Month: January 2018

Top 5 Leopard Jackets for Winter

Jacket | Bodysuit | Jeans | Purse | Boots (similar) I finally jumped on the leopard coat bandwagon and it feels SO good! I’ve been eyeing the perfect and affordable leopard coat forever now. So when I found this one I knew I had to pull the trigger and get it. I firmly believe, a cold climate girl like me can never have too many coats! I mean selection is everything when you’re about to freeze your buns off, lol! Luckily, the day I shot this it was really mild. So I was super toasty in this coat! It’s cold again here in Toronto so it might be awhile until this baby comes back out! But in the meantime, here are my top 5 leopard coats and most are on SALE and under $100! Top 5 Leopard Jackets Under: Shein Asos Revolve Nasty Gal H&M xo Lauren

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How I Gained 20,000 REAL Instagram Followers in 6 Months – Part 3

    So originally, this Instagram series was only going to be 3 parts. But, since the most recent algorithm change on Instagram, I’m going to write one more post talking about how to “try and beat” the new algorithm! We’ll get more into that in Part 4. Because Part 3 is all about posting your planned and edited content on Instagram. Now if you’re starting to read the series here, you may want to read Part 1 and Part 2 first. I honestly believe having a great Instagram feed means making small parts all work together to make something great! So here are the links to the first 2 parts in-case you missed it: How I Gained 20,000 REAL Instagram Followers in 6 Months – Part 1 How I Gained 20,000 REAL Instagram Followers in 6 Months – Part 2 When Should I Post to Instagram? This is always the million dollar question! And I’ve read a countless amount of posts that supposedly have the best times to post on Instagram. So many articles I read said “Wednesday at 5” or “Sunday at 10“. And guess what? When I first started my Instagram I followed these rules to a tee! And did they work? Yup. At least for awhile. And then all the sudden my engagement started dipping and I couldn’t figure out why! Truthfully, is there a “right” time to post to Instagram. I’d say no. Do I think there are better times to post then other times on Instagram?…

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Vacation Ready Arrivals at Shop Basic Babe

Happy Friday, friends! Man, did this week blow by or what? I can’t complain though, I am SO happy January is almost over. January is such a tough month for me! I actually wrote a blog post about how I try and stay inspired in the January blues here. Anyways, Shop Basic Babe just got a bunch of cute warm weather/vacay ready arrivals! I cannot wait until it warms up here in Toronto so I can start rocking some of these pieces. But if you’re planning to go on vacation or you live somewhere warm (so jealous!) then definitely check out these pieces! Plus, just for fun, I’m giving my blog readers 25% off their purchase!  (ps… we ship worldwide!) Use code: BLOGBABE25 at checkout! Stripe Tee – $29 | Chambray Shorts – $39 Luna OTS dress – $59 Sahara OTS Dress – $59 Not So Basic White Tee – $29 | Chambray Shorts – $39 Anastasia Shirt Dress – $49 xo Lauren  

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My 5 Most Worn Pieces for Winter (you might wanna snag these!)

Jacket (c/o) | Top | Cardigan | Jeans (on sale!) | Belt | Boots (similar) | Purse (on sale!) | Beanie (similar) Fashion bloggers are notoriously known for wearing clothes once and then frivolously replacing them with something new! While being a Fashion Blogger does entail a new wardrobe quite often. The truth is most bloggers #offduty most do tend to repeat on the regular. Well, I can’t speak for every fashion blogger, but I re-wear multiple pieces and outfits multiple times throughout the week! To be honest, even when I’m gifted an item I make sure it’s something practical for me and versatile enough to wear over and over. I don’t see any point in having pieces you wear once and then give away. And trust me, when I first starting blogging I had LOTS of those pieces. It bothered me how little I wore them. So, this season in particular, I decided to invest and choose pieces I knew I’d wear non-stop! So that being said, here are my top 5 worn pieces from this Winter season! My 5 Most Worn Pieces for Winter: Tularosa Coat (c/o) Aldo Sock Booties H&M Belt Aldo Satchel Purse (on sale!) H&M Vintage Jeans (on sale!) xo Lauren

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How to Be A Girl Boss: 8 Ways to Build Your Empire

Since starting my own business, Shop Basic Babe, I’ve felt more encouraged and inspired to motivate other women. Maybe it’s because of all the encouragement I received after announcing my launch on my Instagram. I had so many lovely ladies reach out to me and tell me how proud they were of me and how I was such a girl boss. Firstly, I was shocked by how many people reached out to me to congratulate me and encourage me. Most of these ladies were some I have never spoken to before on Instagram. But they reached out and it was the sweetest and most uplifting act of kindness I could receive. Especially after launching my new business! I had some many women reach out to me and tell me how I was living their dream. And how they wanted to start their own business one day! To know you’re living someone else’s dream is such an intense feeling. It makes you really grateful for what you have, first off. And secondly, it makes you want to reach out, touch hearts and inspire other women to pursue their passion and dreams! And because of this, I decided to write a post that I’m still living out day by day. How to be a girl boss. How to Be A Girl Boss: 8 Ways to Build Your Empire: 1. Don’t fear failure Can I just be real for a minute? Every. Single. Day. I fear failure. Launching a new business from the…

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What’s Inspiring Me Lately

Heart Pillow / Jade Roller / Rosehip Oil / Himalayan Salt Lamp (on sale!) / Rug / Print / Bubbly Bears / Diffuser / Throw / Tassel Pillow   The January blues has definitely set in for me! I always struggle in January to stay motivated. Here in Toronto, we’re snow-covered, it’s freezing and grey almost every day. It’s definitely hard on the body and mind, so I try to find ways to give me a little cheer. In the Wintertime I spend 90% of my time at home! I love being out in the Summer, but when Winter comes I’m in full-blown hibernation! This year, I decided to give my home a little refresher for January. I am a pretty minimal when it come’s to colours in the home. But, I decided to add blush accent’s in to give it a little cheer! I’ve just been LOVING blush for the home. Especially that Target carpet – so cute! I also recently purchased a Himalayan Salt Lamp that I am absolutely crazy about. I definitely recommend that too. It’s so calming with its warm glow. I’ve also been loving the jade roller to relax the skin on my face. And I am crazy about rosehip oil! I’ve been using it on my face for 3 months now and I have seen amazing results. I have always had blemishes on my face that without makeup on are dark and noticeable. Since using the rosehip oil, my blemishes have lightened up considerably! So…

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Top 5 Camel Coats for Under $200

Coat | Dress (under $50) | Boots (sold out – similar)| Purse The blazer coat is the ultimate sophisticated Winter essential, in my opinion. I love how you can wear it with your best dress or with a pair of your fave yoga leggings and kicks. It’s seriously versatile. Seriously chic. And looks good on everyone! I’ve been dying to get my hands on a nice blazer coat since last Winter. But, I always have a budget in mind and really didn’t want to spend too much. Being from a cold climate, I love having a wide variety of jackets to wear! I mean I am a fashion blogger, so choice is essential lol! Because of this, the right price is super key for me. My sweet spot for my “not every day” jackets would honestly be under $100! Now, this price is pretty unrealistic for a well-made jacket. But, I did snag this one from Missguided on sale for $80. I know that many people, like me, like to spend a decent amount on jackets too. I mean a jacket like this is classic, so I most likely won’t be replacing this one anytime soon! That being said, here are my top 5 camel coats for under $200. Top 5 Camel Coats for Under $200: Missguided PrettyLittleThing TopShop Boohoo NA-KD (not camel but I love it in blush) xo Lauren

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My Must Have Winter Dress (under $50)

Dress (under $50!) | Jacket (similar here and here) | Boots | Purse So I found it! My must have Winter dress that is appropriate for the cold and the warm. For work, play and everything in-between! I literally found the perfect Winter dress. The fit is so good. The colour is flattering on so many skin tones. And the length isn’t too long or too short! Yes, I am totally obsessed! And you’re probably thinking “she is probably biased since she sells it at Shop Basic Babe“. I totally could be biased. But honestly, I’m not and this dress is just that good! I’m super picky when it comes to wearing a dress in the winter. I literally live in jeans and leather leggings, since finding a dress that can work with Winter is hard. And what I mean by works with Winter is this. Firstly, the dress needs to have long sleeves. Secondly, it can’t be too short. Cause when I don’t want to wear tights (I stroooongly dislike tights) I want to be able to throw own my over-the-knee boots and for there to be minimum skin. And thirdly, and lastly, it needs to be able to be worn to anything and everything! To work, date night, girls night etc. I even had a customer wear it to a baby shower! Check, check, check. And there ya go! My personal go-to dress for Winter for many valid reasons! Lol. What do you guys think? xo Lauren

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New Arrivals from Shop Basic Babe + Under $30!

Happy Friday! This week’s new arrivals at Shop Basic Babe were SO good! And I just added a bunch of styles to sale that is now under $30 that I’ve linked below. 🙂 Thanks so much for all your support guys and have a great weekend! Olivia Ruffle Dress – $49 Elizabeth Lace-Up Sweater – $49 Farrah Midi Dress – $39 Paris Knit Top – $39 Emma Lace-Up Pullover – $39 Natalia Pocket Dress Ava Sweater Dress – $49 Now Under $30! from left to right: Maya Puffy Sleeve Top – now $29 V Shape Ruffle Sweater – now $23 Corduroy Bell Sleeve Top – now $29 Front Knot Soft Top – now $29 Eva Party Dress – now $29 Knotted Front Skirt – $29 Lace Up Front Skirt – $25 Ella Velvet Dress – $29 Bubble Sleeve Sweater Dress – $24 xo Lauren  

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Top 5 Cozy Cardigans

Cardigan (on sale!) | Jeans | Bodysuit | Purse I’m officially in hibernation season! January, in Toronto, typically is super snowy and extremely cold. Which means it’s time for me to get the house all cozy and my wardrobe cozy too! And if you live in a cold climate, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about, lol! It just takes so much energy to go outside when it’s freezing! After Qais and I finish shooting for the blog in the cold we’re ready to stuff our face with carbs. And to just flop on the couch, #truestory. I mean, the cold can go now! So ready for Spring. Ready for the warmth! And so ready for not freezing my butt off when shooting looks, lol! But until Spring slowly comes I’ll be cuddled in the cosiest cardigans. Including this navy blue distressed chenille number from Shop Basic Babe. It’s SO warm and super soft! It’s also on sale too for under $40!! Top 5 Cozy Cardigans: Boohoo Urban Outfitters Basic Babe Nordstrom Revolve xo Lauren

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