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redrhinestone

Feeling Golden

When it comes to seasonal pieces, I really like to get my use out of them, and what better way to do that than by restyling! Here I will wear a dress two ways, taking it from day to night!

I picked up this 70’s inspired chiffon swiss-dot dress from Stage Stores. I absolutely love the fit and silhouette of this dress, not to mention the color! For my first look, I chose to pair this dress with a cheetah print belt, camel color boots and a small crossbody. This look is perfect for work, church, or shopping with the girls! This lightweight material flows beautifully, and is just the right amount of coverage for this season!

Now to transition this dress to night, I give the look a bit more edge, by pairing it with quilted ankle booties and a scuba skirt. The scuba skirt adds a fun and flirty touch along with the high heel of the bootie! I love how the black against the golden mustard hue really pops! This is the perfect date night ensemble, transforming this sunny daytime dress into the perfect night out look!

This really is a great way to add options to your wardrobe without collecting multiple pieces. Right now I am obsessed with this mustard shade, and since this dress offers such a flattering fit, what better way to get my use out of it this fall than by restyling it different ways?! I have noticed that each season I get really hung up on a few particular shades and buy a lot of pieces in it, only to decide on a new color the next season. Because of this, I have learned to pick and choose the pieces I really like, and get creative with styling those select pieces so that I don’t over do it on a seasonal color that will be short lived.

For accessories I kept the same jewelry to tie the looks together. A simple mixed media watch with some of my favorite Luca-Love bracelets. The gold tones complement the look impeccably!

As seen with this dress, you can easily style up one particular seasonal piece you love in your wardrobe, and give it a fresh look! I hope this short blog has inspired you to take a peek into your own closet and test out your wheel of options when it comes to restyling!

Featured pieces:

  • Dress: Stage Stores
  • Skirt: H&M
  • Boots Hautelook
  • Jewelry: Luca-Love Michael Kors

 

 

 

Chic in All Black

I don’t know what it is, but I have really been into wearing black right now. It just never goes out of style! So for this look I decided to pair a lot of my favorite textures…I know, just because I like it, does not mean it will pair nicely together, but in this case, I would say… SUCCESS!

Here I chose to mix a chunky textured knit sweater, faux suede skirt, fringe and quilted faux leather booties to complete the look. It does sound like a lot going on, but since everything is the same color, it works!

I wanted to create a fun look-something that would be easy to wear, and ideally for night time occasions. Also, something to keep with the current textural trends, but cool enough to wear out with the weather we are experiencing here in Houston, and I came up with this!

For accessories I decided on a clutch from Ralph Lauren and a gorgeous statement necklace from Kendra Scott. This particular piece is actually from Rocksbox! I am loving this subscription service, and cannot stop raving about it! Since jewelry trends move quickly it is really nice to be able to wear quality pieces and try them out before deciding to invest. I will provide a link and code at the end of the blog if anyone is interested in a getting a free month of unlimited jewelry rentals!

And once the temperatures drop, layering a jacket over this ensemble is all you will need! Here I have styled a black faux suede studded jacket from XOXO with this ensemble to add yet another layer of interesting texture and dimension (but saying true to my color palette.)

Details on the look:

Jacket: XOXO brand Stage Stores

Skirt: Joe B. Stage Stores

Sweater: Calvin Klein Stage Stores

Boots: Hautelook

Necklace: Kendra Scott Rocksbox

Click here to sign up for a free month of Rocksbox! redrhinestonexoxo

 

Daytime Dress Up!

I am so ready to kick off fall and jump into all of the fun colors, sweaters and boots but Houston doesn’t seem to be with me on this, as the heat is still unbearable! Luckily today’s ensemble is the perfect blend of warm weather meets fall!

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This fun sleeveless dress features a laser cut overlay with faux suede texture and nude lining. The mock turtleneck is my favorite neckline at the moment…I cannot get enough of it! Since this dress is a bit short on me I decided to pair it with tall boots. For some reason shortening the gap between the hem of the dress and the top of the boot creates the illusion of a “longer dress” not sure if anyone else uses this trick but it is a lifesaver for me!

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These boots are comprised of a dark faux leather and feature a heel and mock fold-over button accent. They have a casual feel, but pair perfectly with a dress! This was a rather quick and easy ensemble for me to put together. The burnt orange shade of the dress paired perfectly with shades of brown. I decided to go with rich chocolates and rose gold accessories to complete the look. Perfect for whatever my day has in store!

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Louisiana

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Louisiana, and stay at the beautiful Houmas House. All I can say about this plantation is; it’s totally breathtaking and…when can I go back? Every little detail of the property is perfectly thought out and elegant. Walking through the beautiful gardens on property will seriously transport you through time. All thoughts of city life seem to fade away and its just you, in the moment.

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Our cottage was decorated to perfection and included a sitting room, working desk, and coffee bar. I loved all of the wood accented carvings and antique furnishings. No detail was left unturned, and even though our group took up the majority of the cottages, you still felt the quiet and peacefulness the vast plantation and gardens had to offer.

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We ate at the restaurant on property which was decorated beautifully and was beyond elegant. I was taken aback by the size of the main room and the vast table we were served at. Each chair was upholstered and armed. Mixed patterns added charm to the room and the high ceiling with intricate carved crown molding and crystal chandeliers seriously gave the appearance of old world glamour and timeless beauty.

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Thankfully while here the weather was pleasant, and the mosquitoes were tolerable, as I have an allergy and would have not been able to explore the grounds otherwise. I took full advantage of daylight and walked the beautiful gardens taking in all they had to offer.

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Now, what brought me to Baton Rouge  may not be what you have expected. No, I did not come out for vacation or to see the sights but actually to volunteer with the Red Cross and assist in the efforts of helping the victims in need after the devastating floods hit that region.

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This was my first time volunteering with the Red Cross so I was a bit anxious and unsure of what to expect. All I knew is I wanted to help in anyway I could, and give back. After checking in I was assigned warehouse duty and spent my time volunteering loading totes of cleaning/household supplies into care packages, being prepped to be delivered to families in need. It took some practice but before long we were a streamlined assembly line. I’m not going to lie, this was hard work but is totally fulfilling. Knowing that my time and work was doing going to help someone else in need is an amazing feeling. Being sore and uncomfortable for a few days seemed trivial in compassion, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to help out.

I definitely recommend volunteering if you are able to. It is an amazingly fulfilling and humbling experience and touches so many lives! Also, if you are looking for a wonderful place to stay near Baton Rouge I would hands down recommend the Houmas House! It was so wonderful, I could not have asked for a better stay.

 

Faux Suede & Kimonos

On a beautiful day, when the sky is clear and there is a breeze to break up the heat, I find myself gravitating towards the outdoors. Since this is Houston, spending long periods of time outside is not realistic, but stopping for brunch or hitting up an outdoor shopping center are on the table! Today I decided to mix up textures and warm fall tones for a fun and breezy look!

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This dress is so comfortable and offers pockets and short sleeves, perfect for the day, but as it is a bit short for my taste a lightweight kimono was the perfect edition to complete the look! This one in particular is a rich burgundy shade comprised of a thin lace with a generous fringe hem. The layer is enough to make me feel less exposed without adding a layer of weight and bulk.

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To finish off the look I chose a comfy pair of booties. These in particular are by Muk Luks. I enjoy the knit contrast, buckle details and chunky heel. Again, a subtle touch of texture to tie the look together.

Featured products:

Dress: Marshalls

Kimono: Stage Stores

Boots: Muk Luks – Stage Stores

Rainy Days

Living downtown with dogs can have its ups and downs…especially with the weather we have here in Houston. One minute its 100 degrees and sunny, the next its dark as night with heavy downpour, so choosing an outfit in the morning can be a struggle. For today’s walk, I decided on a sleeveless faux suede dress I picked up from Stage and a fun felt hat! This way I could be cool, and covered no matter what the weather has in store for me.

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This dress is a keeper for sure! I have to say the fit is fabulous and the added pocket feature is my favorite! To stay comfortable and keep the look casual, I decided to pair it with my cheetah print slip-ons from G-by Guess. They worked perfectly to keep my feet dry and comfortable while walking the pups. And of course it started sprinkling on us so my hat served its purpose and kept me from melting. (lol) I definitely think a good hat makes an excellent style statement as well as serves a mighty purpose in the event of inclement weather, so I have started incorporating them pretty regularly. Needless to say, the pups enjoyed their walk and the cool down from the rain and in this ensemble I was able to enjoy it too.

Dress: Stage

Hat: Marshalls

Shoes: G-By Guess

Necklace: Baublebar

 

 

 

Bracelets For A Cause

So for those who know me, one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to style up an outfit with is a great bracelet. I trend to be an animated speaker so my arm candy needs to always be on point. 😉 When I came across Luca-Love bracelets, I knew I needed to try them out.

When purchasing from Luca-Love you are not only purchasing a beautifully crafted bracelet, but you are helping someone in need. Each and every bracelet is crafted by a Colombian woman, giving her the opportunity of employment, and a skill to provide income to her family. Not only that, but Luca-Love also partners with many non-profit organizations so your purchase goes towards these endeavors as well!

Their website is super easy to navigate and I love how you can get creative when selecting your perfect stack. All macrame bracelets are complementary to one another and are offered in a variety of colors.

I have to tell you, after receiving my order the compliments, and positive feedback began flooding in. I chose a very neutral palette for my first stack and could not have been happier with it! There is a perfect balance between sparkle and natural elements. So you can literally wear them with everything!

Paulina, the brilliant mind behind Luca Love, was so kind as to send me a few additional pieces which I have started to incorporate, and LOVE! The glimmering turquoise is such a fun color and I really enjoy wearing it.

This small statement makes such a huge impact, and I must say, it’s so nice to feel good about what you are wearing. Not only because it is a cute accessory but because each piece goes towards a greater good. Each bracelet tells a story, and you get the privilege to spread the word! Be the change and make a difference this month! Support a wonderful cause and be proud to wear these beautiful bracelets wherever you go. I know I do. <3

Featured brand: Luca-Love

Bracelets featured:

  • Baru
  • Dani Fatima Hand in Satin
  • Ally in Sepia and Gold
  • Maite
  • Luca Tree of Life in Satin and Gold
  • Juan Fish Hook in Turquoise and Silver

 

How to Accessorize a “LBD” – Casual

Sometimes purchasing a LBD or “little black dress” can be for a special occasion, or just to add that staple piece to your wardrobe, but somehow it ends up in the back of your closet because you haven’t had that “special occasion” come up for you to wear it to. Here I have accessorized a little black dress in an everyday appropriate style so that you can really get your use out of this piece.

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First of all, I love how this dress has a collar and button placket. It adds such an interesting and structured feel to the dress. Not to mention it also has pockets so its functional! I love a good dress with pockets, and am usually sold as soon as I notice that feature is included.

So to style this dress in a casual way, I paired it with flats. Flats are comfortable and in my opinion, take away any “sexy vibes” a little black dress can create. To further my trend with the flats, I added a matching mohair cheetah print belt. By matching the accessories, which are printed, draws the eye away from the dress itself and to the details. Personally I love cheetah print. It is so fun and fierce! And the flats with that exaggerated flower just adds a touch of cuteness!

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The fun thing about LBD’s is you can accessorize them so many different ways that one dress can seem like 5! Possibilities are limitless with this blank canvas, you just have to buy the right silhouette and style that is best for you. So bring you special dress out of the closet and give it a twirl, everyday can be a special day!

Dress & Belt: Express

Handbag: Henri Bendel

Shoes: Juicy Couture

Utilitarian Chic

Olive is totally one of my favorite colors…pretty much all year around. It blends easily with a variety of colors palettes, especially during fall, and can make such a statement!

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Today I decided to dress up my faux suede olive heels with a gorgeous white vest from ABS by Allen Schwartz. It is lightweight, fully lined, and offered in a gorgeous white.  I love the split side accents and the tunic length!

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Since I accessorized the vest with suede heels, I wanted to add a casual touch to these otherwise two dressy pieces, by pairing with khaki ankle pants and a basic olive cami.

This is such a fun and chic ensemble for work, or a day out on the town. To really add interest, I decided to finish the look with my striped Henri Bendel convertible bag.

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I hope everyone is having a terrific day and amazing week!

Until next time! <3

Heels: Urban OG

Ankle Pants: Express

Vest: ABS by Allen Schwartz/ Stage Stores

Cami: Forever 21

Handbag: Henri Bendel

 

Sweater Weather

As the seasons begin to transition, and the school year begins I like to start pulling out my light layering pieces and over sized sweaters. The first to make an appearance this year was this pale pink number from Forever 21! I absolutely love the color and knit texture detailing. Also, I have really long arms so the fact that it has extra long sleeves is an added bonus for me!

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Today I decided to pair this sweater with Calvin Klein Jeans curvy skinny jeans in a dark wash to offset the pale pink and added interest with suede grey pumps and a sparkling statement necklace from Sam Moon.

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When I style an outfit that has a “statement” color (such as this pink) I like to keep my handbag simple. Here I chose my Kate Spade convertible bag which is in a classic black. If I had to describe my perfect “casual Friday” ensemble this would pretty much be it to a “T”. I like to wear something that can easily transition anywhere. The sweater creates a casual feel but the heels and dark wash denim completely dress up the look so I can feel comfortable and confident anywhere.

Sweater: Forever 21

Jeans: Calvin Klein Jeans / Stage Stores

Heels: Stein Mart

Handbag: Kate Spade

Necklace: Sam Moon