Stripes on the Pier
Dress: Susana Monaco (really similar here and here) | Bag: Barbara Bui c/o Rent The Runway | Sunglasses: Elizabeth and James c/o Rent The Runway | Shoes: Zara (super similar)

If you’re following me over on Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat (lakeshorelady), you already know that I jetted off to Los Angeles a few weeks ago! It was a super short trip, but as soon as I landed and felt the warm sunshine, I knew the whirlwind craziness was worth it.
I flew out there with Kit from The Kittchen and Jocelyn from Grandbaby Cakes, and after the three of us checked into our hotel, we grabbed an uber and headed over to Santa Monica. Jocelyn heard that Sidecar Doughnuts were the best in LA, and since I already knew Santa Monica was adorable, I was more than happy to tag along.
After taste testing the donuts (more on those later!), we went for a stroll out to the pier. Kit graciously offered to snap some photos for me, so we found this cute little spot filled with bright bold colors. I love the way the blue wall pops against the navy and white stripes on my dress. How perfect, right?!
Now for some details… this dress is unavailable now, which I’m so bummed about because I want you all to have it! Luckily, I found two really similar (and affordable!) options here and here. Not to mention the fact that both striped dresses AND off the shoulder dresses are perfect for spring/summer and they happen to be everywhere right now!
I also got to try out Rent the Runway Unlimited that week, so I scooped up this Barbara Bui beauty for the trip. I’m a big fan of metallic handbags, plus it was large and structured enough to hold my DSLR camera!
These Elizabeth and James sunglasses were rented too, and I REALLY didn’t want to give them back. They’re the perfect shape for summer and I got so many compliments. Yes, I’m considering purchasing them for real…
Big thanks to Kit for snapping these photos for me!
Shop the look:

April 20, 2016 @ 1:05 pm
I haven't pulled the trigger on any off the shoulder dresses or tops because they all seem to ride up in the worst way, but the fact that these are more like "sleeves" (which seem to keep things in place) is a game changer so I may have to try something similar. These photos turned out perfect and I can't wait to hear more about those donuts 😉
26 and Not Counting
April 20, 2016 @ 2:55 pm
Love this look! I'm obsessed with this striped number and am definitely eyeing the Forever 21 version (hello style steal!). That bag is amazing, too. Anything that can successfully hold a DSLR without any issue is A+ in my book.
This entire post is so much fun and it looks like you had such a great trip. Thanks for sharing!
xoxo,
Dannie
http://www.stilefotocibo.com
April 20, 2016 @ 4:05 pm
Oh my GOODNESS, Lauren and Kit! These photos are AMAZING! Absolutely stunning, Lauren! You're so beautiful and I love that dress & bag! Miss you!
Kelly | Kelly in the City
April 20, 2016 @ 5:12 pm
First of all, having sleeves like this make the off the shoulder trend SO much easier to manage!! The Forever21 and Macy's lookalikes I found are really similar – I say go for it!
Also, you'll hear more about the donuts, don't you worry. I'm not even a donut person and I'm STILL dreaming about those 🙂
April 20, 2016 @ 5:13 pm
Right?! If my camera fits into a pretty bag, I automatically love it more!! And definitely get the Forever21 version – it's SUCH a steal!
April 20, 2016 @ 5:14 pm
Thanks Kelly!!! Didn't Kit do such an awesome job?!
April 20, 2016 @ 8:02 pm
What a perfect outfit for LA in the spring Lauren! I remember falling in love with that dress in your snaps!!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
April 20, 2016 @ 9:55 pm
Super cute!! I love this look and I love the pier 🙂 🙂
April 21, 2016 @ 3:09 am
This dress is way too cute! I'm bummed that it's all gone. These photos are adorable. They almost make me think you're more of an LA girl than a Chicago girl!
Cat
Class Meets Couture
April 21, 2016 @ 7:57 pm
Lovely dress!
June 9, 2016 @ 5:51 pm
Beautiful off shoulder striped dress.The color of the dress is so cool. This is the perfect summer dress. I love this look. Thanks for sharing!!
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