Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Embroidered Ruffled Dress








Chicwish dress   (under $54 - I'm wearing a Small) | Sam Edelman "Gigi" sandals | Saks Fifth Avenue hat (similar style here) | Floral leather hat accessory purchased in Peru | Thierry Lasry sunglasses | Zayver Designs earrings & bracelet 

Happy Tuesday, friends! 

We got back very late (or early) last Wednesday at 4am! You can bet that put a damper on the week! Not only did we have jet lag, but we were exhausted from constant delays. Ahhh the joys of travel. We were just happy it happened on the tail end of the trip, instead of at the beginning. 

We had a wonderful four days in Madrid and went NON-STOP! We walked over forty miles while we were there, went site-seeing, saw, shopped, ate and drank our way through the city. It was magical and we had a blast. After that, we headed to Mallorca for a week for my cousins wedding, which was a wonderful time. It was great seeing my sister, my family, and old family friends we rarely see, and getting to celebrate my cousin and her now husband. It was about a five day extravaganza, so to say we left extremely exhausted would be putting it mildly! haha! I will definitely be posting a travel guide on both Madrid and Mallorca sometime in July. 

Remember the big news that I've been mentioning for the last few weeks? Well, now I can officially tell you the biggie - we bought a house!!!!! I am SOOOOOO excited. I had no idea that you had to keep the house hunting/offer/closing/etc top secret in case something fell through. Can you tell this was my first rodeo? We closed last Friday and have been over the moon. When we moved to Houston almost three years ago, we didn't know how long we would be staying for, so renting was the logical idea. What we didn't know, was unlike San Francisco, majority of lease agreements could only last one year here in Houston, thus, three moves in three years. Yikes. When we started discussing the next few years, we knew that staying in Houston was not only best for our careers right now, but also, it's started to feel like home. I don't know if I am more excited for our own place, or to get rid of all the packing material and boxes. So long masking tape! 

Once we're all situated, unpacked and organized, I will definitely be doing a home tour and sharing my new abode with you. It will be a while though - we won't be moving until the end of next month, and trust me, I am already itching to get in (but definitely not ready to pack)! We have contractors in doing lots of odds and ends to put our touch on it, and I have no doubt it'll be perfect once everything is done. I've completely re-done and redecorated my office, so that'll be a major change that I know you'll love. I can't wait to see everything come together and can't wait to share the process with you! xxoo

Monday, June 13, 2016

MacBook + Kate Spade Giveaway

Happy Monday, friends!

A group of bloggers and I have teamed up to bring you another amazing giveaway. Two lucky winners this time! The grand prize winner will receive a brand new 11.6 Gold Macbook Air + Kate Spade tote bag. Open to international contestants and must be 18+. Please review the full Terms & Conditions prior to entering. The more accounts you follow, the more chances you have of winning! We will pick the winners who are following all accounts. Good luck.




GOLD Macbook Air + Kate Spade Giveaway

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Easter Island Travel Guide | Part Two


My second installment on Easter Islands is finally here. Better late than never, right?! 

When I got back from this trip at the end of March, I had so many deadlines with companies and projects I was working on, that my travel guide fell a bit to the wayside, but it's finally here! That's all that matters, right? And just in time, because we're jetting off to Spain later this week for a much needed vacation. I know, I know, I just got back from a vacay, right. To say the last few months have been a whirlwind, would be pretty accurate. From work going insanely well, but keeping me a little bit too busy, to house hunting (more to come on that), events and just everyday life, it's been tough to catch my breath. Not that I'm complaining though. Frank Lloyd Wright once said, "I know the price of success: hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen." 

I was talking to my mom the other day, and we were saying how we still can't believe we were in Easter Island, and wish we could be transported back there right now. This magical island and it's people are truly a blessing from above. I mean it when I say it, it's the most wonderful place. Sounds cheesy, but being out in the middle of no where really allowed me to connect with myself, to enjoy nature, and to take a step back in time. 

The best part was the slower pace of life, and even though we did tours and hiked all day, everyday (hence, my casual and practical attire), they were so laid back, yet the passion in the islanders shined through even in just their smiles. More than travel tips or info, I really wanted to share my photos with you, to give you a glimpse into what it felt like to be in paradise! 


Aerial views right before we landed in Easter Island. Everyone's noses were glued to their windows and you literally could hear a pin drop off the plane because, it took your breath away.  




All photos above taken in the quarry where the Moai statues were created.

 Chilean pisco sour & the signature at Hotel Hangaroa, the Rapa Nui Mojito (the blue color made it even more delicious) 
My lunch every single day while we were there (six full days). Fresh, curried veggies and who can resist a side of fries. Delicious. 
The most delicious creme bruelee 



Thousands of horses roam the island

We took this photo seconds before this horse charged at us! Looking back now, it's funny, but was really scary at the time. 

 Oh hey, don't mind my raincoat and wonderful outfit...look closely and you'll see the rainbow behind me. It's right behind all the Moai statues. This is my favorite picture of the trip. 


 The famous Bird Island in the background. A huge part of the bird cult on Easter Island - to find out more click here!




If you have any questions, or would like to know anything specific, please don't hesitate emailing me! xo

Friday, June 3, 2016

Entertaining with Bering's & Zadok Jewelers















  SheIn dress ℅ |  BCBGeneration heels (sold out, similar here - comes in 17 colors and is 40% off!) | All jewelry kindly provided by Zadok Jewelers | All tabletop kindly provided by Bering's 


I am so excited to share with you the first installment in a three part summer entertaining series, featuring Bering's and Zadok Jewelers. This has been the most wonderful labor of love (do you know how hard it is to coordinate five ladies?!), and it truly went off without a hitch.

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to start incorporating more things I love into the blog, and one of them is playing hostess. We do not entertain often, but when we do, it is always done right. From the decor, to the food and wine, and most importantly the tablescape, nothing is overlooked and everything is planned perfectly. Hello, type A over here! 

When planning a party, there are so many things to keep in mind, but bottom line, you want to give your guests a night to remember - planning is key. Here are some of my trusted tips. 

Planning 
 Be sure to plan ahead - set the table the night before, get the wine the week of, pre-cut veggies, prepare anything you can ahead of time, so that the day of, you can just throw it in the oven or skillet and voilĂ . Preparation also takes the stress out of the day because you know as well as I do, something always goes wrong. Outsourcing is also great when your hosting a more formal affair, or if budget isn't an issue. Instead of you cooking, running to the florist,ironing napkins or bartending, there's someone who can take care of that for you. Your spouse also has an extra set of hands, so don't be afraid to ask them for help too. 

Mood
Setting the mood is key. Whether your hosting a formal affair or a casual one, you don't want your guests coming into your house being greeted by an anxious and stressed hostess. Greet each guest at the door. It's the best way to truly welcome them into your home. Music is key. Have you ever been to a dinner party that didn't have music and it was so awkward?! Been there! Think about the people you are hosting - is it an older crowd, business colleagues, friends or family - and plan the music accordingly. Lighting is also key. Although you may be cooking up a storm in the kitchen, be sure the entertainment area has great mood lighting, and always have candles! 

Menu
I am so far from a cook it isn't even funny. That being said, entertaining doesn't require you to be a chef, nor do you have to cook an elaborate meal. The best thing to do is keep the menu simple and cook things you know. Serving family style is great for a more casual affair, while plating food for your guests is a must when it's a formal party. Most importantly, keep the drinks coming, and have several options for your guests to choose from. 

Tablescape 
For me, this is the most important part of the party. Who doesn't love decorating the table? I'm not just talking place settings, but flowers, name cards, votives, centerpieces, tablecloths and table runners. Use the table to create the perfect ambiance for your party. Also be sure to bring some of those pieces, such as flowers, to the other areas of the house where you will be entertaining as well. It will create great flow., and won't go unnoticed. 

Dress the Part 
You knew I had to squeeze fashion in here somewhere, but it is true, never overlook attire when hosting a party. Whether it's casual or fancy, dress the part. Also, don't be afraid to include dress code on the invitation, after all it is your party! 

Most importantly, have fun!


Thank you to On Point Custom Homes for providing this stunning backdrop for our photo shoot. On Point Custom Homes is a leading custom home design and build company that has been creating a variety of luxury homes in Houston for the past 10 years. This home, located at their 2211 Colquitt, is currently on the market. Find out more information by clicking here.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Celebrating My One Year Blogversary!














SheIn romper (only $15!!) | BCBGeneration heels (only available in size 9, similar style here) | Accessory Concierge necklace ℅ | Shira Melody bracelet ℅ | Bauble Bar earrings | Thierry Lasry sunglasses (sold out, similar style here

It's a very happy Wednesday here since I am ringing in my one year blog anniversary! I cannot believe it has already been a year! I can't thank each and every one of you enough for joining me in this process and for all your support! 

I dove in head-first, and and truly had no idea what I was doing last June. My friends and clients kept saying that I should start a blog as a branch off my wardrobe consulting and personal shopping business, so I could offer everyone real life tips & tricks. After thinking about it, I thought sure, why not. It sounded like a good idea and would probably bring in more clientele or, at the very least, give someone some outfit inspiration. I had no idea really how fruitful it would be and how it would take on a life of it's own. 

365 days later, I've learned that blogging is HARD WORK. It requires a lot of time, as well as a lot of organization, preparation, consistency, and commitment. Plus, smiling all the time is exhausting haha jk jk!!! That being said, it's worth it. It is incredibly fun, and a great opportunity to share who you are and what your passionate about. It also gives you the chance to work with so many brands that you love, and discover new ones that you would't have otherwise known about. 

It's a great opportunity to build relationships with your peers involved in the same industry, as well as creating new, and long lasting relationships with reps at brands/companies. I cannot begin to tell you how great this has been for me. I have gained so many authentic and true relationships with several fantastic people. From my fabulous photographer, to my Houston girlfriend's who also have blogs, or one of my many contacts at the amazing brands I've worked with, I've had the chance to meet and connect with such great people.

Everyone always said, find your niche and be committed to it. Although I agree, and clearly I focus mainly on fashion, I feel like I'm constantly trying to evolve and branch into other realms of my life that are important to me. No one has a one-track mind! For instance, home decor, lifestyle and travel, are something I plan to bring into the blog a lot more this next year, and think that everything will fall perfectly into place. As long as you're authentic, I think that's all that matters in the end. 

I'm so happy to have started this journey and can't wait to see where it takes me next. 

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