Oh, Hey! How's your summer been?

 

 Mine has been pure awesomeness. My blog, however, has suffered. But you already may have noticed. So back to my awesome summer, since I don't like to dwell on the negative. Here is what I have done in a nutshell: 

1. Traveled the entire month of July (except 3 days) but got to enjoy seriously mouthwatering in-season Georgia peaches. 
2. Went to an Atlanta Braves game, and to the Aquarium (not pictured)
3. Bachlorette party in Myrtle Beach, SC
4. Set up 3 showrooms: Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas
5. Gazed at Las Vegas architecture, wild huh?
6. Went to Le Reve- amazing!
7. Did a little vintage shopping
8. Zip Lined down Fremont street in LV
9. Attended a Moroccan pool party thrown by a very talented host (and friend) Carlos Cardoza
10. popped over to the Rue Magazine Texas launch party (the whole issue is Texas!) and has lots of my favorite Dallas girls featured. :)
11. oh.... and watched as much Olympics as I could!

And summer isn't even over yet!!! I have a few more things up my sleeve, and a big announcement. .

Style Post- rockin the Lionette jewels

Last Thursday I picked up those fun earrings and necklace from Vanessa at Lionette. There were some other super fabulous jewels that I wish I had taken home with me but I think I chose nicely. The photos on the site are great but i think all the jewelry is extra special in person. I paired them with my new favorite skirt from Target (I wore it 3 times last week) and an American Apparel tank, purple to set off the green, it was a super comfy date night outfit.

Book Report & Summer Reading

I have gotten a lot of reading in lately, some are time passers (entertaining but not ground breaking) and a couple really inspiring ones. Here's the breakdown:

• Trouble in Mudbug-  A pretty cute murder mystery and it was on the Kindle Free list!! I found this Listmania on Amazon that has more cheap murder mysteries
• The Fifty Shades Trilogy- yes.. I went there... and read ALL THREE in a week. it kinda consumed me in a Harry Potter/ Twilight kinda way. Only raunchier and more adult (duh.) I think that they totally coulda wrapped up the whole thing in 1 book if they took out all the unneccessary sex scenes. haha. 
• Imagine: How Creativity Works- This book was pretty amazing. And my redeeming book for the before mentioned trilogy. It was engaging and thoughtful and I highly recommend it.
• The Cat Manual- If you have a 2 hour flight and you wanna get through an entire book, this is the perfect time waster. Its cute... but only to a cat owner. It is written by a cat, for a cat. 
• Untold Story- This is about what "would have" happened if Princess Diana's murder was all a rouse. It is pretty entertaining and an interesting look into psyche. 
• The Magicians and The Magician King- As far as novels go, these two were my favorite that I have read in the last few months. But I love a good fantasy, mystery element to my books. And these deliver.\

 I went back to my summer reading list from last year, and it seems as though I only finished a few. I did purchase these 2 books yesterday on Amazon:

Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook

American Grown

I also have a list from Facebook that people have recommended:

• Neva Warnock-well, just random great reads: Killer Angels, 1632, the Beekeeper's Apprentice, Songlines 
• Whitney Ashton-Swanson Great murder mystery called Perfume. About a killer who picks his victims by their sent. Giving me chills right now. 
• Kara Brock Schectman-Divergent  
• Erin Grubbs- I love the Wideacre trilogy from Phillippa Gregory, very saucy for historical fiction 
• Crystal Ashley-  Devil in the White City. It's About the making of the 1893 worlds fair in Chicago following the architects struggles to complete AND follows a serial killer during the same time. It's non-fiction and pretty interesting. It bounces between both stories every couple chapters
• Maggie Quinn-I'm reading Indomitable Will about LBJ and loving it! I second Devil in the White City, but Erik Larson's newer book In the Garden of the Beasts (about Americans living in Germany during Hitler's rise to power) is NOT good. The Glass Castle is a favorite. 
• Adam Huckel- Touching From a Distance. 

**If i didn't put your recommendation on her, It's because I already read it... but THANK YOU!!** 

Any other good ones we need to know about??

Being a tourist in your own town:: staycation!!

I travel alot for work and it is really nice to stay in Dallas and enjoy every once in a while. It's easier to do when you are trying to show some super awesome college friends what Dallas is made of!
Our friends CJ and Wes came Into town and we had an awesome time, i hope they did. The itinerary consisted of a trip to Chicken Scratch/ the Foundey, drinks at The Belmont, a sculpture tour of Deep Ellum and Pioneer's Plaza, real longhorns at Fuel City (and tacos... Duh), more tacos at Good to Go, a wedding at the Nasher, and to round off the trip... an afternoon at the FOE and a proper Ben/erin dinner party.
So what do you think.... What did we leave out for next time?

Clearly I was just trying to pretend I was on my before mentioned Vespa, as the same photos I took were similar to the ones I wanted in my Pinterest board. A Honda Fit is kinda like a Vespa... Right?!

Style post- a Thrift-up find

A while ago, me and some Twitter friends did a little Thrift-up (tweet-up combined with a thrifting outing). The Indian maxi skirt, was a score from the last East Dallas edition that we did. It comes with a jazzy matching top that it is a little too small, but would make a really fun dress given the right occasion. I just paired it with a black T-shirt, black platforms and THIS necklace that everyone keeps asking me about. I have the necklace  on today too as I set out to go explore NYC (mainly ICFF and Surtex).
If you are interested... you can follow my NY trip on Instagram this week.
Here is another clearer photo of the WineDown event at the Palomar that I wore the outfit to:

I also wanted to brag a little that I met Anthony Williams from Project Runway. :) I am with Metsy and Tonia.
And yes... Anthony's glasses were awesome and flocked. I touched them.

Mint Battle and other outdoor musings

The weather in Dallas is perfect right now. B and I have had many a outdoor meals this week. Our (and by our, I mean Ben's) garden is growing like mad, producing all sorts of edible goodies. The back planter is reserved for my Mint Battle. Above is a photo... stay tuned for the YouTube update this weekend.
Here are a few other shots of our outdoor buddies:

Hula mania

My mom, My cousin, and This girl on Hello Giggles are all hoopin' their way to a better bod. Clearly I need to get out in my backyard and use mine more often. Or maybe this hoop would fit my traveling lifestyle a little better.
We did see some amazing hoppers at the Arts Factory last time we were in Vegas.

Are you in? What's your hula opinion?

Photo montage by my lovely friend Sandra.

Put a Pucci scarf on it.

A few weeks ago I picked up this super fun Pucci scarf (a la Braniff girl uniforms) from Zola's in the Bishop Arts district. The whole structure of the scarf is made so you can wear it a buncha different ways. As I was having a bad hair day, I channeled my inner Lauren (who gave me the courage to rock a head scarf) and went with it. Totally distracts from the crazy hair, huh?
Paired with Ralph Lauren Kelly green pumps, Gap Khakis, Zara green top and Target cardigan.

Grey Gardens Party/movie Screening at Texas Theatre this weekend!

 

I really wish I were in Dallas this weekend so that I could go to this PARTY!! I have seen both Grey Gardens documentaries and the Broadway Musical. Needless to say, I find these ladies fascinating. But, since I can't go, you should don your finest nightgown as a hat and head over to the Texas Theatre on Saturday and enjoy the party for me. PLUS, they are having a themed dance party after!! Send me photos, cause I am super jealous and want to live vicariously through you!! 

Mod Monday- Tips for buying vintage clothing

I am pretty comfortable buying a antique/vintage piece of furniture. I got the mad skills/tips/insight handed down to me from generations of women in my family. My aunt is an antique dealer after all. But one thing I have never felt terribly comfortable buying is clothing. Don't get me wrong, I can pick out a gem, but sometimes I am a little rushed and can't try something on so I hold it up, and go "yea, I'm that size" then I get it home and WRONG, it is not the right size.
That is where my friend Angelica comes in (that's her up there in the vintage Pucci, jealous?). She is a master at buying vintage clothing and the last couple outings I have gone on with her, she has taught me some tremendous tips. So I asked Angelica to pass this knowledge on to you.

Without further ado... Angelica's tips:

Vintage shopping can be quite an ordeal for some of us. How many times have we vintage fashionistas uttered the phrase, "That would never fit me...women were just much smaller back then!" Well, women back then used cinchers, corsets, cone bras, and other undergarments meant to tuck and nip every little flaw. Now, let's be reasonable. Most of us simply don't find practicality in these things anymore. With fashion being more comfort-oriented these days, the vintage clothing can be constricting, matronly, gaudy, and really hard to shop for. So, I am offering a few tips to help make it easier!

1. A good seamstress is everything! Take the time to find yourself a trustworthy seamstress. Most vintage clothes can be altered to fit well, but it is essential that you find someone who has experience with vintage fabric and clothing, and can help you get the most out of your purchases. Often, a simple hem, shortening of sleeves, or widening of a neckline is all you need to modernize and freshen up a vintage frock. Which brings me to my next tip...

2. Use your imagination! Sometimes, vintage shopping requires you to think outside the box. Long, bulky dresses can be shortened, necklines can be altered, stains can be removed, buttons can be replaced, and rips in seams can be repaired. Re-styling is also an option for the more matronly, outdated vintage pieces. Again, a good seamstress can help in this department. If you love the fabric or pattern on a piece that is unwearable, it can be re-used to make something new, like a headband, a belt, jewelry...there are lots of possibilities!

3. Know your measurements! Vintage clothing sizes don't run the way modern sizes do. In fact, just ignore the sizes on the tags. Often, they don't reflect current sizing standards. It's essential to know your measurements (bust, waist, and hip), and to carry a tape measure with you when going shopping (this works great at estate sales, where there is no dressing room). This way, you can measure the garment, and know whether or not it will likely fit, saving you time in the dressing room. You can allow a little leeway for the more stretchy fabrics.

4. Bring a Good Friend! This is one of my favorite tips. Shopping with an extra set of eyes can be both useful and fun. You can give each other honest opinions on the fit and look of a garment, and advise each other on those super-hard decisions. Having a gal (or guy) pal with you that knows your style and dress habits can increase your chances of walking away with some great pieces, as well as walking away from a potentially unwise purchase!

So, what are your tips? Please share!

photo above taken by Rachael Laine 

Dance Party Friday- Janelle Monae

DANCE BREAK! I am seriously obsessed with this album as of late, thanks to my friend Sergio. And seriously? Her hair!! Reminds me of Rocquelle's when she piles it all up on her head in a 40's style bouffant. Jam with me to Janelle Monae and get through the rest of the day.

Dance Party Friday- dedicated to my MOM!!

Because I know my Mom loves this song soooooooooo much. And frankly my brothers and I do too... :)

The flowers are in bloom and so is Emily Hallman's Spring Collection!!!

 I had the absolute pleasure a couple weekends ago to meet the lovely Emily. She is the creator, designer, seamstress and model of the clothing line Emily Hallman.  Emily let Hilary and I into her studio (as documented here by Hilary) before TxSc, to see how she works. AND she gave us a sneak peek at her Spring collection which is launching TODAY!!

from our field trip to Emily's studio

I loved Emily from the very second I met her. Not only a NC native like myself, she suggested Vietnamese Pho for lunch. And we all know the way straight to a girl's heart is food (well at least mine).  But she really won me over when she started showing us the clothes that she designs and makes herself. I mean, serious attention to detail here people. Her clothes are ladylike, fun, retro with a modern twist and customizable to fit whoever is wearing them. Check, Check, Check!

this is from her holiday collection, but it was too awesome to not mention.

Have I sold you yet? Well if not... check out her entire line HERE.
My most favorite skirts of them all... the Rose Skirt... was posted on her FB page a couple days ago. Don't forget to LIKE her while you are there.

Mod Thursday? Duh, it's Mad Men Mania around here

Yes, I realize I should be throwing back a martini as I catch myself up and get excited for the Mad Men premiere this Sunday. But come on, it's Thursday and I didn't have a bad day. So, as i sip my wine I have a few things digital and wait for it.... analog , for ya to get excited about the premiere on Sunday too. Newsweek had a pretty bad ass throwback edition this week. Ben picked one up at lunch today... you should too.

 This gallery of clothing from Mad Men Costume designer Janie Bryant. Amazing insight and a few sneak peeks for the season.

If you are in Dallas you can join us and a few mod friends at the Dallas Smoke 60's Mod Night tomorrow (Friday the 23rd). And dress as your fave character... just get ready to dance. That is what it's all about. but definitely friend their Facebook page even if you can't go.


And if you are really bored... you can play this interactive Mad Men game on YouTube... not gonna lie, it is fun.
We'll meet back here for a Mod Monday rehash of the premiere. ok?

Some other rad booths at the Vintage Show

Vintage Junkys, these girls had a super fun booth to shop and had that 50's high waisted bikini they suggested I try on fit me, I totally woulda bought it. Something tells me these chicks with style are gonna find another one for me soon. Their Etsy shop is here.

Janet at Skip to my Lou was blowing my mind with her jewelry creations. Each piece is handmade by her from vintage pieces. Her merchandising on vintage photos was pretty cool too. On the back of each photo it tells the story of each item that went into the piece, plus a story about the photo... Art all around. Skip to my Lou isn't on the webs but you can call Janet at 903-825-3757

  Beads by Sandy was like a candy store for jewelry makers. Old keys.. Check. Colorful beads... Check. Bracelets with bugs in them? Check. Hilary and I both got bug bracelets and joked they were our "grown-up" friendship bracelets. Nothing says BFF like dead bugs captured in lucite.

 Nova at Collective Nest, had some really great items including some lovely vintage lingerie and get a load of that blue dress!! And her Etsy shop is open all the time. Vintage shopping at 2 am? Sure!

What do I do with my hands?! Oh, there. And the jumpsuit I never bought. But I did get that cutie citron 60's dress. Vintage Martini had the mother load of any vintage brand you have ever heard of including the Pucci dress none of us got. Oh well. Check out the Dallas Vintage Jewelry Show homepage for all the vendors. So worth it.

It's in the details- Texas Style Council Recap #1

This being my first blogger conference, I assumed there would be some well dressed ladies, but good God, I was like a kid in a candy shop of inspiration!! I really appreciate the girls that matched their outfits to their cards... Molly's nails matched perfect! It helped me remember.

All weekend long, it seemed like I was zoning in on the details of peoples outfits. And man there was a PLETHORA of goodness. Hilary and I were good partners in crime all weekend. We figured out she was good at taking in how a person would put something together overall and I would zoom in on a  fabulous jewel or detail of a garment.

Joanne rocks a very monochromatic scheme with a pop of blue; and Metsy had a blingin' fun red necklace.

I also realized that once I got home and was going through my photos that I really need to be a better journalist and A- write down who is wearing what (its hard to remember who someone is by their hands). B- note where they got it from so I can share with you guys. DUH, seems like blogger 101 right? Clearly I get all distracted by pretty and sparkly things--insert blonde joke here--

Rocquelle had some serious hairdos and that pearl necklace rocks; Jesse's feather plume fascinator is right up my alley; OMG who's rock ring is that?!oh, it is Haley's ring!; Joanna's lace top and fun belt totally pulled her LBD together; Merl, you have some mad necklace skillz. I want that.

So here are a few of my faves that I could actually identify... well except for that bad ass ring. who does that belong to?! I LOVE it. It is Haley's ring! Thanks for identifying that Metsy.

Sarah had the most amazing Twiggy lashes

Anne was sketching away, I am so in awe. She posted a few of her sketches so you should check those out!

Mod Monday- 60's vintage dress from Texas Style Council

It was an AMAZING weekend at the Texas Style Council. I came home energized, inspired, full of life, ideas and NEW FRIENDS. I just wanted to pop in real quick and show you the vintage 60's dress I picked up at New Bohemia in Austin during our Saturday shopping day. The perfect Mod dress, right?!
I'll give you more details about the conference after I catch up on the rest of my life. 

Please excuse the Instagram photo, but is does give it a little more vintage flair... yea, we'll go with that.
Have a great Monday.

A colorful outdoor weekend

Among other things, Ben and I worked out in the yard Saturday, getting our backyard in order. I think it is coming together rather nice. Imagine white rocks around the bottoms of the teal planters and the benches on the table being painted the same color as the Moroso Supernatural chairs we scored a couple weekends ago. **note, the top left photo has been filtered on Instagram It's not that bright. :) see Ben's post for accuracy. Ben is also pretty handy and whipped out some planters for our garden

I also went by the Hoopty Sale at Mary's Finds and got that cute little lamp and dress. Sunday we had a fun outdoor brunch in which my friend, Nico took me out on his Vespa for a spin around the hood. It was an amazing weekend. How was yours?

Registered!! SO excited for the Texas Style Council

Thanks to Hilary, for gettin me on board. Countin' down til March, Austin here we come!

A lovely Sunday in NYC

Sunday we had a day off in NY since the building is closed so Seth and I decided to go play in the city.  Started the day with this lovely view from our hotel window... you can see the Freedom Tower being built in the middle at the very back of the photo. Then we met my friend Jen and went to the Guggenheim to see the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit. Pretty dark and humorous stuff, totally interesting and I highly recommend it.

Then we went for a run/walk through Central Park where we got to make these GIANT bubbles...(the photo below is our demonstrator... the guy runnin the bubble show).

 

The morning of athletics was quickly ruined when we stopped for Pop Burger then headed to Brooklyn to wander around... including SmorgasBrewery at the Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg. 

 

 We rounded out the day with a pop into one of my faves Artists and Fleas (where we had an unexpected participation in the filming of the web documentary Failure Club). Then onto a lovely dinner at the Two Door Tavern with Jess.