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Q&A With Lauren Curry: The Beauty Of Moving
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hey friends! We are so excited with be chatting with our dear friend, Lauren Curry, today on LSK. Lauren manages our Pinterest page & you can read this post to get to know her a bit more. Read the Q&A below to hear about her move to LA and what the big life transition has shown her about the goodness and greatness of God. She shares extremely inspiring words about trusting the Lord to lead you in your life in His perfect time, how important it is to find a Church community that you love, and how Jesus comforts and provides in the sweetest ways. Regardless of if you are moving soon, have moved, or never moved, this is a must-read!
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What inspired you to move to LA?
I had been visiting California 4-5x a year since my uncle and brother had both moved from California to Washington State around 4 years ago. Since they left, I had really been finding reasons to visit since they moved. When I was in college, I interned in California 3 summers in a row and literally every time I came to LA, I felt like my heart was exploding because I loved it so much. It sounds so dramatic, but it’s true! It was this past September when my dad had finally sat me down and said, “God told me that this isn’t your place anymore and that you need to move to LA. So I think you need to move as soon as you can, like in the next 2 weeks”. So literally, I think I moved 2 1/2 weeks after my dad had sat me down without any full time job or any idea what I was going to do in LA, but I knew that it was the right timing.
What was the biggest challenge in moving to a new city and how did the Lord help you with the adjustment?
The biggest challenge for me was feeling lonely for the people that I had left in Washington. Whenever I would talk to my family who was celebrating a birthday party all together or see my friends back home on social media hanging out and having fun, I would, to be honest, ask myself why I did the hard thing. Through this, the Lord really has really surrounded me with such amazing people, but He has also been teaching me how to do things alone. When I got to LA, I realized a lot of what I had to learn was that sometimes there’s areas of your life and things you need to grow in and do alone so that God has space to lead you to new places.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
What are 3 of your favorite things about the city?
1. I LOVE the restaurants and coffee shops in LA. One of my favorite things in the world is finding new coffee shops and discovering new eats and LA literally has a never ending list of amazing places to go for food or coffee. Living here makes me wish I was a professional food critic. 2. I really admire how the mindset in LA is to dream big. Everyone you meet here is here to really chase and pursue a dream. It's really inspiring to live in a city that doesn’t put rules on what you can accomplish- I think it’s helped me really to start thinking outside my comfort zone. 3. I really just love my Church. I’ve been going to Mosaic in Hollywood since I moved and it’s literally been a lifeline for me. I've met some of my closest friends from LA through Mosaic and it’s really just allowed me to grow more and make my faith my own. As a follower of Jesus, it’s so important to surround yourself with a Church community who can be alongside you when life feels hard.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
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What has been the biggest gift about transitioning to LA?
God’s timing, 100%. Before I moved, I kept making excuses for why maybe I shouldn't. I was scared that I was going to relocate myself and then end up with no job or no community, or realize that maybe this isn’t the place that I was supposed to be. But literally the day I moved to LA, I could feel God’s favor on my life. Doors kept opening for me and God’s timing was so perfect in every detail. So much has happened for me in the past 6 months and it was all stuff that, before I moved, I was desperately trying to organize on my own rather than allowing God to bring it to me when I was ready for it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Biggest piece of advice you would give someone who is considering a relocation?
Have a tangible, genuine faith in where God can take you.When you know and believe that the Lord has called you to greater places, you must also understand that He will truly protect you and guide you to where you’re supposed to go, while giving you what you need along the way. It’s not always going to make sense and it’s not always going to be on your timeline, but He truly has the perfect place for you at the perfect time and when He calls you to that, take action with the thought that He WILL provide for you and give you exactly what you need, when you need it. Before I knew I was moving, I prayed for MONTHS that God would give me 3 things: My place, my purpose, and my people. Months later, I’m truly reaping the seeds of those prayers, so I would challenge anyone who is confused or scared to pray for those 3 things and I promise, you WILL see that prayer come to pass.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
10 Things I Love About LA
I moved to Los Angeles a little over three years ago, and although it is very different than Texas, there are so many things I absolutely love about this beautiful city. Keep reading to see my top ten favorite qualities about this beautiful California stop.1. You are always surrounded by beautiful scenery. I sometimes get distracted driving because of the stunning views.2. I love all of the near-by escapes in this state! There are the cutest little beach towns that are so charming and slow-paced. Laguna Beach is our all-time favorite, but we also love Malibu, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Carmel, and Big Sur + we have so many more places to explore!3. Friendships are a beautiful thing in this city. Most residents are from a different state, so you live life so closely alongside people; it is really special and unique.
4. I love that there is never an end to exploring this city, and each neighborhood is highly different than the next. Studio City is so different than Echo Park; Beverly Hills is very different from Brentwood, and the list goes on. You truly never get bored here!5. Los Angeles is very ahead in the wellness game. I have always studied health, but being in this city has opened my eyes to so much - it has smoothie shops that use adaptogens, grocery stores with the most pristine tonic bars and the newest of the new everything i.e. bone broth locally made in Venice Beach, coconut probiotic yogurt made locally, and unlimited charcoal-infused juices.6. Spontaneity is extra fun in this city. Jase and I love last minute stay-cations or weekend escapes, and this city makes it extra easy to do. There are endless places to experience - we enjoy everything from driving to Malibu for a beach escape, visiting the most special local market in Echo Park, or visiting the creativity and hustle and bustle of downtown LA.
7. There are so many hidden gems here - the facial spa I go to has a special place in my heart. Carasoin is owned by the most lovely couple, and it is an embodiment of a lifelong dream by it’s Founder, Lena Bratschi. It is so special because they personalize your treatment based on your skincare needs that day. While Lena was treating my skin, I asked her how she became passionate about her business. Her answer only made me love her more! She was super close to her granny growing up, who lived in the midst of beautiful gardens in Switzerland, and she would make homemade beauty products straight from plants. #dream8. The church we go to started several years ago in Jason's living room. It started as a bible study with no intention to grow, and now it is an LA church plant. It is so humbling to be a part of, and the impact of the community is extra sweet.9. The opportunities here are endless! I run into the most creative, inspiring, talented people on the daily. It is really amazing to see people with pure ambition pursue their passions whole-heartedly + it is so encouraging to see people walking fully in their skill.10. I love LA because Jason is here ha! It has taken me time to adjust to this city, and he makes it extra easy and do-able to feel like this is home.
The Influencer Podcast: My Career Path
I was so honored to chat with the lovely Julie Solomon on her recently launched podcast, The Influencer Podcast. It is an innovative behind-the-scenes community with successful influencers, bloggers and industry elites in conversation to share how they engage, persuade and grow their unique influence. Each episode is filled with so much insight - I have already learned so much.
Julie is such a dear friend and was the key component to my re-brand, which led to the launch of LSK, so it was extra special chatting with her about my career journey + important tips and tricks I have learned in the blogging industry from the beginning to the present. I also share how to create healthy business boundaries. Easier said than done, right? Listen here and check out the show notes here!
Ragdoll LA
I am just going to lay it all out there - I live for sweats, cozy tees, and oversized sweatshirts. My parents literally had to limit my sweat pant purchases growing up because I seemed to fall in love with every pair I saw. Even to this day, when I walk through our front door, I am in comfy clothes faster than anything, with a candle lit and a cup of Sakara tea by my side. With all of this said, my excitement when relaxing ensembles were deemed appropriate for public appearance was on another level.
I love when random decisions turn into the best realizations. My parents were in town last month, and we ran into Kreation on 3rd Street for a juice and popped into a store called Ragdoll. My mom and I were immediately lost in the effortless essentials - the vintage sweatshirts, the most perfect puffy sweaters, and the casual tees. The lovely founder and designer, Lisa Larson, came out for a quick visit, which made me feel even more appreciation for the brand.I have so much respect for family owned businesses, and I love Lisa's story and how she describes her brand : "Just like me, Ragdoll is a mix of European chic and slouchy Los Angeles lifestyle. From LA I like the very casual way you dress, and from Europe I love the aesthetic and colors. I'm a Ragdoll. I like to dressy classy with a touch of sexy, vintage, and rock 'n' roll."
I couldn't help but leave the store with two sweatsuits; the blush pink sweatshirt and track pants might be my favorite, and I couldn't leave without the classic black sweats and coordinating pullover. They are perfect for travel days, running errands around bustling LA, and they are oh so perfect for a cozy night in lounging on the couch with takeout food watching This Is Us.
growing roots in LA.
Have any of you moved from the comfort of your home town to a brand new city? It's hard and exciting, scary and exhilarating all at the same time, right? A melting pot of emotions in full effect. The unknown creates such drive and adventure, but at the same time, bursts of homesickness creep in. Before my move two years ago to beautiful Los Angeles, I had only experienced short term city swaps from Dallas to the Big Apple. Knowing I would be there for a few months created this ambition to experience all I could before I would arrive back home. Now, I am in for a new situation - coming to grips with the reality that Los Angeles might be home for life.
So how do you begin?PRIORITY #1: FRIENDSHIPSCorrect me if I am wrong, but the people that closely surround you develops the comfort of home. Yes, the local coffee shop or the running trail adds to the familiarity, but community at large is what settles you in. I must brag for a minute on my sweet man; Jason has been the most patient and grace-filled husband who has pushed me to grow in comfort with his already created California community (12 years and counting), and has been the one I run to to be reminded of how to make new friends. But, seriously! {enter laughing emoji}.Side note: as you know, it takes intention and vulnerability to develop new close relationships! If we are honest, it can be utterly intimidating and exhausting. My piece of advice: stop expecting friendships to immediately be the same as your life-long ones at home, don't lose hope, and enjoy the process! Allow yourself to be vulnerable + allow yourself to go outside of your comfort zone. That's what builds the depth and fights against loneliness.
I was talking to a friend today who moved to LA at the same time I did about two years ago, and we were confirming that it takes TIME to feel at home in a new city. The two of us have walked this journey together, of one day despising the traffic-filled canyons to the next day obsessing over the beach towns and stunning hiking trails in the neighborhood. The conclusion: we have learned to be patient with ourselves, realize the beauty around us and great progress we are making (even if it feels slower than we expected).
PRIORITY #2: FIND YOUR SPACESLet's be honest. It takes time to create a new home - to find and decorate a living space, to discover a new Pilates studio and juice shop, or your go-to breakfast cafe. Although they take research and test-tries, when you connect with a place, it's such a victory!
Moving can be such a hard, yet beautiful thing. Focus on the positives of the accelerated growth it brings and keep yourself open to change. Be grateful for the opportunity that takes you outside of your familiarity and adds more depth and strength to your life. P.S. It's okay to still have those missing home blues, too! The streets you grew up on will be home forever.
OUTFIT DETAILS //
splendid dress (c/o)| tom's sunnies (similar) (c/o) | superga sneaks (non-platforms, here)
The LO List: Lovemarks Top
Day 11 is here, and we have picked out an item for all the fashionistas out there! We are dying over these Lovemarks tops, so we thought we would give our readers a chance to WIN one. Lovemarks is a brand inspired by the idea that love is experienced through design, product and nature. The lightweight pieces are enhanced with fine trims, sequins, patches and burnout patterns. Want a chance to WIN? Find out below!
Here’s how you enter: Head to our Facebook page to answer this question “What style tops do you wear the most?”AND “Like” LOLO and Lovemarks on Facebook. To increase your chances, tweet @LOLOmagazine and @LovemarksCo with the #LOlist hashtag.Good Luck!!
Fall Must-Haves from the Girls at Kitson Themselves
Here at Kitson, we have put together a few things that are MUST-HAVES that LOLO Readers would like for Fall (at least we think so)! From Marc Jacobs gloves to J BRAND corduroys, we are so excited to start wearing these autumn earth tones. Take it from us that two tone shoes are something everyone girl needs this year, and what better place to get them than Kitson's totally rad online shop? Great news: You can get all of these items online today. Be head of the trends people!
The Story Behind the Blogger: Tracy Nour
Los Angeles is a city saturated with places to play, love, and see! For non-locals and residents alike, the over-population of awesomeness needs a personal perspective, lenses to look through to spot the newest hot spots (or maybe old ones that are super cool and totally loveable). So for you travel fiends and city explorers, fashionistas and personal style blog addicts, head over to exploRED in Los Angeles. After one scroll down the page, it's bound to end up on your favorites!Why did you start blogging?I started blogging after I moved to LA so that I would have an "excuse" to really get out and explore myself and the city. Beyond this, I wanted something to put all of the things I loved in one place. I love fashion, traveling, music, etc. and I wanted to be able to share this with my friends and family. I found after a month or so that my outfit posts were getting the most attention, which was flattering of course, so I have really tried to incorporate fashion as much as I can.
I was sitting at my desk at work, looking through some online shops when my friend leaned over and asked me why I don't look at fashion blogs. She immediately showed me all of her favorites and I was so overwhelmed (in a good way) by all of the amazing photography and clothing. I thought, "Wow, I could do this!" and I went out a few days later, bought a DSLR camera, and started exploREDinLA.
My favorite part about having a blog is having an archive of memories. I love going through old posts and reminiscing on what I was doing that day or how fun all of the different experiences were. It's really amazing to have a digital "memory box" versus the ones I had in high school full of printed out photos and concert tickets... It's also fun to see how I've changed even since I started. Sometimes I look at old posts and I'm like "I wore that?!" It's just fun...
My mission is to give people inspiration to get motivated, to take risks and do what they love. I think it's great to take risks in fashion and hopefully, through my own, I can inspire others to do the same. Through sharing music, restaurants and events, I hope to help others discover something new that they may not have found on their own.
My favorite restaurant, as of right now, is Echi Sushi. It's super casual, in walking distance from my house, and has the best fish and seafood I've had in LA. I get the baked mussels appetizer and a California hand roll probably 3 times a week... my friends tell me I'm going to turn into a sea creature. Oh well! It's sooo yummy!
Favorite coffee shop is probably Urth Cafe. Cliche, I know, but it's the best place to people watch and has great boba tea.
Favorite store to shop?My favorite store to shop is Kitson on Robertson Blvd. I love that there's always new stuff from designers all over the world, and it doesn't carry what every other store has. Also, I can't walk through without laughing out loud reading the quirky book titles and little knickknacks.Style icon?My celebrity style icon is Kourtney Kardashian. She always looks so put together and classy, but not boring. She stands out in a room and her outfits are always stunning. On top of all of this, the way she carries herself is beautiful in itself.
The Fashion Night Out Scoop: What's Your Plan?
September 8 is rapidly approaching, AKA Fashion Night Out is rapidly approaching! Who's excited for this national sartorial extravaganza? We are! In accordance to this big fashion night, grab your calendars, check your city, and start scheduling. Here are our LOLO favorites in the Big Apple and Sunny Los Angeles:[galleryview id= 50]Read on for more not-to-miss events!!MERCEDES-BENZ & DEREK LAM“Let Me C Your Style”- Mercedes-Benz and Derek Lam are searching for this season’s “Crosby Girl” to go along with the season’s must-have accessory, the C63 AMG Coupe. This Fashion’s Night Out, they will be hosting an open casting call for an awe-inspiring, effortlessly chic, confident, contemporary, style setter at the most stylish address in the world – 10 Crosby Street. Stop by Derek Lam’s Soho store and see if you have what it takes to be the next “Crosby Girl”. The “Style Panel” will be comprised of judges Derek Lam, Model Hanne Gaby Odiele and Casting Director James Scully. A DJ will be spinning beats inside and never-ending champagne and drinks will be flowing.
DEREK LAM
10 Crosby Street (between Grand & Howard Streets)
ESPRITKeep your shopping energy on high for Fashion’s Night Out by heading to ESPRIT in Soho. The feel-good retailer will debut a branded street truck outside its Broadway location, plastered with images of Gisele Bundchen and Erin Watson from their new campaign. Stop by for 40% off bounce back cards to the store and grab some Sheets™ for a much-needed energy boost.DJ DL will be spinning tunes inside ESPRIT’s Soho store to keep the night’s celebration going.
ESPRIT
6:00pm-11:00pm
583 Broadway (between Houston & Prince Streets)
VIA SPIGAVia Spiga will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out 2011 in their Soho boutique with the following offerings:
- Gelato Bar: Provided by Pop Bar, a special Via Spiga Gelato Bar will offer a unique selection of flavors to customers shopping in-store.
- Free gift with purchase: Customers who make a Via Spiga purchase during the event will receive a branded set of three custom Essie nail polishes in the Via Spiga Fall color palette (gray, raspberry and mulberry).
- Tweet-Up Giveaway: Customers in-store and online will be asked to tweet why they love Via Spiga on Fashion’s Night Out for their chance to win a free pair of shoes or boots. There will be a total of five winners, with one winner announced each hour of the night.
Via Spiga Fashion’s Night Out
6:00pm-11:00pm
487 Broadway (between Broome & Grand Streets)
DANNIJODANNIJO is keeping Fashion’s Night Out happy, lighthearted and cool with their very own DANNIJO Ice Cream Truck. Parked outside DANNIJO’s Meatpacking District showroom, the designers will be inside the truck selling jewelry, iPhone, iPad cases, exclusive items and giving out free ice cream to anyone who makes a DANNIJO purchase. Swing by for sweet deals and sweet snacks.
DANNIJO
7:00pm-9:00pm
423 West 14th Street (between 9th and Washington Streets)
HANKY PANKYHanky Panky will be customizing thongs and boy-shorts with RHINESTONES! Free with any Hanky Panky purchase!
Hanky Panky
Time TBD (Ends at 11pm)
Bloomingdale’s SOHO (504 Broadway between Broome and Spring)
HAVAIANASLocated both in and outside of the Ace Hotel, Havaianas will be bringing a captivating taste of Brazilian culture to Fashion’s Night Out’s biggest block party. Each customer will have the opportunity to customize their own flip flops with “Make Your Own Havaianas.” These FNO sandals will be sold for $25 and $2.50 per pin with proceeds going to Opening Ceremony’s charity of choice. Guests will be entranced with the authentic Brazilian market feel as a traditional Brazilian Fortune Teller will be on-site to offer color aura readings to help consumers choose their custom color combinations for “Make Your Own Havaianas” as well as giving out Brazilian Wish Bracelets and Havaianas tote bags.
Havaianas
6:00pm-12:00am
20 West 29th Street (Between 5th and 6th Avenues)
VICTORIA’S SECRET PINKCome celebrate Fashion’s Night Out 2011 at the Victoria’s Secret PINK’s SOHO store. Enjoy a DJ’s upbeat tunes from 6:00pm-11:00pm and receive a free limited edition panty with any PINK purchase while supplies last.
Victoria’s Secret PINK
6:00pm-11:00pm
565 Broadway (on the corner of Prince Streets)
ONLINE EVENTSPIPERLIMELove Rachel Zoe’s picks for Piperlime? Then hurry to Piperlime.com at 6:00PM on September 8th for an exclusive online event. Witness the reveal of Piperlime’s exciting new lineup of celebrity guest editors. Be one of the first to shop the editors’ new picks and score a special treat in honor of Fashion’s Night Out while supplies last.See the worldwide schedule here!