'Tis the Season

        As I'm sure many of you are, I find myself trying to understand where the days have gone and grasp the idea that Christmas is actually 8 days away. These last few weeks have flown by, as time always seems to when you're super busy, so I just wanted to stop and share a few of the moments that have made up the merry madness of my holiday season thus far.

 [Philadelphia architecture adorned with Christmas greenery]

 [Rittenhouse Square Christmas lights]

 [Christmas tree outside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel]

 [Christmas tree upstairs at the Park-Hyatt at the Bellevue]

 [Poinsettias in the lobby of the Park-Hyatt at the Bellevue]

 [LOVE Park Christmas tree]

[Rittenhouse Sqaure Christmas tree]

[A pair of Christmas elves...]

[A cappuccino and spiced gingerbread at Starbucks]

 [Even my furry family members are in the Christmas spirit]

[Stockings hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas would soon be there]

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Blazer Gets Dressed Up

 [model: Anna Rudenko. blazer: BCBG. dress: French Connection. tights: Hue. booties: Max Studio. clutch: vintage Bally. watch: Michael Kors. necklace & ring: vintage.]

        A constant go-to of mine is my favorite black blazer, so I had been on the hunt for another in a neutral shade to incorporate into my wardrobe. When I spotted this one, and in navy, no less! (which has been my black substitution lately) I knew it was meant to be. It has great structural detail and the black lapel lends a modern edge. The length of the sleeve is great, allowing anything adorning your wrists to be showcased. For a night out, I chose a striped dress that works with the strong details of the blazer and whose shade of red adds bold, attention-grabbing color. For a subtly unexpected touch, I added black booties with a little edge.

All photo credit: Lauren Mantilla.

Gold accessories look lux against the rich shades.

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Big Girl Bows

[model: Anna Rudenko. dress: Moschino. shoes: Boutique 9. headband: Forever 21. lips: MAC Media.]

        There are some pieces that are meant to have a moment. This dress demanded its moment. However, it didn't begin as a showstopper. Originally, this dress had long sleeves and a much longer skirt. I had the sleeves removed and the skirt hemmed. The sash I styled as a dramatic bowed necktie. Adding a statement making bow headband and caged booties with leather bow accents kept the look girlie but daring.
  

All photo credit: Lauren Mantilla

Bows, head to toe. 

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School Days

 [model: Anna Rudenko. skirt: Guess. sweater: French Connection. tights: Hue. scarf: Nordstrom. shoes: INC. bag: Gucci. watch: Michael Kors. necklace: South Moon Under. earrings: Nordstrom BP. eyeshadow: MAC Antiqued]

        As a child, every year on the first day of school, I would pose with my younger brother for a photo in our new outfits. And while the school year does technically start sometime in early September, I find myself most nostalgic for my younger school days when the trees turn shades of orange and yellow and their leaves begin to cover the ground. Instead of going with traditionally fall shades, I opted for a fresher, more modern, preppy look with transitional pieces that allow for easy layering. The high-waisted denim skirt and white tights add a bit of whimsy balanced by the sweater with shoulder detail. The green cashmere scarf provides a pop of color and keeps away the Autumn chill. 

A little Halloween twist.

All photo credit: Lauren Mantilla.

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Jungle Remix

[model: Anna Rudenko. blouse: LOFT. skirt: mossimo. belt: bebe. 

handbag: Fendi. shoes: Steve Madden. earrings: Rachel Roy. watch: Michael Kors.]

        There's something about wearing an animal print that makes me feel a little bit badass. And while I love traditional leopard and zebra, I find the more subtle shades of this blouse and handbag make each piece much more versatile.  While I paired this blouse with a black skirt, a fiercely studded belt, and booties; either piece can also be worn with basics. I love that the understated patterns also make it possible to rock them together. Just remember: when wearing any animal print, the most important accessory is confidence.

All photo credit: Lauren Mantilla.

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Quite White

[model: Anna Rudenko, blouse & skirt: BCBG Generation, shoes: Sam Edelman, 

necklace: Loehmann's, lips: MAC Ruby Woo, nails: OPI Malaga Wine]

        White is my summer go to. I adore fresh white tees, crisp white dresses, and a great pair of white jeans. For less casual situations, I find an all white ensemble looks so luxurious and just as chic as head to toe black. This blouse and skirt have a very vintage, feminine vibe and while the red peep toes have retro appeal, they are anything but ordinary. 

All photo credit: Lauren Mantilla.

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Hot Hues

[model: Anna Rudenko, blouse & skirt: BCBG, shoes: No. 704 b, 

clutch: Coach, sunglasses: RayBan, earrings & ring: Rachel Rachel Roy]

        Inspired by the sunsets of these last gorgeous days of summer, I felt the need for an intense combo of bold color. When I spotted this tomato red silk blouse I could only imagine pairing it with one of my most quintessentially summer items, a turquoise bandage skirt. Adding a coral clutch and a few pops of blue bling keep the palette punchy. The gray suede shoes provide an unexpected balance to this vibrant ensemble.

All photo credit: Lauren Mantilla.

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.