Blacks & Greys

// Etoile Isabel Marant Fred jacket and Lecia blouse {red version here} / Seven for All Mankind Second Skin jeans / Isabel Marant Dana boots / Dimoni bag / Isobel + Ezra earrings / vintage belt // 

I feel like you really can't go wrong with black and greys.  They make a great base for adding pops of color or if you just want to keep it dark and mysterious.   I switched out the color for the metal accents of the Dana boots and delicate wishbone earrings from Austin-based company, Isobel + Ezra. The Lecia blouse is my latest Etoile and sale purchase (thank you Leap!) and is made of some of the softest material I have ever felt.  The blouse is actually tunic length and has pockets, which always seem to make everything better.  There's also a dress version available, which is equally as soft, called the Lancy.  I couldn't decide which length to get but decided to go with the blouse since dresses seem to have a hard time finding their way out of my closet.

The Charleston Hustle

I still can't believe another Christmas has come and gone and a new year is creeping up on us.  Our little trip to Charleston fulfilled every Southern girl fantasy of mine and the food did not disappoint! They are truly the masters of shrimp and grits!

The lovely Mills House

It must be some sort of sign when your window overlooks two of the top restaurants in the city, Husk and Poogan's Porch.

Fried Green Tomatoes at Jestine's Kitchen

The fried chicken came highly recommended by our cab driver.  Yep, it was good.

A bronze map of Charleston near Waterfront Park.

// Genetic denim top / Comme Des Garcons Play sweater {similar here and here} / Isabel Marant Xabi coat {similar here} / vintage shoes / Desmo bag //

Finally got my oyster fix!

The ceiling of one of the dive bars we ventured into.

The breakfast at Dixie Supply Bakery & Cafe is sooo good!  Here we have their signature tomato pie and shrimp & grits below.

// APC smock dress {similar here} / vintage boots / Desmo bag / Gap Kids fringe scarf and Gap Carnaby hat //

Delicious Aioli Mussels at Fat Hen

Lamb Shank w/ roasted garlic goat cheese grits, root veggies, and smoked cherries

Pork Chop w/ potatoes au gratin, collard, and calvados

I acted like a little kid in a candy store at the Holiday Festival of Lights.  I made Bryan ride through it twice.

It's not a real trip to Charleston until you've had shrimp & grits multiple times.  This hearty version was licked clean at Lost Dog Cafe in Folly Beach.

Our final destination- the mesmerizing Angel Oak on Johns Island.

Dirty Librarian Chains x Settlement Goods: The Lava Necklace

Hey guys! I'm super excited to announce this collaboration between one of my favorite Houston boutiques, Settlement Goods, and the hip, eco-conscious jewelry line, Dirty Librarian Chains! 

Known for her beautiful upcycled statement necklaces, Susan Domelsmith of Dirty Librarian Chains has made a name for herself through creating sustainable jewelry with a lasting impression.  In an exclusive collaboration between DLC and Houston's own, Settlement Goods, the Lava Necklace is an introduction to a unique workshop that will be held at Settlement Goods in Spring 2013 featuring a special appearance by the designer.  Each necklace is made by Susan in her Brooklyn studio using vintage components from the 1960's to the 1980's.  Ironically, some of the beads, chains, and charms in the creation of the Lava Necklace are sourced from a U.S.-based jewelry factory that has closed as a result of the increasing overseas movement of mass market production.  Susan finds value in these rescued materials and has brilliantly developed this limited edition piece.  

The dramatic convertible necklace can be worn as a choker with a chain drop down the back or as a longer drape-style necklace.  The bold brass disc draws the eye in with its aged patina and asymmetric relief detail and is strung by an eclectic mix of chains in silver, gold, and black enamel.  The charm accents bring balance to the complex piece and even add a hint of whimsy.

The Lava Necklace comes just in time for the holidays (available at the store starting tomorrow to be exact) and makes the perfect gift for that special someone.  Stop by Settlement Goods to see the piece up close or just to try it on.  I can already see the necklace paired with a simple tunic top, leggings, and ankle boots.  If you're looking to create your own conversation piece, Settlement Goods will be hosting a workshop in the Spring of 2013 with DLC designer, Susan Domelsmith, who will rework your vintage and heirloom pieces into one-of-a-kind jewelry.  The workshop will be a great opportunity to design a personalized gift for Valentine's Day or a wedding.  Date and details to come!

To learn more about Susan Domelsmith and her work, check out Dirty Librarian Chains.