Christmas in July

Have you seen the new Madewell Fall Lookbook? It has me totally pining for cooler weather but not in the usual bundle-me-up way. I was expecting to see the typical chunky knits, woolly leggings, and heavy coats but instead, it's all about classic transitional pieces with a quirky twist.
Plus, the styling is perfect for the warmer winters here in Texas.

You can see the rest of the Lookbook here.

The Weekend

La Catrin and old Out-of-the-Closet interview

Glasnost

// H & M body con dress / gold cuff necklace from local shop //

Before life and work took over, I was genuinely interested in music. At one point, I even had a resident dj gig. I know, right? Music has since fallen by the wayside and all too often, I find my husband shaking his head in dismay after noticing that I haven't changed out the cds in my car for a year. Or yikes, could it be longer?

Luckily, I do know the music I like and when hubby is blasting tunes from his ipod, I can easily spot it. In efforts to get me back into music, I am going to share a track at the end of my posts. Sharing is caring, right? Whether you want to listen to it is entirely up to you. Hopefully, this will be the nudge I need to get myself back into the game. I would love to get track suggestions from you guys as well, so please don't hold back!

Bag Raiders- Sunlight
//this song has been stuck in my head all weekend //

Little Mexico

It seems like ages since my last food post, doesn't it? I assure you I've been eating plenty, but Bryan and I have been focusing on eating better, exercising more, and not going out so much for food which has been a blessing on our pocketbooks and our waistline. We've even contemplated the idea of purchasing a juicer after watching a documentary about an Aussie traveling around the U.S. for 2 weeks on a liquid diet of juiced fruits and veggies. A freshly juiced drink here and there really doesn't sound so bad when you think of all the nutrients you're taking in!

Far from juicing, we finally made it out to the cute little Mexican cafe and bakery, Guadalupana, that's right down the street from us. We came in for a Saturday breakfast (which was more like lunch) and were greeted by a bevy of smiling faces, including the owner's! The customer attention throughout our entire sit was extremely pleasant and almost beyond gracious. Bryan had the Carne Guisadas and I, the Omelette Especial. My omelette was quite delicious! Might I say one of the best I've ever had? I guess it helps that it had a little bit of everything and best of all, bacon! The smell of their signature cinnamon coffee still lingers in my mind.
We will definitely be returning.

Red Specs Back Alleyways

drip castles

// alternative earth tank / pch skirt / deena and ozzy sandals / purse gifted from friend / jewelry from local shops, vintage, and diy //

fun-filled weekend full of romping around in cartoonish glasses, late breafast at a cute Mexican cafe (more on that later), the Helmut Newton exhibit: White Women, Sleepless Nights, and Big Nudes, and the beach... i can definitely get used to this. better yet,
i'll just add "chillaxin" to my weekly google calendar starting NOW.

Thrill of the Hunt

// Mint by Goorin hat / dress c/o Langford Market / Club Monaco necklace / vintage bag, boots, cuffs, belt / rings from local shops //

Sometimes I forget how much I love thrifting. Then I actually find the time to go, and it's like falling in love all over again. How do you come out with so many freakin' cool things and still pay so little? It just boggles my mind.

Jess and I have been planning this thrift excursion for the longest time. She really is the best thrift companion and seems to know all the hidden places to go to like this outlet where everything was $1.25. She even shared some of her own thrift secrets, which of course, if I revealed them, I'd have to kill you. So, we'll just move right along...

I've proclaimed Jess the thrift queen. You will almost always find her in head-to-toe vintage except maybe for her shoes. BTW, have you seen those amazing GeeWaWas?!! I couldn't stop gawking! They look heavy but I swear are as light as a feather! I, on the other hand, like to mix it up more- with around a 40/60 ratio of vintage to new. Although I like the sleek and modern aesthetic, I can't seem to stay away from unique vintage accessories and boots. Vintage is great because it's doubtful anyone else will have it and you can probably bet it was or will be some designer's inspiration.

So how do you wear your vintage?

Pretty Plaid

// plaid shirt from Thailand / Celebrity Pink high waisted shorts / Zara purse / Naturalizer loafers / Forever 21 rings //

Plaid is my safe zone. I mean everyone looks good in plaid, right? It's an easy print to go to when you want to keep it low key yet still want to one up your favorite solid color tee. I know I've got plenty of plaid in my closet, but I just couldn't say no to this cute color combo.

If you're curious to know where to pick up some lovely plaid options, the IOU Project is a good place to start. I've recently become involved as a Trunk Show Host after being reeled in by the unique and interactive concept. Not only does a portion of the sales go straight to the weavers, but each piece has an IOU Code which allows you to find out more about the person who wove the fabric and the artisan company that assembled it. Each piece of clothing is unique, has a trackable story, and benefits the textile makers. Now that's a consumer philosophy I can buy into!

Check out more here.

Ode to America

Happy 4th of July everybody! While I'm typing this, the fireworks are setting off like wildfire.
To good food, good times, and a wonderful Independence Day!