Brush Strokes

Photos by Lauren Beatty Photography 

Molly Bracken dress ℅ | Elaine Turner heels {similar style here} | Coco Loves Rome clutch ℅ | Emma & Chloe necklace ℅ | Kendra Scott earrings {similar style here} | Bracelets purchased while traveling in Africa 

I feel like I've been wearing so much black lately with traveling, that I was ready for a HUGE burst of color. This floral and animal print Molly Bracken dress is the cutest thing ever. I love the princess cut style, which I haven't worn in forever, but I couldn't resist the pattern and the cute bow detail in the back. It's definitely a statement maker. 

These photos were taken last week before I left last Friday for Santiago. We were in Santiago this past weekend and had a wonderful time. We went on a city tour, visited a jewelry store to buy Lapis (the blue gemstone which Chile is famous for), and visited several other noteworthy sites. To say I'm exhausted is putting it mildly. Do you ever feel that way when you travel? No matter how long or short the flight is (or time change or that matter), it totally throws me off! 

We are now headed to Easter Island for five days, so stay tuned! I most likely won't be posting photos on the blog until I return home to Houston, but will be posting on Instagram (be sure to follow along if you don't already). 

I'm so excited to share my trip with you. A few fun facts:

 -Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site

-It's one of the most isolated places in the world (Chile is 2,200 miles away)

-It's a common misconception that the moai (the large head statues that the island is famous for) are just heads, but actually they have bodies that are buried underneath the ground

-Alll the statues are made from solidified volcanic ash

See you soon!

Traveling in Style + the Best Travel Tote Ever!

Photos by Lauren Beatty of Lauren Beatty Photography 

H&M jacket {similar style here - under $50} | Free People stripe shirt | BP leather leggings | Nike sneakers | Vera Bradley 'Lighten Up' travel tote

Up, up and away! 

Later today I'll be taking off for Santiago, Chile, where I'll start my vacation before heading to Easter Island. I always look forward to flying. It's nice to 'unplug' for a bit and just get away from it all. I really like catching up on reading, watching movies and sipping champagne. My preference is to have a flight in the morning versus the evening. The night before a trip I never sleep well anyways, so I just like to get up and get going. Plus, the later in the day the greater the chance of delay. I actually won't be departing until almost 10pm tonight (that's the only time there's a direct flight to Santiago from Houston), so I'll have some extra time to make sure I packed everything.

For a long day of travel, I like to dress for comfort, but hate sacrificing style. Dressing in layers is key. Planes tend to be on the chilly side, which I love. There are those times when you get on a super stuffy one, so it's great to be able to take on or off something. Scarves can double as blankets and can be worn close to your neck or draped over your arms for added warmth. 

I tend to try to wear my bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane so they don't take up room in my suitcase. Traveling in black pants or leggings, or dark denim is always my trusted choice. You never know when you may spill on yourself or sit on something. You don't want to arrive looking a mess at your final destination! Choose tops and bottoms that have Lycra or spandex material in them so you're not too confined. This striped shirt is a perfect go-to, or any comfortable sweater or hoodless sweatshirt. 

This roomy and lightweight Vera Bradley bag is perfect for a long haul or a short weekend getaway. It's expandable (the zipper is in the middle of the bag), so you never have to leave home with all your essentials. The short handles make it easy to attach to your roll-aboard wheelie, and the detachable strap makes it convenient to throw over your shoulder. 

Now you'll be ready to jet set in style! Bon voyage! 

It's Rodeo Time

Old Navy shirt {similar style here} | Frame Denim jeans (obsessed!!) | Cowboy hat {similar style here} | H&M fringe bag {similar style here, and under $60} | Kendra Scott necklace | Zayver Designs earrings 

Rodeo season just got into full swing last night here in Houston. Although I didn't attend opening night and see The Band Perry, I was at the BBQ Cookoff last weekend! 

I wore this rodeo ready ensemble on Saturday when we tasted the best of the best. I love any chance I get to bust out this gorgeous patriotic, longhorn cowboy hat my mother bought me after I moved here. Can anything get more Texan? She was here two years ago during the rodeo (we saw Selena Gomez), and they have a HUGE shopping area set up for the month of March while the rodeo is going on. Needless to say, we spent all of our time there, and zero at the concert. Unfortunately this beauty, designed by Carrie Underwood's hat go-to, is not available online, but I've linked another flashy hat here. 

Be sure to check back on Friday when I share packing tips, and how to travel in style. xo