Hell Hath No Fury

What is goin' on y'all???  I don't have much news, other than the fact that it is hotter than Hades and there is no end in sight! This Texas heat is not conducive to, well, anything really.  I can't begin to describe to you folks who don't live here how friggin' hot a Texas summer can be.  We've had 12 days straight with temps over 100 and you cannot go outside without breaking into an instant sweat.  And as though that ain't enough, there are mosquitoes taking over life as we know it.  Inside, outside, in your car.  One actually woke me up on Saturday morning because I heard it buzzing in my ear!  Totally unacceptable. 

It's tough to dress for this weather, when quite frankly, I'd just assume walk around naked.  But no one wants to see that, so I have been trying my hardest to make the best of our sweet little summer of hell.  I also decided to start a workout regimen and eating plan right smack in the middle of all this heat, so that's been really enjoyable.  I'm on week 4, but I took these pics right before I started, so hopefully they can serve as inspiration as I make my way through the first 90 days.  This dress looks cute now, so I can't imagine how it looks when I'm ripped to shreds and look like Jessica Biel.

Dress: Francesca's Soda Shop Striped Dress

Bag: Louis Vuitton Musette - awesome priced on pre-loved LV bags

Heels: Christian Louboutin Simple 120

Cuff: H&M old - great option from JewelMint

Bracelets: J.Crew Classic Pave' Link, Stella and Dot Renegade Cluster

Necklaces: J.Crew Venus Fly Trap,  but awesome jade version here

xoxo,

sarah

A Little Geometry

I hope everyone had a lovely Fourth of July!  Since we live in a new 'hood, we attended the parade early in the morning with some friends, complete with mimosas and some fabulous egg muffins.  After that, we spent the day in the pool with friends who live a couple blocks from us.  I was done and in bed at about 5pm and woke up 14 hours later. I was exhausted evidently!

The boys are playing golf today, so I plan to do some things around the house, work on some new posts, and sneak off to the mall for a few minutes.  I went to Francesca's last week when I traveled to College Station for business, and found several super cute pieces with a boutique feel.  I'm not sure if Francesca's is nationwide, but if it is, you should check it out.  Bright, colorful pieces, with great price tags is what I'm talking about.

One of the several items that I had piled up in my dressing room that made the cut was this cute geometric print skirt.  I love the way it fits, and although you can't see it, it has a cute zipper all the way down the back.  

Top: Ann Taylor Crepe Scallop Hem Top, sold old, similar

Skirt: Francesca's in store, but here is a cute alternative

Bag: Marc Jacobs Ursula Quilter Bowler, old, budget friendly option

Heels: Christian Louboutin Simple 120

Glasses: Ann Taylor Bungalow

Bracelets: Stella & Dot, J.Crew

Ring: Francesca's, in store, love this one

xoxo,

sarah

Millionaires Club

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by Madison Hildebrand of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing LA.  He was so incredibly sweet and humble and I really enjoyed the event.  In my business, I attend a lot of networking type get-togethers, and it's always a question of how to dress.  The events are generally held in a bar or restaurant, but always on a work day, so I usually end up in something business-y, yet something that stands out.  The whole point is to make new connections and business opportunities, so my pop of red in this particular outfit was the little something extra.

Dress: Classiques Entier via Nordtrom (old) other great tweed work dresses here, here, and here

Belt: J.Crew

Heels: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Valentino Rockstud Single Handle (no longer avail.)

Bracelets:J.Crew Classic Pave' Link, Kate Spade, Banana Republic (in store)vintage Hermes

Bank or bargain?

When the crisp weather take over Texas in the last months of the year, I rejoice because I get to break into my blazer arsenal.  I'm a sucker for a blazer, kids.  It's pathetic.  I pick them up everywhere I go.  I just love the tailored look they bring to any outfit and are great for the office, date night, or running errands.  It's like you don't have to make any effort as long as you are wearing a chic blazer and pretty lipstick.  

I had been eyeing the J.Crew Tipped Hacking Jacket in Double Serge Wool and had almost talked myself into it's $298 pricetag when my bestie pointed out a fabulous alternative at Target, the Merona Women's Tailored Blazer w/ Binding.  It's not the same quality, obviously, but it has a ton of detail for a $35 jacket.  I love the pop of fuschia under the lapel and the seek sucker printed lining is adorable when the sleeves are popped.  I also bought it in Blackwatch plaid and can't wait to show that one off!  God, I go crazy for a deal!

Blazer: Target

Tee: J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tee in Bright Blueberry

Denim: The Limited (old)

Heels: Christian Louboutin

Bag: LV (ret.)

Necklaces: J.Crew Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace & J.Crew Factory Brass-Plated Crystal Necklace

Bracelets: J.Crew, Banana Republic Outlet (in stores), Kate Spade, F21, vintage Hermes

Did y'all notice that I got my hair did?  First time in eight months. Thought I'd freshen things up a bit!

Headed North

My best friend and I hopped on a plane today and headed to Columbus, Ohio to visit my mother.  We left ninety degree record temperatures in Dallas.  So crazy for the first day of November!  We got off the plane and it was forty here, so I'm glad that I packed nothing but sweaters and boots.  The leaves here have already turned and the Buckeyes are loud and proud.  We have planned a quick weekend of outlet shopping and thrifting/consignment shopping, along with a visit to the Annie Leibovitz exhibit at Ohio State.  Looking forward to sharing our adventures with you guys before we head back on Sunday.

Blouse: J.Crew Peyton Popover in Stripe Crepe de Chine (last seen here and here)

Sweater: J.Crew Linen Tippi Sweater (cashmere option)

Denim: Vince

Heels: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Alexander Wang Emile

Necklaces: J.Crew, West Avenue

Ring: YSL Arty

Thrift of the Week: Vintage DVF

One of my very favorite designers and women in general is Diane Von Furstenburg, so you can imagine my undeniable joy in finding this gorgeous knit dress at my local Goodwill.  It fit like an absolute dream and I couldn't be happier with it.  I was a little scared of the length, simply because I'm not a long and lean girl, but I think I pulled it ok pretty well.  The color is so beautiful.  Kind of a cross between cerulean and periwinkle.  It's comfortable and I love how it went beautiful with my other vintage accessories.  I hope I can pull it off for a more casual look because I can't imagine it between a one hitter quitter.  Love!

Dress: vintage Diane Von Furstenburg

Heels: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Belt: vintage

Earrings: H&M

Bracelets: vintage Hermes, J.Crew
Ring: YSL

Enjoy your Sunday!

xoxo,
sarah

Staple

My number one go-to staple for just about every wardrobe situation is an off-white silk blouse.  It makes any outfit look effortless and chic, and since I prefer mine to be a size too big, it's always comfortable for days when I don't feel like being buttoned up all day.  I have a couple that I rotate between, which you've seen here on the blog several times.  One is a button down with pockets and no collar from NY&Co. and the other is a very lightweight cotton button down with a collar from Old Navy.  Bottom line, they were both less than $10 and through wear and tear are completely shot to shit.  

Although I couldn't justify spending $200+ on a great silk shirt by Equipment or Joie, I did find this gorgeous option at Zara for $59.99.  It has a lightweight fabric that you can't see through and the stud detail gives it a little shine.  I am completely in love with it and am glad to have a replacement for the other two.  I'll move them into my layering rotation and probably wear them until they turn into threads.

What is your go-to wardrobe item?

Blouse: Zara in black but white avail. in stores

Denim: J Brand

Bag: Alexander Wang

Heels: Christian Louboutin

Earrings: F21

Ring: H&M (old)

Bracelets: J.Crew, vintage Hermes, Kate Spade, F21

Necklace: West Avenue via Max and Chloe

Have a lovely Friday!

xoxo,

sarah