Black and Tan

I've read on the blogosphere that black and brown is a good color combo, and I have to agree. I mean, if the combo of Black and Tan results in an excellent beverage, why wouldn't that transition to fashion?

I have to admit that I really like this combo for a few reasons, but most importantly, it's about the shoes. I bought these open toed wedges this past winter and prayed for the snow to melt so that I could bust these beauties out. 

Trouve Wedges, Nordstrom

I bought the dress from online dress site eShakti last summer and only got to wear it once before the air turned crisp, but I love the military style on the front so much that this is a closet staple of mine this summer.

I can't remember where I got these bangles (Forever XXI maybe?) but I know that I love them because they're an easy way to dress up my wrists (an admitted accessory point I often neglect.)The ring is from JewelMint, one of my favorite of-the-month clubs. Seriously, if you haven't checked out JewelMint yet, I strongly suggest you do. The pieces are $30 (shipping included) and each month you get presented with new options that are geared toward your fashion style. There is never a month where I'm disappointed with the selection, and the jewelry is of good quality.

I don't know about y'all, but I'm now in the mood for a Black and Tan, and even though it's only the morning, Guinness is the breakfast of Champions, right? I keed. In all seriousness, enjoy your weekends! For my Boston friends, I'm still debating about the Swap, so maybe I can convince the dear b/f to come with me and check it out. If so, I'll see you there!

The Little Musician

In honor of my recent trip back home, I thought I'd share the video I took of my nephew playing his drums. The little man is just three years old - can you believe the beats he picks up? Keep in mind he has no formal training either. Can you tell I'm a proud aunt? 

Enjoy your days ladies!  

It's All In the Wrist

I have some excellent news! After 2.5 years of being unemployed and then underemployed, my darling Mr. finally has a full time job! I'm so proud to see this finally happen for him - he's been on countless interviews and worked hard to stay as positive as possible. 

Ever since there was a possibility of this job becoming reality, I've been dreaming of ways to celebrate this momentous occasion. While shopping at Nordstrom a few months ago, we found some beautiful cuff links from David Donahue, and I knew these would be the perfect gift when the Mr. finally got that job.

So now the possibility is reality, and with this new position, the Mr. will be more client facing and therefore needs to dress more professionally. So, this gift will be extra special, not to mention practical. I've narrowed it down to a few pairs - tell me, what do you think?

All Images Via Nordstrom

I already know I'm going to have a hard time deciding which pair to purchase, but I'm leaning toward the mother of pearl or the red paisley pair. For me, there is nothing sexier than a well dressed man sporting an equally beautiful pair of cuff links, so regardless of which ones I ultimately pick, I can't wait to surprise him with this gift and especially can't wait to see him wearing them! Cheers friends! 

Feel Good Friday - B-Day Style

I know I recently mentioned how much I like celebrating my birthday, and there is nothing better for me than finding a really nice birthday present for a REALLY good price. 

But before I go further, I have to say that I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of snakeskin pumps for about 5 years. I've never been able to find what I was looking for until recently. I finally found a near perfect pair on ShopBop last month. They're from Pour la Victoire, and, while reasonably priced, they were still more than my shopping diet allowed. I want these shoes so badly that they even went on the birthday wish list that I oh-so-kindly shared to the Mr. last month. What can I say? I'm such a nice girlfriend to give him ideas on gifts. :)

This morning, when reading the Bon Bon Rose Girls, I saw they were doing a ShopBop gift certificate giveaway. Huzzah! This is the perfect time to try to win a gift certificate to get me closer to these shoes. So while I was on ShopBop's site to get the link to the shoes, I suddenly saw that the shoes were on clearance. 70% off original price. With only one pair left in my size. So I did what anyone would do. I bought them. And let's be honest, the Mr. is not going to buy me a new pair of shoes. The iPad2? Probably.

These beauties will arrive on Tuesday, the day of my birth. Aren't they just the perfect birthday gift? I have a feeling they'll go really nicely with the new UO shorts that came last week. 

Pour la Victoire Haya

Friends, have a very happy Friday and enjoy your weekends. I'm headed back to Texas for a restful weekend to celebrate my birthday with some very special peeps. I'll tell you all about it next week.

The Worst-Dressed City ?

According to a recent Boston.com article, GQ ranked Boston #1 as the worst dressed city. 

SAY WHAT? 

I'll admit, being a Texan (and a southerner) we take our appearance very seriously, and when I first moved to Boston I was appalled at most people's outfits. In Texas, no self-respecting woman would ever be caught dead outside her home in sweat pants (ignore the juicy sweatpant suit - we're human and make mistakes). Plus, we put on our full face just to grocery shop at 9 am on Sunday. 

Here's where GQ said Bostonians get it wrong (via the boston.com article): 

Branded flip-flops from a Sam Adams giveaway, distressed jeans baggy enough to shelter a family of four, undershirt with vomit stains from latest Boston sporting event, a print collared shirt two sizes two large, hair gel, Boston Red Sox baseball cap. Boston is like America's Bad-Taste Storm Sewer: all the worst fashion ideas from across the country flow there, stagnate, and putrefy.

But I have to disagree with GQ's statement about being the worst dressed city in AMERICA! I read way too many personal style blogs from beautiful, well-dressed women in this city, so I know that GQ got this one totally wrong! Here's just a few instances of where I say Boston gets it right: 


Mon Petit Chou Chou

Lani and her super cute Chihuahua

Noelani of Mon Petit Chou Chou is definitely one of my favorite style bloggers here in Boston. Her writing is beautiful, her photos amazing, and her style enviable. She's got this chic, European style that belongs in magazines, and it applies to everything she touches. Don't believe me? Look at the way she transformed her balcony for the 4th of July! This girl has major style, and I'm sure that if GQ looked at her blog while writing this article, she would have single handedly made Boston the best dressed city in America.

The Boston Fashionista

Kristen of Boston Fashionista

Boston Fashionista is admittedly the first blog I go to for style inspiration. Kristen's a Southerner like myself (a native Oklahoman) and her outfits closely match my personal style, so you know she's got good taste. Kristen has a knack for pulling together color combos I never imagined and manages to make all of them look good. Plus, I'm insanely envious of her ability to wear the mustard shade I dream about so much (but can't pull off) and bright neon hues. I've got to say that not only does Kristen have great style, but she keeps her posts real (and funny) -  just read her post about the "creepers". In addition, Kristen is the nicest blogger in Boston. When I first shifted my blog to focus more on style blogging, she was the first one to start commenting and saying nice things about my outfits - complete validation when you put yourself (and your outfits) out there so publicly.

These are just two of the MANY women (and men!) who make Boston far more stylish than even I could imagine. I admit that I felt GQ's sentiments when I first moved here, but once you step outside Fenway Park you'll see that Boston is pretty freaking stylish. GQ, next time may I suggest that you actually do your homework and check out the Boston Bloggers network to check out the amazing, fashion forward folks who roam our streets daily?

Blush and Black

This weekend I played tour guide for my friend Kelly, and the heat was on! I wanted needed something cute and cool to walk around the city, and this outfit did the trick. I think this skirt is pretty short, so normally I only wear it during the winter with tights, but I thought I'd be a little more daring and show some skin. Plus, the whole heat thing - no tights today, thankyouverymuch! I definitely stayed cool but, um... I didn't anticipate the breeze! Apologies to whomever was standing behind me today!

 I've also been rocking a red lip lately. I found the perfect shade of red from Laura Mercier, called "Truly Red" and I've been having a lot of fun rocking the shocking hue. 

Did you also notice I got my hair cut! After all was said and done, about 5 inches came off! I have to give credit to my stylist who knew exactly what I was asking for. I swear, that man is a miracle worker! 

Top - Ann Taylor; Skirt - American Apparel; Flats - Coach; Sunnies - Kate Spade

These are the Coach flats I scored when I was in Dallas. They're super cute, and once I break them in, will be super comfortable. Today though, they blistered the heck out of my heels! That's what I get for thinking I'd break in a pair of shoes walking around town!


Did y'all have a wonderful weekend? I hope you stayed cool in this heat, and can't wait to hear about your weekends!

Birthday Blitz

I don't know about you, but I'm a HUGE fan of my birthday month. It's not that I like getting older (believe me, that's not the case) but rather because there are some major discounts and goodies that are bestowed upon me by my favorite retailers. I did a little pre b-day shopping over the weekend, and not only stuck to my shopping diet (hello, difficult during a b-day month!) but picked up some really great pieces that I can't wait to mix with my current wardrobe. Here's what I picked up: 

Annabella via Alloy

Brandi Blouse via Alloy

The "Kendi Everday" red pumps - looking for a year for these - Urban Outfitters

Scalloped shorts - ON SALE - Urban Outfitters

Sparkle jacket by Wren - ON SALE for 70% off at Tra Tutti's site

 I can't believe how much I scored! Each piece was under $50, and I'm most impressed with the Wren sparkle jacket. I can't believe the deal I got it for, and I'm sad ashamed to say I'm looking forward to fall when I can rock this jacket. 

So do you enjoy your birthday month for the same reason? 

Hair Inspiration

I've been contemplating a hair change recently, but have been holding back for a few reasons. First, I've been scared because part of why I love having long hair is that I don't have to think about it. I can wash it, throw some sea salt spray in and go. Or, I can pull it in a pony tail, or just flat iron it. The problem is, I have so much hair, that even these simple things aren't so simple. 
I've also been waiting to pull the trigger because Mr. bf is a huge fan of long hair, and while it's my hair and I can do what I want, I do take his thoughts into consideration. It's partly why I'm not rockin' a red hue right now.

But, the siren song of shorter hair is too loud, and I need a change. I've been wearing this same cut for 3 years and while I've been begging my stylist to keep it going longer, it's clear that he's over that notion, and now, so am I. 

But I don't want to get too drastic, so a subtle change is in my future. And here's what I've been thinking about for a while - let me know what you think. 

Image Courtesy of AOL News

Jennifer Aniston has been my hair muse for a long time. Well, her and Gwyneth Paltrow. And if Jen can chop off her gorgeous locks, then so can I! Plus, I think these cuts are great lengths and will give me the comfort of having longer hair without the weight and drag of having longer hair. 

The great news is that I showed these cuts to Mr. BF and he loves them! He actually thinks I should go shorter, but what does he know?! 

I have a date with my stylist this week, so I'm feeling really confident that I'll be rockin' a new 'do come this weekend!

Versace for H&M

I know I'm not alone when I say that I'm a HUGE fan of the designer collaboration with budget friendly lines. So imagine how thrilled I was to read in WWD that H&M is collaborating with Versace for its next designer line! 

According to WWD, the line will launch on Nov. 17th in 300 stores across the U.S. and will be dominated by dresses featuring studded leather, silk and colorful print, with accessories including high heels and costume jewelry. Here's a sneak peek at some items from the collection.

Images Courtesy of Vogue.com

I've already set the date in my calendar and will not make the same mistake as when the Lanvin collection launched. I plan to get to my local H&M super early and snatch up one of these beauties. 
 

Monday Musings

San Francisco Sunset

I'm always amazed by what I learn on my work trips
Did you know that San Francisco has something like 1,000 micro climates?
That means the weather is crazy depending on where you're at
it can be hot inland and yet, really cold near the water. 
plus it means there's rolling fog at sunset and sunrise
It was amazing to watch the fog roll in with the sunset
San Francisco is such a beautiful city - I could move there immediately
I also got to test drive a new product and technology

The Google Chromebook
Check 'em out on Virgin America if you're flying out from Boston
Free Wi-Fi makes it worth it
And on a Red Eye - it's the perfect opportunity to catch up on blog reading 
Don't you just love new technology?

A Much Needed Break

Friends, 

Have you ever been so busy in your life, that you forget the things that REALLY matter? I've been like that recently. Work has been working me to the bone. Literally every waking moment is spent working, and my "down time" is usually an hour or two working out. The rest of my waking hours has been dedicated to work. It's horrible, I know, and while Mr. BF was VERY patient, that patience ran dry last week. Without going into too much detail, it was not pretty, and I suddenly realized that I've been putting off the things that really matter. 

So, thanks to a very generous gift from work, (as a token to say thanks for all those additional hours) I took Mr. BF to a long weekend getaway in Ogunquit, Maine. I'll have more photos from the weekend later this week, but here's what we did: 

Maggie May doing a lovely imitation of us

I've got to be honest, it was exactly what we needed. One weekend without our laptops, iPhones, Crackberries, etc. Just two young-ish lovers unplugging and reconnecting. We spent hours giggling cracking up, people watching, and stuffing our faces with the best seafood that Maine has to offer. We walked the beach hand in hand, kayaked, rode bikes, and just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 

I hope y'all had a fabulous long weekend, and enjoyed the 4th of July. Tomorrow I head out for San Francisco for the week, so I may limit the outfit photos, but I *should* have time for regular blogging. If I don't, I'll see you on the flip side of this week!