Dress Up

I have always been a fan of simple designs that have surprise details that pack a punch. When I saw the back of this neon pink dress on Pinterest, I did what any other crazed pinner would do, and stalked until I found it. Lo and behold, this week's 'dress up' feature was found on E's Closet Boutique. The 'Mallory' is one of those dresses that is perfect for a college student. Easy to wear, sophisticated but still fun, flattering, and affordable, this is piece that be just as transitional for a sorority formal as it can for wedding or birthday party. And, obviously, the punchy neon is one of my favorite kinds of pink.

What do you think about this 'Mallory' dress? I'd love to hear!

Dress Up

When I saw this dress in Joe Fresh (in the fuchsia and orange version), I couldn't help myself. Almost immediately it reminded me of this dress (look 19) from the Prada S/S '11 show that I loved, and allowed me to take a bit of that collection home with me--but obviously at a much more reasonable price. When I think of summers, outdoor fiestas with fun dancing, fabulous music, and great friends come to mind. This dress would be the perfect statement to wear to one of these events with a killer pair of strappy heels, bright matte lipstick, and glossy nude nails.

What do you think of this festive dress?

Have a great weekend!

Dress Up--New Years Edition

Wearing sparkles to a New Years event is almost as inevitable as wearing stars and stripes on the fourth of July. Typically, I reserve sequins and sparkles for the most festive of occassions, as there is something about the way that they shine that looks and feels like wearable confetti. Although bringing sparkles into day wear has become more common lately, wearing them to bring in the new year feels special and unique. So, whether you drift towards a blazer, skirt, or full-on dress, there sure is a reason that sparkles are so popular for this time of the year.

What are you planning on wearing?

A to Z: Entertaining

Happy October, everyone! Though it may seem early to think about it, October technically kicks off the holiday season starting with Halloween at the end of the month. So, what better "E" topic for our A to Z series than the topic of entertaining? 

Here are some of the key essentials that I feel are a must for entertaining family or friends:

1. Fun Decorations- To me, any event can be amazing with the help of a little decoration. From streamers and garlands, fun place settings, or themed adornment, a setting can instantly be transformed into anything.

2. Food + Drink- When I have friends over, I like to find simple ways that can make even the most ordinary of things something to enjoy. Little bottles of water with candy striped red and white paper straws are so simple, but feel fun just by taking them out of their usual containers. And, everything miniature is always popular at get-togethers. By filling glasses with a little milk and topping them off with some chocolate chip cookies, dessert is not only something that tastes great, but is displayed in a unique and different way, too

3. Music- Whether you're a playlist master or Pandora person, great music can help to establish the event or can even work in with a theme (if there is one). I like when there is some background music going on, but definitely make sure that your guests can still hear each other when they're talking. Their voices shouldn't be competing with the music. 

4. Dress- While obviously not every party has a dress code, I always like to make sure to dress in a party style when attending. For me, any excuse to get a little dressed up is worth it. So, whether you wear a party dress and heels or a more casual approach, make sure that you show appreciation to your host(ess) by putting in a little effort, as they did to host you.

Happy first day of October, everyone and I hope that whatever events are in your near future you have a blast!

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Home Improvement

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Outdoor soirees have always been some of my favorite settings for being with friends. I love the way that being outside can make even the most formal of events a bit relaxed, and on a beautiful day, nothing is prettier than a blue sky as the backdrop. For these kind of events, rustic style furniture with dressier accents always makes for a great combination that is bound to bring plenty of compliments to the hostess. In the photograph above, the hanging lantern garland is a fun and practical way to light up the setting as the sky gets darker through the course of the meal, and is an easy way to create more of a setting, instead of just the act of being outside. Though the weather keeps transitioning here from warm to cold on basically a day-to-day basis, I will have to fit in as many outdoor gatherings as possible. However, I know that once I return to Texas, heat is a constant, and these gatherings will be, as well.