Affordable Evening Wear

Finding a beautiful dress for an evening out can be stressful and pricey. I for one dread spending hundreds on a dress that will only be worn once or twice, and will spend the majority of its life just hanging in my closet. Luckily there is Tobi! This online store offers affordable current trend apparel, even full length dresses, perfect for your next event!

This layered chiffon dress offers a Grecian vibe, perfect for late winter/spring. I paired it with velvet blush heels, a matching Bordeaux clutch from Coach and the absolute perfect lip color by Christian Louboutin.

 

This dress is originally $76 dollars but currently is on sale for under $40! You seriously cannot beat the price or quality of this lovely piece.

Mini Skirts, Chunky Sweaters & Embroidery

Another one of my NYFW picks was this colorfully casual mini skirt and chunky sweater combo!

I wore this ensemble out to dinner, and loved how easy and comfortable it was to walk in these heeled booties, and the chunky sweater was flattering and perfect to hide a tummy full of NYC pizza! haha

This embroidered mini skirt was actually a Zara find! I was able to purchase it on sale for less than 20 dollars – I know, such a steal!! Since I love it so much, I was able to find ya’ll a similar version and have linked it here.  My off the shoulder sweater is from Tobi and is in a warm olive shade, but they also offer it in a few other colors. Right now it is just over $30 so I recommend picking one up while its on promo! The sweater is constructed of a heavy knit, perfect for winter and offers a relaxed fit. I tucked the front of it into my skirt to bring a bit more shape to the look.

For accessories I went with white Steve Madden Editor booties, floral earrings from Sugarfix, and clutch from Sam Edelman.

New York Touring Chic

For a fun day out in NYC; eating at some of the funnest dessert places like Rice to Riches, and Beard Papas along with walking the Brooklyn Bridge I wanted to wear a classic black and white ensemble with a touch of edge – it was Fashion Week after all! So this is the OOTD I came up with.

This white cozy sweater and chunky heeled boots are both from Express. I scored them during a 50% off sale and absolutely love both of these purchases. My skirt is from Tobi and is made of a faux suede material and features a snap front with brass tone stud accents. Tobi runs special promos all of the time so be sure to check out their site for some amazing deals! For an added touch of texture, I decided to wear black pantyhose with black fishnets over top. This creates such a unique look! For accessories, I have my favorite black sunnies, a knit beret, these super fun black and white floral drop earrings, and for a pop of color this beautiful tassel clutch from Stella and Dot.

NYX Love You So Mochi Review & Look

I love getting to play dress up and the perfect way to finish up any amazing look is with a great pop of color! The new NYX Love You So Mochi collection is the perfect combination of pastel, neons and metallics; everything you need for a fierce new look! I want to put it out there that I am in no way a makeup artist of a professional in any way, this is just a look I created and fell in love with using the new NYX collection so I wanted to share it with you all!

NYX is a really great brand because you get professional grade cosmetics at more of a drugstore price point, plus they are cruelty free! The palettes are compact with a generous amount of product. Now, what gets me is the texture! The products are squishy to the touch! Yea, that might sound weird but it’s the coolest feature, with a resemblance to mochi. The colors are highly pigmented and look amazing on. For this look I went with a bright pink and golden yellow.

Below I have listed each shadow number I used from the Electric Pastels palette and highlight from the Arcade Glam palette.

Eyeshadows: 

  • Tear duct – shade 1
  • Center of lid – shade 8
  • Crease – Shade 3 blended with shade 10

For lips I am wearing the NYX Lippie in Teenage Dream

To finish off this look I wore a platinum blonde bob, which really made my eyes stand out as well as the bold lip color. And I kept my apparel subdued with a black off the shoulder sweater and black ripped jeans.

Shop these products below to get the look!

Styles In My Favorite Color of the Season!

I’ve noticed that monthly I get hooked on a certain color and in January it was this rusty red shade. Because of that I wanted to create a quick lookbook to show you some of my favorite pieces in this color and the outfits I created with it.

First has to be this amazing corduroy romper from Boohoo! It is actually offered in a few other colors which I love and sort of want to order as well, but I started off with this color. To create the look I styled, all you need to add is a turtleneck top, OTK boots, sunnies and for fun, a beret!

Next is this little shorty from H&M. The print is what really drew me to this dress. It is just so fun and the material is great! The dress is constructed of a thick stretch material, perfect to keep away wrinkles and provide a flattering fit! So I dressed up this look with heels, my favorite Quay sunnies, and, depending of the temps, this dress can be transitioned by adding a long tan coat and fuzzy blanket scarf.

  

D.C. In a Day

When you have only a day to visit the nation’s capital, what all do you have time to see? What do you wear? Are all of the locations easily accessible? Well I am here to answer those questions!

First of all, I’d like to start off by saying I think January-February is a great time to see D.C. because there aren’t lines! This really optimized how many stops we were able to fit into out day trip, not to mention that the weather is PERFECT! All you need is a sweater and maybe light jacket.

On our trip to D.C. we were able to visit:

  • The White House
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Reflecting Pool
  • Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
  • National Archives

Honestly this was a lot of stops to fit into one day, but with no lines or crowds it was totally doable!

But, what do you wear?

So when touring you want to be comfortable, BUT you are going to be capturing pictures you are going to keep forever sooooo you want to look nice, AND be able to go from museum to dinner without having to change. The ensemble I selected was not only comfortable but on trend and so stylish! I was warm, my feet didn’t hurt, and I never looked underdressed.

I choose a soft knit sweater from Express, oversized Quay sunglasses, a metallic accordion pleat skirt, a knit beret, and over the knee boots. I think the skirt color, along with pleating detail is what really dresses up this look, along with the crisp white. I was able to comfortably walk everywhere and never felt underdressed while out and about. So I think this style is perfect for travel and transitioning from day to night.

Now on to what all we did!

Note to self: Monuments are open 24/7

This is important to keep this in mind, as you have no time restraints when planning out tours and stops to these locations. That means you can stop at the memorials very early in the morning before the museums open, or late at night when everything else is closed – depending on if you are wanting pictures during the day or not. We chose to fit in the monuments after touring the Smithsonian and National Archives.

Museums are only open from 10-5ish with last tours starting around 30 minutes prior to close.

I am pointing this out because the museums are only open for a short timeframe so you have to time them right if you are wanting to visit multiple locations in a day. There are also no tickets to be purchased because everything is free. That is why I think it is important to map out your route, and have a game plan before heading out.

Okay so now that all of that is out of the way, here is how we spent our day!

9:00AM Breakfast at the Juniper.

The Juniper is the restaurant located in the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown which is where we stayed. For info on the hotel and our accommodations click here!

10:00AM Smithsonian Air & Space Museum

We decided to conserve our energy and Uber to our first stop for the day. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was awing. The sheer size of some of the pieces they have will stop you in your tracks! Jhonathan was like a kid in a candy store, and I felt like I had to pry him out of there just so we would be able to make our remaining stops for the day. The museum is cataloged and organized so well! No matter what era of aviation interests you, they have it! Not only that, but they have artifacts and pieces that transport you through time….not literally but, you know what I mean. We even took a spin in the flight simulators they have available! Here you can do barrel rolls, fly a jet and even be a gunner! Needless to say we both very much enjoyed all this museum has to offer.

12:45PM National Archives

Just a short walk across the street we arrived at the National Archives, and after a brief security scan we were inside. Sadly, there is no photography allowed in the Rotunda but getting the opportunity to see the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights with my own eyes was such an incredible experience. There are many other historical documents and rooms to visit while in the Archives building, but as we has a lot to still do, we only attended the Rotunda. I also recommend stopping in for your souvenirs while at the National Archives because there is a little bit of everything D.C. related available in their shop and its fairly priced.

2:00PM Joe’s

It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Archives to the White House so we decided to hop over to Joe’s on the way. I ordered mint ice cream with hot fudge and chicken wings – yes I know, what a combo, and Jhonathan also ordered a mule. The architecture of this building is exquisite, and so welcoming. After a rejuvenating snack it was time to see the White House.

3:00PM The White House

We walked by the White House and took pictures, but did not tour or stay in the area for long. There were many protestors out, and the grounds were double barricaded. I really only wanted to see it in person, so I got to do that and check it off of my list.

3:45PM Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool

We Ubered from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial as it would have been a 25-minute walk. This is totally walkable, but we didn’t want to loose sunlight so we opted for the 5 minute Uber ride. I definitely think the monument was the most moving thing I saw on the trip. The sheer size is overwhelming and the words, so meaningful. This is a MUST for anyone traveling to D.C.; I think all of our stops were, but this one even more so. We stood atop and looked out to the reflecting pool with a beautiful clear blue sky as the back drop. Such a perfect way to end the day. On our way out, we spotted a lady taking pictures of her two golden retrievers so I had to snap a pic of the cuteness.

6:00PM

We finished the evening back at our hotel, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown for dinner in their lounge. The perfect ending to a lovely day!

There is so much to see in D.C., and I am definitely interested in going back to see more; but for one day in town, I think these stops are a must if it’s your first time in the city. Thanks for stopping by, and look forward to my upcoming NYFW posts as I will be traveling there in ONE WEEK! <3

Weekend Stay with The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown

During my brief trip in Washington D.C., I wanted to stay somewhere that was close to everything yet quaint and luxurious. The Fairmont was the perfect fit!

(stay tuned until the end of this post, because I will be sharing some fun events the hotel has coming up in the next month!)

The Fairmont Washington, D.C.,Georgetown was recently renovated, and man is it glamorous! I instantly fell in love with all of the lobby’s decor, full of plush jewel tone pillows, high back chairs and sparkling geometric sculptures.

Throughout the hotel there are subtle hints of history, with presidential and D.C. monument inspired artworks. This adds such a customized feel to this Fairmont location, and a charming warmth of heritage without the feeling of being themed.

Georgetown

This adorable town is filled with cute shops and eateries all within walking distance, creating picturesque moments any time of the year.

During my stroll I of course had to stop in somewhere for a treat, and this decadent chocolate mousse cake did the trick!

Check-In

The room we stayed in faced inward to the courtyard, with a balcony that provided a beautiful sunset view. The rooms also pay a subtle tribute to our nation with artwork of the president’s signatures and stamp collages, to name a few.

We were also welcomed with a cheese and fruit plate, along with rosé; perfect after a day filled with travel.

 

    

Early Riser

After a comfortable, and restful night’s sleep we started the morning off right with a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant; the Juniper. Jhonathan opted for the pancakes, while I tried the buffet. This cozy restaurant has French parlor vibes with beautiful bright windows welcoming in natural light, marbled tile and lantern sconces. The buffet was well assorted with sweet, savory and even healthy options! I went with eggs, bacon, a pecan sticky bun, fresh fruit, potatoes, and spinach apple juice.

 

Following a filling and energizing breakfast at the Juniper, it was time to tour the city. Here I have added in a few highlights from the stops we made, but will create a separate post for all of the details, like how I captured this shot of these cuties!

Evening Dining

Exhausted after a full day of sightseeing, we concluded the evening with dinner at the the hotel Loggia Lounge. For eats we dined on appetizers of crab cakes, calamari, oat and walnut bread with honey butter, and concluded with salad and steak. Our meals were beautifully prepared and cooked to perfection. I enjoyed the upscale lounge setting, perfect for chatting, enjoying a meal, and relaxing after a busy day.

For drinks, we had the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Bee-tini. Not only is this drink smooth and sweet but also special because the honey is actually produced on the roof of the hotel from their own bee colony – how cool!

 

And now for the fun! While at the Fairmont, I was informed of all of the upcoming events they will be hosting and wanted to share that with you!

Super Bowl Sunday

The hotel will have the big screens ready for action with ample viewing space of the big game. There will be a buffet of sliders, chicken wings, pretzels, and nachos to dine on for $20 and specialty drinks and beers ranging from $4-$10. The party gets started at 5:00 and no reservations are necessary, so make sure you are there!

Valentine’s Day

The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown has two very special Valentine’s events planned this year! First is the Engagement! If you get engaged at the hotel during the days of the 9th – 13th you are entered for the chance to win a free nights stay with champagne at the hotel on Valentines. One winner will be chosen each day for the 5 days, so that’s 5 winning couples. Out of the 5, one will be upgraded to a suite! How amazing is that?!

There will also be super cute themed beverages at the bar and lounge during this timeframe so be sure to stop by for date night to enjoy a love themed beverage. And lastly, on Valentines the Juniper will be serving a four course meal from 5:00 – 10:00 pm with delectable steak and pasta options, and of course let’s not forget to mention amazing desserts!

Guys this is just a glimpse at what the hotel is offering! They are always creating special experiences for their guests and finding ways to make everyone’s stay rememberable and spectacular. So if you are in the D.C. area and are looking for a chic bar to visit, or a delicious meal to enjoy, or are searching for that perfect location to stay at for vacation, this is the place! I know I will be back the next time I travel to D.C.,they have everything I look for when I am staying at a hotel, and more!

A very special thanks to the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown for hosting me for the weekend!

Fab Romwe Winter Finds

Some of the cutest finds currently available at Romwe! Check them out for the best current fashion trends at the most affordable prices!

Also, if you are looking for the top I am wearing, I have linked it here, and its only $8!! Enjoy and happy shopping!

 

Pretty in Pink Lookbook

I have been wearing so much blush this winter, so I thought I would round up some of my favorites to share with you!

From casual to dressy, blush and light shades of pink can easily be dressed up or down depending on the material or accessory. Here I’m sharing my favorite sweater, dress, and faux fur shawl all in this stunning shade! I’ll show you how I complement blush with prints, textures and other colors to create the perfect look.

Evening

Velvet, faux fur, fringe and floral prints! Yes, that might sound like a lot to have going on it one look, but trust me it works! This drop waist velvet dress from Charming Charlie is absolutely perfect! It is comprised of a lightweight burnout velvet and is fully lined. Since it is a bit chilly I decided to add this luxe faux fur shawl to the ensemble to keep my shoulders warm. It really brings out the floral design and complements the color palette. I paired this with burgundy exaggerated fringe earrings from Baublebar, and olive faux suede stilettos from Urban OG.

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Dressy Monochrome

My fave! So this blush metallic beauty is from Express and was actually my New Years Eve pick! The dress is a mini and features defined shoulder pads and a cut out back. I added my shawl to this look as well for a bit of texture and warmth, but decided to add a pop of color with my accessories!

I wanted to add a darker color, so I went with emerald green. Both my clutch and earrings are from Stella & Dot. I love the fringe design and sparkling accents. Everything comes together so well to create a polished look!

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Casual

So this blush sweater was one of my favorite Nordstrom sale finds! I have enjoyed wearing it so much this season as it is super soft and so easy to layer. For this look I have paired it with a periwinkle bralette and dark wash denim from Factory Fashion. This is a super effortless look, and is perfect for the weekend.

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Blush is such a transitional shade and can easily be paired with so much! I am one to generally purchase staple colors as getting ready in the morning is so much faster, but have noticed lately blush has become one of my staples! It is just such a great color can can really go with anything!

A Day with Houston Pets Alive

As most of you know, I am a dog mom and both of my boxer pups were rescues. I strongly believe in adopting pups, and giving them that second chance at the amazing life they deserve. So when Houston Pets Alive reached out to me for a little help, I jumped at the opportunity!

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If you haven’t heard of Houston Pets Alive, they are a non-profit organization with a huge heart, and mission to make Houston the largest no-kill city in the country. They work to save pups from being euthanized and assist in finding them forever homes.

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Myself, Kristine of Kristine’s Kaleidoscope, and Alessandra of Alessandra Laura all spent the day at the Stella Link shelter location, to learn a bit more about Houston Pets Alive, meet the animals currently up for adoption, and spread the word!

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The shelter is run by an amazing and inspiring staff alongside daily volunteers – which they are always in need of! The pets are all well attended to, and are provided a private kennel, water and food bowl, with blankets and a toy. They have veterinary assistance available to care for those at risk, and strive to keep the pups as happy and comfortable as possible. While there, we spent some time walking a few of the pups and gave as many of them love as possible. The air in the shelter is full of hope, and you can feel that even in the pets. They know they are in a safe space, and are just waiting for that special someone to come and take them to their forever home.

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If you are looking for ways to help out, or want further information on the pups we have featured feel free to check out the HPA website! There are so many options that one is sure to be perfect! I have even listed a few ways below!

Time:

Since this is a 7-day a week operation, volunteers are always needed! Assisting in taking the pups out on walks, cleaning their kennels, taking a pup out for the day for a fun activity via the “Doggy’s Day Out” program, or even providing them with their freedom ride from kill shelter to safety at Houston Pets Alive. All are opportunities you can jump in and help out with. 

Fostering:

Temporary and short-term fostering is an amazing opportunity to care for a pup from your home. This gets them out of the shelter, making room for another, and helps acclimate them to home life. It can also be the difference between life and death for some at-risk pets. 

Adoption:

With over 350 animals currently looking for forever families, Houston Pets Alive is always looking to adopt out animals to people looking to provide a loving deserving pet with a forever home. Adoptions are held daily at the shelter location, and pets are view-able from their website.

Monetary:

The shelter also accepts monetary donations which can be made to their website. This way your contribution can go straight towards whatever the shelter needs at that immediate time. It will also go towards Houston Pets Alive hope to relocate out of their make-shift shelter to a more permanent location. 

Item Donations:

The shelter is always in need of items such as hand sanitizer, paper towels, and special diet dog food. 

The shelter also hosts events you can attend! Click here to see their calendar!

I hope this inspires you to help out a dog or cat in need! I was completely humbled by my time at the shelter and will be working with them again in the future to help out in whatever ways I can.

Thank you Houston Pets Alive for all you do!

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