Meet Lauren O’Toole | Fashion Blogger / Advertising Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren O’Toole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For me, work/life balance is all about prioritization and organization. I think one thing that sets Brown Paper Doll apart is the fact that I don’t just focus on content creation – I have a full time job working in advertising. In my career, I’ve worked for top brands such as AT&T, ExxonMobil, Samsung and The Home Depot. My clients require an intense level of dedication and service, so time management is key! My work/life balance has changed in the way that now after my day-job ends, I’m just “punching in” for my blog. I choose certain days of the week to focus on content planning, writing and scheduling my posts, as well as any other administrative duties. I keep the shopping, and outfit shooting to the weekends! It’s the fun part! This way, I never feel overwhelmed by having too much on my plate and still allow for time to cook, unwind, and spend with my family. I’m also extremely type-A, so calendars, lists, and reminder “invites” are my best friends and the keys to staying organized and balanced. One thing that has changed for me in the years since I’ve started the blog is learning that it’s ok to take a step back when needed. I previously put an intense amount of pressure on myself to publish a certain number of posts per week and would beat myself up if I ran behind schedule. Now, I have a little more self-love and grace, allowing myself to extend my timelines if there’s not a partnership deadline, and truly enjoy the process of content creation. I started this blog to express myself and have an outlet for my passions – as soon as it starts becoming a chore, then it’s time to reassess.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By day I work at an advertising agency, making the commercials you see on tv, on your fav website, or hear on the radio. After hours, I run my fashion blog, curating a style diary of my favorite looks, sharing my recent buys and lust-worthy items that have caught my eye. To get to this point, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices – moving to New York and back down South to pursue my ad career. Moving to New York was the most transformational experience. What they say is true – if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Long hours, intense work demands, and tough personalities ultimately thickened my skin and gave me a strong sense of self during my formative 20-something years. Because of this, when I saw a lack of diversity in the blogger-sphere, I had the courage to step up and make my own voice heard. I’m proud of the fact that Brown Paper Doll celebrates diversity in all its forms. I hope that with recent societal conversations, we’ll see even more diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry and from the brands that fill our feeds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is such a dynamic and fun city that it’s easy to have a good time no matter where you turn! My favorite spots in the city include Storico Forza for fresh pasta, Bones for a classic steak house experience, and Lloyd’s for the best happy hour and Vesper martini in town. I’m currently pregnant, but as soon as I’m not, it’s the first place I’m heading! I also love to frequent the High Museum for the latest art exhibition, or find a cool concert for the weekend. Of course, we can’t forget the shopping! My friends and I spend too much time at Saks, Saks-off-Fifth, and if you follow me you know I always find the best TJ Maxx treasures, a result of frequenting every location in the city! If I want to be a part of the scene, you’ll find me sipping Sancerre outside of Le Bilboquet, making a pit-stop at Cos and Intermix. If I’m just hanging out and feeling low-key, you’ll find me with a $20 pitcher of margarita at El Myr in Little Five Points. That’s the beauty of Atlanta…whatever your mood, there’s something for you!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to two essential forces in my life – my mother and my husband. My mother is the most stylish person I know and has always pushed me to be independent, express myself and never settle. She’s also the best production assistant on shoots, shouting words of encouragement and attempting to tame my stray hairs. Thank you to my husband, the ultimate dreamer, who always inspires me to pursue my passions. He’s my photographer, my art director, my chief technology officer, and my biggest cheerleader. Without him, Brown Paper Doll wouldn’t exist.

Website: www.brownpaperdoll.com
Instagram: @brownpaperdoll
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-o-toole-5a836630/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brownpaperdoll

Image Credits
Photo at Shops of Buckhead by Cat Galletti. All other photography by Jason O’Toole.