Back to Basics

Jeans, tees and stand out jewelry that goes with anything - the basics! 

We've paid a lot of attention to the trends lately, but you can wear prints, neons and pastels in a lot of different ways, and that includes coordinating with the basics already in your closet. Both blue and white jeans are a necessity, along with comfy but well fitting t-shirts. As far as jewelry, we feel like gold, silver and turquoise go with so many things that a great bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings can really dress up an otherwise basic outfit.

Some of the basics we like may seem a little pricy, but keep in mind, these are items that you want to keep for a long time and can pair with trends as they come and go!

Jeans:

DL1961  -  7 for All Mankind  -  Rachel Zoe

Tees:

StyleMint  -  Madewell  - T by Alexander Wang

Jewelry:

Bauble Bar  -  Kendra Scott  -  Theodora & Callum

Weekend Inspiration

Image via Pinterest

I love this photo from Pinterest. The pretty pink doors and shutters brighten up this house and, when accented with the flowers, add a lovely, feminine touch to the building. It inspires me to do a little bit of spring/summer updating to our decor. While I'm not brave enough to paint anything in our house pink (and I'm sure my husband thanks me for that), the idea of adding a few brights to change things up is definitely something I will be bringing to reality starting this weekend. 

Here are a few links I'm excited to share with you this week:

• There are just a few more days to order from Tracy Sylvia and get 30% off with the code HSS2012.
• Check out two great giveaways ending soon: Houston's Weekly Chic and Mickey Lynn Jewelry
• Scouting out new brunch recipes like this yogurt and granola parfait
• New moms in Houston can sign up for the next round of Urban Mom Bootcamps starting now! I just completed my first one and can't wait to start again in a few weeks.
• Loving dresses from Trina Turk and CrOp by David Peck. I need a dress for my sister's rehearsal dinner and a grad school friend's wedding, and we'll be addressing this issue in a few weeks!

Happy weekend everyone!

Brulee Lingerie

Brulee is a luxurious and sophisticated line of lingerie and loungewear, created by Kristian Giambi. All of the soft, silky pieces are as comfy as they are indulgent. There are five different Brulee lines to choose from: Boudoir, Vamp, Classic, Noir and Bridal. And whether you've got a hot date or are just relaxing at home, there is something in the collection for you to feel perfectly pretty in. 

These are my favorite pieces in the collection - especially the white silk shorts and cami with black trim. 

Shop the entire Brulee collection here. 

Find of the Day

I missed out on my size in this pretty coral sandal on ShoeMint but there are still lots of sizes left - and I'm completely jealous of you if you manage to snag them! If the wait list works out for me, I will be pairing these with white jeans for spring and summer. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Not signed up for ShoeMint yet? Register here!

On My Wish List

Comfy tees in bright colors, a flowy maxi dress, new swimwear for baby and me and, of course, a new bag to daydream about. Here's what's on my wish list now:

1. Fekkai Summer Waves Spray  2. Fresh Rose Face Mask  3. Proenza Schouler PS1

4. Bauble Bar Medium Monogram Necklace  5. Parker Maxi Dress  6. Madewell Artisan Tee

7. Elaine Turner Wedges  8. Calypso St. Barth Bracelet

9. Anthropologie Maillot  10. Sass & Bide Sunglasses 11. Baby Gap Gingham Trunks

Shoe Crush: Loeffler Randall

Top: Valentine Peep Toe Wedge  -  Anja Mignon Wedge
Middle: Darcy Platform Pump - Dita Platform Pump
Bottom: Francie Knot Sandal  -  Tatum Cut-Out Oxford

Loeffler Randall's Spring shoe collection is absolutely to die for! I love the color blocking, neon accents and tie details on the heels, clogs and plank sandals. My favorites are the Valentine Wedge and Francie Knot Sandal, but I'd gladly add all of them to my Spring shoe wish list.

I also recently learned via Notre Dame Magazine (which has recently produced their first style issue!) that the company's CFO is a fellow Notre Dame alum - making the brand even better in my book!

Shop the Loeffler Randall spring collection here.

Weekend Recap

We had a great weekend and it was tough to get Monday started this morning! There was a lot of food and celebrating this weekend and the weather was gorgeous here in Houston, making it pretty perfect. I had my hair done and got my ombre color back (finally), and I absolutely love it. It was also a food filled weekend as my husband and I made "healthy" pizza on Friday night and celebrated our anniversary with delish sushi at Katasuya on Saturday night. Finally, we celebrated our son's 2 month birthday with a little photo session of him in 2 month onesies and lots of smiles and hugs. I hope you all had a great weekend and are having a great start to your week!

Animal Instinct

I love these leopard print jeans by Current/Elliott - the on-trend pastel print is subtle enough that they could just look like a lighter wash denim. I still like a neutral top and shoe, with some fun accessories like the highly-coveted Spike the Punch Rainey necklace (keep checking on Etsy for this one, and good luck!)

Banana Republic Chambray Button-down  -  Current/Elliott Leopard Jeans 

Spike the Punch Necklace  - House of Harlow Clutch  -  Nine West Pumps

Weekend Inspiration

Happy Friday everyone! This week flew by for me and I hope that your work week went by quickly too. My inspiration photo this week is a little more personal, as I'm looking forward to celebrating our second wedding anniversary this weekend with a date night at Katsuya. It is hard to believe we've been married two years already and now have our beautiful two month old son!

Here are a few items from the week that I've been inspired by:

• I bought all of the pieces to make this DIY necklace from Stripes & Sequins
• Earth Day is Saturday there are a few fashionable ways to give back:
• In Houston? Shop at Abeja's Boutique and they'll donate 5% of sales to 5 Houston area conservation groups
• Gorjana - through April 22, if you purchase the Conservation Fund Bracelet, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to support land conservation across America
• Really love this Sheridan French tunic (see our blog post on Sheridan's Spring collection from earlier this week)
• Got this new cookbook by Giada DeLaurentiis and have tried 2 recipes so far - photos and recipes to come to the blog soon!
• Snagged these J Brand jeans in the Shopbop sale...seriously getting into the colored jeans trend. And now these DVF Loves Current / Elliott jeans are on my wish list!

What are you all up to this weekend?

Happy Weekend!

Must have shoes

Must have #1: Flats

A fun pair of flats is a must have for every season! Right now I'm looking at adding something a little different to my closet as far as color, pattern and embellishment. 

1. Rachel Zoe  2. Belle by Sigerson Morrison  3. Tory Burch  

4. Milly for Sperry Top-Sider  5. Inca

Must have #2: Colorful Wedge

Wedges are the easiest shoes to wear for height, comfort and, for Spring/Summer, a pop of color. I love the patterns and textures in these wedges.

1. Steve Madden  2. Jean-Michel Cazabat  3. DVF  4. Nine West  5. TOMS

Must have #3: Sandals 

I like adding a new basic sandal to my closet just about every spring and summer (essentially because I will wear a favorite pair of shoes till it falls apart - which is pretty quickly for me!), but I also like the color, texture and details (hello fringe!) on some of these shoes to add a little something different.

1. Rachel Zoe (just bought these!) 2. Jean-Michel Cazabat  3. B Brian Atwood (shoe splurge!)

4. Zara  5. Nine West

Find of the Day

Meet Elle, the smaller version of one of Kendra Scott's signature pieces, the Danielle earring. Elle is half the size and half the weight of the Danielle but just as gorgeous. Check out all the color options and get your lovely little Elle earrings here.

On my wish list...

Cool jewelry, pale polishes, an inspiring book and new accessories for the house. This is what's on my wish list now:

1. J. Crew Cafe Capri  2. Emerson Fry A-Line Mod Top  3. Zara Sandals  4. Michael Aram Frame

5. YSL Belle du Jour Clutch  6. Alexis Bittar Ring  7. Calypso St. Barth Pillows

8. Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Mascara 

9. Handpainted Neon Earrings by ELMELM (Found thanks to The Style Scribe, Merritt Beck) 

10. Rebecca Minkoff Tote  11. Tinley Road Color Block Dress 

12. OPI New York City Ballet Collection 13. By Invitation Only Book

Right Now at Shopbop: Wedding Boutique and Friends & Family Sale

Wedding season is upon us! Shopbop is celebrating the first anniversary of their wedding boutique by having five bridal experts and fashionable brides-to-be create inspiration boards for their dream weddings. Not only that, but they're also holding a contest where you can create your own wedding board on Pinterest and submit it to win one of three Shopbop gift cards worth $10,000, $5,000 or $2,000. Get full contest details here and enter to win!

The boutique is filled with dreamy dresses and gorgeous shoes for the big day, along with bathing suits and casual dresses for your honeymoon. Shop the boutique here.

Dresses above (L-R): Badgley Mischka Collection - Zac Posen - Marchesa

While you're checking out the wedding boutique, don't forget to check new arrivals and your favorite brands because today and tomorrow you can get 20% off with the code INTHEFAMILY20.

Happy Shopping!

Sheridan French

Sheridan French designed her first ball gown at the age of 12 and has been a fashionista ever since. With a background in design, modeling and working in Prada's London Press Office, this Fort Worth-based designer (and mother of two with another on the way!) has created a clothing line filled with chic prints in flattering styles. There are also pretty patterned clutches and home items (place mats, pillows and napkins) with a children's clothing collection coming soon. One of my favorite things about Sheridan's website is the "How I Wore It" section where she shows off how she styles her collection for work, poolside, a photo shoot and tea time. I love the Adelaide tunic in turquoise with pink jeans - I think I'll be replicating this one when I go back to work after my maternity leave!

Sheridan also writes the blog "The Southern Eclectic" where you can find more "How I Wore It" (where her current maternity style is enviable), plus interior design, fashion and beauty posts. This one is on my list of daily reads and it is a great one to add to yours!

Find of the Day

This rib-knit crochet sweater from Old Navy is perfect to wear on slightly cool spring nights with shorts or skinny jeans. It's also on sale at Old Navy for $9.97. Seriously. Snag it now!

Workout Motivation

I'm starting to see bathing suit season sneaking up on us right about now and, for me, that means it is probably time to start a really good, consistent workout routine. For some reason, it always seems to be easier to workout when you feel like you look good heading into the gym, studio or out at the park.

The clothes:

Gap Fit Shorts - Splits 59 Pants - Athleta Batwing & Robin Top

lululemon Ta Ta Tamer Sports Bra - Stella McCartney for Adidas Tank

The tools:

Polar Heart Rate & Time Tracking Watch - Kleen Kanteen Water Bottle 

Crescent Moon Workout Socks - Pure Barre DVD Collection - New Balance True Balance Shoes

A little motivating music always helps too. Here's what is currently playing on my fairly diverse workout playlist:

Starships, Nicki Minaj

Party Rock Anthem, LMFAO

Adele (the entire 21 album)

Stronger, Kelly Clarkson

Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Jake Owen

Shadows of the Night, Pat Benatar (yes, seriously)

The Man Who Can't Be Moved, The Script

Weekend Inspiration

Image via Pinterest

Lately I've been looking for some style inspiration and motivation to get in summer shape (especially post-baby!). The bright colors and florals I've been finding all over Pinterest and my favorite shops has definitely been pushing me to get shopping and get outside and run in the gorgeous weather we've had in Houston. This weekend I'm looking forward to walks at the park with my husband and son, getting a much needed mani/pedi and trying out a couple of recipes from a new cookbook. Weekends are a little slower around here lately, but it is nice to relax and spend family time. Before we know it we'll be back to running around like crazy!

Here are some of the things that I'm loving this week:

• David Peck Collection dresses - pretty, pretty prints!
• 30% off gorgeous gold jewelry from Tracy Sylvia (exclusive for HSS readers with the code HSS2012 until April 30!)
• Pineapple Strawberry Lemonade recipe to try over the weekend
• Pinterest! For some reason I've seen a lot more activity on Pinterest this week and I've been finding a lot of great things. Follow here.
• Tiff's Treats - opening in Houston this weekend. I can't wait to check out their cookies and Tiffwiches (ice cream sandwiches with Tiff's cookies - yum!)

Have a great weekend!

Tracy Sylvia Designs

Tracy Sylvia has designed a line of 14K gold jewelry symbolizing lasting friendships. There are beautifully delicate rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces that are perfect for everyday wear, layering with your existing jewelry collection and wonderful for gifts. Everything is handcrafted and no two pieces are exactly the same. My very favorite piece, and one that is on its way to my jewelry box, is the Lyndsey ring (the ring above with the circle). I plan on wearing this as a pinky ring every day. 

We're so excited that Tracy Sylvia is offering a promotion exclusively for readers of The HSS Feed. When you shop the Tracy Sylvia Etsy shop and use the code HSS2012, you will get 30% off of your order. The offer is good through April 30.

Also make sure to like Tracy Sylvia on Facebook to keep up with new pieces, promotions and see how others are styling their friendship jewelry.

Find of the Day

How sweet are these lovely yellow wedges? They're even better when you find out that they are Lela Rose for Payless and are only $39.99!

Shop them here.

Event Recap: Spirit of Spring

Last week I attended the 13th annual Spirit of Spring luncheon supporting the Children's Assessment Center of Harris County. The Children's Assessment Center (CAC) provides treatment and support to sexually abused children and their families. In order to better serve the community, CAC has embarked on a capital campaign to expand their facilities in Harris County. To find out more about CAC and their mission, to volunteer or to donate to the capital campaign, visit their website here.

The luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about CAC and their mission. Ashley Judd was the keynote speaker at the event, discussing her humanitarian work around the world and her recovery from abuse in her own past. Adding the elements of fashion and fun to the event was Ken Downing, presenting his top Spring trends: pink, sporty styles, yellow (the new neutral!), mixing prints (like florals and stripes), and finally, tribal prints with African and Cubist inspiration.

What I Wore: Blue, flowy embellished dress from Alice by Temperley (Rent here at New for the Night), MICHAEL Michael Kors shoes (similar style here), Jewelry: custom earrings and wedding bands, David Yurman Ring (similar), Korcula ring (here)

Images courtesy of integratePR

CrOp by David Peck

Top Row: Taylor Dress (Mardi Gras Print)  - Kearney Romper (Spanish Moss Print)  - Janvier Dress (Spanish Moss Print)  -  Fearne Dress (Chips Papillion Print)

Bottom Row: Person Dress (Monteleone Print)  -  Alma Gown (Monteleone Print)

Houston-based designer, David Peck, has created a gorgeous collection for CrOp Spring/Summer 2012 inspired by the culturally rich, unique and lively city of New Orleans. The distinctive prints are stunning with inspiration drawn from such Crescent City sites as Spanish moss, Mardi Gras, Chips Papillion (as in Zapps potato chips - a NOLA staple) and the Hotel Monteleone. I'm drawn to the dresses in the collection, as they are versatile and so, so pretty. But I have to say, the romper is probably my favorite - it looks like a flattering fit and great to wear out to dinner with heels or with flat sandals for a casual day out.

Along with creating a fantastic, eco-chic collection, David Peck is donating 10% of all profits from Spring/Summer 2012 to the Gulf Restoration Network. Just another reason we adore this brand!

Shop the entire collection here. 

Collaboration Anticipation: Alberta Ferretti for Macy's

We all look forward to Target's designer collaborations, so much so that we may have been missing the incredible collaborations taking place over at Macy's. Well, we're not going to be making that mistake anymore, because, on April 17, Macy's next Impulse brand designer to launch is Alberta Ferretti. The collection will consist of 30 pieces with a price range of $49 - $119. The preview of the collection, which is inspired by the Amalfi Coast of Italy, shows elegant lacy pieces, bright orange and pink dresses and flowy florals. Make sure you get to Macy's ASAP when the collection is released, it is only for a limited time and this one is sure to go fast!

Images from Macy's Pinterest Board

Find of the Day

How cute is this Camilla & Marc patchwork maillot from Anthropologie? I love the colors, the pattern and the green belt to cinch your waist. So sophisticated for sitting poolside.

Initial Thoughts

I have been on the hunt for a pretty, unique monogram to wear on an everyday basis and layer with my other jewelry. I like the idea of something a little subtle, like the Jennifer Zeuner bracelet with a number (I would use 21 for the date my son was born), but I also like the little pop of color that the acrylic monogram from Bauble Bar adds to an outfit. Odds are that I probably need more than one of these pieces added to my jewelry box.

1. Bauble Bar  2. Jacquie Aiche  3. Jennifer Zeuner

4. Urban Outfitters  5. Marinette Jewelry (Etsy)  6. Jennifer Zeuner

Find of the Day

I just bought these AMAZING Alexander Wang sandals as a belated birthday gift to myself. They're so slick with the color blocking and patent accents. I can't wait to wear them!

Aztec and Ikat

Two prints I can't get enough of: Aztec and Ikat. All of these pieces can be combined with more neutral solids to let the print stand out just enough. I recently added this Theodora & Callum scarf to my wardrobe for a pop of color and I love that it will be a great spring scarf and poolside wrap for the summer.

1. Roarke NYC Necklace  -  2. House of Harlow Bracelet  3. TOMS Ikat Wedges

4. Theodora & Callum Scarf  -  5. Parker Sequin Jacket  -  6. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Bag
7. Harvey Faircloth Pants

Spring Beauty Buys

After having a baby in February, my skin has finally started to get back to the way it used to be and I recently spent some time cleaning out my makeup drawers and researching new products. I wanted to find some items that would speed up my daily routine, keep my skin in great shape, add some color and, overall, just make me feel prettier as I get back to normal!

Here are a few things I've added to my makeup drawer:

1. Estee Lauder DayWear BB Cream - A great, oil-free daytime moisturizer with SPF 35 with a touch of color to give just the right amount of coverage (which I know I'm still needing right now!). Perfect for getting ready quickly!
2. La Mer Moisturizer -  A constant favorite! While this isn't the cheapest moisturizer on the market, I really think it is one of the best. I use it at night or under foundation or another tinted moisturizer since it doesn't have any SPF.
3. vbeaute It Kit - This new find is great for travel! You can buy each of the five components separately in travel sizes or in full-size for home. I especially love the eye cream!
4. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Body Lotion - A little tint and a little firming action, just what I'm needing to get my post-baby body back in shape before summer.
5. Jo Malone Peony and Moss Cologne - Such a pretty and fresh fragrance for summer. Jo Malone never disappoints!
6. La Metier de Beaute Nail Lacquer: Yield to Yellow, Not so Safe Orange, ShocKEN Pink - Bright polishes that will definitely stand out and be seen. Catch these while you can, these three colors are limited editions.
7. Nars Sheer Blush (Amour) - This blush is light and gives just the right amount of color. I like to wear the blush, some mascara and a light lip gloss for weekends or every day (especially right now, since I'm spending most of my time at home or running quick errands or walks with the baby)
8. Chanel Eye Shadow (Eclosion) - Fresh spring color from Chanel! I love the coral color in this quad just on its own. I wear the quad with a purple eyeliner and it really pops.