Friday, November 18, 2016

Comfy doesn't mean dowdy!

TGIF Fashion lovers!

Yessss, it finally feels like fall, so it's time to get out your UGGS, put on a moo-moo (that adorable tent-like outfit) and never change out of those leggings that have split seams and two holes in them. --> Said no girl ever . . . or maybe you have thought this? Haha! Did you realize that you can absolutely look and feel casual, comfy and cute, without appearing like an old lady with 52 cats? Yassss!

(Just a little side note: your boyfriend, husband, finacé, etc will LOVE this look for you too.)


And, if I told you that you could rock this look on a budget, would you? (Remember code LAURASTYLE at checkout for extra savings.)


Perfect as a holiday gift, these ribbed shorts are awesome, and oh so comfy. And whether you have a booty or not, you will in these shorts. I'm not even kidding. It's magic really. And the top is awesome too. You are not limited to just wearing these items together - trust me. I have worn the shorts with a contrasting knit top, thigh high boots and enjoyed a fun girls' dinner date. As far as the ribbed tank goes, why not pair it back to high waisted medium-wash flared denim or a high waisted black pencil skirt? Perfection!


The shorts and top are sold separately, which is ideal, because as women we aren't necessarily the same size on top as we are on the bottom. #realtalk


And as you may know from following my INSTA (@lifestylebylaura), Snapchat (@lkfed) and this blog, no outfit is complete without the right accessories. And by right accessories, I always splurge on shoes (and in this case I didn't have to "over-the-top splurge", because they are UGGS). At the same time, I LOVE jewelry that is top-notch quality without being a total rip off- literally leaving a hole in your wallet. Why pay the retail price when you can get the same look (if not better) for less?


***And as I mentioned earlier about Christmas and holiday gift ideas - stay focused guys. Here's something awesome for you to know. Your significant other would adore any of the items featured in this post. (100% honesty.)

Dainty necklaces and layering are all the jewelry craze now. Yes, a statement necklace has its time and place, but for casual, every day wear . . . less is more. In this look I have layered my favorite gold-filled evil eye necklace with this gold bar lariat necklace. Why the evil eye? Because I believe in positivity and positive vibes only. And the lariat? Well, there is something classy, sexy and stylish about a necklace that dips below the collar bone and shows your curves. **It doesn't dangle down in your cleavage, but it does highlight the décolletage. However, it is available is a longer length if you want it to accentuate you "chest" area. ;)




The bracelets are also layered too. I love the colors of moonstone, because of its neutrality. The top bracelet has pavé diamonds surrounding the stone, while the bottom bracelet is made entirely from rose quartz beads. Rose quartz is one of my faves, as it's a healing stone (as is moonstone). So basically it's a bracelet trio designed and selected to calming perfection.


Well that's all I have for you today lovers. Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend! Can you believe Thanksgiving is less that a week away? I can't. Take care, and I will be doing another post very soon. Safe travels and keep your chin up. All that quality time with family can be fun but equally overwhelming. Haha - you know what I'm talking about. XOXO!

AND, if you need help with your holiday shopping, I'm still booking for the end of November and December. Having a stylist and personal shopper help you with your holiday shopping is probably one of the best decisions you can ever make. I'm here to assist - simply shoot me a message. From shopping for the entire family or unique gift ideas, whatever your needs are we can tailor an action plan just for you: laura@life-stylebylaura.com


XOXO,
Laura

-----------------------
Items showcased, eligible for a discount with code LAURASTYLE at checkout:

Clothing: Bailey ribbed tank & Bailey ribbed shorts
Accessories: Evil eye necklace, Lariat necklace and bracelets (sold in a set or separately via special request)

Items shown, currently not eligible for a discount:
Espresso Whitley lace-up UGG Boots: Here.
Frank & Eileen Chambray, light-wash indigo button down shirt: Here.
Hermès lagoon blue double tour iWatch: Similar Here, as this is a newer version.

-----------------------
Please direct all styling, branding and media inquiries to: Laura@life-stylebylaura.com

All photos are copyright of Laura with Life-STYLE by Laura with proper recognition always given. 
Special thanks to:
Dan Bui - Owner of SISU Uptown for allowing us to use your beautiful space for this blog series and photo shoot.
Mary Massoudi Guevara for on-site glam, styling and more.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Mauve-a-lous darling!

It's Wednesday evening - AKA, almost Thursday and that means it's almost Friday. Yasssss! Come tomorrow morning, put your lipstick on, turn on some rap music and just handle it. At least that's what this "boss babe" does. My life is far from perfect, please allow me to clarify that. If you have been following my blog and story from the very beginning, you have read about some of my struggles. 

Well in this moment, especially as I'm typing this, I can say that I am truly happy. I am in a great place, and I love nothing more than to be able to share this positivity, love and light via social media and on this blog to help empower you. Yes, YOU. Please don't ever forget that.





And thanks to the Wishwall Foundation and Simonetta Lein's publication regarding my business, Life-STYLE by Laura for inspiring me. This is officially my second edition in the "Empowering Style and Fashion" blog series. I present to you another fabulous look that is very on trend for the season - both in silhouette and color. MAUVE, or as we're calling it in this post, "Mauve-a-lous darling".


Isn't life so beautiful? It definitely isn't perfect . . . but your outfit can always be. ;) This look is a perfect example of mixing affordable, quality fashion with timeless, investment pieces. Nothing accents the most stunning ribbed crop set like a gorgeous pair of rocker-chic shoes. Yassss! These shoes and accessories give me life!!! 

**And before we dive into more details dolls, you probably know the drill by now. Links to items will be shared throughout and at the very end. You receive 10% off your entire purchase at both boutiques mentioned using code LAURASTYLE at checkout!


And why this two piece mauve ensemble from Bask Boutique? Because there are very few people that mauve doesn't look awesome on. AND, ribbed clothing is going to be everywhere next season. You heard it here first! So you are now ahead of those "trendsetters". Go on with your bad self! ;) 

 

Can we please pause for a moment and bow down to the body chain goddess? St. Raine by Sarah Strain = perfection for all jewelry, especially body chains. This body chain is my go-to accessory. Not even kidding. It is gold-filled (non tarnish), has a tiny CZ in the middle, and is perfect to wear year round. You don't have to be sporting a bikini to wear a body chain. And if you were to look for a body chain of this quality at a larger retailer, you would be paying five times the price. Don't worry girl, I got you covered. Or should I say St. Raine by Sarah Strain does. ---> Absolutely! 

***And while the brand new St. Raine web site is being perfected, please e-mail all order requests to: Sarah@strainejewlery.com


These earrings though. Oh my! They're amethyst gemstones, in what I call a "hoop be-jeweled silhouette". Gorgeous with any hair color and any outfit. I even rock these earrings with a white tank and distressed denim. Yes, basically what I'm saying is that they can be a neutral. You definitely don't have to be dressed uber fancy to wear them. Promise! :)


So dolls, tomorrow is Thursday, and you can do this. Remember that you are capable of doing ANYTHING and I mean anything you set your mind to. If you get stressed out, dance. Just dance and be silly. Or turn up the music in your car and jam out to your favorite chick song! After all, no one is going to be watching you. Everyone is too busy staring at their cell phone. Haha! - Sad but true. ;)



Before I sign off from the second edition in this "Empowering Style and Fashion" series, allow me share this quote that my amazing friend, Jennifer, passed on to me: "Serving the Light. Stay continually focused on the one prevailing truth- ALL THINGS serve one purpose and that is to bring in more light either by shining brightly upon you [and the world] or by creating cracks for the light to shine through."

Isn't that so beautiful? Be the light. And by cracks, we are referring to the whole fact that life is not always perfect. It's the hard times that may try to break us, but in the end we will be stronger for it. And that is especially true if we can always try to come from a place of light and love. So that is my wish for you my dear. And if there is anything I can do to help you, please reach out. I mean that. From career advice, empowering support or styling/wardrobing assistance. I am here to help you come up with an action plan in this busy world. You truly can do anything in this world that you want, it all starts with believing and knowing that you don't have to do it alone. Simply shoot me an email at: Laura@life-stylebylaura.com

XOXO, 

Laura

Outfit Recap - remember code LAURASTYLE for 10% OFF your total order:

Clothing: Ribbed Cropped Set - size Small, Medium or Large.
Body Chain: Order requests here: Sarah@strainejewelry.com / The St. Raine web site is getting a complete makeover, but I promise Sarah will excellent care of you via e-mail too. 
Amethyst earrings: Again, please submit your order requests to: Sarah@strainejewelry.com
--------
Other items pictured, currently not eligible at the 10% discount:
Rockstud Patent Sandal, ivory: Valentino -- And if you want VIP treatment with any purchases c/o Neiman Marcus, please shoot me an e-mail. Remember you are never a "walking wallet" to me; you are a person. I am more than happy to set up a styling appointment for you and/or put you in contact with my go-to team members there. :)

----> As always, please direct all styling, branding and media inquiries to Laura and her team: Laura@life-stylebylaura.com

*** Special thanks to Marcus Lopez Photography. You are beyond amazing, and these pictures would not exist without all your hard work. You ROCK!
*** Alex Dixon (AKA Ms Painted Lady). Girl, you take hair, makeup and glam to a whole other level. Seriously though. I am bowing down! I felt so beautiful during this shoot, and I cannot thank you enough.
*** Mary Guevara (INSTA: @marygartisty) - what would I do without you? From on-site glam touchups, styling help, and overall keeping me on point. You are my soul sister and I love you to pieces!

Saturday, November 12, 2016

When life gives you lemons . . .

Welcome to Part 1 in a four-part series titled, "Empowering Fashion and Style". These blog posts go in conjunction with the recent article Simonetta Lein published about me and my business, Life-STYLE by Laura. If you don't know Simo, I like to refer to her as the modern day Oprah. Seriously though . . . if you haven't seen that post - here's the link. I cannot thank her enough for sharing my story with the world. What an honor: The Wishmaker Article: Empowering Style with Life-STYLE by Laura
-------
So I present to you the first of four looks that are all about empowerment, fun and celebrating you. After all, why not? 



Such a cliché statement right-- "When life gives you lemons"? Well not to get too off track before we dive into fashion, but when I have lemons (an abundance of lemons at that), I usually make my favorite Texas girl cocktail called a Chilton. It's comprised of club soda, Tito's vodka on the rocks, a salted rim and at least four lemon wedges squeezed-- it's beyond refreshing. Trust me. :)

BUT, in this case, when life and fashion give you lemons in the most adorable two-piece short set ensemble, you just have to have this look in your closet. Not only is it darling and flirty, but it's extremely affordable, versatile, and doesn't it just make you smile? 


**First things first, I'm the realist. Wait isn't that from a rap song "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea? Haha! But in all seriousness, please allow me to clarify one thing up front. In this Skinny in Heels blog and on my social media, I'm truly sharing with you some of my favorite brands, fashion inspirations and more. I sincerely just want to share these looks with you, and if you love them as much as I do, then I promise you will be on cloud 9 when you get them home and wear them yourself. And the coolest part about it is that I have built strong relationships with these boutiques.

The quality of every item shown is impeccable, the price is perfect, and on top of that, YOU get a 10% discount off your total purchase using code LAURASTYLE at checkout at Bask Boutique and St. Raine. Yasssss! ;)

So let's talk about this St. Raine black wrap choker with gold tassels.  Because it blends in with the outfit pretty well, I'm showing you a couple closer looks. Seriously-- I'm obsessed. If you do not own a choker in your accessory stash, or maybe you need a refresher - allow this to be your next go-to. This was actually my first choker to purchase, and I wear it all the time . . . almost too often actually. LOL! She equals true perfection, and I promise you will get SO many compliments with this beauty. 





So you may be wondering why the fun, flirty, spring/summer-like print when it's November? Well my dear, fashion is always about the next season. Resort (AKA pre-spring) collections are popping up in boutiques and major retailers all around the country. If you have a beach vacay or a warm weather getaway planned over the next year, you definitely want to bring this outfit with you. Always plan ahead dolls, because you know the drill. When you are looking for something cute for a trip, and you run to your local mall - you rarely ever find something this cute. Instead, you end up settling just to get something new, but you don't love it. That's no bueno.


Yes it's a resort look, but at the same time, you can absolutely rock this ensemble right now in the cooler weather. (It's not so cool here in Texas, but you know what I mean.) While the pieces are sold as a set, they are equally versatile when styled individually. Let me give you some ideas: 

For instance, try pairing the flared lemon-print shorts (yes they are shorts, which you gotta LOVE) with black opaque tights and a black fringe bootie or a suede over-the-knee/thigh-high boot. Perhaps you wear a black turtleneck bodysuit with the shorts too. All together, this makes for a fun and flirty look, that is ideal for layering with a leather jacket in cooler temperatures. 




The top is absolutely precious . . . I just can't get enough! I wear the top paired back to high-waisted flared jeans, wedges and a boyfriend blazer or my go-to "buttery" black leather peplum jacket. Or if you choose to mix edgy with girly, go for a moto leather jacket. That would create an extremely memorable look - sure to turn a few heads.



So when life gives you lemons, you rock that outfit girl. And don't forget to have fun along the way. After all, this life we live is so beautiful. Not every day is perfect, but there is something beautiful in every day. Keep your chin up and be you. Be empowered. Be inspired. And if there is anything I can do to help you along the way, please let me know.




Outfit Recap - remember code LAURASTYLE for 10% OFF your total order:

Clothing: Lemon print two-piece set- size Small, Medium or Large.
Choker: Black suede choker with gold tassels

Other items pictured, currently not eligible for discount:
Nude ankle strap wedges by Chloé. Similar look here.
White watch. Want the look for less? Go here. Or if you prefer investment pieces with watches,  a nearly identical watch is here. My watch is the 38MM ceramic size. That size is currently not available online, but is available in Neiman Marcus stores. It's a chunky boyfriend-style watch that does not discolor. Timeless.

XOXO,

Laura

----> Please direct all styling, branding and media inquiries to: Laura@life-stylebylaura.com

And a HUGE shout out to the incredible Marcus Lopez Photography and Alex Dixon, AKA MsPaintedLady for working your hair and makeup magic. You two are rockstars! And Mary Guevara (INSTA: @marygartisty ) - you are a true angel. On-site every step of the way helping with touch ups, hair fluffs and styling assistance. I love all of you dearly. Cheers! 

Friday, October 28, 2016

Your DREAMS don't just have to be DREAMS.

Remember those dreams you had as a little child? Yes, those BIG dreams. It's never too late. Your dreams all start with believing you can. And lucky for you-- I'm here to help. 



There is nothing more beautiful and attractive than confidence. And top that off with inner peace and true happiness-- what more could you want? Well maybe your dreams are to move up the corporate ladder? Possibly be the top female software executive in the world? To be able to walk into a board room full of men, in an arguably male-dominated industry, and command respect. Naturally so.



Do you realize that you are your brand? Literally. Nothing superficial...but how you dress, how you approach each day-- that's how the world sees you. How do you want the world to see you? Likeable, warm, charismatic, or maybe approachable? That's where I come in. 


Maybe you're a guy in your mid-40s...newly divorced and have no idea where to start in this new chapter. Shoot, dating and life have changed considerably over the past 20 years. --But that doesn't mean you have to go into this new "life" alone. You can have someone in your corner; someone who helps pick up the pieces, organize your life and get you dressed for success. Or perhaps you would rather dress for new love, because you haven't given up and are ready to get back out there on the dating scene. 


My wish for you in this post is to spread hope, love and happiness. As a stylist / personal shopper and branding specialist (both personal branding and business branding), I'm here to help you. Happiness doesn't come in superficiality, but it does happen when you believe you can. --Percisely when you have the help and confidence to believe you can. 




Just like that incredible confidence you exuded as a child. Dreams are still attainable. True love, happiness and success is right in front of you. It all starts with believing. And lucky for you, I'm here to help.

All the best. XOXO,

Laura



All material in this blog is copyright of SkinnyinHeels and Life-STYLE by Laura. For media, styling and/or personal and business branding inquiries, simply contact us at: laura@life-stylebylaura.com