Six Best / Summer Dresses

Summer officially starts this Saturday but as far as I am concerned it is already here and I know that because I have been trekking around Austin and have come home a sweaty mess each day.  But that's not enough to stop me. Summers are for fun, for exploring, wether it be in your city or on vacation.  Since I've recently moved  back to Austin I have had a blast re-discovering the city that I grew up in, through older, more adventurous eyes.

I've also had fun re-introducing dresses into my wardrobe!  When I was living in Lubbock I slowly stopped wearing all my cute, flouncy dresses because the wind was just too much. I don't know how many times a surprise wind gust showed the strangers around me a little too much skin, if you catch my drift.

But onto the point.

It's summer and we are all itching to explore and feel cute and cool in the process, so here are my top six summer dress picks of the moment:

One / Blue and White Printed Dress

Two / White Crochet Dress

Three / Triangle Print Cotton Dress

Four / Tropical Bird Print Dress

Five / Woven Mini Dress

Six / Crocheted Lace Dress

What's your favorite piece to wear during the summer?

Spring Wardrobe Favorites

Hey everyone!  I hope that your week is going well! For some reason this week has been dragging for me.  But hey, it's Thursday and we're almost done ;)

I have been doing my best to not buy new clothes and really learn to work with what I have.  I have been on a crazy cleaning out spree lately and I realized that after pulling out over half of the things in my closet, I didn't miss any of it.  Meaning I wasn't even wearing half of what was in my closet!  This irks me on a personal level just because I like to have a use for everything.  Literally all of it.  If it does't serve a purpose I don't like to keep it.  For some reason I have been overlooking my closet for years but I am finally whipping it into shape.

I came to realize that I have a few things in my closet that I keep wearing over and over again.  And then over again.  My "former" closet was made up of mostly cheap, less than great quality clothing.  I have been a shameless Forever 21 shopper for a long while now but when I was cleaning those clothes were the first to go.  The ones that I stuck with were generally the ones that I invested in (just a little bit).  And honestly, it was probably more like I stalked J. Crew for weeks waiting until it went on sale but hey, quality is quality.

Anyway, I'm a little longwinded today but in short… I've picked out a few of my most worn items, those ones that never actually make it into the closet, ya know those sorts.  These babies have stood the test of time and will continue to be on heavy rotation in my closet.

What do you think?  What is one of your favorite clothing items?

A Few Things for Spring + A Design Sale!

Happy Wednesday you guys!  I hope that this week is going well for you!

I talked a little bit about re-doing some of my wardrobe and I am working on just that.  I feel like I have turned a style corner because I am actually really excited about spring clothes this year.  I know, I was weird to ever NOT be excited but ya know, I am more of a fall kind of girl.

But really, how pretty are these things?

Pink Blazer, Fedora, Silk Shirt, Stripe Skirt, Sunglasses, Makeup Bag
Boyfriend Shorts, Cross body, Ankle Strap Flats

Something else I wanted to mention today… I am having a blog design sale!  I started my little blog designing business a while back and then kind of left it for awhile.  Now, I'm picking it back up!  

As a way to build up my portfolio again I am offering 50% off any package for the first 5 people and 30% off after that.  If you're interested check out my page here!

Have a wonderful day!

Maybe Winter, Maybe Spring?

I know that a lot of you are experiencing the polar vortex and/or have been living in the extreme conditions of Chiberia, but here in Texas, we're dealing with a different extreme. Now, no one get jealous or anything but it was 80 degrees yesterday ;)  But here's the crazy: it was snowing just a few days before that.  Go figure.

Aside from my sinuses being completely over (or under, rather) this changing weather, I just don't even know where we are, seasonally.  We're stuck somewhere between winter and spring, or fluctuating between the two, daily.  I know, poor me, spring has come early, blah blah.

You're right.

But still, I have to wake up extra early to catch the weather channel every morning… it's hard guys.

But besides all that whining I've been thinking about clothes and, like the weather, I'm also kind of split, ya know.  I'm not ready to get over winter quite yet but there are some pretty spring things popping up.

Ah, see, this post is actually tying together!

01. Cross-body Bag  /  02. Felt Hat  /  03. Silk Blouse  /  04. Sleeveless Top  /  05. Inside-out Bag  /  06. Nail polish  /  07. Lipstick  /  08. Brogues  /  09. Leather Shorts  /  10. Booties

And now I'd like to introduce you to the beautiful Ashley of Rainstorms and Love Notes.  You've probably read her blog before but in the rare case that you haven't, you are in for a treat!  And I actually mean that last bit quite literally because, well, her recipes look wonderful!  Also, you'll probably want to read her love story.  I'm pretty partial to a good love story and hers definitely delivers!  Now, get to know a bit more about Ashley...

Tell us a bit about you/your blog.
Rainstorms and Love Notes is a lifestyle blog where I share new recipes, write about life and love, and talk about my obsession with binge-watching TV shows and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If you were a super hero, what powers would you have?
I've always wanted to be able to read people's minds!  Although, I may hear something that I'd rather not know…

What is one item on your bucket list?
I'm dying to go to the hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland to watch the Aurora Borealis from a glass igloo.

Read Up: Oatmeal Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce / A Girl's Guide to Enjoying the NFL Season / TV Shows that Defined My Childhood

Follow Along: Blog / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram / Bloglovin

She's wonderful guys, I'm telling' ya!  Now go stop by her blog and say hey!

Get Smitten Over… My Current Loves

Right now I am sitting in my office looking out at the snow.  We don't get a ton of snow here, just some, just enough so that it hasn't lost its romanticism to the fact that snow can actually get in the way of things… but regardless of all that, the gray skies have me thinking of color and quirky decor and a few things I want for spring.

01. One Love Organics Skin Savior - I have heard nothing but good things about this and I love that it is organic.  I have become such a skincare nut over the past few months and I am on the hunt for great, natural skincare.

02. Julia Kostreva iPhone case - I have had my eye on this iPhone case for a while.  In fact, I have been wanting to pick up a few things from this wonderful designer, like this planner (swoon!).  Right now I am just waiting for my phone contract to be up so that I can upgrade.

03. Orvis Stripe Tee - One can never have too many striped tees, and I just really like the look of this one, the asymmetrical hem and all.

04. Baggu Zip Pouch - I have been toting my Madewell tote everywhere because it's so versatile but the downside is that I am constantly losing things in the bottom.  A little pouch like this would be a great way to corral all my little things.

05. Union Jack Pillow - I saw a pillow like this in a picture of a truly killer office and I haven't forgotten it since.  Sometimes there is just that one thing that you think you need, that piece that is perfect, even if it doesn't make sense.  This is that for me.

06. L'Oreal Nailpolish in Blue Reef - I just love this color, even if I can only seem to find it on UK sites!

07. Duck Mirror - Just really, how is this not the best thing ever?  I think I saw it on Design Love Fest a while back and I just can't get enough.

08. Sam Edelman Sneakers - These makes me want to wear them everywhere, everyday.

09. Eiffel Armchair - My interior design teacher in college instilled a deep rooted love for this beautiful design.  Of course I would love a real one but for the price, this baby would be just perfect in my office.


What about you?  What do you love right now?

the weekender // Bags For Little Jaunts

Can I give you a hint? The big things I am cooking up involve weekends of travel here and there and everywhere. I have a long list of places that are calling my name and I am pretty much using all of my free time at work to research, research, research.  

But for right now I am just talking about the bag that I want by my side, holding all my belongings.  I tend to think too much, so disregard if I sound crazy, but there is something so intriguing about a well made, simple bag.  Taking something with essentially no pizzazz, no oomph if you will, and presenting it as something beautiful  is just exciting to me.  But I digress.  Moving on: something neutral, unfussy, and durable, those are the actual qualifications.  I've been pinning bag after bag and these are the few that really stood out.

01. Cuyana Weekender, $120 / 02. Catalina Canvas Weekender, $120 / 03. Hershel Supply Duffel, $64 / 04. Estate Herringbone Duffel, $228 / 05. Vegan Leather Duffel, $70 / 06. Everlane Weekender, $95

My favorite is the duffel from Everlane, followed closely by the Catalina.  And I mean really, don't get me started on them either, they are just chock full of simple beauty kinds of things.  

So, which are your favorites?  Does anyone else over-think pointless things (ie. bags) like I do?  

Wintery & Weekending

This weekend we got our first snow storm of the season!  I've mentioned that I am just giddy about the holiday season but what you should also know is that I am also a fan of cold weather, especially when it involves snow.  When I peak out the curtains to see snow falling my heart skips a little beat.  And then I make sure to announce the good news to N who humors me, bless him, but likely doesn't much care.

But so, as I am snow's #1 fan, I actually like getting out and going places in it.  Now I like boots and peacoats as much as the next person but weekends are just the perfect backdrop for all casual things.  And I love any excuse to wear tennis shoes.  More on that love affair later, my friends.

I hope that you are having a wonderful Monday!

A Style Goal

I have been doing a lot lately to find my style and focus on beautiful pieces.  I really want to pare down the amount of clothes that I own.  I went through a stage where I thought that if I had every type of clothing then I would always look great and always have something to wear.  So, to achieve this I went out and bought lots and lots of cheaper clothes.  The result?  I had tons of clothes, none of them quality, and I still freaked out every morning trying to find something to wear.

This probably isn't news to anyone but your closet should actually be filled with things that you like.  Things that you feel amazing in.  That make you strut, even.  Not things that just look really cute on someone else. 

So now, I'm making an effort to curate my closet.  I am getting rid of all the clothes that don't fit, that are thread bare, that aren't really appropriate post college and I am going more for what I am really drawn to.  And things that can be easily mixed and matched.  Because I am just in awe of those ladies who seem to always have different looks but upon closer inspection are actually wearing the same things over and over again.  That's skill right there.

I am going to be doing some more style related posts as I try to pare down and rebuild, so to speak.  If that's cool with you guys ;)

So, right now, here are a few things that Target has gotten very right...

MOTO JACKET / PLUM SNEAKERS / CIRCLE SCARF / STRIPED SWEATER

CROSS-BODY BAG / STUD EARRINGS / BOOTIES / KNIT HAT

PEPLUM TOP / WALLET / STATEMENT NECKLACE / OPEN SWEATER

If anyone else is looking for some new fall stuff then you should definitely take advantage of a few promotions they have going on right now...

01. they are have a buy one, get one half off sale on shoes and handbags

02. You get free shipping when you spend $50 or more.

03. Use cartwheel and you can save 20% off women's outerwear, 20% off merona dresses, 25% off women's scarves, 20% off fashion boots, 25% off merona ankle pants (one of my faves), and more

Nope, this post wasn't sponsored or anything, I just love Target.  And ya know, friends pass along this kind of info.

Things About Fall

I have been getting more and more excited about fall coming up.  Fall and winter make up my favorite half of the year so I am super pumped to leave the warm weather behind and start getting to the good stuff. 

There is so much to look forward to this year that I feel like I might just burst!

Nick and I are going to have our first Christmas here.  That alone just takes the cake.  It takes it all in its ooey gooey goodness.  We get to set up our tree and wrap presents that we are giving to family and friends and we get to decorate the house up to all its glorious festiveness together.  All the growing together is just so happy making.  It's all so goooooood.

But lets not get ahead of ourselves, yes?  Before that there is so much fall that I can't even.  Just can't even.  There pumpkin patches and subsequent carving nights.  There are fairs, rodeos, and cheese on a stick.  Yes, on a freaking stick.  I have never felt more elation from a fair food, I have not.  There are corn maizes to get lost in and maybe make out in? Come on!  There is a positively talked about cowboy symposium (??) where I'm told I'll get to partake in a real honest to goodness chuck wagon meal.  Say no more though, you had me at food.  

Also, I love getting dressed in the fall.  Don't you?  I love long sleeves and cozy things.  It's like the weather changes and cozy things become the thing.  I can scrunch up my shoulders to my ears and duck my head and I am just surrounded by sweater and  happiness and the knowledge of crisp air that is just right there out of my little cocoon.  And oh my goodness fall!  You are almost here!

Sweater  Button Up  Sunglasses  Dot Ring  Crown Ring  Necklace  Jeans  Fringe Bag  Coat  Booties

Don't you just love fall??

Anyway!  I have a little sponsor love going on below... check it out :)

 

The Super Classic Pieces: Shoes

I love a good, versatile shoe wardrobe.  And I never say no to browsing through a shoe store! As I have gotten older, however, I have been looking for more classic pieces.  Whenever I am talking about fashion/clothes/anything I wear with my friends, I am constantly describing things as "super classic."  It seems that this is my go-to measure of stylish-ness.  And it makes sense because I like to stick with a majority of basics which, by default, tend to become classic pieces.

So, with a wardrobe that is bountiful in basics (and classics!) I thought I'd put together a little series about "super classics" - tried and true by yours truly.

Sam Edelman Booties  |  Frye Riding Boots  |  Zara Heels  |  J. Crew Loafers  |  Repetto Ballets  |  Superga Sneakers  |  Madewell Sandals  |  Hunter Wellies

If these are the only shoes I was allowed to wear, I think i'd be satisfied.  These are my general go-tos for footwear.  The key here is a neutral color and classic silhouette.  And a quality pair.  My rule of thumb is to go cheap for the crazy, outlandish things, and splurge a bit on the good stuff.  The good stuff will be with you longer than those hot pink heels that were only for your halloween costume.  

A well rounded shoe wardrobe includes some classic booties, a pair of riding boots, some strappy black (or nude) heels (which are good to have even if you are heel adverse, like myself), a pair of black loafers, a classic pair of ballets, a do-it-all set of sneakers, strappy cognac sandals, and your iconic rain boots.

Do you agree? Disagree? Did I miss something?  What are your go-tos?

Summa Summa Summer Time!

Hello guys!  Let me just apologize for my lack of posting. Real life has been getting in the way waaaaaay too much, feel me?  Things are good, don't get me wrong, just rambunctiously hectic.  I just need to breathe.

And breathe I will when I make my trip to see my family this coming Monday!  Stoked.

But okay.  I've been dreaming of summer outfits and I am so excited to be able to wear some pretty things!  The weather here has been bad.  I'm talking dust storms, and rain, and thunder/lightning, etc.  It even got bad enough that I ran around the house lighting candles (and warning Nick that Call of Duty may go down) in case of a power outage. But... hopefully that weather is on the outs and sun shiny days are in.  Here's to crossed fingers!

Aaaaand, here's the clothes, because I know that what you actually came for...

Sunglasses  ▲  Fedora  ▲  Essie Polish  ▲  Necklace  ▲  studded bracelet  ▲  string bracelet  ▲  Sandals  ▲ Cross-body  ▲  Scarf  ▲  Dress

I am in loooooove with this little madewell dress.  It is sold out online but I am hoping that I might be able to pick it up at the Austin store... maybe?  Also, Sole Society is my new best friend.  Hence the accessories picks.  And, my all time favorite nail polish.  It's absolutely, subtly gorgeous.

Anyway... Happy Friday Eve to ya!

For a Cool Spring Day (Happy Monday!)

So spring is here and summer is fast approaching but yeah, there are still a few cool days and (mercifully) cool nights and this girl might need a sweater or something not quite summer-y for those times when the weather is feeling a bit reminiscent of recent past temperatures.  How's that for a run on sentence?

But this is what I like for those days.  Those wonderful, wonderful days that give my sweaters a few extra days of love.  Because, come on, fall is really the best season of all.  Hands down, end of story, sayonara sistaaa.

Sweater  ▲  iPhone Case  ▲  Specks  ▲  Necklace  ▲  Shorts  ▲  Tote  ▲  Oxfords  ▲  Notebook

But also, I came here to say, Happy Monday to each and every one of you!  Monday is actually looking prett-ay sweet from where Im sitting.  This weekend was a bit on the crazy side, and generally feeling overwhelmed ensued and such things as they are and blah blah.  It goes on!  But monday is nice.  Back to the norm and only 3 days until vacation.  So we're just going to Austin for a wedding, but that's okay!  I love weddings and the city called Austin (she's rad!) and road trips and oh boy the shopping that will happen.  You can bet your bottom dollar that there will be shopping.  

So here's to mondays being a good thing this week!  Yay yay yay #happygirl

Smitten With: Leather

Lately I have been drawn to leather.  I love it even more now that the weather is getting warmer - there's just something about wearing a traditionally winter material in the summer, love it.  Anyway, here are some of the leather made items that I am just smitten over.

Fringe Tote  ▲  Sandals  ▲  Wrap Bracelet  ▲  Key Chain ▲  Leather Shorts

Things of Spring Dreams

So you know how when you aren't doing something or aren't saying something or other wise refraining from one said thing... and then that is pretty much all you can think about?  Well this is kind of like that.  A little bit.  Saving money is the name of the game around here this month but spending money is on the mind... figures, right?

I have a confession though.  I snuck something in under the line.  As in I bought it before May started and therefore it doesn't count.  We're resourceful around here.  And what is it, you might ask?  The bar studs.  Do you ever get an obnoxious fascination with something that is so simple you can't understand why you're in such a tizzy?  I got my pair from Virginia Wynn Jewelry and I just love them to pieces.

necklace  ▲  loafers  ▲  friendship bracelet  ▲  cuff  ▲  stripe sweater  ▲  killer top  ▲  bar studs  ▲  yellow mini  ▲  shades

All in for Spring: A Wish List

Happy first day of spring!  It is a truly beautiful one here in Texas, the kind that makes you want more!  So with spring in the air I am feeling the need for some changing of the seasons attire.  Here is what I am wanting for spring...

Stripe Top  //  Leather Satchel  //  Field Jacket  //  Nail Polish  //  Strappy Sandals  //  Heather Henley  //  Eyeglasses  //  Stone Earrings  //  Oxfords  //  Emerald Mini  //  Lace Shorts  //  Gingham Button Up  //  Floral Dress



What does your spring wish list look like?  If you've posted about it, link it in the comments :)

PS // I'm sure you have all heard about the google reader thing, so I'll skip trying to figure that all out but you should definitely follow me on bloglovin!  I'd love you forever :)

Is it Spring Yet?

This weekend felt like spring for the first time.  It was absolutely glorious and got me thinking towards beach and camping trips, sitting outside in the afternoons, and cute, leg-barring skirts.  Although, really, these poor white things need some color first.  Which reminds me of a story...

While tubing in San Marcos one summer day, I walked up to the tube renting booth, handed over my money, and boarded the bus to go to the start of the chutes.  When we got to our destination I got off and went to grab my tube from our driver.  Before he handed it over he looked me up and down and with an enviable Texas accent he said, "Woowee honey, I reckon you got yourself a case of the white leg."  Embarrassing.  And creepy.  And why I spent a few summers being self conscious about my paleness.  Thank you mister, you're a gem, really.

But anyway.  Im pale and proud now and flaunting my legs in this wonderful 70 degree weather... until it gets cold again - tomorrow.  Why must the Texas weather be so wishy-washy?

Silk Button Down  /  Sunglasses  /  Satchel  /  Mini Skirt  /  Sandals  /  Necklace  /  Watch

A Few Things on a Tuesday

It's Tuesday morning everybody, and that means we made it through Monday (and I'm not sad to see it leave).  Judge me if you must but I like to indulge in some early morning shopping and today, as I was drinking some tea I perused J. Crew only to discover that they are having one of their 30% off clearance sales.  I'm trying to cut down on my shopping but that doesn't mean that I didn't window shop some.  Anyway, here's my favorite picks for this loveliest of Tuesday mornings.

Stripe Cashmere Sweatshirt  |  Silk Chiffon Tank  |  Tortoise Shell iPhone Case  |  Biennial Satchel  |  Sequin Polka Dot Shirt  |  Turquoise Toothpick Cords  |  iPad Case

Girly Poppy and Leopard

So maybe the weather forecast for tomorrow (here in Texas) has me feeling a little bit too hopeful for spring - and spring outfits.  So really, this is an ode to the upcoming season - please hurry up and please bring these lovely clothes with you.  Much appreciated.

Earrings - J. Crew  //  Necklace - Anthropologie  //  Top - J. Crew  //  Bracelet - Madewell  //  Pants - Lord and Taylor  //  Bag - Louis Vuitton via Bag, Borrow, or Steal  //  Shoes - Madewell

What I Wish I Was Wearing

Here is a little taste of what I wish I were wearing, if I weren't cozied up in my sweats.  I know, I know, poor me.  We've been hit with a surprise cold front and it'd take something big, like food, to get me to leave the house right now.

Sweater - J. Crew, Necklace - Anthropologie (sold out), Plaid Shirt - Woolrich, Boots - Frye, Jeans - J. Crew, Bag - Madewell

So here's to hoping its not so cold where you guys are!  I'll just be here, riding this out.  And dreaming of winter outfits for days when it isn't so wintery.