Little Thrills

I can't take credit for discovering the amber oil that I now wear on a daily basis. I learned about it from a good friend, Trisha, who was kind enough to tell me her secret after I spent a creepy amount of time smelling her neck one night.

I found it difficult to order the oil online, but you can typically find it at Whole Foods. Swing by the beauty aisle after you've picked up your fresh kale and grounded your own organic peanut butter.

Follow me on Instagram to see even more of my little thrills!

P.S. Have you entered to win my surprise giveaway yet?

The Ballet Flat Ballot Giveaway

I need some help, lovely readers! I've found myself walking in circles inside my closet each morning looking for the perfect pair of shoes to complete my ensemble. Not only is this awkward because my closet is 20 square feet, but it really confuses Cooper, who likes to follow me around when I'm home. 

It was easy to figure out that I was missing some nude flats, but I'm having trouble deciding on which pair I should ultimately purchase:

Me Too "Patty" Flats 

(also seen here)

Price: $89

Why?: Great on-trend piece for this spring and summer

[Photo source: zappos.com]

TOM'S Rose "Natalia" Linen Ballet Flats

Price: $74

Why?: Helps a child in need

[Photo source: toms.com]

Tory Burch "Caroline" Ballet Flat

Price: $225

Why?: Great quality

[Photo source: jildor.com]

Which one should I choose? Leave a comment by Wednesday, April 4, at 5:00 p.m. CST. I'll pick one commenter afterward to receive a surprise giveaway!

A Shopping Trip in Instagrams

My friend, Margaret, and I took a trip to J.Crew last week to develop her spring wardrobe. Margaret has great instinct about what pieces will work with those she already owns and new trends she wants to incorporate. Another great habit she keeps is walking in the door with her budget already set, in order to make better decisions and not overspend.

One hour, two bottles of water, and a dozen outfits in the fitting room later, Margaret was done! I think Efficient is her middle name. My favorite items she ended with were the No. 2 pencil skirt in citron and a plaid perfect shirt. (And I took these home to play!) Check out some Instagrams I took of the fun evening.

1) Margaret in the Dolores dress in prospect purple
2) Before trying on the clothes
3) Items purchased
4) Margaret in a winning outfit, including the Minnie pants and Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats in blue grotto

Little Thrills

I've been holed up for much of the week, trying to get over a terrible cold. When I finally ventured out of bed and into the land of healthy people, I wore these two enameled bracelets from J.Crew that I purchased last week. (More on that shopping trip to come!)The bright colors came in handy as I tried to distract people from my red nose.

[J.Crew enameled bracelets]

Sunday Brunch

There's nothing better than Sunday brunch. If I could bring any food with me to a desert island, it would be Sunday brunch. (I'm sorry. I can't get any more specific than that.)

The fella and I, along with some other friends, went to brunch at Moonshine, and I selected another piece I picked up from Le Garage Sale to join. I like to wear my most favorite pieces of clothes to my most favorite events. Looks like I might have enjoyed brunch too much, judging by the stain on the front.

What I'm Wearing

Soho Tee in Grey/Ivory (StyleMint)

MM Couture Maxi Skirt (Maya Star via Le Garage Sale)

Black Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory)

Mossimo Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Target)

Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Black Regal Bangle (Bauble Bar)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"



Little Thrills

I like the idea of highlighting little treasures I pick up or discover throughout the week, so I'm planning to make this "Little Thrills"  post a weekly one...

This week I bring you my new favorite (read: my only) lipstick. Normally, I stick to lip balm, or -- if things are getting really wild -- slightly pink-tinted lip gloss. But, I was flipping through a magazine last week and was uncharacteristically drawn to an ad for Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick. Hours later, during a (very characteristic) trip to Target, I spotted the Maybelline display and selected the perfect shade of beige.

Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Beige ForGood

I can't say this lipstick lasts 14 hours, but when I apply it diligently, it definitely lasts all through the workday. It's the one thing I haven't taken off all week!

The February Dress

Obviously, it's not February, but I never posted the dress I purchased for my dress resolution last month. This number was a steal at $15 in the STRUT booth during Le Garage Sale. Even though I'm a procrastinator with blogging, I'm thrifty when it comes to shopping. We all have our strengths.

I actually have no clue what I'm going to pick as my March dress. Have any suggestions?

What I'm Wearing

Final Touch Navy Mod Dress (STRUT)

Grey Tights (Forever XXI)

Jolly Suede Wedge Booties (ShoeMint)

Ribbons and Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Rhinestone Bow Ring (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"

Making Fuzzy Tracks

I'm typically not a huge SXSW participant, because crowds scare me more than curling iron burns, but I got invited to the “Make Fuzzy Tracks” SXSW party, hosted by mixtape marketing and Bearded Pony and decided to go because they were giving out free drinks. Also, I knew some of the peeps behind the scenes. ... The drinks were yummy though.
I came straight from work, so I went with a mix of office casual and bold accessories.

And here are a few other photos I took from the party:

      

1) mixtape marketing and Bearded Pony koozy
2) Bush Baby Beer bartender pouring free samples
3) Lauren Brown of He's My Brother She's My Sister tap dancing on the drums
4) Lots of Sweet Leaf freebies
5) The "free drinks" menu of the night
6) Having fun with the props
7) The Fella double-fisting with samples
8) Craig of Bearded Pony, presumably explaining why he is awesome
9) Random stickers
10) Sweet Leaf-flavored lip balm for the taking

What I'm Wearing
White Oxford Shirt (J.Crew Factory)
Black Marled Sweater Vest (Swapped from Jen of Purse & Clutch via the Swap.com exchange at Texas Style Council)
Cropped Skinny Jeans (Gap Outlet)
Jolly Suede Wedge Booties (ShoeMint)
Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Black Regal Bangle (Bauble Bar)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"

The Texas Style Council in Instagrams

Much of the weekend was wet and rainy, but Sunday afternoon brought sunny skies and the Texas Style Council conference. This was my second year to attend, and just like last year, the symposium did not disappoint.

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1/2) The front and back of my DIY business card (I stained the paper in black tea)

3) View of the crowd before Kendi's keynote

4) The conference schedule and my manicure -- OPI's "Cajun Shrimp" and Essie's "Absolutely Shore"

5) Stripes side-by-side with Jennifer, my blogger AND real-life friend

6) A panel featuring J, Jen, Elizabeth, and Kyla, and moderated by Molly