Texas love, y'all

vintage blouse: thrifted (pink, love-but pricey)

skirt: thrifted (more patchwork)

belt: Fossil, thrifted (similar)

oxfords: Steve Madden (similar- on sale!)

sunglasses: Betsey Johnson, via TJ Maxx (similar)

I would like to clarify one thing: I often lament Texas' bipolar weather patterns here on this little ol' blog of mine, but I love Texas.  I'm proud to live in Cow Town, as Fort Worth is lovingly nicknamed, and I love that I live in a large metropolitan area but have the sense of community that makes you feel like you live in a small town.  I wouldn't trade my life in Texas for the world...although I do love a great vacation.

I also owe some thanks to Texas for my outfit.  First and foremost, thank you Texas for fostering a the kind of community where a Texan housewife could hand sew this fine little skirt of mine.  Also, thank you Texan housewife for then donating it to a thrift store where I could purchase and enjoy it.  Additionally, in general, thank you Texas for providing a plethora of thrift stores for my shopping pleasure.  This outfit truly would not be the same without you.  (...seriously.  Most of it is secondhand.)

And, just one more clarification: I did not ride a horse to this photo location.  We do, indeed, drive cars in Texas.

Do you love your state?  Share your thoughts!



Fashion's Night Out in Southlake

{image via Southlake Town Square's Facebook page}

Last Thursday, I met up with Jenni from Engineered Style and two of her friends for Fashion's Night Out in Southlake, TX - one of many DFW area suburbs.  There were events going on all over the metroplex, but I opted for something I hoped would be more low key, and I wasn't disappointed.  The larger crowds migrated toward some of the more "major" events in Dallas, but I enjoyed getting to take advantage of some of the free services at local shops without having to push my way toward the counter.

Unconventional nautical

I love a nautical-inspired look, but sometimes it can get a little boring and repetitive - we've all seen the anchors and the red, white, and blue color-blocking.  So why not mix it up?!

Here, I did a bit of pattern mixing with a traditionally nautical red/white striped skirt and a blue floral shirt.  For an unexpected pop of color, I added some fun yellow wedges.  Instead of the typical anchor jewelry, I accessorized with knotted rope earrings and a seahorse ring - each nautically-inspired, but out of the ordinary.  Of course, no nautical look is complete without the perfect shade or red lipstick.

What do you think?  Would you wear this out-of-the-box nautical look?

Scallops

I absolutely adore scallop details in clothes, and what's more fun than injecting some fun summer colors with pretty, feminine details?  I've never dared to wear a top and bottom that have scallops at the same time, but do you think it works?  Would you wear this kind of look?

Neutrals and neons

Mixing neutrals with neons is not a trend that I would usually choose to take on.  In fact, a quick glimpse in my closet will reveal very little in the neon family...I've just never really thought it was my thing.  However, I was determined to pull something off for the most recent edition of Bloggers Do It Better, put together by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I searched for the most neon-esque things I could find in my closet (neutrals definitely weren't a problem), and came up with this outfit.  I am so glad I was challenged to do something new with my wardrobe because I really love how the look turned out.

A little floral dress

Let's be real...outfit photos outside of my apartment are not quite as exciting as outfit photos in Mexico.  Now that I've pointed out the obvious, let's move on.

One wonderful thing about being back home is having my pups with me again.  I have June on my lap and Leila curled up next to me as I write this.  They're my little loves!

History's beauty

At my core, I'm a nerd.  There's no denying it.  And so is Caleb...don't let him tell you otherwise.  Perhaps this is why we get giddy about seeing Mayan ruins.  The history of it all never ceases to amaze us!  While some want to lay out by the beach all day sipping margaritas, we're happy to get off the resort and learn first-hand.

Imagine our surprise when we got the best of both worlds at the Tulum ruins...

A pretty palette: An afternoon at the park

An Afternoon at the Park by jessicamarie626 featuring flower earrings

April DFW blogger meet-up

One of my favorite parts of being a blogger is meeting other bloggers.  The fashion and beauty blogging community here in the DFW area has really come together, and I've been so honored to get to know so many lovely ladies.  Our most recent meet-up was this past Saturday, and, of course, it was full of shopping, fun, and laughter.

Casual bolds

casual bolds by jessicamarie626 featuring strap shoes

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Short lived

Hello, beautiful people!  I'm back with an outfit post!  Although the story behind it is less than exciting...

Catching up after Easter

Springtime by jessicamarie626 featuring platform sandals