Meow is the Time

// Leifsdottir leopard cardigan / Ever henley / Target scarf and pants / Alexander Wang bag / Sigerson Morrison boots //

Ok, so the cold really isn't that bad as long as you get to wrap yourself in warm, fuzzy brights that make you smile (or meow). And hello there! Rose gold hardware on a bag?! Lust/love, whatever you call it, the blush-colored metal against the dusty blue textured leather has won me over with its hardcore femininity.

// Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith "Not in Love" //

Home for the Holidays

A visit with the inlaws is always a holiday favorite. This year I brought my three sisters along since they have never enjoyed the countryside quite like this before. Our days consisted of games, mucho eating, fireworks in the yard, an Oddities marathon, and a lesson in crocheting. The weather was pretty bleak and dreary but I think we successfully managed to pack in plenty of indoor activities to keep us busy.

Hope everyone's Christmas was just as merry and bright!

// A Charlie Brown Christmas "Christmas Time is Here" //

Label Crush: Common Projects

// Zara sweater / vintage leopard blouse / Lucca Couture skirt / Kushyfoot tights / Woman by Common Projects boots / Dimoni bag / Kathy Jeanne beret / Obaku watch //

I've been eyeing these boots for awhile now. They sold out in both colors on La Garconne within a week which almost made me regret not buying them at the time. Fast forward to Black Friday, where luckily I was able to scoop them up at a much nicer price at Frances May with a discount code. They are a lovely streamlined mix between the IM Dicker and Dixie boots. Not only are they extremely comfortable but even my cobbler complimented on how beautiful they were when I took them to get the soles reinforced. Common Projects also has some really cute sherpa-lined chukkas and heeled lace-up boots in its new collection. See?


Definitely a label to keep on your radar.

// Harry Nilsson "Everybody's Talkin'" //

Building Your P.H.O.

.

// dress c/o Langford Market / vintage cape and clutch / Bamboo flocked pumps / J. Crew headpiece //

I managed to throw together an outfit for 2 back-to-back Christmas parties over the weekend. I styled the outfit around this red figure skater dress from one of my fave local shops, Langford Market. I purchased the headpiece from J. Crew on sale and it just so happened that the store was running an extra 30% off promo (whoo!). I've been dying to wear this vintage faux fur cape I found at the thrift store years ago, and it added a nice bit of fanciness to my more casual holiday frock. I wanted some simple black almond-toe pumps (à la Minnie Mouse) and ended up finding exactly what I was looking for at A'Gaci, which carries cheap and trendy styles similar to Forever 21. Added a vintage satin clutch, sparkly tights, and blingey bracelet and Voilà! my take on the PHO (Perfect Holiday Outfit).
A sexy Mrs. Claus, no?

For those who have been wondering who the winner is of the Shopbop giveaway...

Dun dun na Dun!

It's Tara O' Connor of The Style Rawr!

CONGRATS Tara!

The Long and Short of It

// BB Dakota military coat / Forever 21 tunic top and scarf / Target pants and boots / Liz Claiborne purse / diy fingerless gloves //

I finally made a conscious decision to grow out my hair. Not that short hair hasn't been good to me, but I simply miss the comfort of being able to put my hair up in a bun or ponytail anytime, anywhere. Plus, I've become hair lazy. Maintaining short hair requires way more time and effort than I feel I have the patience for. I do have to credit Missiko though for providing me with all the right tools to be able to actually have good hair days. It's nice to know my trusty Hana flat iron will always be close by for those special nights.

In other news, poor Baxter got fixed this past weekend. He has remained surprisingly calm, but I suspect he knows that something is up.

Oh, and can't forget! My sister is a finalist in Modcloth's "Make the Cut" contest! I'm super proud of her for creating such a beautiful yet wearable retro-inspired dress without a design background. Please take the time out to vote for her or any of the lovely finalists here.

First Winter's Rain

// Isabel Marant jacket / Michael Stars top / Gap snakeskin skinnies / Minimarket boots / Desmo bag //

A perfect after-the-rain outfit: cozy wool jacket with printed skinnies and a bit of peek-a-boo color to brighten my mood after a downpour. Forgot that I bought this scarf (in red too) from a local jewelry-n-trinkets shop. The tassels are quite charming and the ruching of the fabric gives it a nice bounce. Will have to plan more outfits around these fun neck warmers.

Date with the Night

// Gap sweater over vintage dress / tights c/o Kushyfoot / vintage purse / Colonial Madness boots / Pac-Man necklace gifted from friend //

Got my Krueger stripes on for a night of bands. One band that stood out in particular is Ishi. Seriously great energy and come to find out later, they're from the same music school as Neon Indian. Ones to watch if you ask me.

The weather here is getting quite cool lately, and I like it. I was sent over another pair of massaging tights from Kushyfoot and perfect timing too. The first pair has lasted me a year and is still going strong. They're sooo comfortable and have become my favorite pair of black tights (although they do come in other colors and patterns). Besides being super soft microfiber, they also have raised massaging soles that add an extra cushion for your feet. Perfect for when you're wearing high-heeled boots. You can never have enough tights but these are my go-tos for the winter.

There's still time to enter the Shopbop giveaway. The deadline is only a few days away, so don't forget to get in on the action!

// Ishi "Pastel Lights" //

Artist Spotlight: Fernando Ramirez

It always amazes me how many super talented and artistic people I'm surrounded by. Houston is known for its business and oil, but did you know we have a very well supported art sector as well? I figured it was about time that I started an artist feature to showcase some of the talented folks out here. To kick off my artist series, I'm bringing you the beautifully detailed and mysterious world of Fernando Ramirez.

Your illustrations remind me of this old comic book I had from the '20s with very crude humor. Have you ever made comic books and do you think they could be in your future?

• I often did create comic -like- books when I was a kid. As for the current, my body of work no longer focuses on building singular narratives but is directed towards documenting literal experiences, with social life, pop culture, and history. I'd like to classify myself as an objectivity painter, or a matter-of -factness drawer because none of the works I create are purely fabricated.

Each one of your drawings is so involved. Do they all have a story or do you sometimes just draw as you go?

• Each Drawing, and character has a its own built in history. Yes, my work does have a busy nature but it subject matter is far from the complexity of my craft. My motive is to share as much information with my audience as possible. I want the viewer to find an experience in the work that is familiar or comforting - if they can do that, they solved 50% of the idea behind it . To me it's unimportant that viewers understand every inch of detail because my work isn't personal, it's open, foaming at the mouth, and easy to digest much like your favorite meal.

So your day job also intrigues me... tell us about your jewelry designing gig and can you share some of the pieces that you helped create?

• I work as a concept artist for "Ila& i", a manufacture of high end jewelry. You may visit there website (ilaandi.com) and view some delightfully inspired jewelry I helped design.

Tell us about your new project involving 10,000 mini portraits and where can my readers get themselves one?

• Currently this project is still undergoing construction so no person is able to purchase them at this point. I hope to resolve this project by summer 2012 and install them at one of my favorite non-profit gallery.
  

What 3 words would your friends use to describe you?

• Hilarious,Hindering, Hairy

Finally, if you could be any rock star who would it be?

• Hmm. I 'd have to pass on this one because I don't believe in envy.

Check out more works at Fernando's blog

Snakeskin Schoolgirl

// thrifted Gap sweater / Forever 21 chambray boyfriend shirt / Flying Monkey skinnies / James Rowland boots / Abro bag / Kenneth Cole necklace //

Mad props to James Rowland for digging up these faux snakeskin beauts. As you can probably tell from my last post, snakeskin has become my latest obsession. A little less cheeky than leopard (still love you tho) and a little more classy. I like it how it instantly adds texture to an outfit. This pair is Chelsea style with a little bit of goring on the back edges, but they totally remind me of snakeskin cowboy boots. I get pretty excited about anything that brings me back to my Texan roots.

// Lyle Lovett "Long Tall Texan" //

Just another reminder to enter the Shopbop giveaway!

Fall Into the Gap

There was a time when I would have stayed far, far away from the Gap. I feel like they have really stepped up their game since the days of being known for just khaki and preppy v-neck sweaters. (yes, those are snakeskin print skinnies) Practically everything at the GAP right now is on sale up to 60%. I dare you to walk in and not find one thing you like. I found 4. If you are ordering online, I suggest ordering down for tops and sweaters. I'm normally a Small but had to take an XS in the sweaters. Check out the Ritchi lookalike that's even better than the one I posted before, and it was only $25 thanks to the sale.