Kate Upton for Vogue Italia: November 2012

It's too much—and it's just perfect.

-L

What's In Store (literally) for Fall

Can I haz it? All of it?

-L

I've got somethin' to say.

I eat gelato. And ice cream. A ton of carb-loaded Thai dishes, too. I don't fit into a size 2, or 6, or 8— size 10 only on a good day. 

(Photo by Eric Wimberly)

People tell me I have nice hair. And eyes. They like that I think before I speak, and take their words seriously every time they choose to speak. I've recently discovered I feel like a Mortal Kombat character while kickboxing (KO, bitches). I go on runs with friends occasionally, and I drop it like it's hot at Hip Hop class every week. My boyfriend says he loves my body. Every curvy inch of it. And I believe him when he says it (with only some resistance).

With all these awesome things I can do with my body, all the kind words people have to say about it, why, pray tell, am I not allowed to like it? Every girl I know is body bashing both herself and the girls around her into oblivion—as if nitpicking and judging others will somehow exempt her from the maelstrom.

"She's totally gained weight since freshman year." 

"My god, I'm such a fat ass!" 

"She's a bitch, but she's soooo skinny!" 

(Karlie Kloss: the latest photoshop scandal published by Numero)

We cling to an unattainable ideal as if reaching it will bring us peace. The reality of the matter? Body acceptance is something we should be able to achieve regardless of if we fit into our skinny jeans. 

When I look into a mirror, I have 2 options:

1. I can pinpoint every square inch of cellulite, decide my thighs are unforgivable; and my tummy, pudgy. 

OR

 2. I can look at myself and think, "Wow. Look how absolutely and irrefutably capable I am of doing whatever the hell I want. I could climb a mountain tomorrow. Or run a marathon (after some training, of course). I could sing, dance, frolic through a fucking field of flowers if I'd like—isn't my body stunning?"

Bottom line? We all have a choice: wait to be Kate Moss-thin to live our lives happily, or choose to be happy right this very second. 

Life is short. I choose happiness (and that second helping of sushi, thank you very much).

-L

A Breakdown of Nasty Gal's August Lookbook 2012

As far as online retailer's go, Nasty Gal takes the cake in every way. 

Unique pieces, affordable price points, killer lookbooks—all combine to make for a downright spiritual online shopping experience. Somewhere around page 2 of their "What's New" collection, I always forget how to breath and start mumbling, "Ohmygod. Ohmygod. Ohmygod," like a psycho. 

Ah, the power of fashion.

The August collection comes off as outlandish in this Behind the Scenes video, but when broken down, the pieces are quite wearable (though admittedly not for the faint of heart). It's Nasty Gal. What else is new?

That metal-plated Vogue trucker hat? Ridiculous (as in, I want to wear it right meow). 

It isn't available on Nasty Gal's site (yet), but some Twitter-stalking of designer Karl Alley revealed: they "will have a bunch dropping during next week."

Here's to hoping I am able to snag one—considering the buzz surrounding this hat, its selling out is a certainty.

See also: the Jesus Saves I Spend Cardi. Clever. And the Gina Sequin Maxi Skirt—my god does that thing sparkle. An editorial dream.

Shop the collection here.

But, remember to breathe while doing so <3

-L

Dancing at The Top of the Universe: A Skeleton from My Closet

Hometowns. Love em or hate em, we all have one. Sometimes a new perspective is required to appreciate what you grew up trying to escape. 

 

There's a spot overlooking my hometown in Washington that is unofficially called, "The Top of the Universe" by locals. From this vantage point, my city takes on a new life of gleaming lights and energy.

I've been coveting this skeleton swimsuit for awhile now, and finally splurged on the piece after brainstorming the many ways I could incorporate it into my fall wardrobe: under a maxi skirt, with shorts and tights, or paired with leggings, boots, and a long cardigan.

 I've been seeing a lot of denim-on-denim looks that feel nostalgically grunge, yet undeniably current. The denim cutoffs and jean jacket combination is my interpretation of this trend.

Deciding whether a specific "statement piece"is worthy of being incorporated into your wardrobe depends solely on one question: "How do you feel when you wear it?" As soon as I put this sucker on, I felt inspired—and emboldened to show more skin than usual with a pair of seamed fishnet tights I've kept tucked away until now.

The final question to consider when purchasing a statement piece for your wardrobe:

"Can you dance in it?"

Jacket: Nordstrom

Swimsuit: Black Milk Clothing

Fishnet Tights: What Katie Did

Shorts: li'l sister's closet

Hipster Glasses: H&M

Lips: Girl About Town by MAC

Ice Cream Cone: Dairy Queen

Photography by: Mecque Thompson

-Yours, L.