southern hospitality

If I learned anything during my trip to Dallas, it’s that Southern hospitality is a real thing. We loved every minute of our stay at the Joule downtown, and ventured out a few times to check out the Jean-Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art, visit the Dallas Cowboys stadium (where even cars are on big wheels), get a great manicure and brunch in Uptown, and wander through the flagship Neiman Marcus store. Between our stay at the Joule, the nonstop delicious Mexican food, sparkly new dress I couldn’t resist, and ‘y’all’s’ we heard daily, it was the perfect way ring in 2012.

Read Full Post »

new years resolutions

I’ve decided this year to change up my typical New Years resolutions. In 2011, I vow to…

Buy more quality, less quantity. While it’s fun to have a full closet to choose from every day, it’s a waste if you only wear the same few things over and over. I’ve realized over the past few years that it is better to spend a bit more on a great quality coat, pair of shoes, or bag, if you truly love it and can picture yourself wearing it years ahead. I purchased my magenta United Colors of Benetton coat 3 years ago and was so anxious because it was more money than I’d ever spent on a coat. But at the start of every winter I get so excited to pull it out-with it’s oversized high collar and thick sturdy buttons- and still feel great every time I wear it.

Keep my closet more organized. There’s nothing more frustrating to peek into your closet full of clothes and feel like you have nothing to wear. But I think of the feeling I get walking into a beautiful, well organized boutique and I get completely giddy. Why not set up your own closet so you feel like you go ‘shopping’ every time you’re in it? Take inspiration from the closet of Vivre founder Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti.

Make my closet multi-seasonal, and multi-functional. I’ve re-introduced tights into my wardrobe this year in a big way, which has really helped take some typically ‘summer’ dresses into year round wearables. But I know there is more I can do to take year-round advantage of my closet, and I vow to try it more often. Tights can be worn under shorts, or with open toed shoe, sweaters can be worn over summer dresses, and tunics/short dresses can be tucked into skirts for a whole new look outfit. Don’t believe me? Just look at my darling blogger friend Anna, of See Jane, who rocked the shorts+tights look perfectly a few weeks ago when heading to a holiday party.

Try more DIY. Glitter shoes-check. Next on list to attempt: the feather skirt. Thanks to the inspiration blog PS-I Made This…, blogger/crafter Erica has made thousands of girls realize that many of the things they’re lusting for in stores can be made with a little creativity and for a lot less money than the original is selling for. And to have a unique item that you’re guaranteed no one else will have on? Priceless.

What are your resolutions for 2011?

Read Full Post »