Hello, from Laura

I've settled in for the evening and I'm so excited to sit down and write to you. It's been a busy few weeks and I'm reminding myself to pause and catch a breath. Writing to you is certainly a big part of that "breathing space". Our journey together has been filled with so many teachable moments. Where I am is not isolated from where you are. The next few months, Mama will be bringing you more style goodness that celebrates Spring (can I get a hallelujah on that please), tips to simplifying your wardrobe and celebrating changes that come into our lives. We are growing together and I must say it's quite lovely. 

I truly appreciate all of your kind and supportive messages. It means so much to hear your encouragement and I love seeing your input on style ideas you want me to share ( more please). I'm hear to support you! ( Insert major squeeze right here) We create magic when we climb together. Welcome, to the land of "be yourself". I'm thrilled you've joined. 

Top: JCrew     Jeans: Levi     Shoes: Target

All photos by Karen of Karen E Photos

You are so enough

This bag is from Mulberry Press Co, a wonderful lifestyle brand that's dedicated to delivering inspiration and positivity. What's not to love about that :)

Y O U   A R E   SO   ENOUGH

Words are so powerful. I remember my husband saying to me "babe, you've got this" when we were in the first stages of me diving into launching my personal styling company. His relentless support was the exclamation that I needed to take the chance and trust myself. It's love.

The phrase "you are so enough" resonates with me, especially in those moments where I felt I was not doing enough or I feared being inadequate. I believe as women we have these endless standards that are comprised to make us feel uncertain about our capabilities. However, what I've found is that the only barometer that matters is the one that you set for yourself. I'm constantly trying to figure out what I can do better with my business to best serve my clients. For me, it's been a whole lot of learning, researching, big time listening and allowing myself to be true to who I am. Along the way, I saw this merger of me working on being a better person contributed to me being a better business person. Trust me the process never ends and the learning is endless but I think that's a great thing. 

The eggs you surround yourself with matters in a BIG way so they better be good :) I have been blessed to meet some of the most intelligent, driven, passionate, kind humans who are at the top of their game in their careers. They have supported, inspired and encouraged me along the way. It's vital for me to know in my heart that I'm enough to do whatever it is that I want. However, it helps to have a village and that means surrounding myself with great eggs that are honest, kind, inspire and have some major integrity. 

You are so enough to be what you want and when you have moments when you don't feel enough, which we all do, just remember you are not doing this thing all by yourself. I've got your back.  

“You have worth, you have purpose and you are always more than enough in this life. When we love ourselves, we make room for others to love us and share our journey. Love is a powerful thing and it starts with loving everything you already are.”

— Sera, founder of Mulberry Press Co

The truth about leggings

Exploring Portland's Japanese Garden :)

When I see styles I love, I react in a few ways. Screams of joy, a happy dance and the outfits, oh the outfits y'all. Mama see's all the many ways one can wear this peice and how I can bring a fresh take on rocking it. Leggings, I will admit, I wasn't a huge fan. However, never say never ;) Leggings can go bad real fast worn the wrong way. I won't harp on the unsavory details of what not to do whilst wearing leggings but Mama will certainly give you my tips to rocking them in oh so cute ways.  

When I wear leggings it's all about finding that balance between comfort and looking pulled together. With that said, my first go to tip is to elevate your look by wearing something a little dressier with your leggings. In this case I'm rocking my gold oxfords. I know I'll be buried in something gold, I just LOVEEE!! I mean, rocking it certainly ups my swagger ( which we all need, right :) Ok, I digressed from the legging situation. 

Proportion matters. Leggings for me is that style where the butt check happens on a regular when being worn. As in, can you see my butt? Is my shirt long enough to cover said butt :) The shirt should be long enough to cover your derriere but not so long that if you raised your hands in a "raise the roof" manner and we still don't see your booty, that means the top is too long. The top should cover the front assets completely. So if you want to wear a crop top layer it with a longer shirt, left open in a jacket like style. I mean this one ;)

If it's too thin, feed it! Your leggings that is. Fabrics that have a bit more substance make your leggings fit better ( no bagging out) and holds all the goodness in ( looks fabulous). We like that! This particular one is a moto style and has a great mix of mostly Rayon, some Nylon and a bit of Lycra. It's a few years old and still works great. I couldn't find this brand to feature but I've provided my other loves. I'm a fan of this one and these.  The price is great and you can wear the JCrew ones with boots come winter.  Yes please :)

I believe in a lot of things, a little magic never hurts" Maddie, 10 years old

I have a bonus post coming your way tomorrow. It's all about my Portland work and play adventure with my girl Karen of Karen E Photography. If you want to learn how to hug in Portland I suggest you visit me tomorrow :) Cool as hell places to stay, pretty pretty photos and oh yeah, the food!! Need I say more. The love is real!! 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!!!

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. 

How to put your closet to work!

coat + fringe sweatshirt - JCrew, denim- Frame

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Black tie wear...upgraded

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

Smiling bright at Kindness Bar at the Owyhee Place

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

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

the curls

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

I Wear White in the Winter

"When you learn to love who you are on the inside, things fall into place on the outside" LT

So excited for this week!! Why?!! Because I'll be talking about breaking some of those pesky style rules. YES!!I Why, what do you mean my poofy hair and oh so stylish friend?!! Well, we are going to throw out some of those fashion rules that we culturally abide by and also attack (gently) those personal style rules we create for ourselves. Okay, the first style rule that we will "kick to the curb" like this 90s slang phrase is no-white-after–Labor Day (bahbye). I thought this rule was on life support and was no longer viable but I had to address this several times in my personal shopping world. The great thing about white is that we can play on texture, throw in a multitude of shades, hello ivory, cream, beige, snow ( one of my faves) and it brightens the gloomiest winter day like a BOSS! OK...I hear it, but Laura I'm so pale in the winter. This is why we have SO MANY great shades to work with and your cuteness can rock yo white and not feel like Casper the friendly ghost. Beautiful porcelain skin- love on soft cream colors with texture; warmer skin shades, go after snow whites;  if you have yellow undertones in your skin, give some love to white or pure white. Here's a few of my favorite white styles below...click on the pic to add to your closet and start strutting your winter white.

Personal style rules that we will bid farewell to is I'm too curvy to wear skinnyjeans. Ummmmm....no! Yah!! I'm talking to you. Five and a half years ago, some dude said you were curvy and you panicked because you were rocking your skinnyjeans and now you've sworn off skinny jeans... FOREVER!! Stop the madness. First, dude mentioning your curves is because he likes them and said curves are fabulous. Curvy girls, you've got a great waist and I want to see it ( operation- liberate the waist! WOO!!) It's all about finding the right kind of skinnyjean that says "hey girl, I wanna marry you" (said in a seductive Barry White tone). If you are petite curvy, I'm a fan of this style and these. If you are medium built curvy,  loving on these and my tall drink of water with curves, love this style and these ( ummmm 34 inseam...yes girl!!). I find that if the denim has a higher rise, it really flatters the curves best. Thereby eliminating these offenders- The "crack kills" - the act of bending down or simply sitting, revealing all of one's backside business or the "ride em cowboy" the act of inserting your hands on the side of your denim or through denim belt loops and yanking them up...all the freaking time ( yep, we've all done that..rightttttt).

I'm wearing this loved distressed Rag and Bone white denim skirt, paired with a J.Crew military green button down and vintage fur jacket that is pure classic Luxe.

 I love pairing unexpected styles together and streamlining them in a way that injects my own personality.  I'll be bringing some effortless ways to COMBINE PRINTS and LAYERING 101. Get EXCITED!! Next week it's all about wear to work chic....say goodbye to stuffy office wear and lets have some professional fun. YAY babe!! I'm all about the feedback, so comment below, click the heart icon (don't leave him out) and SHOUT OUT topics you want to read about (hey, we're friends and I listen). Thank you for all the love and continue sharing, mama is digging it ( do people still say "digging it"?!...they should). So much coming your way, the party is only beginning!! YIPPEE!!!!

Welcome to the Land of "be yourself"

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

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don't fight the curly poof

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

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

good stuff...share

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

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

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

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