Friday, July 31, 2015

Butterfly Kisses







P.J.K dress {similar style here and here} | Elaine Turner cork heels {sold out, similar style} | Caren Lola hat {purchased from Souk Chic} | Prada sunglasses | Kendra Scott necklace


I'm back in Houston and missing home already! Aren't vacations the best? I always love getting to spend time with my family and wish we all lived closer so we could see one another more often. It's hard being spread all over the country, but it makes us appreciate the time we have together more. I love being home because I get to feel like a kid again. I'm surrounded by everything from my childhood, and my room is all pink and looks like a five year old girl's dream! Haha! Ever since I was little I've always loved butterflies, so I couldn't think of a more fitting outfit to wear while I was home than this playful dress.

This dress has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I got it on sale a while back from Bloomingdale's but I've linked two similar styles above. The style is easy and breezy, making it perfect for summer. I love the open tie back. which makes this girly dress feel a bit more grown up. I'm obsessed with this Caren Lola boater hat and love the detailing of the flowers and the beaded "Oh la la" - it's really unique and different. You know me and my accessories.

Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend! 

P.S. Be sure to enter the $500 Nordstrom gift card giveaway I'm doing with some other amazing bloggers! All the details you need to know are in my previous post.




$500 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway!!!

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Now…it's time for a fabulous giveaway! I've teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $500 gift card to Nordstrom! Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You'll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 8/7. Winner will be announced here. Good luck! 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Tropical Breeze







Old Navy romper | Stuart Weitzman wedges | Madwell panama hat | Zayver Jewels necklace | Ray-Ban aviators | Accessory Concierge bracelet | Henri Bendel bracelet | 


I have been waiting to wear this darling palm print romper from Old Navy for weeks now. It is perfect for summer and insanely comfortable. Plus, it's less than $20. I love finding fun, trendy pieces on a budget, which I am sure you've noticed by now. I love a great investment piece, but when it comes to a trend that may come and go like last weeks celebrity gossip, I like to be cost conscious and make sure I am getting my bang for the buck.

I'm always online shopping...way too much! It was great when we lived at an apartment building last year because I could sneak packages up during the day, but since we've moved into our townhouse, it is hard to hide my purchases from my fiance. He always asks me what's in the boxes and rolls his eyes as I run up the stairs. Haha! Come on, haven't we all been there?! That being said, Old Navy is a fantastic place to go for everyday wear and season specific trends. If you check their website, they have extra discounts almost daily, making it a win-win for both parties. I recently purchased a dress from there for $3 that you can bet will be coming to the blog soon.

Mixing high and low items in your wardrobe is as easy as 1, 2, 3 - never think you can't commingle expensive items with cheaper ones. For instance, I paired this romper with Stuart Weitzman wedges, and a bold necklace from Zayver Jewels.  At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what the price tag is, as long as you are dressing for yourself and exploring all your options!

Monday, July 27, 2015

Seahorse








ModCloth seahorse dress {sold out, similar style} | Havaianas flip flops | Dior sunglasses | Walmart hat | Necklace purchased while traveling in the Galapagos Islands 


Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and was able to get out and enjoy some gorgeous summer weather.

I'm still back home in Wisconsin, so my family and I spent the weekend by the pool, trying to escape the humidity. It is so crazy how much of a difference humidity makes, taking a perfect sunny day from enjoyable to sweltering, Yuck! Since I have been home, it was the first time in 674 days that Wisconsin had seen temperatures above 90 degrees. I guess I brought the Texas heat with me!

When I wasn't in my swimsuit, this seahorse dress was the perfect, easy outfit to slip on. Unfortunately it is sold out, but I did link a similar style above. The playful print makes this dress really versatile. You could wear this on a beach vacation or to a picnic, but you could also dress it up with wedges and an updo for the evening - it definitely is a great summer go-to. 

To complete the outfit, I added this gorgeous necklace that my mother purchased when we were in the Galapagos Islands. I love the mix of color in the necklace, and thought it helped bring out the burnt orange color of the seahorse print. During the summer you won't find me without a hat. I absolutely love hats year round, but during the summer they're critical for sun protection, and I absolutely hate having the sun on my face. I got this cute hat from Walmart recently, and love the fact that it is lightweight and bendable, which makes it easy to travel with.

I hope you have a stylish week and enjoy the last few days of July...summer is almost over!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Underwater Bliss





Trina Turk dress {capsule collection for Banana Republic a few years ago, still obsessed} | Zayver Jewels necklace and bracelet | Chanel handbag | Manolo Blahnik heels {previous season, similar style}


To round out the week, I wanted to end with this feminine dress by Trina Turk, that I purchased while living in San Francisco. 

Going back to the Bay Area for our quick trip to Napa Valley, made me realize how much I miss it out there, and also made me reflect upon all of the wonderful memories I had from my four years of living there (it is where I met my fiance after all). 

I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, with a degree in Sociology, but had always known that fashion was my passion. Once my four years in college were up, I packed my bags and headed further West to fashion school. I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. where I got an advanced associates degree in Visual Communications. I loved every minute of it and was challenged in so many different ways. It truly was a wonderful experience. After I was done with school, I stayed in SF because what's not to love - from the fine arts to the performing arts, to restaurants and shopping, as well as the active lifestyle year-round perfect weather affords you, it is a city that cannot be beat.

Although we've relocated, like so many of us have, we always have those special places, wonderful memories, and the chance of a return...hope you have a fantastic weekend!








Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Lost in the vineyards







Sugarhill flamingo blouse {no longer available, similar herehere, and here} | Vince shorts | Sam Edelman sandals | Melie Bianco handbag {previous season, similar style} | Accessory Concierge necklace


Happy Wednesday!

This post may quite possibly be my favorite so far! I don't know if it is because I am reminiscing about the great time my fiance and I had spending the day wine tasting, or whether it's the picturesque backdrop of the vineyards or this trendy flamingo top and outfit. Whatever it may be, this post just screams fun!

When packing for any trip, I like to pack with a color scheme in mind. I do this because it helps eliminate wanting to bring your entire closet with you, as well as lets you utilize your accessories to the fullest - one purse matches every outfit, two pair of shoes are all you need, and any of the three necklaces you brought along can go with whatever outfit you please. For this trip my color scheme was pink and turquoise/seafoam (as you can see in my previous post as well). 

This casual, but fashion forward blouse and shorts combo was perfect for wine tasting, as well as a day spent mainly outside in the heat. These white cotton Vince shorts are perfect for the summer and go with anything. I wanted to play up my Sugarhill flamingo blouse, so I added the pink belt to my ensemble. These Sam Edelman sandals are my absolute go-to's. If it wasn't for me consciously thinking of wearing different shoes for photos, you would see me wearing these with everything. I love them because they are the perfect nude color, and they're also insanely comfortable, while still giving you support, which a lot of sandals lack. I highly recommend them!

Have a great rest of your week!

Monday, July 20, 2015

Sweet Summertime







Forever 21 dress {purchased a few weeks ago, but cannot find online - here's sleeveless version that's very similar} | Nine West wedges  | Zayver Jewels necklace and bracelet A'GACI flower belt


What better way to kick start the week than with this fit-and-flare dress from Forever 21. Fit-and-flare dresses are perfect for any body shape or size. Dresses like this are fitted in the top (fit), and then loose and flowy on the bottom (flare), making them forgiving and complimenting. You can't go wrong.

I am all about floral prints right now, and this dress is a fun mix of my favorite summer colors, turquoise and magenta. You know I love my accessories, so I played up the colors in the dress with a complimentary necklace and belt. I got the flower applique belt at A'GACI for only $3! Of course I grabbed it in every other color it came in too! The necklace is by Zavyer Jewels, which I'm sure you've noticed by now is one of my go-to's for jewelry. Zayver Jewels is owned by a fellow female entrepreneur, who is also based in Houston. Needless to say we became fast friends over our love of fashion, accessories and girl talk!

My favorite thing about this entire look actually has nothing to do with the outfit at all, but with the gorgeous backdrop for the pictures. The pictures were taken over the Fourth of July holiday when we visited our friends at their home in Napa Valley. I cannot get enough of the stunning vineyard views and perfect landscaped grounds. I finally have all the photos edited from our trip and will be sharing them with you this week, so stay tuned!


Friday, July 17, 2015

Daisy Craze






French Connection dress | Chanel handbag Chanel espadrilles {similar style} | Prada sunglasses | Walmart necklace


If you haven't noticed, I have been all about mixing patterns and prints lately. This yellow and black striped and floral French Connection dress was a no brainier when I came across it at the Saks outlet. I was overjoyed because I had wanted it when it first came out, but I could not track it down anywhere in my size. Life works in mysterious ways, right?! Especially because I was there shopping with a client and not for myself - whoops, I just couldn't help it.

I remember wearing this color combo in grade school and feeling like a bumblebee, but I think the sizing and sporadic placement of the flowers helps this dress not fall into that notion. I feel like stripes are everywhere this season and always seem to be so popular. A rule of thumb I like to keep in mind when purchasing striped clothing of any color, is to pay attention to the width of the stripes and the placement of either the horizontal or vertical stripes - it can make all the difference.

Vertical stripes are always a safe bet because they elongate the body, especially when worn on the bottom (skirt, pants, shorts). Horizontal stripes are great on top, and you won't have to worry about the potential 'widening effect.' That being said, horizontal stripes, like the dress I am wearing, can be worn head-to-toe. A mix of thinner and thicker stripes helps break up the pattern, and placing  a belt at the smallest part of your waist will show off your figure if you're worried the stripes are 'adding pounds,' or the pattern looks too busy.

However you wear your stripes, know that they are fashionable year round and take a chance and experiment with them. 

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Desert Oasis






David Peck dress and clutch | Dolce Vita booties {previous season, similar style} | Forever 21 Leopard Sunglasses {similar style} | Necklace purchased while traveling in Morocco {similar style}


"To travel is to awaken," Lily Tsay

This Wednesday I am full of wanderlust. I'm spending time with my family back in Wisconsin, and we've been reminiscing about trips together, and talking about where we want to go next. I am definitely wanting to plan my next big adventure. 

Traveling has always been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Travel has also directly influenced my style aesthetic, which I discuss further in my About Me page. With jet-setting on my mind, I was inspired to put together this "worldly" outfit. 

This David Peck dress features a screen print from a picture that was taken in Marfa, Texas. I love the graphic on this dress. and think it's sophisticated but still a little edgy at the same time, What I love about travel is everything you come across in other countries is so different and completely unique. Take for instance this necklace I purchased while traveling in Morocco.  I bought it from a street vendor and get countless compliments on it, plus is looks great with this dress. This oversized clutch, also by David Peck, makes me think of an Aztec inspired piece you would come across in Mexico or Central America because of the pattern, as well as the medallion details.

Some of my favorite things to bring home with me from my travels are jewelry, souvenirs specific to each place/country, as well as home decor. My home is a melting pot of pieces from Africa, Asia and Europe predominately, as well as some unique pieces from the Galapagos Islands and Tahiti. More importantly though, whether you're a solo traveler, traveling with family, friends, or a loved one, the best thing we can bring home are the wonderful memories and experiences we shared together. 

Now on to planning my trip....







Monday, July 13, 2015

Pink Lemonade






Forever 21 dress {I've had forever, but here's a great and inexpensive one} | H&M silk scarf {similar style and would look perfect with the dress tagged above} | Giambattista Valli sandals {previous season, similar style} | Rayban aviators | Kendra Scott bracelet and earrings 


A few weekends ago, we took a fun day trip to Old Town Spring. This small, historic town is just about 30 minutes outside of Houston and is definitely worth the drive if you're local or visiting for a few days. There are dozens of quaint shops selling everything from fudge, to clothing, as well as handmade dolls and furniture. There's something for everyone! 

Whether your taking a day trip, traveling cross country or jetting off to a different continent, dressing for comfort is key when traveling. I'm definitely a sucker when it comes to dresses. I feel the most comfortable in them, find them simple and easy to wear, and they definitely are my go-to's when traveling (unless I am on an airplane when I definitely don't want to touch the seats!!!)  I own this dress in several colors and must admit, I bought it a few years ago and it has been worn hundreds of times - we all have our favorites. I've worn in Capri and Pompeii, as well as in the Caribbean and places in between. Since it is no longer available, I linked a similar dress above that comes in several different colors and has a great price point. 

Even with the Texas heat, I couldn't resist pairing my dress with this neon pink and yellow leopard print silk scarf. I recently was able to track down these hot pink Rayban's (they have been sold out everywhere), so with the pink in the scarf, I had the perfect excuse to wear them. 

Until next time!


 

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