forest musing
no sweat
summer wrap up
creative makers: lauren friday
Boy, it’s getting harder and harder to write introductions that do my subjects justice. I’m surrounded by so many creators in my life, amazing women who conquer fears every single day and inspire every person they know. I don’t want to start sounding repetitive but there are just not enough words. Not enough words. This particular darling of a gem is someone I’ve admired from the day I met her; she has always had a fearlessness about her (although I’m sure she’d argue otherwise), a confidence that was so evident yet still humble. She’s just one of those people who loves people and you can see it radiate in how genuinely she presents herself. I strive for that sort of graceful transparency, and I couldn’t do it without role models like Lauren.
Tell me more about what you do.
I currently work for a brand new educational business named The Callback Company. It is a company focused on training students of any age how to audition well based on their own skills. We provide Broadway masterclasses, seminars, cabaret performances, local showcases and NYC showcases to help broaden our students horizons and give them the skills needed to succeed in the professional world. We also help high school students prepare for their college auditions so they have an even bigger shot at getting into their dream program. It has been an amazingly fulfilling experience.
So what’s your average day look like?
To be truthful, I don’t feel like I have an “average day”. Since I have so many different projects, it’s all about prioritizing and multitasking. Every day begins the same, however, with a bountiful amount of coffee.
What inspires you? How do you stay motivated?
I have to find the tiny joys within each day. The small victories often lead to giant ones. I also have an amazing support system that surrounds me. I try to fill my life with the most creative and positive people there are and gain strength and motivation from their encouragement and talents of their own. Inspiration is all around me, I think. I can be inspired by commotion or stillness. The challenge I face most often when it comes to inspiration is being in the correct mindset to see it. I feel like as an artist living in this world as it is today, it is hard to take yourself out of the daily grind long enough to truly experience your surroundings. This is something I am working on. The tactic that works the best for me is changing my scenery and other elements in my environment.
just a touch of trend
I’m going to be real with you guys. There’s just not enough time to take a picture with a nice camera and edit it and all that jazz. But, I had to share this outfit because I genuinely love it and what’s more – is that I’m surprised I love it.
I don’t know if I’ve ever had a cargo pant and I wouldn’t call myself a lace-up lover but somehow, both of these work perfectly together. All from Anthro, as per usual. I think the key here is all about fit. There’s no point in indulging in trends unless it fits you to a tee. Also it helps that this look is all neutral colors aka foolproof!
Lace-up Blouse / Anthropologie
Cargo Pant / Anthropologie
Earrings / Anthropologie
Heels / Seychelles
sweater in summer
just one piece
One thing about me that (I hope) will always be true is that I love a good jumpsuit. I own like, 10. No that’s not an exaggeration. They are all different! This new one caught my eye immediately and though I didn’t want to like it, I just knew I couldn’t live without it.
I am also obsessed with this hair cuff because.. well, it was made for hair like mine. Absolutely adore having my ponytail look more than just an afterthought.
ode to a maxi
There comes a time every season when you see a dress and you just HAVE to have it. This irrepressible feeling is the measure by which you judge all your purchases. Say hello to the one that did it for me.
I would never call myself trendy, but this dress is undeniably “Boho Chic” which, let’s face it, is a trend that never goes away. I keep reading that the fashion world is at such a point of saturation that there are no huge trends anymore; buying is all over the place and everything that was once old is new again.
Don’t know when it happened, but I no longer flaunt my legs so midi dresses and maxi dresses are now my dress silhouette staples. I guess I’m just tryin’ to keep it classy and comfortable. The uneven hem on this particular floral maxi dress has the perfect amount of flirt, revealing just a little skin as I walk.
As a woman in her late 20s, my style is starting to settle into its true form. It’s more pared down than it used to be, with an emphasis on quality over quantity (predictably so) while still retaining an openness to the avant garde. I love a great pattern, but neutrals are my thing too. I love the classics – a chambray shirt, a pencil skirt, a turtleneck sweater – but I also crave modernity with some twists to keep things interesting.
her hardest hue to hold
sweater blazer / anthropologie
necklace / anthropologie
booties / frye
midi skirt / nordstrom
tights / anthropologie
sunglasses / urban outfitters
clutch / thrift