Stripes for days

July 15, 2020

Even though I teach from home, I still make an effort to get dressed and somewhat put together.  If you are an OG reader, you know there is not a striped shirt I won't wear so I was excited to style this Striped Tye Shirt from AVON.  Yes, AVON people.  Not your grandma's AVON but the New modern AVON.  It paired well with my white cut offs and Tory Burch espadrilles.  This would be so cute on the weekends when we can go back to strolling the resorts in Waikiki.

Believe it or not, I have a small wardrobe, so if I do buy something new, it has to be a piece that I can style in different ways.  That's why this shirt made the cut! I also paired it with these medallion sandals from AVON that are also a true winner.  Here in Hawaii you can't have too many slippahs and these add a little more polish.  They are just like my TB Millers but for a fraction of the price.
I will be receiving the Gold ones soon and I am so excited.  
This is probably my fave look for a dressier vibe.  This is as dressy as it gets here in Hawaii for going to work.  Again the TB espadrilles or the medallion sandals work splendidly.  In fact, if I were back in the classroom I would probably have the sandals tin my tote to slip into them if it go too hot in my classroom which is basically everyday.
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This quarantine is a great time to support small businesses. 
If you need any fashion or beauty make sure to check out my pal Alicia's AVON shop.
She's been my go-to for years.
You can also check out her fun blog Word of Alicia for fashion and beauty inspo.




Summer Jewelry with Origami Owl

July 08, 2020

Happy Summer!  
And what a Summer it is in 2020!  Which why it was a perfect time to dive into a new adventure with Origami Owl.  Jewelry is the easiest way to get a little pick me up.  What drew me to Origami Owl is the versatility.  You can have one locket and give it 100 looks. Since it's summer I decided to just add a few simple charms.
I started a new IG @sealauraloves so you can follow my Origami Owl creations and all the other "things" I love.  You can still follow all my beachy adventures and teacher in Hawaii life on @sealaura
Mahalo!

Isle Style : Crochet Lace

July 31, 2018
Some say that minimalism can be a tool to finding freedom.  I have definitely felt liberated since getting rid of many of my items before the big move to Hawaii.  My next step is streamlining my wardrobe so I don't agonize in the mornings over what to wear.  Like most women I found myself with lots of clothes but nothing to wear.  And now my goal is to have less pieces and more options.  
This white shirt has been heavy in my rotation as I try to create a more minimal look this fall.  Long time readers know that wearing white is one of my favorite looks.  Yesterday was my first day at work at my new job and since it was just teacher meetings, I went casual.  I am trying to stick to solid pieces that I can mix and match and hopefully soon I can really do the 10 X10 capsule.  The 10x10 capsule challenge was created by Style Bee in an effort to get creative with 10 pieces from one's wardrobe.  I am eager to try this challenge but first I am trying to gather and organize my basic pieces.  
I've been wearing this top like crazy because it goes with just about everything.  It can also be worn as a tunic, so that helps with the versatility.  I've worn it with cut off jeans but regular jeans will do the trick during the work week.  The embroidered neckline adds a little something special to this basic look.  
Lastly, I will be adding a pair of birks to most of my island work looks because I can finally get away with it!   
Do you think you could make 10 pieces work for 10 days?

Isle Style : Pretty in Pink

July 25, 2018
On Wednesdays we wear pink!  
I've been waiting 14 years to use that line haha!  But I am going through a pink phase and this linen top is my new bestie. The lightness of the fabric is just perfect for beach life.  Wearing pink on Wednesday might be my new thing since I am trying to establish routines in my new home and soon my new job.
I recently gave Stitch Fix a try and got these cut off jean shorts.  They are the softest fabric and I love the wash, it's lighter than the ones I wore yesterday.  I was pleasantly surprised with the choices that Stitch fix sent me.   They pieces were right up my alley but the prices were a little steep for my teacher in Hawaii budget.  If you keep all of the pieces you do get a 25% discount on the five pieces so maybe in the future I will go for that option.  But first mama needs to make some paychecks.

I go back to work next week so this look will be reserved for the weekend, but I will def be wearing the pink top.  It is a a tunic that I tucked in a bit for this look.  I discovered the cutest Honolulu clothing company called At Dawn and picked it up there. Hopefully I can incorporate more At Dawn pieces to my wardrobe.  If you want to check out a cute white one click here.  It's next on my list.
What are you wearing this Wednesday?

Isle Style : IH Binocular Bag

July 24, 2018
Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a little bit of an explorer in me.  When I was in seventh grade I got a pair of binoculars and would try to look deep into everywhere I could in the busy LA skyline.  Those binoculars were one of my first prized possessions.

When I want to explore the island and not bring the kitchen sink, I reach for the Binocular Bag by India Hicks. It's made out of a coated canvas which is perfect if you get caught in an unexpected island shower like I did today.  Olive is one of my favorite colors and it pairs well with most of my wardrobe.   Crossbody bags are always key when exploring the city.

B and I love going to Ko Olina for Friday Happy Hour and then walking up and down the pathway by the lagoons. It is an inexpensive way to enjoy the island and feel like you are on vacation.  

What style of bag is your go-to for summer?

Isle Style : Gold & Black

July 03, 2018
Moving to Hawaii meant a huge life and wardrobe change. I bought this skirt with the hopes of wearing it for Christmas and even though I did not get to do that, I kept it.  My purging before the move was rigorous but I felt that this baby had potential.
 Although most people dress pretty informally I still personally need to add a little touch to my isle style.  When it comes t o my hair, the frizziness is something I am just going to have to accept.  I feel that Not showing you those imperfections would be deceitful as far as how life is here, haha!
This skirt is definitely a keeper because it is flowy and super lightweight.  Not to mention, you can't help but feel great when you wear gold.  I am dying to pair it with the perfect white tee and also with a white dress shirt.  I am still on the hunt for those tops so for now the black top will do.  
How would you style this skirt?

Isle Style : Minimalism

June 26, 2018
  I have been on a minimalism journey for about a year now and this piece has made the cut for sentimental reasons and a practical one, because it fits!  B and I get rid of stuff each time we move and this last move to Hawaii has made us become super light.  
When I was younger I wanted a big 2 story house with a nice yard and even dreamt of a huge closet.  But now as an adult I realize it does not fit my lifestyle so I am trying to live and dress for the life I actually have.

This dress is an oldie but a goodie if you are a long time reader you might even recognize it.  It's my wedding dress.  Nothing fancy just a little white linen dress.    
I am trying to keep my wardrobe to neutrals and light fabrics.  
Here is why:
1.  It will make getting dressed easier

2.  Hawaii is hot and light fabrics are a must

3.  I love the clean crisp look


If you are interested in dressing for the life you actually have, try putting on your clothes every once in a while and see if you feel good in the outfit.  This morning I put on a dress that I thought I loved but after realizing that I felt blah in it, it had to go.  I am sticking to pieces that make me feel good.
How about you?  


Isle Style : Beach Ready

June 15, 2018
The weekend is here and that means I have to be ready to go in a jiffy.  One of the ways that I avoid driving my husband crazy is by figuring out my beach accoutrements beforehand and then packing my bag as seen here

As a woman I get the whole thing about not wanting to wear a bathing suit until your body looks amazing.  But now that I've gotten older, I just work with what I've got, because I am lucky to have it AND live in Hawaii.  I bought this tropical bikini when the possibility of living here first popped up and it was kinda like my lucky charm.  I have some one pieces but the bikini is so clutch when you are traveling.  We do a lot of exploring and something the baño is not always available so you have to be creative and sneak in to all sort of places.   Therefore tugging at a one piece is just not an option when you are on the go.

Back to the whole beach body thing, when I first started my blog one commenter sweetly left me a comment saying to save my pics because I would treasure them when I was older.  Now that it has been 10 years of my blog, I realize that yeah... I am glad I posted some pics of myself even though I might not have felt the cutest and by no means am I an IG model or influencer.  I write this blog as my legacy for........ I don't know who... since I wasn't blessed with kiddos.... But for those of you that keep up with me, this is for YOU.

I guess the moral of the story is not to wait for the perfect body, perfect day, perfect life.  I have to remind myself of this a lot.  Sometimes the way we see ourselves is so different than the way others see us, for better or for worse.

Anywho, I hope you get outdoors this weekend and go on an adventure big or small it does not matter and make sure to take pics of yourself having fun!!

Manulele Distillers...

June 13, 2018


Even when you live in paradise there are those moments of “What do you want to do?” I went and Googled a few options for a quick Sunday outing and we ended up at Manulele Distillers in Kunia here on Oahu.  It is a very small operation but a nice little surprise for us, since we are still getting to know all the nooks and crannies of the island.  We took the tour, which is rather teeny but since we are newbies and got the local discount we decided to partake.  I am always game to learn what goes on behind the scenes of a business.


The tour guide, showed us their farmland where they grow lettuce and supply it to the local restaurants and hotels.  


She also explained the different kind of sugar canes and la pièce de resistance was of course the tasting.


Full disclosure :  I found the clear Rum to be super strong that it scared me off from drinking the rest of the tasting.  B enjoyed the dark rums which were the cocoa and honey rums.  I am a fan of Rum drinks but drinking it pure was not my jam.

Either way, it was nice to go to the middle of the island and check out new territory.  The views were super pretty and I love when I can figure out all the roads and how they connect.



The tasting takes place in their store where you can find gifts, such as coffee, chocolates, apparel and Rum of course! 



If you have a weekend and want to get off the typical tourist destinations, this is a cute little place to visit.  I think the whole tour and tasting was about an hour.  Because it was off the beaten path, the tours are small and when we went, there weren’t too many people.  I liked that it was not a tourist trap but rather a place to learn about the entrepreneurial ways of this company along with some history about the land.


Isle Style : White Raw Hem jeans

June 05, 2018

Although it does get hot here, I do love me some white jeans.  I took an old pair and raw hemmed them.  It took 5 minutes and now they are part of my summer uniform.  Another reason why I'm digging these jeans is because they can protect me from the mosquitos when I walk the boys.  I haven't had too many issues here so far, but we take the boys to the park often and the bugs are plentiful there.

To give the jeans a little extra detail, I left the back part longer than the front, just like the ones you will find in all the stores now.  I have really been trying to wear what I have or re-invent here on Oahu.  Hence, my "new" pair of raw hems....
I am still sorting through my stuff, it has been a long process.  It does feel good to have less.  
I've also dusted my Octopus Sea Bag Courier Bag and have been using it to run errands.  
I prefer bags that are light and can pack a lot.  Since this one is made of sails, it fits the bill.  
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So this is what I really wear on the daily, I want to be honest and show you what a real Hawaii residents wears around town.  In fact I threw this on quickly because I had to run to the post office.  WhenI got there, I discovered they open at 10am, so instead of going back home, I did an impromptu blog shoot.  This is not my cutest look but it is the real sealaura dans la vie quotidienne.
What is your current summer uniform?


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