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! 

last summer coral

I went by my new favorite store in Beaufort, Southern Frock, during my August travels. Last time I went in, I got the perfect wrap dress for cooler weather. Although I want summer to last forever, I cannot wait to wear it! This time, I found this dress to enjoy during the last few days of summer. 

Charlotte's is having an awesome end of summer sale with great prices on Jack Rogers. I snagged this pair to finish out summer and another pair that will transition into fall. I went in planning to spend my $100 gift card that I won a while back in their #CharlottesStyle contest, but needless to say, I ended up spending some of my own money . . . 

HMD pearl earrings from Mom // Southern Frock dress // HMD belt from Mom // HMD bangle from Mom // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Jack Rogers Navajo // essie bottle service

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

scalloped fair isle fox

I've been wearing this sweater for years, though its subtle elbow patches are currently on trend. 

I'd been eyeing this scallop oxford for months and was so excited to get it on sale after Thanksgiving. Going by the size chart, I ordered a small, and it fit me like a glove. Now that I've washed it, it fits me like a tight glove . . . but it still doesn't gape open like other oxfords. This is a quality made in USA shirt that I would recommend for petite women like myself.

I had to throw in the earrings--and a headband--with my order. Ever since a few summers ago when foxes overran my city, I've been into fox motifs.

Kiel James Patrick Ferress Fox Drift Knots earrings // Kiel James Patrick Pemberton Racquet scallop oxford // J. Crew sweater // hand me down belt from Mom // HMD Gucci bag from Mom (similar on eBay; I like this new one) // Joe's Jeans // Loeffler Randall flats

coral, navy, and Dooney and Bourke

When I really want to wear pajamas to work, I put on a long skirt or dress.  They are just as comfortable but work appropriate, at least at my job.  I was in want of some long dresses and skirts, which is tough because of my height, when I found this long navy skirt hiding in my closet.  It's a Ralph Lauren petite hand me down from my grandmother.  

I mean, this bag. !!!  I was pretty excited when the vintage Dooney and Bourke trend came around a few years ago because I'd been eyeing this one of my mom's for years, and I knew she would gladly let me use it.  

earrings - hand me down from "Mrs. B"

necklace - Moon and Lola

top - Forever 21

belt - hand me down from mom (lion is the mascot of both of our sororities)

class ring - hand me down from mom (we went to the same high school)

bag - hand me down from mom

skirt - hand me down from Granny

all photos by Lauren Winstead