My Tattoos + Their Stories

I can’t believe I haven’t done this post before! I got my first tattoo about 3 1/2 years ago. It really does become addicting, but not in a bad way. The feeling of getting a tattoo feels like an extension of myself. Whenever I see the next tattoo I want, I know it belongs on my body. I recently just added my fourth tattoo 2 weeks ago. I don’t plan on getting anymore for a little while, so I though I’d share with you what I have.

1. Baby’s Breath

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

This little beauty is my newest addition. It was kind of a last minute idea, but I absolutely love it! Mason and I both got this tattoo in the same spot when we visited Destin, FL two weeks ago. We had been wanting to get matching tattoos since the wedding, but couldn’t agree on the same thing. Until the morning we decided to go get our tattoos, we were thinking of getting something with baby’s breath. We loved the idea because it was our wedding flowers (p.s. our wedding pictures and video will be coming to the blog soon!) and then I did research on the actual meaning of the delicate flower.

Here’s a few of the meanings the flower holds:
1. Everlasting and undying love; whether it’s a spouse, family, or platonic.

This spoke to me obviously because I just got married but because I also gained a new love for Mason’s side of the family, and I’ve been focusing more on love in general. Always think in love.

2.  Pureness and freedom from outside corruption and also a tie into the Christian Faith.

This to me means like to live in the world but not of it. To me, it’s a reminder to not fall into things that consumes people. Being a “blogger” especially in fashion, I feel like it can be hard not to get caught up in things. Not saying social media or fashion is a bad things, but I stay focused on not letting it consume me and not getting caught up in material things. It’s also a reminder to stay true to my faith and not engage in things that don’t help me grow in my faith.

3.. Self discipline and focusing on love.

I have recently been reading the daily “guide” called Only Love Today. It’s really just a great reminder every day to slow down, breath, and lean on love instead of negativity and hate. It’s hard sometimes to do that, but that’s where self discipline is needed in my daily walk.

All of that ties into where I’m at in my life right now, and a great reminder through out my life to love more.

2. Be Still.

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Another daily reminder for me to be able to stop and look at and re-evaluate. This tattoo’s based off of the verse “Be still, and know that I am God”- Psalm 46:10. This was my 3rd tattoo and during this season of my life last year, when I got this tattoo, it was really all about humbling myself and really letting go of things I couldn’t control and to trust God. Even the littlest trials are a “strength training” exercise and is needed for growth.

3. &

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

The ampersand is definitely a trendy tattoo that I’ve seen on a lot of people. But, I love the meaning behind it. If you want an in-depth version of the meaning, check this article out here. But to sum it up, it’s about personal growth, staying hopeful, and staying true to yourself.

4. Love

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

My very first tattoo. It’s hard to say which tattoo is my favorite, but this is the “coolest” one to me. If you know me in my personal life you’ll know my favorite band is The 1975. Well, this is the lead singers writing that he wrote in a notebook I had the band sign when I did a meet and greet. Now, before you say it’s pathetic, I don’t have the tattoo because it’s his handwriting, but because of everything 2014 held for me. So many things happened that year that helped me learn who I was and really love myself. I graduated high school in 2014 and in my senior year, I felt like I really stopped caring what everyone thought, and really found out who I was. I also announced I had my blog (about a year after I had actually started posting), and really let my blog go and be very vulnerable and expose to people what I was passionate about. I met Mason in 2014…he’s my husband now, need I say more? And lastly, I just had fun. I was a kid still and just wanted to embrace it. My friends and I went on a road trip and went to 3 Texas shows for The 1975 and that’s when we got to meet them. When we got home from those 3 days, my friend Sarah and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to New Orleans, to maybe just maybe run into them again. Well, long story short, we did. I’ll spare myself the awkward photos and stories, but it was fun and I’ll always hold 2014 close to me.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Tattoos aren’t for everyone and people have some many different opinions on them. I use these pieces of art as reminders and memories that I’ll always be able to hold onto. I don’t regret any of them and love all of the stories that come along with each piece ♥

Sunglasses Collection 2017

STORAGE

fullsizeoutput_60e9
I don’t plan on keeping my sunglasses like this forever, but for now keeping my sunglasses in this chest fits. I can see them all and I have them organized by style. Now let’s get into the collection! If you have any storage tips, let me know! 

Now let’s get into the collection!

THE COLLECTION

What you should know about my sunglasses collection is that I don’t spend a ton of money on sunglasses. I like changing up and trying different styles, so I don’t want to invest in a pair that might not be “in” in 2 or so years…or that I might sit on and break.

I’ve been growing this collection for a couple of years now. This may be a lot to some people or a small collection for some, I honestly thought I had a lot more than 29 pairs. Sunglasses for me are that accessory that completes any outfit so I love incorporating fun pairs as well as classic.

SQUARE

fullsizeoutput_60fa

Square sunglasses aren’t usually what I gravitate towards because I feel my face is a little too small for oversized sunglasses. These square shapes are a little smaller and have a slight round-ness to them, so I feel they fit my face better than super square shades.

From top to bottom:
Perverse Eyewear
Wear Me Pro
Old Navy
Coach
Perverse Eyewear
Cotton On

fullsizeoutput_60ff

CAT EYE

fullsizeoutput_60fb

Cat eye is another shape I haven’t really been totally on board with but I’m definitely liking more. Again, I feel like they can sometimes be overwhelming for my small face, but the one’s I do have are perfect for a statement.

Top: Earthbound
Left: Earthbound, Polette, and Wear Me Pro
Right: Earthbound, Quay, and Perverse 

fullsizeoutput_6103ROUND

fullsizeoutput_60fc

As you can probably tell round-sunglasses are my fit. They’re more understated and casual but are still cool.

Top: Perverse
Left: Forever 21, Forever 21, Polette, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Polette, thrifted, Polette
Right: Steve Madden, Wear Me Pro, Nordstrom, Earthbound, Earthbound, Polette, Asos

fullsizeoutput_60fd

fullsizeoutput_60e7

BEHIND THE SHADES

Buildingwork for the future
If you’ve been around for the past 3 years you know these Cotton On sunglasses used to be my go-to sunglasses. They still are my favorite pair because they’re so classic and fit my face so well. My newest pair from Perverse definitely are more trendier but still classic, and the pop of red is super fun to add to a simple outfit.

Buildingwork for the future(1)
I thrifted these sunglasses about a year or 2 ago and they really go with everything. Something classic, casual, or edgy and they’re the perfect accessory.

Buildingwork for the future(6)
Not that I don’t like these sunglasses, they’re just more of an editorial pair and not really useful for every day. Love these for vacation!

Buildingwork for the future(2)
In my opinion these are my biggest statement pair. It’s not every day you see giraffe cat-eye sunglasses.
Buildingwork for the future(3)

These shades are the perfect everyday pair because they go with everything and add that effortless “cool girl” vibe.

Buildingwork for the future(4)

I’m not big on spending a lot on sunglasses, I’m clumsy and cheap. But I felt like these were the must-have sunglasses a couple of years ago. They were about $60.

Buildingwork for the future(5)fullsizeoutput_60ef.jpeg
I scored these Coach sunglasses from an outlet for under $50. I keep them in my car as my driving glasses, they make me feel fancy and I love the style…timeless and chic!

Buildingwork for the future(7)

These are definitely a trendy pair of sunglasses that won’t be in style forever, but they’re fun to add that vintage Hollywood feel to a look.

Buildingwork for the future(8)
All though I don’t wear them as much as I used too, I’ll never get rid of these sunglasses because these were the first gift Mason ever got me.

 

Hope you enjoyed my collection! I’m for sure going to keep adding and growing my collection and can’t wait to see where it’s at in year or so.

How many pairs of sunglasses do you own?

 

Red Hot

You know those outfits that just make you feel cool? This is that outfit for me.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

I’ll be honest, these pants were a step out of my comfort zone for me, but they ended up making me feel confident. I love that these pants look dressy, but have a hint of edge of with the long side-slit.

I paired the pants with a basic white tee to dress down the look a little and make it more “subtle” for the daytime. Last night for my bachelorette party I wore these pants with a sleek black tank and black heels instead, and it totally dressed up the look and took it from day to night.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

 

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

I added the patterned bag and scarf to add some contrast to the look. And as soon as I saw these sunnies, I knew I had to buy them and pair them with this look. The sunglasses take this modern trend and give it a vintage-classic feel.

FOREVER 21 pants (similar pants) (similar pants) // FOREVER 21 tee // PERVERSE Sunglasses  // PUBLIC DESIRE heels // VINTAGE scarf // KATE SPADE bag // FOREVER 21 earrings

The Edit // 5 Parisian Summer Accessories

It’s no secret that Parisian style is the IT style to go to for outfit inspo. I love the vibe of Parisian chic summer accessories and here are my faves below.

neck scarf

1 (H&M bag; sold out)| 2 | 3 (similar) (similar)| 4 | 5

1. Classic Bag: I love adding this chic red bag bag with my neutral outfits, it adds a bit of fun to any look.  It’s classic but a little more updated opposed to a black bag.

2. Neck Scarf: Another piece I love adding to my neutral summer outfits. Neck scarfs go great with a simple white tee or are an unexpected and cute accessory for an airy summer dress.

3. Chic Hat: I’m not usually a hat girl, but with my hair growing longer and me being too lazy to fix it most days, I love throwing on a hat for those days. And you look effortlessly cool while hiding your day 3 unwashed hair.

4. Sleek sunnies: Sunnies are obviously essential for the summer. I like a classic and kind of oversized style to hide my eyes from the sun and when I really want to be lazy and not do my makeup. This classic shape can do no wrong and will go with anything.

5. Simple watch: I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be wearing tons of jewelry during the summer. But if I want a little something, I’ll throw on my dainty watch. Simple is key to Parisian accessories.

 

Sheer

 

As you all can probably tell, I love black. I love how black can make the simplest of pieces super chic, and also how black can be worn no matter what season. This “blouse” is great as a flowy and effortless dress in the summer, and in the fall I plan on wearing it over jeans and adding some boots (since it doesn’t get cold where I live) for that “put together, undone” look.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

-Love, Laura

If you liked this look, hype it on Lookbook

Launching with a limited time collection for fall, sign up for Daame.co using my link provided for your invitation to shop the fall collection! With Daame.co every purchase goes toward providing education for a girl in need. They have gorgeous bags and an amazing mission!

Click the link here

Daame’s website

| Romwe Sheer blouse| H&M Platform Sandals| Guess “Tough Luv Tawny” Satchel| Apt. 9 Tribal Bead Bib necklace| Forever 21 sunglasses| Earthbound Trading Co. ring| Sally Hansen “Carnivale” nail polish|

Follow me!

| F A C E B O O K |

| I N S T A G R A M |

| L O O K B O O K |

| B L O G L O V I N |

| P I N T E R E S T|

Connections

3

2

details

6

close up

5

bracelets

4

purse

shoes

I haven’t worn this adorable overall dress in a while, and I have no idea why. This overall dress is perfect for making the simplest of tops into something classic and cute! This look is really girly, but to stick to my style roots I stayed with the black and white color scheme to keep the look edgy but still chic!

If you liked this look, hype it on Lookbook

|Forever 21 overall dress|French Connection Paint Checked Cotton Tee| Cotton On “Ella” sunnies| Cooperative Mary-Jane Platforms| Casio Casual Sport Watch| SageKandCo silver spike bracelet| Apt. 9 Mini Tote| Sinful Shine “Most Sinful” nail polish|