WHAT DO YOU DO?

In addition to running all things Preservation, I am also a photographer. I studied commercial and portrait photography in college and both are very much a living part of my business. When I am not at the shop, I am usually at Studio or on location taking or editing photos for Preservation and/or my portrait and commercial clients. I regularly go on vintage buying trips all over the Midwest and sometimes further, I visit NYC at least once a year to acquire the modern brands you find in the shop! I stay pretty busy, but I love what I do and feel very lucky to be pursuing my dream job!    

BEAUTY

My beauty routine is pretty simple. I am in love with all Grown Alchemists products and use them both day and night. In the morning, I wash with Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser, apply the Detox Toner, then use the Hydra Repair Day Cream. In the evening I do the same, but I switch out the cream for the Antioxidant + Facial Oil. If I have had a long week or maybe a little too much to drink the night before, Blaq Hydrogel Eye Masks are a lifesaver! I don’t wear makeup every day, but when I do, I keep it light. I use an Hourglass Skin Tint with a little blush, mascara and my fave Kevin Aucoin concealer. If I really want to give my skin a boost I use my Ziip...which is still new to me but so far so good!

HOME

I consider myself a nostalgic minimalist w/ a REALLY BIG closet. I have not always been this way. I think it sort of happened by accident, but I now know that a minimal tidy home keeps me sane. Too much of anything is never good. I currently live in a small apartment with my two little dogs Arlo + Remy. Most of my furniture is vintage that I bought second hand; I love old chairs, rugs, and pillows. I have collected a few special pieces of art throughout the past 10 years, a lot from the amazing artists that I also get to call my friends. Some of my art is still stored away (saving it for when I find my forever home). Good natural light is the MOST important thing to me, as I love plants and using natural light in my home as much as possible. I also think a good mirror is key in a small space...always gives the illusion your space is larger than it actually is.

CLOSET

I really do not even know where to start here. I wish I was one of those people who has had the same iconic style my whole life...but I’m not.  I used to wear my Grandma Dori’s hand me downs when I was a kid - yes, I said my grandma. My closet in my 20’s was all over the place because I reinvented my style about every year or so. Vintage has been a heavy trend throughout those years and that has not changed. I still LOVE vintage, and probably always will. I like the idea that no one else is likely to have the exact vintage item I have, and I love its eco-friendly aspect as well. If I am not wearing vintage, I try to fill my closet with special pieces that are made consciously, thoughtfully and sustainably. It’s no surprise this is how I buy for Preservation...which is really just an extension of my closet!       

- As told to Preservation, 
Nicole Lorenson was photographed at her home in Des Moines, Iowa by Courtney Clement