Traveling

Is it only Tuesday? I feel like my weeks have been going by extremely slow lately.  This past weekend Alex and I traveled to Dallas to visit family and friends.  One thing I love and hate about traveling is the food, we always seem to indulge in crappy fast-food. I'm a sucker for Taco Bell, which brings back college memories of $1 double decker tacos.  I did discover a new fast-food favorite, 89 cent Cheesy Nachos (they taste exactly like concession stand nachos). Let's just say I had to detox once I got home.

We met up at North Park w/our best buds, Sierra & Grant

Shirt/Sweater: Jcrew Outlet. Jeans: Fossil. Shoes: Steve Madden

My Father-in-Law gave me this AMAZING vintage purse he got from an estate sale!

I get a little crazy when I enter World Market. I miss Europe, but it's nice to know I can get a Kinder Bueno whenever I want.

New light weight sweater from Gap I bought for $20, originally $60.  Love me a deal and peach stripes.

Eat. Work. Sleep.

Sorry for being MIA this past week.  Work has been extremely busy, and this past weekend I never got around to taking any photos. Not even on my phone, which usually never happens. 


 I hope everyone celebrated National Margarita Day yesterday!  The weather was absolutely beautiful here in Austin, and today it's going to hit 90 degrees...whoo hoo. I'm definitely going to try to have lunch outside today.  I desperately need to revamp my closet with spring items.  I spent 15 minutes staring at my clothes this morning.  Have a great day!

Working hard to prepare for Texas Independence Day! 

Night Out

The Tess Dress Spring Trunk Show at Austin's downtown boutique Etcetera, etc. last thursday was a ton of fun! It was great to hang out with such sweet and funny women.  I wore my Eloise skirt that I won from Grechen's giveaway, and I loved it. So comfy and versatile. 

Republic Tequila cocktails...yum (Spirit Blends + ice + Tequila = sweet & low cal margarita)

My family was able to pop in since they were in town for the wedding.  
Mom, Gram, niece, and sister.

Theresa, owner of Tess Designs, and my mom. My mom loved Theresa's designs, and ended up buying two outfits.

It was great meeting D'Andra of Sable & Sage. Now, I have a meet up buddy for the TX Style Conference.

Amazing desserts prepared by Bake Sale Austin.  When Alex stopped by to say hi, I told him he could grab a treat, he then quietly whispered in to my ear, "I can't. It's a bake sale, and I don't have any cash." Haha, he didn't realize the name of the company was Bake Sale, I'm sure they get that a lot.

White Wedding

Happy Valentines Day! Alex and I are trying very hard to save, so we're going to pass on gifts and an expensive dinner. I'll be happy with a home cooked dinner and a movie at home.  I did however keep my mom's valentine's day tradition alive by making blueberry streusel muffins this morning.  I remember how special  Valentines day was at home, when I would smell those sweet muffins every February 14th morning.  

This past weekend was wonderful as we celebrated the marriage of my brother, Wes, and his now wife, Megan.  We danced the night away at the Caswell House in downtown Austin.  I ate so much and danced so hard, I got a horrible cold. Here are a few pics that sum it the wedding weekend.

Pre-Party Karoake at The Highball...Megan was working it!

 Brother & Sister Duet...kinda gross when it's a love song ; )

Friday night Rehearsal Dinner at the Clay Pit (Indian Restaurant)

- Beautiful centerpieces my sis and I arranged

Baby cousins interacting is always cute

Great getting to spend time with my cousins - even the ones sneaking 

up in the back

Perfect Fit

When I tried on Jcrew's traditional peacoat, I instantly fell in love.  I waited and waited for it to go on sale, and by the time the price got cut in half they were of course out of my size and color I wanted.  I kept waiting for a winter coat to pop out at me that wasn't crazy expensive, and one day at Nordstrom's I stumbled upon this bad boy.  It was only $50 and is the perfect fit/style I was looking for. Although, I've only worn it a couple of times, since the weather has been so mild in Texas. Believe me, I'm not complaining. I hate the cold! I'm sure I'll regret saying that when it's 110 degrees this summer.

Tonight the wedding festivities officially begin for my brother's wedding! We've rented a karaoke room at the Highball to celebrate my future sis-in-law,and I've already mentally chosen my song. It's always a toss up between Spice Girls, George Straight/Garth Brooks, and Prince. 

Jacket: Nordstrom. Shirt: Gap Outlet. Sweater: TJ Maxx. Jeans: Banana Republic. Purse: Michael Kors (gift)

Tess Designs Trunk Show

 Fellow Austin bloggers, meet me here! Come out for amazing clothes, yummy treats, and a good time!

Tess Designs is joining forces with exclusive boutique Etcetera, etc. (located in Austin’s vibrant 2^nd Street District) for a special Valentine’s evening – a trunk show featuring dress fittings, sweet treats and signature cocktails.

The full complement of Tess dresses will be available, along with the playful separates collection of mix-and-match blouses and swing skirts in lipstick pink – perfect for Valentine’s Day! You will also have the exclusive opportunity to pre-order the Tess spring collection, in production now.

The Tess spring collection for 2012 was inspired by the bright, vibrant tones of rose petals and the gorgeous array of silks and prints that designer Theresa Kopecky has selected: from Tiffany-inspired Art Nouveau roses twining along the hem of a full-skirted silk dress to the strong, geometric lines of a black-and-white gingham.

All Tess garments will be available at incredible prices for this evening only, and visitors will have the opportunity to sample dainty pastries and mini-tarts handmade by Austin’s own Bake Sale (featured in TRIBEZA’s ‘Romance Issue’ this month as a not-to-miss sweet treat), complemented by a signature pink cocktail courtesy of Republic Tequila.

This exciting local fashion event will take place on 9 February from 5pm to 9pm, at the Etcetera, etc. boutique on 411 West 2^nd Street. 

Rae Rae comes to town

  Alex and I went to my hometown this weekend mainly to get my hair cut (I refuse to pay Austin prices), but of course seeing family is always great.  Being an hour 1/2 away is soooo much better than 5 hours like the past 6 years.  

Chicken 'n Dumplings...my favorite meal at home

My youngest niece Ella wanted to wear my boots all day.  It was so cute watching her shuffle around. Notice my sister in the back knocked out. She always manages to slip a quick nap in when Aunt Rae Rae comes to visit.

Back to Austin on Sunday to hunt for a dress for my brother's wedding. I loved this BCBG dress, but out of my price range.

My family and I went through a bunch of old pictures to search for super embarrassing ones of my brother to put up at his wedding, but of course I found lots of my own.  Proof I should have been in an 80's hair band.

I'm sure you watched the Super Bowl.  What did you think? I thought Madonna's half time performance was great...c'mon, man bouncing on a tight rope, that was awesome. 

Perks

Getting to wear jeans to work is seriously amazing!  Now, I do like to change it up and wear dresses, skirts, or nice pants every once in a while, but I am a jeans kind of girl.  I own quite a few pairs, but lately I've been wearing bootcut.  A woman should always have a pair of dark boot cut and skinny jeans in her closet.  Gap is my go to because their jeans always seem to fit my behind the best.  I've got quite a bit of area to cover ; ).  

Casual Day by jessecoulter featuring faded jeans

Since my company is geared toward the Texan theme, I love wearing cowboy boots.  I usually wear my boot cuts with a flowy top and a blazer/cardigan over it to make the look more professional.  I have two pairs of Justin boots, black and brown, and they are wonderful! I would advise every woman to have a good pair of boots in her closet. Perfect for dancing, working cattle (it's been a while for me), and dressing up a pair of jeans.  Sometimes when I got out with friends, I don't want to put on heels because I know my feet will be killing me the whole night, which of course takes away from the fun.  Boots are the perfect solution. And ladies, please don't buy those cheap "fashionista" boots. It's totally worth it to go to a local boot shop and buy a quality pair that will last for years.  I've had my brown boots since I was 16, and they are still going strong.

Urban Cowboy by jessecoulter featuring a boatneck shirt

Tess Dress

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Theresa, the owner of Tess in downtown Austin.  I won one of her amazing pieces from Grechen's giveaway...whoo hoo! I never thought I would win. Theresa is so full of life, especially since she just had a baby, and she creates wonderful garments that are made to fit women like a glove.  Her designs are inspired by the sophistication of women, and the best part is all of her designs are manufactured in Texas!  I'm obsessed with textures, so getting to hear about how she decides on her fabrics and designs was a dream.  I don't believe I have the patience to sew, but I am in awe of what Theresa can do.  

Playing dress up!

I won this Eloise skirt, and I can't wait to twirl in it this spring.

Thank you Theresa!