Take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green and the girls are pretty…
Guns N’ Roses

We love the material of this denim shirt. It’s more silk drape than stiff denim. Split back provides extra ventilation.

Denim split back top @ Anthropologie

 

Pastel and peacock combine to make this soft take on the vibrant show bird. The ultralight fabric is ideal in these warm temps.

Light peacock Sammy Short Short @ www.showmeyourmumu.com

 

Convertible bralettes are nice enough for those times when a sports bra just isn’t appropriate.

Teal striped bralette (part of a two-pack) @ Target

 

For those rare days when the heat factor isn’t 100% suffocating yet,  hippie-chic ankle booties are a sweet balance to shorts. Low Minnetonka bootie @ Nordstrom

Top off your boho look with round sunglasses, this year’s twist to the classic aviator. This oversized version with arrows at the temples scream roadtrip/festival/summer!

Kelley Walker round, oversize sunglasses @ www.gilt.com

 

That messy curl, texture thing is easy to create. Follow these easy steps. Air or blow dry first. Take sections (large for loose look/smaller for tighter look) and wrap around the barrel, away from you. Don’t hold down too tight or you will get a crimp from the clamp or better yet, invest in these new clipless wands. The gals at 002 are particularly fond of Cloud Nine’s Wand. It creates luscious, shiny locks with no damage. (If you don’t have a clampless iron, take the clamp off with a screwdriver or leave it closed while you wrap.) Do your whole head. Spray and then rake your fingers through to break up curls. Practice makes perfect! This creates texture so your kinks just add to the nonchalant look of it. This is my go-to look year round. C9 Wand @ www.cloudninehairusa.com

 

Anthropologie – 803 Town and Country Ln. 713.973.0561

Nordstrom – 5192 Hidalgo St. 832.201.2700

Target – 2580 Shearn St. 713.331.0376

 

Styling by Beatrice Allen

Photography by Gabriella Nissen

Illustration by Alex Rosa

Let’s get Physical! 

Prone to breakouts? Then waiting to wash your face after a workout is not an option. Pack these wipes with no harsh chemicals, dyes or perfumes for immediate use. Simple cleansing wipes @ Target

This might technically be a men’s pullover but the longer fit is ideal for longer torsos. The sleeves go over your hands with a hole for your thumbs. Charcoal gray pull over @ Lululemon

I buy these soft tees in bulk from Target in an assortment of colors. The longer fit is ideal to cover all those spots you don’t want exposed. Gray v-neck tee w/  pocket @ Target

Lululemon pants will change your workout life. Their luon makes you feel like you’ve instantly lost 5 pounds. These go from shocking pink to black, two versions in one. Reversible wunderunder pant @ Lululemon

These tennis shoes are incredibly lightweight and feel like you’re putting on a sock. Available in an array of bright to muted colors. Nike Free Run 2 @ Nordstrom

 Nike’s FUEL band collects calories and steps and turns it into “fuel.” An app on your phone and computer allows you to sync all your data as well as sets goals for each day. It turns working out into a game against yourself. And if all else fails, it makes a pretty cool watch. Nike Fuel Band @ www.nike.com

Lululemon – 5135 W. Alabama 713.552.1681
Nordstrom - 5192 Hidalgo St. 832.201.2700
Target – 2580 Shearn St. 713.331.0377

Styling by Beatrice Allen
Photography by Gabriella Nissen
Illustration by Alex Rosa

A Vacation from the Ordinary

We barely had a winter and spring is now upon us. Our mild temperature has us putting away our winter wear and reaching for bright, fun, airy pieces to welcome sunny weather.

Let your inner hippie out with crochet. It’s a tight-knit crochet so you don’t get that I’m-only-wearing-threads feeling. Free People

The print on these pants has us going bananas! We want every piece in this bright pattern. An instant vacation from boring. www.showmeyourmumu.com

Although not an option for the well-endowed, these little bralettes are awesome. Zero support but you get to feel like you’re in a swimsuit all day. Bralette @ Free People

These sandals are the epitome of simple chic. The natural leather complements your skin tone and will only get better with age. Nausicaa sandal @ www.ancientgreeksandals.com or www.shopbop.com

At $38 this necklace is a steal. The substantial weight and elements make it a gem. Necklace @ Anthropologie

Although scores of college kids flock to this brand for their travel sets, there’s no reason they aren’t suitable for adults. With colors like this French blue, you get a perfectly durable nylon exterior with stark tan leather touches. Luggage set @ www.johnhartdesign.com

This luxurious coconut body butter is all you need to be in a vacation state of mind. Coconut body Butter @ Target

Anthropologie – 4066 Westheimer Rd. 713.840.9428
Free People – 5135 W. Alabama 713.439.0307
Target – 2580 Shearn St. 713.331.0377

Styling by Beatrice Allen Photography by Gabriella Nissen Illustration by Alex Rosa

Color Chameleon*

Who would have thought colored denim would be the next twist for this fashion icon. And although at first we were hesitant, the hues and perfect length have us head over heels for this evolution.

A classic chambray shirt speaks to any age group. Look put together in this faded version that will lend you a
thousand uses. Chambray Shirt @ J.Crew

The love (not just us – it’s everywhere!) for colored denim in this ultra-flattering length continues. This shocking color is perfect for banishing winter blues. Neon Persimmon straight leg ankle jean @ J.Crew

A coat is too much for Houston’s moody weather. This provides an extra layer of warmth without the extra bulk.
Fleece vest @ REI

By replacing the taupe laces with bright orange ones, this comfortable, classic shoe takes on a whole new funky “
personality.”
Taupe Suede wedge bootie @ www.shoemint.com

This outfit needs few accessories with the neon jean as the focal point. A tough but large bracelet is enough.
Black lock bracelet @ www.gypsycollection.com

One of my favorite Christmas presents is my planner. Its bright, fun colors make even the most mundane tasks seem exciting!
Life planner @ www.erincondren.com

*not to be confused with Culture Club/Karma Chameleon but definitely inspired by them!

J.Crew – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.626.2739
REI – 7538 Westheimer Rd. 713.353.2582

Styling by Beatrice Allen
Photography by Gabriella Nissen
Illustration by Alex Rosa

It’s a new dawn,
it’s a new day,
it’s a new life for me
and I’m feeling good

The holidays have come and gone but that doesn’t mean you should squander your festive outlook. With a few eye-catching pieces,
your outfit goes from standard to
double-take worthy.

This pattern is more snowflake, snow bunny than Cosby.
Perfect for the winter
season or the slopes!
Pattern sweater @ Anthropologie

A good denim or chambray shirt is a versatile piece
everyone should own.
It can instantly take an outfit from conservative to edgy.
Denim shirt @ Cotton Club

The shape reminds me of daggers and the deep color is equally fierce.
Earrings @ www.gilt.com

The fit on this ankle-length jean is ideal. The material is thick enough to not feel like it’s
painted on thin/tight.
That sausage casing feel
is the worst!
AG Stevie Jeans @ Anthropologie

This clutch is a party in itself, plus the perfect statement piece.
Antik Batik @ www.antikbatick.fr

Unleash your inner “Gaga” with these surprisingly comfortable pieces of art…shoes.
Leifsdotter wedge @ Anthropologie

Anthropologie – 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. 713.973.0561
Zara – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.439.0995
Cotton Club – 3941 San Felipe 713.522.9101

Styling by Beatrice Allen
Photography by Gabriella Nissen
Illustration by Alex Rosa

Not one to wear green, red, silver or gold during the
holidays? No worries! Look every bit festive in black and white with the right gilded items that won’t
leave you looking “Bah Humbug!”

A tuxedo blazer is a must in all closets. Dress up a tee and jeans or add a bit of cool to this cute ensemble, the possibilities are endless. Not to mention it’s a lightweight layer ideal for our mild winters. Black Tuxedo Blazer @ Zara

A wool version of the silk bow blouse gives the same look with shorter sleeves so you wont get too hot. Thread Social top @ www.gilt.com

The detail of this skirt is impeccable. The wool chevron, satin waistband, plus flounce and pockets all make for a phenomenal piece. Thread Social skirt @ www.gilt.com

For the brave, mix in a patterned yet girly shoe to up the chic factor. People will stop you for the shoe alone. The golden bow embellishment is made from vintage fabric.
Betty Muller bow top peep toes @ BHLDN

Tie in the blue of the shoe with this eye-catching blue solid clutch. DVF Resort 2012 Clutch @ www.dvf.com

I couldn’t resist. Teal Topaz Estee Lauder Pure color polish @ Neiman Marcus

Constantly chapped lips aren’t ideal for lipstick. I’m currently addicted to this lip gloss that is light, not goopy, with just a touch of color. L’Oreal Color Riche le gloss in nude illusion @ Target

BHLDN – 4056 Westheimer Rd. 713.599.1917
Target – 2580 Shearn St. 713.331.0377
Neiman Marcus – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.621.7100 Zara – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.439.0995

Styling by Beatrice Allen
Photography by Gabriella Nissen
Illustration by Alex Rosa

Always a Lady

Ladylike looks are perfect for your holiday party. Don’t be afraid to personalize your look to your personality, i.e., mixing prints, a-line versus pencil skirts, statement pieces, etc. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll be.

I never tire of a good striped top. Luckily, it seems J.Crew doesn’t either. This olive version is incredibly soft in an unexpected color combo making it perfect for a holiday party. Olive and black striped top @ J.Crew

This pencil skirt actually works because the hemline is above the knee. This is more forgiving than below the knee. A double zipper allows you to make a slit as high as you dare. Black, back zip skirt @ Zara

Leopard is big this fall, and a shoe is a good way to integrate it into your wardrobe without feeling like a big, overgrown cat on the run. DVF leopard print heels @ Neiman Marcus

A good statement necklace takes any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Layer this versatile piece with a pearl necklace and you have a completely different look. Sparkle statement necklace @ J.Crew

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a perfume hoarder. Not the signature scent kind of gal (who wants to smell the same FOREVER!). I like to adjust my scent to the climate: the colder the sweeter, stronger the scent; the warmer the cleaner, lighter the scent. This sweet, strong but oddly enough clean blend is exclusive to Neiman’s. It smells like what I’d imagine a woman’s boudoir is perfumed in. Prada Candy @ Neiman Marcus exclusively

J.Crew – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.626.2739

Zara – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.439.0995

Neiman Marcus – 2600 Post Oak Blvd. 713.621.7100

 

Styling by Beatrice Allen

Photography by Gabriella Nissen

Illustration by Alex Rosa

 

This dazzling gray pearl necklace captures just the right amount of boho-chic with a dash of ladylike demure to balance out the quirky play on prints. Fraiser Sterling Jewelry pearl necklace @ www.fraisersterlingjewelry.com

Mixing prints can be easy (and memorable) when you stick to the same color palette. This gray stripe swing sweater pairs nicely with the muted gray purple tone of the pant. Gray stripe swing sweater @ J.Crew

Depending on our mild weather, transition this floral pant into fall by adding cozy knits, blazers and boots. Floral pant @ Free People

Stroll hands-free and shoulders-free carrying only the essentials in this glorified leather fanny pack belt. Black leather belt @ Free People

Being that our weather is so fickle, we can wear open toe shoes practically year-round. This black suede wedge is covered enough to be versatile for any season. Pedro Garcia wedge @ Neiman Marcus

Leave a light floral fragrance in the air with notes of fresh bluebell and clove with this clean cologne. Not overwhelming but perfectly captivating in 70-degree weather. Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne @ Neiman Marcus

J.Crew – 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.626.2739
Free People – 5135 W. Alabama 713.439.0307
Neiman Marcus – 2600 Post Oak Blvd. 713.621.7100

Styling by Beatrice Allen
Photography by Gabriella Nissen
Illustration by Alex Rosa

 

Summer is coming to an end and the office is buzzing again with business. Back from holiday doesn’t mean you can’t dress like you’re still basking in the sun (or beating the heat).

 

More forgiving than white, these bone hued, ankle skimmers are a perfect transition piece that can work straight through fall. AG Bone Ankle Stevie Jean @ Anthropologie

 

This super-soft tee is long enough to be used later with layers and leggings. Gray long sleeve tee with flourish hem back @ Anthropologie

 

The worn-in effect makes this piece look years older than it actually is. Weathered coin belt @ Free People

 

 

 

This fragrant deodorant keeps you smelling fresh in even the highest temps. Combined with the lotion, people will notice the fresh smell surrounding you. A perk: both products are all natural. Perfect for sensitive skin! Lavanila Deodorant & Body Lotion @ Sephora

 

 

 

These understated earrings may be large in size but they are subtle in their organic beauty. Semi-precious stone wrap earrings @ AnthropologieThese booties look equally cool with ankle jeans as they do with shorts and skirts. And a low heel provides loads of comfort. Isabel Marant Dicker Boots @ www.net-a-porter.com

 

 

 

A good clutch can be used day or night. The simplicity of this shape and eye-catching color make it one of those pieces. Snakeskin clutch @ Milano + Francesca

 

Anthropologie – 803 Town & Country Ln. 713.973.0561

 

Free People – 801 Town & Country St. 713.464.8423

 

Sephora – 900 North Gessner 713.932.0848

 

 

Styling by Beatrice AllenPhotography by Gabriella NissenIllustration by Alex Rosa