Easy ways to rock neutrals

Wearing neutrals just makes me swoon about summer. It's light, fresh and modern. Summer will be here in about 6 weeks peeps and I'm counting :)  Wearing all neutrals is about texture and picking the right shade. I'm a fan of whites, ivory and grays. Since the weather will be slipping on its fancy 70 degrees and up temperature our way,  here are a few of my "how to" tips to rocking all neutrals and keeping your cool. 

Texture is your friend. I'm wearing these  ivory denim shorts from JCrew and paired it with this darling eyelet  top from Banana Republic. The eyelet gives this color palette some texture and makes the outfit more playful. By the way guys, this top was on super sale in the store so go snag yourself one now :) The ivory top was a bit darker than the shorts but this is why having texture is so great. The shades do not have to be an exact match, which makes pairing easy. Mama likes that!

the sun shining through :)

Accessorize to add a little something something ;) I paired this grey bag from JCrew ( so cute right) and my little coral puffball name Javi  ;)  to give the all ivory look some anchor. When it comes to styling myself and my clients, looking great should be a simple and easy process. Neutrals allows this ease because you don't have to worry about matching or coordinating since you're using the same color palette. They all play nicely with each other. 

If you want to wear all white, choose white denim and a silk-like top or knitted top with a smooth cotton bottoms. If you want an all grey look, wear light grey on top, dark on the bottom with a fun printed bag. Are you guys picking up what I'm throwing down?! Wonderful!! Now go and get your style on. MUAH!! :)

How to put the CHIC in Comfy wear #yesplease

So it's your day off and you have 223 errands to get done. You want to be comfy and plug away at your "to do"list. Before you reach for those leggings, can you and I just gab a little about how we can upgrade our comfy look?! I sensed an eye roll...so I'll have to get a little bossy :) You can still look pulled together and revel in comfort, seriously. One of my client is this amazing mom of 4. Her schedule requires a combination of meetings, picking up the kids, dropping them off and running errands. When I style her she can easily navigate from quick meeting with grown-ups to soccer matches. So how do we look comfy and stylish?? It's all in the little details.

These tuxedo style dress pants from JCrew are cool and a bit unexpected paired with my Vans sneakers ( my faves). The low profile of the sneakers works with the streamline look of the pants. These pants are tailored and polished without compromising the COMFY factor. I paired with a lightweight fitted turtleneck that off sets the somewhat looser fitting pant. The ladylike coat pulls it all together and makes comfy wear look chic. Other comfy "go to" looks include my boyfriend jeans paired with a dressier top and ankle boots. The key is to have an elevated piece paired with a casual style.

These gloves from Banana Republic makes winter days better :)

When you're tempted to throw on those leggings or sweatpants, I want you to know that you are softy killing your homegirl over here ;) Okay maybe I'm exaggerating just a bit, however I know and you know that looking good makes you feel good no matter the task of the day. So just think, what if I ran into George Clooney( is he still a big deal?)  today or whomever your "Clooney" in your head is ( we all have one ;). I want my peeps to look pulled together, effortlessly.

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 :)

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!

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!!!!!

and so this is Christmas

"Laugh hard, love big and wear something fabulously YOU" LT

Do you feel it?! The laughter in the air! The happy tearing sounds of wrapping paper! ahhhhhhh!!! The gleeful squeals as you open up your presents that has the you know what inside that you've been wanting forever!! Hallelujah!!  In my mountain man case ( the Hubby), stuff and things are not high on his priority list. Therefore, I locate said stuff and things and voila... a herringbone gray tweed goodness is all mine...YAY!! He's happy, I'm thrilled....It works :")

I love the holidays. It makes me want to hug everyone even harder than I already do (it may inflict a few eye rolls but fa la la la la la la la la ). Believe it or not I'm not a huge gift person...WHAT????!!!!!! I know what you're thinking but let me explain. I grew up in a non traditional Jamaican home, where we cooked a ton and enjoyed being with each other most of the time. Everything was at a shouting level but once the protocol was explained that my family communicates on a speak loud and respond louder level, it was cool :) Stuff was secondary. So back to the gift situation. Don't get me wrong, I love the stuff/things but I know it's always there, so it's not a main focus during holiday happenings.

There's a bit of magic that I hold on to about Christmas. A few weeks ago, I got to attack my friend Sam's closet, so freaking FUN!!  In my "make it pretty mode", we found a ton of goodness, one of them being this amazing traditional Irish kilt that belonged to her mom Nancy. I loved them ALL and this was one of my faves. Nancy bought them more than 45 years ago while living in England with her husband, who was in the Air Force. SO COOL!! These kilts are beautiful and especially more meaningful because Nancy is no longer with us. I wanted Sam to know that she can rock these kilts in a modern chic way. Nancy would love it!! At times the "stuff" can seem trivial but then I get moments like this and it melts me.

This Banana Republic sweater is a cozy knit of chicness...my stepdaughter kept petting me because it's SO soft.

I'm all about a balancing act when it comes to my style. This ivory sweater added a simple texture to the traditional style of the kilt. The kilt was the main player and I wanted a soft co-star. I want you to find styles that bring meaning to you. Whether you found it on a road trip with your peeps, at a flee market, in your Moms closet or bought it with your first real cha-ching paycheck. Wear it and make it count.

I'm working on a bonus post for next week MONDAY 12-28-15 that brings the glam right to your screen and of course, I'll tell you where to get it. HELLO OUTFITS!!!! WOOHOO!!

I wish you ALL the most amazing holiday. I hope that it is filled with all sorts of good LOVE and stylish goodies. I feel incredibly blessed to have such awesome peeps in my life that love on me and I won't give it up. I'm loving you back ( insert big ass hug here). I want to know all about your holiday happenings. Was Santa good to you or does he have some explaining to do :) Share below, love on the little heart icon and lets spread some fashionable holiday cheer together!!! MUAH!!!!

WORK and play, PLAY and work

Wake up, get things done but first, coffee!

I had this moment in my life where I had to wear a uniform...I was in it 5 days a week, 8-10 hours a day. Each time I removed it from my body, I told myself that whatever it was I was planning on doing with my life...I WILL NOT WEAR A (insert expletive of choice) UNIFORM. I wanted to choose what I wore everyday, own it and feel good in it. That's a big part of why I'm a fashion stylist and my never ending obsession with fashion ( we are in a long term relationship and he put a ring on it).  I get the chance to make my clients feel great about what they wear...all the time.

Let's talk work wear. Looking professional means reflecting your confidence, competence and compassion on the outside. It presents itself before you even open your mouth to speak. Your professional attire should be the armor that allows you to speak confidently and go after your career goals like a champ. I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to style some amazing women who are at the top of their field. This commands looking polished, professional and respectful. My job is to tie in all those layers, make it stylish, womanly and of course with an element of fun!!

I'm going to get bossy so brace yourself.  There are two main styles that everyone should have have in their closets. The first, is a great fitting suit, like this one, that MUST BE tailored to your curves, NOT TIGHT, tailored. What makes an outfit look professional and stylish?? It comes down to FIT (amen).  The second must have is a classic blazer that can anchor any outfit. I'm a fan of this style and this one.  These styles are professional but injected with style and for the love of Carrie Bradshaw, some fun. I adore the soft pink blazer, so chic. If you can splurge and get that amazing goodness like this one (OMG, I WANT TO MARRY THIS BLAZER), #purchase.  If that doesn't vibe with your just out of college need to pinch your pennies but want to look great budget, then consider this one or this style... both have a great look that is classic and won't break your bank. Let me chime in again on fit...if the shoulder pad sits off your shoulder, it's too big or the lapel gaps outward or you must remove your blazer before driving your car (yep, yep...guilty), it's too small. It should feel comfortable but not to the point where you want to lounge on the sofa with your Cheetos and Netflix in it.

Wearing JCrew grey toothpicks denim, JCrew silk Carrie cami top and anchored with this cool as hell blazer by Maison Scotch.

This particular look can be worn in so many different ways. Each piece can be styled casually or dressed up to create another layer, so that I utilize what I have in my closet. It's a big part of what my style service provides. Mama does not like to see good clothing go unused...it makes me sad and I will not allow it.  Trust me, your wallet will thank me.

2016 will be here in 2 weeks!!! Seriously....are you excited and if not why the hell NOT?!!  WOW...I'm head over heels excited and ready to dive in. Come in with me, the water is great!! I'll continue bringing all things fashionable directly to you with some fun surprises in store. There's a party going down and you're invited. Not sure what to wear...let's just say I have you covered!!

I am loving HARD on all the great comments, texts and emails! It feels like the biggest and best HUG EVER!! Continue sharing and if your friends, friend, cousin, sister doesn't know...tell her to visit me, comment below and click the heart ( it's so pretty).