See You in Charleston

Bryan and I will be taking a much needed mini vacation before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Choosing the destination was easier than I thought since both of us telepathically came up with Charleston, South Carolina and yes, we do sometimes even dress alike (unknowingly, of course). This will be my first time stepping foot in the Carolinas.

 Things to look forward to... the home cooking, coastal view, and discovering all that Southern charm.

Crazy Bout Sherpa

// Zara top and jeans / Isabel Marant Dicker boots / diy sherpa bag / vintage bracelet / Lucky Brand nautilus necklace //

I guess I've been feeling extra crafty lately or maybe I'm just tired of seeing half-finished projects lying around as a constant reminder of my growing list of things to do.  My latest project is this sherpa clutch inspired by none other than Mr. Maison Martin Margiela himself and his sheepskin clutch from a previous season of Line 11. I saw this picture and couldn't get the bag out of my mind!

Although not quite the same, my version is animal-friendly and cost only a teeny tiny fraction of the real thing.  I added a convertible chain because I like having the option of a crossbody.  There's just something about the texture of sherpa that I love whether it's on a jacket collar or a bag or maybe it's because I grew up watching this guy...

Lovey Loo

Some Smilebooth pics of me and my girls, Hipporacle and VintageVirgin, from the Houston Blogger Symposium Holiday Party. Wish there was one of these contraptions at every party I attended. It seems to bring out the silliness in all of us.

Vintage Valentino

// vintage Valentino blouse / Flying Monkey jeans / White Mountain boots {gorgeous tall version here} / gifted kitty purse //

You won't often find me in florals, but this shirt was too good to pass up. Found it at my favorite vintage store in Austin, Feathers. I've mentioned the shop before but seriously, you guys, if you are EVER in Austin, you need to stop by this place. It's not huge so it's great for those short on time, and many of the racks are organized by style so if '70s boho is not your thing, then you can quickly move on. And hey, the prices are reasonable which is always a plus! This silk blouse is one of the treasures I picked up from my last visit. I love the print, which kinda reminds of old Victorian wallpaper.  I never would have thought mustard and burgundy meshed as a color combo, but they seem to work in perfect harmony here. 

Whirlwind

No fun-filled weekend is complete without vintage shopping, dance parties, and a fabulous blogger meet-up.

Ann Yee searching for that perfect vintage piece at Cheeky's Vintage.

If I remember correctly, Samantha took home the cape and shoes.

Ended the night at a house party dancing to groovy music.

First off, I want to thank Parlor Showroom and Settlement Goods for bringing New York designers, Samantha Pleet, Morgan Carper, and Ann Yee, to the good ole' state of Texas. From what I gathered, we Houstonians were able to show them a preeetty good time. The panel discussion on "Manufacturing in the U.S." held at the historic La Colombe D'or hotel was extremely informative and helped me, someone with a non-fashion related background, understand the perks and downsides of using resources in the U.S. These designers have chosen to stick with the U.S. for their manufacturing, allowing them to develop a closer relationship with their factories and oversee the process involved in the production of their pieces. Being a designer in the competitive world of fashion is already no easy feat, but after hearing each designer's struggles to compete with the cheaper manufacturing methods being outsourced by their peers, I have an increased admiration for their decision to keep the work local.

Samantha Pleet, whose line I was introduced to from my visits at the now-defunct (but still in my heart) boutique, Raye, is just as cute as a I imagined. Morgan Carper and Ann Yee were new names for me, but I'm so glad to have discovered their beautiful collections. Each designer has a distinct feel- from Samantha's sweet and dandyish looks, Morgan's bold color palette and worldly patterns, to Ann's feminine and detailed frocks and knits.  Check out their new Spring collections on their sites!

My weekend didn't just end there.  Saturday evening, Jessica, Fox, and I hauled our tooshes to the first Houston Blogger Symposium Holiday Party hosted by Brandi of Mucho Mucho Bueno Bueno at her beautiful salon, Do or Dye. 

DJ Johnny Moon played the JAMZ.

The moment Jess realized she forgot her camera batteries (blogger nightmare) and Fox getting her hair did by Lindsey Kidd at the Braid Bar.

Rannie of Chrisrann!

I think we'll be getting all our presents this year.

Kristen showing us how she made this gorgeous holiday display.

Me in a Suno dress, Stuart Weitzman heels, and vintage necklace.

Not really sure what's going on here, but I look like I'm trying to seduce the balloons.

Trang, 1/2 of Myth + Symbol, Julianne, social media coordinator, of Francesca's, and Davina, marketing director of AA Concepts goofing around at the Smilebooth.

The DJ had everyone moving especially Jess.  Video to be uploaded to YouTube very soon...

More dancing ensued, and we pretty much shut down the place.  I had a great time meeting everyone, and it's good to know you're in good company in the local blogosphere.  Thanks to everyone who sponsored and put together the event!
It was so much fun, and I can't wait til the next one!