Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Must-Haves

I know you all are probably tired of seeing all the #NSale blog posts....said no one ever! So, I decided to hop on the bandwagon and share some of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale favorites. The best part of the #NSale is that all the items are new season and you get to snag them at awesome prices before they go up to regular price on August 3rd. This is the perfect time to stock up your closet with fall staple pieces. My favorite trends for this upcoming fall are flared jeans, dressy hoops, neutral palettes, and statement pieces like this chic Steve Madden Patchwork Faux Fur Vest. It's so unique, but still versatile-I just knew I wanted-no, NEEDED it in my closet. I plan to show you guys several different ways to style this piece once it cools down in Texas-which unfortunately won't be for a while. So I guess I'll just admire this piece hanging in my closet until then. Below are more of my favorites! 

Click the images below for item details.

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Birthday Celebration: Day Two

The second day of our trip was amazing. My mom had a morning meeting, so she ordered a Swedish Massage for me at the Omni's sister site, Mokara. The spa staff was so welcoming and attentive, I didn't want to leave. And let me tell you, my neck and shoulders were in desperate need of some attention. If you get the chance to stay at Mokara while visiting San Antonio, you have to treat yourself to their spa amenities-I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Click the links below for item details

Shirt: Topshop Strappy Tank

Shorts: The Limited (old, similar here)

Sandals: Sam Edelman

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Sunglasses: Tory Burch

After my massage, my mom and I took a trip to the Shops at La Cantera (you guys know I can't resist a good shopping center). After a short walk around the shops and a delicious treat from Godiva, we returned to our hotel to get ready for my birthday dinner. 

A few months ago, my mom visited San Antonio and visited Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood, so she suggested we go there for my birthday (and I was so glad she did). I ordered the Lamb Tenderloin with Crab Stuffed Shrimp, my mom ordered the 12 oz. Ribeye, and for the table we picked Jumbo Asparagus, Creamy Macaroni & Cheese, and Lobster Creamed Corn (I'm drooling now just thinking about it again). And when I thought I couldn't handle anymore delicious goodness, my mom ordered Strawberries Imperial. You guys...that dessert definitely makes my top 5 list. I couldn't have picked a better place to spend my birthday evening. 

 

Romper: Lucy Paris

Shoes: Michael Kors

Bandeau: Urban Outfitters (sold out, similar here)

Bag: Gucci

Earrings: BaubleBar (sold out, similar here)

Bracelet: Sequin (sold out, similar here)

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Birthday Celebration: Day One

Since I started my new job in April, I've barely had any time to spend with my mom. After missing Mother's Day, my mom's birthday, and Father's Day-all due to my hectic schedule; I decided to spend my 23rd birthday with my mom. She had a business meeting in San Antonio, so we made a road trip out of it and extended our stay. We stayed at the Omni La Mansion del Rio, which is on the river walk. The spanish style deco in the hotel was gorgeous and our room featured a balcony overlooking the river walk. We spend the first day exploring the river walk and ended the night with dinner at Landry's. 

Click the links below for item details

Dress: French Connection (other pattern here)

Shoes: Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals

Bag: Gucci (sold out, similar here and here)

Earrings: Kendra Scott (sold out, similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

A Little Bit Of Sunshine

It feels so good to be back home from Orlando. Even though there's nothing like Texas, I was missing the Sunshine State just a little-hence, the inspiration for this outfit. As soon as I got back home, the first thing on my agenda was a sushi date with my mom. I hadn't seen her for weeks and was definitely needing mother-daughter time. 

We are in the process of moving and I had no idea what to wear for our date. So, I stuck to my go-to summer outfit: a loose, silky tank, white jeans, and heeled sandals. A pair of heels can glam up any outfit. I love this blouse from Topshop so much, that I got it in several colors. It's lightweight and is super versatile-a must for my summer wardrobe. The key to dressing up a plain tank is great accessorizing. A dangly pair of earrings look great with a v-neck tank and a little pop of color for a color-block effect is always fun! The summer is all about bright colors and bold jewelry-play around and mix colors and patterns. Happy shopping ladies!

Click the links below for item details

Shirt: Topshop Strappy V-Neck Camisole 

Jeans: J Brand Low Rise Crop Jeans  

Shoes: Michael Kors London Sandal (sold out, similar here) 

Bag: Gucci Soho Mini Chain Bag (color sold out, similar here & here) 

Earrings: BaubleBar Luxe Soho Drops (similar here) 

Sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana Cat Eyes

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Finding The Perfect...White Jeans

First, let me apologize for being MIA! I have missed blogging so much! I recently started a new job that requires me to travel a ton (which I love), but it has definitely taken up a lot of my free time. But, I promise, I will get the hang of blogging while on the road!

I have been searching for the perfect pair of white jeans since the beginning of this year! And finally, after months of searching, I found several amazing pairs of white jeans at various price points. I love white denim because it makes a top look so much more expensive, clean cut, and polished than with your regular blue jeans. And, white jeans can always take that basic grey tee to the next level-especially when you top the look off with a great pair of pumps or heeled sandals. I've picked out different styles of white jeans including boyfriend style, distressed, cropped, and skinny. Happy shopping!

Click the images below for item details.

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I personally own the last pair by J Brand and I love them! They are distressed without being too grungy and the fit and cut is super flattering on my curvy, 5'1" frame. But, my favorite thing about this particular pair that they are not see-through. The fabric is stretchy but it doesn't reveal your undergarments like most white jeans do! And, they're on sale right now-there's no beating that!

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

My Spring Wish List

Now that it's finally starting to warm up in Texas, I am so ready to do some spring cleaning/shopping (definitely more shopping than cleaning). I have been so busy with a new job and internship and have neglected my blog for way too long, and I promise I will do better! For this spring season, I'm predicting that chambray shirt-dresses will make a huge comeback, color will be a must (leave those neutrals for the winter/fall), and accessories are always in! Here are a few items that have been on my wish list for the spring and I have to admit, I've already purchased a couple pieces (hashtag shopaholic). Happy shopping!

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Spring Essentials

For the past two weeks, it has rained, snowed, and iced over (which is totally uncommon for this time of year in Dallas). And I have to apologize for my lack of posts! I was terribly sick for an entire week, and then had the pleasure (not so much) of getting summoned for jury duty. But now I'm back, and so ready for warm weather. Spring in Texas is usually a time of perfect weather, so I love wearing bold prints and bright colors. I've put together a few of my favorite items to start building a spring wardrobe. Spring weather calls for maxi dresses, lightweight blazers, flowy tops and patterned skirts. And these pieces can always carry you into the summer and early fall. Remember, building your wardrobe is all about finding pieces that can be worn all year-round. Check out my picks below:

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Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Style Crush Saturday

I have followed Helena Glazer of Brooklyn Blonde for years. I've always admired her minimalistic and sophisticated style. She is also the perfect example of maximizing your closet by combining different styles with her classic yet edgy ensembles. I love how she pairs a structured, button down blouse with distressed denim and super chic pumps. I definitely have to give her credit for convincing me to try pointed-toe pumps-and now I'm addicted! And her blazer and coat collection could make anyone a tad green with envy. I chose this particular look for my Style Crush Saturday because it is so versatile. A patterned blouse is a must for building your wardrobe. You can dress it up with a pencil skirt, keep it dressy casual like Helena did with distressed denim and heels, or make it casual with denim shorts and converse sneakers. 

Helena of Brooklyn Blonde in Equipment, AG Denim, Schutz, Chanel and Hermès.

Check out her post here.

But, just because a patterned blouse is a great addition to your closet, it doesn't have to be expensive. Even though I absolutely love Helena's Equipment blouse, it retails for over $200. I have to be budget conscious and snagged this look-a-like from Loft, which was originally $60 and is now on sale for less than $35. Some of my most popular posts have been "look for less" posts, so I wanted to show you firsthand how you can recreate your favorite looks while maintaining your own personal style. You may have noticed I went with a pair of high waisted jeans versus the low rise style Helena wore. When recreating looks, remember to make it work for you. I'm curvy on the bottom, so one of the most flattering denim styles on me is the high waisted silhouette, and I typically don't wear baby blue, so I went with a neutral colored blouse. Don't be afraid to add your personal twist to your favorite fashion inspirations. Make it your own! Here's how I styled Helena's look:

Top: Loft Utility Striped Blouse

Jeans: F21 High-Rise Jeans

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Claudette Heels

Bag: Quilted Velveteen Crossbody

Watch: Michael Kors Mid-Size Bradshaw

Bracelet: F21 Linear Cuff Set

Necklace: Michael Kors Pavé Thin Bar

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs 57mm Retro 

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

I Can't Get Enough of: Pastels

We all know that pastels have made another come around for this spring, but I couldn't help myself from making an inspiration board featuring some pastels I've been crushing on. Pastels can be a great addition to your closet no matter what your personal style is. If you're a tomboy and love distressed denim, get an edgier pastel piece-like a motorcycle jacket. If you're edgier and wear a lot of dark colors, grab a pair of metallic, pastel sandals to contrast your all black ensembles. And if you're a girly girl like me, it's not hard at all to integrate pastels into your closet. Check out some of my favorite pastel pieces below!

Just because I'm still crushing on my look from last week's post, and it shows off how obsessed I am with pastels.

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Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Last Minute Valentine's Day Outfit

Still don't know what to wear for Valentine's Day and it's like...TODAY!?! Don't worry; I've got just the right solution for you! Grab that New Year's dress you never got around to wearing, throw on a jeweled belt, and rock your favorite motorcycle jacket to create a whole new look that your significant other (or girlfriends if you're celebrating Galentine's Day) will love! And if you want a reason to shop for an entirely new dress, check out this post for Valentine's Day outfit inspiration! 

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Treat Yourself This Valentine's Day

Even though I absolutely love when people buy me things-I mean, really, who doesn't-but I always say, some of the best gifts I've received were the gifts I bought for myself. Valentine's Day isn't just for couples, it's for just you as well! Hey, this might sound corny, but nobody can love you like you love yourself! There's nothing wrong with showing yourself a little love this Valentine's Day. 

So, spend that money that's been burning a hole in your pocket and get that super splurge item that's been sitting in your online shopping cart for the past three months. You never know, it may even be on sale by now (words from a shopaholic). Because a sale constitutes a shopping spree right? Yep, thought so! Happy shopping ladies and have a great Valentine's Day! I hope your day will be filled with more chocolate and pampering than you can handle! 

I'm definitely missing the romance of Paris. 

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Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

My Trip to Brussels, Belgium

My mom and I ventured out on our own for two days and visited Brussels, Belgium, which was only a 3 hour train ride. Getting to our hotel was the hard part-it took us nearly 2 hours to find our hotel...our hotel was only a mile away from the train station. I guess our sense of direction wasn't as great as we thought. But, it was definitely "an adventure" as my mom likes to say. I will say that the 2 hour, 1 mile walk was so worth it once we arrived to our hotel. 

We chose to stay at Meininger Hotel because of its vicinity to the city centre, and we were so glad we picked this hotel. It was super urban and was uniquely decorated (a chandelier made of wine bottles hung over the hotel lobby). And our room was even better! We had two full-sized beds, a couch to lounge on, small nook, and a huge bathroom (which had a sink decked out in iridescent tile). And the hotel didn't just amaze us on looks, Meininger Hotel offered a free walking tour around Brussels' most iconic areas. We were first on the sign up sheet!

We decided to stay in the night we arrived-we were still so jet lagged. We only left the hotel for a quick window shopping trip, drinks, and dinner. Walvis was a very hipster-vibe cafe that sat right across from La Belle Équipe, which is where we ate dinner. The restaurant offered a huge variety of classic pizzas-you can never go wrong with pizza right? But nothing beats a European pizza-I've been craving La Belle Équipe's pizza since we returned home. After our excellent dinner, we went back to the hotel to rest up for our walking tour the next morning.

My mom and I woke up super early for breakfast and we were first in line for the walking tour. I've been on several different walking tours, but this one in Brussels was the absolute best. Our tour guide was witty, fun, and extremely well-versed in Brussels history-especially since he's been living in Brussels for only five years. He took us to Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Palais Royal de Bruxelles, Mont des Arts Garden, and so much more. Grand Place was truly breathtaking and the buildings looked so unreal, you had to touch them to know they were really there and not imagined. 

Grand Place-No picture can do this square justice-it is perfection in person.

 Yes, these waffles were just as good as they look (drooling now).

My first (and only) Belgian beer from Scott's Bar.

Manneken Pis (even though Brooke and her husband warned us, we still weren't prepared for how small he was)

Mont des Arts Garden

After our tour, my mom and I went to get Belgian chocolate from Elisabeth (recommended by our awesome tour guide). All it took was a sample of Elisabeth chocolate, and we were hooked! This was the best chocolate I'd ever eaten. After stocking up on chocolate-saying my mom is obsessed with chocolate is an understatement-we went to Drug Opera for lunch (suggested by the wonderful worker at Elisabeth). Our service and meal was fantastic. I had a pesto pasta and mom had pizza again! We finished our lunch off with a Crème Brûlée. It was the best way to end our afternoon in Brussels. 

Our time in Brussels was awesome and we got to see so much of the city. We returned to spend the rest of our trip in Luxembourg later than evening. This was yet another amazing trip with my mom and it was so fun spending time with my friend Brooke and her family. Hope you guys enjoyed the photos from my trip!

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo