Boho Fleur

Rare Dress, Sam Edelman Shoes, and Essie 'Wicked' Nail Polish

Recently the weather dipped and I was able to wear this dress out for an old friend's birthday celebration. It was one of those impulsive late night buys. And had it not been for the recent bout of cooler weather it would have gone unworn until next winter. I got so much mileage out of these shoes this winter I am sad to have to put them away.

Who, What, Wear {SXSW}

Gap Shirt, BCBG Bag and Skirt, Zigi Soho Shoes, and Essie 'Wicked' Nail Polish

I have a confession, I am occasionally an outfit repeater. I wore this exact outfit during SXSW last year to a friend's birthday celebration. Dressing for music events can be difficult at times because I like to wear heels out and that is simply not an option. These flats are the most comfortable ones I own and have been dubbed my dancing shoes. The denim shirt does double duty because it keeps me warm and is on trend. And my skirt and bag add just the right amount of glam to counterbalance the other casual elements like the fishtail braid.

Who, What, Wear {Dinner with The Parents}

I've decided to give a little more direction to (some) of my outfit posts. I'll be illustrating outfit options for specific types of events. My life mainly consists of eating and drinking excursions so I'll try to spare you from too many brunches and dinners unless they are a little more specific ie: Dinner with The Parents. So without further ado...

Zara Blouse, Skirt, and Shoes, BCBG Max Azria Purse, Essie 'Wicked' and OPI 'Got the Blues for Red' Nail Polish

 And by 'The Parents' I mean your significant other's not your's. Unless your's are schmancy and scary and in that case you are the exception not the rule*. Ladies this is not the time to show off any of your assets. The Mother needs no reminding that she's not 20-something anymore. I really think a knee length flowy skirt and a crisp white button down are the way to go. You can let your accessories do the talking. And yes, it's is perfectly acceptable to mix black and brown. You didn't even notice I did until now!

* My boyfriend's parents are not scary at all! And this was worn to his momma's birthday dinner.

Resort Elegant

H&M Blouse, Zara Skirt, Steven by Steve Madden Espadrilles, JewelMint Earrings, and Kate Spade Purse

At Atlantis' fine dining restaurants the dress code is 'resort elegant'. Translation: no shorts, no flip flops, and gentlemen, jackets are optional. I would have been thrilled to show them shorts can be made appropriate for evening but sadly I didn't have enough of a tan to wear my favorite yellow and gold pair. Instead I opted for a minimalist non-controversial orange top and white skirt with just enough wiggle room to allow me to end my meal with dessert (as I always do when on holiday).

Tropical Freeze

Zara Top, Zara Cardigan (pictured below), Joe's Jeans, Corso Como Flats, Gucci Sunglasses, and H&M Scarf

So now on to the tropical getaway portion of the trip.* On our second day the weather was less than ideal so we took the ferry into town. Sometimes I do this thing where I decide that the weather is going to be a certain way and then I pack accordingly. I like to think of it as wishful packing, if you will. And spoiler alert, it does not work. So here is the result of that. An all-white ensemble with a splash of color because this girl only thought to pack a cotton cardi. Note to self: when traveling anywhere in January take at least one warm chunky wool knit and a light jacket.

*For those of you that are good with landmarks yes we went to The Bahamas and more specifically Atlantis. More on that Friday. 

Birthday "Suit"

Gap Sweater, Les Folles de Joie Trousers, Zara Flats, Gucci Sunglasses and T-Trendz Earrings(c/o the Baby Sister) 

Yesterday was my 25th birthday and I spent the majority of it on the road travelling. My day started off at home in Brownsville then my mom, sister, and I drove to Corpus Christi where we joined my stepdad for lunch. I then jumped in my car and drove to Austin and made it back in time for dinner with the boyfriend. I needed an outfit that would be comfortable for 6+ hours in the car that didn't skimp on style. Because who wants to me unstylish on their birthday? Not this girl.

Happy Feet

Zara Dress (similar), Forever 21 Vest, and Zara Boots

Above is a girl with happiness that can only be attributed to new shoe love also known as happy feet. I had my eye on these Zara wedge ankle boots for quite some time and managed to score them half off during my trip to San Francisco. I lived in wedges all summer long and crossed my fingers that wedges would finally make a transition to fall. Thankfully finger crossing works sometimes. I wore this outfit yesterday for a Christmas brunch and it was comfortable enough to get me through the entire day including a trip to the park.

Fisherman on the Marina

Gap Sweater,  Anthropology Trousers, Vince Camuto Booties, DIY Turban, and JewelMint Necklace

The very first item at the top of my shopping list for the colder months was a chunky cream fisherman's sweater. I searched high and low and stumbled across this one during a spontaneous trip to the mall. It fits all of my needs and I have been wearing it with everything from taffeta skirts to denim cutoffs. The knit turban was also an item I wanted to incorporate into my wardrobe this winter. I showed the inspiration photo to my boyfriend's mom and she quickly whipped up not one but three! The turbans are incredibly warm which I was most thankful for on this day. Even though the sun is shining in these photos but I can assure you that it was a cold day at the Berkeley Marina.

Palatial Pinings

Zara Blouse, Banana Republic Sweater, Banana Republic Skirt, Xhilaration Tights, Hue Socks, Gianni Bini Boots, and Gucci Sunglasses

I've traveled to San Francisco several times and somehow never quite made it to the Palace of Fine Arts. Last week I was there for the Thanksgiving holiday and was thrilled that we squeezed it in on our final day. I can assure you that it is far more beautiful in person especially if the weather is cooperating. The weather is notoriously fickle in San Francisco so I attempted to adapt by layering: socks and tights and a turtleneck sweater under a favorite blouse. Note to self: when layering make sure the base layer is fitted to avoid looking like a snowman.