Let's Keep the Ball Rolling

I usually stress out about what I am going to wear to our annual charity ball for weeks, even months, in advance every single year.  I buy multiple dresses, borrow from friends, return those that don't fit, search high and low for the perfect accessories, pack along a back up dress as well as accessories. It is exhausting.  This year, we are so busy with our oldest being a senior and my husband trying to get all his work done in addition to working the charity event, that I simply didn't have time.  I found this dress at the local Nordstrom Rack back in March and bought it after trying it on and seeing that I could zip it up by myself even without Spanx and I could wear a regular bra.  One of my friends laughed in July when someone asked if I had even started the search yet and I said I had the most comfortable dress. She told them that she knew I would probably buy at least 4 more before the event arrived. No one was more surprised than I to see she was wrong.

Evening Gown: Tadashi Shoji (current); Earrings: Charming Charlies (Borrowed from friend) (similar)

Clutch: c/o Magid (nearly identical dupe); Bracelet: Panacea

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Freya (better images here) (current)

In addition to this being the only dress I bought this year and not having to return anything, I wore shoes and accessories I already had, with the exception of the earrings which I borrowed from a friend of mine. I did not bring a back up and I've never been more comfortable. My hair stylist texted me after I posted the below photo to FaceBook to tell me that he thought this was my best ball look ever, and he has styled my hair and sometimes even my clothes for over 20 years!

This is by far one of my favorite photos of my husband and me and I already framed it in our home.  We are working on some massive changes to our home life in the coming months and I know this is the last time we will be this drunk and happy together for the next 4-6 months.  I know that no matter what changes are coming our way, he is still the most handsome guy I know.

We have family in town for the Thanksgiving weekend and the weather has been fantastic this week.  I will be back after the holiday ready for the Christmas and New Year breaks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blue Wrap Dress & Rose Gold for Brunch

We spent the weekend at a hotel in Downtown Dallas celebrating our annual charity ball.  The ball is preceded each year with a luncheon to honor the sponsors and members of the organization.  The dress code is business dress and I hadn't worn my DvF wrap dress since Morgan's graduation in August.  Even then, I didn't take any outfit photos because there was an epic downpour after her graduation and we were lucky to just make it to the safety of our car. My husband's favorite part was that this outfit does not contain a single new item!

Wrap Dress: Diane von Furstenberg (current color on sale)

Earrings and Necklace: BaubleBar (old)

Clutch: Reed Krakoff; Watch: c/o Caravelle New York

Heels: Prada (mine are several seasons old, but I love these current ones, too.)

In the past, I've worn this dress with neutrals, seen here, and silver accessories for Morgan's graduation (no photos) so I wanted to try rose gold accessories this time.  I still love the blue color of the dress and I got so many compliments all throughout the brunch. It was perfect for the event and Mr. Fantastic loved that I wore the dress he bought me.

Have a great week!

Last Minute Errands in Boots & Skinny Jeans

This weekend is our annual charity ball and I haven't run around as much as usual, but I still had some last minute errands to take care of before we check into our hotel for the weekend.  My husband  has been working non-stop on an upcoming project and we hope to hear good news before the holidays.  I will keep you posted.

Sweater: Gap; Denim: c/o Miss Me Jeans; Necklace: Vintage (similar); Earrings: c/o Tacori 

Boots: MIA (very old) (current); Tote: Calvin Klein (very old) (current)

Thank you and I will write more when I get back after the weekend!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Staying Warm in Blue & Grey

I wore this yesterday to have dinner with a friend that we kept having to reschedule for about 6 weeks! It was so fun to finally catch up, but with the cold blast we've been having, I've hardly been motivated to get dressed other than in my warmest layers. We nearly froze to death on Friday at the Friday Night Football game.  I don't think I've ever been upset about our team making the playoffs before.  Even though I pulled out all our base layers and ski wear from our ski trip last spring, I came home from the loss and immediately ordered everyone at least one more base layer!  Then on Saturday, I was out shopping at Target looking for smaller gloves for our youngest and extra hats for everyone.  I found this one in grey for me and I love that it has only a small C9 brand logo so that I can wear it with everything. It also turns out that it is a man's hat, but since my husband's head is way bigger than mine, I get to keep it.

Chambray: Gap; Tank: Yummie Tummie; Leggings: Lou & Grey for LOFT

Hat: C9 at Target; Sunglasses: Balenciaga (current); Earrings: Blue Nile; Necklace: Michael Kors

Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. (Current)

Boots: Frye Jane 14L Stitch

Jacket: Nils

In case you can't tell, I was freezing while taking my pictures and I put on a jacket right before I headed out the door.  I was really worried about the expense of this ski jacket when I first got it because it was just over $100.  However, I love the color and it is so warm, sitting in the stands last Friday night made me realize what a bargain I got!

Stay Warm Friends!

Cool Runnings

It is still cold and it's almost like the weather doesn't have a care for all the plans we have this weekend! :) Yesterday was one of our niece's birthday and she choose to go to the Perot Museum to celebrate.  Our kids are thrilled as that is one of their favorite places to visit and they could stay all day, and have on several occasions!  We are all looking forward to our family adventure tomorrow.  In the meantime, I bundled up and went to shop for her birthday and see if I could find some last minute jewelry for our charity ball next weekend.

Faux Fur and Cashmere Sweater (both old): Banana Republic (current); Denim: c/o Miss Me Jeans

This is one of my favorite cashmere sweaters (also seen here) and my husband laughs that this faux fur vest has a great cost per wear ratio.  I wear it ALL the time! And the fleece is a very old one I got at a company I used to work at but also sees a great deal of wear in cooler months.

Earrings: Macy's; Necklace: BaubleBar (old) (similar at Target)

These earrings are so old, I want to say that I've had mine for at least ten years.  They were given to me as a gift from one of my cousins a long time ago and they really go with so much, so I've never been able to do away with them.  Additionally, even though I lost one about 4 years ago, it was really easy to replace because these are part of the classic jewelry collection at Macy's.

Boots: Ugg Classic Tall in Chestnut

Have a great weekend!

Chill Factor

The Polar Vortex came through North Texas and surprised us with the low, low wind chills!  I took our oldest to the doctor's appointment and met a friend for dinner earlier this week. I made sure I was well bundled, but comfortable the whole day.

Sweater: Victoria's Secret; Leggings: Lou & Grey for LOFT; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (current)

Hat: Neiman Marcus Last Call; Earrings: c/o Tacori; Scarf: Marc Jacobs for NMxTarget (similar)

This scarf from the Neiman Marcus for Target collection two winters ago is still one of my faves.  It is very lightweight and warm and I think it's one of my most versatile ones.  I definitely use it as a comfy layer in all kinds of climates.

Boots: MIA (really old) (current and on sale)

Another workhorse in my closet are these MIA boots.  They are so comfy and I love that they come to just below my calf and I don't have to worry about them not fitting me like so many other boots!

I hope you guys are staying warm!

Cool Mini

The cold has receded somewhat and yesterday was a gorgeous day with temperatures in the high 60's. It was the first weekend in almost two months that both my husband and I were home, we didn't have the boys, and had only our mornings scheduled.  We met a friend of ours at his home to pick up some donations for our charity and then stopped for a quick coffee before meeting another friend our house before a quick trip to the tailor's.  We then spent the majority of the day on the couch finally watching the end of Season 5 on Sons of Anarchy. We even ordered yummy take-out, so that we didn't have to leave our beloved sofa.

Dress: BCBGMazAzria (current and very cute option)

This sweater dress is one of my faves, but it is definitely not cold-weather appropriate.  The length and short sleeves make it perfect for late Spring or early Fall.  I paired it with my tall boots because I could wear thick socks to keep my feet warm.

Pearl Costume Earrings: Gift from my grandma (Givenchy option under $25); Necklace: c/o Gorjana

I also wore these pearl earrings that have no monetary value whatsoever, but that I love dearly because they were a gift from my grandfather to my grandmother many years ago.  About 10 years ago, she gave them to me and confessed that they were the only romantic gift my grandfather had ever given her and she thought he would want me to have them.  I know they are not real, but they mean so much to me and I treasure them exactly the same as I do my wedding rings.

Bag: Chloe (current); Boots: Frye Jane 14L Stitch

Is anyone else watching the Cowboys play in London tonight?  I kept hoping that Will and Kate would attend, but it is not looking likely.

Cold Front

When we arrived back from Los Angeles, it was COLD (for Texas) and since it's expected to warm up again by the weekend, I am back to layering as I struggle with the cold, but not winter weather.  I was out soliciting donations for our upcoming charity ball and I fought the cold with a few warm layers.  It probably would have done wonders for my internal temperature if I hadn't left the house with wet hair, but I had to get going!

Dress: Laundry; Cardigan: BCBGMaxAzria (current); Faux Fur Vest: Banana Republic (similar Via Spiga)

Bangle: So Good Jewelry (old) (dainty option)

Purse: Sam Edelman (old) (current leopard satchel) 

Boots: Ugg Classic Tall

I know many people, especially those in FASHUN look down on Uggs as ugly, but I LOVE mine.  I've had both the short and tall of this chestnut color and I can't wait to add another tall pair to my closet soon.  Maybe I will never be stylish, but I will never give up my uggs.  Ya'll can keep your fashion status, I'm going to stay warm.  While I am thrilled that boot season is finally here, I am really looking forward to adding a pair of tall black or grey boots as I just realized all my boots are brown except my booties.

What do you wear against the fashion rules?

Windblown in Los Angeles

We spent the weekend in Los Angeles visiting family and friends and everyone kept telling us how surprised they were by the weather.  Well, so were WE! I only brought sundresses and one pair of jeans.  Fortunately, I always wear a sweater on the plane and I had packed a lightweight wrap. The first day I stayed in wrinked jeans and my sweater while we met up with friends to lunch and went whale watching before meeting up with my brother in law and his wife for drinks and dinner.  Saturday, we met up with my husband's cousins for brunch in Los Feliz.  They picked a great place called Figaro, where we ran into Mark Boone (Bobby Munson from SOA) but I was too intimidated to ask for a photo.  Figaro had fabulous pastries, okay coffee and smashing mimosas-we ordered a large carafe!

Dress: LOFT (short version); Cardigan: BCBGMaxAzria (old) (similar, current season)

Sunglasses: Balenciaga (similar); Earrings: Blue Nile; Necklace: c/o Jane Basch Jewelry

Bag: Chloe Paddington (old); Sneakers: Converse All-Stars

There was a rainstorm the night before and while it was still windy, the view from the Griffin Observatory was gorgeous! We didn't get very many photos because we had very limited time after brunch before we were meeting with friends in Redondo beach and I took most of the time we had at the Observatory standing in line waiting to use the bathroom.

The Griffin Observatory in LA

Walking up to the observatory gave us a fantastic view of not just the observatory, but LA as well. 

We're in Hollywood, Baby!

One of the views of LA from the Observatory.

After our trek up to the Observatory, spending the rest of the day watching redondo beach while drinking appletinis with friends was the perfect way to unwind.  We arrived back in Texas to be greeted by cold weather again, so I was very glad for the weekend getaway.

What are your favorite LA Hangouts?