Dream Closet Challenge by Compass

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As a fun challenge, I was asked by Compass, a new online real-estate platform, to design my dream closet. My current closet is in somewhat of a disarray, so I immediately gravitated to the sleek and minimal style of Norwegian artist, Nina Holst's, gorgeous walk-in as a starting point. I've always been intrigued by the idea of a capsule wardrobe and being able to maintain a space that would really test my discipline in purchases.

To offset the cold feel of an all white closet, I would bring in natural elements for that added warmth. For example, I would switch out the white Ikea dresser for the gorgeous wood-paneled statement piece by Team7.  All those compartments would make the perfect storage solution for hiding my knick knacks and sweaters. My dream closet would also be spacious enough to hang a couple of painted branch clothing racks inspired by the DIY-queen of minimalism, Love Aesthetics, for that boutique feel.

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No closet would be complete without accessories. I would bring in texture with a furry stool, add some classy bling with this brass and marble brush holder, and finally tie everything in with this modern abstract rug that doubles as an art piece.

Coffee (Mug) and Glasses

I've been slowly amassing a ceramic collection starting with my love of tiny vintage bud vases to ceramics with faces. This mug by Tactile Matter is my latest acquisition and it does not disappoint. It's perfectly speckled and has a minimal '80s vibe which I dig. I discovered Kenesha's beautifully handcrafted ceramics via Instagram and seriously want all the pieces for my home. Her West Coast influences definitely shine through each piece in color and motif.

For those who share my love for all things cute, Atelier Stella is what got me started on the ceramic face kick. I have a couple of pieces from her collaboration with West Elm but have not pulled the trigger on her original works (shipping from England can cost a pretty penny!). Her ceramics are charming, highly covetable, and tend to sell out in minutes. You have to keep an eye on her Instagram for sale times and have a quick trigger finger if you want one of her sweet vases.

So check it out! I've got new glasses! Firmoo has come through again with this retro-inspired pair. Since being introduced to the site, I've been purchasing all my eyeglasses (and Bryan's glasses) from them. A complete set of glasses from the optometrist can get pricey, so this site is great for those with ever-changing prescriptions. I've tried several Home Trial Kits from popular eyewear sites and have found that the quality of Firmoo glasses have been equal or better than the glasses I have tried on and at half the cost. Plus, my prescription has always been spot on. If you have any issues with your purchase, the customer service is very responsive and will go above and beyond to make sure you're satisfied. Their newsletter updates me on their fresh inventory, so the selection is never boring. For all you newbies, you can get 15% off your first pair. Not a bad deal if you're in the search for affordable glasses!

Baby Fever

Hello world, I am now a mommy. It's still taking some getting used to- the idea of being a caregiver to someone so helpless and dependent on you feels pretty surreal yet so amazing at the same time. I'll look down at my mini pooch and can't believe that the thing I had been harboring in my belly for nine months has a face I can finally put a name to. Jolie Ann Porter was born 3 weeks early on August 8th weighing in at 6 lbs 6 ozs and 19 inches long.

Jolie at 2 days old.

This girl is going to be a goofy one.

Jolie at 4 weeks.

Future DJ? 


I am totally enamored by this little being. They are not kidding when they say your life will revolve around your baby. My 2-3 hours between feedings have become precious and if it's not used taking a nap (because a full night's sleep no longer exists), then it's used vegging out on the couch (I'm on the last season of Californication) or trying to squeeze in some normal activity like catching up on emails, cleaning the house, and even blogging! I'll be returning to work in a month, and I already know it will be difficult not being around this little bugger 24/7.

For all mommies out there, I salute you. Motherhood is a total mystery until you actually experience it. It is by far the hardest task I have taken on but definitely the most rewarding.

Miniio Modern Dollhouse

As a kid, I never had a dollhouse. Not even one for my Barbies.  I liked what I call free range play which involved putting Barbie in social situations rather than confining her to spaces. However, after stumbling across Polish-brand Miniio's modern dollhouses, I'm thinking Barbie would have really enjoyed the unfussy minimal space if provided the opportunity. 

Miniature anything is almost always cute, but this takes miniature to a whole new level. I see it more as a showpiece than a child's playhouse and would really be too scared to let young children near it. The pieces resemble the delicate architecture models my sister made in school rather than the sturdy child-proof plastic houses that I'm used to. Either way, the price range is not completely outrageous if you have room to display it and would really make a great conversation piece. I've even considered purchasing the sets which range from $54 to $78 and placing them in shadow boxes. How cute would that be?








The small and large dollhouses and sets can be purchased from here: DLK.

Mood Board ++ Soft Scandinavia

As much as I love the Scandinavian aesthetic, often times it can come off as too austere or cold especially in the home. I tend to gravitate toward a little color so I've been taking cues from the Aussies who seem to love Scandinavia but add their own soft touches. This means pleasing pastels mixed in with natural wood, and yes, perfect for a baby's nursery! Below are some lovely ladies I follow on Instagram that have inspired my decorating choices of late:



1. _harlowsworld_

2. jazura_styling

3. oh.eight.oh.nine

4. mitahli_designs

5. whistle_dixie

6. misskyreeloves

Pregnancy Blogging

Hi guys!

Sorry for the lack of posts, but running a blog whilst pregnant and working full-time has proven more difficult than I thought. The last thing on my mind is taking photos of my ginormous self and rambling on about what I am wearing. Therefore, I've decided to go a different direction. On the style end, you'll be seeing more baby decor while attempting not to be overrun by baby toys. I can't wait to travel again after the baby arrives, so travel pics are always fair game. Of course, I throw out the disclaimer that all things are subject to change post-pregnancy. I do have pregnancy brain after all. ;) For those wondering, I'm in my third trimester at 33 weeks. Home stretch! Yeah!

Looking forward to getting back on track and posting again!

My final mini-babymoon in South Padre at 26 weeks. Ahh... to be at the beach again...

Just last weekend when my L.A. gal pal came to visit me over the July 4th weekend. Here's a nice side view of the ever-growing bump! And if I forgot to mention, it's a girl!

Julia Gabriel Studio SS15: Perimeter Series

Photographed by Joshua Anderson
Directed by Tyler Swanner
Styled by Julia Gabriel

I first noticed Julia Gabriel's work at an art show which featured her architectural yet whimsical embroidered backpacks. So cute yet so practical, and so sad I didn't get my hands on one of them. She has since moved on to perfecting her proportionate line of unisex bags based on minimalism, geometry, and the "elegance of ballet."  The bold pops of color in the trim adds a quirky touch that shows off her sense of fun and attention to detail. On Julia's Instagram, she even had her followers help pick out colors for her spring line.

Julia Gabriel will be debuting pieces from her Perimeter Series at a trunk show hosted by one of Houston's top indie boutiques, Myth + Symbol, on March 14th from 4-6pm. I'll be there to check out the structured bags in the flesh and in case you wanted to take a peek too, there will be drinks and light bites to keep you refreshed as you soak in the goods.

Spoiler Alert: Babymooning in Cozumel

Not going to be able to wear this bikini top much longer.

Great mom-and-pop taco shop off the beaten path.

The view from the private beach right outside of our hotel.  I'm counting 6 shades of blue!

Oh, just chillaxin' and hoping I can just lay here forever.

Yes, you heard right.  If you haven't already poked your head into my Instagram, you now know that I am preggers.  15 weeks to be exact.  Since we didn't go on vacation last year because of the new house and I've been daydreaming about the beach for quite awhile, we decided to do a quick trip to Cozumel.  One of the very few trips we will be able to go on before I spawn a new life form.  Freaky, huh?  It was the best three days I spent in a foreign land. The weather was in the perfect 80s, the water was clear as the eyes could see, and there seemed to always be an empty palapa just waiting for me. The only disappointment was the food, but I guess living in one of the best foodie cities spoils you. Oh well, can't really complain, since the beaches here beat out anything near the Texas waters any day.