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 

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!!! 

Wardrobe 101: back to basics

Can I get an amen for good old basics like t-shirt and shorts?! ( hands in the air). I am certainly getting to a point where I want to simplify my wardrobe and have great styles that I can throw on, go ( the hubby would appreciate that ;)  and look fabulous, of course. This is something I tackle for my clients who are busy bees and don't have time to spare when it comes to looking pulled together effortlessly. So the key is....stick to awesome basics with a few wow pieces to make sure the style factor is happening :)  So how do we make that happen?? With my casual wear, I start with what feels comfy and can be worn a few different ways. In my book, that's t-shirt styles and denim. 

I'm wearing the powder puff eco- jersey T-shirt from Alternative Apparel. The styles from Alternative Apparel are not only fantastic, they also have an amazing platform that provides eco friendly wear that's sustainable and through fair labor in accordance to the FLA and WARP.  Back to basics can include a bigger initiative than just less clothes, it can be even more impactful by the clothing you choose. Loving on that! 

I finished the look with these comfy denim shorts from Current Elliot and fringe slides from Madewell. These shoes  takes this outfit up another level. I seriously do the "happy dance" when I wear these. I'll teach you guys my happy dance one of these days...it does require dropping it low, just a wee bit ;) This is what I meant about  adding those little wow pieces to your great basics, which will make those beauties shine! 

Basics is so far from boring. It can allow your closet to have a great anchor so that you can add in those fun trends or cool one of kind piece if you fancy, which makes your look, all the more special.

                        >>>>>>>>>> G R O U P  H U G <<<<<<<<<<<

Have I mentioned how much I love gabbing it up with you all. The love that you've shown me makes me feel like warm butter on artisan toast ( that's some tasty stuff). Have style questions or want to share a great find, direct message me on IG @seelaurastyle or @lauratully.co. You can also send me a message at fashion@lauratully.co. See you next week peeps and make sure you check out my adventure THIS week!! I'm taking you with me!! MUAH :)

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 :)

Big hair and breezy wear

My hair is curly, kinky and wild. It's delicate and strong. It reminds me that there is nothing more freeing than allowing what is most natural about myself to simply BE. I stopped straightening my hair because I had enough. Ugh, it seems so cliche but the real talk is that I got to this point where I noticed that I no longer felt the need to edit who I was, which included my mane. It wasn't an overnight or lightbulb moment but this progression of experiences that made me acknowledge that  "yah, I'm ok with me AS IS". For the most part, straightening my hair was an extension of figuring out the uncertainties about myself. I didn't really know what I wanted and it took getting through my f-ups, learning, listening, challenging myself and meeting good eggs along the way, you know...LIFE. The process is a journey. 

My hubby always asked me why I straightened my hair and would beg me to leave it natural. I thought he was crazy! Although I loved his support and encouragement, no one can make you act on those moments. They can influence but you're the one that's paving your path. As a black woman, the struggle to accept what is naturally you, especially when it comes to our hair is such a difficult journey. It's not the norm. I rarely see anyone with hair like mine but I also live in Boise, Idaho. I love that I was able to fuel who I am in a state where, let's be real, there's not many people of color.  What I experienced from those around me, strangers and friends, was this fantastic celebration of my natural hair. It really stunned me. People would come up to me and tell me how much they loved my curly hair. In my head, I was saying "really, you think my natural hair is pretty....who knew." It was as if I was able to experience acceptance of "me" moreso than I ever accepted myself.  

The more I dived into learning about my curly hair and how to care for it, I saw this common thread amongst so many women of different races and backgrounds who had a familiar story to share about untaming their mane. We hear the mantra that "you're free to be you" but we don't see it. So it takes these individual movements where each of us declare who we are, naturally. That's not to say I will never straighten my hair, I will when I feel like mixing it up. However, the decision is driven by me and not some cultural/ social demand. The relief of no longer having to protest why your "imperfections" are pretty darn perfect for you. It's an exclamation that normal is diverse, unique and feeds tolerance, its soul food. 

Laura, what about your outfit girllll?!! I know I got a bit deep on y'all so here are the yummy details. I love these breezy tops but they can look a little frumpy ( no thank you frump McGee). I look for styles that either gathers at the waist like this one or has an open neckline like this style (so cuteee, right!) I paired it with these boyfriend denim shorts that are a little more fitted as not to compete with the looser fit of the top. 

Top: Rebecca Taylor, Shorts: Rag and Bone ( Fancy Pants)    Shoes: Madewell

"What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well"  Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I want to hear from you!! What's your hair story? Share, comment and click on the little heart below (it's adorable). We can tackle this journey together :)

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!! :)

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!! :)

Journey to wow, a style story

I'm a hunter! I'm always on the search for those special and cool  styles that will upgrade an outfit. You notice it the moment you see it. When it happens for me, there's usually a squeal and a mini dance party ( ask my hubby and my girlfriends ;)  This special find makes a simple outfit sparkle 💫.  

These gold oxfords were a sweet find and I knew we were going to be friends the moment I saw them. Why they work. Well they're gold, I mean...LOVVVVVEEEEEE and they add a bit of the unexpected to an outfit. Whether you're wearing skinny jeans, pencil skirt or some sleek dress pants they're going to make you feel amazing and ready to take on the world. These are a few years old by Sam Edelman but you can snag similar styles here. I'm a believer that what you wear can transform how you feel. This is why I love my job as a personal stylist. I get to experience this wonderful magic where my clients completely shine when they have on an outfit that looks great on them. It empowers them to be their most amazing self and isn't that we are all trying to do. It's pretty cool. 

This JCrew brushed wool scarf is a style that they've repeated in the last few years. I have a few of these because the colors are beautiful and adds this richness to any outfit. The chevron belt is pure cuteness! The texture and print offers a cool pop and is a little different amongst the spectrum of belts. It's those little details that keep your outfit from looking wamp wamp wamp.  So search for those styles that will add a bit of wow to your look. Yes, you might not want to wear an entire gold outfit ( I mean, I would but that's me) but you can rock some gold loafers. A complete ombre look head to toe might not be what we want but a scarf that drips some beautiful hues against your skin, YES!! 

I met this amazing woman the other day and I was told that I'm officially adopted ;) She has this vibrancy and style that's contagious and uniquely her.  Style is another fun way to express your uniqueness and as my new friend said "everyday is an opportunity to get dressed." AGREED! I'm keeping this one. 

Can I wear THAT?!

What I wear is a reflection of who I am and there's so many ways to inject personality into an outfit and make it fun! I mean come on! Can we have a little fun?!! At the end of the day, the styles I put together for myself and my clients must be real and practical ( NOT BORING) but wearable. Overalls are comfy and in my book, pretty cool. We are expanding how we wear our denim and that includes exploring it in all forms. These overalls are a modern take on a classic workman's wear. It's a narrow skinny fit packaged in black denim...LOVE.

So if you've asked yourself "can I wear that?!!"  Damn it, I say yes!! Here's how. I'm keeping it simple with just a dash of fancy. I paired this JCrew silk ivory blouse to add a bit of contrast with the hard denim of the overalls. I finished the look with these super fun patent peep-toe vintage pumps by Marc Jacobs and layered with simple gold necklaces. When I shop for my customers, I'm always looking for styles that are timeless, like this blouse and pumps. Therefore it's easy to navigate them paired with a trend that you like or in my case these fun overalls.

So you're not ready to fancify (not a word but I had to say it) your overalls. Here's a few tips to rock them casually cool. Wear with lightweight fitted turtleneck and ankle boots. Want a comfy Sunday look, wear with a fitted tee and a structured oversized cardigan with your favorite sneaks. The structured cardigan makes the overalls look more pulled together. I got these a few years ago from Fancy Pants but you can snag similar cuteness from here and here.  What does it take to wear something you've always wanted to try but never took the plunge?! A little style guidance from a GF (me) and being okay with doing what you want. After all, they're just overalls ;) #YOUGOTTHIS