Writing for the Soul

For as long as I can remember, I've kept a journal of some sort. The early Lauren years are lost, most likely to the lovely San Leandro dump (hopefully, at least), but 8th grade through my current life has been documented in the above journals. That's 13 full journals of ages 12 to 26.

There have been many people throughout the years who ask me if I'm afraid that someone will read my journal. Sure. Who wouldn't be? They're inner, secretive thoughts that shouldn't be read by other people unless you want them to read them. But who cares? I've had people read my journals (with and without permission) and there's nothing that can stop curiosity. If you judge me by what is written in my journals, I probably don't want to be your friend anyway...

I know, you're jealous. But you shouldn't be, because you can get it here.

I've always believed in the healing properties of writing. Every emotion, every thought, every action... You can write it all down without judgement. Granted, most of the stuff I write down, I usually tell one of my best friends of my boyfriend, but first, it's written down. That way, I can get all the unnecessary things out. There are things I've written down that I don't even fully believe in myself, but at that very moment, I had to write it. And that's how it works. Journals work with your "at this very moment, this is what I feel" writings.

A few years ago, I found out about a thing called a "Journal Jar". It's a jar that you fill with pre-written questions. There have been times when I want to write but there's nothing exciting going on at the moment. Writers Block. This journal jar has smashed through so many blocks. And it's been filled up twice already. There's simple questions such as, "Are you a morning person or a night owl?" (Morning. As all my friends will tell you.), "List your favorite 5 books" (No, that's not fair), or "What is your favorite Sunday ritual?" (Breakfast. The answer is always breakfast). But some questions get deep, such as, "My saddest memory is...", "What's the biggest lie you ever told?", and "What scares you the most?" It's meant to make you think, even if it's silly thoughts. 

Give it a try. Someday, when you feel like the world is against you, grab a notebook, a pen, some music, and just sit outside and write. Anything and everything. It's the best, cheapest, and easiest form of therapy.

Look Mom, There's Color!

As a kid, I learned about my colors. I learned the names, what colors made other colors when mixed together, what colors I was supposed to use in my coloring book, and most importantly, how eye-catching color is. 

When I got older, and much more self conscious, I learned how anonymous black was. Black was a shade that helped you blend into the background. It was a shade that made it so that if people even looked at you, they didn't pay you any attention. So black was pretty much my uniform.

But here's the secret. I desperately wanted to wear colors. Everyone thought I hated colors, but I really didn't. They just scared the ever loving shit out of me. The thought of having people intentionally look at me was terrifying. Why in the world would I do anything that made people look at me? Like, on purpose? 

Then, this pretty awesome thing happened. I stopped caring. So what if people look at me. I might as well wear what I want (and look good doing so).

I'm pretty sure that's when the fashion monster was born. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to rush down and buy all the bright colored things and wear them, but color no longer scares me. In moderation, of course. And mostly in pinks.

That's right, guys, I love the color pink. Seriously. If I had a favorite color, it might be pink (all shades of them, especially salmon). That's my public service announcement of the day... And ever day. Just wear the clothes. Especially if it's a skirt you got at a thrift shop for $5 (be jealous).

Can I take a moment to highlight two of my most favoritest (shut up) things in my closet at the moment? It would be this Modern Citizen Vest that is, sadly, no longer available. I have a few Modern Citizen pieces and their quality is fantastic. Plus, if you're in the Bay Area, next day delivery is not unheard of. I need to figure out how to style this a little more, so if anyone has a suggestion (that's not acid wash black jeans because a really attractive musician has already beat you to that one), shoot them on over and I'll give it my best shot.

If you already follow me on Instagram, then you know about these Sam Edelman Kayla Black Suede Over the Knee boots. I had been eyeing these boots each time my boss wore them. If we were the same size, I might have stolen them from her. Alas, we are not, so I had to settle with buying my very own pair. I'd sleep in these beauties if I could. 

#HowWeWear: Workout-Inspired Style

Have I mentioned that I work in an amazing place that not only allows you to be yourself, but fully encourages it? Because I do. I get to work in a relaxed environment full of some beautiful and fashionable ladies (and gentlemen too!) that put on Style Challenges. Here's to my first one!

When I was a young child, the Spice Girls were the shit. No, seriously. They had Spice Girls everything. From barbie dolls (I had each one) to lollipops and even a movie (that I may or may not have recently watched). 

My problem was always that I couldn't decide exactly which Spice Girl I wanted to be. Posh Spice was an obvious. Cute dresses and heels everyday? AND perfect hair? Sign me up! But I wasn't a full on girly girl. So there's Sporty Spice who was friends with the boys and played sports. 

I got a visitor to my set.

So, Little Lauren, I have a solution for you. You get to be a mixture of both. A Sporty Posh Spice.

On a side note, I am ABSOLUTELY head over heels for these Banana Republic Shorts. Come Spring, I'll be in them all the time, trust me.

She's a sassy little turd.

Here's the links to the lovely ladies int he photos at the top (from left to right):

Kate - Joan - Kathleen - Maria - Courtney - Olivia - Amanda - Emily

Kaleopunahele.

Middle names. That's the name that parents get creative with because they know their children could simply pretend that that name doesn't exist. Until we grow up and realize that our first names are really boring (even if Starbucks employee's insist on not spelling it correctly). 

March 10th. That's National Middle Name Appreciation Day. I've come to appreciate the lesser known holidays to help celebrate everyday. I mean, why not? You're not dead, you might at well appreciate the little things in life. 

Lauren was a compromise between my parents. My mom wanted to go the Greek route, which was too weird sounding to my redneck dad, who wanted my first name to be Snow (he's hilarious, I know). Lauren was the name they came up with together because they both loved Lauren Bacall. My middle name is where my mom put her foot down. My great aunt was named Kaleo, which means the voice. I don't know much about her, other than the fact that my mom absolutely loved her. She gave my aunt the task of coming up with the tail end of my name. My aunt came up with punahele, which means the favorite. I simply assume that she thought I was going to have an amazing singing voice (joke's on her). Put that all together and you get:

Kaleopunahele

The Favorite Voice

Today, embrace your middle name! It can be traditional, ethnic, spelled weird, or hard to pronounce (or all of the above). You're stuck with it either way ;)

Extra Fun Fact: My great aunt's full name meant "the voice of the dogs" due to the fact that when she was born, all the dogs in the neighborhood were barking. Most of my Hawaiian family tries to insist that my name means "the voice of the dogs". Personally, I feel like that makes more sense for me than "the favorite voice".