Implementing the Art of Needing Less

This year has brought about so many realizations and enabled the quest to be flexible, to leave my hands in an open posture and realize how out of control we are! I think we have all had to pull our big kid pants up a time or two. No? But when things don't go the way we planned, there is always a reason, redemption, and the best lessons learned!As I reflect on our house renovation time, we prepped to be out of our home for one month which turned into two, which turned into eight. Wowsa! To prepare for the initial predicted time frame, I packed what I suspected I would need for a month. I had a major light bulb moment during this time because one month's worth of basics STILL felt like too much during those eight months. I had never been in a situation like this where I was away from home for an extended period of time, and I could not have been more thankful for what it revealed. I remember moving into our house, and I was overwhelmed at the amount of things we had. I went through droves of boxes and gave away loads of clothes and shoes and bags and all the things. It felt like an entire weight was lifted off of my shoulders, and I loved knowing that these things were all going to someone who could use them! Fast forward to the beginning of summer. Jase and I spend a few months in Idaho during this time, and I again packed just the basics, from work out clothes to sweatshirts to swimsuits, and the other everyday necessities. The minimal amount of packing was still way too much, and I again was reminded of how little we need + how refreshing it is to lessen our material load. We arrived back home to LA, and Jase and I both went through our closets once again! These trips away from home have been so inspiring to us - we are on our fourth giveaway round since we moved in, and it is becoming a routine!From this point forward, we are going to purchase with greater intention and necessity, we are going to clean out our closets at minimum once a month and just keep things moving! How do you hope to minimize your life? Have you realized this same thing during this past year and quarantine season?I hope you've enjoyed following along on our home renovation process and all the thoughts and updates that have come along with it! It's been such a special season for us. For more updates, follow along right here on the blog in our Making A Home series or on my Instagram. I would love to hear from you. x

Let's Celebrate 30 years of Cotton Island!!

This little treasure on Hillcrest Avenue (and in Plano) has been like a second home and family to me. I worked there after college, and it has been a blessing for reasons beyond what words could describe. Not to mention, the customers become such sweet friends, the moms are darling (there are even some that come in to talk several mornings a week), and the clothes inside are so beautiful. Warning to your bank account: you are bound to always find something adorable!A spot like this is rare these days, and it reflects the leadership of these precious people: Founder Patty Feinstein and the precious Sheila Harris. They have both been there from the beginning three decades ago, and they still work oh so hard to make this place what it is today. I could never forget to mention Rachel Gutierrez as well, who is such a sweetheart and has invested so much heart into the people here for years!

Go check out the fun things they have going on this month in celebration of 30 wonderful years!!

P.S. One of my favorite things: your purchases will smell like there classic Patchouli scent when you leave!

Shop the World's Best Boutiques: FarFetch.com

Retailers all over the world are jumping on the e-commerce train, allowing us locals to expand our shopping horizons. Speaking of, a new site-obsession has graced the LOLO world, and we are thrilled to show you the greatest new way to shop the world's best boutiques. Meet Farfetch.com, an online destination where Rachel Comey meets Balmain, where Opening Ceremony collides beautifully with Alexander Wang, and where the cherry on top comes in the form of the wonderfully outlandish Jeremy Scott. Oh, and for all of you MK&A lovers, The Row is most definitely in the exquisite line up.It is always exciting to find a site that not only carries the best-of-the-best designer clothes, where having good taste doesn't seem to matter since every buy is a win, but for it to have editorial additions makes virtually filling your shopping cart all the more inspiring. I don't know about you, but "featured style crushes" makes me want shop. But then again, so does the allure of Isabel Marant. All in all, this site is a sartorial treasure. So head on over to Farfetch.com, AKA a fashionista's paradise! Peruse their boutique blog, featured designers, and all it has to offer!  

Trend Alert: Pleats Are Not Just For Pants!

Yes pleated skirts are back, so don't be afraid to purchase one! The trend is not only sophisticated but high fashion which I personally love. Pair a maxi pleated skirt with a blouse or lightweight sweater, accessorize with arm candy and don't forget to give it a punch with pumps or booties. Take a look at TopShop or American Apparel for one of these skirts![galleryview id= 83]

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