Summer Necessity: Nili Lotan Beach Dress

These lightweight beach dresses by Nili Lotan are perfect for summer. I would wear mine with some sort of neutral belt (like this one) and a pair of wedges (maybe these) for in town and as a cover up with flip flops (here) at the lake. 

Check out the rest of the Nili Lotan collection here.

Chambray and Shine

I really love this chambray shirt from J.Crew. I've been meaning to order it for awhile now because I think it will be a very versatile item to add to my closet. Here are three ways I would wear this shirt:

Look 1: Tuck the shirt in, roll up the sleeves a bit and pair with this skirt by Emily Hallman, necklaces from J.Crew and BaubleBar and Steve Madden wedges.

Look 2: Wear the shirt half-tucked with these Markus Lupfer striped shorts, ELMELM earrings and DVF heels.

Look 3: Be very casual with the shirt untucked with tangerine J Brand jeans and paired with these sweet star sandals from Loeffler Randall and my favorite gold Kendra Scott cuff.

Which look do you like best?

Hunter Dixon Summer Time Celebration

Which of you lucky readers are in NYC this week? If you are, I'm completely jealous of you for a number of reasons, one of them being that you have the opportunity to attend this great event on Thursday at the super new Bishops & Barons, celebrating Hunter Dixon's summer collection and the unveiling of "The Baroness" cocktail by Star Vodka. Hunter Dixon's spring/summer pieces are so cool - remember the Aztec print dress I wrote about here? Well at this event you'll get to check out pieces from spring/summer as well as get a sneak peek of fall! Be one of the first to check out the venue and what's coming next from Hunter Dixon.

RSVP to info@hunterdixon.com for the event

On My Wish List

I'm in need of a few basics: simple black summer dress, new PJ's and of course more neon pants and shorts. Here's what's on my wish list now:

1. DKNY Maxi Dress  2. Jack Rogers Sandal  3. Victoria's Secret PJs 

4. Natura Bisse Oxygen Cream  5. Jonathan Adler Lion Nightlight  6. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Jeans  7. Sheridan French Shorts  8. Kate Spade NY Belle Boulevard Plate  9. Deborah Lippman Run the World Polish Set

10. Oscar De La Renta Tassel Earrings  11. Tory Burch Key Case

12. J. Crew Sequin Anchor Tank

What to Wear: Rehearsal Dinner (Option 2)

So, you've seen option 1 (here) and this is option 2. Okay, okay, you caught me, it isn't exactly a dress. But this David Peck Collection romper is pleated, flowy and in such a pretty, rich color that I think it could work and be just lovely for a rehearsal dinner. How perfectly it would go with the Alexander Wang shoes? Since I have those in another color, I'm more inclined to go with the simple Zara heels (and at $49.90, much easier on the wallet).

So, what do you think? Option 3 is coming soon!

Above:

Romper: David Peck  -  Shoes 1: Alexander Wang  - Shoes 2: Zara

Ring: Kendra Scott  - Clutch: DVF

Recent Purchases

I've been working out hard to get back into pre-baby shape and I'm almost there, which means I've been able to do some shopping again! Here are a few of the things I've picked up recently:

Raoul Dress: I did a few posts about it (and if you follow me on Twitter and Instagram you've seen it there, as well) and now it is finally mine. The dress has a very flattering fit and is extremely well made. I'll be doing a lot more Raoul shopping in the future! Get it here.

StyleMint Stripes: I've used the last two months of my StyleMint membership to add some stripes to my closet. I'm not great with prints so I'm starting off the next season with baby steps. If you haven't signed up for StyleMint, you can do so here.

Robert Rodriguez Polka Dot Pants: Another item I was obsessing over for awhile. I snagged these in the Shopbop sale a couple of weeks ago. I need to have them shortened a bit, but what else is new? You can get them on sale at Shopbop here, but also try here or here for your size. 

J Brand Tangerine Jeans: Seen on the Duchess of Cambridge, do I really need to say more? Get them here or here.

Rachel Zoe Heels: These are a great basic tan heel - with a pretty gold buckle. They'll go with so many outfits and you can get them here or here.

Weekend Inspiration

Who doesn't love a long weekend? We're headed up to the lake for a weekend of boating, eating and relaxing with family. It will be the baby's first trip to the lake so we'll see how well he likes the water! It has felt like summer in Houston for quite awhile now but after Memorial Day, summer really gets in full swing with us and we're working on our plans for more traveling and fun in the sun.

Here are some links I'm loving this week:

• Last Sunday I had brunch with some lovely Houston bloggers and would love if you checked out their blogs: Cinched at the Waist, Houstonista, Live Life in Style, Map Your Style, Classy & Fabulous, Veronika's Blushing and Sugarlaws
• Loved getting a peek at the sunny and stylish home of designer Heidi Merrick thanks to Glitter Guide.
• Next week I'd love to make these salted caramel chocolate shortbread bars (found on Pinterest). They look a bit like a fancy Twix bar and I think that is amazing!
• Have you seen BaubleBar's designer pop-up shops? Check out both Helen Ficalora and Gorjana now!
• Swimsuit season is upon us - whether we like it or not - and I really need a new suit. I'm thinking of this Mara Hoffman bikini and/or this Marc by Marc Jacobs one piece (for the days when chasing the little one is a bit more work!)

Wishing you all a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! 

New at Ellen Allen

 

L to R: Club Case ($26)  - Main Street Mini ($90)  -  Chase Case ($38)

I always get excited to see new products from Ellen Allen Annapolis and this time I'm especially excited to see new items in pink and orange - perfect as summer kicks off this weekend! My favorite is the Chase Case, which I think would be great to fill sunscreen, hair ties and a couple of other necessities, then throw in my Eastport bag for trips on the boat this summer.

Check out everything in the Ellen Allen collection here!

Currently Obsessed

Want to know what I'm currently obsessed with? You can see all of the products I'm loving by stalking us on CurrentlyObsessed. Along with the items featured here on The HSS Feed, you'll find things that I haven't posted about yet or just plain love - as well as links to buy everything!

You'll also be able to find your other favorite bloggers picks by signing up for Currently Obsessed here.

On My Wish List

I'm so ready for summer to get started! Here's what's on my wish list this week: a safe tan, summery drinks, dinner reservations at a new Houston spot and a stylish trench from a Fashion Star.

1. HUE by Kelly Wearstler  2. St. Tropez Self-Tanner  3. Decleor Purifying Mask

4. Kara Laricks Trench  5. Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Case  6. Zimmermann Rash Guard

7. Kendra Scott Ring  8. Shoshanna Romper  9. Oxheart Houston (reservations please!)

10. Trina Turk Beach Towels  11. Williams-Sonoma Margarita Mixes

What to Wear: Rehearsal Dinner

Even though my sister's wedding isn't for a few more months, I'm already trying to figure out what to wear for her rehearsal dinner (I picked up a gorgeous David Peck Collection dress to wear as her maid of honor at the wedding). I want something pretty, summery, and with a pop of color -- and I'd love your opinion! Option one is a floral dress with a cool cross back and gold accessories. What do you think?

Option 2 coming next week!

Dress: Tibi  -  Bracelets: Mickey Lynn  -  Clutch: BCBG  -  Shoes: Jean-Michel Cazabat

Hot on the Blogs

I have been seeing this uber-cool Elizabeth and James feather blazer all over the place lately and I'm a pretty big fan. Elizabeth and James always has such great contemporary pieces and this one is no different. I'd wear the white wonder through summer and well into fall (maybe with some leather leggings?). At the moment I don't own anything with feathers, but I think this might be a great item to change that!

Get it here, here or here.

May in Pictures (so far)

Here's a little peek into what's been going on lately (in the non-baby related world)! Follow me on Instagram (ninarand) for photos. 

Top row: Brunch with several lovely Houston bloggers at Haven  - Pretty purple decorations and Hypnotiq Harmonie cocktails at Tinsley Mortimer's book signing 

Middle: Sweet shoe cake at Maria's bachelorette dinner - New Essie nail polish (Petal Pink and Wicked) c/o Theodora & Callum

Bottom: Ready to go to the book signing in my Marc Jacobs dress  -  Healthy start to the day with juice, coffee and oatmeal sans my usual 2 spoonfuls of brown sugar

Memorial Day Weekend Packing

We are off to the lake this weekend for some relaxing, boating and cooking out with the family. I'm already starting to think of what I need to pack for myself so I can run out and pick up any last minute things early in the week.

Here are a few things I'll either be taking or wish I had for this weekend:

1. Sheridan French Tunic  2. J.Crew Panama Hat  3. Mickey Lynn Necklace

4. Westward Leaning Sunglasses  5. Bauble Bar Glam Spree Earrings  

6. Camilla & Marc Sweetheart Maillot  7. Henri Bendel Weekender 

 8. ASOS Romper  9. Tory Burch Flip Flops  10. Theodora & Callum Scarf

What I'll be reading: Southern Charm by Tinsley Mortimer & Skinny Dipping by Bethenny Frankel

Weekend Inspiration

Image via Pinterest

Ahh happy weekend! We were traveling at the beginning of this week so I'm looking forward to this weekend and catching up on things around the house, as well as a brunch with a great bunch of girls on Sunday.

Links this week:

• Get your own "arm party" from BaubleBar! This week they launched an arm party collection curated by none other than The Man Repeller. I ordered mine and am so excited to see which bracelets I receive!
• The latest recipe from Smitten Kitchen has me seriously craving some chocolate! Check out the recipe for Chocolate Buckwheat Cake.
• The new Alice + Olivia Summer collection has arrived at Shopbop. Lots of pretty prints and bright colors - check it out here!
• Yesterday I went to Tinsley Mortimer's book launch at Neiman Marcus. She was so adorable and very nice -  I look forward to reading her book, Southern Charm, starting this weekend.
• The first ever guest post on The HSS Feed is coming soon! Keep an eye out for it!

Surf Chic Style

How cool are these rash guards? Australian label, Zimmermann, has created this surf-chic capsule collection exclusively for Shopbop. The pretty prints add some serious style to a typically very sporty piece. I'm one who loves wearing a wet suit or rash guard while out on the water in the summer - I've convinced myself it will keep me warmer in the cold lake water and also prevent life jacket tan lines. Zimmermann also makes lots of of great bathing suits to pair with the rash guards and you can get those at Shopbop, as well.

The collection launched on Shopbop today. Snag some surf style here.

Above (l-r):

Cropped Rash Guard Top  - Avery Rash Guard Top and Frill Bottoms  - Frill Rash Guard Top

Recipe: Taco Pizza

Lately we've been trying to cook at home a lot. It doesn't seem we have the amount of time that we used to, so fancy meals haven't been an option. We try to make things that are fast, easy and healthy and this is one of our new favorites - especially for weekends. On this one we use ground turkey instead of ground beef, go light on cheese and make our own salsa.

Ingredients

For the pizza:

• 1 lb  extra lean ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (I used McCormick low sodium seasoning)
• 1 package prepared pizza dough (this time I used Pillsbury, but frozen whole wheat dough works great too)
• 1 can organic refried black beans
• 1 can Rotel, drained
• A handful of shredded Mexican style cheese

Toppings:

• Romaine lettuce
• Sour cream 
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Directions:

1. Prepare crust on a baking sheet and warm oven according to package directions

2. Cook ground turkey and season according to package directions

3. Spread a layer of black beans on the crust

4. Sprinkle Rotel over the black beans, adding as much as you like for kick

5. Spread cooked ground turkey on crust

6. Top with cheese

7. Bake according to package directions of crust; this one was 13 minutes

8. Serve with toppings of your choice

On My Wish List (Baby Edition)

So, I'm probably doing more shopping for the baby than I am for myself (a lot more, if I'm being truly honest). Here are a few things on my baby wish list as summer approaches and my little one becomes more active! By the clothing choices shown, it is obvious that I have a little boy, but do check out Baby Gap and Bloume Baby for lots of adorable clothes for boys and girls!

Top to bottom:

Treetop Friends Activity Mirror  -  Dance Baby Walker  -  ERGObaby carrier

MD Moms Baby Sunscreen  -  Marc by Marc Jacobs Diaper Bag  -  Trumpette Johnny Socks (that look like shoes!)

Bloume Baby Organic Bodysuit and Denim  -  Baby Gap Bucket Hat & Romper  - Pottery Barn Kids Beach Wrap

Hunter Dixon Spring '12

These are four of my very favorite looks from the Hunter Dixon Spring '12 lookbook. How amazing is that Aztec printed dress (#5)? I love the pretty prints and flowy pieces in the Spring collection. The fits look flattering and there are a lot of options for work, weekend and dressy occasions.

Hunter Dixon was founded by Southern girls, Jennifer Dixon and Hunter Bell, and season after season, their collections are filled with flirty, feminine, contemporary styles.

Shop Hunter Dixon online here.

Find of the Day

I love this skirt by Texas designer, Emily Hallman. I learned about Emily and her collection when my friend Merritt featured her on her blog last year. This skirt is one of my favorites from her Spring/Summer collection and I think it is perfect for brunch or even for a casual day at work.

Shop this skirt and Emily's entire collection here.

Bag Lady

I'm very much into looking at shoes and handbags lately (very likely because these post-pregnancy workouts haven't quite brought me back to my regular clothing sizes yet). I've been on the lookout for a new black bag and a new spring bag with some color or pattern to it. These are a few of the bags in the running to be added to my wish list. Which one do you like best?

1. Brahmin Vivian Polka Dot Dome 

2. Tory Burch Colorblock Satchel 

3. Kate Spade Gold Coast Leighton

4. ASOS Lazer Cut Zip Top Clutch 

5. Foley + Corinna Lady City Tote 

6. Zara Plaited Leather Shopper  

Weekend Inspiration

Image via Pinterest

This weekend we are off to celebrate Maria's bachelorette weekend! The wedding is coming up so fast and her friends and I are excited to celebrate with her up at the lake in Northern Michigan. I'll share some photos of the festivities next week. In the mean time, keep up with me on Instagram for a few snapshots here and there (user name: ninarand).

Here are some of my favorite links this week:

• I'm feeling my Pinterest addiction getting a little stronger lately. Check out my boards here - follow me and I'll follow you back!
• A little DIY is sounding fun to me lately. Here are two recent projects I'm thinking I need to try: these sandals from I Spy DIY and this flower pin from Stripes and Sequins
• Bright + ombre = this blazer. I want it. Now.
• Need a new way to manage your to do list? Try TeuxDeux and sync it with your iPhone to stay organized on the go.

Happy Weekend!

How I Styled It: luluanddrew

I am so excited to have two pieces of commissioned artwork by Stephanie of luluanddrew. She was amazing and created two ikat paintings to accent the colors in our master bedroom. The paintings are hanging with three antique-looking crosses my mother-in-law picked up from a vendor at First Monday Trade Days at Canton, TX. 

Thanks so much Stephanie - we love the new additions to our bedroom!

Check out the luluanddrew Etsy store here.

Shopping Snapshots

Yesterday I went to Tootsies to check out the Raoul pre-fall/fall 2012 trunk show and also look for a dress for Maria's upcoming wedding. For the wedding I went with this stunning purple David Peck dress that I cannot wait to wear! I tried on several dresses from Raoul, including this silk and leather dress I posted about last week. There were so many pretty pieces for fall with beautiful colors, prints and fabrics. I found the dresses to be so incredibly flattering and I really look forward to adding several to my collection. Which one of these three dresses do you think should be the first?

Needless to say, both of these brands are new favorites that I'm so thrilled to have found and I look forward to shopping both frequently!

On My Wish List

A new fragrance, some shoes with shine, a "wild" tray, pretty purple scarf and three days of juice. Here's what is on my wish list now:

1. Balanciaga Perfume  2. Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo  3. RapidLash Serum

4. Alexander McQueen Scarf  5. Bric's "Missoni" Duffle (New Carry-on bag!)  6. Jack Rogers Sandals

7. DVF Blouse  8. Tilly Maison Tray  9. Summer Chevrons Romper

10. Blue Print Cleanse

Shopbop Spring Sale

The spring sale is on at Shopbop! Lots and lots of new additions to sale. I'm considering this Theory sweater, these Robert Rodriguez pants I've been dying for and this Tory Burch iPad sleeve.

Shop the sale and let us know what great buys you find!

Jet Set Style

We're getting ready to take our first trip with our son so I've been thinking not only about what to pack, but what I can wear to travel that will make me comfortable to carry all of the new necessities and also not look frumpy. I love this comfy top by BCBG because it is nice and long (not to mention the color is the perfect compliment to white jeans). And wedges seem to be the best for travel, not too tough to get off for security but also with some height.

Top: BCBG  -  Jeans: Rachel Zoe  - Shoes: Sam Edelman 

Bag: RED Valentino  - Earrings: Mickey Lynn

Here's a few things I'll be carrying with me on our trip:

Pashmina (the white version of this Love Quotes scarf)

iPad stocked with The Hunger Games trilogy and By Invitation Only

Travel socks (I like these Crescent Moon socks)

Dannijo Bracelets

Dannijo is one of the most popular jewelry designers out there right now. The fashion blog world is obsessing over their amazing necklaces (namely the stunning Hixson collar) and the bright bracelets that make a perfect addition to the "arm party." I like how the variety of the bracelets in the collection allows you to control how much bright you want - from friendship-style bracelets (top row) to the fancier crystal bracelets with center stones (middle row) and those combined with chains (bottom row). 

Top Row: Lulu - Lindsay 

Middle Row: Ruby -  Delfine  -  Andi

Bottom Row: Maui (3 different colors!) - Giulia 

New Necessities

My Timi & Leslie Diaper bag, Theodora & Callum scarf (similar), Aden & Anais muslin blanket and Oliver Peoples sunglasses

Life has changed a lot for me in the last couple of months, as I became a mom to just the sweetest little boy. While I don't want The HSS Feed to become completely focused on mommy topics, I do want to share a few things that I'm learning along the way since I do know that some of you are getting to this phase of your lives, as well. It is such an exciting time and I love how having the baby is changing me and my style. I look forward to opening up a bit more and sharing more personal style and tips with you all!

As a new mom, one of the interesting surprises I've encountered (although there are many every single day!) is how many things I now MUST carry with me when I leave the house. I thought that my purse was full before my little one came around, but the new bag I'm carrying makes that purse looks like a lightweight. Along with the usual baby basics (extra diapers, change of baby clothes, hand sanitizing wipes, bibs, extra bottle at the ready, etc.), there are a few things that have become new necessities for me to help me keep my sanity, look great and overall allow me to successfully get through errands, lunch or shopping with the little one.

Here's what I'm carrying now:

• Tide To-Go Pen - completely necessary these days
• Hair accessories - something to pull my hair back and still look put-together pretty. I love these headbands from Jennifer Behr and Goody. 
• A clean shirt - I'm stocking up on shirts from StyleMint that I can dress up or down. 
• Scarf/wrap - like my favorite from Theodora & Callum, that works as a stylish item for me or a light blanket for the baby in a pinch
• Snacks - my favorite Fiber One bars or something else healthy (I want to try lots of the snack recipes on this blog: Juiceboks - yum!)

Weekend Inspiration

Cinco de Mayo weekend is upon us! I'm excited to make some margaritas and to try and make one of our favorite Mexican recipes a little healthier (and I'll be sharing that with you all next week!). What fun  are you up to this weekend? 

Here's what is inspiring me this weekend:

• So looking forward to trying this watermelon margarita recipe (via Anthropologie)
• A total splurge! Brian Atwood shoes fit for a party this weekend.
• If you're in Houston, this afternoon you can stop by IntegratePR for their E-cycling drive. In exchange for your recyclable electronics, you can get free beer and food from local food trucks
• If you follow me on Twitter, you know I've been scouting out a Trina Turk dress for a bit now. Today it was posted on the Trina Turk website and in a few days, it'll be on its way to me! Check out the Janice dress here.
• On Instagram (via Rebecca Minkoff) this week, I saw these beaded bracelets. They are beautiful, traditional pieces of the men and women of Samburu in Kenya. Each one is $20 and the proceeds from each bracelet will feed one child a nutritionally balanced breakfast every day for an entire school year (6 months).

Happy weekend everyone! 

As Seen On...

I had a different Find of the Day planned for this afternoon, but then I watched the Today Show this morning and saw this fantastic Raoul dress on the always stylish Natalie Morales. I really love the combination of materials in this dress - especially the leather lace sleeves. I'm pretty sure I could get away with wearing this to work or out with friends - that's right, I'm totally sold on picking this one up.

Buy it here from Shopbop.

Connect with Us

Along with reading The HSS Feed here, you can connect with us in a variety of other ways. Here's where you can find us:

Twitter:

@ninarand

@mariaprovenzano

Pinterest:

Here and here

Facebook

BlogLovin'

CurrentlyObsessed

Instagram:

@ninarand

@mariaprovenzano

And if you ever have any questions or ideas to share with us, you can email thehssfeed@gmail.com

On My Wish List

A bright bag, letter pillow for our desk chair, kitchen inspiration, new home and bath products and some sweet shorts. Here's what is on my wish list now...

1. David Peck Collection Sidonie Shorts  2. Jonathan Adler Letter Pillow  

3. Kendra Scott Cassie Bracelet  4. Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes  

5. Chloe's Kitchen Cookbook  6. Zara Dress

7. Enza Costa Wide Leg Pants  8. Fibi and Clo Wedges  9. Rebecca Minkoff Flirty Bag

10. Kate Spade Notecards  11. Honest Company Products

Find of the Day

The Amy Beachgrass Sandal by Houston-based designer Elaine Turner is part of the designer's poolside glam collection. Just in time for pool season, the sandal comes in eight colors (including a super luxe python or metallic linen).

Shop Elaine Turner here.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is coming up and it is time to get shopping for a great gift for mom. Here are a few stylish, fun and budget-friendly (all under $100!) gifts to consider for your mom:

1. Ellen Allen Annapolis Nicholson Scarf ($75)  2. Le Creuset French Press ($60)  

3. American Beauty by Claiborne Swanson Frank ($75)  4. Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Salmon ($52)

5. Tory Burch Cosmetic Case ($75)  6. Jo Malone Plum Blossom Cologne ($55)

7. Calypso St. Barth Sarong ($95)  8. Love Quotes Scarf ($88)