Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Favorite Holiday Looks

Dec 14, 2022

My house is decorated and the presents are wrapped. It's time to have fun at all the holiday parties and events. I have been shopping online for cute and affordable outfits to wear. Most of the events on my calendar are on the casual side so I included sweaters, separates and sweater dresses instead of cocktail attire. 










This skirt and sweater are similar to what I am wearing to The Nutcracker this year. I found the earrings at Target and the shoes on Amazon. It's comfortable for sitting through a ballet, and I like that I can wear these pieces throughout the year on their own. 




I just received these red pumps in the black version yesterday and wore them last night to a casual holiday party with jeans and a plaid button down top. I was surprised at how comfortable they are. The red shoe would also look great with a basic black outfit to dress it up for the holidays. The best part is they won't break the bank at around $50. 








Fall Favorites

Aug 31, 2022

It's the last day of August! The kids are settled in school and it's time to start thinking about fall. It doesn't get cool here for a while, but it takes time to acquire fall decor and clothes. Plus, by the time Halloween actually rolls around you can only find Christmas decor in stores! It has taken me years to realize I need to buy early. Here are some of the things I bought, and others that caught my eye as I've been shopping the past couple of weeks. 


If you love blue and white decor it can be a little difficult to decorate with traditional fall color. Thankfully, there are so many more options available now. Is anyone else loving these wreath sashes? I have my eye on Christmas ones as well. 


SHOP

 






I have to admit I'm not a fan of most faux wreaths. However, I have learned the hard way that fresh and dried ones do not last outdoors. This wreath is the prettiest faux one I found. It could take you into Christmas as well. I bought this velvet bow for my wreath. Of course I had to link another wreath sash because I think they are the cutest things ever. I've always loved the look a basket planter, but they are usually ridiculously expensive. These are an amazing price!


SHOP

 







This long cardigan is so great over a t-shirt or tank with jeans. It's great for when it's cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons. Camel looks great with ivory (as shown) and black as well. I wasn't sure how the length would look on me since I'm petite, but I tried it on in the store and loved it. It hit right at the knee on me, and I'm 5'4. 

I also bought this faux leather jacket. The reviews say it's buttery soft and thin. I always need light jackets, which are hard to find. When it's cooler it would look great with a turtleneck sweater underneath. 

This sweatshirt is on the pricey side, but Lululemon lasts forever. Plus I tried it on in the store and loved the fit. 

These satin joggers would look great with a solid black tank and slides. It's great for those days you aren't feeling jeans, but sweats seem too casual.

SHOP

 





What's In My Cart: Everything You Need for Spring!

Mar 21, 2020

Has anyone been online shopping through this quarantine? I have! I thought it would be fun to show you what is currently in my cart.

Here are my top three clothing items that will take me through spring and summer. There's really no difference in Texas! It's hot in the spring and then hotter in the summer. Bonus points for being all on sale!










These are the only sandals you'll need to get you through summer and they are all under $75!











These pajamas will keep you cool with the weather warming up. Also on sale!














Fall Fashion and Beauty Favorites

Nov 7, 2019

I am sharing all of my favorite fall purchases from fashion to beauty products. I only share home decor on my Instagram page, but you can find clothing sometimes in my stories. I was surprised at the positive feedback and purchases since I know most of you follow me for my home. Actually, the clothes sold almost as much as the decor last month! 

I've mostly been buying casual sweaters, jeans and flats to fit my lifestyle. Most of my day is spent shopping for clients, running errands or staging homes if I am out of the house. I am a big fan of the off the shoulder trend. I tend to tuck in my sweaters if they're not fitted for waist definition. I do like to wear a belt in that case. I just can't get behind the no belt look I'm seeing everywhere lately. Plus it's an opportunity to dress up an outfit. I've also been switching my jeans over from mid-rise to high rise. I know I'm late to the trend, but it took me a while to find ones that fit me well and are comfortable. 





This sweater is sold out in the blue, but comes in two other colors. 



I love this lookalike Balmain sweater with the gold buttons. The 3/4 sleeve is perfect for those days that are in between cold and warm too. Mules are one of my favorite shoes to wear in the fall. I never have to worry about them rubbing my heel when I walk like typical ballet flats and loafers. I'll have to switch to my flat/low heeled boots when it gets cooler. 






One way to make a casual outfit look dressy is by adding a blazer. I'm just wearing a tee with jeans, but doesn't it look so much more put together? It's another classic black and white look too. I'm wearing mid-rise jeans here, but I switched over to a great fitting pair of high rise. 

I have two different bags pictured. I use the Prada bag for client meetings so I can put my laptop and fabric samples in it. I use a nude or a black YSL bag daily because it can be a shoulder bag or a crossbody. It's also small and dressy enough to wear with a cocktail dress. All three of these are coated leather so there's little worry about scratches. They're a bit pricey, but these three bags are all I need. I've also had them for years so the cost per wear is really low. I bought one every two years. It's technically time for another one, but I just don't need any more!








Here is the same blazer in black. It was such a good deal I had to get both colors. I don't wear heels often so the only colors I have are black, nude and leopard. I haven't found myself needing another pair now that I have the basics. These are low-rise jeans, but I'll link my new high rise ones I recently bought that I absolutely love.







I have been eyeing this red sweater forever! I finally decided to buy it and I'm so glad I did. It's actually not the best photo (sorry none of these are) because I was in a hurry to get my son to his basketball game, but it is really cute. 





I don't buy a lot of clothes as you can see by the amount of times I wear the same jeans, belts, shoes and handbags. It's just not necessary. I suggest starting with the basics to mix and match. If you work in an office that might mean solid colored pants/pencil skirts instead of jeans, or heels instead of flats. I would not suggest buying anything designer unless you know from experience that you will wear it forever. I've owned some type of leopard shoe for the last 20 years. I knew when I bought a designer brand that I would have it forever. FYI, I did get mine 50% off when Saks had their summer sale. Buying off season is a great idea too, but it's only a good deal if you will wear it! You won't see me wearing a designer brand flat shoe that I wear everyday. I have to replace those often because I wear them so much. My booties in the first photo barely lasted two years. I have my eye on the similar ones I linked.




Beauty Faves

I am really into fragrances this year for some reason. Like I mentioned before, I don't buy much. When I do buy something I become a bit of a perfectionist, which is why it took me so long to find the best high waisted jeans. I'm still torn over whether I like Madewell or J.Crew's jeans better. Keep in mind J.Crew completely redesigned their jeans so it's not the same as years past. Anyway, I had to try every fragrance under the sun before I found my favorite fall/winter scent. Don't laugh, but I tried on perfume every time I went to the mall for the past three months. This is the one! It's a clean floral with a musky under tone that's great for fall and winter.








1  2  3  4  5 


1. This CC cream has such a huge following that there's a good chance you might already be using it, but just in case you aren't it's a full coverage foundation and has SPF 50. It's the only one I have used that covers all of my imperfections and doesn't sink into my lines.


2. If you can't figure out strip lashes then these are for you! I can put these on in 5-10 minutes. It does  take a bit of practice to go that fast, but it's worth it. I use this in lieu of mascara for my upper lashes. As long as I sleep on my back which I try to do to not cause wrinkles anyway, I only have to reapply them when I wash my hair. I only wash my hair twice a week so I wake up looking made up when I'm not. I use the dark glue instead of the clear. I've found the clear dries white that makes the glue noticeable. I don't need eyeliner on my upper lashes with the dark glue either. I only have to put on a bit of shadow, and then liner and mascara on my lower lashes that's easy to remove without dislodging the lashes. 


3. I've been using this moisturizer since May when a make-up artist recommended it. Hands down this is the best I've ever used. I even bought a small jar of La Mer once. Don't waste your money on that. I was not impressed!


4. My skin is very dry and my lips used to be perpetually chapped no matter what I put on them. This is the only product that has cured it. I have to put it on twice a day, but most people only need it at night. I use a matte lipstick during the day and just put it on top to make it look like lip gloss.


5. I can't say this bronzer came recommended to me the way I use it. It was just trial and error. I was happily using Laura Mercier translucent powder over my foundation to set it until it really just started to settle in my crow's feet. I tried so many other powders and couldn't find anything that didn't age me until I realized my bronzer didn't do this. I bought the lightest one possible and started using it as a powder. I'm guessing it's because it's thicker compared to translucent powder. I told a makeup artist about it and she was impressed as well!



I hope you enjoyed this different kind of post! Of course interior design is my main focus since it's also my career, but let me know if you'd like me to include an occasional fashion and beauty post.





Balmain Blazer Lookalike

Oct 15, 2019

One of your favorite items from my fall home tour wasn't even home decor. It was my black Balmain lookalike blazer! I loved it so much that I bought it in white too. It also comes in a pink, light blue and red. I find that it runs exactly one size small and you will see many reviews say the same. The quality is amazingly good too. At under $60 it's a great find!

I wore the white today to a client meeting. I paired it with a black bodysuit, black jeans, and my favorite flats. I'd rather wear heels, but flats are typically what I wear when working. 










The Prada tote bag is also what I usually take with me to client meetings because it can hold so much-files, measuring tape, and fabric samples. The YSL bag in the second photo is what I carry on a daily basis because it can be a shoulder and crossbody bag. No need to switch bags! My Ferragamo pearl belt is no longer available, but the black and gold one is a classic.

Close-up of the belt




Here is the same blazer in black that was so popular in my fall home tour. More details about this look is in the link. 





SHOP


Blazer   Bodysuit   Jeans  Similar Belt   Mules   Prada Bag  Similar YSL Bag






Living Room Change Up

Nov 4, 2018

If you follow me on Instagram (particularly the stories) you know I had a rug saga going on in my living room. I knew I wanted something in an abstract pattern with a bit of blue. There wasn't much to choose from that wasn't a silk Tibetan rug aka expensive, but I finally found something affordable that would work. It was delivered in the evening while I was at a client's house so my husband and son laid it out for me. The minute I walked in the living room I was shocked. It was a lot of blue! 

I went back and forth about keeping it or returning it. It's really pretty in the daylight when the sun washes out the blue. The contrast between the blue and cream is really noticeable in dim lighting, which wasn't the look I was going for. I can't say it's perfect, but once I looked at photos with my old cream rug and the new one I decided it looks so much better with the addition of the blue. 

I also like how it picks up the blue in the art above the TV. 

(Sorry, these photos are a bit blurry. I used my nicer camera, but must have done something wrong).









The only problem is the pillows on the sofa need to be changed out now to something with less pattern. These are old Homegoods pillows that were $16.99 that I picked up on a whim until I decided on something more permanent anyway.



I have so much blue in my house it's nice that to have it carried through to the living room now.



My old cream rug found it's way into the bedroom. I haven't photographed it yet because I need to address that big stain by my foot first. That is the reason I buy inexpensive rugs! Folex works wonders for stain removal FYI. Here is a quick Instagram photo I snapped for my stories the other day. I was excited about finally being able to wear my orange fall sweater with the cooler temps! I would eventually like a viscose tone on tone striped rug in a cream or beige, but I haven't had a chance to look yet. I need to get moving on those living room throw pillows first!

I just realized I sound like a hot mess-mysterious rug stains, blurry photos, rash shopping decisions, smudged mirror, zero time to address any of it...at least I like my outfit! 




SHOP THE POST 







Beach Trip: Cabo San Lucas

Jun 28, 2018

We just got back last weekend from a fun trip to Cabo! My husband and I went for our friends' wedding. It was our first time there, but we have been to Cancun and Cozumel. It is a bit different with the desert landscape, dark blue Pacific water, gusty winds and really intense waves. The biggest surprise is that it was cool at night. I didn't bring one long-sleeved top since I thought it was going to be hot and humid. The weather is more similar to the California coastline, which makes sense considering the location. We stayed at Pueblo Bonita Pacifica and it was wonderful. The only downside is you can't get in the ocean because the waves are too big and there's a dangerous undertow. However, you can get in the ocean if you stay on the calmer bayside of Cabo. It wasn't quite hot enough to get in the water anyway. It was a rare sight to even see anyone in the pool! The weather was comfortable enough to sit on pool loungers in a swimsuit. That's such a change from our usual beach vacation.

I love a comfortable sundress for traveling. It can be tricky to wear them with a plunging back and/or neckline so I wear mine with a tube top underneath. I've linked a similar one at the bottom of the post.




I love a good swimsuit cover-up that can double as a dress. It's especially important at a beach resort when you may be walking into restaurants and having lunch pool side. I always make sure I have a maxi dress with me too in case I get too much sun on my legs.




I never thought I'd wear a crop top, but I fell in love with this cover-up when I tried it on. It's the beach anyway, right?! I love the high waist, too.





It felt like we were back in Capri on this sunset cruise! If you go to Cabo don't miss it. We were actually freezing on this boat ride. It was already cool so we texted our group and let them know we were planning to bring our hotel robes. Our Houston crowd didn't bring anything with sleeves either. There were 18 of us wearing white hotel robes. I'm sure we looked like we were part of a weird cult! We did take them off for photos, but I kind of wish we had gotten one with them on now. I had brought a maxi dress because I knew it would be windy, but it came in handy with the cooler weather too.





Dressed up for the wedding! I have wanted this Lilly Pulitzer dress forever and finally bought it a few months ago. It gets updated every year and comes in different colors too. I've linked this exact one from Ebay and Amazon to get you almost every size. 






SHOP THE POST











Summer Dresses

May 18, 2018

It's the end of the school year, which means events to attend and vacations to get ready for in our family. I have bought so many summer dresses the past month from casual to cocktail. I wore two of
them this week! I went to Austin for a night earlier this week to attend the Reward Style city tour. It was so nice to meet other bloggers and social media influencers. Honestly, I just wanted a reason to go to Austin with my friend Melissa who was also invited. I've been dreaming of taco trucks and live music for months! It was too quick of a trip to really enjoy the city, but I got my taco. Unfortunately, I  burned my taste buds by adding too much green sauce I poured on it. Let's just say that was not guac. I should have known because guac is always extra!

I wore this red dress that has just a hint of orange. I love it because it's flattering, the color is great for photos, and it works for an event that is in between casual and cocktail. I found earrings to match it perfectly that you can't really see in this photo. I linked them below for a closer look. I wore wedges instead of heels because I knew we'd be in the grass. I was a little hesitant to even try on these 4 inch high wedges because I felt like I may fall or my feet would be killing me later, but they were so comfortable and I didn't even come close to toppling over. The sales girl kept saying the platform made them easy to walk in. I inwardly rolled my eyes at that, but she was right!

Isn't this just the cutest trailer with those flowers?





I had to rush back the next day so I could attend my oldest son's golf banquet. He's a freshman on the high school JV golf team. Most of the event was focused on the seniors headed off to college. I just couldn't believe my son was at the same event as college bound adults. He was just in junior high last year and now he has friends that have cars. We were leaving the golf course after practice earlier this year and he pointed to a Mustang next to us and said that was his friend's car. I said,"The person driving?! You have a friend that DRIVES?!" That was a wake up call that he is not little any longer if the facial hair, deep voice and five inches of height over me didn't do it.

We had a bit of last minute drama over his clothes. He said he was convinced he was going to wear his high school golf shirt, but it turns out he needed a button down shirt like the one I tried to buy him weeks ago. Yeah. The only shirt he had was one from Christmas. At least it isn't flannel!

I just love the orange color of this dress! It's so well made too, but that's not surprising since it's Trina Turk. My mom found it out shopping a while back and bought it for me. I linked similar ones below since this one is no longer available. I wore the same wedges from the night before since they were so kind to my feet!



I've linked other dresses and wedges I've had my eye on, too. There are so many great options right now!













Mother's Day Gift Ideas

May 6, 2018

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We spent yesterday out by the pool for Cinco de Mayo. My husband made fajitas, but I ended up getting full off of homemade tortilla chips, guac and homemade queso. I'm looking forward to the leftovers today! He also made my mom and me pina coladas to sit by the pool and watch the boys swim. 






The boys may be older and good swimmers, but we have to keep an eye on them because they can be really rough at times. I just love the dynamic between the three of them. There is less fighting and more laughing as they get older. They still love to make fun of each other, but it's all in good fun.





Mother's Day is next weekend so I know a lot of you will be going out today or some time this week to pick up gifts. Most of us know our moms and wives well enough to pick out their gifts...just kidding! I rounded up a list from handbags to jewelry. I even included a feminine set of luggage since summer vacations are right around the corner. My favorite Longchamp bag is also included. I noticed so many women of all ages traveling abroad had this nylon tote that comes with a zipper. The turquoise jewelry made the list because it pairs perfectly with summer clothes. It's made of real gemstones and 18 kt gold plated over silver at a reasonable price. The company will even re-plate the jewelry if it tarnishes. My favorite reasonably priced handbags are on this list. I've been eyeing the lookalike Chanel bag for a while now, but the See by Chloe bag is brand new. I couldn't believe how close it resembles it's big sister Chloe bag at a fraction of the price. Happy shopping!











My Favorite Items Are On Sale!

Apr 27, 2018

It's the weekend! I will be working as usual. Since my job is to shop for clients I do get to pick things up for myself along the way so I can't complain!

Macy's is offering 30% off with their Friends & Family sale. My Hotel Collection bedding is only $174.99 for the king sized duvet! It also comes in a comforter version.





My favorite white sandals are on sale, too!




I've also been shopping for swimsuits to wear this summer. I keep going back to my favorite brand, Becca. I love the support and comfort, but it also is still on trend. Here is the swimsuit I bought last year in purple. I was so happy to see they brought it back in other colors. I'm loving the bright pink!











J.Crew Factory is also having an amazing sale of up to 60% off! These shorts are only $21.50! Banana Republic is offering 50% off sale items. My top is in limited sizes, but it's only $14.99!




Other Sales:

Pottery Barn-25% off one regular priced item in stores and online, including furniture (use code SAVE25)

Gap-Extra 20% (use code OURTREAT)

Williams Sonoma Home-20% off one item (use code SPRING)

J.Crew Factory-Buy one, get one free off summer must haves online only (use code SUMMERLOVE)

Ballard Designs-20% off everything

Banana Republic-Extra 50% off sale

Frontgate-25% off site wide (I will be buying their pool floats today!)

Club Monaco-Extra 30% off sale in stores and online