Conversation: Be Yourself

“The moment you accept responsibility for EVERYTHING in your life is the moment you tap into your power to change ANYTHING in your life” Hal Elrod

I don't really know when it happens. That moment you get in good with who you are and stop the hater talk. For me it's a gradual process that unfolds when you start DOING stuff aka living your life. This means showing up for all the parts of life that comes your way, especially the really hard and challenging shit. I've learned the most about myself by diving into things that really scared me. It reveals these characteristics about who you are and piece by piece, through your experiences, you build a foundation that's all YOU. It's a on going, fo' life journey. Which I might add is pretty cool. You will always have the opportunity to learn something new about who you are and what you choose to become.

It's easy to get sucked into what you think everyone wants you to be. Your gesture of figuring out YOU can be a loud statement or a small whisper. Either way, do it on your own terms.  Stop trying to figure out who you are by standing still. Start walking, listening, trying and filtering shit that doesn’t fill whatever goodness you’re trying to create. Being yourself is showing up without the need to edit parts of who you are. You are creating this WHOLE you and that means leaning in to the ebbs and flows of this big beautiful, chaotic, purpose driven thing called life. It wants all of you. I want ALL of you. 

Photography:  Ellen B Hansen

My Journey Through the Land of "Be Yourself"

"the less you try to fit in, the better you fit with yourself" lt 

This day of giving thanks marks the 1 year anniversary since the launch of my blog and personal styling company, Laura Tully, LLC. It has been an incredible year filled with fantastic, challenging, self-checking, heart filled, blissful and teachable moments. I wanted to send each and every one of you a dinosaur size THANK YOU from the bottom of my ankle boots to the tippy top of my curly poof. The journey of figuring out what purpose I can serve is never-ending but became more clear once I stopped allowing my fears to get in the way.  It was realizing that I could show up, just as I am, right now and begin. This momentum became fueled by an incredible group of women, friends and my hubby who supported, listened and allowed me to let go and dive in. We are given many gifts in this world and I've witnessed the magic that unfolds when we empower each other.  

This blog has become an instrument not just to celebrate the goodness of rocking a fabulous outfit but also to package that with becoming our best selves. It's a journey we are all taking. Along the way, the lessons that brought value are those that I share with you. Being yourself becomes more than just celebrating all that you are, flaws and all. It also creates tentacles to see others as they are. As I began meeting more and more amazing women, my mission, purpose and drive became more clear. I wanted each and every woman that I meet and style to know that she is capable, deliberately strong and can OWN what she brings and puts out into this world. The outfit becomes this tiny catalyst that engages all that she can create and with that confidence, she can take flight. 

Your responses, comments and yummy hugs, makes my freaking day! Thank you for showing up and giving me LOVE! I will keep the goodness coming because mama will always show up for you. Enjoy the quality time with your peeps and save room for desert. If your rocking some high waisted denim like I am, everything will be cool my friends ;)

Shirt: Elizabeth and James  Denim: JCrew high waisted    sneaks: vans 

“To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”

— Brené Brown

da shot! All photos by the uber talented Denise of Studio Boise

Comfort Wear With Style

Comfort wear can sometimes feel like dirty words in the style arena. Our hands are clasped praying that our casual everyday, throw on and go wear can live up to that sweet spot combination of  comfort and stylish. Well my awesome peeps get ready to rejoice because I have some easy style tips that will help you navigate this arena. Get ready to revel in comfort and still show up with style. 

Jacket: Nike   Tee + Denim: JCrew 

Say hello to my little friend denim

I know, why cant I put on some leggings. You can but a pair of great fitting denim instantly makes the outfit more pulled together. I'm rocking these straight leg front button denim from JCrew. They're a looser fit and pure comfort! I paired it with a simple white tee and my favorite go to in the shoe arsenal, ankle boots. 

Layer, layer

A denim jacket, a cozy sweater, a structured cardigan, all provide a great anchor to a casual look. Your comfy casual wear is suppose to get you through your day feeling good and crossing off your "to do" list. So having the right layering piece allows you to remove a style if needed and keep it moving. I'm wearing this chic bomber from Nike.

The little details matter

Casual wear should be fuss free, so for me that means choosing my accessories carefully. My fun detail here is my gold bucket bag. So playful right!! It adds a little glam to a casual look and makes the outfit pop. So add a great scarf, earrings that add a little glam and get your day going comfortably in style :)

All Photos by the talented Denise of Studio Boise

4 Pieces That Creates Outfit Wow

Photography bliss with the uber talented Denise of Studio Boise

"Mmmmmm".... that's the sound I sometimes I make when I see a style that will "up" my wardrobe game. Yep, that's the same "mmmm" sound that Homer Simpson makes as he embarks on a deliciously glazed donut. Now I want a donut...okay let's focus people. What's all this about other than the need to now eat a donut?! Well my awesome peeps, it's about 4 styles that we've all seen that can make an ordinary outfit climb the "wow" scale. 

1. Stripe top                       2. Pencil skirt                    3. Blazer             4. Ankle boots            

These styles are classic, plays well with other pieces, looks great on every shape and my fave, affordable!

Stripe Top 

I have yet to meet a stripe top that I didn't love. I mean, it's so good!!! The DNA of a stripe top: creates an automatic classic look, adds pattern/ interest and can be found in a price range that doesn't break the style bank. I went with this fitted bodysuit from Nordstorm Rack that was a major score. I'm talking under $10 people!

Pencil Skirt

Don't be scared as I mention this style. The game is changing on pencil skirts. That means there are so many more styles out there to flatter those yummy curves or in my case lack thereof.  It's classic ( see the trend here) and allows you to inject a feminine style which can be edged up by changing up the texture or pattern. This luscious mustard suede skirt I'm wearing is by Topshop and also a great find from Nordstorm Rack. This style is a bit high waisted which makes this look scream chic and it's so comfy!!

Blazer

Oh the fun to be had with blazers. Get out there and just try on a few. It can be tailored or boyfriendy ( aka loose fit). Whichever you choose, it'll bring a serious dose of style to your looks. The bevy of prices can vary but it really comes down to fit. If it looks great, get it!! I'm wearing a great find by Rag and Bone that I snagged on sale at Fancy Pants in downtown Boise. I've worn this blazer with shorts, denim, over a dress....I could go on. The masculine element of a blazer paired with all of our ladylike assets screams style wow....yes please!

I was probably texting you ;)

Ankle boots

You guys know that I will preach it all day every day...I refuse to be uncomfortable! Why? Because there is so many styles out there that provide comfort and yasss girlll, looks amazing!! One of my go to in my shoe arena is a great pair of ankle boot!! Comfy, versatile and provides a modern fresh look to any outfit. I'm a fan of a lower ankle boot like these when wearing skirts. They show off the ankle and creates a leaner silhouette.  These are one of my new favorite pairs on heavy rotation from Target. YASS!! Target. That's the great thing about style, you can find it any and everywhere. 

If you snag any of these styles let me know!! I love LOVE hearing your comments and feedback. It keeps this poofy hair gal on her style toes ;)