Thinking Bigger: Serving Others and Supporting Small Businesses

Although this time is full of struggle, re-adjusting, loss, learning to homeschool, and bits of frustration or maybe even fear, there are positive ways we can support each other! This time has reinstalled a sense of camaraderie and community. Do y'all agree? Many are serving more than they ever have. It’s a beautiful silver lining to this pandemic. When loneliness sets in, I encourage you to check in on someone else or send a thoughtful note or gift to a loved one; I guarantee it will bring you joy and will only bring comfort to others!

Here on the blog, we've implemented a new series of talks on Thinking Bigger. Last week we touched on How Simplicity Changes Everything, and this week I wanted to talk about serving others and supporting small businesses – A topic that has really been on my heart and surprisingly, has also helped me process during this time.

My family lives in Dallas; we are so close, and it was really tough to cancel the trips we had planned to see each other, not knowing when the safe next time will be. One way that has helped me feel so connected is by sending them presents that remind me of them or fun little things for my sweet nieces! And all the while, I order the items from small businesses. You bring a company joy while sending joy to someone you love, and it doesn’t have to be big!Another long-winded, yet rewarding project we have been diving into is all things home and finishing the furnishing process! With the intension of supporting small businesses, I feel like I have entered an entirely new world of discovering some incredible companies! It makes the purchase that was on the to-do feel much more purposeful.

Fun Ideas

• Create your neighbor a bouquet of flowers from the backyard.
• Write a note to someone you are grateful for.
• Call your grandma.
• Give to a charity that provides meals to others during this time.
• Cook a meal or cookies and deliver it to someone it would help.

Gift Ideas

• Send a bottle of wine from here (it's organic and biodynamic and delicious!)
• A toy for your friend's puppy from here, here, or here.
• Send something cute from here.
• This Box of Sunshine that gives 100% of proceeds to Baby2Baby.
• The cutest organic clothes for kids.
• For new mamas.
• Healthy products from here.

For the Home

• I just got this little vase, mini lamp, and marble counter pedestal (inspo from Ashley Kane).
• These pretty water glasses.
• European linen pool towels for such an affordable price!
• A healthy way to keep the bugs away outside!
• Rugs from here or here!
• Something pretty from here.

To follow along with items I'm getting my hands on, or to see how I'm constantly learning and processing throughout this time, stay up to date on my Instagram. x

How can you serve and support others during this time? Jot down a few ideas and try to implement one this week!

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Why We Love Everlane Shoes

Today we are sharing why we love Everlane shoes. We knew that we liked them, but now that Lauren and I each own a few pairs and have worn them many times, we are completely sold. Everlane shoes are responsibly made, thoughtfully designed, and made out of high quality leather. They are also extremely practical, versatile, stylish, and comfortable. Comfort is so important when it comes to shoes. Long gone are the days of sacrificing comfort for style. We want a stylish shoe, but comfort is #1. Comfortable shoes allow us the freedom to enjoy long days, go exploring, travel well, be pain-free, and so much more. In addition, we are big believers in investing in quality shoes, rather than buying a lot of not-so-great shoes. Everlane fits the bill for quality shoes that will last. Below are a few of our favorite Everlane shoe styles.

 Click to shop our favorite Everlane shoe styles:

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Top Five of 2016

It's so crazy to think that 2016 is coming to a close this weekend. We cannot wait for 2017 and have some very exciting things planned, so stay tuned. Below are five of Lo's outfits from this past year that continue to inspire us sartorially and have us looking forward to spring and summer 17'. Links are below with the full outfit post. Enjoy xx

#1- FRINGE TOP

#2- SUEDE SKIRT + TRUMPET SLEEVES

#3- EMBROIDERED BOMBER

#4- BOHO TOP + SKIRT

#5- VEST + DENIM SHORTS

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gift ideas for fashion girls

OUTFIT DETAILS: TOP (c/o) | DENIM (similar) | SUNNIES (c/o) | BOOTIES (similar)

hi friends! we are so excited to kick-off gift guide season with a list of gift ideas for that fashion girl in your life. whether it is your friend or sister or anyone else, these gifts will make that stylish lady smile this holiday season. xx images by felicia lasala

this bomber jacket

this leather bag

this fedora hat

this beanie

these mules

this tee

this vest

this suede skirt

these sunnies

this choker necklace

this sleeveless turtleneck

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aerie love.

Ever since the “heart fairy” covered my bedroom floor with colorful candy hearts when I was little, Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite days in the world. What’s better than twenty four hours dedicated to celebrating love? I know some people are resentful toward this holiday, but even if you are not in love, there are so many ways to make this date so enjoyable!Ideas: make cute heart shaped pancakes for your roomies, fill your home with beautiful flowers, or send your friend an adorable valentine telling them how much they mean to you! Even better: cozy up in these Aerie heart socks or fancy up in these cat eye sunnies and military romper, plan a fun dinner with your close girlfriends and celebrate what you are thankful for! Aerie and I have partnered up to make this holiday even lovelier than it already is! This chambray dress immediately caught my eye considering it is so cozy to run errands in or tidy up the house! Not to mention, I am so honored to support the #AerieReal movement, which promotes anti-photoshopping. I hope everyone comes to notice their true beauty during this season of new beginnings and the start of a new year. What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Jason and I are escaping to the beach (our happy place) for a few days! I haven't thought about a swimsuit in a few months considering this chilly weather, but I found this adorable one along with this panama hat and roomy poncho. Oh! And naturally these heart sunnies.   P.S. Need some adorable Valentine's Day gift ideas? A coffee mug is always a perfect present; this cupcake kit is beyond darling; everyone needs a cute first aid kit; and can we just all talk about this tumbler? #cutest 

bella dahl: lo's style file

One of my all time favorite memories from 2015 was the beautiful day-shoot in Malibu sporting the most lovely Bella Dahl resort collection. We snapped at five of my favorite places in this beachy wonderland that each carry a specific meaning to me. One spot was the first place Jason and I went running on the beach when we started dating. Can you guess which one?I could not be more excited to share this fun collab to you! I am in loveee with this brand. The super soft textures, the cozy yet perfect fits, and the natural Cali vibe suits my fancy. Scroll down to see these looks + find the links to each piece below.Look 1 Lace Up Pullover Pocket JoggerLook 2 Button Down Shirt Sporty ShortLook 3 Fly Front JumperLook 4 Side Slit T-Shirt Dress Split Back Button DownLook 5 High-Low Hem Dress Drapey Trench

holiday love.

This year I have come to appreciate the fall and winter seasons more than ever before. The cool cozy wood-burning air is so energizing and extra snugly + it adds such charm to the every day. I crave the time when hot tea, pumpkin bread, and twinkly lights make the house extra yummy and warm. Maybe I cherish this season so much because I love being at home with my family in Dallas or my sweet husband, especially when I am cuddled up in soft warm socks, loose fitting tees, and sweats.

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Aerie this month to show you a few of my hang-around-the-house ensembles. Not to mention, I am so honored to support the #AerieReal movement, which promotes anti-photoshopping. I hope everyone comes to notice their true beauty this holiday season. It seems that the important things come to light during the moments when the stores close, when we are forced to slow down and be. We all have flaws, and when they are fully embraced, that is beauty.

Everyone closest to me knows I live in cozy (no noun needed). When I wake up in the morning, I throw on this cozy faux fur vest or this fleece swingy poncho to warm up after I get out from under the covers. I love to mix and match over these flannel joggers and this #AerieReal tee. Oh! And how good are these slippers!?

After I read, answer a few emails and watch Kathie Lee and Hoda, I throw on this fringe turtleneck and call it a day. Or if I am feeling extra snugly, I will pair this teddy fleece with this pom beanie. Jason and I are headed to Big Sur this weekend, and I can't wait to pack these warm pieces for our relaxed trip!

Thank you to Aerie for sponsoring this post. Photos by Jen Sosa.

olive green + crochet = perfect fall dress

Olive green dress (less than $50!) | Crossbody bag (also converts to a backpack!) | Booties | Earrings | Ring | Aviators

So it's no secret by now that olive green is a huge trend this Fall season, which I am loving. My current wardrobe consist of this olive green dress (plus a few others), olive green sweaters, olive green rompers...I cannot get enough. I think this color compliments just about any skin tone, looks amazing with cognac and gold, and just has such an easy/natural feel to it. The olive green trend allows you to add color to your wardrobe, but without straying too far from the neutral family (aka my comfort zone).

This olive green dress was one that I bought, without even trying on (for sizing info, I'm wearing the XS). First of all, because the price is SO good (only $48?! yes please). I also loved the hankerchief hemline, because it reminds of of Tinkerbell! It's so fun to twirl in. I also figured I'd get a ton of use out of it because it's perfect for Baylor games, and will look great with riding boots, as well as booties!

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olive trench coat: your new fall staple

Even though I've pretty much loved fashion since I was in the womb, there's one wardrobe staple that I hadn't yet obtained until this season: a trench coat. I always love how they look, but I feel like they are so New York, or...some city that's not Dallas. When I saw this one though, I knew I had to have it! It's oversized which gives it a more casual look, and it's pretty lightweight which makes it perfect for Dallas weather. So, if you're new to this wardrobe staple too, go for this olive trench coat! Such a great purchase.

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