My Fashion Icons

I'll be the first to admit that my style hasn't always been so "stylish".  When I look at pictures from middle school and early high school, I shake my head in dismay because I thought I was fashionable.   Bellbottom jeans, unflattering horizontal lines, shirts two sizes too small, frizzy orange hair, and cheap jewelry.  I was a hot mess. But, it's been may years since then and I'd like to think I've got my act together now. Sure, like every fashionista I have my days now and then that I could be on a "Worst Dressed" list; but overall I feel like I have a definite style of my own. Reading hundreds of fashion magazines over the years has helped me figure out style in general, but most importantly my style icons helped me mold my style into what I dress like today. I don't know what I'd look like without these ladies! 

1) Lauren Conrad

Anyone who knows me personally knows that Lauren is not only my fashion icon, but idol.  

I've followed Lauren way back to the days of Laguna Beach, and felt a connection to her. 

In high school I wouldn't make plans on the nights that a new episode of The Hills would be on TV.

I felt and still do feel like our history with friendships and love are very similar.  

Watching Laguna Beach and The Hills, I felt like I really "grew up" with Lauren.

I watched her style emerge throughout the years,

 and would find myself in the mall holding up a dress thinking, "Would Lauren Conrad wear this?"

Lauren always emphasized having your own style, so I mixed her style with mine.  

(Which are not that different, everything she wears I seem to love.)

Classic yet trendy, simple, put together, romantic, mixed with florals and leather. 

In Summer 2009, Lauren Conrad came to the Mall of America to do a book signing for her book, L.A. Candy.  Me being the fan that I am, I grabbed my friend Stacy, booked a hotel, and drove there the night before to ensure that I'd get to meet her.  I was so excited to meet her, but a little disappointed that we weren't allowed to take pictures with her.  As the line in front of me got shorter and shorter, I started to get nervous.  I thought to myself, "What am I going to say to her? She's my style icon, my idol. This is huge, I can't believe I'm meeting her!"  As I waited patiently, I got near the front of the line.  I took a deep breath, and she smiled her Lauren Conrad smile and said, "Hi!" I was in shock. "Hi!" I said. "You are my style hero. Thank you.  I love everything you wear..like, everything!" She smiled again and said "Thank you! I love your dress by the way! Super cute!"  I think I died. Needless to say, I will never get rid of that dress. Never. And for those of you wondering, it was a dress from Wet Seal! :) 

In line to meet Lauren Conrad and get my book signed! 

In October 2010, her book Lauren Conrad Style came out.  I feel like it helped mold my style more than ever before! This book goes in detail into fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.  Building your wardrobe, how to shop, accessories, makeup hair, etc.  I'm telling you, you NEED this book! It's essential in any fashionista's life. Thank you Lauren Conrad, for everything.

2) Kourtney Kardashian

I really do love Keeping up with ALL the Kardashians, but style wise Kourtney is my favorite.  Sophisticated yet girly, she has fun with bold prints, bright colors, huge heels, and things even she has to ask her fans on her website, "Is this a bit ridiculous?" She takes risks and has fun with fashion! 

3) Rachel Zoe

I had heard of Rachel Zoe from reading magazines and seeing "styled by Rachel Zoe" in the description of many A-lister's.  But until her TV show on Bravo, "The Rachel Zoe Project", I didn't know how fantastic she really was.  This woman LIVES for fashion. High heels (even when she's preggo), big sunglasses, fur vests, huge cocktail rings. I love her, I love her style, I love everything Zoe. 

Who are YOUR fashion icons?