Laura has been a friend of ours for over ten years. Back in college while other coeds were out chugging beers in sweatshirts, Laura could be found in a fashion forward ensemble over a martini. She's a classy throwback. Her style was prim and proper with an edge back in college- think Lacoste, but always with a unique "Laura" twist. It's been fun watching the evolution of her personal style over the years. She was chic and sophisticated at twenty-two, and nothing has changed.
What is your current occupation/ If youʼre a student what are you studying?
Makeup Artist. I was in Advertising for 8 years (CU Journalism School Grad) and left to pursue what I love.
What (and who) are you wearing?
Tucker for Target dress, Alice & Olivia jacket, Kate Spade sequin tights, and Frye boots. Complimented by my fabulous Frisk necklace, which has a gold lion, which I adore because I'm a Leo. My lipstick is MAC "Gladiola" which was from the Dame Edna collection years ago.
Where did you grow up?
Yuma, Colorado. My mom kindly bought me every Allure and Seventeen magazine I could get at 7-11.
Describe your style when you were 12 years old.
I went through a phase where I only wore black and white clothing, including one black ked sneaker w/ white scrunchy sock and the opposite colors on the other foot.
How did where you grew up influence your style?
Because I was an avid magazine reader, while I only got to shop at The Buckle in Sterling in high school, I always had my sights on designer clothes. I still love Neiman Marcus! I always wanted things that were unique.
Who are your fashion icons? Who are you inspired by?
I love the style of Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, Natalie Portman. Women who dress ladylike but add their own personality. I also pull a lot of inspiration from the people I see around the city.
How would you describe your current personal style?
Proper quirky
Whatʼs a fashion trend/look you would never wear?
I don't wear much cotton or pull-over sweaters. Never turtlenecks or v-necks or orange. I only buy things I really, really love and that speak to me, so my closet is becoming full of wild bright things piled on top of one another with a textured cardigan or a scarf on top. I believe in quality over quantity, so H&M or Forever 21 aren't really my thing.
What do you love most about NYC? what do you miss from Colorado?
I love the energy of the city and having endless things to do, even if the best thing is a glass of wine by my fireplace. I really miss the mountains, though I wasn't much of an outdoorsy girl, I miss the view. And the air, such magical fresh air and sunshine!!
Can you talk about how makeup and cosmetics relates to your wardrobe?
I use makeup as an accessory. The pop of a red or violet lipstick (try the new YSL Holiday collection or MAC Amplified formulas) can turn an okay outfit into a pulled-together look. A little effort goes a long way, and makes you stand out from the crowd. Even if you're just running to the grocery.
Thank you Laura!
You can check out Laura's cosmetics work on her blog and her website. And she's an excellent resource for lipstick recommendations.
