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

The Dress Resolution

A few weeks ago, I mentioned a fashion resolution I made, and it's time to introduce the dress that started it all, along with the resolution spelled out.

I bought a knit dress from Forever XXI in the fall, and the intention was to wear it to two upcoming weddings. Since then, I've also worn it to work, during a Saturday night outing with friends, to church (and, most recently, out to a Valentine's Day dinner with my fella). After examining my closet, I couldn't find any other dress that seemed as versatile as this one, but I was hooked on the concept. Thus, the resolution was established, and the rules are below: 

Resolution Rules
1) Purchase one dress each month, to total 12 dresses in 2012. 
2) Each dress must be able to transition easily from day to night. In other words, they must be appropriate to wear both to work and out on the town.
3) Total budget for the dresses is $600, or an average of $50 per dress.

Stay tuned this week for my February dress!

What I'm Wearing

Knit Dress (Forever XXI)
Studded Belt (J.Crew)
Patterned Tights (J.Crew)
Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)
Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)
Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)
Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Monte Carlo Gold Bracelet (JewelMint)
Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)
Essie Nail Polish in "Brooch the Subject"

Napa and San Francisco in Instagrams

The fella and I spent a long weekend in California, exploring Napa and San Francisco, for no good reason other than we like eachother a lot. I returned to Austin about 20 lbs heavier, and only 10 of those were from bringing back  bottles of wine.

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1/2) Our B&B in Napa

3/4) Waiting for lunch at Rutherford Grille and wine tasting at Peju

5/6) The cave underneath the Far Niente winery

7/8) A picnic lunch at Rutherford and the lawn at Frog's Leap
9/10) Pretty vineyard "weeds" and the Stag's Leap entrance 

11/12) Driving into San Francisco and my first clam-chowder-in-a-breadbowl

13/14) Watching the seals at sunset on Pier 34 and dessert at Ghirardelli Square

15/16) Two different views of San Fransciso from our boat out to Alcatraz

17/18) Alcatraz Island and our farewell sub sandwich lunch at Little Luca's

Wish List: Tie It in a Bow

I'm not sure if it's the spirit of Valentine's Day still hanging in the air or if I'm finally tired of dressing in black, grey, and navy, but I've started incorporating more pretty, feminine details into my clothing. Another style trend I want to try is tying a bow around my shirt collar using a silk scarf (similar to the Modcloth blouse shown below). 

And with that, I'm off to buy 30 pounds of chocolate at 90 percent off, like all the pretty and feminine girls do.

Where to Buy | Photo Sources
1) Olivia + Joy Bow Peep Canvas Tote | macys.com
2) Pave Bow Pendant | baublebar.com
3) Glossy Bow Ring | forever21.com
4) Me Too "Patty" Flats | zappos.com
5) Copywriter Top | modcloth.com

Latest Acquisitions: The Sale Edition

What's better than building your winter-to-spring-transition wardrobe? ... Building it on sale. Well, building it on sale with money I find on the ground would be even better, but I'll take what I can get. Through promotional codes, Groupons, and simply scouting out good deals, I purchased everything featured in this post at a discount.

My favorite item might be the orange top from Blue Elephant, a local boutique. The photos I included here actually show the back of the shirt, which I am hoping I can also wear with the crocheted design in front. What can I say? When I save money, things get wild.

Regal Bangle Duo (Bauble Bar)

Rhinestone Bow Ring (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

 Orange Crocheted Top (Blue Elephant)



Jolly Suede Wedge Bootie (ShoeMint)

Have you found any good deals lately?

Best Love

One of my best friends, Afsan, came into town this weekend. Not only did we drink Ruby Slipper martinis, eat our weight in breakfast tacos, and shop, Afsan also offered to be my photographer. (Luckily, I've had so much experience with the paparazzi that this barely fazed me.)

When Afsan and I were in college, we were part of a women's organization that awarded her the title of "Best Love" one year, meaning she exemplified a loving attitude toward her fellow chickadees. As I got ready for the photo shoot, I kept trying to add accessories to my outfit. And Afsan was always there to offer helpful advice, including the following:

"No."

"Take that off."

"You look stupid."

Thanks, Best Love!

What I'm Wearing
Graphic Tee (Old Navy)

Xhiliration Faux Leather Jacket (Target)

Skinny Jeans (Express)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)
Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)
Left Hand:
Monte Carlo Gold Bracelet (JewelMint)
Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Right Hand (all borrowed):
Gold Bangles (Madewell)
Twisted Gold Bangle (Forever XXI)
Beaded Bracelet (Banana Republic)
OPI Nail Polish in "Bullish on OPI"