Introducing: damn good shorts

It's Summer and we know that once that H E A T hits all we want is the ease of staying cool whilst looking fabulous of course :) You all know that Mama likes to keep it simple so I've gathered a few of my favorite styles to help you stay breezy this summer. 

When it comes to our bodies we all have some sort of negative self-talk that wants to chime in and make us feel that we don't deserve to wear certain things. For me, I went through a phase in my early tweens where I didn’t wear shorts. Growing up in Jamaica I went everywhere with the boys I hung out with. Climbed, slid under, jumped off shit. You know, play. So I have plenty of scars to prove it. I got over that phase because it was hotter than a mofo and I realized that I had to love on me more than anyone else.  We take on that negative story and hold it as TRUTH. The real truth is that when you learn what looks great on you all of that bullshit talk will start unravel. At your own pace, step by step, slowly removing the blinders of the "bad" that you see and revealing the PLENTY of good that exists.

I'm loving on these 3 styles:  These Zara high waisted pink ones are perfect for dressing up or down. They are not too fitted and offer a good drape especially if you have lovely curves. Oh and the price!! STEAL!  Denim shorts tend to all look the same ( insert yawn ;) so it's fun to mix it up a bit and that's exactly what these Madewell styles bring to your style game. They're high-waisted, not too short and comes in a great wash. These lovelies from Vince are a splurge but so worth it. I ordered for a client and she's worn them everywhere!  There are great options out there and you don't have to settle. Let me know if you snag any of these styles and happy Summer!!

Blazer: Rag and Bone   Shorts: Zara    ALL PHOTOS: Fiona Montagne Photography 

Add to cart: Stylish Sneakers

Feeling all the happy vibes in Lisbon, Portugal     Photography: Stephanie Mballo

It's a new day and that means that style is being represented in ways that are no longer tethered to a singular look. Women are defining and redefining how they show up. I see the evolution of fashion as it's own continued "burning bra" movement for women. Sneakers are no longer reserved for workouts and lengthy commutes (you know what I mean! The old switch out the uncomfortable shoe so that you can make it home commutes). Now there is a wonderful bevy of styles that can be rocked with denim, dress pants, skirts or dresses without compromising your style game. The cherry on top here is that you will also have happy feet!! Hallelujah! There’s nothing cute about being uncomfortable and hurting! 

In choosing sneaker styles, I like to stick with simple looks that have a bit of play. I'm rocking these Nike blazer premium low styles that have some personality in this rich red color. The low profile style ( this means it doesn't cover my ankles) provides versatility in outfit options. The result is a more streamlined look. Think outside the box with how you wear your sneakers. Classic brands such as Vans, Converse, and Addidas do a great job of providing new looks to what used to be clunky sneakers. I'm currently loving on this and this style. They look great on anyone and can be worn with many different looks. If you have a favorite brand that you're loving on let me know. Let's share the style love!

These clothes can't buy you love

all photography by Fiona Montagne 

I use to walk into a clothing store and had this overwhelming need to buy something. I've always loved fashion and for years I told myself that this insatiable urge was there to feed my passion. I thought that it was normal to constantly yearn for material things. I had a closet full of clothes and constantly wanted more. It wasn't enough. I eventually realized that my need for stuff was rooted in how I viewed my worth. Acquiring things or in my case shopping gave me temporary validation that I was enough. I had to acknowledge the bullshit I was feeding myself and it was not easy. When I launched my personal styling company www.lauratully.co almost three years ago it made me conscious of what I wanted to bring to the table for myself and the people I serve. I want style and fashion to be accessible, inclusive and serve as a vehicle for the bigger picture of what my clients are working to create. 

I decided to let go of the power I gave to material things and it made room for all of me to show up as is. All the good, bad and in between is worthy. It was a daily chat with myself that triggered the alarm that believing that you are enough will allow you to choose what brings you towards your best self. I edited my negative thoughts, let go of people who didn't serve the good I wanted to build and became intentional about the things I brought into my space. 

Now when I shop for myself and my clients it comes from a very happy place. It's filled with love, intention, and purpose. Like I said before, it's a process. It doesn't happen overnight. I had the chance to listen to life stories shared by men and women who were in their 90's. No one regrets not buying a pair of shoes ;) or wanting more stuff. What they shared was wanting more time to love, savior and enjoy the people who are in their lives. I've decided to choose people. The stuff that comes into my life will serve as a well-chosen addition to the big picture of whatever goodness I want to create. I hope you will do the same #worthy. 

Tips To Merging Comfort Wear with Style

All photography by the talented Fiona Montagne

If you physically feel good in it, you'll wear it. Comfort and style can merge into a fabulous package, resulting in you looking polished and pulled together. Can I get an amen?!!f The yoga pants, tracksuits no longer get to claim "comfort" exclusively. A sweatshirt can be chic.  It comes down to how you pair these varied styles together. Here are my top tips for rocking comfort wear with a hefty dose of style. Paparazzi can snap your picture because I've got you covered ;) 

Say hello to my little friend denim

Trust me, a pair of great fitting denim instantly makes an outfit looks more pulled together. I'm rocking a high-waisted straight leg cropped denim from Fancy Pants. High-waisted denim will change your life. The belly button is almost covered is probably what a binky feels like to a baby: safe and comforting ;) I paired it with a simple sweatshirt from Everlane and my favorite go-to in the shoe arsenal, ankle boots. 

The little details matter

Casual wear should be fuss-free so I choose accessories to elevate what I'm wearing. This Clare V fanny pack is packing (tehe) so much COOL! It leaves me hands-free as I get through my day and it adds a little extra style to a simple outfit. The fishnet socks are another fun surprise. It takes little effort and makes comfy wear sassy.

High low mix

Blending casual wear with dressier styles gives the "I tried" look to an outfit. These Coach ankle boots can easily be dressed up or down. Their chic simple style lends a polished addition to my sweatshirt and jeans combo. This high low mix can be accomplished by wearing a streamlined wool coat, a lady-like bag or a dressy silk top with your distressed denim. 

You are worth all the little effort that makes you look and feel damn good!

Tips to feeding your mental meter

"Don't block your exits." - LT        All photography by the talented Fiona Montagne

What does busy even mean anymore?! I've said that word so many times that it has completely lost its meaning and mojo. Busy had become this filler word that fed my unproductive behaviors. I had to develop systems that forced me to rescue my sanity and gain REAL productivity. A few months back I logged the number of times I deviated from a project to check FB, IG, get a snack, drink some water, check the fridge, text my sister a random meme, check the fridge again and it was an obscene amount of time wasted. It was cra!!! I noticed losing control over my time lead me to unwanted and non-productive stress. So I've developed a few strategies that have helped me to calm my mind and take back some of my precious time and I hope it can help you do the same. Side note- this is all a practice and some days I slay it and some, not so much. Give yourself the space to know that you are trying. 

I write it ALL down

For me writing is important. You're probably saying that's what my notes, apps or whatever system you have developed to track your "to do's" is for. If it works for you, keep it going! If it doesn't give this a try. The act of writing down all the things I have to do helps me to see what needs to be set in the correct category. I have 3: High priority ( this includes my work, project deadlines, bill pay, Maddie cakes, hubby, family and friends); Create- these are upcoming projects that are further out, networking, reading, learning; This and that stuff- these are everyday life things that we have to get done- grocery shop, dry cleaning, clean house, laundry, etc. I then schedule each category item on my phone and paper calendar. It's not about trying to get everything done. It's about clearing your mental space so that you can focus on the meat and potatoes of your day. 

Put the phone down

It might be one of the hardest things you have to do but oh my peas and carrots it will blow your mind!!!! What it does. You will find yourself actually listening fully, engaging and one of the biggest gifts, being PRESENT. The act of being present in your life allows you to savor moments in a way that helps us become our best self. Listening to my stepdaughter's 15-minute explanation of what sparks her interest in the show Stranger Things allowed me to also get the peppered information about her standing up to a friend for making a sexist remark. Tomorrow wants you but the "right now" really needs you. 

I kicked "finding balance" to da curb

I thought that through sheer persistence that I would reach this space called "balance" where my "to-do's" somehow became perfectly aligned. I've noticed that this is something that doesn't exist for me and that's ok. This process is not about diminishing effort and trying. It's about embracing that today I will work on doing my damn best to take care of what is most important and tomorrow will be another day. Feeling less about your efforts because we are trying to accomplish more for the sake of "balance" strips us from the good work we are putting in. Today is yours. Go *all in* on what you can today and tomorrow will be another day. 

denim jacket- Derek Lam        dress- Target       boots- Tamaris

Wear what you love

Photography: Harley Goul

Wearing what you love is a blissful combination of self- expression embodied with whatever kind of sass you want to deliver. It can be a full scream, a whisper or anything inbetween. What matters is that the choice is done on terms that empower you to be your best self. I've fallen prey to wearing styles that I love that didn't look so hot on me. I look back at these photos and all that jumps out is "what the hell was I thinking?" I've learned to merge the knowledge of what works on my body with styles that I love. Finding those parts of your body that you want to celebrate will reward you with a sense of freedom to choose how you show up. You feeling and being comfortable in your skin is your journey. The goal isn’t to be a replica of what you see. It’s acknowledging that today and tomorrow you will choose YOU and that’s a beautiful thing.

Jacket: Nanuska   denim skirt: Grlfnd ( Fancy Pants)    sweater: H&M  Boots: Rag and Bone

It's 2018. Know your worth

Photography: Fiona Montagne 

We are sometimes made to to feel that if we wait long enough somewhere along this journey we’ll find someone or something to make us feel worthy. That the creation of our worth is outside of OUR control. I will say that nothing has taught me more about defining my own sense of value and worth than realizing that it is enough to show up just as I am. We short change ourselves by believing that when we "fill in the blank", then we'll deserve that love, admiration, respect. That only then, we will be worthy. I see worthiness as a declaration of self ownership. It's the vital space you give yourself to believe that even in the most trying moments, you matter.  I'm sharing below what has helped me to write my own narrative of self worth. It's a process that unfolds each day, it's a practice. 

WORDS MATTER, ESPECIALLY THE ONES YOU SAY TO YOURSELF

We've all done it. Whether it's alone in our bedroom, to a friend, a stranger or a passing thought as you glance in a mirror. The use of dismantling words that we say to ourselves or those that we've absorbed from others is destructive. So I want you to stop it!!! (Said in my sass filled Mama tone). You are in the process of creating your best self and that major dinosaur size step starts with the language you use towards yourself. Be kind, respectful and allow yourself the room to love yourself no matter what. 

YOUR TRIBE MATTERS

It's simple. The company you keep should reinforce your worth ( You're amazing!); Motivate you to grow and be challenged ( Get it and you got this!!); Call you out on your bullshit ( Get it together); know when to drop it low and have fun ( Insert dance groove here). Ok the last one isn't necessary but it's certainly recommended ;) Every person that comes into your life adds an element to who you are or what you're becoming. I remember making exhausting efforts to alter what I thought others wanted me to be. It happens. I learned. Now the influence and its effect occurs on my own terms. 

 SHOW OTHERS THAT THEY ARE WORTHY

A kind word or action can have this transformative experience. No matter the size, it can impact how someone is feeling that day, that moment. I don't take for granted what others might be going through. This is what makes our co existing together so powerful. It grants us the permission to affect each other in the most positive way. 

So I'm saying to you that you are wonderful, necessary and full of worth. Go share this with someone else. 

coat: Theory  turtleneck: JCrew  Shoes: Gucci

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

Winter Wear: warm and stylish coats

Photography: karen E Photos

Stop trying to be a hero and put on a coat that'll keep you warm!! Ok seriously y'all, old man Winter will be here and I just want my babes to be stylishly ready. After experiencing snowmageddon 2016-2017, ughhhhh, I'm leaving no awesome/practical Winter wear stones unturned. This green puffy goodness was a saaweet find at Old Navy. It's under $50 on sale ( yah, you heard me) fleece lined, comes in this yummy color and its CUTE! We can nix looking frumpy in our cozy wears and step out looking fly! Insert any Beyonce song right here and imagine your hair being blown slow motion style in the wind ;)

Old Navy: Coat, vest and stripe tee 

So a few tips to consider when shopping for that coat. Proportions matter. If you're petite, consider a cropped puffer or see if the style comes in petite so that it doesn't overwhelm your frame. If you're curvy, look for a flat quilt ( no bulky coat), nylon or wool style that has a simple and sleek silhouette. I'm currently loving this and this style. Let me know if you snag any of these styles! Stay warm my peeps!

Sittin Pretty With Fear

All photos by the talented Ellen B Hansen

When I told my family and friends that I was leaving NJ and moving to Boise Idaho to be with the man I love, most of them freaked out. Laura, you can't be serious? Do you really know this guy? I can't believe you're moving to Iowa ( yep, I got that one a lot ;)  These phrases were repeated by a few well meaning friends and family members. I was also reminded on several occasion that I would be moving to a state where, well, there was very little black folks. That was 12 years ago. I've since married my mountain man ( 10 years and counting), developed a major love crush on Idaho, became a business owner and formed some of the most meaningful relationships that's helped shaped me as a person. 

Y'all all of this scared me! Fear was showing up, putting it's dirty ass feet on my coffee table and getting comfy. UGH!!! I had to DECIDE if the want was bigger than the fear.  The want has to be big and I don't mean "I want those ankle boots" big. I mean, I want to marry this man, own this company, move out of the country and start a new business because I LOVE this BIG!  Love, passion, GOALS will push through fear but that shit has got to be real. Why? Because the moment it becomes hard or suck ( life gets that way sometimes) you'll want to quit and get back to comfort zone.

So I had to ask myself, how badly do I want it?!  I wanted this so badly that I was willing to look beyond the what ifs and see what WE could be if I moved to Idaho. I wanted to see who I could become with this move. The process was hard, easy and everything in between. It took time for me to truly find my place and develop meaningful relationships.  It's helped me to foster a mindset that I have to try and push through the fear because lessons need to be learned and that's how we feed growth.  So I work it like a muscle. I know that fear will always be there to remind me that what I'm about to experience is an opportunity outside my comfort zone. So I take a breath, prepare myself also know as work and get comfy with being uncomfortable. Fear will always creep up when you dare to move beyond where you stand. Recognize it and stifle its powers with your BIG vision, die hard action and passion driven LOVE! 

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!!! 

My Afro

All photos by the talented Weston McGhee Photography

Growing up I wanted long, straight hair that gently played on my back when the breeze touched it. My mom refused to let me straighten my curly mane. I would sneak and have by friend Niqua press my hair with a hot comb. If you don't know what that is, it's a comb made of metal that you put on a gas burning stove to heat up. You allow it to cool a bit and then you proceed to burn the shit out of your hair just so that it can be straight. I know. F@$king crazy! I did that because the idea of leaving my hair as is was something I did not see around me. I saw women pressing, perming, blowout styling their hair to look other than what it was naturally meant to be. This is certainly not a bash on those who straighten their hair. I assure you, if i want to mix it up a bit I'll blow out my hair  because I'm a grown woman and I can do what I want ;) Ok, I digress. When we press, straighten or do anything different to alter ourselves, I want it to be built on a road where we are defining our own beauty. 

The thought that black, natural, curly, kinky, unprocessed, left to do what it does best, froed out hair was not reflected to me as beautiful. It's changing. We are seeing a diverse mix of women stepping forward and demanding to be reflected in the images blasted towards us. Why? Because WE EXIST to be seen and heard. So much is happening with how we as women see ourselves. WE are digging deeper towards the AS IS part of ourselves that others thought strange or not enough and allowing it to be seen, fully. It's a real conversation that has to be echoed in a time where filters and editing skews so much of we see as beautiful. What I see now in myself took years of adjusting, filtering and being around women who know how to love themselves. These REAL reflections are what our little girls will witness, giving then the opportunity to SEE that their beauty is right there, as they are, right now. Strange, complicated, knappy hair, unruly, smart, loud, bossy, quiet, driven, defiant, necessary, vulnerable...beautiful AS IS.

Easy Wear: Black and White

In beautiful Cannon Beach, OR with the oh so talented photography skills of Stephanie Mballo Photography

I love a classic black and white outfit. It goes together like the best of opposites. So when it comes to this effortless wear, you can't go wrong. Effortless doesn't have to mean boring or plain. This darling white eyelet top from JCrew adds a little texture to a simple style. Oh and I can't forget to mention these loafers. LOVEEE!!! The patent leather with the stud detail adds a whole lot of edge to this look. Style has the ability to reveal or express who you are in the best way. You can show up feeling confident, fabulous and YES, comfortable. Comfort is a common thread in how I style my clients because Mama knows that if you don't feel good in, you won't wear.  These high waisted wide legged pants from The Gap ( on sale and a screaming deal) are like pajamas. These types of classic looks take the work work work work work ( I had to) out of getting dressed. As always, I've got your style back! MUAH!

Denim Power with Anthropologie

Koolaid happy on the Boise Greenbelt. All images by the talented Karen of Karen E Photography

Cruising along the Boise Greenbelt is one of my favorite parts about living in beautiful Boise, Idaho. We have a ease in our style and denim is a huge part of that effortless wear. I'm a denim lover! Deep, infatuated, serious relationship kind of love :) A great pair of denim hugs your curves in all the right places. It let's you strut your goodness without breaking your stride. It can effortlessly navigate between your ankle boots, those slay me heels and yes, your laid back sneaks! These beauts I'm rocking are the stunner ankle step fray high rise by Mother denim from Anthropologie. I'm always on the hunt for a new style that has a little extra something special that makes them stand out from the denim noise. The frayed step hem detail and the faded black had me at hello! The high waisted keeps everything tucked away neatly( YASS!) with a dose of old school chic. Loving on these beauts or any of the denim styles you see at Anthropologie use code ID20 for $20 off your next jean purchase! YES, I'm doing the happy denim dance with you. 

Fueling Your Style With Confidence

"Show up in something that makes you feel damn good and bring your ALL-IN game!"  LT

Photography: the talented + kind Weston McGhee

When it comes to the process of getting dressed we all have the same intention. To feel great in what we wear. How do we get to that place of having styles in our closet that make us feel great? I'm not gonna bullshit you. It's a process and for some it's a simpler journey. For others, it can be laced with f-bomb dropped moments.  "I'm not tall, skinny, blond, tanned enough etc."  or "I wish my _____ was better."  It's a familiar moment to most of us. There is no magic to owning our confidence. It's a path that's tugged on by misguided social standards that are reverberated by those with good and bad intentions. Inadvertently, these tales become sprinkled through our own self talk making us believe that we are not enough. What does clothing and the process of getting dressed has to do with confidence? For me it's an acknowledgment of my body and how I feel about it and IN IT. The styles we choose will either celebrate our body or shame it. They will either uplift our sense of belonging or make us feel invisible. I want us to choose to see those parts that we love and then work to introduce styles that give those areas a whole lot of love! It doesn't happen overnight.  However, it can start with saying more kind words to ourselves and each other. Our culminated steps and the ability to recognize the me in you will lend to dismantle standards that are far from standard. 

I've got your back. 

dress: H+M

Summer Style: keeping your cool

Hanging amongst these pretties captured by the talented Stephanie Mballo Photography 

Yes, the temperature is rising and that means SUMMER is here in all it's glory! This Jamaican gal LOVES the heat! It hugs me and makes me feel like skipping and then twirling. However, Mama knows a girl can lose her cool when it's hotter than a mofo and all you want to do is strut your birthday suit. So I'm here to help guide you through rocking some cuteness whilst keeping your cool :) 

Tee: Everlane     Shorts: JCrew     

Keep it Simple

The hotter it gets the less I want to wear. So it's a balance between wearing as little as possible while maintaining our classy lady situation ;) That means keeping it simple. T-shirt and shorts are my go to for easy Summer styling. This doesn't mean that you can't add a little fun flavor. I'm rocking these darling green high waisted shorts that brings a dose of play with the ruffled details. Paired with a great staple that what we all have in our closet, a great white tee. 

Think...breezy

Your clothes can be a form of natural air condition....awwwww. This can be accomplished with fabrics: linen, cotton and fit: think airy. So I stick with styles that are not restricting any part of my body ( that's not cute anyways, right). All your nooks and crannies can breath ;) Light weight dresses, cotton shorts and drapey tanks are just a few of my breezy wears. 

Rejoice because it's Summer!

It goes by so fast so let's savior it as much as we can. I know it can get to the point where you want to rip off your clothes Superman style and dive into any cold liquid. However, I hold on to the patio evenings, pool parties, outdoor music and the best, just hanging with the people you love, a cold beverage in hand and late night chats. It's da best! 

Keep it simple, breezy and savior the little moments. Muah!

The Perfect Summer Dress

This is my new Summer "go to" dress. With the warmer days heading our way, so is the list of events that we will attend. Finding a great versatile dress that I can rock at a Summer wedding or a dinner party makes the "what to wear" process so much easier. It's breezy, comfortable and can be dressed up or down depending on the shoe pairing. 

I found this beauty at Bohme at the Boise Towne Square Mall and it was a screaming great price. Under $50!! The lace detail gives this dress a luxe look and the contrast collar adds a polish detail. I've already worn this dress a few times and have gotten lots of love when wearing it. You can find similar styles at Francesca's as well. Have a great Summer peeps and I'll be dishing out more Summer style goodness that's pocketbook friendly :) 

It's always a pleasure to stay at the cool and inviting The Society Hotel.

A blissful visit in Portland. All photos taken by the amazing Stephanie of Stephanie Mballo Photography

Kind Girls At The Table

When I think of the moments I regret it usually involves 2 types of situation: not standing up for myself and not standing up for others. Those moments where I stood in silence held weight on my conscience. This weight was something I carried without even knowing it until I became older, made friends, lost friends and uncovered bits of myself along the way. I realized the immense power that came with choosing. The act of kindness is a choice. Kindness isn't a unicorn and it's certainly not naivety. We don't get to sit by and just be. Even the act of not choosing is a decision. Kindness can be uncovered the same way we fuel love. With doses of intention, understanding, compassion and being a genuine soundboard of honesty. I've witnessed how this real gesture of caring/ kindness can transform all parties involved in this exchange.  It's not all rainbows and sunshine but that effort and you are worthy.

I at times struggle to understand why we feel the need to break each other down. For me it comes down to making a choice to listen, digest and then speak because my words and actions matter. We can choose to not be apart of the rhetoric of hate. It stifles hope, perspective and just the basic human understanding of listening to our different stories. The mean girl stance lingers because there's a desperate need to belong. I'm apart of this and it makes me feel special so YOU CAN'T SIT HERE attitude. Exclusion creates this centrifuge of minds where all of a sudden we look around at our table and everyone's the same. I've learned the most from those that differ from me. I can see the comfort of having people in our world that think and act as we do but I can also see the silence that comes with it.

Top: Farrow     Jeans: H&M      Shoes: Joie

What has allowed me to register some of these feelings is knowing what exclusion feels like. We've all been there and *know* this feeling. Snotty, catty, rude, mean and dismissive. All words I want my stepdaughter Maddie to know and actively make a choice to step up to the plate and be otherwise. The "real talk" of empowering women doesn't have to be a loud speaker statement in every situation. It can look like a real smile and it can sound like "Hi, I'm Laura. What's your name?" 

All photos by the talented Tia Runia

Simplifying Your Style Without Losing Your Sass

I hear you. You love simple, crisp lines that make you feel sharp, polished and effortlessly pulled together. Your heart does a pitter patter at the sight of color palettes that linger in the ivory, gray, white and black arena. I'm listening and I hear you. I certainly have simplified my style over the years in an effort to have less stuff and more of ONLY what I love. So here's a few tips for my peeps who want a more modern simple look but still want to display a healthy dose of their sass/ swag, personality ( you know what I mean). 

Locate classics with attitude

I've said it before and I'll say it again: date the trends and marry the classics. Classics are those pieces that can withstand the test of time unlike that heavy bang phase I thought was so great in 94. We all learn ;) In finding these pieces, I look for those that have a little extra edge to them. For example an ivory silk blouse with a leather trim, high waisted pencil skirt in blush pink (YASS) or a minimalist trench with a blue pinstripe lining that brings a little happy to a rainy day. 

Choose a WOW piece

Your outfit should have one piece of clothing that does the talking and the rest should just chill out like a good wingwoman.  The talking is this classic stripe button shirt that brings a whimsical dose of play with the embroidered detail in bright green. Come on! It makes me so happy! Paired with simple distressed jeans or you could pair it with dark wash denim. This allows your other more simple pieces to join the party and not look so womp womp womp ;)

Texture and dare I say, color is your friend

Adding elements of texture and color can allow your simply styles to stand on their own. It can be a featherweight cashmere sweater in powder blue or white button down with swiss dots. This allows your outfit to have dimension while still giving you the feel good vibes of a simplified style. 

Style should always be about feeling great in what you wear and that means it needs to reflect who YOU are! Sending you a major hug and good vibes whilst keeping it simply ;)

Modernism Week: seduced by color + design

In proper fun mode at the #mwsocialhouse by Kud Properties.

I know immediately what sparks a bit of joy inside me. It usually includes a well made high waisted trouser and of course a well designed space. I had the blessed opportunity to be along side Kirsten Grove and a few other uber cool ladies as part of the modsquad for Modernism Week in Palm Springs. The scoop is that it's cool, fun and introduced me to the variety of mid-century design. Your senses will thank you as you immerse yourself in the celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. Scroll below to get your dose of Palm Springs and I suggest grabbing a few of your good peeps and making a visit. 

Our stay at the Saguaro injected the vibrancy of what Palms Spring might have been in the 20's. There's about 12 colors that fill your visual senses and it's pure joy!

The loveliest brunch from the incredible team of We Are Secret Agents (hugs)

The Christopher Kennedy Compound is the spectacular home of Kelly Golightly and Fred Moser. Each room was custom designed by a designer and it was magical!! 

This wallpaper!!!! Designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel

The Door Tour made courtesy of some pretty sweet cruisers from Bike Palm Springs and Palm Spring Style. I mean come on!!!! This is the speed to truly take in not just the doors but all the beautiful nooks and crannies of these neighborhoods.  

For more details on Modernism week, click here and brace yourself for some seriously blissful play!

All photos by Local Wanderer