thankful Thursday: my LuLaRoe business

I usually look "hard" for my LuLaRoe photos, but once in a while, you can see a smile creep up in those moments when I realize that playing dress up is my JOB. I am so thankful for 

the opportunity to own a business. Not everyone can start something like this. My family and friends have been incredibly supportive by shopping with me, assisting me with all kinds of tasks, and offering words of encouragement. 

I never, ever thought I would be working from home. I have a master's degree, and I had a great career in that field before I moved to Georgia. My life has taken a different path, and I am so thankful that I discovered LuLaRoe and considered starting my own mobile boutique. 

Working whenever I want to, wherever I want to is perfect for our crazy life. I can go and do anywhere, anytime with my husband. I can book pop-ups and do online sales when Zack is at work; I can visit family in North Carolina while doing pop-ups for people there; I can take off two weeks to travel with Zack if I'd like to. Not only is my schedule 100% flexible, but when I do work, I LOVE what I do! 

I was absolutely a LuLaRoe addict before I became a consultant. These clothes are amazing! I looked professional and felt comfortable in my Irma tunics and maxi skirts, and I could easily play on the floor with my students. Now, I wear maxi skirts, Amelia dresses, and Cassie skirts to church, Cassies and Julias on dates, Cassies and classics, Julias, or leggings and Irmas for running errands. Can you tell that my favorite is the Cassie skirt?! I discovered LuLaRoe at the perfect time in my career and personal life. I had been dressing up way more than my coworkers, but I still had a desire to look professional and needed to be a bit more comfortable. I felt like the play clothes in my closet were starting to look kind of young for me, and I was about to make the transition from single twenty-something to stay at home wife pushing thirty (who knew?! not me). 

Now, I get to meet new people in my (still kind of) new city and share awesome clothes with them. I get to style outfits for people!!! I get to reconnect with acquaintances online and in person and help them find clothes they love. I am so thankful for this opportunity! 

Now, for the photos. This is a sampling of what I post every day--these particular photos show how I have integrated my Hand Me Down Style with LuLaRoe items. Of course, I have my own unique spin on styling LLR! 

I get this from my mom! We have so much fun together when I do pop-ups in North Carolina and she gets to tag along. I wish I had her helping me all the time!! 

Follow along with my daily styling posts on Instagram @lularoe.kathrynschmidt and on Facebook via my page LuLaRoe Kathryn Schmidt and my shopping group (where I usually post a little more in-depth about each day's outfit and also post items like these for sale during flash shopping opportunities once-twice per month). 

Contact me to have my mobile boutique come to your house! lularoe.kathrynschmidt@gmail.com

I continue to post all kinds of snaps of my life on my personal Instagram @kathrynschmidt! 

oversized Julia + Sarah

The Julia dress is one of my favorite LuLaRoe pieces. When I saw this print, I immediately had to have it! Since it is two sizes larger than what I normally wear in that style, I added a belt and a Sarah cardigan. I love how it turned out! 

LuLaRoe Julia dress // LuLaRoe Sarah cardigan // HMD belt // Jack Rogers Palm Beach Sandal

I got even more daring this time and went up three sizes in this Julia dress. It's so comfortable that I may be reaching for this size all spring and summer! When it heats up, I'll ditch the extra layer and roll the sleeves. 

LuLaRoe Julia dress // LuLaRoe Sarah cardigan // HMD scarf // Jack Rogers Palm Beach Sandal

For more of my LuLaRoe outfits, follow me on Instagram @lularoe.kathrynschmidt! 

To snag some LuLaRoe clothes for yourself, host a pop-up in the Raleigh, NC area or northeast GA or shop online with me! 

J. Crew chino shorts: red and blue

Last Wednesday, my mom and I went to the farmer's market to eat lunch and search for a plant like the one she had last year (seen here). I've looked a few times this summer, and we haven't been able to find one. 

We had an (always) delicious #notpaleo lunch at the NC Seafood Restaurant and picked up some peaches. 

Dan will eat anything. 

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic sunglasses // HMD earrings from Mom // Polo shirt // HMD scarf belt from Mom // J. Crew 3" chino shorts // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

Independence Day prep

The last few years, I've enjoyed wearing patriotic outfits for all of July 4th week. Blue and white is my favorite color combination for spring/summer, so it's easy to put together outfits that fit the week's theme. 

This blue floral printed scarf is my favorite hand me down scarf from my mom. Her hydrangeas have been gorgeous the last couple of weeks, and I decided to snap photos with them while I tried out a few looks with the scarf. I had a great outfit and hairstyle in mind (those ideas don't always turn out how I picture them) with a head scarf and my long hair, but I forgot to do it before I cut my hair! Oh well. It looked a little silly, so I tried the scarf some other ways and liked the big bow ponytail. 

What do you like to wear for Independence Day? Do you dress for the holiday all week? 

linen, navy, and green

My dad took these photos and came up with some creative ideas . . . I was getting ready to host a bonfire with family, friends, and neighbors, so I pulled out the fire pit. 

And let my begging dog in the back of the truck.

Moon and Lola earrings // HMD sweater from Granny // HMD scarf, top, and belt from Mom

pink, purple, pearls

I spent a little time in Charleston last week and took advantage of the scenery for outfit shoots. Behind me in these photos are the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (also called the New Cooper River Bridge) and the USS Yorktown. 

A very stylish friend of mine owns Waccamaw Pearls, the brand behind this beautiful pearl bracelet. After teaching in China for two years, she decided to bring quality pearls back with her, and she sells them at incredibly reasonable price points. 

Part of what makes Waccamaw Pearls special is their signature toggle closure. One side is imprinted with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "be joyful always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances." 

I'm very thankful to VC for letting me wear her pearls, and now it's time to start building my own collection. More Waccamaw Pearls to come!

HMD scarf from Mom // Kayce Hughes Willa Ruffle dress // HMD belt from Mom // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from Mom // Sweet Southern Pearls bracelet on loan from Waccamaw Pearls // Loren Hope small Sarra cuff // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

black as coal

Moon and Lola medium metal script monogram necklace // HMD scarf from Mom // Michael Stars shirt // HMD sweater from Granny // Moon and Lola Preston charm bracelet // Michael Kors small Layton watch // HMD belt from Mom // Joe's Jeans // Sam Edelman Alvin flat

what's from the earth is of the greatest worth

hand me down earrings from Mema // Nordstrom scarf // HMD sweater from Granny // J. Crew corduroys // Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots