My Morning Date with Westward Coffee

Coffee bliss with the talented/ ma babes Karen Krum of Karen E Photo ( all images) 

It's early and it's not hard to tell what's on your mind once the alarm starts chirping ( do people still use alarms). My alarm is my hubby, he's a rooster. Seriously he wakes up at the same time, everyday, no matter what. Anyways, luckily it's the weekend and you can snooze once or twice before you dive into your weekend happenings. I shower and throw on some major comfy wear, laced with some style of course ( more on this outfit situation later). This weekend involved a serious coffee date with one of my babes.  We chat, eat bready things covered in sweet berry like concoctions and we sip away on delicious coffee. Coffee that makes your eyes smile at the sight  and smell of it. Coffee that requires a moment of silence as you cradle the cup in your hands and take that first sip....ya I know! It's java foreplay...get a room!! ;)  I'm sitting pretty in such a place. It's called Westward Coffee and Supply and it's the creation of mother and daughter Jessye White and Nicole Powell.  

Located on Main street in downtown Boise, these babes decided to bring a fresh take to coffee lovers in Boise, Idaho. They're doing so by taking what they call their "pocket size" shop and building something that goes beyond your morning latte.

What made you decide to open a coffee shop?

Nicole: "My mom and I wanted to open a family business in Boise and had both worked in coffee. I wanted to get away from "making it" ie: big city big job big commute etc. and reconnect with the things that make me happy--people, conversations, and face to face interactions."

What does Westward bring to coffee lovers?

Nicole: "We have a different vibe than most coffee places. We are more traditional in our menu and do everything with great specificity--every cup of coffee is ground and brewed to order.  But mostly, we really know the people who frequent our shop and we strive to get to k ow the new ones. For us it's not about having the most nuanced palette or creating an environment that is complicated or intimidating, it's simply about making damn fine coffee and connecting with people in a genuine way. We like coffee and we like people so it's a natural fit.

Your space has a beautiful calm to it... tell me a little about the design concept?

Nicole: "Our space is simple and efficient partly because it is so small! We wanted something minimal because we like the idea of the never ending movement of life through the space.  The base palette is whites and ashy blonde woods because they create a perfect background for this concept. It is also reflective of what we love about Idaho. The wide open spaces, the miles of empty roads, the quiet after a snow. It's a peaceful place and we want that to show! We also have amazing photography from Rick Kuttler of our favorite places in the west."

Where does Westward fit amongst the growing trend of great coffee spots in Boise?

Nicole: "Westward is the kind of shop I fell in love with living in bigger cities like SanFrancisco and Portland. It's small, intimate and well curated. We also carry and represent Idaho roasters. We carry maps (Hailey) Doma (Coeur d'alene) and AfroPhil (boise) We are not trying to take over as a massive chain or sacrifice quality for the bottom line. We are family owned and operated and happy about that. I think we are just trying to create a nice, approachable, third wave shop where everyone is welcome to experience amazing Idaho roasters."

What's your beverage of choice? 

Nicole: "A nice hot pour over!"

Nicole: "We believe that living local builds stronger communities and fosters relationships between the humans that live in them. Come in and have a cup before your next adventure or stay awhile and enjoy the atmosphere." 

Don't mind if I do. There's a closeness that happens as you sit down in this modern, bright and welcoming space. It could be Nicole's charming wit or the pour-over magic she's about to deliver. I have a feeling it's both and so much more. 

So now that you have your perfect latte in hand ( lucky you), lets chime in on the outfit situation. My obsession with style comes from a desperate need to be comfortable, like all the time. The audacity of me!! Merging both, especially when I style my clients is an exclamation that looking great can literally make you feel REAL good. I mean if that's not winning I don't know what is. So I work to create a fun balance with dressy and casual wear by mixing them together most of the time. No style stays in it's lane. We ALL play together. Sneakers with your lady like jacket, why the heck not?! :) 

This darling sweatshirt is from JCrew and it has velvet dots. That's right, velvet!! It's cozy, dress me up or down and yes, comfy. Sweatshirts are no longer ONLY privy to being stowed in your back drawer to be removed for Netflix-athon. They can be front, center and style ready.

If you're heading to Westward shoot me a message...there's always room for good company and great coffee :)

Coat: Burberry  Sweatshirt: JCrew  Jeans: Grlfrnd ( Fancy Pants)   Sneakers: New Balance  Bag: Coach

My Journey Through the Land of "Be Yourself"

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Brené Brown

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

When cuteness + comfort collides

top: JCrew  denim shorts: Forever 21   Sandals: Madewell

A really awesome thing is happening right now in fashion. You can look fantastic and guess what peeps, be comfortable. Yes!! Let's get it straight, not so comfy you're lounging hard on the sofa. I hear this word from clients all the time and my job is to show them how we can have both. Let's break down this "comfort" situation a bit. I want you to wear styles that look and feel great on your body. You want to feel comfortable and wear styles that won't sacrifice looking great. It's doable and I'll show you how.

How to keep the comfort whilst still engaging the cuteness: The things that I find a bit unusual is what I tend to gravitate towards. This darling bell sleeve top from JCrew was just that. It's fancy but in a cotton t-shirt type of feel, which brings it right back to comfort zone. Look for styles that allow you the versatility to pair with a dressed up or dressed down style. So I can easily rock this top with denim shorts or a fancy skirt. Look for prints and texture: polkadots, stripes, chevron or a modern floral. These types of tops pack a big punch for your closet and makes you look great, effortlessly. Hallelujah! :)

I'm not saying to stay away from trends but I only date trends, not marry them ;) I find the styles I love and my clients go to over and over again are the classics. Simple, chic and you won't regret the purchase 1 year later. That doesn't mean you're entering plainJaneville (I know, it's not a word but it just felt right).  It's best to look for styles that have a classic look like this stripe top but with a little fun, the bell sleeves. Include trends in small doses. So instead of an entire tassel dress, go with a darling tassel top. 

Break some rules: Wearing navy and black together was a no no in the fashion rules arena. We can wave goodbye to it and rejoice. I'm wearing a navy and white stripe top with black distressed denim shorts. For me, it's all bout texture and print. The stripe is forgiving and I don't have to worry about matching. So you can pair your navy polkadot shirt or navy stripe with black and go about your fantastic day :)

Don't forget the FUN : Accessorizing is a great way to add a little bit of fun and the unexpected to your style. This darling Rebecca Minkoff backpack does just that. It's practical and brings a dose of happy in this blush color. These sunglasses are from Fetch Eyewear. I saw them in Portland and fell in love with the unique and simple style. Then I learned more about what they represent and fell head over heels in love. I am constantly searching for great style and brands that serve a  bigger purpose with fashion as the medium. 100% of the profits ( YEP, 100%) is donated to animal rescue. This makes my better world momentum uber happy. Click here to learn more about this amazing company, it's mission and drool over the many fabulous eyewear #purchase. 

I have to send out a really BIG HUGE GIGANTIC HUG with a squeeze for the kind and sweet messages from my last post, Loving on U.S.A. This is what I meant about feeling like home. It's love, kindness and having each others back. Now go get you some comfy cuteness and share with me your favorite finds. 

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 :)

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!!! 

The grown up take on sexy wear, rated PG13

I'm experiencing this voracious need to be immersed in above 70 degree temperature, donning bare legs and covered in sunshine. How are you guys holding up?? Are you ready for sweet warm sunshine??  Although Spring hasn't officially arrived,  I wanted to wear something light and simple and yes I have clothing underneath ;) I got the chance to do an amazing photo session with the fantastic Vlad Radion of Radion photography. My warmth provided courtesy of The Mode Lounge. This spot is cool, eclectic modern and get ready to be wowed by their cocktail selections. I call it grown up and classy. 

These pumps can make any day better! You can snag these here.

This outfit made me feel grown up and sexy ( insert hands in the air and me saying "girllllll" ;) Sexy to me is a combination of confidence and just a bit of skin. In my 5'10" frame, the skin being shown here y'all are legs. I'm wearing a lace tank underneath with highwaisted pinstripe shorts.  At times the descriptive of wanting to look sexy and be sexy can sometimes feel disempowering for women. I think that comes from our cultural hijack of the word sexy. I see it as a WELCOMED ownership of ones own body, mind and soul. In other words, I embrace all the good and the "ok" stuff about myself which allows me to"own" the styles that I wear and not the other way around. The best part of my job is seeing my clients feel confident in the styles I put them in. You can fake confidence but it's short lived. No fun there, right!  I prefer we operate on truly working on our "stuff" and gain that confidence. Real confidence....way more fun!

A few of my favorite pieces in the sexy arena is a silk blouse, like this and a tailored blazer, like this. There's just something about silk and the way it drapes ( not cling) that says "hello lover". Well at least that's what I hear ;) The blazer with it's tailored silhouette can hug all the right places whilst still having that cool menswear feel. Classy is sexy.

PEEPS, the feedback has been amazing and I'm feeling the love!! I hope you guys are feeling it too. INSERT BIG HUG HERE!! The fashion filled journey continues and so much goodness coming your way!!  Let's get our sexy on!!!