A T H L E T I C - W E A R

Now that my four year at university have come to a close, I've been faced with a lot of questions concerning my future. Where do I want to live, what do I want to do, and most importantly, what kind of person do I ultimately want to be? While most of my post-grad feelings have been primarily stress-related, I've been attempting 're-brand' my thought process so to speak. I have found that by shifting from my usual pessimist-realist perspective to a new brand of optimism, I have been able to re-think almost every aspect of my life. By cutting out all of the negatives and uncertainties, I have gained a better understanding not only of my self, but also of where I'd like to end up someday. I'd be lying if I claimed to always be optimistic about the future. Belonging to a generation that's labeled as lazy and unappreciative in a time where most students are drowning in student debt with limited job prospects usually leads to feelings of frustration and doubt. However it's the optimism that keeps me going and hopeful about all that I've yet to accomplish.

These photos belong to an old set taken with Stephen Hardy, a friend of mine and incredibly talented fashion photographer with an eye for shadows and black and white editing. If it's not already apparent, it's been awhile since I've been able to update this blog and keep up with life in general. As I enter the semi-adultish world, I hope to post more frequently and add more personal posts as well. We took these photos in the heat of last summer and I'm hoping to shoot more frequently this summer if the weather will allow it. I wanted to attempt mixing different pieces for the first layered look so I started with some adidas track pants as the primary form of inspiration. Even in the summer I can't help but stick to layering with every look I create despite practically melting in the 100+ degree weather. Maybe it's time to move north or just anywhere that isn't the lone star state.

XOXOX, Laurel

Look 1:

Adidas track pants: thrifted | Wool crop top: thrifted | Plaid Vest: thrifted | Kitten Heals: Target

Look 2: 

Wool Crop top: thrifted | Tan pants: thrifted | Blazer: thrifted | Nike Air Force One's: thrifted

R O S E - P E R I O D

It's a rare occurrence when I choose to dawn anything other than neutrals or black and white. Although jewel tones might not be considered that risky, red has always been 'my color', or so at least I've been told. I managed to thrift the entirety of this look and all at separate times, a major feat on its own. Jumping on the very nineties-esque choker trend, I managed to create a matching choker with leftover fabric from the top piece. Cheers to the current Texas weather that allows me to wear pants in the summer.

XOXOO, Laurel

Pants, Crop Top, Adidas Superstars | Thrifted

B L A C K - O U T

After debating saving up and purchasing some brand new Adidas Originals, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a pair of slightly used, slightly large, but too good to pass up vintage Superstar's at a local thrift shop back home. It's always a good day when I thrift a coveted pair of sneakers (mostly from the boy's section) for less than half of the original cost. Maybe one of these days I'll start purchasing new pairs of sneakers, but for now I'm stuck with a limited perpetually broke college student budget and a whole lot of luck at resale stores. For this look I wanted to incorporate the wide-leg pant trend that's grazed man a runway at fall fashion week and keep the silhouette simple and flowy with an off the shoulder blouse, my modern take on a classic 70's-chic look.

XOXOO, Laurel

Pants: F21 | Blouse: F21 | Adidas Original's: thrifted 

TEST SHOOT: SOUTHWEST STUDIO

M E S H

Unless you're from the south, there's little that compares to summer in Texas, which is actually an ongoing heatwave that continues into fall until suddenly everything freezes for a month. Given my preference for all things winter and layered, it's sometimes difficult for me to manage during the summer (and fall) months. Rather than sticking to my normal habit of skirts and dresses, I've found a new love for long trouser shorts which are somewhat of an upgrade compared to my usual denim daisy dukes. This look is the epitome of everything necessary to combat the heat that sometimes seems never-ending. I wanted to feel as much of the non-existent breeze as possible so I paired my pink trouser shorts with a mesh top and a simple pair of slides. This shoot was a lot of fun despite the heat and Fatimeh Nadimi, friend and incredibly talented photographer, was nice enough to melt with me a few hours in Dallas (you are the best). Can't wait to share some more outfits from our shoot. Stay tuned folks…

XOOOX, Laurel

Top: thrifted | Shorts: thrifted | Slides: Target | Bralette: American Apparel | Backpack: F21

W H I T E - O U T

I love white not only for it's versatility, but also its ability to make me a few shades darker and less ghost-like like in comparison to how I normally appear in most photos. When I throw on all white, I immediately feel more elegant, put together, and less of wreck, which is normally how I look most days at my university. Given that summer is the season for the majority of the year in Texas, I will probably be rockin' shorts for awhile, as disheartening as it is to stare at my clothes wrack crammed tight with long wool coats and sweaters. I was more than happy when I finally thrifted a pair of Adidas Originals, so expect to see them make a few appearances in several of my blog posts to come. Between school, styling and anxious thoughts of graduation, it's often difficult for me to even consider pulling together outfits for the week. Pairing items with matching or similar color palettes makes it that much easier, and has been a go to for me as of lately.

XOXOO, Laurel

Top: F21 | Shorts: thrifted | Necklace: Charlotte Rouse | Shoes: Adidas Originals 'Superstar'

TEST SHOOT: AMERICAN GIRL

S U I T E D - U P

There are few things I enjoy more than a simple suit with a modern twist and casual aesthetic. With a suit you have the option of dressing up, or dressing down, and I usually prefer the latter. For someone who is prone to wear fall clothing even in the heat of summer, I am certainly ready for fall and rocking a suit on campus when the leaves start to change colors. I've been meaning to write a post about this look I shot awhile back with Mitchell Flores, as you can tell by my temporary redhead moment. Looking through some of the pictures we captured, I'm beginning to wonder if I should make the switch back.

XOXOO, Laurel

Blazer: thrifted | Bralette: Ebay | Pants: F21 | Shoes: Nike Air Max