Why, Hello There

Jen: Modcloth colorblock dress / ALDO heels / caviar ring
Jaloux dress / Faryl Robin booties / tricolored necklace from local shop / vintage bag

Oh, where have the days gone? Is it halfway through September already?

My friend, Jen, and I had a little girls' night at one of my favorite wine bars in the city, 13 Celsius. Yes, sophistication is now my middle name! (who am I kidding?) Great rustic atmosphere, a very ample wine menu, and located in the secluded part of downtown (away from the hustle and bustle and you can actually find parking!). Now if only I had a distinguished palate when it came to wine. I'm more of a vodka Sprite kind of girl, but for an intimate night with a friend, it was nice doing something different and enjoying each other's company and stories.

Don't forget to ENTER for a chance to win a $150 jewelry gift card. Choose from a beautiful selection of fine jewelry or give the code to a friend!

// Caribou "Sun" //

When Love Has You Upside Down: A Kranich's Giveaway

Romance is in the air... can you feel it? It could also just be the really nice weather we've been getting lately, but either way, it's that time of the year when people are frantically scurrying about trying to get the details of their special day just right (or also known as wedding season).

As an introduction to this giveaway, I thought I'd share some nostalgic photos from three and half years ago when Bryan and I got engaged in Paris. Yes, it all happened very storybook style... a walk around the Louvre during the day, crepes in Montmartre, and a proposal next to the Eiffel Tower at night. Very sweet indeed except that I had the flu and later found out that Bryan had the ring stuffed in his pocket in only a piece of Kleenex the whole day. Fortunately, the ring made it to my finger, and I got over the cold before the end of the trip. :p

So in preparation for your perfect engagement or if you're just a lover of jewelry, Anne from Kranich's is offering my readers a chance to win a $150 gift code to use on their site. From intricate Ritani rings to brilliant Swarovski crystal pendants, there's something for everyone who likes to add a little bling to their life.

To enter this giveaway:

• Post a link of your favorite piece of jewelry from the site and include your name and email address in the comment.

• For an extra entry, post about the giveaway on your blog/site and email me/post a comment with the link to your post.

Easy as that!

The giveaway ends Friday, Sept. 16, at midnight (CST).

Don't forget to check out Kranich's Facebook page and their Twitter feed to learn more about the family-owned company.

Forward Thinking for Fall

// Staring at Stars tunic / Flying Monkey skinnies / Urban Outfitters scarf / Forever 21 wing earrings / vintage clutch and cuff / GAP wedges //

I'm pretty sure I've been hit with fall fever. I can't wait to experiment with lush, dark colors and drown myself in scarves. It seems like this summer has lasted forever, which I don't doubt has something to do with the heatwave and having a car with dysfunctional air conditioning. So in preparation for some nicer weather, I have started rounding up some staple pieces for the upcoming season and wondering how others are preparing for it as well. I have a slight obsession with boots, and not surprisingly, they have found their way, once again, onto my fall "must have" list.

Have you been making any purchases for the cooler weather? What items do you stock up on for the fall season?

// Miike Snow "Animal" (Fred Falke remix) //

I feel pretty and witty and bright!

// Nicole Miller mini jacket / leaf dress c/o Langford Market / Franco Sarto captoe flats / vintage leaf cuff / Essie Chinchilly nail polish //

Never been much of a girly girl, but some days, I just get in the mood to wear pink and frills. It all started with this sweet cropped jacket that I pulled out from the depths of my closet and the rest is history. And yes, I do mix my metals. I don't care what you think, silver + gold + rose gold (did I leave anything out?) = ok in my books!

Man, looking forward to a long Labor Day weekend! Coming soon... a fabu giveaway!

Alien Scribe on the Wall

// Rachel Tyler top / Serfontaine shorts / Levity sandals (now on sale!) / Liz Claiborne bag / choker bought in London //

I couldn't resist taking photos in front of this ad agency which immediately conjured up images of the Starship Enterprise in my head. It just so happened that my outfit seemed to seamlessly blend in as well. Coincidence? Fate? Whatever you call it, I think I could hear my Mothership calling me.

I can usually say that I eat pretty healthily, but when my friend suggested we meet up for brunch at Xuco Xicana, all inhibitions went out the door. I do tend to get weak in the knees for good Tex-Mex. Those who have no idea what I'm talking about, just take a good look at the photos below. Pure bliss in the form of Mexican food with a Texas twist. The cook on duty, Jonathan Jones, has made quite the name for himself all around town. I must give him my utmost kudos for creating such a delicious meal.
Yes, the food was just as good as it looks.

Molletes
Tacos Guisados Ahogados
Migas Con Queso

// Guided by Voices " A Salty Salute" //