Back to School Must Haves!

I promised you guys a good list of back to school must haves and these all have the LuLu's stamp of approval!  Do yourself a fashion favor and make sure you have these guys in your closet ASAP.

Love the color of these and love love love the flare!

 If you only buy one thing fall, make it a good blazer.  We are especially obsessed with patterned and textured ones, but the peach one works so well with fall neutrals (which also haven't gone anywhere!).

Fringe.  Fringe, fringe, fringe.  We think you may need something with fringe.

Colored jeans are a big trend this fall, too!  We love the red, but don't forget a cute dark denim jegging, either.

Wrist candy!  Pile on bracelets and wraps with a feminine dress to add a little edge to an otherwise sweet look!

Yes, you MUST have a few good scarves in your rotation.  We love the colors here and Navajo prints are going to be huge!

Don't forget your ladylike chain strap bag!

Pretty Summer Looks!

We love love love how she mixes patterns so effortlessly.  A thick belt pulls it all together.  Her simple bangs are a win, too.

I can't find anything I don't love about this look.  I haven't seen anyone wear these super platforms in such a romantic, girly way.  I am obsessed.  

Lace shorts keep this look ultra girly while the bangles and statement necklace keep it from being too sweet.  

Take your favorite easy to wear summer dress, pop on summer hat and a short boot.  Instant festival cool.

This girl is so cool!  I want to be her.  The lightweight flannel is the anchor here, but the fringe scarf and her sandals make the look.  This seventies trend is so much fun!

Spring Street STYLEZ

 

Hi ladies!  Spring has sprung and the bad weather is gone...well at least for now.  Lulu's has been out on the streets of Oxford looking for trendy chics who are inspired by this spring's fashions, and we found a few uber fabulous looks!



NAME: Cali
HOMETOWN: Clarksdale, MS
OCCUPATION: Art teacher
Fashion Faves: Utility jackets, color, and scarves
Spring must haves: Neutrals and classic pieces

Cali's casual comfortable look is totally what we'd go for on a daily basis.  Utility jackets are IT this year and a definite must have for every female wardrobe.  Throw it on with just about any cotton T or soft print shirt for a easy trendy feel.  And like Cali says, and we agree, accessorizing is the key to jazzing up a plain outfit.  Her printed scarf and earth tone colors match perfectly.  So girls, looking to add something new to your wardrobe, take notes from Cali.

NAME: Claire
HOMETOWN: Memphis
OCCUPATION: Speech Pathology Grad Student
Fashion Faves: Boots with dresses, skirts, functionality
Spring must haves: Nude pumps

Functionality is a definite!  Claire understands, effortless style is critical in our fast paced lives.  She nails this boot and skirt combo!  We call this the classic chic boho.  Leather boots pair great with a simple patterned skirt and cardigan.  Keep the colors simple and add a pop of color like Claire's color silk tank.  Don't be scared to try something new gals!


















NAME: Hollie
HOMETOWN: Jackson, MS
OCCUPATION: Admissions Counselor
Fashion Faves:  Booties, flats and prairie styles
Spring must haves: Infinity Scarves

We love love love Hollie's yellow mini side bag!  This punch of yellow screams fabulous against her neutral simple style.  Tan flats and skinnies are staple pieced every girl needs.  Throw a cardigan over a simple T and finish off with a light scarf or simple long chain necklace.  Kudos to Hollie's Jcrew comfort inspired look!

NAME: Sarah
HOMETOWN: Jackson, MS
OCCUPATION: University of Mississippi Museum
Fashion Faves: comfort, suttle patterns, tall slim wedges
Spring must haves: bold colors and classic looks

Yes, the 80s are over and floral prints are out, but not these! Sarah's button down soft floral shirt is the perfect patterned print!  She keeps the colors earth toned with her brown boyfriend sweater and tight rolled skinnies!  We love ankle length jeans with woven 70s inspired flats!  Matter of fact, Lulu's carries 70s shoe styles, so run in and check them out!  Sarah's mix of decade inspired styles are totally winning.  Yes, we said it, WINNING!

Celebrating Motherhood--our story

Mother's Day has always been an extra special day for the LuLu's girls.  We're taking advantage of it this year and doing some things to truly celebrate motherhood in style.  Keep an eye on your inboxes and on our Facebook page for more information on this weekend.  We're kicking off the week with a little sentimentality, though, and we thought we'd share our story with you special ladies.

For starters, Lindsey and I (Corinne) are sisters, which many of you know, already.  If you can't tell by the family resemblance, you definitely can with all the inside jokes and our shared sense of humor.  I know the LuLu's girls up here think we're crazy!  When we decided to open the store, we went 'round and 'round trying to think of a name and finally, my husband says, "Why don't you just name it after Elise?"  (Her nickname is "Lulu" and I've called her that from the second she was born.  We didn't have a name picked out, as her gender was a surprise, so Lulu was a pet name that stuck until we chose her real name.)  To say LuLu's, the store, is deeply rooted in family and motherhood is an understatement.  

Me and Lindsey and Lulu with our mom and her mom

When we finally teamed up and opened the store in July of 2010, it was as two mothers with very different stories.  Every mom loves to tell her story!  Here's a little bit about ours.

  

I'd been at home for 8 years with my two kids with a pretty normal and exceedingly happy life in Oxford.  Motherhood, for me had been a rich growth experience with only the normal annoyances of having a family with two small children.  I had my kids very young and had really found my own speed as a woman and a mother.  I loved being home with my kids.  I miss it, but look back on it as a deep blessing and a wonderful, happy time in my life.

. 

Lindsey has her own story of motherhood that is very different from mine.  She has one little boy.  His name is Andrew.

When we opened, Lindsey had just had her very first baby, a boy, that past December.  He would have been been 7 months old.  But motherhood, for her, and for many other mothers, wasn't the sweet picture of drooling babies that we all assume it will be.  Her little boy only lived for 13 days and passed away just before Christmastime.  Motherhood isn't always easy, but it is always a gift.  Another baby is due this October and we all await the sweetness and joy that Andrew's brother or sister will bring to us all.  You'll surely meet him or her this fall--Lindsey won't go anywhere without little babe, we're sure. 

LuLu's is taking a break this week to celebrate motherhood.  All of us either are mothers or have one!  There are many faces of motherhood--some seem happier or sadder that others, but all of them are rooted in love.  Take a moment this week to walk by our window and see some of the faces of motherhood that you might recognize.  Feel free to send us one of your own.  We'd love to include your "face" in our celebration!

There is a Facebook album set up and we can add you in.  Just email us at info@lulusoxford.com or stop by the store and we can scan it for you!  If you have a Mother's Day story, you'd like to share, feel free to email that to and we'll try to include it as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

Oxford Street Style--Layering Done Right

Name: Katie

Occupation:  Communications Specialist

Hometown:  Oxford, MS

Self-described style: unique, but washer-friendly

Can't live without: a black cardigan that doesn't pill

Would splurge on:  ridiculously overpriced handbags.  and shoes!

 We love how Katie embraces springtime, but still looks sane on this 50 degree day with some dark opaque tights and a cardigan!  Her patterned skirt is definitely the centerpiece, but it's her accessorizing that wins our hearts.  Love the long necklace and cuff bracelet.  Love her neutral toned sunglasses even more.  The tucked in shell and high waisted skirt keep it polished and her tights pull the whole look together.  Super love.

Charleston Fashion Week Street Styles

 

We are head over heels for these Chas FW street styles.  What do we love?  Of course, statement necklaces and stacked bracelets, but our absolute favorite are the structured shoes and patterned clutches that really make these outfits turn heads!  Need to spice up a simple outfit for a girls night out or dinner with a special someone, just throw on a pair of shoes or an accessory that screams “I know I look good!”

Oxford Street Style... Feminine prints

Name: Sara


Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida


Occupation: Teacher, Teach for America


Favorite Spring Fashions:  Nude heels, wedges & floral dresses


A Day in the Life: Shopping after a break from work, then off to dinner. I love Oxford!


We can't get enough of soft floral print patterns and delicate ruffles this spring!  Sara pairs nude colors with her look adding a classic touch to her outfit.  We love how she belted her dress, structuring her outfit.  And of course to top off the look, cutout oxfords give this street style a casual feel, totally enjoyable!  Throw on a cardigan and a mid-length chain necklace to tie the whole look together.  Lulu's loves her style, so girls take note on what's hot this spring while out shopping!  

Spring fever: ACTIVATE!

February is evil.  Snow, then 75 degree afternoons.  Then more snow.  But, this week has been cruising at April-esque temps until this morning when we woke up to a chilly 35 degrees.  Let's just say we are all done with winter.  Our market trips, combined with the blooming of daffodils here in the Little Easy, have given everyone at LuLu's a hearty case of Spring fever. We've been cruising the Spring runways and have found  a few looks that will be sure to take you through the next few weeks in style.

The Classic Look

Corals and orange are all over the place this Spring.  Shed the cardigan when the weather is loco and you've got a perfect transitional Spring look.  We're pretty sure this coral wide leg trouser isn't going anywhere and bright pants are one of the big trends emerging out of Fashion Week New York 2011.  So feel free to splurge--you're buying for two seasons!  Look how smart you are.

Spring Booties!

We love the way she marries a chunky heeled bootie with a printed dress and vest.  While you can't wear your leather leopard moto jacket vest, oh say, to a meeting with the bossman, you probably have a few layering pieces in your closet that can make this look work!  A wedge bootie would do the same thing here.  Pull out those booties and show the world some leg.

Say Yes! to Shorts

SO many things make this look work.  Her bag (!!!), the great chartreuse color scheme, and a good polka dot are all major themes emerging from the Spring (and Fall) looks.  As soon as we shed our winter weight (darn you, Girl Scout cookie season), we will be sporting our own version of high waisted shorts. 

Nautical Girl

So classic, so affordable.  The nautical shirt is a staple piece this season.  They are truly one of the more wearable pieces we've seen.  Looks great with boyfriendjeans (love her belt), skinny jeans, or skirts.  A super cute friend of ours wears hers with charcoal patterned tights, denim cutoffs, clogs and a great pendant necklace.  Throw on a cardigan and you're good until flip flop season.  

The Maxi Dress

The last few seasons we've seen the maxi dress go in and out.  Take yours to a new level of cool by layering it and adding those granny boots that you don't quite know what to do with this time of year.  Great color here, again, and it sings of springtime while the jacket and/or sweater keeps ya' warm.  Also love how she throws a little edge on with some jewelry to keep it from being too sweet.  V. cute.

Breaking News! Published Author Loves Leopard Print Heel!

What?  You don't look like Kim in your heels?  Of course you do!

Everyone knows LuLu's isn't one to be shy about our seriously sexy heels.  Just peek in our front window--you'll see.  But sometimes we forget just how powerful that chemistry between shoe and foot can really be.  You know, that feeling that creeps into your stomach when you catch a glimpse of yourself with mile long legs and a perfect dress after weeks in your winter boots and jeans.  Homina homina homina.

Well, LuLu's old friend in a new way (Hi Melissa!) recently reminded all of us of the power of the prowess on her sparkle-tastic blog, Bitchin' Fiction!  We heart sexy shoe transformations and we really heart cyber shout outs.  Check out Mel and her shoe obsession (and some great teen vampire fiction love, too) here!

Here's to you, ladies--you, who know and harness the power of a sexy heel!  Maybe you can help drive old man winter out.  We can only hope.