Friday, March 30, 2012

TGIF


Happy Friday!  I'm loving this white button down, denim shorts and tortoiseshell.  Isn't it the perfect, casual weekend outfit?  Speaking of tortoiseshell, I'm needing these in my life.  What do you think?

I'm headed home this weekend to watch my not-so-little brother's baseball game and spend time with family.  He's graduating in May and this is his last year of high school ball.  (What the WHAT?! When did I get so old?)  Here's a bit of blog lovin' for my favorite posts this week:  here, here, and here.  Have a fabulous weekend!  See you Monday!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Seeing Spots


I am so into polka dot patterns right now!  Everything from home decor to blouses to the Kate Spade Twirl I just purchased as my spring scent.  I'm in love with these pillows from Furbish and pretty sure they will have a spot in my home quite soon.  Any patterns you're particularly fond of?  

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Hunger Games


Can we just talk about how amazingly gorgeous/manly/hawt Liam Hemsworth is?  I finally got to see The Hunger Games last night for Allyson's birthday!  Isn't it interesting to see how the picture in your imagination differs from the movie come to life?  I was completely Team Peeta while reading the trilogy, but sorry, I'm shallow and Liam completely switched me to Team Gale.  I've decided that I'm going to read the books again...they have to be even better with Liam as Gale in my mind, right?

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Monday, March 26, 2012

Happy Birthday, Allyson!


Happy, happy birthday to my dear, amazing, wonderful and talented friend, Allyson!   Some of you may know her as Mimosas in the Morning (and if you don't, get over to her blog pronto.  She's amazing.)  I feel so lucky to call Allyson a RLF (real life friend).  She's amazingly positive, encouraging, and always knows just what to say.  Her taste is impeccable, her work ethic and determination are beyond motivating, and she's the most kindhearted person I know.  I am so glad that I have this girl in my life! Happy birthday, lova!  Hope twenty-two is the best year yet!

*I almost titled this post "Ode to Allyson" -- she's just that wonderful!


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Friday, March 23, 2012

TGIF



Happy, happy Friday!  I know I'll be soaking up all the sunshine I can this weekend.  Hope you enjoy this beautiful weather!

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Weatherproof

Rainy Days

It was rainy, rainy, rainy in Houston yesterday.  I had a ton of errands to run and spent the day leaping over puddles.  This J. Crew linen slicker, Hunter rain boots, and cheeky umbrella would have been perfect.  Sadly, my rainproof wear consists of an Anorak from my college days and a floppy umbrella, neither cute nor cool when your umbrella is blown inside out by the wind. 

Keep raining, Houston, and I'll be forced into purchasing Hunter wellies!  (I will definitely be doing a rain dance today.)

Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Closet Envy


I am head over heels in love with Bailey's closet.  To. Die. For.  You see, my problem is that the majority of clothes in my closet haven't been worn in ages, but the second I try to toss that skirt/shirt/shoe out, I'm like, "....but what if I need this one day?  I'm sure I'll need it one day."  Oh, and here's a good one:  "I'm sure that'll fit again...soon."  And so this outdated and/or ill-fitting article continues to live in my closet.  It's a problem.

I need advice.  What criteria do you use to decide whether an item makes the cut?  I will definitely be checking out this week-long series on Live Simply By Annie (love this blog.  If only my life were half as organized...le sigh).

Today is the day I show my closet who's boss.  Wish me luck.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday, Monday


Happy Monday!  I had the best time this weekend -- midday matinees, shopping, a girls' dinner, St. Patty's Day -- so much fun.  But let me tell you, all that fun and celebratory green beer had me worn. out.  I'm excited to get back into the swing of things this week.  On my to do list:  spring clean my apartment (namely my closet) and a DIY wall art for a blank space of wall in my living room.  I'm thinking something like this or this.  What do you think?  Are you more of a polka dot or chevron kinda girl?

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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Take Me {Back} To Ireland

How fun was this weekend?!  St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays simply because everyone is so into the festivities.  I mean, who doesn't love perfect weather, outdoor patio drinking and live music?  I love seeing outfits in all shades of green, everything from cheesy costumes to trendy ensembles.

Last year, one of my best friends and I packed two gigantic backpacks and set off to Ireland for 12 days.  I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pictures in the spirit of [the day after] St. Patrick's Day.

Ain't no Guinness like a Dublin Guinness.
Cliffs of Moher
Oh heyyy.
Streets o' Dublin.

Whichever way you celebrated,  I hope that this weekend was filled with enough festive green outfits and Guinness to last you the next 364 days!  

Monday, March 12, 2012

A DVF Monday

I know that we all love and covet the DVF wrap dress, but let's talk about the woman.  She is just so charismatic and gorgeous and authentic.  One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Diane:  "I travel light.  I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life wherever you are." 

So, when I read this post on Elements of Style, I became even more enamored with the iconic designer.  She radiates this self-assurance and positivity that I want to have.
 After reading Erin's post, I really stopped and decided to give myself a little more credit when it's so easy to be overly critical.  I mean, shouldn't we all?

Because let's be honest, a woman in a DFV wrap dress is stunning, but this type of attitude is even more becoming.

I think Diane von Furstenberg's "Ten Rules to Live By" are ah-mazing.  Definitely words to remember.

DVF's Ten Rules to Live By:

Trust yourself. “The secret to feeling attractive, and to being attractive, is the confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe in.” 

Accept the passage of time.  “The older you get, the more you should learn to love life and appreciate the beauty that comes with age.” 

Document your days. “Carry a camera and create an inspiring visual diary of your life.” 

Your suitcase symbolizes your life. “The best way to know a woman is to open her luggage.  If she knows how to pack well, it means she understands , and cherishes, how to live a simplified life.”

Fashionable friends. “Choose fashions that make you happy.  I hope the clothes I design will become my clients’ best friends.  That way, when they open their closets, they will always encounter someone special.” 

Dress your personality. “Always choose styles that also accentuate your personality.  Don’t use fashion to try and project a different persona.  Authenticity is key.” 

Use your feminine power. “My mother taught me that being a woman is a privilege because the world revolves around us!  It is a precious gift, and its power should be used in a subtle and respectful way.” 

Your handbag is your guide. “Before leaving home, check your agenda and organize your bag according to what you have to do that day.  Keeping everything in order makes life easier.” 

Indulge yourself. “If you are like me, and don’t want to resort to Botox, book regular massages.  I’m sure it helps to keep everything firm and in it’s place!” 

Lead a balanced life. “The best regimen is to keep moving!  Never stop working, traveling and seeking adventure.  Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol and sugar and get to your yoga class!”

Read all of Erin's post here.

Happy Monday!  Here's to a great week! 

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Spring Forward

This extra hour of sunlight has put me in the. best. mood!  

Here are two of my favorite songs that make me so eager for summer days.



But watch this video of Home instead ... YouTube wouldn't let me imbed it.

And oh, Beirut ... I just love this song.



 
Any songs that really get you in the mood for warm weather and long weekends?

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Trust the Process

Oh maaaannnnnnn, the past few weeks have been so hectic that I've been completely thrown off my every day schedule.  Physically and emotionally exhausted.
 
With nothing on my agenda today, this little hiatus is just what I needed.  I made it to the gym (three weeks without exercise = one sweaty mess), stocked up on groceries, and will be spending the day relaxing and recharging for the coming week which, for me, begins tomorrow.

Here's a little encouragement when life is a bit of a whirlwind.


Trust the process.

Happy weekend!
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Moneygrabber

Fitz & the Tantrums' Moneygrabber

A little Motown, a little "Gold Digger"?  Perfect combo.

Fitz is coming to Houston's Free Press Summer Fest in June.  Fitz & the Tantrums, Avett Brothers, and S-n-double-o-p-D-o-double-gizee?!  Take a look at the rest of the lineup here.

Tickets purchased. 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Monday Must-Haves

Untitled #1

Papersource notepads / Michael Kors iPad case / Michael Kors watch / Longchamp tote / pretty pens / Kate Spade cosmetic pouch

In the whole week and a half since I began blogging, I find myself thinking "Oh, I loveeee this!" and "Oh, must remember that!" quite often ... and subsequently not writing {or typing} these ideas into a safe place.

Look like a blogger, think like a blogger, write like a blogger, right?

Yep, problem solved.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Happy Friday

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Happy {happy, happy, happy} Friday!  This picture perfectly describes how I'm feeling about this {much needed} weekend.  It's low-key days like these that I live for -- going to a concert, probably do a little dancing, and relax with friends.  Anything fun planned?