Fueling Your Style With Confidence

"Show up in something that makes you feel damn good and bring your ALL-IN game!"  LT

Photography: the talented + kind Weston McGhee

When it comes to the process of getting dressed we all have the same intention. To feel great in what we wear. How do we get to that place of having styles in our closet that make us feel great? I'm not gonna bullshit you. It's a process and for some it's a simpler journey. For others, it can be laced with f-bomb dropped moments.  "I'm not tall, skinny, blond, tanned enough etc."  or "I wish my _____ was better."  It's a familiar moment to most of us. There is no magic to owning our confidence. It's a path that's tugged on by misguided social standards that are reverberated by those with good and bad intentions. Inadvertently, these tales become sprinkled through our own self talk making us believe that we are not enough. What does clothing and the process of getting dressed has to do with confidence? For me it's an acknowledgment of my body and how I feel about it and IN IT. The styles we choose will either celebrate our body or shame it. They will either uplift our sense of belonging or make us feel invisible. I want us to choose to see those parts that we love and then work to introduce styles that give those areas a whole lot of love! It doesn't happen overnight.  However, it can start with saying more kind words to ourselves and each other. Our culminated steps and the ability to recognize the me in you will lend to dismantle standards that are far from standard. 

I've got your back. 

dress: H+M

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

Loving on U. S. A

I moved with my family to America when I was 11 years old from the beautiful island of Jamaica. The excitement of landing in New York City and finally being where I've dreamt of so often was almost palpable. Everything was so big and different in so many ways. There was so much newness I was about to experience. It was November and I remember my Dad putting this big heavy coat on me and telling me I'll need this. Coat was a foreign term to me ;) I wore a pretty blue and white stripe dress that had a big bow on the waist. I wanted to be well dressed the moment I landed in America. To greet her and tell her how delighted I am to meet her.  My parents, my brother, my sister and I hugged each other for a long time in JFK. My Dad held my hand and we walked outside and yah, I remembered the cold. It was new but oh so welcomed. For me, there was a bit of magic in being an immigrant. I was ready to see what I could give to this country and how we could grow together.  I've learned that we are resilient, strong and that love will always win!!! I believe in this country and the diverse fiber that makes us who we are. We are complex and ever changing. Evolving and learning from the struggles and the triumphs. It's a path that allows progress and I'm so grateful we can experience it together. 

I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July and thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. It feels like home. 

Wear What You Love

I'm wearing a vintage high waisted gold pencil skirt with gold oxfords and it makes me happy.  It makes me want to drop it like it's hot ( aka dance) and walk with an extra skip in my step. Seriously, putting on this outfit sets my day. It says "girrrlll, it's gonna be a good one."  Wearing what you love is a blissful combination of self- expression embodied with whatever kind of sass you want to deliver. I can sense when my clients are not comfortable in an outfit, even when their words say otherwise. The body is incredibly expressive.  I pay very close attention to those movements that tells me we're out of the "comfort zone" or the uncertainty that comes with newness... "can I really wear this."  One of my goals as a personal stylist is to navigate style in a way that highlights the best path for my client in the simplest way. 

Style is ubiquitous, which fuels and inspire self-expression in so many ways.

So what does it take to wear what you love? I have to admit, when it comes to style I have a very strange six sense. My clients call me the "outfit whisperer"  :) because I  see the outfits I want on them. For myself, I learned all about what looks work on me and it doesn't hurt that I'm obsessed with fashion and style. So, this allowed me to discard any other stuff that comes along my way that I know won't work and spend that time on better things. I also listen to myself ( you know that gut feeling that says, take that BLANK off, it is not the one). I'm also blessed with  fantastic peeps who deliver honest critique with a hug :)  

Wearing what you love, with the emphasis on YOU. I had the privilege to style this fantastic Mom of 5, yes 5 kiddos :) She has amazing curves and struggled to embrace said curves and find styles that worked for her. We all have our own body struggles. What I saw when we met was her amazing waist, great legs and wonderful shoulders. My mission- liberate all that goodness so that she too can begin to appreciate them in styles that compliment all those great assets. In turn, feeling great in what she wears.

Wearing what you love is REALLY loving you in what you wear. What's not to love about that :)

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 :)

Lessons learned from Mama #MamaKnowsBest

So let me explain my Mom to you just a bit. She is 5’4” maybe, on a good day, full of energy and doesn’t mind telling me what she thinks (with or without request). She’s my favorite person and she drives me crazy. It’s the most wonderful and maddening love ever :)

Growing up, my Mom was a bit of a hard ass ( yah I said it, sorry Mom but you were). Ugh, those days where I just wanted to scream at you and slam the door because I thought you were trying to make my life a living hell. I realized, eventually, how thankful I was for those moments. I’m so happy that you demanded more from me than I did myself. 

Mama lesson learned: TRY HARDER

When I did poorly on something my Mom would ask me in her very thick Jamaican accent “How hard did you try? Did you prepare yourself so that you could produce the best result? If you tell me yes, then I know you tried.”
Yep…I just wanted to yell at her because she was right (grrr)  and my poor performance was usually the result of being ill-prepared or really not being interested whatsoever. 
So now,  I work towards trying to be better on whatever job I take on. I learn something new after every project and I ask myself, what can I do better for my clients. I’ve noticed that there is always something to improve upon. Better isn’t about perfection, to me it's about allowing meaningful progress. Experience is a good teacher. 

Mama lesson learned: BE YOUR OWN CHEERLEADER

I actually learned this from a few of my "Mamas" - amazing women whom I love and admire a great deal. I'm grateful to have each of them in my world. They've provided amazing support,  love and pushed me to see my value in so many ways. 

You know that little voice that creeps up inside your head that says "babe, you've got this" or that moment ( visualize hands on your hips, legs apart, superwoman stance, cape blowing in the wind) YES THAT! Mama wants you to  hold on to that with all your might and believe in yourself like the champion you are. Yes, I have my moments when I'm dropping f-bombs (privately) because something is not vibing the way it should ( it's life). I take a breather and then work to see how I can kick the problems booty. Having my own back, keeps me accountable for my actions and inactions. It also let's me acknowledge that things will be okay because I've got my back.

Mama lesson learned: LOVE BIG OR GO HOME

When I visit my Mom, she has a menu laid out of all my favorite meals because as she puts it "baby, they don't feed you enough food in Idaho"...such a  Mom thing right!!! That's the best kind of loving, Mom's home cooking ( insert happy dance here and here). 

What does all this home cooking chatter mean?? If you're going to love, love fully. My Mom shows me her love in the biggest and best way she knows how by taking care of what fills me body and soul. I had to learn this love big thang the hard way a few times because loves great but sometimes it hurts bad, real bad.  So why love big Laura?? Well my awesome peeps, it made me appreciate how awesome it feels when this full love came my way. Not just from my hubby but from the people who care about me in the deepest way. It filters all the other mess out. It's amazing. Having that in my world allowed me to be grateful and appreciate what love means in the realest way. Loving big for me is a all-in commitment not naivety, understanding and being your loves sound board. It's hard, easy and everything in between but so worth it. 

I always thought I would get to this point where I would have this "stuff" figured out or least most of it. Nope, not the case for me. I'm learning all along the way with more clarity as I go. Mama does know best and she's trying to share it in her own way. Some of those lessons go over a bit smoother than others, some I learned in my own way. 

To quote my wonderful stepdaughter Maddie..."Moms are pretty awesome." I couldn't agree more :)

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!!! 

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.

How navy + black became friends

When I was moving to Boise Idaho a few of my friends (ok more than a few) thought I was crazy. It was true...I was crazy IN LOVE with then boyfriend now hubby and knew I had to be here otherwise my heart would explode (drama queen).  I've also fallen for Boise in a big way :) This city has a unique vibe all on its own. As the years go by I can feel and see the city growing with the injection of culture on so many different platforms. Fashion in Boise is certainly on its way forward and I'm thrilled to be apart of the style journey. 

One of the things that excites me with my job is showing my clients the many varied ways they can wear their clothes. This includes mixing colors and prints they normally thought MUST be kept apart.  Black and navy is that taboo combination that I think we've all had on our style radar as a DON'T at some point. Here are a few of my ways to make it a definite "DO". Let the happy dance begin! WOO!

Pastel tones like this yummo melon brushed scarf works well to soften the navy and black.

I paired these black distressed skinnyjeans with a navy metallic sweater and printed pumps. It's simple and works because I said so (haha!! just kidding). If you want to pair your navy with black, I believe that one of the color must be textured. So we could pair this black pencil skirt with a cable knit navy sweater, like this .  This navy lace top ( so darling) with black skinny or boyfriend jeans. BTW, this is a great way to make those dressy pieces more casual. If the texture matches ( cotton with cotton, wool with wool)  then it looks like we got dressed in the dark and we don't want that...righttt. Eyes wide open :)

I'm working on some cool updates and projects coming your way on the blog and on my website.  I'm dying to share it with you!!! AHHHH!! You've asked and I now have an easy peasy and pretty aqua SUBSCRIBE button in the side bar for your fashion viewing pleasure. It's the new year and I know there are things on your style agenda that you want, need and are a must! Share away!! I'm listening :)

Shine BRIGHT!

shine bright like a diamond!!

I have to admit that I'm basking in a bit of post Christmas bliss. The festivities continue and so shall the outfits!! I get so excited about putting outfits together it's a bit insane. I think of all the possibilities... HELLO OUTFITS!!  A little sparkle and shine can upgrade an outfit, lift a drab mood and jump start a NYE party outfit like a champ!! This metallic pleated skirt from JCrew fits the bill perfectly! So, what are you going to wear to your NYE bash?!!! Well let's start by injecting a little shine and a whole lot of chic glam. Granted I will be on the ski hill getting cozy with my neck warmer and other ski accouterments but you have parties and shindigs to attend.

I'm all about dancing when I attend a party, so that means I want to wear something I can drop it like it's hot in!! So as you sip away on your champagne here's a few goodies that will allow you to ring in the New Year in style, whilst getting your groove on. I saw this dress and immediately fell in love with it! All you need to add my party ready friend is a pair of metallic or silver pumps, like these , ear bling and tada!!!! I would even rock this dress with some fun ankle booties, if you're not a pump wearing kind of gal :)  I love these lace pants because they're a fancy, comfy pant ( I mean that's a whole lot of winning in my fashion book). Pair with ivory silk top, necklace bling and some killer pumps like these (aahhh...DROOLING) and you'll feel and look like #winning.

Let me digress for just a bit because I'm feeling extra lovey-dovey ;) It's important for me to include something that brings a layer of meaning and relevance to each of my styling shoots. I was really excited to have this beautiful rug be a part of the photoshoot.I wish you could see it in person!! It belongs to my homegirl Syb and she shared its cool meaning. It's their Berber wedding blanket. They are hand woven in anticipation of a wedding by the bride's female relatives. It can take many hours or even weeks of work to attach the mirrored sequins once the weaving is complete. WOW! It is thought that during this collaborative task, the bride's relatives teach her all about the birds and the bees, among other marital duties and expectations. After the wedding ceremony, the bride wears the blanket tied around her neck as a kind of cape. The process of hand-weaving is thought to endow the textile with baraka, or blessings. When complete, the wedding blanket serves not only as warmth and decoration for the bride, but also to ward off evil and to bestow fertility and good luck upon the newlyweds.

As we ring in a new year, I'm sending all sorts of wonderful blessings your way. I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to dive into 2016. A fresh start to attack my growing "get done" list and letting those that I love know how much I treasure them. So brace yourself for some Laura loving!! I had one of those life experiences this year that made me realize in a BIG WAY...how to be grateful. I won't peg it as an aha moment but I call it my UN-RUDE AWAKENING. I have amazing people in my life that made me realize that LIFE is about the NOW, meaningful progress, making a DIFFERENCE, true KINDNESS, LOVING BIG, sharing, never settling and having some badass fun. I am incredibly grateful. I'm dying to know what's on your 2016 "must do or else" agenda. SHARE!!!  Are you scared to attack it??!! I know at times it might be scary (btw... that's a good thing)  but you've got more support in yourself and from those that truly love you than you think. I'm ready, so let's do this!!