I Love This Sofa

I was flipping through the new Urban Outfitters catalog and came across this darling sleeper sofa, the Ava...

And the price is incredible! For only $699 (plus shipping,) you get quite a bit of good design for your dollar! Even though I would love it in white, (which it's not offered in but white is a really bad choice for me with pets anyway,) this is the perfect shade of green. It also comes in plum and grey. Here's a better look...

It doesn't work in my house at all but she's so pretty!

Anyway, you can see/order it here...
J.

Rule Breaker-White Pants In Winter

I guess I'm breaking the old school no white pants after Labor Day rule, but I've decided that I'm ok wearing white pants in winter...

I think worn with a darker shoe or boot on the bottom, it works out fine. I also happen to live in a warmer climate, it's supposed to be in the 70's today, and perhaps that has a little something to do with it. (Although I'm not really sure wear that logic seems to come from.)

This also happens to be a sweater that I rarely wear...I think this might be the 3rd time in the one and half years that I've owned it...

Once again it seemed like it would be a go with everything kind of sweater, but no. It has a sparkley thread in it and I think it sort of puts it into the "holiday only" category for me. But I guess that works for now since it's December.

So what fashion rules do you break?

J.

Finally Out Of The Closet-Hype Wedges

Remember back in September when I purchased these wedges?

I still sort of love them...they make me smile, but as I predicted then, I've had a hard time pairing them with anything. However, now that I've started to dip into my autumn/winter clothes they seem to make a little more sense in my closet. Or at least I like them with this little plaid jacket...

Loeffler-Randall for Target Purse-Swap
Luxe Jacket-thrifted
Pilcro Jeans-Anthropologie
Hype Shoes-Thrifted

Which also happens to be a little tricky to work with. With just the jeans and turtleneck it comes off a little lumberjack-ish. Yet somehow the shoes seem to perk it up and make it seem like I should be carrying a purse instead of a pick ax...

Ahh, fall...
J.

Last Of The Warm Weather?

Well, a cold front has finally moved into central Texas last night and I can't tell you how lovely and crisp it feels! I know most of you have already been enjoying cooler weather for a while now and we have had lower temps as well but nothing this cold for a very long time! Hooray for fall and winter! That being said, I'm sure we'll still have plenty of days in the 70's and 80's but for now I'm celebrating.

Anyway, this is not what I'm currently wearing, but it's from earlier this week...

Silk Tunic from Lil
Sweater Vest from Moth/second hand
Leggings from ???
Shoes from Qupid

This is the perfect outfit for my busy days! I can go from work to the dance studio, (I teach dance as a second job,) do some grocery shopping and not look like I came directly from the gym. (I admit, I dress like the biggest slob when I'm on the treadmill, and only slightly better when I go to yoga, but that's a different post entirely!)

I kept my accessories minimal...

Purse from Walmart (years ago!)
Ring from Charming Charlie

When working with kids I try to be a little careful to not come off to "hard," but I love the edgy touches that they add! I couldn't resist!

Well, I guess I'll break out a sweater and pants today...I wonder how long it'll be before I start dreaming of summer again...
J.

Hunt. Gather. Style. Pop Up Shop

Finally, a day off to do what I want to do! Well, mostly what I want to do. After a few hours of yard work, I was able to head over to the Hunt Gather Style pop up shop. I wish I had taken pictures, but left the camera at home.
Basically, Grechen, Sydney, and Sharon, 3 Austin bloggers, all with incredible style and taste, got together, cleaned their closets and hunted down some beautiful vintage pieces and sold them at the pop up shop. The selection was amazing , and the prices were great!

On my way to the shop, I started my mental checklist of what I really wanted to look for and I was thrilled to actually find some pieces! First on my list was a blouse, specifically something in gold. I was not disappointed...

It's a little oversized but I kind of like it that way. I've already pair it with 4 different bottoms and I'm completely in love! This will be a closet staple for life! Hunt Gather Style had quite a selection to choose from and now I can't wait for the next pop up shop because I want more!

I'm always looking for a good day dress and fell for this one...

I've been noticing a celestial trend lately and even though the pattern isn't exactly stars and moons, it sort of fits the trend and will make a great piece for layering this winter. It will require a bit of altering but the potential is high!

And speaking of potential, I love how the tags recommended wearing each item in different ways...

Brilliant!

I hope everyone had a lovely Saturday!
J.

My boyfriend helped me get dressed today...

It's not something that happens often at all. I sometimes ask his opinion on shoes and that's about it, (and usually it's met with a "those are fine," mediocre comment,) but today I was of questions, and he was full of answers.
I had the basics picked out, the pants and vest were going to be worn, but belted or unbelted? White or green tee? So when it came down to the shoes, turquoise platforms or greenish boots, he told me the green of the boots and shirt allow the vest thing be the point of interest.
(Where did this come from???)
Anyway, here's what I ended up wearing....

Not bad. Maybe I'll consider consulting him more often...

Do you ask anyone's opinion? Do you ever need help?
J.

Hooray! Shoes!

Ok, I didn't mean to buy 2 pairs of shoes today but sometimes that's just what happens, and I say, go with it. The first pair that got in the car with me were these ankle booties from Target...

Great fit, short reasonable heel and neutral color! (I secretly also love how they blend into my kitchen counters too, feels sort of sneaky.) I was just running in to see what Missoni looked like- there was literally nothing there but a few kid's pieces, and feeling a little disappointed took a quick stroll down the shoe aisle and found these for $20. Shoes are the perfect cure for disappointment!

The second pair must have known I was in the wrong lane to turn into Torchy's and were waiting patiently for me at Savers....

!!!!!!
Umm, yeah, not sure what I was thinking...lots of detail with the braiding on the wedge, the studs and whip stitch, not too mention that they appear to be some sort of red hairy material, all for $3.99! (And hardly worn.) On the up side, they fit well and are rather comfy, even if I have no idea what I'll be wearing with them, but I'm sort of determined to make them work.
**It must be noted that I was shopping with the person who taught me to thrift shop and they somehow have the ability to make you think something like these are practical or at least very fun.

It was a good day.
J.

I Just Can't Wait For Cooler Weather

Well, for a few lovely days this last week, the weather had cooled down to below 100 degrees (and I wore a few of my never worn fall items but didn't take any pictures,) but now we're back up and over that mark...what a tease! Oh well. That being said, here's a mix of items that I normally wouldn't put together as some of the pieces I usually reserve for the cooler temperatures...

(Hmmm...this outfit was much better in person, some looks don't come out quite right on the camera...) I pull this together at the ridiculous hour of 5 AM one morning, at which time was somewhat cool and I'm certain that had too much influence on it.

The pants are lined which means by noon I was sweating but I love them anyway. The button detail at the bottom means I can change the look of them just enough to make them feel a bit more classic and versatile. And it's a little hard to see but I'm also wearing a knit vest over my top. (I'm crazy for knit vests for some reason, I have 3.) But the idea of anything knit or layered in 90% humidity is not so good. I shed it as soon as I got to my car, but to be fair, it was perfect for the overly air-conditioned grocery store on this day.

The beaded tank was a bargain! I think I got it for $30ish which I thought was a good deal for the details. But I admit that I don't wear it very often. I have it tucked in here but it's more of a tunic length and maybe it's just more of a going out/special occasion top. I hadn't really tried wearing it for a while but I do like it.

I guess I really am ready for cooler weather, there's so many things I can't wait to wear! What pieces are you dreaming of pulling out of your closet when the temperatures change?

J.

I Would Not Kick This Out Of My Closet- Akris Wedding Tower Blouse

It would be an understatement to say that I lust for this beautiful Akris Wedding Tower blouse...

(Photos from blog.bergdorfgoodman.com)
Not only do I have a thing for trees and love the deep moody autumnal colors but the details of the collar and the horizontal pleat at the ribs are beautifully constructed! (There is also a lovely shift dress that has more of the actual Wedding Tower on it.)

The photograph print itself, Wedding Tower on Mathildenhohe ...

is by Joseph Maria Olbrich, who was also the the architect of the actual building.
For the rest of the collection, Akris designer, Albert Kriemler, pulled most colors from this photograph. (The textures and modern shapes of his jackets amaze me!)

J.

Art Of Austin On Friday Night

I was going to blog about an art show that I went to on Friday evening and my friend Debbie Carroll was a part of, but sadly they didn't allow pictures and really what's a post about an art show if there's no art? Well, here are a few of Debbie's paintings that I pulled from her Etsy site, Debbie Carroll Designs ...

China Berries
I think she actually sold this painting...it was tiny, 8x10 but up close it was full of depth and personality...

Local Cacti
For me, the orange surrounding the prickly cactus some how really represents the current heat wave Texas is having...

Anyway, it was a great show at the Gallery Black Lagoon . If you're local check it out, it's called the Austin Series Part 3 and there's some fabulous photography and screen printing as well.

J.

Dear Dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese,

I have long admired you and it's been so long since I've last seen you, I'm overjoyed to find you once again!

Your incredibly soft touch sends me chills even during these dog days of summer! I don't care if you happen to be last season's dress, you still thrill me just the same.

Your pattern is perfect!

Small but not dainty, in purple and tan hues...I never thought you'd be mine!

I admit, your tricky little asymmetrical neckline had me fooled...

But I'm learning to love it very quickly!

You make me feel confident and smart and pretty...all the things a dress should make a girl feel!

With sincere love,
J.

Blogger Happy Hour and Designer Meet Up

Thursday night, Grechen of the Austin Fashion Seen Blog, assembled a lovely Blogger Happy Hour at the Athenian Bar and Grill. MMMMMM!!! I love Greek food! I had the meatballs but forgot to take pictures...I was ravenous when I got there! But I did get a few gratuitous food (and booze) photos before it all ended...

Appetizers...bread...need I say more?

Grechen and Andrea (an incredible writer,) from A Cat of Impossible Colour blog.


Cathy's yummy looking sangria...I really should have had one of these...

Theresa's plate of cherries.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A NIGHT OF GIRL TALK?
From Cathy's new boy toy (Super cute and a shoe salesman...lucky girl!) to learning how to accept compliments to body issues and of course fashion, we pretty much covered the necessities. (Guys, wouldn't you love being a fly on the wall?)

Afterwards, we went directly across the street to the Scarbrough Building, which I wish I had taken more photos of because it has amazing art deco architecture and interior. I felt like I was in an old detective film!

(Photo from Google.)

Details from the elevator, gorgeous wood paneling everywhere... I could ride it all day!

Sorry for the glare, a quick shot as I was leaving, it says LETTERS. Every door has a bronze letter slot... I may have to go back, this doesn't even do it justice!

Anyway, we were there to visit Theresa's studio, where she creates the most beautiful vintage inspired dresses for her line, Tess. She was such a gracious host! It was truly a treat...

The lovely designer (wearing a dress from Tess M, her maternity line, that reverses to a beautiful shade of green, she's due in December,) walked us through her design process, from how she determines a specific size and creating a pattern...

And getting the "skin" of a dress back from the factory...

A "skin" is what the dress will look like minus any color or pattern. All work and fabrics for Tess are done in the United States. It was educational and enlightening! I couldn't help but take a ton of pictures!

Vintage fashion illustrations on her inspiration board.

Vibrant silks for her holiday dresses...I'm loving the green! Just imagine a beautiful vintage broach against the texture of the silk!

Cathy and Andrea enjoying some macaroons. Andrea is wearing a Tess Dress, the Marlene Dress in plaid. Most of the dresses are named after actresses from the 50's or their characters. (This is my favorite picture of the evening!)

The very first Tess sample. Theresa and her husband were making jokes about having a fashion line on New Year's Eve and on New Year's Day, they were writing out a business plan. What a way to start the new year!

The darling Sharon! I promise you, her pictures are better than mine!

Theresa will take apart vintage dresses like this that are no longer in wearable shape to find out how they were constructed and use it as inspiration.

Some possible fabric options.

The USO Dress. Theresa used to be in the Air Force, (she's now a reservist,) and uses her experiences to inspire her.

D'Andra from the Sable and Sage blog. I love her one shoulder dress!

One more fabric swatch. What can I say? I love fabrics!

It was a great event and we even got to try some pieces on but I was so excited at that point that I forgot to take pictures!

J.

Another Never Worn From The Closet -Lavender Jeans

Hooray! Another never worn is finally worn! I'm not sure why I haven't even put these lavender AG Jeans on...

They are incredibly comfortable and totally get me out of my regular denim rut. I guess I had thought that the color would be hard to work into the rest of my wardrobe, but looking into my closet, there are plenty of options as far as tops go. Like this Ella Moss top...

I actually wear this top fairly often, (sort of odd that it hasn't made it to the blog yet.) I love the teeny tiny tribal print! And the volume of the top balances out the skinny jean, one of my favorite silhouettes!
Sadly though, my cuff didn't make it through the day! It broke! It was an oldie but a goodie. I have all the pieces but I'm not sure it's worth trying to fix.

Of course these shoes make almost anything look good! I love the contrasting red for a good pop against the jeans.

I'm happy I finally wore them but I need to wear them more than once to really validate the space they take up in the closet...

What's your take on colored denim? Is it too trendy or a fun closet staple?
J.