Bye, November.

The holiday weekend came and went. I ate a lot and enjoyed every minute of it. I spent four days with the ones I love the most, and wish it would have lasted a little longer (and that I had more leftovers in my fridge). I couldn't be more thankful for the life I have. This year has definitely been a transition for me; from changing jobs and industries all together, to most of my friends getting in engaged and moving into big-people-homes and being in my first wedding, to turning 25 (I'll spear you the details) but it all has really helped me in realizing what my goals are as I become "an adult". Weird. I mean really, I remember being 15 and stressing about getting my driving permit, and now its "oh shit, I need to establish some real good credit if I ever what to be concerned for a home loan." I'll save that topic for another post, but my point is we're one month closer to 2015. I'm excited and I want to accomplish a lot in the next year (you can read about those things here). Here are a few pictures from the past weekend.

#OOTD | Black + Merlot + Corduroy | Anthropologie & Nordys

Sugar coated cranberries | I didn't end up using them on my pumpkin pie 

because they were a little too tart but they sure looked festive and pretty!

F I N A L L Y | Hunter / Rag & Bone rain boots came out to play

xx

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D A R K N A I L S . It's my thing.

Call me a creature of habit, but when it comes to my nails I like them dark. A L W A Y S . Here are my silly reasons why 1. I think it makes me look older and 2. It's Chic. My favorites shades are 'Lincoln Park After Dark' and this week's winner 'You Don't Know Jacques!'. Originally I tried to talk myself into a red to go a festive direction but sometimes change freaks me out, so Jacques! won. It has a grey/brownish hue to it which equals fall to me. Chic Fall. I'm also a fan of any O P I polish in particular because painting my own nails stresses me out due to the fact that my patients will run out if I can't manage to keep the paint on my nail and not all over my skin - luckily their brushes are the best and wide so you can cover your whole nail in basically two strokes. And my mom let me borrow this magical fast-dry top coat so my nails are officially looking good for the week ahead.

Now to start think about my turkey day outfit.

Stay tune. xx

     

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#OOTD : Super Cool Plaid

Will you look at that, its finally casual Friday and I can be a little more trendy. This plaid gem I scored at Target! God I love that place. Plaid has become my go-to pieces since the weather has changed, and it seems that most of the people in my office have to same idea - I've counted 5 others rockin' plaid, but I also work in the construction industry so plaid is like a second skin around here. That's what makes plaid a winner in my book; it doesn't matter who you are, you'll probably look super cool in plaid. Anyone else throw on some plaid today? By the way, PLAID was used 8x here. 

incase you were counting.

Happy Casual Friday xx

   

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W O R K B A S I C .

W O R K B A S I C .  I feel like this is a common occurrence that many of us face at some point in our lives. You work in a cube where everything is an off-white hue and you deal with numbers all day, so you try to dress sharp, but it comes out basic. P L E A S E tell me I'm not alone. Since my priorities have shifted at 25, all my money goes to rent, bills, and food to stay alive, and whatever is left I either try to stash away in my savings so that I may actually own a home one day before I'm 50 - or it goes to my Starbucks addiction that I am also trying to wean off of. No more blowing all my money at Nordy's, I can only pin my dreams. How is it that these blogger/people I follow manage to have so many amazing clothes and that is their 'work basic' - If you are one of them please send me your slightly worn designer threads that you will probably only photograph once or twice in, and hook a girl up. My wardrobe palette has become a Backstreet Boys album; Black & Blue. The only thing to look forward to is Casual Fridays. xx

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Keep it coming.

We are finally starting to get some much needed rain here. I'm hoping it just down-pours because I seriously have the best rain-boots that my bf got me for Christmas last year, and I have yet to put those babies to good use. Talk about a major fashion crisis - Hunter/ Rag & Bone boots should not be collecting dust. E V E R. I just may need to slip them on when I get home, even if the rain has stopped, to warm them up. So Rain-Gods, if you are listening; bring it. Sincerely, Lauren. This is kinda how I know I made the right choice in moving back home because who else gets this amped about rain - only this girl. The part I could do without are the crappy drivers who freakout like they may die while trying to get anywhere in the rain. Imagine if we actually got real weather storms here, people would loose their shit. I on the other hand have more outerwear than any California girl actually needs, and probably put together my cutest outfits during fall and winter. Honestly though, whether you like the rain or not, we need it so bad. 

And my rain rant is over. 

xx

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Ho Ho, Hold up.

Is it just me, or was it just Halloween

and then it jumped to Christmas.

What happened to Thanksgiving?

It's only one of my all-time favorite holidays

so please lets take a moment.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

amen.

I can't wait to stuff my face

and for the first time in a couple years 

not work on Black Friday.

AMEN to that.

I will be rocking anything made with elastic 

and plan on overdosing on creamy-this

and pumpkin-that.

And then I'll be okay with Christmas sneaking in.

I'd be lying though if I didn't admit

I have wanted to listen to cheesy Christmas music

while at my desk BUT HAVE RESISTED
and I have already made  

a shopping list of everyone's gifts.

I do want to stay a little ahead

of all the crazy people out there,

especially at Target.

So let the count down begin
Thanksgiving is in t-minus
13 D A Y S !

Bring on the yum yums.

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Twenty-five, while Twenty-five.

I'm a list maker.

To make sure I get shit done

I have to have a list.

This is my twenty-five, while twenty-five list

in no particular order.

Meet my savings goal for the year.

(that means putting some away each month)

Setting up Figures and Threads 

Learn to cook.

Explore more + Sight see.

Read more.

Make homemade coffee drinks.

(In order to save money)

Face fears.

Worry less.

Send more snail mail.

Learn Yoga.

Take more pictures.

Laugh everyday.

Enjoying running.

Put together an illustration book.

Give back/ Donate.

More spontaneous date nights.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Master painting my own nails.

Build up my credit.

Attend a fashion event in the city.

Grow a little garden.

Expand my taste for wine & cheeses.

Enjoy the little wins, too.

I've got until 9 . 27 . 15 to complete.

I'm going to make the most of this year

and like I said above - get shit done.

xx

   

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Yeah, I've got a plan.

It's nice to refresh little things around here.

And as mush as I play with the idea of change,

keeping this blog simple is the way I like it.

At the beginning of October 

I thought I would check out Wordpress 

to start a blog for a new idea

 but I just couldn't take to it 

and missed my space over here.

llovestoshare is for my life. rants. outfits.

and my new baby Figures and Threads 

is going to be for posting. selling. 

my art and closet.

How this idea came to be:

I enjoy drawing, painting, and shopping

and can't keep it all so why not sell it.

I've wanted my own business since I was little.

I can't afford to open a real boutique

but that is the great thing about the internet

no need for a brick-and-mortar,

they have URLs for that.

Since turning 25, 

I always thought that at this age

I would have accomplished more.

I have the big-girl job and have left the nest,

but there are still things I want to add to this list 

and this idea is one of them.

Cheers to myself, 

and to wherever this idea may take me.

xx

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fact: i still care.

funny how when you create a blog you have all these ideas for it 

and think about what you would like to achieve with it 

- and for what ever reason life happens, and things change, and none of it got accomplished.

i say this with a smirk on my face because in all reality it was due to me being lazy...

 too lazy to take pictures (which i love doing)

too lazy to write (which actually comes pretty naturally if i don't over think it)

too lazy to put the amount of time in that i use to spend in trying to make this perfect

just keeping it real.

but as it says above - if you still talk about it, you still care about it.

and i do - like, a lot.

i made an industry change with my new job and i feel like i've been missing something.

missing a creative outlet, missing a style identity that i worked really hard on through school,

missing a space that brought me a lot a joy and passion

so i'm back bitches, and i'm leaving the lazy out.

  its time for a face lift, and a little filler around this blog.

xx L

  

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FPME - I need a favor!! Hearts to Home Office

Oh wow I have not posted in quite some time... 

I am looking for some help from anyone (and everyone) who loves fashion, shopping, 

style, and the brand Free People!!

I am reach out in the hopes you may help me in trying to receive a trip back to Philly next month 

to visit the corporate Free People home office ( which is a huge dream of mine!! ).

I am seeking help through the internet because I currently work 40 hours and sadly am unable 

to see anyone lately because I have been putting 120% of my time into my job // 

on top of my boyfriend currently being away at the Rim Fire (Yosemite, California) 

so my off time is spent taking care of our dogs.

I hope you can find a little time to help me out // To me this is much more than a contest, 

it would be more of a blessing! I worked extremely hard to get my Free People job 

(persisting for over a month for even an interview) and then stepping up the past fews months 

to help manage our store in time of need, this would literally mean so much to me!!

This is the Last Week of the contest and I have found out that I am in the 11th spot 

and need to make it into the top 5!! So it is possible!!

The contest is working like this - I have 10 recent style pictures from the month of August 

and those are the only pictures that count, and I need to receive over 100 hearts on each. 

If each of us liked all 10 I would absolutely land in the top 5 without a doubt. 

If in anyway I can help promote or support any important project or dream of your's that 

comes your way please let me know!! I TRULY appreciate to support!!

You do have to create an FPME username but I stand solely behind this brand 

and know you will not receive ridiculous spam. // 

We have a little something for everyone, I promise! 

Check out our thermals, sweaters, jackets, 

and boots for fall.. super cute!

Thank you so much!!!

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Life Lately.

Images via my Instagram: llovestoshare

This month has definitely been a test of my inner strength. I'm going to be honest, I've been in a bit of a downer funk. I have had to work on staying positive and hopeful. Little things like working out, getting my Starbucks, and trying new beauty stuff are my ways of adding a bit of brightness to my week. My boyfriend and I have gone on quick local adventures too, which definitely helped me to realize the bigger picture and how thankful I am to live in such a beautiful area. Something that has come out of this funk: a better idea of what I want for my future.

Time to push forward and achieve. 

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Share: Fur Babies.

images via my iphone & instagram: llovestoshare

Happy Friday girls. I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments with my two fur babies. Smalls & Jameson. I am a huge sucker for dogs in general.. so I'm really not surprise that I find myself snapping more pictures of these two than I do of my ootds. They kinda melt my heart.

Here is a little more about the boys.

Smalls // Chihuahua // almost 5 yr old // Likes the taste of mom's iced coffee // Is afraid of bugs // Likes to be buried under blankets.

Jameson // Saint Bernard-Lab-Mix // 15 weeks old // Likes to hold the leash on walks // Has good taste in shoes // Will sloppier on yoga pants.

They are still getting use to each other [ more like Smalls is starting to warm up to Jameson's puppiness ] but over all I couldn't ask for better nature dogs. Both are huge lovers, full of cuddles and kisses. I'm definitely a lucky lady.


Enjoy your weekend. xx        




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Happy Valentine's Day.

images via my instagram: llovestoshare

Hope you ladies have a Happy Valentine's Day this year! Whether single or celebrating with someone special I hope you indulge in some sweets, or treat yourself to a mani/pedi. I have been pretty spoiled this year by my new bf. He surprised me by taking me to a San Jose Sharks' game the other weekend - which if you know me then you know that they are my all-time favorite team. And then today I received a special delivery of roses ( This is the first time I have ever received such a delivery) - I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little giddy about it.

Since I don't think he will read this before lunch, I'll share what I have planned for him. I decided to put together a picnic. We're talking a little appetizer, homemade caprese sandwiches, beer/champagne, and because I am more of a baker I made apple turnovers (recipe here).
Simple but kinda classy, right?! I thought so. The location is a secret, but due to the warmer week we have been having here is the bay I think it will be just right! I'm sure I'll be Instagramming away about it so if you're curious make sure to look there. I'm definitely excited about it.


Enjoy your Valentine's Day // weekend
xx
 

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Can We Talk: NYFW (over-load!)

(Marc by Marc Jacobs FW 2013)

(Theyskens' Theory FW 2013)

(Diane von Furstenberg FW 2013)

(Alice + Olivia FW 2013)

(Karen Walker FW 2013)

all images via Style.com

I hope you haven't been living under a rock for the past week.. BECAUSE it's NYFW!! I definitely went pin crazy today with some of my favorites that have come down the runway. Even though I'm all the way in California, I have been day-dreaming that I was there trekking it through Nemo to all the fabulous shows. It is a goal of mine to one day be there!! I'll be the chick sitting within the first two rows at Marc Jacobs/ Marc by Marc Jacobs ((on the bucketlist)) - decked out in MJ because I have become an MJ snob. I am in complete envy of all the lucky ladies that I follow on Instagram that have been attending all week. To see these gorgeous shows in person has to be Ahh.mazingggg!

I'm obsessed with all of the feminine details. Knits, Furs, Silks, Done.

I'll take all the heels and boots. One of each bag. Karen Walker sunnies, and all the outerwear. 

Fall is definitely my favorite season, and I would have no problem going broke to fill my closet up.

Did you have a favorite show?! Were you one of the lucky one's to be there?!

If so, can we be BFFs like now.

Happy Tuesday. xx  

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WW: blogger essentials

On my old blog I had started Wanted Wednesdays (WW) so I could share every week things that had caught my eye and now I've decided to reinstate it here. I thought I would start off this week with things that I would love to add to my wardrobe that I have admired on other bloggers ("blogger essentials"). I would definitely consider all the pieces below as trendy, but classic at the same time. Perfect for my style.

Left to right:

- A little army green // Willow & Clay Anorak available at #Nordstrom

- Sneaker wedges // Ash 'Cool Bis' Sneaker available at #Nordstrom

- Arm candy // MARC BY MARC JACOBS Leather ID Bracelet available at #Nordstrom 

and Classic pavé link bracelet at #JCrew

- The designer bag // 3.1 Phillip Lim available at #Net-a-porter 

- LWD // Free People Rose Garden Dress at #FreePeople

Like what you have been seeing this week on L. loves to share?

Then don't forget to follow along on Facebook and Instagram

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Bun Head.

(Outfit: top - Nordstrom BP, bandeau - Free People, pants - H&M, wedges - Target, and bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs)

I'm not going to lie, I always wished that my mom had put me into ballet as a little girl. The Top-knot is my favorite type of bun right now and I have gotten pretty good at making it nice and big. I'm thinking rocking a tutu and my top-knot for Halloween might be a consideration this year.

Pictures taken by KMS Photography. 'Like' her facebook page if you like what you have been seeing around here.   

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Favorite Things.

(Outfit: top - Target, cuffed jeans - Nordstrom BP, and watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs sale on Rue La La )

A few of my favorite things: SEPTEMBER ISSUES, Starbucks, and Smalls ♥

Magazine 101 - September Issues are the holiest-of-holiest issues, FASHION BIBLES , fall survival guides for all fashionistas.
I pick up all of my copies down the street at Barnes & Noble and I'm pretty sure the guy at the counter thinks I'm crazy - But as a Fashion Marketing Graduate (holler!) these aren't just magazines.. they are like textbooks, and my time spent flipping through them is research. My Vogue copy is not in this shoot but it is amazing and I highly recommend picking it up. I plan on sharing more about these glossies once I finish them during recovery the next couple of days, so stay tuned.


I want to thank KMS Photography for these great shots. She did a wonderful job don't you think?!
You can check out her facebook page here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Side-note: I will be in surgery this morning.. and although I know that this is a pretty simple operation, I can't help but feel nervous. 

I hope to bounce back quickly with no complications - fingers crossed. I know that I'm in good hands.

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Personal Note:

Happy Monday. 

Since summer is winding down, I plan on posting pretty regularly now, and I thought it only right to fill you in on what has been going on since I graduated and moved back home. It was two months ago today that I, and my boyfriend at the time, packed up all my things and moved Smalls and I back up to the Bay Area. I knew I would be taking the summer off to enjoy my time with my family and friends, and I would be scheduling my surgery [READ HERE]. Crazy how time flies by... Tomorrow morning (Tuesday August 21st) at 7:30 am I will be in the o.r. where I will be having two great doctors fix me up. I have quite a bit of recovery time ahead of me - which means lots more time for blogging/ pinning/ etc.

These past few months haven't been easy. I never mentioned on here that while going through all the chest stuff I also had two moles removed/ one turning out to be A-typical. To be honest, I was really angry at myself due to the fact that I am the only one to blame for the way I have treated my skin. Out of the situation I have two new scares to remind me that the sun is the real deal, and I am now encouraged to get all my moles checked every six months because I am at a higher risk of developing cancer. So basically I boycotted bathing suits and being in the sun this summer. Being tan for a couple of days makes no sense in the long run for me. I'm learning to embrace my fair skin.

I'm also rediscovering my inner strength. Recently the boyfriend of almost 4.5 years and I broke up. I have so many mixed emotions that I won't share out loud (on the Internet), but from them I'm learning to focus on better things ahead of me and building up my confidence in myself. And I've got my little guy Smalls and thats really all I need right now.

In more exciting news: 

- L. loves to share has a new co-photographer! All pictures on here will be taken by me or KMS Photography (unless stated otherwise). I am so blessed to have a bff who is super skilled - Thank You Katie Michelle ♥

- I finally joined a gym! For the past 3 weeks I have been putting my pretty nikes to good use and kicking my butt into shape. I didn't want to focus on losing weight, but rather on toning. I have muscles that I didn't even know existed!! I joined with my stepsister and have been meeting with a trainer twice a week. The feeling after a PT session is amazing - I am so proud of myself and know that my hard work is paying off. The bummer part is that I have to stop due to surgery recovery BUT I will be back at it after. I am so driven to see the results that I want, and now that I know it's possible nothing is going to stop me.

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I share my stories in hopes of making at least one of you aware of topics that as young women we tend to block out and assume could never happen to us (especially in our 20's). I was that way before this year. I never took the time to educate myself on self breast exams and never really cared enough to feel for myself. If you have history of breast cancer in your family (OR even if you don't) I encourage you to pay attention, and as corny as it sounds, get to know your breasts. I would never wish that moment on anyone when the doctor finds something you didn't know was there. 

Same goes for your skin. There are so many ways to protect ourselves now - buy make-up with sunscreen in it, wear a hat/ sunglasses, take 5 minutes to put sunscreen on and re-apply later, etc. I went through a stage during my first two years at college where I thought that the tanner I was the prettier I looked - Stupid right?! Not only did I not wear any sunscreen and fry myself at the pool but I would then go do a stand up tanning bed. I can't go back in time and erase the damage I did to myself or continue to be upset about it - I can only protect myself now, be aware of my existing moles/freckles, and form a great relationship with my dermatologist. Hopefully most of you choose to be smart when outside and know that being tan is not everything..

I have come across some powerful blog entries/links lately, please feel free to check them out:

- The Everygirl just post about Lindsay Avner and her non-profit Bright Pink.

Not only is Lindsay inspiring as a business women but she's got a lot of information to share if you want to be proactive in the fight against breast cancer. 

http://theeverygirl.com/feature/lindsay-avner-of-bright-pink/

http://www.brightpink.org/

- This one was posted by Lauren Conrad (LC)

* the video will make you cry

http://www.laurenconrad.com/post/be-smart-dear-16-year-old-me

       

         

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Bright.

Images via: Lululemon // Nike // Nordstrom

Neons are big this summer, especially in activewear. I have been dying over these Nike Free Runs for a while now and finally decided to splurge (they will be arriving this week). There is seriously something totally motivating about a bright, cheerful pink - right?!
So with one of my new goals to push myself to get my fit on, I'm certain these beauties will help me put on a smile and get it done.
Do you have any secret weapons (like bright shoes) to help you get motivated to hit the gym?

I'm definitely ready to tone up, and in style.

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The Latest.

1. Portfolio Show - dress & bracelets from Luna Boutique // 2. My Portfolio Booth // 3. My friend Nicole & I // 

4. Our caps - Fashion Marketing & Management 2012 // 5. My Mommy

Mmm where did June go?! I have literally been non-stop the last four weeks that I am in disbelief of everything that took place. If you haven't seen on Twitter or Instagram (@llovestoshare), I graduated college and have moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area. 

The "big girl" chapter has begun.

Recap of June:

- Portfolio Show ( 6.13.12 ) // you can check out my work @ www.lauren-merrill.com 

- Graduation ( 6.15.12 ) with Honors/ Dean's List/ Officer's Medallion

- The big move ( 6.20.12 ) after 4 years of living in Orange County, I'm back home.

- Family time & Goodbyes throughout the whole month

On a personal note - now that I am home I have been in the process of getting my surgery underway to remove my fibroadenoma lump in August. I honestly feel that the past three months have truly tested my inner strength and I'm so ready to kick my body/mind into shape.

Blog Update - I'm Back and ready to start posting. Follow Along ♥    

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