Toggery Brand Slouchy V-Neck Tee

March 2015

As we make our way into spring, I’m still clinging to my trusty plaid button down and fringe booties for as long as I can before we reach those deathly temperatures here in Texas! Luckily, one of my wardrobe stapes can shift from winter (layered up, of course) to spring to summer effortlessly – and that’s my Toggery Patch Pocket V-Neck Tee Shirt. I love a slouchy tee that withstands countless wears…because let’s be honest, who doesn’t wear their v-necks the most?! I’m not kidding when I say that I most certainly do. (Honestly, ask Blake..he’ll tell ya it’s the truth!).

If you saw my last post featuring Toggery Brand, you’ll know I’m a big fan of their latest collection. They produce those perfect basics that go with everything. Casual dresses, slouchy tees and simple razorback tanks – everything is minimalistic and with a casual yet classy-sexy vibe in my opinion. I totally love it! The tee I’m wearing above comes in a ton of colors, so if you’re more of a brights gal, they’ve got you covered!

Love this look? Definitely check out the full Toggery Brand collection, take a peek at my last post featuring one of their adorable dresses and feel free to shop my accessories below!

shirt – toggery / boots – forever21 / brahmin bag – nordstrom / plaid flannel – forever21 / long necklace – kendra scott / bar necklace – nordstrom / pyrite necklace – kris nations / earrings – kendra scott / jeans – gap

Sleepy Sunday

March 2015

Good morning! I am finally enjoying some peace and quiet (or rather, the calm after the storm that is SXSW here in town), and sitting down to unwind after a busy week and weekend. Blake generally sleeps in a bit longer than I do, so it allows for some alone time where I’ll cuddle up on the sofa, make a big cup of coffee and read my favorite blogs, spend some time on Pinterest and catch up on the news. This really is my “me time” happy place. It rained all weekend, but today the sun is shining and I’ve opened up my blinds to let the natural light in. Morning is by far my favorite time of day…so still and sleepy, especially over the weekend, this is when I’m in full relaxation mode.

Here’s what I’ve been scoping out this morning:

-My two favorite blogs, Love Taza & A Cup of Jo. I’ve been following these gals for years! They’re so real and have that layer of depth I love to read and relate to…writing is a powerful thing and these ladies are very good at it! Joanna Goddard can always make me tear up…and I love reading her comments section. What an incredible group of women that rally behind her and support one another – it’s like a little community in her corner of the internet. Simply reading the comments is often inspiring enough!

-This beautiful New York Times story about a couple who falls in love as she is going blind. They ignore the realities of blindness and rather focus on romanticizing a worsening condition. “Losing my vision, I explained, was teaching me to really see. I would go blind with a bang, not a whimper, by seeing and doing more in the next decade than most people did in a lifetime. All true, but only part of the story. The pretty part.”

-Super into these banner wall hangings over at Apartment Therapy.

-This gorgeous bachelorette loft in LA – umm, yes please!

-Oh right, and you can always find me on Pinterest. Not so much a place for reading, but it sure is an endless abyss of happiness in image form.

Grab your morning cup (or afternoon…I know I’ll need a second dose of caffeine here shortly!) and enjoy some links I’ve been loving – Happy Sunday, everyone!

Festival Style – Free People Flowy Crop Top Cami

March 2015

As warmer temperatures and festival season head our way, I’ll happily swap my long sleeve tee for a flowy crop top any day! And as we inch closer to the Free People SXSW party this Friday, I wanted to share another fun look featuring this Free People Swing Cami in Sandstone that will be available at the party pop-up shop. If you missed my last post featuring the FP Festival Days shindig info, you can check it out here – I’d love to see you at the party, so grab your besties and come have a beer with me!

First off, how lovely is this color? It’s such a beautiful nearly-neutral shade that could go with everything…even your go-to jean shorts (hello, comfort!). Second, the shoulder ties are adjustable, so you tie it to fit how you want – whether a little looser to show a strappy bralette peeking through, or a little tighter as I did. I also love the tassel details on the ties, they just add that special touch to top off an already oh-so-perfect cami.

I threw my hair in a topknot and accessorized with Joy Dravecky jewelry – my shorter necklace and those incredible earrings. I am completely enamored with her collection, and these pieces in particular – that pop of color from the earrings really compliments the earthy tones from my outfit. As I’ve mentioned before, I am a sucker for quality jewelry and this designer is everything.

My longer necklace is Kendra Scott and the watch is another oldie but a goodie, so I linked to a similar style watch below. As for the shoes? Hand-me-downs from my sister…she was kind enough to give those pretties up! I linked to another similar pair below, too.

Will I see you on Friday? Excited to do a little shopping, snap some pics and boogie down to the killer music lineup! Don’t forget to check out this post to get your wristbands! If you’re not in town or won’t be able to make the bash, feel free to shop more FP tops + my accessories below.

free people crop top / shorts – similar urban outfitters / earrings – joy dravecky / short necklace – joy dravecky / long necklace- similar kendra scott / watch – similar nordstrom / shoes – similar nordstrom

As warmer temperatures and festival season head our way, I’ll happily swap my long sleeve tee for a flowy crop top any day! And as we inch closer to the Free People SXSW party this Friday, I wanted to share another fun look featuring this Free People Swing Cami in Sandstone that will be available […]

My Fave Fringe Booties are Back in Stock! (Just $37)

March 2015

This just in, these fringe booties are finally back in stock! The last time I posted about them, they sold out that day, so a lot of you didn’t have a chance to scoop them up! I’ve been linking to similar items whenever I post about these shoes, but nothing compares to this price – just $37! I’m so excited that they’re finally back, just in time for festival season, flowy spring dresses and cropped jeans (as I’m wearing above).

I wear these shoes constantly and forever stand by Forever21 shoes – honestly, I buy a lot of my favorite shoes from F21! Also, you really can’t feel all that guilty if you spill coffee on a pair of $37 shoes over $200 shoes, right? (Because in my life, that’s generally inevitable!) – enjoy, ladies!

Let’s Party! Free People Festival Days at SXSW 2015

March 2015

Hello there! I’m so excited to finally share a fun collaboration I’ve been working on with Free People! FP Festival Days (aka a super awesome shindig that will make all of your magical boho dreams come to life) is headed to Austin for SXSW Music and I couldn’t be more pumped to build some buzz around this fab event. The party will feature hair braiding, a Polaroid photo booth and refreshments by Austin Beerworks (yes, the good stuff!)…Oh right, and TONS of live music, of course! So grab your besties, add a FP wristband to your bracelet stack and kick back to some quality tunes and a super fun atmosphere. Don’t forget to check the flier above to see how you can get into party!

Between work, life & SXSW festivities, I managed to sneak away with the oh-so-talented Kayla Snell Photography and shoot a fun festival-inspired look featuring this amazing FP floral slip-dress (psst, you can snag this piece at the pop-up shop during the party). We’ve recently been graced with ultimate festival weather here in ATX, (sunny, breezy, bliss) so rocking a light-weight, free flowing dress is stroll-around-town, dance-all-day perfection. I paired the look with brown booties, my staple go-to, plaid flannel button down and silver jewelry (I raided my mom’s collection for this shoot, her jewelry closet is incredible! That necklace? I die!).

I’m a big fan of unique details when it comes to clothing, and I completely adore the lace up, open back component to this slip-dress. I felt so feminine and pretty wearing it, not to mention swapping bandeau tops out can easily change the look. Free People takes the cake when it comes to fabulous bralettes and strappy bandeaus, so definitely check out their selection if you’re wearing anything oversized or on the “flow-ier” side this festival season.

Love this look? Take a peek at more of my favorite FP slip dresses!

**dress c/o Free People

Will you be attending FP Festival Days? I’d love to know! Can’t wait to cool down with a quality beer and put my party dress back on! For more info, don’t forget to check out the flier above. See you at the event, gals!

SXSW What to Wear – Boyfriend Jeans

March 2015

When I worked for Kendra Scott Jewelry in their marketing department for the last couple of years, we were always sent to the interactive portion of SXSW. From my experience, wearing a kimono and flash tattoos probably isn’t the best move for that part of SouthBy. Take note ladies, save the boho glam look for music end! As for the the interactive and film portions, I’ve learned a thing or two about the best style for such events – and above all, it’s comfort! No matter which portion you’re attending, comfort is key – so boyfriend jeans and good shoes will be your besties for the week of festivities.

Given that relaxed jeans are a foolproof way to incorporate fashion and comfort (and you’re likely already stuffing your suitcase to the brim), rocking a pair of light wash, distressed boyfriend jeans is the way to go throughout your trip! It’s not going to be a super scorcher yet in town, so you can get away with breezy jeans that leave a little wiggle room. I pulled this pair of DL1961 jeans – seriously, these things are perfection! You can’t go wrong splurging on high quality denim, and trust in this brand to always deliver and make me feel great!

INTERACTIVE: The Vans shoes are key. You will be walking a lot and networking like crazy, so keep it business on top (fashion-forward, though) and a little relaxed/party vibe on the bottom. The blazer adds a sense of professionalism to the look and that adorable floral tablet cover is a fun way to dress your tech. Also, who doesn’t love dressing up a v-neck? Yes, please!

FILM: The film portion is always a little eclectic and down to earth – and definitely the most quirky of the whole festival (in my opinion!). It’s generally panels, press events and screenings day and night, so it’s good to have a mix of items and be able to dress the look up or down. Keep it low-key with those classic Madewell flats, or add black pumps for a more evening appropriate look. Also, you’ll never see more pairs of trendy glasses than in this 4 days of film everything. Thus, have those Warby Parker frames ordered and ready to go by show time!

MUSIC: Okay, boho babes, this one’s for you! You can either take the Chuck Taylor-grungy approach (equally awesome), or style your look with a little free spirit flair, a la a kimono and slouchy bucket bag! Layered jewelry is a definite do, and go ahead and bust out the flash tattoos for this one.

Whether you’re attending the fest or simply drawing outfit inspiration for a spring wardrobe revamp, shop these key pieces and have some fun mixing and matching!

interactive: blazer – forever21 / necklace – stella & dot / v-neck – j crew / jeans – DL1961 / shoes – vans / tablet cover – marc jacobs
film: jacket – chic wish / pastel shirt – madewell / necklace – madewell / jeans – DL1961 / glasses – warby parker / shoes – madewell
music: kimono – oasap / necklace – stella & dot / strappy top – azalea / jeans – DL1961 / bucket bag – forever21 / shoes – madewell

What To Do In Austin, TX – SXSW City Guide

March 2015

Alright, folks! SXSW 2015 is fast approaching…we’re now just days away! I am always so excited for this time of year because 1. it’s a blast (see the last row on my list…) and 2. so many out-of-towners get to experience Austin at it’s finest. (Live music everywhere you turn, great drink specials, happy people…what’s not to love?). Given that a lot of festival goers come from places near and far, I thought I’d suggest a few of my favorite spots within the downtown area to add to that ever-growing, “must do in Austin” list! Thus, everything listed below is within walking distance, or at the very least, a pedicab ride away from all of the downtown festivities.

COFFEE: …Because after a night…or rather, a few days of drinking…this is a must on the list. I am a stickler about quality espresso, and each of these coffee shops have received my seal of approval (hey, for what’s it worth!).

Caffe Medici Coffeehouse – Congress Avenue & 2nd Street. Pull up a barstool and watch the baristas work their magic…these gals know a thing or two about latte art! (Their cortado is my personal fave drink)
Houndstooth Coffee – Congress Avenue at the bottom of the Frost Bank Tower. You pick your latte espresso, pretty snazzy!
Jo’s Coffee – 2nd Street. I recommend an Iced Turbo, prepare for ultimate deliciousness.

EATS: I picked the three most “Austin” food options (well, at least in my opinion! Brisket, tacos & pizza) that I could rally together. This list was super tough to narrow down to just three, but I think I represented them fairly well.

La Barbecue – East Cesar Chavez Street. I mean…you really can’t go wrong here. Brisket, beef ribs, sausage. My stomach is growling just thinking about it. Oh right, bring beer and lawn chairs for this one, you may be in line for a while…but it’s worth the wait! (Here in Austin, we will wait hours to eat quality bbq, just a heads up!)
La Condesa – 2nd Street. If any restaurant has ever achieved a swanky yet down to earth vibe, it’s La Condesa. It’s bliss in a restaurant, both in ambiance and food! Order a ‘rita and enjoy some fresh guacamole, everything is good here!
Home Slice Pizza – South Congress Avenue. Definitely worth the wait! I recommend a greek salad to start (they’re pretty big, easy to split) and a side of ranch dressing with your pizza. (True Austinite foodie style right there with the side ‘o ranch)

DRINKS: The Austin bar scene is only getting better as this city grows, and these three bars are a few of my favorites. Honestly, whether you’re going for cocktails or a solid IPA selection (my personal beer of choice), any of these spots will do the trick. Oh right, and they’re all adorable!

East Side Showroom – East 6th Street. As soon as you step foot inside, it’s like you just walked into a 1920’s speakeasy…dapper mixologists ready to serve you a top-notch cocktail (try an old fashioned). This place is seriously a must on your list, it’s cocktail lounge perfection!
Whisler’s – East 6th Street. Amazing patio, the cutest/coolest interior design (it’s stunning and so cool) and there’s a Mezcal bar upstairs. Lots of fabulous cocktails + a good beer selection, too.
Easy Tiger – 6th Street. Grab yourself a freshly baked oversize pretzel (the bake shop is upstairs, the beer garden is downstairs) and a craft beer. This place rocks for it’s chill atmosphere and on-premise food options.

That’s my spiel! If you have something you think Austin visitors must try, please feel free to share in the comments section! I’m a big fan of trying to new places around town, so perhaps it’ll be new to me, too! Enjoy!

**images: austin skyline, caffe medici, houndstooth, jo’s, la bbq, la condesa, home slice, east side showroom, whisler’s, easy tiger

South Congress Shopping Spree Giveaway!

March 2015

Hey Austin gals & SXSW goers! Want to shop like a local? I’m hosting a super amazing giveaway to my favorite shopping district in town, featuring a $100 gift card to FIVE iconic SoCo boutiques. Yes, that’s a $500 South Congress shopping spree for one lucky winner!

As a born and raised Austinite, I have a true appreciation for supporting local businesses (and keeping Austin weird, of course!). Now it’s your chance to enjoy a full day of shopping at these beloved boutiques: Strut, Feathers Vintage, Limbo Jewelry, Parts & Labour, and Creatures!

So how can you enter? Simply find this image above on my Instagram feed, and follow the directions in the caption. It’s as simple as that! This contest runs Sunday March 8th at 10am CST to Sunday March 15th at 6pm CST. The winner will be announced as a comment on the Instagram and I will contact the winner to exchange the prize. Winner must be U.S. resident and over 13 years of age.

Good luck, Austin lovers!

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Guys

February 2015

Wow…I know it’s already February…but really? Nearly Valentine’s Day?! Where has the time gone..! It’s always smarter to buy your gifts in advance, if anything to reduce the stresses of last minute shopping (but to also know you’ll actually have it by Feb. 14th!), so I created a men’s gift guide to cover all the special fellas in your life! (Boyfriend, hubby, friend, dad, brother, etc.). Hopefully when you scope out my favorites above, someone pops into mind! Here’s why these are my top picks:

1. Bryan Ashley Clothiers socks / $25 – American made and hand dip-dyed, these socks are the ultimate in quality & comfort. You can even buy in bundle packs if your man is a fashionable sock lover.

2. I Love You More Than Bacon pillow / $25 – But seriously, this is a really good way to spend $25 and get some laughs. Also, lets be honest…loving someone more than bacon is true love.

3. Crosley Record Player / $110 – I think this is the coolest gift on the list. Add a few of his favorite records (…or a record that has your song on it – ba bam!) and that’s a pretty darn sweet + really awesome Valentine’s gift. And it sets you up for an easy gift idea in the future, just help build that record collection! (Check out Urban Outfitters for records – some really great stuff!).

4. Troubador headphones / $150 – Clearly your man is more special than regular ‘ol headphones. He needs something extra cool and unique, like these amazing beech wood headphones. High quality and stylish? Yes, please!

5. Nixon watch / $150 – Okay, so Nixon is my faaavorite affordable men’s watch maker. Honestly, their watches are handsome yet minimalistic, so they really do go with everything! I own one men’s watch for myself (as I said, it’s one of my favorite brands) and have bought two of these watches as gifts for both my boyfriend and my best guy friend. Nixon is a definite do.

6. Moscow Mule Mugs / 2 for $38 – Ah man, I saw these and instantly fell in love. If drinking is on his list of hobbies, consider investing in some amazing Moscow Mule mugs, like these copper beauties. Give him the mugs + the fixins’ to make delicious Moscow Mules and you’ve just been crowned best girlfriend of the year.

7. House Slippers / $40 – As I’ve written on my blog before, you can NEVER go wrong with house slippers! They are the gift that keeps on giving…every morning, everyday when he gets home from work and every time he wants to make a quick run to some fast food drive thru and only change his shirt to leave the house. You won’t regret it, I can tell you that!

What are you getting for your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Feel free to shop my picks by clicking on the links above & the images below!

striped socks – bryan ashley clothiers / pillow – nordstrom / record player – nordstrom / house slippers – nordstrom / moscow mule mugs – nordstrom / watch – nordstrom / headphones – nordstrom Wow…I know it’s already February…but really? Nearly Valentine’s Day?! Where has the time gone..! It’s always smarter to buy your gifts in advance, if anything […]

Warby Parker Class Trip – Pit Stop, Austin

January 2015

One of my best gal-pals and college roomie (I’ve known her since first grade, actually – my longest friend!), Anj, and I took a little drive around Austin this weekend and of course, wound up doing some shopping. En route to Zilker Park to take advantage of the gorgeous weather, we passed by the oh-so-adorable Warby Parker yellow school bus popup shop off Barton Springs Road and just had to stop in.

I’ve been a huge WP fan for a while now and was fortunate enough to scope out a storefront while visiting friends in NYC last year, but what a pleasure it was to have one of their cute little shops in my own city! If there was ever a perfect place for Warby Parker to open up another store, it’s definitely Austin…home to fashionistas and hipsters…or more appropriately, “hipster-fashionistas”…aka their glasses are already a hit with this city. Anj and I tried on nearly every pair on the bus – both sunnies and optical glasses. She walked away with a pair of two-tone Burke optical glasses (they are seriously perfection), while I solidified that I’d made the right choice months ago with my Lyle glasses in English Oak.

If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of inexpensive, high quality frames (sunglasses or other), definitely stop by the Warby Parker bus, open daily from 11am – 7pm! (You really can’t miss a giant yellow bus along the side of the road…). And if you don’t live in Austin or NYC, you can shop their fabulous selection online – and even try before you buy!

Check out my top picks below and shop your favorites!

Shop optical glasses: Lyle, Burke, Haskell, Winston, Percey, Owen
Shop sunglasses: Dean, Downing, Reilly, Teddy, Piper