A Day With Lauren

I've realized that I have a playbook of words and phrases that I'm constantly referencing in my day to day. Whether it's new people or my childhood friends, it's often quickly pointed out to me that I'm a rolodex of quotes from movies, music or people. Full disclosure: I know a lot of pointless information that maybe only Jerry Seinfeld would appreciate.

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Regardless if you have an elephant memory like me, I think people resonate with different words in life and like to have reminders of these sayings that have meaning to them. Whether it's a sticky note on your computer or words on a t-shirt, it's becoming more prominent to display these quotes or quibs in different forms as an extension of who you are and what you stand for.

I've always been a big fan of Conan O'Brien's "If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen". I was inspired by an Instagram photo I'd come across and decided this mantra I so firmly believed in needed to be framed in my home. I couldn't be happier with the result: I found this print on Etsy (find it here) for $30 and framed it at Michael's. Cheers to affordable art!

My dad is a big fan of classic rock and while we wouldn't admit it during our teen years, he gave us the best music education growing up. Let's just say while my classmates were singing 'Barbie World' during our talent show my twin brother and I performed 'Heart of Gold' by Neil Young. I love that music can be such a reminder about a time in your life or person; a certain lyric or melody can bring back a flood of memories.

Again, following my affordable art trend in my home, I framed some album covers that remind me of my childhood. Look to your favourite artist and you're guaranteed to find some album cover gems. During my recent trip to Portland there was a Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' album featuring classics like "Nuthin' but a G Thing" and "Dre Day" - if you haven't heard these on vinyl, you haven't lived. Hit up your local record store, see what you can find, and then frame your choice album with this (on sale now!) There is no Dre on my wall but The Beatles, Dylan, Young and Mellencamp represent my old soul well.

Unlike my taste in music, my taste in jewelry is something that has evolved through my twenties: I used to often find myself stalking up on costume pieces from the local H&M or department store bi-weekly. Like your taste in clothes, your jewellery style changes as well. Today, I find myself wearing the same pieces over and over, day or night. I would rather have fewer more beautiful pieces than a plethora of junk.

This necklace from Sweet Harriet Designs is my latest piece and I'm so happy with it! "Let's get carried away": I was immediately drawn to this saying because of my love of travel and new places. My bucket list still lists for me to walk into an airport and ask for a ticket on the next plane out of here. When I'm wearing this necklace it acts as a reminder to not take life so seriously, go with the flow more and perhaps worry a bit less. Styled for coffee or after work drinks - this will be my go to necklace this spring.

Words are the ultimate creative outlet and I think it's great to showcase a string of them that you live by, in whichever way you want.

What words represent you?

I love to people watch or people stare as some might accuse. What can I say? I'm a curious one! When I travel I always like to get a sense of the vibe of the city, namely: what is everyone wearing?

When I was in London I worked in the financial district and, without a doubt, I saw the best dressed men I've ever seen. Like David Beckham good (well, come on, not quite that good.) The tube would be jam packed and 30+ degrees, but the men would be standing there cool as can be in their perfectly pressed Hermes suits, cuff links, pocket square, and even their socks coordinated without breaking a sweat. That was the norm. The women, on the other hand, had a bit more of an eccentric style that often included jelly sandals so, needless to say, there was some disconnect in London's fashion, but overall, a very well dressed city. I've always been impressed with NYC attire as well, partially because you can truly wear anything and no one will be phased (j'adore Carrie). And in a city that WALKS everywhere, woman even Sex and the City it up strutting the streets in 5 inch heels! I mean if you're going to spend the money you might as well wear them!

I think many Vancouverites will agree that our city has a very laid back look for a bustling metropolis. You're not going to find any Harvey Spectors wandering the streets in three piece suits (sadly), nor are the woman in power suits. That doesn't mean there aren't powerhouse business people walking the streets - it just means that the guy in converse and plaid standing beside you at the food truck might be the CEO of the latest start up. So another life lesson I always follow, be KIND to EVERYONE. You never know if they'll end up being your boss.

Even with our relaxed feel, I prefer dressing up for work compared to my day to day wardrobe. It gives me a type of confidence that I wouldn't normally get in jeans and sneakers. I'm short, and I've always had jobs where I work with a lot of men; heels help to make me feel metaphorically and physically on their same level. Besides dressing for the job, I like to add my own style and definitely not stick to the typical boring work attire. Most things are fair game, leopard, lace, suede - in moderation, of course.

Check out my wardrobe from this past week! Spring is settling in so my black tights will go into hibernation again soon.

My final advice on the work day wardrobe is wear what you feel BEST in, you're going to be your best self if you do.

And like my slogan says, you can never be overdressed.

And thanks to my colleague for enduring lunch hour photo shoots!