Double Dose of Denim

// Genetic denim shirt {a sleeveless version here} / Zara jeans / vintage Gucci purse / Vans sneakers / Ray-Ban wayfarers / necklace by Petite & Co //

Finding the right balance of denim on denim is not always easy but after picking up these jeans in the prettiest sky blue color at the last Zara sale, I finally felt ready to try out the look. I like the idea of using two contrasting shades of denim to create a more subtle colorblocking to prevent looking like a mechanic in a denim jumpsuit.

I added some quirkiness to the ensemble with my latest thrift store score, polka dot Vans, and this adorable necklace from Petite & Co. The Etsy shop is great for stocking up on simple jewelry for stacking and everything is extremely affordable. I'm already looking at items to add to my cart. Yikes!

And thanks to my sweet mother-in-law, I can say that I now own a Gucci. While rummaging through her closet, she found this little gem just dying to be used again. I, obviously, had no problem taking it off her hands. :)

Eye Candy

// Vince tank / Joe's Jeans pants / vintage belt / Desmo bag / Marc New York sunglasses / Colonial Madness boots //

Whether you're standing in scorching hundred degree weather or freezing your bum off in the Arctic, your eyes should always be protected when the sun's out. I am slightly obsessed with eyewear and have my own growing collection that desperately needs to be organized (I hear a DIY calling...). Even with all the crazy styles out there, it's hard for me to stray away from the classics. My favorite shapes include the super versatile wayfarers and the retro cateye. I recently added these Clubmaster lookalikes to my collection as an alternative to my multiple pairs of wayfarers. The partial frame and metal trim bring an interesting element to the classic shape. You think I'd be done looking with all the sunglasses sittin' around my house, but I'm still on the hunt for that perfect pair of aviator sunglasses.

Here are some of my picks for the summer:
// 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 //

Do you have a favorite pair of sunglasses that has become your signature look or are you like me, and like to mix it up?

The Easiest DIY in the World

As much as a I love scouring large thrift stores from top to bottom, sometimes I can be a bit overwhelmed by the selection (or non-selection). I've come up with a pretty handy system for when I'm just not in the mood to pick through every rack. All you do is skim the top of the racks and you can generally get an idea of what the item is and may look like pattern/material-wise. This trick has inspired an incredibly easy DIY after honing in on a particularly amazing leather collar poking out.

See, I told you it was easy! Now go thrifting and find yourself some funky collars to jazz up your wardrobe!

The Cold Shoulder

// top c/o Langford Market / Flying Monkey jeans / pendant from Ebay / Liz Claiborne leather bag / Aldo leopard ponyhair loafers //

I don't have a lot of clothing with cutouts since I suppose I'm beyond that age where it's appropriate to reveal too much skin in strange places, so I found this top to be a nice compromise. Ladies, I'm bringing the sexy shoulder back. Oops, might want to iron out that seam first.

Myth + Symbol

Sisters and co-owners, Trang + Chau

My heart always skips a beat when there's rumor of a new boutique popping up in Houston. I've had my eye on this one for quite some time. With a dream roster of up-and-coming independent designers and cult favorites, it was hard not to follow the shop's progress through Instagram and Facebook while awaiting its grand opening. Apparently, I was not the only one looking forward to its arrival, as the cozy space was quickly filled with excited and wide-eyed shoppers looking to find that special piece.

From the pinwheel display case as the centerpiece to the geometric dressing rooms accented with hand dyed rope, the shop is thoughtfully designed and a true labor of love. Myth + Symbol will not only be a hot spot for good design but owners, Trang and Chau, also look forward to converting it at night to a craft workshop and studio. Crafting while enjoying good company and being surrounded by beautiful clothing and accessories? Sign me up!

Myth + Symbol
2537 Times Blvd.
Houston, TX 77005
Labels: Ilana Kohn, Dusen Dusen, Uzi, Wren, Samantha Pleet, Dace, Ace & Jig, Illesteva, Fay Andrada...

In Search of a Classic

I love the old timey look of the Cartier Tank watch. Such a classic but definitely out of my price range.

I found some others with a similar feel to consider. All except the Isabel Marant version have a much more workable price point.

// Seiko Black Leather Strap watch and Seiko Solar Leather Strap watch //

// Isabel Marant watch //

// Citizen Eco-Drive watch and Pulsar watch //

// Michael Kors "Bradley" watch in black or brown //

// They even come in rose gold found here and here. //

What do you guys think? Too old lady or forever chic?