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12.28.2012

Holiday Style Series: At the Ranch

My family does Christmas every year out at the Evanito Camp on the King Ranch. It's been a tradition since I was teeny tiny and it's one of my favorite places to be! I grew up spending lots of time out there. I learned how to drive, hunt, fish, throw a football...all the important things in life a TX girl should know :)

I also drove a military-style Hummer through a pond, got a few ticks, bites and rashes, crashed a few four wheelers going too fast, had a massive buck T-bone & ultimately total my Volkswagen Jetta, and got married there...so it's got serious sentimental value, obvs. Anywho. During the holiday, there's usually around 25 of us piled into seven bedrooms, and, each year our family tends to grow a little, so this year a few of us got shoved into an RV camper for sleeping quarters. Let me just mention, an RV is not the place you want to be when the heater goes out and nighttime temps drop below 35 degrees. I think I woke up with frostbite one morning.

The ranch is always such a fun time of playing football, ladder golf, cards, dominoes, sitting around a fire, baking, eating, riding four-wheelers, nighttime hunting, shooting skeet, and fellowship and fun mingling with our loved ones! 

Though I always pack a few cute items, I end up living in my tights, tennis shoes, baseball cap and Columbia pullovers for the majority of the holiday. It's really a good look for me. The little kid in me that likes to play can't help it. This year I decided to be a little more adult and put on cute clothes at least once, but I couldn't stray far from my ranch roots. Leggings, a massive cable knit and some brown combat boots were about as far as I could venture away from my usual getup. I still had to be comfortable, guys. We WERE at the ranch. So, I snagged a few pics of the gorgeous camp and of my holiday ranch attire.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!











Sweater: Gap; Tights: Under Armour; Scarf: Gap; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Socks: Steve Madden; Boots: Steve Madden; Sunglasses: Ray-ban


12.22.2012

Holiday Style Series: Christmassy

I'm usually not a huge fan of the traditional Christmas getup that rolls around this time of year. I think wearing red and green together seems a little cliche so I typically tend to stray from that combo. However, I'm a big big BIG supporter of all things plaid and/or flannel, and for some reason this white button-down was screaming my name. Just in case anyone is on the fence about wearing this pattern, DON'T BE! I'm a firm believer that anyone and everyone can rock it and I love the look! I love the laid-back, casual, cozy feel it tends to create and I definitely encourage both guys and girls to own at least one plaid or flannel shirt this season. 

I paired the top with a few more pops of red to enhance my favorite color of the season and make it a little more bold/holiday-esque. Since I decided to pair my slouchy boyfriend jeans with the baggy shirt, I put a dainty shoe with it to add a touch of femininity and daintiness to the otherwise semi-disheveled look. 

Speaking of these shoes.. Totally encompassing the bold color, cap-toe metallic trends of this year...I meannnnn..BRAVO, Target. Bra.vo.





Jacket: F21; Top: Old Navy; Denim: Gap; Shoes: Target; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelet: Madewell; Necklace: Chloe and Isabel

12.19.2012

Holiday Style Series: Subtle Sequins & Some Vintage


I'm a firm believer that every girl should mix some sequins up in her attire now and then. You don't have to get all Vanna White with it and go head-to-toe in the glimmery look, but a mild pop of sparkle has never hurt anyone! 

It can be intimidating trying to wear something as bold as sequins, but there's no need to fear. There are ways to wear the look without feeling like a giant disco ball. Unless that's the look you're going for, in which case, all the more power to you. Rock it.

Wearing a thin tank under a blazer or leather cropped jacket is a great way to be subtle with the trend but still squeeze a little bit of glam into your look. There are also some fab sequined minis in all of our favorite stores right now that look amazing with a chunky knit sweater and some booties! I love a good pop of girly sparkle!

A friend and I found this blazer stashed on a $1 rack at a hole-in-the-wall thrift store in Providence, RI, when I was living up there two years ago. Steeeeeeeal! We were pumped. Though it's a few sizes too big for me and is still equipped with those shoulder pads circa 1984, I love the feel of the vintage frock. I paired it with this purple sequined top and some leather shorts to create a fun, glamorous look for a night on the town!

What are some of your favorite ways to wear those vintage pieces? Some of the best coats, blazers and sequined pieces I've seen around have been hand-me-downs from mothers, aunts or grandmothers! When all else fails, raid the women in your lives closets...for real.




Blazer: Vintage Ralph Lauren; Tank: Dillard's; Shorts: Guess; Belt: Nordstrom; Pumps: Steve Madden; Bag: Thrifted; Watch: Michael Kors; Necklace: Express

12.17.2012

Holiday Style Series: On a Dime


During the holidays it can daunting trying to find an outfit for those office parties, family get togethers or dinner with friends. After spending big bucks on all those perfect gifts you've gotten your loved ones, there tends to be little room in the budget to pick up that dress you've been drooling over at Saks for the last month. Bum.mer. I know.

When I find myself on a budget and unable to find something to wear that I feel like I've already worn 1,000 times in the last month (what girl doesn't feel this way even with a closet full of unworn clothes?!), I tend to take a step back and take a look at my favorite pieces. It's always a bonus when you can use items that are already in your closet and save a little cash!

If you're a lover of all things layers like me, then there's ALWAYS a way to reuse those items that you love so that you can create the perfect look for that event this weekend!

Dresses are a great place to start. While you can wear them in their true form and spruce them up with some great accessories, sometimes that look can feel a little exhausted. So, if you're in the mood for a comfy, cozy look that you can dress up with a great pair of heels or booties, then grab that dress, but change it up a little. Throw your favorite slouchy sweater over it, so the dress instantly becomes more of a skirt and you can have a fun new look, with items that you've worn a thousand times a thousand other ways.

That's what I did with this look. I have this fun jewel-toned printed shift dress that has a fun, summery, 70s feel to it. I've worn it by itself, wrapped a belt around it to give it some shape, thrown a cardigan around it and now, I've worn it as a skirt. I love the layered up look it creates, so comfy and so easy!

This look is so much fun for a happy hour with the girlfriends or a last minute shopping trip!

And, finding a great outfit for an event didn't cost me an extra penny! YIPPEE! 

So utilize those dresses + sweaters you have lying around, ladies! No need to break the Christmas gift budget this year. You may never have even thought to combine the two for an unexpected, cool look that you can take anywhere!






Sweater: F21; Dress worn as skirt: H&M; Scarf: F21; Boots; Target; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Watch: Michael Kors

12.12.2012

Holiday Style Series: Winter White


I think it goes without saying that the rules of fashion have changed over the years.  Several of the biggest trends of 2012 have broken the laws and changed the way that women get dressed every morning. Don't mix brown and black. Don't wear green with yellow. Denim doesn't go with denim. And, for the sake of this post, "don't wear white after Labor Day."

Well, my friends, I'm here to tell ya that this season I'm totally rocking the winter white. Sue me.

White is such a crisp, clean and classic look and, in my unimportant opinion, should not be constrained into our wardrobe for six months of the year. There are ways to make the neutral shade appropriate and fitting for your holiday ensemble! Hooray!
A neutral look like the one I'm wearing here is a great way to don the trend and still stay warm, cozy and winter-esque. 

Pair your white pieces with warmer hues like jewel tones, browns and blacks to create a chic look. Eggshell or ivory tones in your pants or in a skirt look great with a tailored top or chunky sweater! Classic white cable knit sweaters look cozy with leggings or flared denim and a bright scarf around your neck! On your feet, leather riding boots, suede pumps or chunky booties are all great accessories to compliment the white garments.

Be creative, ladies! There's SO many ways to confidently wear white this season without feeling like you're headed to the beach! Or maybe that's what you want to feel like....I don't blame you.

Here's to dressing for a Christmas party and wishing we were in Jamaica instead.







Sweater: Old Navy; Skirt: Express (old, similar here, here); Fur Collar: Target; Boots: Steve Madden: Bag: Michael Kors (old style, similar here); Earrings, Ring: Chloe + Isabel (earrings no longer available, ring available here); Sunglasses: Ray-ban

12.10.2012

Urban







Denim Jacket: Zara (no longer available, similar here); Sweater: Old Navy; Tank: Victoria's Secret; Pants: Zara; Sneakers: F21 (newer version here, similar here, here); Hat: Target

12.03.2012

Stripes


I've said it before, I'll say it again. A girl can never go wrong with stripes. It's a staple. A go-to. At least for me. I decided to pair one of my favorite tees with a striped tweed skirt for one big explosion of stripes for an event I went to this weekend. Let me just tell you...I loved every minute. Was it a liiiittle loud? Yes. But who cares?

I love a skirt with tights and boots. It's a fun way to dress up your flat equestrian boots. If you want to spruce up your skirt a little for nighttime outings, swap the boots for a chunky pump or bootie for the same casual feel but with a little pizzazz.






Top: Old Navy (recently on clearance); Skirt: Target; Tights: Hue; Boots: DSW; Necklace: Chloe + Isabel; Watch: Michael Kors; Sunglasses: Ray-ban; Bag: Deux Lux

11.18.2012

Summer Lace & Fall Nights

Enter: The white lace dress. We all had one over the summer, let's be honest. They were a hot item and trend and every girl made it a point to rock the look over the course of the hot months. I think I have two of them. And a skirt. I couldn't get enough....shocker.

Now that the warm months are gone, these little white lace garments are typically deemed a big no-no and stashed away with the bikinis and flip-flops until next summer rolls around.

However, don't shove it to the back of your closet just yet! Lucky for me, and many of you out there, there are ways to hold on to the fab look and transition it in your wardrobe so that you can still wear it during those winter months.

Score, score aaaaand score!

In my case, I have this wonderful long-sleeved backless dress that I adore and am not quite ready to say goodbye to it. So, I brought some fall colors into it. I threw some black opaque tights on underneath and a pair of brown boots. Since it's chilly outside, I also layered it with a more masculine military trend jacket to dress down the girly lace. I love a good mix of girly + masculine pieces.

This is such an easy way to transition your favorite summer dress - lace or not - into the fall/winter months! No sense in breaking the bank for that fall wardrobe when you can use some items you already have!






Dress: Urban Outfitters (old); Jacket: Forever 21; Tights: Target; Boots: Gianni Bini (old); Clutch: Express (old); Sunglasses: Ray-ban; Watch: Michael Kors; Belt: Nordstrom Rack; Bracelets & Cocktail Ring: Chloe + Isabel


11.14.2012

Red + Camel

I have been stupidly busy lately. I don't know what it is in the water, but I feel like I've been going 90 mph for three weeks.

Whether I'm working, traveling, running errands or going out, my go-to is a slouchy sweater and fun mini. Luckily, it's finally feeling like fall around here so it gives me another excuse to throw on some leggings and comfy boots to keep my gams warm.

This is one of my favorite color combinations - something about it is crisp and classic. If a bright red knit sweater isn't in your collection, I highly recommend you make it a point to add it. It can be styled so many ways and is a staple for the holiday season in my wardrobe! The same goes for a wool camel skirt or peacoat - it's timeless!

I also love a good leopard printed piece for looks like this because it's a great way to bring together those browns, tans and blacks in your outfit!




Sweater: Express; Skirt: Gap; Boots: DSW; Clutch: Express; Necklace: F21; Bracelets: Chloe + Isabel

11.08.2012

Full Tilt Austin

OK. Here's the dealio. As some of you may or may not know, the first Formula 1 US Grand Prix track is opening its doors and tracks on November 16. What's cool about this you say? Well, this monster of a track/venue is located right here in good ole Austin, Texas, so it's a HUGE weekend in ATX. The city is expecting 300,000+ international visitors in town for opening weekend! It's craaaazy. And probably going to be a nightmare for locals trying to go about their daily lives. But it'll be an exciting one. 

In honor of the F1 kickoff, there are several events around town to provide VIP entertainment for those venturing to Tejas for a little European flair. 

One of these events is the Full Tilt Fashion Show and yours truly is assisting an amazing local stylist in styling the runways (70+ looks, yikes!) for the world class event!
YAY! So excited. But that's neither here nor there.

The show is happenining at the always amazing W Hotel Austin and is going to be full of gorgeous fashion, glamourous runways, music, lights, drinks, brunch, VIP guests...the whole shebang.

HOW. GREAT. DOES. THAT. SOUND?

I know. You're overwhelmed and can't find tickets fast enough.

Guys, if you're in the Austin area, come check it out! It really is going to be such an amazing event and I'm so beyond thrilled to be apart of it!

Contact me if you're interested in attending - proceeds will benefit The Center for Child Protection!

Check it.

For more info visit the Full Tilt Fashion Show website here.


10.31.2012

A Cozy Go-To


What girl doesn't love a cotton dress she can throw on and wear virtually anywhere? It's kind of a necessity in my closet. When it's nice and chilly outside it's always a plus when you can feel cozy AND comfortable at the same time.

I saw this bad boy while browsing around Forever 21 looking for some costume jewelry last week. Immediately I saw like, 50 different ways I could style it and grabbed it on a whim.

Here's why (in case you're wondering):

A) I love a long-sleeved dress.
B) I love a cotton dress.
C) I love anything that costs less than $20.
D) I love wearing & pairing neutral colors.
E) I love anything with an elastic empire waist. It's universally flattering & always slimming.

Need I say more?

A dress like this works perfectly with black, burgundy, navy or brown tights (or without tights if it's not too cold), slouchy boots and a chunky scarf for a casual Saturday. For the office, you can pair it with tights, a heel and a statement necklace for a dressier option.

I see myself living in this thing a LOT over the next few months!






Dress: Forever 21 (recent); Scarf: F21; Boots: Steve Madden; Socks: Steve Madden; Belt: Target; Bag: TJMaxx; Leather Bracelet: Target; Sunglasses: Ray-ban; Watch: Michael Kors

10.29.2012

Loud


I was so overly obsessed with the fact that neons were hot and heavy over the summer that I can't bare to see them stowed away with my warm weather wardrobe over the next few months. This highlighter yellow top is one of my most comfortable and favorite of my bright pieces, so you bet your bottom dollar this gem isn't gathering dust in my closet anytime soon.

Since these leopard skinnies are basic in color, it only makes since that I throw something bright with them, obviously. And if you're wearing loud pants like these, the only reasonable thing to do is throw something even louder on top to make one big bold statement.

Just kidding. I didn't do that on purpose.
I just wanted to wear some color with my grey and black pants, not to mention I love a good grey + yellow combo.
As you can see, it turned into quite the discrete and quiet outfit for strolling around town.

I threw a denim top underneath and a cozy fleece vest on top for some layering since it was rather chilly around here this wknd.

Guys. Don't be afraid to keep the color around for the fall months. Just because things are becoming dreary and dull in most places around the country, it doesn't mean you have to dress like it.

Also: vests are an understated wardrobe item that people tend to over look. I'm pretty fond of them. Embrace them. Love them. Wear them. Just saying.

 




Denim top: H&M; Sweater: Old Navy; Vest: Old Navy; Pants: Target: Bag: Gianni Bini; Shoes: Converse; Sunglasses: Ray-ban; Watch: Fossil; Necklace: Chloe + Isabel

10.22.2012

Mixed Media


This trench has been on my radar for a couple of months now. I saw it on a few sites online and in store at Nordstrom and fell totally in love. A neutral trench is definitely a staple item to have around for the fall, but I love the leather accents that spruce up this otherwise traditional coat.
When my birthday rolled around last week, I mentioned this coat to my mom on a whim and was SO excited when I opened up my gift and saw that it was folded up inside the box! Thanks, Ma, you're the best.

You guys...I'm OBSESSED. It's thin, soft, comfortable, stinkin' cute, goes with anything...
I meannnn....

I can't wait until it's cold cool everyday here in Austin and I can wear this bad boy to my little heart's desire. It can be dressed up and buttoned up over a chic dress and some pumps or dressed down with some boyfriend jeans and a tank. Either way, it's seriously amazing.  

Seriously amazing. Seriously.

On another note, although I was unable to attend, I was so honored to have been invited to the ASOS x RewardStyle Top 25 party here in Austin this weekend. It was an event to bring together top Houston & Austin fashion bloggers for a fun little night of mingling and networking. Hate that I missed it, but I'm so looking forward to the next time the team is down here in ATX! 








Trench: BCBGeneration (also available here); Tank: Forever 21; Jeans: Gap; Shoes: Vince Camuto; Bag: Thrifted; Sunglasses: Ray-ban; Necklaces: Chloe + Isabel (here & here); Watch: Michael Kors