Overhaul. Revitalization. Humble Fat.

So obviously I've been gone awhile.  This is just like my diaries and journals I had growing up.  I would write an entry, swear to myself to do it regularly, and then not touch it for oh...2 years.  Sound familiar?

Also, in true Lauren fashion, I'm deciding to pick this up right as I go back to work after summer vacation.  That's right, summer vacation where I had ALL day and EVERY day to do nothing.  But all this time to waste time is what brings me here, at my kitchen table on a Sunday before I start work with nothing but my cat, coffee, and computer to join me.

In the last 2 years I've ridden a wave of loss, acceptance, grief, love, and happiness.  The things that make me happy are endless at this point.  My best friend and I fell in love with each other and it's magic. We moved to Downtown L.A. and in not-quite-a-year of living here we've experienced the strangest social interactions/observations we ever have in our lives.  Downtown is going through a revitalization of culture, art, food, and well....crackheads.  There are 10,000 homeless alone in Downtown.  It's heartbreaking, staggering, and intriguing all at the same time.  It's toughened me up a bit (I'm a scaredy cat who doesn't do well with confrontational situations or weird people in my space.  I grew up in Orange County.  What do you expect?) and at the same time continually reminds me of how lucky I am to have a bed with soft pillows, a roof over my head, and a kitchen full of expired food that I swore I would eat when I bought it.  I'm always strangely out of wine, however. Interesting.

As with the revitalization of most major cities, the people revitalizing it are usually the creative, artsy, risk-takers who aren't afraid to try new things...be it a loft next to Skid Row or amazing fashion.  I've been surrounded by these risk-takers and inspired by their fearless fashion.  Add an intense love affair with Pinterest and fashion bloggers and you have this point...

I've decided that the focus of my blog is going to be fashion that makes me happy.  I'm in the midst of a fashion overhaul.  I'm drawn to grey, black, and denim.  Solid colors.  Comfort. And cheap. Cheap. Cheap.  I'm ready to try things anew: bold colors from my head to my toes, interesting patterns, and strange pairings that somehow work (like french fries dipped in chocolate malts).  The only thing staying the same is cheap, cheap, cheap.  Did I mention I'm a teacher?

Disclaimer: I may also have to overhaul my wardrobe since this constant state of happiness has also come with 15 extra pounds.  Happy fat is what some people call it.  I call it "The-heavens'-way-of-reminding-you-you-can't-have-everything-fat."  Hence- humble fat.  Granted, I needed to gain the weight.  All the stress from the last few years just melted me away.  But I promise you this: It never feels good when you can't fit in your clothes.  Ever.  It doesn't matter how skinny you are, or the fact that you're going from a size 0 to a size 4.  IT NEVER FEELS GOOD WHEN YOU DON'T FIT INTO YOUR CLOTHES. Moving on.

So I'm probably not going to dress in an outfit and pose (humble fat reminder), but I'm hoping to post pictures of new finds I've purchased, wishlist items, and inspiration pictures.  Any and all comments from my 4 readers are welcome.  Even, "Girl...go back to grey, black and denim."

Here goes...