Loving on U. S. A

I moved with my family to America when I was 11 years old from the beautiful island of Jamaica. The excitement of landing in New York City and finally being where I've dreamt of so often was almost palpable. Everything was so big and different in so many ways. There was so much newness I was about to experience. It was November and I remember my Dad putting this big heavy coat on me and telling me I'll need this. Coat was a foreign term to me ;) I wore a pretty blue and white stripe dress that had a big bow on the waist. I wanted to be well dressed the moment I landed in America. To greet her and tell her how delighted I am to meet her.  My parents, my brother, my sister and I hugged each other for a long time in JFK. My Dad held my hand and we walked outside and yah, I remembered the cold. It was new but oh so welcomed. For me, there was a bit of magic in being an immigrant. I was ready to see what I could give to this country and how we could grow together.  I've learned that we are resilient, strong and that love will always win!!! I believe in this country and the diverse fiber that makes us who we are. We are complex and ever changing. Evolving and learning from the struggles and the triumphs. It's a path that allows progress and I'm so grateful we can experience it together. 

I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July and thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. It feels like home. 

The perfect white tee: DO GOOD + LOOK GOOD #TheStitch

feeling the great vibes in our #TheStitch white tee...SO MUCH FUN!!

Do you believe in magic?? Well I do and not the hocus-pocus kind but the belief that we can create moments that can transform someones day, life, world and our own.  We can find these avenues in so many different ways and it doesn't take much. When I was asked by Ashley, the absolutely adorable and wonderful wife of Speak Your Silence founder Matt Pipkin to style this fun photoshoot featuring cool ways to rock #TheStitch white tee, I said hello outfits!!! ( insert hands in the hair emoji ;)

We got our style on with the adorable Ashley, the beautiful Lacey of Ditching Normal and the fantastic photography skills of Jean Mazac of Double Take Photography. 

By wearing "The Stitch"  you become a voice that can help move the issue of child sexual abuse from a taboo to a cause people love and support. 100% of the proceeds, yep 100% of the proceeds funds counseling that is transforming lives. To learn, join and become a champion for this great cause visit www.speakyoursilence.org. 

The perfect white tee is certainly a staple that I covet. A perfect white tee that promotes a greater good, even better. Here's some great ways to rock this pretty rad tee!! 

Casual Styles

I'm all about comfort. Ashley looks so fresh and cool with these skinny cargo pants and Adidas kicks #yesplease 

Boyfriend jeans and metallic silver sneaks, ummmm need I say more. Okay a little more, this look is all about effortless cool. Lacey nailed it! 

Babes!! Shorts and sandals. It doesn't get any easier than that. This look gets me ready for cruiser rides and summer strolls. Who's ready?!!

Classy Styles

I wanted to feature some dressed up ways to rock our white tee. I love showing the versatility of styles. Remember your clothes should work for you not the other way around. I'm rocking all white by pairing my #TheStitch tee with this white denim skirt from JCrew. Hey, Summer date :) Lacey has a bit of edge with her look with her streamline leather skirt, so cute!! The ankle boots brings a cool print to a very minimalist look. I saw these shorts on Ashley and immediately loved them on her. The print and the bow are so darling, which is perfect on this beauty. 

Fun Styles

Cue Cyndi Lauper, girls just want to have fuunn and we sure did! :)

How happy and playful is this look on Lacey with this amazing gold metallic skirt from JCrew and perfect nude gladiator heels?!! It's so fun!

Yes, I'm this excited!!! Overall and gold oxfords makes any look a bit more playful. 

Kauuttee!! This pop of happy colors on Ashley with the coral skirt and yellow Bit necklace gets me Summer mode ready. 

I know exactly how you're feeling right now. YOU WANT THIS TEE!! For the month of April Piece Unique  in downtown Boise will carry #TheStitch tee and 100% of the proceeds goes to this great cause. I know April is almost over but don't worry you can head over to www.speakyoursilence.org to snag your new favorite tee! Hello doing good!! I'm so proud of you guys. Remember to show how your rocking your #TheStitch tee :)

Get dress + do GOOD

Wearing this tuxedo lapel blazer with my favorite tee from The Stitch.

As a stepmom, I want nothing more than to do everything in my powers to help my stepdaughter be a great human. I want her to know, TO KNOW, that she's capable of anything. That means allowing her to learn that progress requires productive action from her, no matter the size. She is kind, smart, conscientious and pretty darn cute. With Valentines day approaching, I wanted to do something that highlighted more than just the flowers and candy. So I thought I'd share what's near and dear to my heart by featuring styles that look great( hello outfits) and contribute to an even bigger cause (Hello "doing GOOD").

I met Matt Pipkin a few years ago and we immediately clicked. He's a ball of energy (like myself) and funny as hell (I ain't too shabby ;)  Matt is the founder of Speak your Silence a nonprofit on a mission to end the stigma associated with child sexual abuse. 100%, yes 100% of public donations and profits from the Stitch funds in-person, one-on-one counseling nationwide for those personally affected by sexual abuse. Maybe it's age or just life making a little more sense to me, I'm more mindful of what steps I can take to make a difference. I think that's what creates the volume for change, is each and every individual making efforts within their own arena to foster a movement.

"I want people to smile more...it feels better and looks better" LT

I've had the opportunity to participate with Matt and the amazing team of Speak Your Silence whenever needed to support his cause. This awesome tee that I'm rocking is a very cool part of how you and I can support the Stitch. The Stitch represents a non-verbal way to communicate your support and really make the conversation happen without as Matt puts it "...feeling heavy and dreary".  Speak your silence has created a space that "...moves child sexual abuse from a taboo issue to an inspiring cause that you can be excited to champion." Matt presented a great feature on his SYS blog that really touched the core of it's mission. You can read it here. He mentions that "It became clear to me that child sexual abuse is not a cause, but rather, it’s an issue. There’s a BIG difference. To me, issues represent problems; problems with no obvious solutions. They don’t leave me feeling excited, but instead, feeling heavy. Causes, on the other hand, represent solutions. They inspire me to take action. They leave us feeling enthusiastic, feeling good about ourselves, and feeling confident about a bright future." I couldn't have said it any better if I tried. I have about 20 different ways to rock this awesome tee and it comes in gray!! LOVE!!! Learn more by clicking here, your outfits and your heart will thank you.

When I decided to start my own personal fashion stylist service it was to feed my endless passion for all things style and design but also to create a platform where fashion was accessible and intimidation free. I want you to feel great about how you look which builds confidence and is empowering. Style then functions as this great supporting role that acts as a catalyst for you to conquer your fears and make a difference in your own way. I want to use my passion as a way to fuel a path which leads to making an impact for the better.  Sounds a bit cheesy but oh how life changing it can be.  I'm doing a little happy dance because there is so much GOODNESS, awesome outfits and great features coming up. I feel blessed that I get to share it ALL with you!! The love is real y'all!!! Comment, share and do GOOD!! MUAH :)