Easy, Breezy

- outfit details - 
top || GAP
pants || Macy's
shoes || Target
hat || Target
bag || Francesca's Collections
sunglasses || Betsey Johnson
watch || Michael Kors

You guys know I love my high heels...but every now and then I like to keep it casual. Easy, breezy. Dressing up is fun, but so is dressing down. I like creating looks that appear effortless, yet chic. The pieces used to create the outfit above might seem lackluster or somewhat boring on their own, but all together they create a relaxed, yet stylish, look. The head-to-toe neutral color palette also brings a sense of ease and cohesiveness.

I'm heading into the weekend counting my blessings. Sometimes I'm just completely overwhelmed by the love and favor of God. I encourage you to stop and take a few moments to thank God for all of your blessings - you'll be amazed by how many you start naming once you start...Happy Friday! 

Military-Minded

- outfit details - 
jacket || H&M
top || Target
pants || Target
shoes || Rampage (via Ross)
clutch || J. Crew
sunglasses || Forever 21
necklace || Forever 21
statement ring || Dillard's
watch || Michael Kors 

The military trend is continually a favorite trend of mine. No matter the season, I like experimenting with different ways to incorporate this trend into my style. To avoid looking overly masculine when going for a military-inspired look, I try to bring balance with some feminine accessories &/or fabrics. For example, the jewelry & top I'm wearing in the outfit above help feminize an otherwise masculine-looking outfit. The colors often associated with military-inspired fashion (hunter green, black, gray, khaki, navy, burgundy, etc.) make the trend very versatile, as pieces can be easily mixed & matched.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Nautical Inspiration

- outfit details -
top || J. Crew
shorts || Old Navy
sandals || Old Navy
clutch || J. Crew
necklace || Charlotte Russe
watch || Michael Kors
ring || H&M
nail color || "Clambake" by Essie

I'm amazed by how fast the month of August has flown by...why must summer always feel like the quickest season? While I am looking forward to stylish scarves, cozy sweaters, & boots of all styles for the fall season, I'll miss summer fashion's "little things" like white denim shorts, ankle-strap sandals, & nautical inspiration!

I'm still finding my way in establishing a new "life routine" post-wedding, & I still have a strong desire to see this blog be very much apart of that routine. A mission trip to Haiti, preparation for a best friend's wedding, & recording an album with my band are just a few of the things that consumed my summer, not to mention adjusting to (and LOVING) married life. {Reed & I are approaching 4 months in a few days!} My life feels like it's moving so fast, yet it feels so full. Having this blog to halfway keep track of it all will be something I know I'll look back on in the future with gratitude.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Have a beautiful weekend!

"Own You're Beautiful"

This past weekend my band, Warr Acres, led worship for our home church's (Victory Church) women's conference, the Beautiful Conference. I look forward to this conference every year and am continually amazed by the way each conference surpasses the one before! The theme of this year's conference was "Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful". I was aware of the theme a few months prior and was inspired to write a song that encompassed the message behind it. I eventually shared it with the conference leaders and they graciously encouraged me to sing the song at the conference. I was humbled by the response I received and regret not having an official recording to share, but the least I can do is post the lyrics! I will be the first to admit that I struggle with comparison and insecurities. Even though I wrote this song with a women's conference in mind, it's a personal reminder for me personally to embrace and love the person that God has created me to be! I hope it will do the same for you! 

"Own You're Beautiful"
- by Lael (© 2013)

[verse 1]
All the flaws we find
Beauty in disguise
How our eyes deceive
Hindered by the way
We compare our place
Longing to be free

[chorus]
Every heart is a miracle
Be your own kind of beautiful
Every risk you take is more than worth it
Live your dreams and know your purpose calls for original
So embrace the unusual
Every difference holds a greater fortune
Know your worth and own you're beautiful
You're beautiful

[verse 2]
See that girl in need
Pull her to her feet
Lift her head and say
"You were made for more
I've been here before
Here's the One who saves"

[bridge]
Don't be found in the crowd on the sidelines
Don't be swayed and afraid of the spotlight
Don't pretend to fit in when you're made to shine

I can't believe I get to make music and lead worship with this amazing group!
I love my Warr Acres family!

My pastor and hero, Jennifer Crow, was one of the featured speakers
at the conference. She continually inspires me!

This gorgeous gal, Kristy Starling, has the biggest voice and an even bigger heart!
She's taught me so much about singing & worship leading.  

The conference ended with a powerful moment that can be summarized
by remembering that amidst the chaos and confusion of this world, hope will rise.
This is also the title of my band's upcoming album and one of our songs.
The album will be releasing on October 29th.