You Need This: Fall Jacket

Bathing in the sunshine in Astoria, Oregon. All photos by the amazing Stephanie Mballo Photography

Let's get right into it my peeps. We know that temperature dip is heading our way. I'm really going to miss Summer but don't you fret there's so much goodness coming your way for Fall and Winter. A jacket that helps me transition the slightly lower temperature is a must! This little number from Madewell certainly does the trick. You will see me in it a lot :) It's light enough to rock a tee but roomy enough to layer a sweater if you need to up the cozy factor. 

Side note: Thank you ALL for the awesome love from my last post! I appreciate each and every one of you! MUAH! See you soon my babes!

This facial expression was because Stephanie thought a car was coming and told me to get out of the way.  This babe has got my back :) We soon realized it was a car reflection in the store window. This trip was such a BLAST!! I'll go anywhere with you Stephanie!!! 

Fashion + Flowers

This journey started with an idea. The opportunity to share that idea came along in the most spectacular way. It was fueled by the photography genius of Ben and Joella Photography, the incredible floral designs of Flowers At Will and the flawless makeup by the amazing Blush by Jamie Rose. I wanted the fabrics to sync with the landscape and the flowers to have their own volume. I'm humbled and honored to have been apart of this experience and blessed to see our work published in the beautiful and purpose driven Belong Magazine. I'm learning that our strengths are built from the inside out. It's fed by those we let in. It's then shared because we are all worthy, capable and loved. 

Joella's written words were published in Belong and spoke to the heart of what we wanted to create and why. I've shared those words below along with some of the photos from the photoshoot. Thank you for all of your love, support and encouragement. 

"We are all artists, entrepreneurs, and creators. Our lives have taken us around the country and around the world but now we all call Boise our home. And rather than dream of moving away, we’re are all devoted to building a community of artists right here. So often our work is client based — we all create within the parameters set by those we are serving. Which is what made this project so refreshing and uplifting. It was a collaborative vision designed to bring out the inner creative in all of us. We wanted people to look at these photos and feel transported. To a place that is a little more whimsical and a little more unexpected than daily life. The flower stems were all individually encased in a water capsule to keep them fresh in the desert heat. The flowers were then attached to a corseted top with a zip closure in the back. And it was this idea — a piece of clothing made entirely from florals — that was the foundation of the entire concept. The perforated orchid gloves and lilac clutch were the singular vision of Will Heatter, founder of Flowers at Will. The soft, draping fabrics and blush palette were curated by stylist Laura Tully. And the location, with the rolling sand hills and minimal landscape, were chosen by Ben and Joella to provide scale to the images without competing with the fantastical floral elements. From a photography perspective, the images needed to be the perfect blend of simple and artistic. Medium format film allowed the strong colors of the florals to stand out without washing out the pale sand. And by shooting two images on the same piece of film, there are the double exposure images that feature a silhouette filled with the flowers. Oftentimes, the art of creating needs far less than we think. Instead of focusing on all the things that need to be in place first — I need to live somewhere else, I need more connections, I need more time — focus on just starting. Don’t wait for everything to fall into place, just commit and start small. Work with people who’s vision makes you come alive. Follow your passion. The things you find easy aren’t easy to everyone. They’re your calling. And you just might surprise yourself. And hopefully you surprise a few other people along the way too."  Joella Howard

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. 

Swimsuits, Coverups + Margaritas

Hello Sunshine :)

The heat is on and we know what that means. We've got to get our shit together and slip on that bathing suit because ummm it's 95 degrees out and Mama's got to cool down. I know. Bathing suits can be a pain but I have some great tips to finding the styles that says  BRING IT! I've got your back!!

Stop hating on your goodness

Yes! I want you to embrace all the yummy curves and  non-curves ( I'm built like a 12 year old boy). I  know that we all have things we "ugh" about when it comes to our body but you know what, at the end of the day ( this is so my Mama talking right now) none of that matters. Mama is right! You embrace and love what you see and it will be the best thing you can add on with your swimsuit. A whole whopping dose of C O N F I D E N C E because girl, it looks good on you. 

Embrace the goods you've got

If you've got great arms, show them off with a halter style, like this. If you love your legs choose a style with a higher side cut bikini, like this. Loving on the "girls" aka your breast, rock a demi style bikini top, like this. If you've got some extra on the backside ( I hate you and can I have some :)  seriously, your girl got very, very little.  I recommend a style that actually shows a bit more cheek. I know, you think you want full coverage but you don't. Check out this style.  By the way, Aerie has launched a real women, no editing editorial to feature their swimsuits (love that). 

Lace cover, For Love and Lemons; Bikini, JCrew

Style it up

A coverup is a great way to add a bit of style and make you feel more pulled together when rocking a swimsuit. To avoid the frump factor I look for styles that drape well and that aren't necessarily a coverup. The For Love and Lemons ( shown above) style was perfect worn as a light jacket and I knew it would be airy enough as a swimsuit coverup. I must say I love the styles at JCrew like this one, which can be worn as a tunic or with shorts. I'm also a fan of an oversized linen shirt and a short slip dress. 

Enjoy it

You're wearing a bathing suit because I'm guessing some sort of luxuriating ( it's a word) is going to happen. That means, you're heading on vacation, hanging by a pool or taking it easy in your backyard. I don't know about you but those are all awesome situations to be in.  Enjoy hanging with your peeps, stop fussing about your bikini and use the tips I've provided to help you navigate this swimwear arena. I know, I'm bossy :)

 

Tunic top, JCrew

So I promised you a Margarita and here it is!! Are you ready for the best margarita you've ever had?? It's called the beet margarita!! My friend Sam told me about it and I'm officially hooked. Let's just say it's Summer in a glass, with a extra side of happy. Insert Mariachi music or some Beyonce here ( whatever strikes your dancing fancy).

Photo credit and recipe: Casey Barber

I found a great recipe on Casey Barber's Good Food Stories blog and it is pure delight. Click  here for the details and ENJOY. 

Side note: iIf you're not in the mood to deliver your own margarita bliss, meet me at Juniper, where I've had the pleasure of enjoying said drink.  Let's cheers to the weekend y'all :)

How to hug in Portland

Japanese garden in Portland, OR

Okay I will fess up!! The hugging routine of Portlanders is no different from ours but I will say this I felt the love from all  the wonderful eating spots, cool boutiques, local bars (images not available ;)  and the oh so rad hotels we stayed in.  

I mean hospitality oozes from every pore and that just makes this girl very happy. 

Our stay in Portland, felt like this beautiful picture above taken by my girl Karen of Karen E Photography. Karen has an amazing eye and when we get the chance to work together, it's pure fun. I have so many ideas in my head and she's able to frame it perfectly.  Our trip was a combination of work and play but when your work is your play it all melts together seamlessly. We stayed at this amazing boutique hotel in downtown Portland called, The Society Hotel . It was originally built in 1881 as a boarding house for sailors. Quaint, cool and walking distance to so many yummy eating spots. Portland, you know how to treat a girl with all your amazing eats. Seriously y'all, every meal, fantastic. We mixed it up for our last night and stayed at the uber modern Hotel Eastlund. We've decided that hotel hopping was going to be a definite do on our next adventure, why not right?!!  

The Society Hotel 

Hotel Eastlund 

FOODPORN:   Brunch- Eat at Broder Nord. Order the Swedish pancakes that I would describe as foreplay...yes, they're that good. If you think all tater tots are created equal- try these badboys at McMenamins- Kennedy School. It's a game changer. Toro Bravo...heaven for dinner. The dishes are served tapas style and we enjoyed a long dinner with awesome company. Hey Nicole :)

THIS AND THAT- We visited so many great shops. Local nurseries that made me want to remedy my non-green thumb; Proof that KK is a tiny little thing and Mama's a tall drink of water; Cool floors at FETCH; KK loving on our hotel bed; Visit Por que no for Mexican eating that taste like grandma's loving. A great recommendation from our friend Em. 

I got to snap a shot of this beauty. 

KK: Karen and I have spent a lot of time together in the last year. I get the chance to create with someone who I respect and has a bit of that oddity, like myself,  which allows for some fun outside the box happenings. She's cool, talented and knows how to take those pics. For more Karen goodness check her out at Karen E Photography and IG @karenephoto. 

HELLO OUTFITS - These gold shoes were a staple. I wore them with everything on our trip...seriously, I did :)

Coat and turtleneck- JCrew; denim- Frame; Shoes- a steal at a LA vintage shop with my girl Jess. 

I hope you felt the HUGS!! Every getaway fuels my passion and it connects me to what really matters. I get so excited to share with you all my cool finds and loves. If it helps me grow, fuels my passion, enlightened a new perspective and allow a cute outfit to happen, yep, I'm sharing it with you. Thank you for allowing me to do that. It's your hug to me :)

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 :)

This girl + stripes

happy as a clam with J.Lee Photos in Vegas

What is it about stripes that makes us covet it so much?! My friends and I see it, immediately want it, must have....ahhh NEED IT!! I love that it embodies both a classic and modern look. I can wear a stripe tee with skinny jeans and ta da...cute outfit!! It doesn't get any easier than that. 

I'm a fan of the JCrew perfect tee styles. I paired it with this overall denim skirt from Madewell which gave this classic tee some edge. I find a small or medium stripe style is best especially in the tee style. If you spot a stripe dress that is loved,  I would go for a medium stripe, like this style because it creates a more flattering visual. Everyone can wear stripes,  it's really about paying attention to the size of the stripes. 

Top: JCrew perfect tee

Its been a busy few weeks and I have some amazing collaborations that I'll be sharing with you all!!! I'm so thrilled to have you on this journey with me. Thank you for having my back and showing this poofy hair girl a whole lot of LOVE!!!

Summer staple: denim shorts

happy place

Warm weather does something amazing to my soul!! It's the Jamaican in me. The sun on my skin and the sight of everything illuminated makes me feel charged! My trip to LA was immersed with so many great experiences, a big one was the fantastic sunshine.

 My friend Jessica of J.Lee Photos took some beautiful photos and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to places to dine and immerse in laidback LA life. This darling spot is called The Alcove and as a foodie, I was giddy with joy. 

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This place was surrounded by flowers and rich green succulents. The simple homey vibe makes you want to hang out  for most of your morning. 

Shorts: Current Elliot      T-shirt: JCrew       Shoes: Madewell

Most of you know that I'm a strong advocate for comfort and style. These Current Elliott denim shorts are a soft denim and I got them a few years back at Fancy Pants in downtown Boise. They have some great new styles that are loved. The fit and length doesn't leave me feeling as if I need to yank them down every 5 minutes ( you know what I mean!!).  My guide to denim shorts is to choose one  with a softer denim, sits on your hip and is slightly loose, like these.  It allows for a shorter length without feeling like you have booty shorts on ;) If you want a bit longer length,  I love these.  They can be rolled up or down to your liking. You can find find similar styles at Piece Unique in downtown Boise.

This grapefruit was picked from Jessica's front yard....LOVE!!!

My Summer wear is light, simple and all about keeping my cool. What are your must have Summer staples??  It's going to be a good one!! :)

Temperature control styling

Yep!! Springs here y'all!! We've sprung forward and the light stays with us a bit longer. This gets me all revved up for warm sunshiny drenched days. I know, you want to put on your shorts and run into the sunshine. Hold your horses because the chill factor lingers but thankfully the freeze has gone bahbye :) So what can my babes wear when the weather is nice but you might need to bring a jacket?! Layering is our BFF. 

You can't go wrong with a little fur vest ( faux or real...your preference).  It's a great layer that looks chic and will actually keep you warm (win win). I paired it with this awesome fitted stripe skirt by Greylin that I snagged at Piece Unique downtown.  There is so much cuteness in that store! It's high-waisted and holds all the goodness in with its structured fabric. This light weight sweater is from JCrew and is slightly fitted as not to compete with the fur vest. So it's time to wear those puffer vest like this and pair with your button down shirts. Really digging on this style. You'll stay warm but when the temperature decides to up its game 5-10 degrees, all you need to do is remove a layer to keep your cool.  I also want you to give cardigans some love!! You can pair with a tee, skinny jeans and some great sneaks ( I love these).  Before the release of our little piggies in the full sun,  ankle boots are still on full rotation. These are from Fancy Pants downtown, they have such a great selection so brace yourself. I wear these boots with almost everything!!

I love the four seasons because it allows me to refresh my wardrobe and venture on a fun style journey with the change in weather. There's a bit of renewal that comes with Spring, at least for me. I get this extra charge from the excitement of nature changing it's decor as well. It's a pretty fantastic welcome, don't you think.  

I have so many ideas brewing under this curly poof!! It's kind of crazy! Thank you for connecting with me and giving me your feedback.  I'll be sharing more of my plans/outfits,  including the style workshop details on my Instagram @seelaurastyle. If you want to join, email me at fashion@lauratully.co subject style workshop.

What I know for sure is that I will make the relentless efforts in my own way to let EVERY girl and woman know that she is wonderful, special and necessary. I know I'm not alone and I'm so happy that you're joining me. HUGS!!! 

How to put your closet to work!

coat + fringe sweatshirt - JCrew, denim- Frame

My clothes are my worker bees. I was once in a place where I would stumble on an item and really couldn't remember the last time I wore it or worse yet, didn't remember purchasing it.  Those days are long gone my friends because I no longer buy what I don't love, truly love. That means, I know why I'm getting it and how I'll be wearing it when I'm in the store. It's the best moment in your potential closet happiness. Why am I getting so darn deep you may ask? It's because you're my peeps and I love ya, so listen up!! This will save you from the frustration of having styles that's not loved and are now taking up precious closet real estate. Every single piece of clothing I purchase for my clients ( yes, every) has a purpose and I know exactly how I want them to wear it. Yes, I might be on the scale of neurotic when it comes to fashion and style but that's why you love me ;) 

So let's get to the corn beef and cabbage of this conversation ( I'm married to an Irish lad and it's St Patty's day y'all...just go with it ;) When you narrow it down to having only those styles you love in your closet, it's like having a fantastic flashlight that beams on all your goodness i.e clothes (insert magical harps playing). You can really SEE what you have and that means you can REALLY use the pieces that you own. If you don't know how, you have my digits  :) So, these styles can be put to work by creating outfits in ways you've never seen before. 

Okay, so you're in the fitting room and trying on those thingamajigs you liked. You look in the mirror and nod with slight approval. You then exit to get confirmation from your girlfriend ( note: a great girlfriend tells the truth, kindly).  She says "it's cute". If these thoughts pop into your head "I like it, but what am I going to wear with it" ;  "when am I going to wear it" or it tugs, pulls, scratches, pretty much anything that causes discomfort, put it back. An item that's uncomfortable and a style that in the store you're not sure what to wear with or when you'll wear it, is one less piece blocking your view of the styles in your closet that you really love and wear. Trust me, your next shopping day will be frustration free. 

It's been pretty busy and I absolutely love the creative chaos!! It means so much having you on the adventure with me, it just feels good!

Peeps, are you ready for a fabulous and fashion filled "how to" style workshop hosted by me + some pretty awesome friends of mine??? It's in the works my wonderful friends. If you are interested  and want to be a part of this fashion filled FUN and you know it'll be fun,  email me at fashion@lauratully.co with subject Style workshop. I can hardly wait!!!!

Real talk- denim

Who's ready for the SUPERBOWL?!! This cool lounge for the residents at the Owyhee Place is a pretty sweet spot.

What's your favorite pair of jeans?? You know, the one you've worn 3 times this week ( guilty)...it's so good! We all have that one, maybe two pairs (lucky you) that fits perfectly and makes you feel like a boss. Denim is my style liberator. To think there was a time when women couldn't and wouldn't wear jeans.  Half of my wardrobe is denim! We can pick and choose as we please- boyfriends, highwaisted, straight leg, skinny...a girls gotta have options. We are going to up our denim wearing game and kick the mundane look to the curb. Normally, we think of denim as casual wear but it's so much more my loves. To start, I use it as a way to anchor dressier styles and to bring a bit of the unexpected to an outfit.

My gf gave me these distressed lovelies and they have been on heavy outfit rotation ;) I paired them with this delicate teardrop lace top from Banana Republic.  I adore this top and the hunter green brings a bit of edge to the lace. You can find similar denim styles here and at FP in Boise. The trick is to mix pieces that you might not normally pair together. So those somewhat fancy and very fancy tops can and should be rocked with your favorite jeans. Okay, are we still struggling to find that golden pair of jeans?! Start with these, you can also get them at Piece Unique in Boise. They feel great on (you can breath) and the fit works on different body shapes. YASSS!! For a non-skinny jean option, I'm a fan of these. It's the boyfriend fit that makes your booty look good ;) Before you run out and start the "add to cart" situation, audit the jeans you currently own. If they don't fit, are dated or uncomfortable (you can't even breath- I know, I did it too, what the hell were we thinking?!)...say goodbye. You can donate to your local Rescue Mission or Idaho Youth Ranch.

I've reached a point where if don't love it, I don't wear it. That's a big part of my job. Every single closet I visit, my goal is to have my clients wanting to wear what's in their closet. Trust me, it's a great feeling.

One of my favorite shots from Deborah Hardee. BTW, how cool are these chairs at the Owyhee Place?!! LOVE!

2016 is showing me the LOVE and yes I'm eating it up! I must send a big, melt me to the core THANK YOU for all of your support and fantastic feedback. Next week, I'll be giving some love and getting so much more in return.

Tell me your superbowl plans! Who are you rooting for and more importantly (in my book) what cha wearing?!! The boyfriend jeans will be on full display because for some reason there's always a yummy bacon wrapped something that I can't stop eating. Keep the comments coming and click away on the little heart...it feels good :)

Trend Talk

At the Owyhee Place laughing big and wearing what I love

When it comes to trends I operate mostly on an appetizer scale. That means I'll dabble just a bit and purchase what really speaks to my sense of style through this trend. Whoa... getting a little deep about trends here Laura. Okay, I'll lighten up a bit ;)  We've all seen those styles that come out and we automatically think "ummmm that is not for me" or we love it and struggle with figuring out how to make it work for us. Let's explore the trend talk shall we and conquer how to wear....wide leg pants. DUN-DUN-DUUUUN!!! Ok, it's not that dramatic ;)

By now I think you guys know that I beat to my own drum or drum to my own beat and made the drum ;)...you get what I'm saying. I'm a big fan of keeping things at its simplest with big trends so that I can rock it in a year or two or whenever I please. I'm wearing these wide leg pants (WLP) from Banana Republic, which were on major sale, so if you're in love, get one and size down. Let me explain my love for these pants, it's a crepe fabric that drapes really well and can be worn in the SUMMA ( it's coming y'all). So, how to make it work?!! It's about proportion and fit. If you're petite, WLP should be ( I put should because my loves, you can do what cha want)  high waisted and have a somewhat tailored fit through the hip and booty region like this style.  These are also a great option, if you are not a fan of high waisted style. The cropped style is less fabric on petite frames and looks chic with heels or ankle boots. If you're curvy, a fabric that has a bit of structure to it, high waisted and has a straight fit through hip and thigh region like these are a great look. It lays well on the curves and defines the waist (free the waist). Rock with a slightly fitted top and heels to elongate the frame. WOOHOO!!

my own drum

That wasn't so scary right??? Trends are a fun way to incorporate a bit of the unexpected to your style without buying the entire cow. Just a taste and yes they come and they go. That's what makes fashion so fantastically dynamic, you can dapple a bit or a lot and make it what you want.

You MUST let me know if you venture and give these cuteness a try. Next week I'll be going back to basics with some good old denim talk and just how to wake up your denim game in the outfit arena. YIPPEE!! I'm loving all the great feedback and style topic suggestions. Continue to share, comment and keep the awesome love coming. CATCH THIS....MUAH!

Black tie wear...upgraded

I got the opportunity to do a photoshoot at the Owyhee place with the fantastic Deborah Hardee and let's just say I was in a happy place. Allow me to croon for just a moment about my crush on Boise and why The Owyhee Place adds that uber extra layer of cool. It's modern and has a great grown up and fabulous vibe. If you haven't visited the renovated and ultra amazing space, grab your friends and have a cocktail at kindness bar in the chicest lounge. Let me know what you think or better yet, send your girl an invite...hello cocktails.

Smiling bright at Kindness Bar at the Owyhee Place

So let's talk outfits, shall we. Oh what to wear to the fancy and sometimes schmancy events. It always seems that no matter what newness is in our closet, a black tie, gala or the like brings out the feeling of having absolutely nothing to wear. I know!! When it comes to dressing for those events, a little black dress is of course a great staple but I know we can have more fun! "Girls just wanna have fun"...it never gets old! I love to mix it up for my clients and find a style or look that they're beyond excited to wear.  My mode is wearing something that allows me to express my personality, reflect pure chicness and of course I've gotta feel comfortable.

I'm obsessed with this JCrew blazer and I will warn you now that It will be on heavy rotation in my style arsenal ;)  I paired it with these great lace pants which feel like pajamas but your chicness is not compromised whatsoever. To add a bit of edge, I layered jewelry to add a modern edge to what was expected...i.e a cami. Not ready to commit to the no cami action...try layering styles like this and this underneath your blazer. It provides interest and steps up the camisole game.  Next time you're out looking for that LBD, look for a pair of lace,  printed or drapey crepe pants instead, like these.  It's flattering, sleek and can be paired with other styles in your closet to create different looks. Mama love options!!

the curls

I have so many happy outfits coming your way!! Brace yourself! I'm digging the subscribes and all the hearts. Let me know what you're ready for in your fashion horizon...Spring here we come, almost.

THE ART OF LAYERING (fuss free + fancy)

xo

When it comes to layering, let's be frank with each other ( we're friends), it can be a pain in the derriere region. You know, the attack of the bunched up undershirt or the discomfort of having what feels like 20 layers of clothing on and my favorite, the dreaded button view- where the buttons from your undershirt are imprinted through your sweater...ugh! I'm going to give you the scoop on layering that will have you singing all the nice f-words- fantastic, fabulous, freaking (awesome)!!

fly!

Let's get to the meat of layering shall we. You have a sweater and a shirt that you love and all your little cuteness want is to marry the two and be on your merry way (preferably paired with something on the bottom ;)...My bottoms of choice today are my beloved skinnyjeans. With layering, it comes down to the weight of the fabric. The under layer should me lightweight, so that the layer stays neat and for the love of peas and carrots, your comfortable...rightttt!! The sweater, should have a bit of weight to it but not to the point your sweating bullets prior to leaving your casa.

I'm wearing this blush pink ( I'm still drooling over this color) silk blouse from JCrew paired with highwaisted skinnyjeans and layered with a cropped cotton navy sweater. You know all those cropped sweaters that you love but hate that they are cropped, this is a great way to get them in your closet and rock them. They also play very nicely with highwaisted anything, if you dare to try the 9-12 inch rise world ( don't be scared). Back to the layering situation, I find that if my sweater has a bit of structure and shape it allows my layering to look more modern and sleek and not so, how do I put this softly, ummmm dated preppy ( we'll go with that descriptive for now). Layering can create a look that's interesting, chic and classy.  I operate under the mode of fuss free style (emphasis on style). This means, I dress myself and my awesome clients to eliminate tugging, yanking and frequent adjusting to maintain said cuteness.

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I'm loving the feedback!!! Insert happy high five with a twirl here :) Let me know how these layering tips work for you and share below. I've had a few inquiries on the location of the heart button and it's just below to your right ( I know, it's so tiny and cute). I'm off to dive into a closet and make the pretty happen. I freaking love my job. See you next Thursday for some badass blazer loving in a pretty cool and spectacular space!! MUAH!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2016 will be spectacular!! Throw on some swanky goodness and let the party begin! Okay, you want to know what I'm rocking!! I'm a denim shirt lover and no one does it better than Current Elliott. I paired it with these must have, super comfy skinny jeans from Banana Republic. This was my first time trying their denim and it was a love y'all.

Dance...even if you're the only one on the floor!

A big awesome filled THANK YOU to my mountainman hubby ( this could be the year we upgrade the flannel- or maybe not), adorable stepdaughter, family and absolutely amazing friends that fill my happy cup. My vision would not be possible without the amazing photography talents of Deborah Hardee and Karen Krum ( hugging you both really hard right now). I feel the love and support and cannot express enough what that means to me!! Well I can try....it means the freaking world!!! The fashion filled adventure is going full force for 2016 and I'm so thrilled that you will be joining me along side some pretty awesome peeps!! It's going to be a great ride!!!!!

Welcome to the Land of "be yourself"

Hello my fashion lovers, style novice and sneak peekers!!! Let’s get cozy.  This blog has been in the works (in my head) forEVER. I have a tiny tray (Lucite please)  of awesome peeps that have encouraged me and I finally got my shiiiitttt together and made it happen. FEEL SO RIGHT!! Dance with me or raise the roof just a bit.  I'm so happy that we get to hangout and gab about all things stylish, beautiful and plain OBSESSED with. I love love fashion. My friends and I talk about it, I get to be absorbed in it with my work, I drag my mountainman hubby into it (when I can)...he's a hard one (you'll see...he wears socks with sandals...ummmm....yah... ;)  

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don't fight the curly poof

It's all consuming and I don't mind one bit. Every day we wake up with this fantastic new day (cue the harps playing or some Drake) get to slip on something cool and go about our day, looking and feeling great. I strive to make this happen every time I attack a clients closet or style them for anything! That is what I want for all of you!!! This blog is to inspire, motivate and put a little sass in your step ...we can up the sass whenever we want. We'll explore the beautiful, the "not so perfect", the unique, different and unexpected because it's freaking fun!! So let’s start with one of my absolute LOVES RIGHT NOW!! 

1st, IT STARTS FROM THE INSIDE....read Better Human by Ronda Conger.

good stuff...share

I read this book and then read it again and then again. It inspires, motivates and gets you to where you ultimately want to be...which is getting yo shit together!!

I'm wearing this oh so simply chic and comfy dress by American Apparel in blush. I can rock it with a leather jacket and cognac ankle boots or lounge in it all day on a lazy Sunday.

I was told by a very badass woman ( love her) that if you found something amazing you should SHARE IT with everyone. That is what I'll do with you. I will share all that engages my style meter, where to find it and anything that helps me to be a better person. I'm currently loving on Madewell's Billie boots (here), denim jackets with the collar removed (check out Instagram page) and anything with a bit of grandma charm like this Sydney needled woven pullover from Madewell (feeling them right now) and it's all 25% off.                   

I have SO MUCH in store for you, oh my gosh I can't even keep it together (but I will)!! Favorite finds, diys, sass sessions (you'll see), Style tips like a mofo, and plenty of outfits fa days. Brainstorming some fun little adventures and you are coming with me ( bring some cheetos).  I'm surrounded by really amazing friends and get to meet new cool peeps that know a ton of GOOD stuff and yep I want to share it all with you. I'm also here to listen. Let me know your thoughts (comment below), share (tell your peeps),  and let’s spread some fashion LOVE. On this day of giving thanks, I'm mindful that I should be thankful everyday. I'm thankful for my loving family, wonderful friends, late night saké chat sessions, highwaisted skinny jeans ( keeps it all in- wearing one today ;) and pure honest LOVE.  Cheers to our next chat!! MUAH