tres chic...no?

If I could only dress in one color it would be black - easy. As a matter of fact, most of my wardrobe is black. I tried to venture out and bought a hot pink jumper but I just feel like a highlighter whenever I wear it. 

Loving this chic inspiration board. Especially that lacy bra, absolutely lovely. This look could be worn on a date,  to lunch with friends, out shopping - the possibilities are endless. 

That watch is pretty great too. xx

{Photo via:paris2london}

I'm wearing this tomorrow.... 

Classic. Simple. Perfect.

{photo via:fromParistoLondon}

Chic + Warm

{photo via:perricatherine}

I want to look this chic and warm when it's cold and snowy in London.
That is all.

London Style

I've heard many things about the weather in London - mostly that it's crap. And as much as I love London, that makes me a bit nervous.
I grew up with the beach being ten minutes away and on occasion it's been 90 degrees in...May. So, you know, wet and cold will be quite an adjustment.

The rain will suck, and I'm sure I will have to find a hair dresser the moment I get there. {When the natural state of your hair is an afro and you chemically straighten it, finding someone you trust to do your hair is imperative.} Besides the hair issue, I just hate being cold. Right now, I'm sitting at my desk, freezing and the thermostat is on...75. {le sigh}

I've been scoring my Pinterest account for inspiration on looking stylish is freezing temperatures. 

{Photo via:pinterest} 

Looks lovely, no? And, perhaps more importantly, she looks warm. With my budget being tight, I have to first shop my closet.
That big chunky scarf? Have it in navy. 
White shirt? Check.
Black pants? Of course.
The jacket and sweater? Hmm, may need to add something similiar to my list.

{Just a note. You would think I would consumed with other important details of moving such as packing, my visa, financial aid, culture shock et al, but no. Not today at least. Strictly style business this Thursday and, I'm ok with that.}

Wanted: Lo & Sons + O.G. Bag

This bag will change my life. On a busy day, I normally leave my house with my purse, a laptop bag, my lunch bag and my Starbucks travel mug. Any outfit that I have on suddenly doesn't look so cute when it's weighed down by three large bags and me wobbling on my heels trying to get out of the door as quickly as possible. But, this bag will change everything.  It's the O.G. Bag from San Francisco family based company Lo & Sons.

Durable yet light weight, this bag has a separate pocket for a laptop, and under carry section for a pair of shoes, perfect for commuters, and two easy access zippered front pockets to carry all your essentials.
I am totally coveting this bag.

Oh. Yes. I can see myself in London jetting off to class, stopping by the library to get some work done and then hitting up the gym all with this beautiful bag in hand. Talk about the perfect carry-all. To see a super cute video of the bags functionality, click here.
{All images via: Lo & Sons}

Wanted: T+shirts

I realized when I went camping with my Girl Scout Troop a few weeks back was that I don't own t-shirts. I had to raid my close just to find two shirts that would be suitable for my trip.

Now, I'm always one to be overdressed rather than under-dressed but I think I need to add some graphic tee's like this to my wardrobe. Just a few basic tees that can worn to casual weekend brunches, trips to get frozen yogurt, or by the campfire.

Casual never looked so good.
Wanted: T+shirts by Lisa Vanterpool featuring a black tank

Simple + Sophisticated

I am in love with everything about this photo and perfection of an outfit. Clean simplistic lines, impeccable tailoring and a vibrant shoe.

Lovely. Simple. Sophisticated.

Trousers, like these, would last a lifetime.

{photo and collection via: Katie Ermilio}

Xo, 

London Lisa

Celebrate RNM

So I'm officially {unofficially} claiming that April is Red Nails Month or RNM, as some would call it. I don't know what it is, but lately, I have been drawn to red finger nails like a fashion lover drawn to Vogue. They are so classy and distinguished and give you that perfect POP! of color.

Right now I am wearing Fire by Chanel {the bright one on the end!} and I love how ladylike, vibrant and sassy it is. And, I'm convinced that I get more work done at work when my nails are painted as I can't stop staring at my fingers flying across a keyboard.
Fantastic, no?

{Photo via:Pinterest}

XO,

London Lisa

Paris...Je t'aime

{photo via:That Kind of Woman}

I am yearning for all things French, right now. Between reading Julia Child's My Life in France, listening to my Berltiz French on the Go CD's and listening to Edith Piaf and now Les Chauds Lapins, {Thanks to Matchbook Mag, for the intro to new music!} I'm craving an escape to Paris. 

{le sigh} Hopefully while in London I'll be able to travel to Paris at least twice to wander the streets of the classiest city I know. {Minus the dog poo of course.} All, I need is a striped shirt, some over-sized sunnies, a fresh baguette avec une bonne bouteille vin. Parfait, no?!

XO,
London Lisa

Stocked Closet

It's really hard keeping secrets, but yesterday was a great day and I can't wait to show you all the proof of it. Just stay tuned...

In other news, I'm busy applying for scholarships for London, because let me tell you, moving across the pond is NOT cheap. But, I've been saving and trying my very best to stay on a tight budget...{I haven't been shopping in 4 count them 1, 2, 3, 4! months. Sigh.}

{photo via:apartmenttherapy}

But all is not lost. I have very specific goals that I want to meet before I start shopping away. I think it really boils down to the fact that I feel that I have nothing to wear on a daily basis. I need to take a total inventory of my closet and see what's working and what's not.

So, tell me ladies...what do you have in your closet that you just can't live without??

XO,

London Lisa

Casual Monday

Hello dear friends, and happy Monday. I have lots of running around to do today going to various doctor's appointments and such. Wanting to recreate a similar look for my errand running and hoping to look as chic as possible a la Karla. 

{photo via:karlascloset}

Tres chic, no? 

XO, 

London Lisa

London Looks

 {photo via:that kind of woman}

I aspire to look a little something like this whilst in London. I think it's quite fitting, no? {That hat is Amazing...}

XO, 

London Lisa

Bananas never looked so chic

{photo via:trendcrew}

I love her. {And that banana skirt is delish.}

Reasons to move to London {Post 002}

How could I not find this appealing?! I wish I could participate in this Tweed Run but alas it's in April. I love the idea of getting dressed up and going for a ride. I imagine dapper looking men and classy ladies enjoying taking a turn around the city. How lovely!

{photo:via}

XO, 

London Lisa

To my lovely Oscar ladies...

Dear Ms. Berry,

You can do no wrong. You looked absolutely impeccable on that red carpet and quite honestly you put me to shame {seeing as how I was lounging on the couch in sweatpants and eating guacamole.} But alas, your dress caught my eye so much that I would wear down the aisle one day. You are simply stunning. 

To Ms. Williams, 

While some were not a fan of your look this year, I loved it and not just because we have the same haircut right now {well maybe that had a little to do with it....} but I thought you were understated and elegant. Bravo darling - You looked like pure elegance. 

And finally to Anne and James, 


Anne, I love how excited you were to be hosting. You are adorable and your whoops and hollers were endearing. Your costume changes were seamless and stunning and James, I thought you did OK. Sorry you didn't win but quite honestly I love Colin Firth so much more. {so sorry dear} And I was most excited about his win. He will always and forever be, to me, Mr. Darcy. 


And of course, I must acknowledge Natalie Portman on her Best Actress Award. You are lovely. 


What a wonderful night, watching all of Hollywood come together. There is nothing else like it. Cheers!

XO, 

London Lisa

Trend spotting...blue and gold {London}

According to the Sartorialist this blue and gold combo is hitting all over London. This is totally exciting for me since I already posess a wide array of blues. The gold's I'll have to work on.

Who knows if this trend will still be 'in' by the time I get there but a girl can be prepared, no?

because it's Friday....

I'm allowed to gush about Olivia Palermo. Weird? Maybe a little but have you seen her in the new Tibi Ads?  {Swoon} She's gorgeous and the clothes are amazing. I think I need all of these looks for my London wardrobe, no?

 {photos via: Tibi}

Stunning. Let's take the weekend to conjure up some looks with some amazing style. Work with what you have and make it YOU. With all of these lovely looks in mind, here's to a most fun and fashionable weekend. Cheers!

XO,

London Lisa

Exploring Essentials

I'm sure there will be many days in London, where I won't be bogged down with my studies, or working. I can't wait to get lost in the city...finding my perfect spots by happenstance, and stumbling across quaint bookstores, cafes and antique shops. Here are a few essentials, I'm sure that I will need while exploring.

{p.s. This is the first inspiration board I have ever done...so don't judge too harshly!} 

A day spent exploring by LondonLisa featuring hunter boots

XO, 

London Lisa

snippets' of a lovely day...

I had perhaps one of the best Valentine's Day ever. There weren't over the top romantic gestures, dozens of roses or, even kisses. But there were surprises from dear friends, lots of hugs and well wishes, love and plenty of laughs. Here are a few snippets' from a truly lovely day....

Hope you had a love filled day. Bisou Bisou!

XO,

London Lisa

love and mums

{photo via:Net-a-Porter}

This little cutie got me thinking about Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Totally luxurious, this letter bound notebook would be the perfect gift for either holiday. And yes, my 'mum' would love it.

Xo,

                                                                 London Lisa