S A N D

After discovering this criss-cross strapped nude halter at a thrift shop about a year ago, I was stoked to stumble on these almost identical pants a couple months back. I decided it was meant to be and I undoubtedly ignored my empty wallet and purchased them along with these Adidas Originals that I've been on the hunt for with little luck. I clearly cannot resist any sort of neutral, matching top and bottom set. For this particular outfit I drew inspiration from a past outfit post, maintaing a similar sports-chic influence with the addition of another classic sneaker. Currently saving this one for fall and late night trips to the library. #Teamcozy for sure.

XOXXO, Laurel

Top: Thrifted | Pants: Thrifted | Adidas Original Superstars: Thrifted

Photos by Mitchell Flores

TEST SHOOT: PAR 1

SNEAKER WISH LIST FT. HENDER SCHEME

T H E - B O Y - S H O R T

Similar to a recent outfit I posted a couple days ago, I wanted to experiment with mixing sporty and classic pieces together to create a chic and easy look I could wear out at night (perfect for Texas summers) or just to grab dinner with my gals. Longer-length shorts are a nice change in comparison to the usual summer "short-shorts". I often find that when I wear cheek length shorts out, I'm constantly pulling and tugging at them to stay put and I end up wasting a lot of the night feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious. Not there's anything wrong with tiny-shorts (no boys, we're not asking for it). If you feel beautiful and confident, then by all means, flaunt those bad boys. It is however, equally liberating to feel sexy and sophisticated in a pair of shorts that reach almost below the knee, a characteristic most would deem 'masculine' or 'boyish'. This outfit can easily be dressed-down by swapping the mules for a pair of sneakers or sandals, or dressed-up with addition of a blazer or bomber. Time to add 'the boy short' as a new summer essential.

XOXOO, Laurel

Shorts: Thrifted | Nike Sports Bra: Thrifted | Backpack: F21 | Mules: Target

Photos by Mitchell Flores 

PLAYLIST: SUMMER OF 15'

P A S T E L - B A B Y

When it comes to spring and summer, I tend to be a sucker for anything pastel. It's difficult for me to break out of my all neutral color palette of whites, grays and blacks. Pastels offer a compromise, nothing to bold and wild, but I still get to wear a hint of color in watered-down shades of pink, teal, blues and purples. I decided to create a mood board that reflected some of the current spring trends that stuck to this neutral, pastel color scheme. This outfit is cozy, simple, and a cross between chic gym trainer and 90's workout video. In the grueling summer heat of Texas, sports bra's can double as top. Yes, it really gets that hot here. Beyond the practical aspects of workout clothes, gym wear as outer wear offers the perfect motivation to hit the gym and accomplish some of those 'summer body' goals. We'll see if this holds true by the end of summer…

A big thank you to the wonderful Mitchell Flores who shot all of these looks and spent a couple hours with me in the summer heat. I'm currently stoked to share the rest of the looks that we shot and some upcoming collaboration projects that are currently in the work. Stay tuned for future posts!

If you'd like to see more of his work, you can find his portfolio work here and his personal blog here. For daily updates and musings, check out his Instagram account.

XOXO, Laurel

Sports bra: Thrifted | Pants: Thrifted | Nike Air Force One's: Thrifted

B A B Y - B L U E

If it hasn't become apparent yet, I've developed a growing obsession with pairing denim pieces together. I decided to trade in my normal, go-to short denim cut offs for some longer, 90's style denim shorts. I like this new take on the denim short. Now I don't have to worry about cutting off an additional three inches of fabric when I pick up a pair of high-waisted jeans from the thrift store. There's also the added bonus of  longer legs (an illusion I'm in favor of).  I've been searching for some simple mules recently, and these were too cheap to pass up, despite my inability to walk in them for long periods. Pain is gain I suppose.

P.S. - I'm hoping to put out a lot more content with the recent purchase of a new, post 2002 camera (finally) and ample time with the summer months starting to hit. With finals, jobs searching, setting up shoots and a prospective styling opportunity, I've been a little bit more than busy. I'm not complaining though. This blog has certainly been an eye-opening and door-opening experience, and I hope to continue on this 'fashion' journey (cheese) and see where it takes me. Hope you all are having a lovely year, and an even better summer for those who are out of school or taking a break from work. Stay tuned for more outfits, some inspo posts, and whatever else I decide to ramble on about. I haven't left yet, I promise.

XOXOO, Laurel

Shirt: thrifted | Shorts: thrifted | Mules: Target | Clutch/Purse: Earthbound | Sunnies: F21