Welcome to Style / Substance, a newsletter about personal style, confidence, and the psychology of style/fashion. We’re all about making your life easier and ensuring you present your best self.
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Back in October, one of my dearest friends gave me a birthday card. Her note inside read, “I think a lot of your wishes came true this year.”
She’s right—they did. It’s worth sharing this because they largely came true because of you.
Seven years ago, I sat at breakfast with a mentor who asked me what I wanted to do with my time and what my professional future would look like. I answered that I wanted to help one person feel really good about themselves at one point throughout their day. Styling would be the medium through which I would achieve this north star. From there, I set out to accomplish this goal daily.
What I didn’t expect when launching my business after that pivotal breakfast meeting was that the idea of helping one person each day would morph beyond picking out a great pair of shoes or finding the perfect jeans; it would spread into so many other facets of people’s lives.
Knowing this, and growing in its awareness each day, has allowed me to walk into hundreds of private closets and have the most vulnerable conversations with people… like about our bodies, including clients who’ve recovered from cancer and illness, women who’ve given birth, and some right now who are pregnant, as well as clients who are going through menopause, and some who have been on a fertility journey that has exhausted them, to say the least.
I’ve helped a client move into her third home since our work began in the early days of my business, and many others move to different cities. Held hands while listening to them navigate divorce. Hugged them when they lost a loved one. Have been there to support those who’ve become empty nesters and even support their kids to feel good about themselves through this work as they embark on their adulthood endeavors.
It comes in the form of working with a client to find a thoughtful gift for someone they love, sharing the resource to repair a not-expensive but beloved necklace that broke, or their favorite pair of shoes that are so comfortably conformed to their feet but need new soles so the shoes can keep being worn.
This work has taken me into impressive rooms, with the chance to share my research and insights, where I am surrounded by people who all have the same thing in common—wanting to feel good about themselves.
Every single one of us wants to feel good.
Life is so consuming; we all have different experiences and perspectives, and yet, the thread that runs through and connects each of us is this idea of being happy, feeling seen for who we each are, and feeling like our best selves. You can call it confidence, presence, or, frankly, you can call it peace of mind.
My wishes have come true this year because I’ve had the daily pleasure and privilege of being invited into so many rooms where I feel good. Where I’ve been welcomed. This has come from well-cared-for relationships, your support, and my determination. I continue to aspire to make each of you feel good when we are together, whether the room is in-person or virtually, even through this newsletter.
And with that, I want to thank you for your kindness, generosity, encouragement, and grace. Let’s go make more of our wishes come true in 2025.
Happy Holidays,
x Laura
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Gifting Beauty Experience
There’s still time to add cheer for the holidays. T-minus 7 days, in case you weren’t counting. For St. Louis residents, one of my favorite spots is offering gift cards for that meaningful beauty experience. The Only Facial makes the perfect gift for anyone serious about their skincare.
With the purchase of a Signature Facial or Teen Facial gift certificate, your special someone will receive a complimentary goodie box packaged in a beautiful pink box filled with self-care items she is sure to love!
The Only Facial currently operates five locations in the Saint Louis area: Clayton, University City, Des Peres, Sunset Hills, and St. Charles.
*This is a partnership post.
What are you wearing… underneath it all?
‘Tis the season for party dresses, sparkle knitwear, and all-around festive looks. And my question to you is, do you have the right underpinnings beneath it all? A fitted velvet dress or silky number can easily not be its best when paired with the wrong base layers. This department is one of the most requested in my styling practice… what bra, shapewear, or undergarments do I need, in particular, for special events? They’re often overlooked until, in some cases, it’s too late.
Not too long ago, I shared my top picks in this domain, and given that it’s dress-up season, I thought it would be appropriate to bring back the most-requested items so that you’re prepared… and out all of them, the #1 item is Honeylove No-Show High-Waist Short…
Honeylove Silhouette Bra (they have a sizing tool that’s accurate + comfy with no wire and provides a smoother back) // Spanx Perforated Thong (take your normal size) // Honeylove No-Show High-Waist Short (size up for a little room + it’s still smoothing) // Commando Invisible Rib Thong (more invisible lines in these) // Thigh Society The Staple Shorts (normal size + great under flowy dresses) // Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless (standard sizing + great for c-cup and up)