Weekend Recap- Halloween Edition

Weekend Casual

Sweater: Marshall's (old); Jeans: Gap (old); Purse: Elliott Lucca; Leather Owl Bracelet: Kerr Ranch; Shoes: Target

Sunday was a beautiful Fall day and I decided to head to a local art fair. I found this great vendor, Kerr Ranch, who sold these handmade leather bracelets. I can't resist some fun bracelets, especially if they're locally made and the lady who made them was adorable. Two bracelets later, I was a happy camper. And at only $15 a piece, I suggest you check out her website. She will also personalize them for you. What a cute gift idea! 

Now onto the weekend Halloween Festivities- 

I had an idea that I wanted to be a pin-up girl from the 1940's era. I had these great little shorts I bought over a year ago at, drumroll.... Kohl's (on clearance for like $12). I wore them a ton this summer but I thought, why not build my costume around the shorts?! Starting with the hat: I bought it for $5 at the Halloween store and added the anchor patch and star buttons. I bought the white button down shirt for $2 at a thrift store. I also bought the white shoes for $5 at the thrift store, adding a little patriotic bow. I made the square scarf from a piece of navy cotton, with a little Aileen's glue, ironing, gluing white ribbon, and ironing the gold stars on.... Voila! Some hot rollers in the hair, tons of hairspray, and red lipstick later.....

I was pretty happy with the way the outfit turned out! And on top of everything else, the whole thing cost around $25! I'm already thinking of ideas for next year. 

No Halloween would be complete without dressing up your pup. I tortured Cocoa a little by dressing her up. She was a lady bug. Poor thing.

Have a great week! 

Happy Halloween Weekend!

The weather is finally getting more "Fall" like in Texas and it's a perfect opportunity to layer. I love layering because it gives more depth and interest to your outfit. When I first got this little short sleeve sweater, I wasn't a huge fan because it was kind of boring by itself. I like it a lot more with a chambray shirt- easy fix!

Jeans: Rag and Bone; Sweater: Old Navy; Shirt: Banana Republic; Boots: Michael Kors; Necklace: J.Crew

I'm loving our chalk wall in the office today!

It's the weekend before Halloween, which means the weekend will be filled with Halloween festivities! I love Halloween and seeing how creative people get with their costumes!
Last night I kicked off the Halloween weekend with a little pumpkin carving. Drumroll..... it's a Cocoa-o-Lantern!

Here's a little preview of the costume in the making... I'll let you keep guessing at what I'm going to be.

And one more outfit from the week! Below is a more "monochromatic" look. I'm semi-obsessed with peplum tops (if you haven't noticed.)

Top: Forever 21; Jeans: Citizen of Humanity (My favorite and most flattering straight leg jean!); Shoes: Vince Camuto

Necklace: Kohls (old); Earrings: H&M (recent)

Have a SPOOK-tacular Weekend!

The Look of the Day

Dress: Old Navy; Belt: Vintage; Boots: Michael Kors (old) ; Earrings: Kendra Scott

My outfit just so happened to coordinate with my lunch spot today! I'm channeling my "southwest chic" look- feathers, turquoise, conchos, boots, and a french braid. (French braid hair, don't care!)

I've also received many inquiries about the skirt I wore to the Madonna concert on Sunday night. It's Helmut Lang. I bought it a couple of months ago and seems to be sold out everywhere. Helmut Lang is sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordy's, Scoop, and Shop Bop... to a new few. It's called the "asymmetrical skirt." It used to come in a few colors like here. I love this skirt, not only is it comfy, but it's so versatile. Check out some other pieces Helmut Lang does, here. He's known for his draping of soft fabrics, from knit to leather. I have always been a fan!

Have a good one!

Color in Motion 5K Giveaway

Although fashion is my biggest passion, I do enjoy working out and staying healthy. With that being said, I'm happy to announce that I've partnered with Color in Motion to offer free admission for one of my readers and a friend. Color in Motion 5k organizes 5k’s across the country that have a surprise at every kilometer; COLOR! (And if you haven't noticed, I LOVE color.)

The difference between these 5k’s and other 5k’s is that they jazz the race (and the racers!) up with bursts of color. You start out all fresh and clean in your white t-shirt, and by the end of the race you are covered in vibrant colors.

Color in Motion 5k is coming to Dallas on November 17th, 2012. A portion of all registration fees will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Find out more information at: http://colorinmotion5k.com/event/Dallas

To enter to win, email me and I will pick at random using Random.org. If you want to sign up for the race now (which is known to sell out!) use this code: COCOA15 for a 15% off discount. 

Now hurry up and enter! See ya race day!

A Nod to the Dallas Barneys New York

With last week's announcement that the Dallas location of Barneys New York is closing, I thought I would dedicate this post to the store. I have some what of a personal connection to this store.

Once upon a time, way back in 2006, was the start of what was supposed to be the evolving change of Dallas fashion and Northpark center. Northpark had doubled in size, put a slew of designer stores in, and opened a Flagship Barneys New York! I was about to start my senior year of college and got hired onto the Barney's team right before the store opened. Having worked previously at Neiman Marcus for three years, I was pumped to start working at such an innovative fashion retailer. Unpacking boxes, attending many designer product knowledge meetings, and being part of a HUGE grand opening, were just a small part of my first store opening experience. At first, the store was a huge success, crawling with customers... as months passed, fewer and fewer customers browsed the racks. The Dallas luxury retail customer is loyal. And they are loyal to the Dallas mothership, Neiman Marcus. Their mother shopped there, their mother's mother shopped there, and they most likely have a personal story involving Stanley Marcus himself. I left Barneys a year later to pursue my career in NYC but Barneys never regained the volume and traffic. Unfortunately, they will be closing at the end of the year. It's such a beautiful store and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into building the store. If you haven't walked through the store, I suggest you do before it closes.

So today, I wore my first designer purchase from Barneys New York, one of my favorite Marni tops. It's six years old (vintage?) and I still love it! Marni is one of my favorite designers because of their unique designs, use of geometric shapes and patterns, as well as, excellent color. My necklace is also made by Marni.

I tried out a new look with my nails this week. Two accent nails! And I'm kind of loving it:

Top: Marni (old); Necklace: Marni (old); Watch: Michele; Bangles: Vintage

Have a great weekend!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year: Friends and Family Discounts

It's that time of year- Friends and Family discounts! Just a few years ago this was exclusive to people that were truly "friends and family." Well, I guess we're all one, big, happy family because these codes and coupons are for anyone and everyone! I've made it easy on you and compiled all the codes. Most run through the weekend and are valid in store as well. I've outlined the deits below:

Saks Fifth Avenue: 20% off (most items); 15% off jewelry. Use code: FRNFAM2. Ends October 21.

Scoop: 25% off at checkout. Use code: FRIENDS25. Ends October 23. (If you stop by the Dallas store in Highland Park Village, be sure to ask for Sally!) 

7 for All Mankind 30% off use code: 7FAMFF12 at checkout. Ends October 22. 
ShopBop; 20% off use code: WEAREFAMILY at checkout. ENDS TODAY!
Lord and Taylor: 25% off using code: FRIENDS. And this is huge: 10% off cosmetic and fragrances! This is VERY rare. SFA stopped doing this last year. Take advantage! 
Nine West 30% off (no code needed, discount reflected at checkout.)
Neiman Marcus-  doesn't participate in Friends and Family but they are running a great deal, the more sale you buy, the more you save! Receive 20% off when you purchase one item, 25% off two items, and 30% off three or more items, online & in stores through October 21. 
Levi's 30% off: Use code FF2012 at checkout PLUS free shipping. Ends October 21. 
GUESS: 25% off. Use code: FF2012. Ends October 21. 

Happy Shopping!

Austin City Limits: Festival Fashion

Well, I survived Austin City Limits Festival. It was a FANTASTIC time. But let's get to the good stuff... Festival Fashion! My friend Amber made a comment getting ready one day, "Getting ready for ACL is almost like Halloween." It's true, anything goes, pile it on, and just go with it.

Day 1

Shirt: Kohl's; Shorts: Rich & Skinny; Booties: Target; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Day 2

Shirt: Kohl's; Shorts: Gap; Booties: Target

How fun were our balloon animal/flowers? (Funny story behind those.) On day 2 it poured rained, a lot. Those cute teal booties were great... until they turned my feet completely teal. Lesson learned: No more blue suede shoes when it rains!

Day 3

Shirt: Kohl's; Shorts: Old Navy; Booties: Target; Head scarf: American Apparel

Head scarves and jean shorts, AKA: J'orts, were the theme for most this weekend. 

The most stylish artists were definitely Kimbra and Metric (see below). Starting left- Kimbra always rocks a fun capelet and tutu style skirt. She is adorable. I'm semi-obsessed with Metric lead singer's sunnies. I want. Bottom row you will see some stylish gals. Loved their looks!

ACL encourages a "family" environment. How cute are these rockin' babies?! I couldn't help but snap some pics...

And of course, the best part of the weekend... the music. There's no way to even describe the energy.

I'm already excited for next year! Get your J'orts ready!

Music Scene Chic

This weekend I'm heading south for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. If there's two things I love, it's music and Austin, TX- perfect combination! Being a three day outdoor festival, the key is comfort- all while looking hip and stylish, of course. Austin has a great, unique style. I can't wait to snap pictures of fashionistas and get some fun inspiration. I've put together a few looks below with some pieces I will be sporting!

T shirt / Vince long t shirt / Rock & Republic fringe top / Current/Elliott snake print jeans / Aéropostale denim cutoff shorts / Old Navy shorts / Flat heels / Ecote suede ankle booties / Forever 21 set of bangle / Forever 21 beaded bangle / DANNIJO jewelry / Forever 21 jewelry / Forever 21 rhinestone dangle earrings / Scarve / Urban Outfitters hair bow accessory / Tortoise shell sunglasses / MARC BY MARC JACOBS Crossbody - Preppy 
Nylon Sia / Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Kelsie Western Ankle Boot Assorted Colors

A few key pieces:
Flat Bootie- Comfort and cute. I own the teal moccasins and gray shortie, both from Target. Last thing I want to do is ruin my good shoes!
Cutoffs- Do I need to explain?
Light and loose fitting tees- Weather will be warm, why not be comfortable? I have the fun fringe shirt. I bought this 2 months ago with ACL in mind (yes, I do that). The wolf shirt. Yes, I own it. I bought it out of the junior department at... Kohl's. Animals are very "in," check out this Style.com article. I was inspired by the infamous Balenciaga wolf sweater. But I probably paid $10 for my version. Bam.
Crossbody purse- hands free, duh. I have a little Marc by Marc Jacobs, it's my go-to concert purse.
Head scarf- You don't have to worry about your hair and it's effortlessly chic. Austin is a great place to sport this look.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram this weekend to see updates throughout the weekend!

Outfit of the Day

Jacket: Kohl's; Shirt: Vince (old); Jeans: AG; Booties: Vince Camuto

A busy day calls for a simple "outfit of the day."

Catch y'all later!

Weekend Recap

What a weekend! Friday night I celebrated my birthday with all my friends and I couldn't have asked for a better night. Who cares that it's my birthday, I just love getting all my friends together in one room. I'm such a lucky gal to have such amazing people in my life! Here's just a few pictures to sum it up...

Peplum Top: H&M; Skirt: Forever 21; Shoes: Boutique 9 (old)

How good looking are my friends?! Now for the rest of the weekend....

Essie- Stroke of Brilliance 

Cocoa took a trip to the beauty shop and she's Halloween ready!

I love the Fall weather that rolled in this weekend... Fall clothes are my favorite and this was a great excuse to bust them out. I took a trip to Kohl's and found this cute faux shearling vest in the Junior Department for under $30(!). I had been searching for a great shearling vest, unfortunately, all the ones I liked were around $300. This is a great copy and looks expensive but the best part... it isn't! Now go get you one, but don't forget your coupon. ;)

Vest: Kohl's; Plaid shirt: Gap (old); Jeans: 7 for All Mankind (old); Boots: Lucky Brand (old); Purse: Elliott Lucca

Have a great week! 

Birthday Suit

Top and Skirt: H&M. Shoes: Kenzie.

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a great day! My family, friends, and co-workers went above and beyond and I feel so grateful.

Birthday threw up on my desk.

My favorite thing I received yesterday was from my work BFF. Emily (who you met here), were these AMAZING cookies! 

How GREAT are these?! I screamed when I opened the box. "My blog logo?!" Yes, three of my favorite things: My blog, Poodles, and Chanel lipstick. These cookies are made by Rolled Dough and she ships them directly to you. The presentation was outstanding and they taste amazing! Check out her Facebook page and see the talent that goes into these little works of art. 

Although I had a great day, I can't wait to celebrate with the rest of my friends (and wear another fun outfit) on Friday! xoxo