tower top.

thrifted sweater, thrifted skirt, converse hi tops 

Carl the Dog is back!!!!!!!!!

What more could a girl need than that smiling pup face? That floppy tongue. GOD. All the joy of the world is contained on the sweet surface of that crazy pink pallet. 

Spent the early afternoon romping around on the roof of my tower. Throw your hands up for roof access, yall. Throw them up. 

Carl pooped up on that roof. Little rascal.

My favorite part of this whole outfit is my sneaker adornment. I've become partial to wearing little pins on my right chuck laces and this particular one is very dear to me. An intuitive little eight year old nugget gave me this bunny pin a few years ago, shrugging he said, " I don't know, it looked like something you'd like." Boy was he right. I love a man who can read my style. 

Here's to you little Elliot, wherever your sweet head sleeps tonight. 

Tips for Motherhood

by Traci Lavois

Motherhood Tip #8

Naps. 

Plain and simple.

On an especially trying day, its crazy what a little powerdowntime can do. Taking naps together is a way for you and your pup to recharge, refresh, and reset. Plus, there's just something about waking up to a moist puppy-breathed snout that makes the world seem beautiful again. So if your little nugget is trying your patience, or you feel a little flustered on the mom front, catch some sweet zzz's together,and wake up with a whole new, well rested maternal outlook.

this, you guys, is being a mother. 

photos by Joseph Guzman

...lavois

forever 21 button down, all the rest thrifted

Been on a weird hiatus from the blog world, partially because I'm a piece of shit when it comes to commitment and partially because my photographer pal moved up the coast. Shot in east LA today with my new friend Joseph Guzman, wearing my big nanny britches and eating spoonfuls of sky for breakfast. 

This blogging business is weird. Having friends take your awkward outfit pictures on street corners and bridges so that a tiny community of internet users can see how I accessorize denim clown pants... so here's a tribute to the foolishness of it all.

Motherhood Tips to come!!!

...lavois

#7

TIPS FOR MOTHERHOOD 

by Traci Lavois

Motherhood Tip #7 

The art of compromise, you guys. It's a delicate balance that can sometimes be tough to strike between you and your little one. When you find yourself, toe to toe (or nose to nose) with your pup, just remember there are ways to implement that "mom knows best" mentality without stomping on your pup's independent spirit. 

For example, Carl the Dog decided on a cover photo for his pup memoirs:

He said the photo has a very "hip" vibe with the background bike and his apathetic stare. 

While I love this picture of Carl I think the attitude is of a puppy who's too cool to care and I think Carl is a dog with a love for life, an infectious curiosity, and a sweet rascally streak that this photo (while adorable), fails to capture. 

But instead of telling Carl, no you can't use this hipsterpupapathypic for your memoir cover, I suggested we go over a few more jpg possibilities before we made our final decision. 

 An older picture, yes, but sweet as can be and I think 

it captures beautifully the universal transition 

from pup to young gentleman. 

The classic Carl Through The Screen Door shot is 

another favorite of mine. You can see his deep 

pup-yearning for adventure and freedom and his 

youthful spirit is evident in his silly pup posture. 

Growing up, breaking free, missing mom 

while she's at work, not understanding why I 

can't go everywhere with her...

.I think this shot accurately represents a lot 

of themes that are present in Carl's life and 

ultimately his memoirs.

This dapper pup portrait is another mommy-fave. 

This could be Carl's online dating pup profile pic. 

Sophisticated, cool, casual, and full of swagger, 

this pup is one handsome little nugget bachelor. 

This wee hours of the morning kitchen shot shows a lot about 

who Carl is as a pup and the ideals he believes in. 

He is first and foremost a companion and a son, a side kick, 

and a ray of childish sunshine for those around him. 

The implications of this picture are this: 

I will be here, to lay beside you on the cool hard kitchen tile 

at 4 in the morning while you attempt to re-hydrate 

after a night of bad decisions...

because I am your pup, loyal, tried, and true. 

No judgments, just love, and my sweet calming pup gaze.

And of course you can never go wrong 

with the sweet classic, bandana-ed lap dog pic. 

We are still in the selection process for Carl's cover pic. But we are working on it, together, give and take and compromise. 

This is being a mother.

...lavois

Braz & Rainbowz.

thrifted shorts, Good Will button down, Leopard Lounge belt, Victoria's Secret Bra (buhhh, yes) the oldest falling apartest boots

So for the most part, you guys, I hardly ever wear a bra. I like the way clothes fall better without one and let's be honest, it just feels fuckin right, ok. This is where my boobs are supposed to be, society, here in this honest and humble place on my chest, not strapped back and hoisted up to my collarbone where they can then be thrust into the faces of male mate hopefuls who want to buy me a gin and tonic and do that "im not really listening" head nod while I talk. I get that some women wear them for "support" or "modesty" (fear of nipples) or whatever, and I respect that, but places like Victoria's Secret fail to embrace the complexity of female beauty in their advertisement and product, you guys. There's something fuckin elegant about the natural distance from clavicle to nipple on a woman, sans bra. You could sensually snowboard down those lady slopes right there, man. All I'm saying is it's a lovely and gradual dip that can be absolutely ruined by a perky push up bra. Right? I mean, exactly, right? 

Anyway on a visit home to Texas this past Christmas I agreed to attend a NewBraDay-Trip to the mall with my sister and mom. For them, being conservative, well raised women who, Bible abiding, strap those boobs in, a NewBraDay-Trip is a fun lady day outing to buy a practical wardrobe staple. Not wanting to miss out on this prime female family bonding time, I joined, despite my lackluster feelings about bras in general, fueled only by my blacksheepdesire for the love and acceptance of my family. 

I exclusively shopped for bras that could be worn as tops. A bra as a top is the kind of bra I can get behind. Especially if it has two rows of frills and a sweet little bow. I bonded super hard on that day in December and this is my NewBraDay-Trip treasure. 

My sister was torn between admiration for my boldness in bra selection, and sorrow for my surely damned soul. 

------------------

...lavois

#6

TIPS FOR MOTHERHOOD by Traci Lavois

Motherhood Tip #6

Yep guys, you guessed it, today we're talking about potty time. Man's best friend? Pshht, more like man's furry bundle of responsibility and poop pick up, am I right moms, am I right? No, but in all seriousness I'm here to propose something a little radical in regards to poop scoopin duty. 

Change your attitude about potty time. Instead of feeling degraded, annoyed, or off put by the task of bagging up your pup's poop, use this as an opportunity to take pride in the health and happiness of your puppy. You are stooping to pick up the end result of your little one's digestive system. Its not just shit in a bag, you guys, its the feeling of plastic wrapped around warm life. And there's gotta be something satisfying about that ... about properly operating body functions, about a well pooped pup, about business as usual. 

This is being a mother. 

...lavois

sunday treasures.

Yesterday I went to the Hollywood Farmer's Market with GalPalKandice and CarltheDog. I got some delicious fruits and some sweet corn and am currently eating the bestpeachintheworld as I type. Carelessly, of course, with no regard for the growing levels of sticky on my keyboard. I once brought a peach to college with me as a snack and tried to eat it while walking across campus. Juice EVERYWHERE. My hands, my arms, my face, my legs, my hair? It was a snacking disaster but I'm sure it was amusing to watch me slurp and drip my way across campus like a doof. I'd say I should have just cut up my peach but that's far less fun than biting into the whole in my grubby little paws, devouring some peach tree's beautiful fruit baby like the giant human monster that I am. 

I found my best friend Steph's spirit sweater for $3! Girl LOVES birds and this magical parrot steph soul sweater was too good to pass up. We are planning a birthday roadtrip to the Grand Canyon where I will be presenting her with the the $3 treasure for her to wear during all our Mystical Grand Canyon Birthday Party Adventures. I'll probably have to break it in for her before hand, as any good friend should. Snagged two more $3 shirts, both button down and adorable.

Met the mastermind behind Monstertrocity, The Art of Monster Kat. I could not pass up this woman's booth. She creates this amazing monster art for adults that has this great childish imagination vibe. I fell in love with her style and purchased several buttons, sketches, and other trinkets. Check out her work, it brings back that nostalgic Where the Wild Things Are feel, combined with a dark playful twist. I love art that realizes the importance of imagination and youth. We don't really have to grow up, yall.

Finally, a smokin ass jpg of Kandice in this stellar bone chest piece, that were it not hundreds of dollars, she'd have adopted as her new sexy bone princess uniform. 

Pup tips and a new post coming soon my fox pals.

...lavois

today you're 25, i made you something fine, it's on the palm of my new hand

top i've had forever (maybe forever21??), thrifted skirt, thrifted belt, street vendor leather purse, urban outfitters flats, roommate necklace, flea market girl fork necklace

This purse is one of my favorite items to borrow from my dear roommate Steph. (so there's roomie steph and bf texas steph...keep that in mind, there will be a steph quiz you guys) Her middle name is Rose so its kinda just perfect. I'd love to learn how to do leather work. That stuff is like rustic magic.

You can kinda see my little fork necklace that I got from Flea Market Girl. Check out the online shop! They have some awesome pieces for super cheap! I wear my fork everyday. I love how dainty and wee it is, plus I'm hungry for life, yall, so its thematically fitting. 

Last night I celebrated my pal Kandice's 25th birthday, complete with Birthday Spaghetti, Birthday Cake, and Birthday Fifty Shades of Grey excerpt reading. A real quarter life celebration you guys. In honor of the birthday gal, here's a bomb ass Kandice JPG for you, interwebz. Enjoy!

Babe, huh?

No corresponding mom tipz today you guys, Carl the Dog was outta hand on this last shoot. But check back soon! Over and out.

...lavois

warm weather & warm ups.

Good Will t-shirt, thrifted embroidered belt, forever21 britches, hi-top white chucks

Gahh, my little nugget is getting so big you guys! We had a wonderful mother son bonding romp on this patch of grass park right off La Cienega. It's been 2Hot2Function in LA these days so it was nice to find a shady outdoor haven for a bit of pup play. 

So I absolutely love these britches! I'm usually not a fan of animal print but these are just so darn comfy and lightweight. (borrowed from gal pal Kandice). This printed tee was a Good Will acquisition that I ripped completely by accident but I kinda dig it. I also made that button bracelet with craft wire. I'm a sucker for a good craft project, especially one I can wear. (Which further perpetuates my grandma and/or coolest girl in 4th grade persona.) So if you're hankering for some button jewelry, hit a girl up. 

TIPS FOR MOTHERHOOD by Traci Lavois

Motherhood Tip #5

Today's tip for mothers comes from LOTF reader and fellow pup mom, Stephanie Murphy, who is a strong advocate of Pup Warm Ups, saying that "a family that stretches together, stays together." 

Before you and your pup begin the day, be sure to lead them through a series of stretches. We wanna keep those pup bodies limber and loose because we all know that a floppy puppy is the cutest kind of puppy. 

So take Mama Murphy's advice, start the day with your best paw forward. (a properly stretched and warm paw attached to a properly stretched and ready to go pup leg which in turn is attached to the rest of the super warmed up pup body whole)

*check out Steph's little pupman, Rusty, on her instagram: chephsteph_ 

...lavois

#4

TIPS FOR MOTHERHOOD by Traci Lavois

Motherhood Tip #4

At about 4 months is the time when it is customary to begin assigning responsibilities to your pup. Small duties, or pup chores, really help you out as a (presumed) single mother, while also  instilling a sense of self worth and purpose in your little one. 

One of Carl the Dog's pup chores is putting on the sweetest puppy faced stare when entering Starbucks (or any equivalent caffeine house). This way, mom can get her iced coffee without dealing with the "ma'am you can't have a dog in here" bullshit, because pup has just charmed the goddamned hearts of every 'bucks employee and patron in the room. Who could ask us to leave now? 

Pup Chore: Milk precious pup stare in venues where we are in violation of health codes. 

Allowance: A slice of lunch meat. 

...lavois

T-Rexxx.

Good Will dino tee, thrifted Levi cut offs (Leopard Lounge, Houston, Tx), Taxi Taxi (H-Town) beanie, Target slip ons, vintage bangles, 

Forever 21 ring, Inner Space Caverns dino necklace

This outfit would definitely fall into the coolest girl in 4th grade look that, in addition to sexy grandma, I often aim for in dressing myself. Snagged this awesome GLOW IN THE DARK dino tee from a Good Will in Houston about a year ago in the boys section. The wee little arm holes were too tight on my stout lady biceps so I chopped it up a bit. The t-rex skull necklace was a souvenir from Inner Space Caverns near Austin, Tx. (it took me an embarrassing number of attempts to spell souvenir you guys. Ima go with like 6 tries) Anyhoo, I was nannying for a family in Austin at the time and convinced the 3 year old boy that batman hung out in the caves so we could get a momfundedtrip to some fucking under ground caverns. It was so much fun. We didn't see batman but we did get a rubber band gun and a dino necklace with our "souvenir money"...so who wins now, Batman??? Score one for NannyTraci. (did you see how I made souvenir my bitch this time?) 

Aaanyhoo...got these super comfy slip ons from Target back in June and I've literally almost worn them completely out. They are so easy and functional. Being a nanny and doing improv 2-4 nights a week means I need stuff I can  live life in ya know. Also, my best friend Steph has rubbed off on me a bit with high functionality clothing. Girl wrangles two pups everyday (puppup, and boyfriendpup) plus manages a restaurant and gets in a few days of manual labor stocking the greater Houston area with pretzels and shit. She still always manages to look carelessly adorable. Girl works hard and plays hard and her clothes do too, you guys. 

Sorry to lez out on my girl Steph, its just she's my mainman, ya know? Anyway, Carl the Dog has had diarrhea and he wants you to know that this being a pup business is tough stuff. 

TIPS FOR MOTHERHOOD by Traci Lavois

Motherhood Tip # 3

Foster your pup's individuality. Whether its awkward sitting posture, a floppy ear, or a preference for black women, be sure to nurture that which makes your pup unique. One of Carl the Dog's personal little pupisms is pottying on asphalt. Specifically, right in the middle of the cross walk. Stopped cars look on and the intersection countdown blinks at us from the corner. My pup is a performance pee-er, you guys. Or maybe a thrill seeker, who lives for the challenge of crossing 3rd AND getting a piss in before the flashing 13 seconds are up. Either way, I dig that, little man. That's just who you are. And instead of scolding him, I'm gonna assume that like me, every onlooker is so endeared to this little pupnugget's middle-of-traffic-tinkle, that no one will judge me for the knowing smile and "good boy" that I coo down into his uniquely Carl the Dog face. 

...lavois