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. 

My Mental Methods of Embracing Imperfection

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting."   E.E Cummings

Growing up I remember trying to tame my limbs. My long lanky arms and legs had a mind of their own. I felt as if I was always mentally chasing to catch up to the length they were becoming. The physical attributes of being a praying mantis of sorts, also affected what I thought I should be, in order to handle what my body was trying to become. My bold personality became a bit more timid and I found myself in my teen years trying not to be noticed. It wasn't until much later on in my mid 20's, where I started to get in "good" with who I was trying to become. 

It's so strange to think of that girl then and the women I am now. 

All photos taken by my adorable and talented stepdaughter Maddie :)

I'm extending gratefulness to that awkwardly uncertain girl. I was able to experience some real life lessons that allowed me to stay true to what my parents taught me and some, well, they were learned the hard way. That's the beauty of hindsight, the ability of have this reflective quality on how we see things. As a stepmom to a vibrant and precocious 11 year old daughter, I am even more keenly aware of how we, as a family, encourage and foster her individuality. I wasn't faced with the onslaught of tech devices that allowed me to stray from reality with a swipe or a tap. It's important that I remind, not just myself, but her as well, where true value lies.

The less you try to fit in, the better you fit with yourself.

We can be our worst critics at time. The comparison game can stifle what you are trying to create. So I've found it helpful to operate on "just be who you are" mode and the true, honest, genuine people who want to be in your life or connect with you, will happen. The pretend game will catch up to you very fast, not to mention, acting like someone else is  f-bomb exhausting. It's a process and I promise you, clarity happens. You will gain friends, some friendships will become even stronger and at times, you will have to say goodbye to people who were once in your life. It's all part of the process. So show up, just as you are. 

Social media is not "real life" but you can generate "real connections" from it

Our immediate connection to what others are doing on Fb, IG and all the other social avenues out there can make us feel, well, less connected with our own lives. When you feel this way, revisit my "just be who you are" mode :) I found it best to stick to the best of what social media is intended for. It has the power to fuel positive change, make waves in how we view our world and generate genuine connections. You can meet really amazing, talented and authentic people. Your tribe can extend beyond where you are. So cool, right?! We can develop relationships that before, weren't as easy to foster. 

awkwardness, welcomed.

Flaws can give you wings

Recognizing the imperfect in ourselves can be the catalyst for compassion. Not just towards ourselves but to others as well. Compassion allows me to pause on quick judgements that can easily taint what we are trying to develop. Which are relationships built on integrity, love and anchored with moral grit.   

Influence, kindness

I've learned the most from people who were different from me. That's the cool factor of diversity. You get to pick up bits and pieces of knowledge from those who's experiences have taught them something that differs from yours. To me, that's worth sharing. Our opinions might differ and this is a good thing. We cannot all think the same way. The underlying current of these real-life conversations should come from a place of respect. It's recognizing our ability to influence these vibrant discussions, through kindness. The things that challenges us, at times can be the most difficult. The growth and progress from it, is *so* worth it!

Top: H & M 

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

Why a "Sweater Dress" Will Change Your Outlook on Life

Nothing beats standing in the middle of 5th Ave, NYC vibing with the very talented J.Lee Photos

This little number is called a sweater dress. It's my new "bff", "cheerleader" and we are seriously dating ;) Sometimes you put on an outfit and it resonates with something deeper inside you. For me this sweater dress does just that. It just makes me feel good!! I'm not talking that "oh that's cute" good, I'm talking about that "hello, hot sauce lady" good ;)  Let me explain. It took me a long time to get to this point where I felt comfortable in my own skin. It's a process for most of us. I say, find the awesome parts that you LOVE and celebrate them like a mofo. 

This sweater dress is by Philanthropy and purchased from our local boutique Piece Unique in downtown Boise. The first time I slipped it on, I felt a little magic happen. Anything form fitting was always a challenge for me but I've worked through my mess of loving all of me and this dress slow clapped me to feeling pretty darn good about rocking a fitted dress. So what the hell do I want from you??? I want you to find that style that will be your cheerleader, feeling like a boss, happy to be you outfit. If it's this dress, babes you know where to get it! Whatever it is, grant yourself the permission to appreciate you and all your womanly glory. You've got great curves, let them shine; awesome legs, hello fabulous skirt; great arms, you might never wear anything with sleeves again. The point is, we can and should be at the forefront of celebrating ourselves first. 

"Beauty is self love wrapped in confidence and a side of sass" LT

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