Holiday Sparkle Done Right

It is officially the holiday season. (*sigh* Yes, I feel that way too.) So, how do you

look festive without looking like a box of Christmas tree tinsel exploded on you?

PICK A POINT OF VIEW.

If you are going to do sparkle, metallics, or anything flashy,

pick one statement piece and keep everything else neutral.
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Sparkly Tops:
I have this top...and I love it entirely too much.
To be safe when wearing, I would pair it with plain black
leggings rather than the leather leggings (which I also own, but
would not wear with the sequin top).

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This is a more subtle festive shirt. Yes, it has sequins, but it's
quite a bit more understated than the above top. This would
look awesome with black, wine, or sapphire pants.

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Sparkly Shorts:
This is a great example of how to pair a neutral with
something flashy. Sequin shorts can quickly go from festive
to baton twirler in a matter of seconds. When doing a sequin
bottom, go VERY neutral on top.

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I love everything about this ensemble and will recreate! (Guess

that means I have to go shopping...damn). The juxtaposition of the menswear

inspired top with the super feminine sequin shorts is just perfection.

This would also look great with some opaque tights.

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I like this all black look. Personally, I would recommend a 

simpler black sweater on top, but I love the monochromatic

look...especially with the opaque tights and booties!

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Sparkly Dresses:
Sequin, glitter, and all around flashy dresses are everywhere
this time of year. A few words of caution...be careful not to pick
something that looks like a high school homecoming/prom dance dress.
Look for simple silhouettes, monochromatic colors, and age appropriate lengths.
You never want to look like you "tried" too hard...
REMEMBER:
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!
That is the greatest fashion accessory you could ever have!
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And, when in doubt...if you don't think you can pull off the
sequin clothing...go back to my accessories posts. A great sparkly
earring, ring, or necklace can make all the difference in the world!

Shoutout!

This post is dedicated to my girlfriend, Shannyn, who

is the definition of a "Fashion Femme"!

Rather than spending too much on a one time cocktail dress

that she'll never wear again, Shannyn opted for a more

budget friendly vintage dress for an event she attended. 

Way to be a true "Fashion Femme" Shannyn!

The BEAUTIFUL Shannyn

Note the sparkly statement earrings with the gorgeous

lace dress. Simple, elegant, and didn't break the bank.

Shannyn will have no problem paring this classic dress

with a cute denim blazer or cardigan, tights, and pumps

to change up the look as needed. 

Now it's y'alls turn! Send me your pics!

Texas Cowboy Chic

Formula One Racing has been in Austin this weekend.

It has been quite an experience to say the least!

Thursday night I attended a "Texas Cowboy Chic" party

to celebrate the Circuit of the Americas coming to Austin.

Being a Texan, "Cowboy Texas Chic" is just in my blood.

I wore a denim cowboy inspired shirt, a cognac leather skirt,

and of course my red cowboy boots, y'all! Texas-y...but not overdone.

Me

The after party concert: "The Best of Texas Music"

Lisa Niemi Swayze and I loving Willie Nelson!

Dear 1990's, I Love You.

This post is a shout out to 3 really awesome people I met this weekend.

It's hard to argue that the 1990's weren't an insanely awesome time for music...

but I also have a very special place in my heart for '90's fashion.

Grunge. Long Hair. Plaid Flannel. Ripped Jeans. Pearl Jam. Nirvana.

So, how do we bring the '90's into today?

'90's Trend #1: RIPPED JEANS

So I know some people will argue this trend is over,

but I don't mind ripped jeans if they're done correctly.

No, not the '90's baggy ripped jeans, but a skinny jean or a boyfriend jean.

I like the idea of this cute, relaxed weekend look, but I would have

paired it with boots instead of the flip-flops.

Skinny Jeans

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I adore this runway look so so so much. I will never recommend matching denim on denim,
but the idea of this is classic cool. To make this work in the real world, choose either
a dark denim top with the lighter pants, or vice-versa.

Boyfriend Jeans

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I love white jeans year round. The skinny with the subtle tears of the left image

is a cute, casual white denim look. The outfit on the right, I could live without, and so should you.

Skinny White

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'90's Trend #2: PLAID SHIRT

Plaid shirts are awesome. Plaid shirts are even more awesome when they
are tailored. Skip the over-sized '90's flannel and opt for a more fitted look.

I think any of the shirts below would look great with jeans, shorts, or any of the
above ripped jeans. But, beware, plaid shirt + ripped jeans can equal disaster
very quickly. Combine with caution!

I love everything about the image on the left. It's sexy casual
but in no way is it dated or over-sized.
The right image is for the person who is very confident in pulling
off two very distinct styles in one ensemble.

Plaid shirt as a "shirt jacket"

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I think all three images here are good examples of plaid done right.
The shirts are fitted, the jeans have clean lines, and the accessories are understated
leaving all the attention on the plaid.

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 Traditional plaid; cute and casual. To look a little less "lumber jack"
and a bit more feminine, add a small femme necklace and some earrings.

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This feminine take on a plaid shirt is great for any lady wanting
to partake in plaid, but it's much less casual and can transition from
day at the office under a blazer to a night out with friends.

Now, who feels like listening to some Pearl Jam and jetting up to Seattle with me?

The Runway Pony

Whether you are running late, or it's just a "bad hair day,"

a pony tail is always a good option...that is, if it's FIXED.

I can't stand this trend of "I just rolled out of bed" pony tails. You know,

the ones that you see on most teens/college girls where it looks like they did every thing

in their power to make their hair look completely awful?

If it's going to be messy, make it messy with purpose.

Enter what I so lovingly call "The Runway Pony." A messy pony with purpose.

The "Retro" Runway Pony

 The "Retro" Runway Pony is what I do at least 3 times a week. I, being a Texas gal, love big hair.

But, I love big messy fixed hair even more! This is a modern take on a retro style. Tease your hair at the crown for volume in the back, pull out some hair in the front to frame your face (so you don't look like you are going to middle school prom with slicked back hair), tousle pony and front hair with spray wax, and finish with hairspray for hold!

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The "Crazy/Messy" Runway Pony

 There is a very special place in my heart for the "Crazy/Messy" Runway Pony. As y'all know, my motto is, "The world is my runway." Therefore, I do this pony often! It's great for "day 2 hair" that was curled or braided the day/night before. I spray some dry shampoo, do a bunch of teasing at the crown and throughout the pony tail, tousle with spray wax, finish with lots of hairspray, and I rock this sucker like I am a 5'2" Heidi Klum! Trust me, it's fun.

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The "Simple" Runway Pony

The "Simple" Runway Pony is great for every day and for the "Runway Pony" beginner. It combines both the "retro" and the "messy" in one. Do a small amount of teasing, add some waves for movement in the pony tail itself, tousle with some spray wax, and hairspray to finish.

Here's an example of me rocking the Runway Pony!

The "Retro" + The "Crazy" Runway Pony

I'm Back Y'all

I am back in action, y'all!

I've been in Vancouver, BC, Canada...talk about a dream!

It gave me a chance to observe the fashion trends way up North,

and also an opportunity to wear plenty of scarves and jackets!

Self expression through accessories seems to be key for the Canadians.

It was cold and rainy, so fun umbrellas, rain boots, scarves, and jackets were a must.

Why not have fun with your umby? 

Solid wellies (rain boots)

Ad a pop with a scarf over your jacket

Fun wellies! This is what I would pick!

Since I am from a more warm, dry climate, this is how I adjusted my Texas fashion

to the cold and damp Vancouver weather...

Walking around on day one in a gray sweater dress, black tights, flat walking boots,

gray boot socks, burgundy leather jacket, scarf, and my vintage Dooney.

On a warmer walk/shopping trip day, I went for some tweed shorts, tights, a light sweater, leather jacket, scarf, riding boots...and voila! Shopping in style!

 I went for layers the entire trip. You never know when the weather will change

or if the building you are going in to will be over heated or air conditioned. Pack smart!