Last week I visited a real, live ghost town. Well, an occupied ghost town. It’s complicated… let me explain. There’s this place in High Point, North Carolina, miles away from any major city or tourist attraction, and twice a year thousands of designers, buyers, and editors descend on it for one of the largest international...
Okay, folks. I realize that I’ve been throwing around a lot of coded language and veiled comments these past several months. For those of you who have the convenience of knowing me in person, you’ve probably already heard the news. But for the rest of you, I can only imagine your total confusion. Well, grab...
I’m not exactly what you’d call a “numbers person”. I can work my way around a generous tip calculation, but let’s just say that my talents shine more brightly in other areas. Good thing. Because I’ve been desperately looking for an excuse to avoid adding up the days since I posted on this blog last....
I wasn’t sure whether I should publish this post or not… watching yourself on video is incredibly awkward and sharing it with the rest of the “world”… well, it isn’t much easier! But then, of course, this clip has already aired through many a Dallas home by now, not to mention this isn’t exactly the...
How often does a girl get to shop using someone else’s money? In my case, not often. But this month, I did!! I was invited to participate in a thrift makeover competition (or Upcycle Challenge, as they’re calling it) for the Great Big Texas Home Show at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. The guidelines were simple....
Well, this is a funny coincidence. I’ve been holding onto this post for the past couple weeks due to the oddly warm weather we’ve been having and the fact that this outfit is more suited for cooler temps. Yes, even this mildly bundled ensemble would’ve been too warm for what we’ve been experiencing in Texas...
Disclaimer: This post may err more on the side of self-gratification than usual. You’ll have to forgive me. It’s been a rough couple days and I needed these flowers to cheer me up. I had a major slight in comparison digital crisis on Thursday. While updating and syncing my phone, an error occurred and...
Today I’m dropping in to share a quick video that was filmed last Fall with my friend Abbe Fenimore and the folks at Peacock Alley. Abbe, who I’ve had the great pleasure of working with on a multitude of design projects, was invited to style 3 different beds at the Peacock Alley showroom in Dallas,...
In the past, I’ve considered myself a fairly healthy eater. Nothing crazy ambitious, you understand. Just good, decent eating habits. I stick to small portions. Fresh, whole foods and low fat meals are appealing to me. I enjoy a big, hearty salad. Heck, many times I even crave them!! I may grab an occasional fast food meal,...
(above photo from Currey & Co. showroom) With all the best intentions of giving you a thorough report on my recent trip to Dallas Market Center, I come to you today with a brief mustering of notes and images. I mean, how exactly does one summarize 50 million sq. feet of design trends and home products? Exactly!...
Boy, oh boy, oh boy… It’s been a while since I’ve let an entire week float by without a blog post. What can I say? A lot has been happening!! But enough of that. You’ll hear more from me on “the secret subject” later. Right now, I’m focusing on positivity, confidence, and a bright, cheerful...
I’ve been mulling over the ideas of trends versus personal style recently. This time of year lends itself to that sort of discussion… “what’s in, what’s out, what’s the next hot thing”. When I sat down to compose a list of my own, though, I bumped against a funny obstacle. With every “passe” trend I...
In all my anti-clutter, regular purging mania, do you know the one thing that I have so much trouble getting rid of? (ok, besides my weird collection of dried leaves and flower petals)… Magazines!! They are perhaps the least expensive publication a person can get there hands on and resale book shops everywhere have loads...
Let me take a quick hand count… how many of you wonderful readers out there are in the North Texas region? Excellent! Now, how many of you write blogs? Even better!! And, of those left, who of you discuss the topics of fashion and design on your blogs? I have a feeling there’s more than...
I’m a lazy New Year’s Eve-er. I’d rather stay in with a fridge of tasty left-overs and self-serve drinks, a cozy blanket and my current favorite Netflix pick, my husband and my puppy. I don’t spend much time reflecting on the previous year and my new year’s resolutions typically consist of no more than a...
Hello, hello dear readers… I’m back!! As you’ve noticed, for the past week and some I’ve been purposefully absent from the blog. It was time to step away for some fresh air. Amidst Christmas gatherings and family visits, my absentee roles included cook, cleaner, hostess, cuddle-bug, Christmas elf, conversationalist, and puppy manager (to name a...
Our household experienced a bit of a crisis over the weekend. I didn’t mention it yesterday because I was still in the processing mode of “omg, did that really just happen”. Our sweet puppy Ives unsuccessfully chased a very frightened black cat over our fence and into the outside yard, which could also now be...
Congratulations, Nina!! You are the winner of this giveaway! This giveaway is now closed. The close of one year and the fast approach of another puts me in a very “what am I going to do next?” kind of mood. Dreams and schemes float recklessly through my head. But it’s really more than just “what’s...
I’m getting to the age now (listen to me sounding all grown-up) when friends of my family who were having babies when I was in middle school are now… in middle school!! It’s a strange thing to watch happen from a distance. I met these young’ins as pink, wrinkly newborns before the idea of driving...
My brain is a flower cooler of ideas right now. In the winter time of creativity (when a person is too busy with other things to do much of their own), a slew of ideas have been blossoming in my mind. They’re still not fully matured yet and the timing isn’t right. So, for now,...
Ever since Carina and I first met, gawky young ballerinas that we were, she has had a distinct personality and sense of style in my eyes. Feminine and relaxed with a touch of vintage demure and quirky humor. Sure, it’s grown-up over the years, but the essence is the same. When we met over Thanksgiving, it...
A rushed morning begun much later than usual. No time for breakfast much less coffee. Creative inspiration for dressing… zilch. Yep, it happens… often. You know, some days you’ve just got to dress for comfort. Oh, yeah. And some days despite all non-chalant efforts, the outfit still doesn’t work! Don’t be fooled by Sam’s excellent...
So, speaking of coffee shops… All world-class museums and cultural districts aside (which i love), do you know one of my greatest frustrations with the city of Fort Worth? It’s lack of cool coffee shops!! Not exactly a pressing community issue, I know, but none the less there’s a need. Coming from Nashville where hipster...
At this quiet moment on Sunday evening before the hustle of another week begins, I’m thinking back to two weeks ago. David and I were on our Thanksgiving trip home to Tennessee, visiting family and catching up with good friends. We ate delicious food, took it easy, and gave thanks for our blessings. Life was...
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Stephanie D.!! For me, organization is the ultimate work place luxury and up until recently, I had very little of it. But things are back under control now with the help of STYLEVISA, my thrifted Drexel desk, and a giant cork board. I’m glad to say business is not...
They say a group is only as good as their leader. Extend that logic to your home and suddenly you have an entirely new perspective on the influence of your furniture in your life! Without much fancy analysis, the state of my home office was one thing… pathetic. Piles of paper, notebooks, and unsorted mail...
I fell asleep last night to sweet dreams of family, friends, and less than 24 hours in Hot Springs, AK. I believe I was smiling as I drifted off. All I could think about was how wonderful the past week has been! David and I returned to Fort Worth on Saturday after a heart-warming trip...
So, what’s been putting me in such a rush recently? Among other things… Tonight, David and I are embarking on a much needed out-of-town trip. We’ll be flying home to Tennessee to gather with friends and family in the celebration of Thanksgiving. This couldn’t come soon enough!! All I can think about is hitting that...
Ok, friends, I’m on the move and in a rush. Oh, you too? Perfect!! Then we’ll keep this brief. Here’s a look that is saving my “fashion life” these days. Black maxi dress + bag + scarf + boots = an easy combo of staples that you probably all have in your closets as we...
Welcome to Part 2 of Joslyn’s lovely Style Story! Not much has changed around here. I’m still struggling with “edit/post it disagreement” (a phrase I just coined this very moment). Let me explain… edit/post it disagreement |ˈedit pōst it ˌdisəˈgrēmənt| phrase, the overwhelming and often stress inducing disagreement within self when faced with the task of making tough decisions regarding...
You’ll have to forgive my simpleton mutterings for today’s Style Story. I’m feeling a little less than competent when faced with the task of editing my words and photos from Joslyn Taylor‘s home. Truly, there’s so much to love!! My new friend (it makes me immensely happy to call her that), Joslyn, has curated her...
“Life Balance”… what do you think about this post title?! Are you peeked with curiosity? Dreading the tiresome topic? Eager to hear my possibly profound insight? Well, I hate to disappoint but my insight is neither profound nor complicated… just perhaps different from what you might expect. Here’s how I happened upon it… I’ve...
Over the years, I’ve made my love for silk scarves fairly apparent. (ex. HERE, HERE, and HERE) So, when Sam arrived to our photo shoot meeting place a couple weeks ago, I fell swift and hard for her vibrant silk number draped elegantly across her shoulders. Completely impressed with her styling skills, I asked Sam if...
Golden turning leaves, smoldering camp fires, the warm glow of late afternoon light… it’s all part of the seasonal tide from Summer to Fall. Recently, our seasonal “tides” have been ebbing and flowing back and forth especially quickly. If I’m being honest, it’s kind of a nuisance. One day you’re in wool knits and cozy leggings...
Pumpkin carving is not for the weak of heart. Apparently it takes grit, endurance, and plenty of elbow grease (or whatever that odd saying refers to). So I learned when an attempt was made to carve the prettiest little gourd yesterday in preparation for today’s post. Reader beware… you’ll get you hands dirty with this...
Last week I ventured out with Sam to snap a few photos for THIS recent blog post. We’ve been helping each other out by playing outfit photographer for one another. It’s turned out to be the perfect arrangement as our husbands can rest their weary feet in peace at the end of a long day rather than...
Let me take you back to a moment in my life from this past week. Opportunity knocks I get super excited about a once-in-a-lifetime experience Adrenaline soars I gather my nerves Then find myself energized and utterly inspired Ideas bursting at the seams of my brain Tempted to tweet, post, ‘gram… anything!! Don’t… Instead, the...
Beyond their studio space, Breck and Charles have been hard at work on a collection of furniture designed exclusively for Mecox Gardens in Dallas. As part of their collaborative efforts, the guys created a room vignette in the Mecox showroom using pieces from their line as well as other products from throughout the store. Here’s...
Native Texans Breck Woolsey and Charles Taylor of Breckinridge Taylor have been hot topics on my radar since I first heard about their work from Leslie Pritchard. (Breck designed Leslie’s Dallas condo which you can see more of in her Style Story HERE.) I knew it would have to be merely a matter of time...
Congratulations Devin!!! You are the winner of this Copious giveaway! I’ll be emailing you shortly with details. This giveaway is now closed. If the saying goes that we all have skeletons in our closet, then mine are the ugliest kind because what’s inside isn’t pretty! Picture this (or, better yet, look at the photo...
Today’s post is such a tease! You see, yesterday I visited Joslyn Taylor’s earthy, California-chic home in Dallas. It wasn’t the first time but I was swept away by it’s informal glamour none the less. You may know Joslyn from her blog, Simple Lovely… well, check back before long because I’ll be sharing more about...
Lately I’ve been thinking and reflecting… blogging, blogging, blogging… planning… visiting lovely people… and working. It’s been great despite the challenge of the juggle that inevitably comes with a busy life. My posts have been a little less regular recently but for good reason. I have some really cool things coming down the pipeline! More...
This past weekend was busy (our church hosted it’s annual Greek Festival) and today looks like it will be no different. In short, I’ll probably need a hot one of these by the end of the day to help me unwind and prepare for another whirlwind week! What about you? How was your weekend?...
During my visit with Stephanie a few weeks ago for her Style Story feature, we also sat down to discuss a topic that’s especially relevant to me and my current work situation but one that I’m sure anyone in a creative field could relate to… being a creative freelancer (particularly outside of the major cities...
Stephanie Casey has a smile that would brighten any room but it’s not necessarily because of her flawless complexion, salsa red lips, or pearly white teeth as you would think. No, it’s deeper than that. Thegenuine joy of spirit that she obviously applies to all areas of her life flows easily from the inside out....
If I was recently afraid that Fall wouldn’t arrive, my fears have been unquestionably calmed. This weekend, the air turned suddenly chill and the typically overbearing sun disappeared all together above a thick cloud cover. It’s been more than cool… it’s been cold!! This vignette from a corner of our living room felt particularly Fall-ish. Louis...
I’ve been working on a little side project for the blog that I am now prepared, whether wisely or not, to share with you all. Fear of perfection is the downfall of many a possible success, right? With that in mind, here goes. This is a short video of the many possible happenings from a...
Last week I mentioned a new column I’ll be writing for the D Home blog. Today, I got down to business with a post featuring this cozy spot that I recently set-up in my home office. As will be the case with every post, I also included a collection of ideas and resources for feathering...
