The New Prep

December 14, 2012 at 11:59 pm by Lea Mills 

There's a new trend going on and I'm definitely a fan. Well, maybe I shouldn't say a new trend but rather the comeback of an old trend. What I'm talking about is the return of preppiness, or the new prep. 

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This look is based on classic styles and cuts in great pastel colors and prints. Some of the most classic preppy brands are J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, and Lily Pulitzer. Personally, I'm obsessed with all of them. I love filling my closet with a little bit of each and it's absolutely possible to find all of them at reasonable prices. Vineyard Vines and Lily Pulitzer are often featured at outlet malls and J.Crew just launched J.Crew Factory. 

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Mastering this look is not hard, and you'll be able to fit in in both the professional and casual environment. First up are the clothes themselves. Look for classic dresses (think Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O.), boot cut or straight leg jeans, a button down, a cardigan, and a perfectly tailored jacket. Also acceptable gear for the new prep are vests (instead of a coat), a-line skirts, etc. Next are the shoes. Heels are always acceptable, but so are adorable flats, boat shoes, and flat boots. In terms of accessories, make sure you wear a monogram, your pearls, and a bow in your hair.

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The new prep is colorful and fun but also classic making it a winner no matter the occasion. It's easy to do, and people will always be impressed with how you look. Remember, as Oscar Wilde said "You can never be overdressed or overeducated". 

XOXO Lea Mills 

What Do Your Panties Say About You?

November 12 at 11:08 am by Lea Mills

One of things women agonize most over is their underwear. You don’t want to be caught without something cute and lacy and sexy from companies like Victoria’s Secret and La Perla. But, have you ever thought about what your style of underwear says about you?

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Bikini bottoms are practical and say that you’re a no-nonsense kind of woman that just wants to get down to business, including in the bedroom.

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Boy shorts mean you are athletic and have a tomboy streak to you that means you can play with the boys but still go out and be sexy with the girls.

A thong, g-string, or v-string says you are risky and spicy and enjoy adventure in all things, but still have that hint of modesty.

Granny panties, say a few things. It means it’s laundry day, you’re on your period, you’re going through a break up, or you’re a crazy cat lady.

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Commando says that you are sexy and comfortable in your own skin. It also says that you’re probably more of a risk taker than anyone else and are willing to try anything.

Have fun panty shopping!

XOXO Lea Mills

Good Eats - Stone Street NYC Edition

November 10, 2012 at 8:33 am by Lea Mills 

My boyfriend just got a job in NYC’s financial district, which is an amazing accomplishment and I’m so excited for him. I’m mostly excited because it means that I get to take him around to some of the hidden treasure restaurants of the Financial District.

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First up is SmorgasWall Street, which is located at 52 Stone Street and features Scandinavian fare. It’s a great casual spot for lunch, dinner, or brunch and has some of the best Swedish meatballs I’ve ever had. Additionally, it has a full bar which is great for some after work cocktails or even a mid-day one if your day is going really down hill.

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Next we have Adrienne’s Pizza Bar, located at 54 Stone Street and has some of the best pizza in the city. It has a full bar and during the spring and summer outside seating. Additionally the pizza is square and has the perfect thin crust – which is wonderful because you can get full without feeling too full. 

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A third spot to grab a bite is Ulysses Folk House, at 95 Pearl Street. It is a classic Irish pub and a great breakfast spot. Additionally it has an outdoor patio for those who enjoy both eating and drinking outdoors. It’s open till 4am and has an awesome DJ so it’s fun late nightspot, whether you spend the whole night there or just go for a late night bite after a night of drinking.

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Finally, there’s Stone Street Tavern, located at 52 Stone Street. It’s another late nightspot where you can go after a night of partying or even if you just want a low-key bar to stay at for the night. It also features a great happy hour and a full bar.

Don’t overlook the Financial District for good times and good eats.

XOXO Lea Mills

A Proposal in Less Than Six Months?

November 8, 2012 at 4:10 pm by Lea Mills

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It’s the holiday season and it’s a time for family parties where you will inevitably be asked, especially if you show up with your significant other: when will you be getting married? It’s a stressful question because what girl in a long term relationship hasn’t dreamed of a little blue Tiffany’s box with a beautiful diamond ring? The problem isn’t wanting it, the problem is getting him to do it.

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Now one method that’s tried and true is Glamour’s Engagement Chicken Recipe. But not all of us are brilliant cooks, so what else can you do to get your long-term boyfriend to propose in six months or less?

Start small and suggest moving in together. If he agrees, it means he can see a future with you and that’s a good sign. Then once you have moved in together show him how easy it can be with two people splitting the chores and doing some little wife like moves like laying out his outfit the night before or rubbing his back after a hard day at work.

Another less than subtle way which may frighten him off is take him with you to your friends’ weddings and subtly drop hints while your there. Or just leave your computer and magazines open to pages with engagement rings.

A final, more serious way of getting him to settle down would be to just have an honest conversation with him about where you both see things going in the future.

Good Luck Gaining that Ring!

XOXO Lea Mills

Fur: Low Class or Haute Couture

November 7, 2012 at 12:25 am by Lea Mills

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It’s finally November and it’s getting steadily colder as the days go by and get shorter. This means it’s time for long johns, and Uggs, and something a little more controversial, Fur. People have fur-lined boots, hats, gloves, coats, etc. And it’s perpetually something that popular designers, such as, Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, and BCBG, use in many of their winter designs. However, is real fur a great, fashionable way to keep warm or just a cruel way of using animals for our own ends? Check out PETA’s website for arguments against and  furisgreen.com for possible pro-arguments and then come back and weigh in on the debate.

Happy (faux) Hunting!

XOXO Lea Mills

A Friendly Time For Savings

November 4 at 11:00 pm by Lea Mills

It’s been a hard week here on the east coast dealing with the after math of Hurricane Sandy. Therefore trying to find some fun things to do has been difficult because you don’t want to waste gas nor do you want to go broke. My boyfriend was telling me that we needed to find something to do for free so after thinking for a while I was inspired by Extreme Couponing on TLC.

I went on-line and Googled restaurants with rewards programs and found that many of the restaurants in my area offer great rewards programs. So for the next two hours I took the time and filled out on-line applications, located on the homepages of the restaurant websites, and wound up with the makings for a few great nights out.

We decided that today, in honor of Daylight Savings Time (remember to set those clocks back!), we decided to have the first day of savings and went to Friendly’s on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ. 

Our welcome coupon was for a free three-scoop sundae with the purchase of one adult entrée, which was fantastic because we were able to use it to get two full meals for $20.

Our experience at Friendly’s was fantastic. We were welcomed graciously and seated quickly. Additionally, our server, Vanessa, was very helpful in getting us the best possible deal for our money. He got the $9.99 deal that comes with one meal, a drink, and a two-scoop ice cream sundae, and my meal was equal price between the sandwich and drink that I ordered.

It was nice to finally get out after being stuck inside for so long, especially when we were able to save some money just by signing up on-line.

Happy Savings!

XOXO Lea Mills 

Politics and Romance: Can the Two Mix?

November 5, 2012 at 9:40 pm by Lea Mills

This week is a really important week for the future of our nation. It’s election week and on Tuesday the USA as we know it could change quite a bit. The candidates, President BarackObama and Mitt Romney are both hard at work presenting their platforms and trying to secure those last minute votes, however, what role does romance and the private lives of these two men have to do with how you should vote.

President Obama has a very loving relationship with his wifeMichelle and the two are often photographed together and their relationship has become one that people want to emulate. The two present an extremely united front and both are incredibly supportive of each other’s goals.  Additionally, President Obama has been known to have a good time and be able to joke around, even if it’s at his own expense.

Mitt Romney has had a classic love story with his wife Ann. The two were childhood sweethearts and have had a long and lasting relationship. Their relationship has overcome many ups and downs including Ann’s MS and breast cancer. However, Mitt is a Mormon and does not drink, thus begging the question will he bring the same life and fun into the White House that President Obama was able to?

Both candidates are extremely well qualified and no matter what your political affiliation don’t forget to go out on Tuesday and VOTE!!!! It’s truly one of the most important things you can do as a citizen of the United States.

Happy Voting!

XOXO Lea Mills 

Oktoberfest

Hey loves,

Sorry it's been so long - but that first month of school is always the craziest. Except now it's October which means it's time for Oktoberfest! 

Now I'm not a big beer drinker, but my boyfriend is, so naturally he wants me to come out drinking with him to celebrate Oktoberfest! Now how can this possibly not be painful?

Well he took me to a great beer spot in Philadelphia called Eulogy. It's set up like a Belgian Tavern, dark wood, low lighting, etc. It's a fantastic spot for a really chill evening - especially if you start the night a Leyla hookah right down the street (I recommend the sex on the beach flavor). 

Not being a huge beer drinker you would think that I would find a place like Eulogy to be a terrible bar to go to. However, I had a GREAT EXPERIENCE because some of their "300 international and domestic craft brewed bottle beers and 21 draught beers" are perfect for a girl like me. Plus for a night at Eulogy I don't have to worry about killing my feet in a pair of killer heels because jeans and flats are perfect for this place. And if you're looking for a place to pick up a man who likes relaxing evenings out and isn't a typical frat boy - this is the place to go - just ask him for suggestions - like we did, which led to us meeting the writer of Hops and Hopes by Andrew Leichthammer - a blog about beer. 

Shirley Temple?

So now you're probably asking what beers did I enjoy. First I tried Framboise beer which was so sweet I thought it was a spritzer at first. It was so good and has a great color kind of like a Shirley Temple.

Strawberry Fields :)

The second beer I tried was Sam'l Smith's Organic Strawberry Fruit Ale. It was a little less sweet than the Framboise but you could really get a feel for the strawberries which was great especially in the early fall. 

Be a Curmudgeon

The final beer I tried was a little bit more of a "man's beer" but it still tasted great with a coffee base. It was Founder's Curmudgeon Old Ale. While delicious - it was really heavy so I recommend not eating too much before you drink this or you won't get through it. 

All in all Eulogy was a pleasant experience and definitely worth it. So go out and enjoy Oktoberfest and try some new beers that just may change your mind!


Cheers,

Lea Mills XOXO

Follow me on Twitter @leamills_; Find me on Facebook leamills.fashion; Find me on Polyvore info-leamills! <3

Suit It Up!

So I was shopping with my Boyfriend today because he's a business student and obviously needed a suit. And by needed a suit I mean that if he doesn't have one he's kicked out of class because Rutgers University - School of Business Newark is just that hard core. I mean I'm in law school and our dress code isn't even that strict. I mean obviously we do have to get dressed for certain events but we can show up to class in sweatpants if we so choose (although in my personal opinion wearing sweatpants is a true sign of defeat; even though the occasional hoodie is ok) and not have to worry that we are going to get kicked out or get points taken off our grades.

Not that having to wear a suit in a professional school is a bad thing. It's actually kind of nice. Everyone just looks cleaner and more respectable. I'm convinced that even the sketchiest person can look completely trust worthy when he is wearing a suit. I even think it's sort of a sexy way to dress. I mean there's something about seeing someone in a suit that makes you look at them in a new way. Especially if you're in the bar with some girlfriends having a fabulous cocktail like a Godiva Chocolate Martini - because can you really get anymore decadent? 


So watching him go through the motions of buying a really spectacular looking suit at the end of the day made me start to think....maybe I should be wearing suits more often. I mean as a woman I have a lot more suit options than a man does. I can wear a skirt suit (skirt, oxford, and suit jacket), a dress suit (a sheath dress, suit jacket) or a pants suit (pants, oxford, suit jacket). Plus those are such easy transition outfits. Simply change the top, ditch the jacket, then change your shoes, bag, and other accessories and you're good to go to the office straight to the bar. 

The only word of caution that I would include with this is that you need to splurge. A suit is not something that you should look to get for cheap. Obviously look for sales or student discounts or things like that but don't go to a bargain basement for the suit that you want to be the marker of your professional career. You should spend the money for an amazing suit because an amazing suit should last you till the day you die. Provided that you take care of it, i.e. taking to the dry cleaners and not just throwing it in with your dirty underwear. Also take the time and get it tailored because nothing says unprofessional like an ill fitting suit. It's just sloppy so spend the extra $20 to $30 and get it tailored.

Also buy the proper accessories. As cute as sparkle sky high heels are they aren't cute with a suit. Unless you're going to the bar after work and not including the jacket or oxford with the shirt. But even then you're teetering on some awkward territory. 

Moral of the shopping story? My Boyfriend had buyer's remorse at the expense only because it was just one suit and it cost so much but at the same time knows he looks great for sure. So go out and splurge a little because a good suit that fits you perfectly is truly an investment in your future. 

So go out and Suit It Up!

XOXO Lea Mills 

Follow me on Twitter @leamills_; Facebook.com/leamills.fashion; Pinterest.com/leamills; Polyvore info-leamills

The First Week of School

Hey loves,

Sorry for my absence - it's been a crazy week moving back down to school and dealing with my first week of classes. Now that I've been in school for a week I've noticed a phenomenon. During the first week of school everyone makes an extra effort with their clothes but once that initial week is over it's back to normalcy.

Now even I am guilty of this. I make sure I dress up a little extra. You know sundresses with a sweater to keep it modest, plus my school has severe air conditioning issues or shorts with a button down shirt to be a little extra fancy. And if I decide to wear flip flops it's not my typical Old Navy 2 for $5 flip flops it's my extra cute Vineyard Vines flip flops that look a little fancier or my Coach sandals that dress everything up a little.


Now part of being able to dress nicely goes to shopping for school with the first week in mind. You want to make a good first impression, so if you are going shopping - visit my Pinterest account to see a good list of student discounts at various designer stores (trust me it's a lifesaver!!!). However, what's the point after the first week in putting in too much of an effort???? Honestly - you've made the good first impression now it's time to stop caring about how you look and get into studying. Just don't wear sweatpants, unless it's a final. Sweatpants are a true sign of defeat. But aside from that you're good in jeans/shorts and t-shirt. 


Plus there's not just dressing yourself it's getting up early so you can do your hair and make-up. Basically the goal of the first week is to make everyone realize how utterly fabulous you are and then once they realize revert back to no make up and a casual ponytail. 

Anyway now that I'm through with the "fun" of the first week I can be a little more effortless in how I get dressed for class. Now the only place where I have to get freaked out about how I'm dressed is when I go out for a drink at the bar - preferably a delicious margarita. And I'm definitely not interested in those crazy beer-garitas. It's just too much. Keep it classic and keep it simple - it's more fun plus you can't really walk around with an upside beer bottle in your drink. 


Anyway hope you're all enjoying your first weeks of school. Study hard! 

XOXO Lea Mills 

Find me on Twitter @leamills_; Facebook leamills.fashion; Pinterest infoleamills; and Polyvore info-leamills

Packing Drama

So I'm working on moving out and back into the dorms at school. Now when I started my journey I was like it'll probably be like 2 boxes and 2 suitcases. Somehow this number has multiplied and I'm not even halfway done yet.

It amazes me how spread out I don't have that much stuff. A little here a little there but it honestly doesn't seem like it's that much. I'm pretty sure my stuff is having babies, which I've decided to call thinglets. This must be how my stuff is becoming larger.

Also packing is just a stressful thing. Not just packing for moving but also packing for trips. The hardest thing is figuring out what clothes you need. Second to that is deciding what shoes to bring. And I love clothes and shoes so I want to bring them all. 

Plus you never know what kind of mood you are going to be in. What if it's a warm day but then cool at night? Or it's one of those weird Fall days that's exceedingly hot? There's too many variables to consider. It's crazy and a lot to think about. 

What's worse than packing though? Unpacking, of course. I seriously think that unpacking is the worst part. I mean it's easy to throw everything into a suitcase if you're like me and going to bring everything. Which I never intend to do but it always seems to happen. It's almost kinda funny the way that happens. 

However, unpacking requires some skill, some finesse. You have to find a place for everything and then put it there. And that requires some actual thinking. What should go in the dresser and what order should they go in? How can you pack things in your drawers so that you can find them easily? It's a lot of work, which is why I believe in the rewards system.

If I finish my packing, without torturing those around me or myself too much, I get a treat. My treat comes in the form of a delicious drink. In the summer I enjoy Tiffany's Blue Lemonade - yes that Tiffany's. First of all I love the company, Tiffany&Co, they make the most beautiful jewelry. Plus they've got great pieces for all ages. And then they have a delicious treat named after them. You make it in a champagne glass and put sugar on the rim. Then you fill it with lemonade, Peach Schnapps, and Blue Curacao. It's a delicious summer treat and sweet treat. You can find the drink recipe on my Polyvore. 




Then I like to pair it with a delicious summer salad, like a Greek Village Salad, made of Kalamata Olives, Green Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Cumbers, and Feta Cheese. The dressing is just a simple olive oil and vinegar. It's really fresh tasting and easy. Also I like to make a nice cheese plate featuring more Feta, Cheddar Cheese, and Asaigo Cheese. Add some fruit to it like grapes and it's a perfect snack. 

The reward is the only way to get through the unpacking and packing nightmare. However, it's totally worth it. 

Have fun packing! 

XOXO Lea Mills

Find me on Twitter leamills_; Facebook leamills.fashion; Polyvore info-leamills; Pinterest infoleamills

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

So this week, I'm doing something that's incredibly sad and it probably really shouldn't be, however it feels like it's something that should be memorialized. So here I am, memorializing. 

This week I am going back to school shopping for the last time. I'm picking up things for my dorm room, replenishing toiletries, getting notebooks and pens, and of course clothes. I am entering my last year of school ever and can't help but feeling like not only is the first last it's a stepping stone. It's a stepping stone into adulthood.

One of those steps into adulthood includes updating my wardrobe. Usually I'm in typical college/law student clothes: a pair of jeans, t-shirt, cardigan/hoodie, etc depending on the weather. It's almost like a uniform. Which is pretty funny considering I've only ever been to public schools and beyond when I played soccer never had to wear a uniform ever in my life. Which of course means I'm between a rock and a hard place. I need my wardrobe to reflect this new phase of my life, but I have no desire or motivation for it to actually do that because I'm still holding on to that little thread of youth and school days. 

My current wardrobe includes American Eagle, some Urban Outfitters, a little Old Navy, and some little boutiques in and around Philadelphia that include some pretty cute little things I've picked up.








I mean don't get me wrong, I do have dresses from formal events, and suits that I got at Lord & Taylor and Banana Republic, as well as some casual outfits from J. Crew which I love. But recently I've decided I need to do more Banana/J.Crew and less American Eagle. But I just can't help myself, I want to be a teenager/young adult forever. The clothes are a lot more fun. 

Now granted, J. Crew does have some pretty fun outfits but I still want the fun that comes with shopping wear the teenagers and young 20 something year old shop. It's just more colorful, more patterned, and more full of life. 

Also I'll admit it, I'm a little bit afraid of what's to come. This is the last year of everything being structured and planned and as exciting as that is it's also terrifying. So I've decided to take it in baby steps. That first step will be to go from extra on the set of Greek and go to a combo of Rory and Lorelai Gilmore from seasons 6 and 7 of Gilmore Girls. 


So I guess that means I've got an excuse to go shopping. But really it's not like I needed the excuse, especially since I'm sure that all my purchases this week are investments into my future (thanks Becky Bloomwood!). ;)


Happy Shopping!

XOXO Lea Mills

Follow me on Twitter @leamills_; Facebook leamills.fashion; Polyvore info-leamills; and now on Pinterest infoleamills :)

Go for the Gold!

So I've told you all before I'm a bit of an Anglophile and this summer has done nothing to help me change that. Between the coverage of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and now the Summer Olympics I'm getting my fill. What I haven't told you all is that I love the Olympics. I love the idea of all the nations coming together every couple of years in the Winter or Summer to just celebrate together. However I will say I'm more of a fan of the Summer games than the winter.

The Summer games just seem more fun. They're sports I'd rather play: soccer, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, beach volleyball. However, even though I prefer watching the summer games, I've noticed that the clothes tend to be a little lacking. 

In the winter you get the cute sweaters and snow boots and ski outfits that have more matching accessories than I care to count. In the summer you tend to get a lot of unitards. Anyway though I've come to the conclusion that the two summer sports that have the best outfits are Equestrian and Tennis. 

So first up is Equestrian. Number one you get to wear a top hat. How often do you get to do that in life and not be crazy or trying to recreate the "Puttin on the Ritz" number from Young Frankenstein? Almost never. So that's one positive. Then you have the perfect jacket. It's always perfectly tailored and never looks wrinkled even though there's a lot of movement. I'm assuming this is a fabric thing. On that jacket you get great looking brass buttons that are big and haul in a lot of attention even if you don't win a medal. On that jacket you also get to have a big flower. It's like prom all over again except the flower is probably a whole lot nicer and it's not on your wrist scratching you with that weird fabric they seem to like to use for prom corsages. Next let's discuss the pants. They're pristine! First of all they look extra comfy even though they also are cut so they're more like skinny jeans. Love it! And finally my favorite part of all - the boots! Riding boots are adorable and a fashion plus on or off of the horse. Now I'm a little afraid of horses so Equestrian is not the sport I would necessarily try in the Olympics. But if I got to get one of these cute outfits with those perfectly fitted riding boots that you know will last forever because they'll be quality and not from one of those sites that sells "leather" boots for $40 or less - I would totally get over my fear. 

Next up is Tennis. First of all you get to wear a dress. Isn't that the best part about being a girl in the summer. No matter how hot it is all you need to do is put on a dress so really you're about half as hot (temperature wise of course!) as everybody else. I also like that the dresses tend to have a great pleated skirt to them because what is more girly girl fabulous than a pleated skirt? I'm not really sure anything is. Also they're tank dresses so you get to show off all that hard work you've done making your arms look great. Which is always nice because you know the commentators and bloggers are totally gonna say how great they look because I've never really seen a female tennis player with man arm or Madonna arm syndrome. Also with tennis you have adorable little tennis shoes. They just seem so light weight and you can get some really great colors with them to go with your awesome dress so that's always nice. In terms of head gear you can wear a visor or sweat band. How often can you wear those without channeling super nerd or Richard Simmons? Again the answer is almost never. Finally you also get to wear sweat bands on your wrist to make the visor or sweat band on your head. Which looks pretty cool and lets face it most of us haven't had an excuse to wear them is the late 90s, early 00s without looking like a goth kid. 

So, as much as I love the Summer games and London. I have to say the only two sports with great fashion are Equestrian and Tennis. They just scream cute and like I could wear them on or off the court. Now get out there and practice and maybe you'll be the one on the podium in the cute outfit with the even cuter gold medal around your neck. Plus the next Summer games are in Rio and what could be more fun.

Go Team USA!

XOXO Lea Mills

P.S. Follow me on Twitter @leamills_; Find me on Facebook leamills.fashion; Find me on Polyvore info-leamills! <3

Also I'd love to hear your comments so if you have any fun or interesting thoughts let me know!