Straight Hair Don't Care

I've written, cried, complained, and whined about my straight hair on many, many occasions.  It's baby fine, stringy, and plastered to my head, but sometimes I just don't have the time or energy to spend on curling every.single.day.  I've tried dry shampoo, I've tried volumizing shampoo, I've had layers cut, I've tried not washing it for a week and nothing ever gets me the beautiful, long, thick tresses that Jennifer Anniston has. See the third picture?  My futile effort at back combing left a rat's nest on the back of my head.  Awesome. Nothing like the appearance of wallowing in the bed all day, right?  Bed head ain't for me, y'all. I long for thick hair that has oomph!  Do you any of you fine hair beauties have any suggestions, products, techniques that seem to work?  I'm probably well beyond repair since my hair feels like straw from heat and product exposure, but it couldn't hurt right?

Also, I wanted to give a little shout out to Benevolent Jewels, the company that I purchased this necklace from.  They have such a super cool concept and donate money back to a different cause every 3 months. What a wonderful way to pull in two passions: accessories and charity!  They have a fabulous selection of pretty things, all at an unbeatable price point,  so be sure to check them out :)

Dress: Banana Republic Tweed Fit and Flare Dress 

Jacket: F21 Street Chic Faux Leather Jacket $18.90 on sale!!

Boots: Zara, old

Bag: American Apparel Large Leather Carryall Pouch

Tights: Merona Opaque Tights

Necklace: Benevolent Jewels Frost Garden Collar Necklace use code JEWELS25 for 25% off!

** Style Note - I am very high waisted, so in BR I buy petites because the waist and hem are both way too long in a regular size**

xoxo,

sarah

This is my Edgy

I've been a blog stalker for several years now and it's always interesting to see how the style of some of my favorite fashionistas has evolved over the years.  Some go from preppy to edgy, some go from casual to dressy, and some go from obtainable to downright expensive as they become more and more popular.  The latter is super annoying in my opinion, simply because I feel like that person becomes less and less approachable and their choices can alienate parts of their audience.  Success comes with it's perks, especially in an industry that thrives on materialism.  I've caught myself (on several occasions) being addicted to "stuff" and having to really take a look at myself and scale back.  Whether it's quality over quantity, or it's simply revisiting why you decided to write your blog in the first place, it's always good to come back to earth periodically. 

I got an email from a reader and it basically said "Do you always look like this? Do you ever wear flats? Is your hair always curled?  What's your secret?" It got me thinking about who I am as a blogger and who I am as a person.  I've read a thousand posts from different gals about the "bubble effect" of a fashion blog.  It's a snapshot of how you want other people to see you from afar.  Is it biased?  Maybe a little.  Is it unrealistic?  In my case, no. My clothes, accessories, and "stuff" are a representation of who I am as a person.  I like some expensive things, but I absolutely destroy them and get the most wear for my buck.  No matter how successful or unsuccessful I am or am not, I will always shop at Target and Forever 21.  I thrive off seeing an expensive outfit in a magazine or on a website and recreating it from a lower price point so everyone can wear the look.  I'm preppy, quirky, classic, edgy about once a month, and live in my workout clothes, no makeup, and dirty hair on weekends.  Hell, I've had these boots for two years and I just started wearing them this season because I just couldn't see how they would look halfway decent on me.  There is absolutely no method to my madness and no formula to the way I dress.  I just get up in the morning and do it, solely based on how I feel that day.  And by the way, these are the most comfortable jeans I've ever worn.  For real.

One last note - I wear a ton of stuff over and over again, just in different ways, that's not necessarily a new item every single post.  These items are eventually no longer available, so I have added similar items at the price point that I purchased my item in the banner below my actual links.  If the item is still available, it will be in both places.

Tank: One Clothing via TJ Maxx

Denim: Rich & Skinny Relaxed Balboa Ankle Cropped Jeans

Boots: DV Dolce Vita Jamison Bootie via Ross

Bag: Alexander Wang Emile

Necklace: Factory Brass Plated Crystal Necklace 

Glasses: Ray Ban Aviators

Bracelets: Stella and Dot, F21

xoxo,

sarah

Back to Life

She's alive!  She's alive!!!!!  My MacBook, after two weeks in the Apple Hospital of Horrors has been resuscitated and is back beneath my fingers.  I took her with me on a business trip to Lake Tahoe in hopes of blogging and catching up on Downton Abbey and she wouldn't turn on.  At all.  No humming or lighting up.  No signs of life.  Panic at the disco, y'all!  Ends up that the whole motherboard had to be replaced!  As soon as the Apple guy said that, my mind went straight to the place it always goes - a SATC episode.  Remember when Carrie's Mac died?  Devastating. The great thing is that since these dang things are so expensive in the first place, no matter what the repair is, there is a flat rate fee of $280.  If my windows laptop or PC had this problem, I probably would be stuck buying a whole new device, so I guess it could be worse, right?

 

Enough about that drama, how was y'all's weekend?  My last two have been pretty decent because #1 - I did not travel, and #2 - there was no excessive football celebration causing a Sunday hangover.  Instead, we were extremely productive and had friends and family over for a barbeque.  I also got to catch up on season 2 of Scandal on Netflix.  Let me just say that this show is so freakin' good.  I love politics, so I love a good political drama, and on top of a great storyline, everyone is extremely well dressed.  Kerry Washington is one of the most beautiful women on the planet and they dress her impeccably from head to toe.  It's kind of the way I would want to dress if I were in a position that was super professional and high profile, but I'm not, so I get to have people stare at my mismatched patterns and bright colors every day instead.  Besides that, we are in the process of renovating two homes for sale and we ran all over kingdom come getting the finishing touches for the house.  I'll post some before and after pics as soon as it's 100% complete.

So, let's chat about this outfit right quick.  First off, if you don't have a jeweled sweatshirt, let's go ahead and knock that out right now.  I mean, a sweatshirt that you can wear to work or while you are sitting in bed during a Scandal marathon?  C'mon.  I may or may not have done both, but I wanted you to be aware of your options.  Next off, chunky heels.  I have really agonized over this one for a couple months now.  With my body shape, especially my lower body shape, I just didn't know if I could do a chunky heel.  I felt like it made my legs look even thicker and I ain't that proud of what I'm workin' to highlight it even more.  I was in J.Crew doing my usual price adjustments during the sale, and I saw these sweet heels that are basically the tall version of my patent bow flats.  They are super comfy and the best part is that they were $25.  Sold!  And these camo pants, well, I had a different pair last year and they are a little snug, so I bought a less expensive pair that I could stuff my arse in this fall instead.  Story of my life.

 

Enjoy your week!!

 

 

 

 

Sweatshirt: Factory Beaded Sweatshirt, love this and this, too!

Denim: J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover

Pants: F21 Camo Skinny Jeans, other options here and here

Heels: Factory Olive Pumps, similar with bows! 

Bag: Alexander Wang Emile Tote, budget friendly option, Celine-inspired

Bracelets: J.Crew Classic Pave' Link (this color is on sale, love it!), Stella and Dot Renegade Cluster, Humble Chic NY Spike Bracelet

 

xoxo,

sarah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Transitions

The weather in Texas is finally getting down to the low 90's, which is what we call "mild" or "fall" here in the Lone Star State.  I have been so jealous of all my fellow blogger friends in different parts of the country who've been sporting snuggly sweaters and boots, so I decided that I would jump on the bandwagon today.  Although I was kind of sweating by the end of the day when I got in the car, the office was fa-reezing all day, so it kind of worked out for me.  I love the transitional time of year, as I'm sure you can see by my first article for DeltaStyle, and this outfit is the perfect example.  I wore this J.Crew skirt all summer long and it goes right into fall by replacing my airy tanks with a flannel button down, and switching strappy sandals for booties.  Easy peasy!  

So, an update from my Atlanta shopping expedition last weekend - Swank was a total tank!  I hope y'all enjoyed that rhyme.  They did have some beautiful pieces, but it was pretty scarce and there was really not too much to see and try on.  They did offer some great Mara Hoffman dresses, which are hard to come by, but other than that I was pretty disappointed.  I did visit some other boutiques close by that were more in my price point wheel house, but the best part (and a total surprise) was my visit to C.Wonder.  In case you don't know, C.Wonder was founded in 2011 by J. Christopher Burch, Tory's ex, and both the line and the store are pretty similar in terms of decor and product.  C.Wonder is at a lower price point and offers a lot of customization with monogramming, initials, etc. which this southern gal lurves.  The store was like happiness exploded in 1000 square feet!  Everyone was in a great mood, the colors were beautiful, and everything just put me in a good freakin' mood.  I so wanted to blow my wad on the home decor stuff, but I had no way of packing it in my already packed to the gils wheelie bag.  I was super psyched to see the initial belt buckles in different colors and double sided belts to go along with them.  I got my new initial-to-be in navy enamel with gold accents.  I'm being proactive people!

Top: Theory (thrifted) but love this option and this colorful plaid

Skirt: J.Crew Double Crepe Skirt

Booties: DV Dolce Vita Juju 

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target - search ebay!

Belt: C.Wonder Reversible Nappa Leather Belt

Buckle: C.Wonder Enamel Letter Belt Buckle

Necklace: J.Crew Twisted Hammock Necklace

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

xoxo,

sarah

Published!! DeltaStyle Magazine

Hey chickens!  I've been waiting to tell y'all this until I saw it on paper, but I have been invited to be the fashion columnist for a fabulous magazine in Louisiana called DeltaStyle Magazine!  I am so honored and thrilled to be part of such a great team and excited about putting my ideas in print.  DeltaStyle Magazine is a "portrait of the arts, culture, and people of the Delta" and is published monthly.  For the September issue, I decided to write about transitioning summer pieces into fall with simple additions like jackets, booties, and accessories.  Next month, I am planning to focus on taking daywear to evening, which is basically the premise of WorkdayWeekend!

 

 I received my copy of DeltaStyle Magazine yesterday in the midst of completely insane work day and it just about made me fall out in the floor.  It's so surreal to see your work and your giant face staring back at you from the glossy pages of a magazine!  I can't even imagine how great this is going to be. As always, thank you all for supporting me as I weave my way through this crazy life.  Kisses!!

 

 

 

 

 

I threw in some of my new baubles that will be featured in upcoming blog posts for good measure.  Sorry for the bad iPhone pics !Hope y'all have a great weekend!

 

xoxo,

sarah

 

A Change of Scenery

I'm sure you guys are beyond devastated that I didn't take pics in my back yard, but I'm trying to mix things up a bit, be adventurous, get a little cray!  Hopefully you'll enjoy it from here on out.  I had the pleasure of doing a styling session at Ann Taylor in the Southlake Town Square a couple days ago, so this is where I snapped these pics.  I'm getting used to this blog game and I was even nervous twirling around like a Disney princess in front of random strangers. Score!

So, lets talk about this dress because I had so many compliments on it.  Can anyone guess where it's from?  Kate Spade? Wrong!  J.Crew? Lilly? Wrong again!  I got this sweet little number at F21 a couple months ago and I absolutely adore it.  The fabric is thick and it's even lined.  I love how the back dips and even though this isn't the best sleeve cut for my body, I love the higher neck and all the pleating in the front. So cute!

We flew into Atlanta yesterday and will be here until Sunday morning.  My best friend is getting married on Saturday evening and I am so excited!  We came in early just so we could relax for a bit and today I plan to visit some boutiques.  Have you guys seen this show on Style called Pretty Wicked Moms?  Well, my Texas bestie and I are pretty obsessed with one of the gals on that show, Emily, who owns a boutique here called Swank, so that is definitely on my list.  We conveniently booked a hotel room that is within walking distance.  Bless my poor, sweet fiance's heart.  Look for some fun dressing room pics on Instagram because I didn't bring anything to wear!

 Dress: Forever 21 Classic Striped Woven Dress 

Belt: Xhilaration Bombe Neon Belt in fuchsia

Heels: Banana Republic Ivonne Pump

Bag: Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Speedy 30 Mini Lin (retired)

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

Happy Friday Loves,

Sarah

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Hi loves!  I hope you had a fantastic Monday.  Mine started off a little slow and lethargic because I couldn't get my lazy butt up and to the gym.  Hate when I do that!  And I woke up in time, too.  I just laid there and thought about going but I never actually raised me head off the pillow.  I didn't find time throughout the day (sometimes I can sneak out at lunchtime) and I didn't want to go when I got home, because that's the only time me and my boo get to see one another during the week.  I did find time to snap a few pics in one of the super cute skirts I got from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Capsule Collection.  Like I mentioned yesterday, I was super impressed with the quality and fit.  Instead of working out at lunch, I snuck over to Target see if maybe, just maybe, they had one of the bags left.  And they did, so my muscles aren't mad at me anymore!

What did you guys get??

Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Silky Skirt - Animal Print

Blouse: J.Crew Polka Dot Ruffle Top

Wedges: Ann Taylor (old) super similar, less platform-y

Necklace: J.Crew Twisted Hammock Necklace

Bag: Marc Jacobs Ursula Quilted Patent Bowler (old) updated version

Bracelets: J.Crew Class Pave' Link Bracelet, Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet

xoxo,

sarah