on my blog or instagram account on Wednesday's hashtag your pictures #llcstreetstyle or feel free to email me laprade.rebecca@gmail.com 

I've put together some similar looks below that you can shop! Have a great week beautiful people :)

Oversized Button Downs 

Similar Denim

-Xoxo Becca 

Fall Florals

Photo Credit// Stephanie Fantauzzi
Leather Vest// Aviatrix Leather (bought at LF Robertson)
Floral Blouse// Bought at LF Robertson
Leather Leggings//Mink Pink
Booties// Matisse Footwear
Hatt// Bought at LF Robertson
Bag//Marc by Marc Jacobs

After a long week of volunteer work, research, and working on grad school applications I had a wonderful weekend with some very close friends. I had brunch on Saturday at an adorable little spot in Venice called 26 Beach. If you're a french toast fan I highly highly recommend it. I had the Monty Cristo French toast and it was unreal, and my coffee was served in a princess mug...so that was a plus. I then spent the evening at Halloween Horror nights at Universal studios, one of my favorite halloween traditions. On Sunday, I ventured into Los Feliz and ate at this cozy little spot called Home. It was nice and cool in the morning so I chose this dark floral blouse and paired it with my faux leather Mink Pink leggings. I got so many comments the last time that I wore this vest that I decided to bring it back! I'm also obsessing over my recent hair cut by the amazing Marissa Marino at Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood. If you're looking for a great place to get your hair done I'm convinced they can do no wrong.

If you guys have any posts you want to see or questions feel free to comment below or send me an email! I'd love to hear from you guys. Below i've included links to shop items similar to what I wore.

Dark Florals
Leather Vests
Leather Leggings

-Xoxo Becca

The Midi Skirt

Photo Credit// Gina Tomassone
Top//Rumor Boutique (bought at LF Robertson)
Midi Skirt// Mika & Gala (bought at LF Robertson)
Sweater//Millau (bought at LF Robertson)
Shoes// Coconut by Matisse
Bag// LF Robertson
Necklace// Urban Outfitters

The midi length skirt and dress is making quite the comeback this fall. I have to admit I was highly skeptical that I was going to be a fan of this new trend. As I saw more and more pictures on instagram and blogs the look began to grow on me, but I was still hesitant that it was going to be a favorite on me. When I headed over to LF on Robertson blvd to check out their new fall collection and play dress up I developed a strong love for this length (there is also a leather midi I have my eye on there). 

How do you guys feel about this trend? Love it or Hate it?! Here are a few more midis that I have my eye on.

Nasty Gal One Teaspoon Freelove Denim Skirt

Nasty Gal Furry Up Midi Skirt

Nasty Gal Metal Petal Skirt

Melrose Place and Lace

Photo Credit//Lenny Montalvo
Top//LF Robertson (last summer)
Shorts//LF Robertson (last summer)
Bralette// Victoria's Secret
Shoes// Jeffrey Campbell
Double Or Nothing Gold plated Necklace// All the Wire
Cross// Gifted by friend 

This summer is coming to an end, and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to wear this LF lace tank top (from last summer) for possibly the last time. This last week has been a crazy! I got home from Maui, and immediately had friends come into town for the holiday weekend to stay with me. After a busy weekend of sight seeing, a birthday part at Sky High (don't lie and pretend like jumping on trampolines into foam pits isn't the best way to spend Saturday night), and watching 5 hours of Real Housewives of Melbourne (shine shine shine) we decided to stroll around Melrose Place. Then after seeing thousands of Instagram pictures from Alfred's Coffee, we decided it was a necessity to experience the coffee, and immediately followed it with a photo session with Casper  the Barista. 

Photo Credit// Stephanie Fantauzzi 

I haven't talked to much about my outfit in this post, and thats honestly because I'm sooooo ready for Fall to come! Hello leather, plaid, oversized sweaters, and knee highs. However, I will say that the All the Wire Necklace I wore in this post means the world to me. I posted it on Instagram (@leather.lace.andcupcakes) last week if you want to see it up close. I had it engraved with the words "Forever in my heart, PLP" as a way to keep my dad close to my heart. All the Wire is a great jewelry line stared by Tori (from Courtney loves Dallas) and her sister Desiree. The unique thing about this line is that many of the pieces can be personalized with your own special words. 

Hope you guys are having a wonderful Holiday weekend! What are you guys most excited to wear this Fall?! 

-Xoxo Becca 

Rooftops & Barbecues

Photo Credit// Mallory Thomasson 

One of my favorite things about the apartment building I live at in LA is the rooftop. It feels like my own private sanctuary. With its beautiful views of the city, it's also the perfect place to have a summer barbecue. I've lived here for three years now, and have yet to really take advantage of the possibilities of this rooftop. One of my summer goals is to host a barbecue with all of my friends. 

Dress// Charms Fashion (bought at LF Larchmont)
Bralette// Love Mar (bought at LF Robertson)
Shoes// Sam Edleman
Bracelet// Lucky Brand
Necklaces// Gifts
Fedora// Hardware

This is the outfit I envision wearing to my future barbecue. The dress is perfect for a warm sunny day in LA. You can pair the dress with a Fedora to keep the sun out of your eyes, or if hats aren't for you maybe try a flowery headband. 

Jean Jacket// Rampage (bought at Nordstroms 9 years ago)

If your barbecue goes on into the night and it starts to get a little chilly throw on a jean jacket over your floral dress and roll the sleeves up a bit. This is one of my favorite jean jackets I bought at Nordstrom's when I was a junior in high school. If your in the market for a good jean jacket though, I actually think that Abercrombie and Fitch is a great place to try.

What are some of your favorite barbecue looks?

-Xoxo Becca