Monday, August 31, 2015

Cranberry Bliss







H&M cropped pant {similar style herehere and here} | H&M peplum top {similar style here and here | Banana Republic trench coat {similar style here} | H&M necklace {in store, similar style} | Prada Saffiano handbag


August is officially coming to an end. Can you believe it is the last day of the month? Crazy!

With Fall right around the corner, I am definitely looking forward to some cooler temps here in Texas. With cooler temperatures, you find the need to bring out one of my favorite must-have accessories, coats! I LOVE coats. Is that normal? I'm not sure, but I have an entire section in my closet solely devoted to outerwear. I. Can't. Get. Enough. Plus, they're practical and a staple you're going to have in your wardrobe forever. 

My sister bought me this shocking pink trench coat from Banana Republic for Christmas a few years ago (we actually have matching ones). Although it's no longer available, I found some similar options herehere and here (I'm kind of obsessed with this one). I love it because it is pink, of course, but trench coats are extremely versatile and timeless. They also pair perfectly with both pants and skirts/dresses. Trench coats are a great weight, and the perfect layer once the weather begins to shift. If you don't have one in your closet yet, you need to consider investing in one. They have a wide price range, and it doesn't have to be expensive to look chic.  Be mindful to pick one that has a lining and that falls right above the knee, anything below looks a bit more masculine and won't accentuate your figure as much. 

Have a great day! I'm looking forward to seeing you Wednesday.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Rebecca Minkoff & Karen Walker Giveaway

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 Rebecca Minkoff purse + Karen Walker Sunglasses! Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You'll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 9/11. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

Cinnamon Blues







David Peck blazer and plaid blouse Frame Denim jeans | Valentino rockstud heels {similar style} | Hermes belt | Kendra Scott earrings


Hello, Friday!!! The weekend couldn't have come soon enough. Although, I have to admit that my days have been flip flopped and have blended together the past week and a half - I blame the pain killers. Luckily life is getting back on track, and even though it isn't back to normal yet, I am taking it day by day, and doing just a little bit more everyday. 

These photos were taken in front of new Houston restaurant and hotspot, La Grange. This Mexican restaurant and bar is located in the heart Montrose, and I've been there at least a dozen times since it opened. Everything is delicious - from their margaritas to their salsa trio and enchiladas, you can't go wrong.

I was inspired by their regional cuisine when I put this perfect causal Friday look together. I love how the cinnamon colored blazer and plaid blouse, both from David Peck, compliment the rust metal backdrop.  I love the autumn feel and color scheme of this outfit as we approach the end of the summer season, and gear up for Fall. The lighter wash and rips on these Frame Denim jeans, are the perfect counterpart to make the blazer and blouse feel a bit more relaxed and causal. 

I hope you enjoy the last few days of August and have a wonderful weekend! If you are in the Houston area, be sure to not miss David Peck's annual studio sale which starts today. I was lucky enough to pre-shop the sale on Monday and left with several pieces. Adam even bought me a yellow dress I had been eyeing for the past month as a get well gift (best fiance ever)!! This sale only happens once a year, so definitely don't miss it.  Everything is on sale, starting at $29 and up. Gowns and most ready-to-wear items are priced at 50% off (like my blazer above), so I dare you to leave empty handed.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Canon Rebel & Kate Spade Giveaway - Enter Now!





A group of fabulous bloggers and yours truly have teamed up to bring you another fabulous giveaway. We're so grateful for all your support! We're rewarding one precious follower with a grand package worth $1,500! The package includes a Canon Rebel camera body, 2 lenses, strap, camera bag, tutorial DVD, and other camera accessories. PLUS a Kate Spade handbag and wallet with chain. Open to international contestants but international winner will be responsible for shipping and applicable custom fees to be paid prior to shipping. Contest ends on September 6th, 2015.




Canon Rebel Package + Kate Spade

Pattern Play







Dress {purchased at a boutique a few years ago, great similar styles herehere and here} | Marc Jacobs gladiator sandal {previous season, similar style} | GiGi New York Uber clutch | Zayver Designs cuff bracelet | Kendra Scott ring


I am still a bit under the weather from surgery, and have barely left the house since last week. A few quick outings here and there, but basically I have been sleeping non-stop. I am not one who likes to sit still for long, so when I was told I needed lots of 'rest,' and 'relaxation,' I thought no way! - boy, was I wrong. Luckily, I am officially off my painkillers, and hopefully once I get my cast off later today, life will start to have its normal routine once again (I am definitely a character of habit). 

I'm certain I am stating the obvious, but life truly is so unexpected, it is hard ever predict what is going to happen. I used to push back on this notion as hard as I could, but as I've gotten older (you know, to the ripe age of 28! haha) I've learned my best to try to take whatever comes my way in stride. Life is so chaotic right now from having surgery, to moving in less than a month, that I've needed to remind myself of this a lot lately. No matter what happens on any given day, there's always a small positive to come out of even the worst day. 

When Adam and I sit down to dinner every night, whether it is at the dinner table or on the couch to watch our favorite tv show with take out Chinese, we always talk about the high and low of our day. It is a great way to reflect, and some days you may have had so many highs that the low is almost laughable, and other days, maybe the random person holding the door open for you was as good as it got. Mahatma Gandhi said, "The future depends on what you do today."   

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday, and start and end it with a smile - that's always your best accessory!

Monday, August 24, 2015

Taking it to the Maxi







Old Navy maxi dress and flip flops | Chanel handbag {similar style} | Charming Charlie necklace {similar style} | Henri Bendel cuff | Accessory Concierge spiked bracelet | Golden Bear earrings 


Good morning and happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend. My weekend was very low key after having surgery late last week. I've been suffering from a lot of pain in my left wrist, and the MRI and X-rays weren't turning anything up, so I needed to do a scope to find out what was causing me the pain. They found a large cyst that hadn't shown up on the previous MRI, which apparently happens sometimes. I am so grateful and relieved to know that they found the culprit and hopefully I will be completely pain free in a few weeks. Right now I'm suffering from post surgery pain, but thankfully the pain killers and a lot of rest are helping. 

I have been in a splint/cast since last Thursday, but luckily I'll be getting it off this Wednesday (ya!!!). It has been such a challenge to do things with only one arm - the things we take for granted. Luckily Adam took a few days off work, and has been here to help me with anything and everything. He's truly the best, and I couldn't have gotten through the last few days without him. Who would have fed me ice cream?!

Enough on that, and onto fashion! I took this photo pre-surgery to spare you my over sized cast that is like an extra appendage. I scored this dress from Old Navy for $3!! Yep, that's right. I'm constantly getting email updates from them on special sales and promotions. Who can say no to a discount? I love, love, LOVE a great sale!

In my experience, maxi dresses are either too clingy and tight or else are too loose and don't allow you to show off your shape. I wanted to accent my waist so I added a belt, but this dress looks great without a belt too - a win, win. Dressed up or down, maxis are great transitional pieces and something you can take from day to night. 

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Friday, August 21, 2015

Cut the Crop








Forever 21 crop top and skirt {similar here + here} | Elaine Turner heels {same style, different color} | H&M necklace {similar style} | P.S. Besitos Phantom of the Opera book clutch {  Houston boutique Souk Chic}


This Friday, I am sharing some date night outfit inspiration with you!

Remember in one of my previous posts how I mentioned palm print was one of the biggest prints this season? Well, this palm print crop top and matching midi-skirt from Forever 21, has been one of my favorite looks this summer. I have to admit I've actually worn it on a few date nights. Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it, right?

The crop top exposes just the right amount of midriff, and is balanced out with the length of the skirt - you always want to leave something to the imagination! You could also wear this skirt with a plain white tank top and jean jacket for a more casual vibe, or with a matching green blouse and white sport coat for the office. Crop tops also work well with high waisted jeans or shorts.

 Whether your going to a movie, a fancy dinner, or playing a round of golf, it is always important to make time for your partner, and of course, dress for the occasion. 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Caffeine Fix






Forever 21 shorts and t-shirt {similar style} | Hermes belt | Balenciaga handbag | Saks Fifth Avenue hat {similar style} | Sam Edelman sandals {my favorite!!!}


First, I need coffee! This graphic tee from Forever 21 says it all this Wednesday morning. I must admit, I am actually not a huge coffee drinker, but love a grande skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks when I do have it. 

Instead of starting off my day with a morning cup of Joe, I love juicing. I come up with my own creations, and I feel like it's best to use whatever produce is in season. My favorite juice to make right now is a blend of spinach, apples, banana, chia seeds and a dab of cinnamon and honey. Using the last two items definitely cuts out any leafy flavor. I have been amazed how much it fills me up, enough that I need to remind myself at noon that it's lunchtime! I definitely am not the healthiest eater, even though I try to be, so this helps ensure that I'm having some of my fruit and veggies. Plus, it tastes delicious. 

I'd love to know your juicing recipes and what makes up your morning routine. It is, as they say the most important part of the day!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Pineapples and Polka Dots







Maison Jules pineapple dress | Valentino Rock Stud heels {similar style} | GiGi New York clutch | Diane von Furstenberg sunglasses | Charming Charlie necklace | Bracelet purchased while traveling in Barbados 


How fun is the print on this dress?! I love the pineapple trend right now, and the mix of polka dots is too cute. Polka dots never seem to go out of style, but recently they definitely have had a way of looking more mature, instead of childish. 

The navy color of this Maison Jules fit-and-flare dress is the perfect way to transition a fun, summer print into Fall. Fall is my favorite time of year, when the leaves start to change and fall from the trees - I truly find it heartwarming and beautiful. This year, Pantone's fashion color report is right on trend with the season, calling it "an evolving color landscape." The color scheme for Fall 2015 is much like the leaves that fall from the trees and crackle under our feet. Click here to see them. 

 The silhouette of this dress is perfect for dressing up or down. I've also paired it with Converse tennis shoes and my grandma's (hi grandma!!!) vintage Gucci cross body handbag, creating the perfect casual chic look. 

Enjoy your Monday, and as always, stay stylish!


Friday, August 14, 2015

Sands Dress










David Peck dress | Diane von Furstenberg heels {similar style} | Zayver Jewels necklace | Kendra Scott bracelets | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses


I don't know about you, but I am definitely ready for the weekend. It has been another crazy week here, and there hasn't been enough time in the day to get everything done. I'm still playing catch up from being gone, and trying to get back on track with the blog, work, seeing friends, my social schedule and my personal life. Can I just be in two places at once?

On Wednesday I wore this feminine dress to a Fall fashion preview event at Houston's luxury retailer, Tootsie's. If you live in Houston or are just visiting, a trip to this boutique department store is a must! They feature great brands and designers, and I promise you won't leave the store without coveting an enviable item.

This David Peck dress (another Houston favorite) was perfect for the fashionable fete. I love the colorful palette, the soft, silk fabric, and the fact that the dress has pockets. I couldn't resist getting an extra piece of the fabric to wear in my hair - it truly completed the look. This dress would also be perfect to wear to a wedding, Sunday brunch, meeting the in-laws, or to an event, like I did. You can see some more of David Peck's Spring '15 collection here. I dare you not to fall in love with everything.

Have a great weekend!



 

design + development by kiki and co. creative