I’m currently in the process of doing some small tweaks to the site to bring it into 2015. In case you need a refresher, I started Everyday to Runway in 2009 after I had graduated college and was looking for a passion project to work on while I was looking for a job. Well, I was 21 and the main direction for design I gave was “girlie, pink, and scallops.” A lot of things have changed since then, and my life has gone from a high-energy, high power event production job in New York City to learning about health, wellness, and enjoying peace on the island of Oahu.

My life is a lot less “runway” now. I use beach bags more than my designer bags, I live in Birkenstocks and Locals (slippers, aka flip flops) and save my heels for the occasional dress up. Back when I lived in New York, you can ask my boss, I literally had a HEEL drawer at my desk. Yep, a full drawer of stilettos, wedges, platforms, boots just in case I needed a mid-day switch or had an unplanned happy hour to attend. Now, expect to see a lot more beachy, barefoot posts, bikinis, coverups, and workout attire, in addition to the style posts. If there’s one thing I learned living here, you can never own too many bikinis…

Just as in the past, I’ll once again be sharing my favorite beauty products, but because of the weather change, my routine has completely changed. I’m all about hydrating hair products, light makeup, and sun protection. Here in Hawaii, this is standard year round, but for all you mainlanders I hope to help amp up your summer and resort routines with my tips and product recommendations.

One of the biggest changes to this blog will be the addition of health and wellness posts. Since moving here I have gone through some major health challenges, and have found that I have a passion for alternative treatments for illnesses and ailments. I am 19 months gluten free as a result of my celiac disease. Celiac is an auto-immune disorder that affects your absorption of nutrients. By avoiding gluten I have eliminated a lot of joint pain, migraines, and other issues caused by ingesting wheat. I, in no way, suggest eating gluten free if it does not negatively affect your body. If I wasn’t celiac you bet your butt I wouldn’t eliminate gluten! I also suffer from vertigo and adrenal fatigue. With guidance from my naturopath here on Oahu, I have found ways to lessen symptoms through stress relief, meal plans, and if you follow me on instagram you might already guess this one, but essential oils. Expect more detailed posts on all this in the future.

I am so excited to share this new phase of my life with you all here on my blog. Writing brings me such passion, and I’ve made amazing friends both in person and online, and I can’t wait to be back up and running! In the mean time, tweet me over @LiLikoiLo  and follow me on instagram with the same name. For those who aren’t familiar, Lilikoi is an amazing passionfruit that I can’t get enough of, and Lo is my nickname, hence the new social handle! So stay tuned for new posts, features, and a new look over here on the blog.

Thank you!

I’m coming BACK! It’s been quite some time but I miss this ol’ blog. Everyday to Runway is definitely going to get a revamp but I’m excited to share again with you soon.

XOX

In case you haven’t noticed by my current radio silence, I have decided to take some time off from blogging. I have no idea whether this will be permanent, or only temporary, but it is time.

When I started blogging back in 2009, I loved having a voice in the fashion community. I would spend my open hours scanning Style.com, and twisting runway looks into more budget and office-friendly realities. Working a 12 hour day, then coming home to polyvore, and editing, and writing till 1 am was my way of relaxing. It was therapeutic to have a passion outside of the office. I met amazing friends from industry contacts to fellow bloggers balancing the work-blog-life scales. Blogger brunches were a highlight of my calendar. Spending my time scanning through twitter, perfecting that pose, instagramming every moment worth sharing, it was all things I loved and looked forward to. Until it became exhausting, a second job, a hassle. I felt like I NEEDED to get that post up, I NEEDED to hit that Google Analytic goal. I would get upset when a post I worked on for hours only hit a minimal view count. My excitement for sharing my point of view was morphed into a competitive spirit that took the fun out of blogging.

Around a year ago, I remember meeting some blogger girls for dinner. From the moment we sat down at the table, it was tweeting “we’re having so much fun” to instagramming the cocktails we ordered to “oh wait, don’t take a bite yet, my shot was blurry.” Almost the entire meal was spent digitally sharing rather than connecting in person. That’s when blogging turned for me. I realized how many people (including me) are ignoring their dinner mate for that instagram filter, or checking back their likes instead of actually watching the sunset. I wasn’t being present at all.

I honestly believe technology has become an addiction. And while I still can’t fathom being the person who doesn’t check their social media, I am trying to limit my use. Honestly, my boyfriend rarely even checks his gmail let alone his Facebook or instagram. I found myself being jealous at his lack of need for a growing follower count.

I also saw the change in blogs. What went from opinions and content shifted to ℅, gifted, sponsored posts. Many bloggers have their site as their full time job, so I understand why they jump at sponsored posts. But for a fashion blog to post about gum, or house cleaning product, just sounded so out of place on their site. Where twitter was for conversations it now is a way to share affiliate links to click to your pinterest to that “wish list” item that reallllly isn’t on your list to buy, but more like has a $30 commission rate. Instagram where it once was a place to capture a moment, is now a place to post your DSLR, photoshop edited outfit post, link to your collage, and once again, monetize. I found myself scrolling through instagram at edited photos, new handbags, trips to Europe and I wasn’t happy with my amazing life.

If you’ve followed me on social media you know I have dealt with a crippling health issue the last year. My health is what brought me home to Hawaii, it’s what made me quit my job to take care of my health, to replace brunch and drinks dates with 5 doctors appointments a week. There were days I could not make my own meals, shower on my own, or really even walk without assistance. I’ve finally found the light at the end of the tunnel with a diagnosis and will be getting surgery this coming Monday. To have these issues and yet have brands emailing me “Lauren, it has been 2 days since your product has arrived, why have you not instagrammed them yet?” Well, it was once again, pressure and exhaustion that I did not need.

In the past few weeks I have un-followed many on instagram, twitter, and beyond who post selfie after ℅ shot, after sponsored post. I have filled my feed with photographers, lifestyle bloggers, interior design. People who share a passion other than their selfie. I have moved on from the #ootd mirror shot, and I could not be happier. More importantly, I have put my phone in my purse and left it there. I have had date night without the phone on the table, I have enjoyed a sunset without snapping a photo, I have woken up and not immediately checked my notifications.

My goal for 2014 is to be more present in my life and the best way I know how to do that is to live in my moment, not others’ snapped online. I still feel I check social media too often, but I’m aware and I’m trying to change. For now, I’ll be posting over at LilikoiLo.tumblr.com. It’s a work in progress of a website, but it will be more general thoughts, feelings, photos not only fashion and beauty. I thank you all who have joined me in this amazing journey of blogging. I have met amazing people who I still consider friends to this date. Blogging taught me how to find my own voice and I hope it use it for good in the future. In the mean time, if you have a tumblr or love someone else’s tumblr please comment below with the link or tweet it to me, so I may follow you!

Thank you all dear readers. xoxo

Pins sourced here. 

A few days before Christmas I was invited to the Tiffany & Co store at Ala Moana to see their Atlas collection. The Atlas collection was introduced back in 1995, named after the mythic Greek god, symbolizing Atlas’ globe and in turn, making an impact around the world. I was enamored with the recent redesigned store, from the Tiffany blue box holiday wreath to the iconic color mistletoe, which I might’ve sneaked a kiss under.

Tiffany & Co has always been a jewelry staple for me beginning with a silver spoon for my birth. My parents collected little silver memorabilia that currently is still in their original protective teal bags. For my 16th birthday I was given the toggle necklace and matching bracelet. Since then my collection has grown from the open heart necklace to the initial pendant and more. So I am no stranger to the Tiffany & Co brand.

Now that I’m a bit older I’m drawn to more simple fine jewelry, and the Atlas collection exudes an air of timelessness. With the roman numeral feature and sleek designs the collection looks just as appropriate on me as it would on my mother or grandmother. The collection also ranges from sterling silver to 18k yellow, rose or white gold, or even adorned with diamonds. I had a bit of fun mixing metals when trying it on myself.

After a quick kiss under the mistletoe I left the store with that little blue bag every girl hopes to see under her Christmas tree. And now this beautiful bangle from the collection that has yet to leave my wrist. A big thank you to Tiffany & Co and Kim for the lovely tour of the Ala Moana store, the collection, and my own piece from the Atlas collection!

Photo Credit: Andrew 

Vampy lips, fall scents, and some items I’ve been waiiiiiting for…

1. Maybelline in Color Sensational in Plum Paradise
2. HM x Isabel Marant, sold out online
3. Banana Republic Knee Socks + Stacking Rings
4. Pier 1 Cranberry Balsam Candle
5. Alice + Olivia for Starbucks Ceramic Mug, sold out online

I’m wearing a black long sleeve from Banana Republic, a (new) vest from Forever 21, an (old) necklace and Essie Sweater Set on my nails.

Head over to my Youtube Page to see my other favorites videos, tutorials and reviews: www.youtube.com/everyday_runway