December 2015 - Laura Lehman Wears

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS


photo by Rosa

Today marks the beginning of my (more than) two week vacation.  I'll be back home in Nashville and I don't think I could be any more excited.  Okay, maybe if it was like Paris or something..but even then..  It also marks the beginning of my two week "break" from the blog.  Besides a couple outfit posts and unless I get crazy inspired or really bored, I'll see y'all in 2016.

2015 has been a crazy one.  It definitely has had its ups and its downs.  I made probably one of the biggest decisions of my life, so far.  I quit my job in Nashville and moved to D.C. to begin a Masters program.  Sometimes I feel like it isn't real life.  Like I'm on some sort of extended vacation in D.C., but I have to work.  When reality hits, I feel really proud of myself for taking the plunge and actually moving away from home.  However, leaving my friends and family has been the hardest thing; harder than I thought.  Even after 7 months, I still feel guilty for leaving my Nana and still feel guilty for moving my dog.  But at the same time, I wouldn't change my decision.  A huge upside is that I've made some great friends in D.C., like life-long friends and that is so important to me.  Also, school has been awesome (weird, right?).  I feel like I'm part of a motivated, young, professional community again and I really missed that comradery from the last place I worked.   Speaking of work, the one major downside of 2015 has been my current job.  It's been really tough working somewhere where I don't have any friends.  I'm used to being surrounded by a lot of people, everyone working together, collaborating on projects; ya know..the whole teamwork thing..and this is the complete opposite.  There are a whole lot of other things that go into it, but that's a different post for a different day..a novel, really.

All around, this year has been a great year for The Black Blazer.  I've kept it up despite the move and school and work..whew.  I did have to cut back a little on the posting; I can only do so much ;)  Despite cutting back, I've met an amazing group of girls through my blog and have been able to collaborate with some great brands and work with some amazing photographers.  I also think my style has evolved a little.  I've come to realize that neutrals are my friends; prints and bold colors don't really do it for me anymore.  I've also come to realize that I'm a sucker for the classics.  I'll splurge on a good cashmere sweater and skimp on a trendy boot.  Maybe that's a product of becoming older, but I'm excited to see what posts I come up with in 2016 and will try my hardest to start posting more outfits.

I haven't really set any hard and fast resolutions or goals for 2016, except for to be happy about my job..whatever that means.  Other than that, I want to continue doing well in school, continue cultivating the friendships I've made, and continue working on and improving my blog.  Oh and lose 3 lbs ;)

Here's to 2016..see you soon!

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DAY || NIGHT

















sweater:  F21 (less than $25!) \\ jeans:  J. Crew (similar)

day - booties:  c/o Johnston & Murphy (on sale!) \\ tote:  Annabel Ingall

night - booties:  Zara (similar)

You know those days when you're running around doing errands and you get home and just don't have the energy to get ready for dinner or a night out?  Yea, so that's like every Saturday for me.  My normal weekend outfit consists ofall black, so it makes it pretty easy to wear the same thing all day.  I just switch up the shoes and bag, and I'm ready to go.  For errands, these Johnston & Murphy booties are the absolute best.  They are extremely comfortable and the perfect taupe color.  I will also typically sport a tote during the day.  For night, I change into my favorite leather, heeled booties from Zara.  Not so comfortable looking, but surprisingly are.  Change the tote into a smaller bag and you're good to go.

Photography by Rosa

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Thanks to Johnston & Murphy for partnering on this post!

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THE BLACK BLAZER GIFT GUIDE #6 || TO: LAST MINUTE SHOPPER



So, you've just now realized that you need to buy like 10 more Christmas gifts and a panic sets in.  You calm yourself down and remember that you can literally get everything online nowadays.  Thank the internets.  However, you still need to get on it and soon because a lot of Christmas shipping deadlines are coming up (or have already passed).  For anything shipped through UPS, you have until tomorrow to ship Ground and have it delivered in time.  Same for FedEx.  Unfortunately, you've already missed the deadline for Standard Post by USPS, but you have until Monday to ship Priority Mail and you should be okay.  Above are a few of my favorite gifts you can get from Shopbop.  I'm a huge fan of Shopbop because they have free 3-day shipping on the reg and right now they're having a surprise sale where you can take an additional 25% off all sale items now until tomorrow only.  Yep..just use the code:  BONUS25.  So, even though your shopping should have been done weeks ago (yes, I'm judging), there's no need to stress.

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MILITARY











jacket:  H&M (similar) \\ scarf:  Gap (similar) \\ jeans:  J. Crew (similar on sale!) \\ booties:  Necessary Clothing \\ shirt: T by Alexander Wang \\ bag:  Annabel Ingall \\ sunglasses:  Celine

One of my all time favorite casual outfits.  Throw on a light jacket over the best white tee ever and add distressed jeans and a comfy bootie.  I'm in love.

Photography by Lauren

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THE BLACK BLAZER GIFT GUIDE #5 || TO: JETSETTER



Above are a few of my favorite items to have while traveling.  Don't forget a good lip/cheek stain and your Evian spray..but they didn't fit on the slide ;) All of these products would make the perfect gift for that someone you know who is always flying off to somewhere fun.  #nicelife

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FRIDAY READS: GIFT GUIDES


image via pinterest

Below is a round-up of a few of my favorite gift guides that are currently out there (read: Damsel's doesn't count because it's on a different level).  From hostess gifts, to gifts for your mom, to gifts for your man.  These ladies have it covered.





Make sure to check out my guides (#1, #2, #3, and #4) and stay tuned for more in the next few days!

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CAMEL || STRIPES










jacket:  Banana Republic \\ top:  BNKR (similar for $10!) \\ jeans:  J. Crew (similar) \\ shoes:  Zara (similar) // bag:  Annabel Ingall \\ watch:  F21 // sunglasses:  Celine \\ ring:  Stylecable

My Celine's broke about a week after I shot this post.  How I didn't cry?  No idea.  I was inside, that's for sure.  Luckily, I found The Frame Mender off 17th.  #lifesaver

Anywho,  I am in love with this blazer.  It's the perfect camel color and you can dress it down as shown in these pictures or dress it up.  Just button the buttons and pair with some heeled black booties.

Photography by Lauren

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THE BLACK BLAZER GIFT GUIDE #4 || TO: HOSTESS



I'm pretty sure Emily Post would back me up when saying that you 100% need to bring a hostess gift to every holiday party you attend.  Whether it's a bottle of wine or something more personal, you can't show up empty handed.  There are a few exceptions, but err on the side of caution and make sure to have a few hostess gifts on hand just in case you need one at the last minute.  Above are a few of my favorite hostess gifts.  Gold and red screams "Happy Holidays!", so you can't go wrong.

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525 BOUTIQUE || DRESS FOR SUCCESS











skirt:  c/o Style Loft \\ jacket: Zara (similar and less than $40!) \\ sweater:  Vince (similar and on sale!) \\ heels:  SJP (similar)

I feel like all throughout the holidays you feel like you have to dress your best.  There are always holiday parties, gift exchanges, etc.  The two items that are a must-have for me this season are some killer pumps and a leather jacket.  It's the perfect combo to insure you feel your best.  Chic and edgy.  Love and love.  I chose the outfit above because I needed a holiday look that was a tad fancy, but warm enough that I wouldn't freeze to death in this weather.  I found this skirt at 525 Boutique in their Style Loft online boutique and knew it would be a great addition to the pumps and leather jacket.  It hits below the knees but has a shorter slip underneath to make it a little edgy.  525 Boutique is located right in Gaithersburg close to the Whole Foods. They carry a huge range of clothing (think Red Valentino, Vince, Equipment), but their Style Loft line is extremely reasonable.  The skirt definitely pulled together this outfit and altogether I felt extremely confident wearing this to any holiday party.  You can follow Style Loft on Facebook and Pinterest to see their clothes and new arrivals.

Today and tomorrow only, I'll be contributing 10% of sales from the sweaters, jackets, and pumps posted to Dress for Success (@dressforsuccess).  This amazing opportunity is through the @ShopStyle #BloggersGive Campaign for Dress for Success..how cool, right?  

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