Tag Archives: lifestyle blogger

Simple White And Bold Gold | OOTD

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First off I was able to wear this dress to an event without getting it completely filthy! (Yay for me) Next, this dress was so easy to wear it was almost like wearing pajamas. It is one of my favorite colors and was cool and airy for a humid Houston night. Outside of all the comfort, the details are what made me fall for this dress.

The top and sleeves of the dress has a mesh lattice effect that is a different texture than the bottom. At the hem the threads are loose and it almost looks like there are mini tassels hanging from the dress.

My gold accessories compliment the monochromatic color of the dress and are a real show stopper. It’s almost like you have to take in the gold collar necklace and cuff before you notice the details of the dress. They are big, chunky and bold; opposite of the dress. As a rule of thumb, I always pair a simple outfit with bold accessories and vise versa. The more extravagant the clothing, the simpler the jewelry.

Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite bold accessories are! Enjoy!

Collar necklace-Urban Outfitters

Cuff bracelet- Claires

Dress- Beach by Exist

Shoes- Aldo

Natural, Wild and Free | OOTD

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I couldn’t find a graphic t-shirt that truly described me so I designed a few myself. This OOTD is casual as I paired it with a pair of thrifted denim shorts and wedge heels. Just like a good pair of wedges this entire look is comfortable and easy to wear. I wore this OOTD to the Bloggers Union meeting where I enjoyed a nice seat in a beach chair on the floor. Lol (Truly comfy, ha ha)

The inspiration behind this design in based on the phrase “young, wild and free.” I just know I don’t have the choice to always be young but I can make the choice to always be natural. Matching with my favorite colors to wear, this shirt comes in black, white, gray, and pale pink.

Leave me a comment about what the phrase “natural, wild and free” means to you, Enjoy!

Graphic T-shirt– My Society 6 Shop

Shorts- Thrifted

Shoes-Nine West

Purse- J. McLaughlin

Swimming Into Summer | OOTD

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Summer is near and with it comes shopping for a swimsuit. I can honestly say it’s not as exciting for me as it used to be since having a baby a few years ago. Trying to wear the same type of swimsuit as before I was pregnant was the main culprit. Triangle bikini tops and low rise bottoms are no longer my friends. Let’s just say my boobs are not exactly where they used to be after nursing for nearly a year and my mid section is a bit more squishy. Lol

Before you set out to shop for swimsuits (undies you get to show everyone) make sure you feeling good about yourself that day. We all have days when we don’t feel our best. If you are having the week from hell, DON’T GO SHOPPING FOR A SWIMSUIT! You’ll just regret it. Be sure you’re having a great hair day and maybe put on a little lipstick. You want to feel confident when you get naked. Lol

I adapted the style of clothing that I feel best in to a swimsuit and it helped tremendously. I love classic black and white so picking a color was a no brainer. A well fitting bra is a must have so I went for a more “bra” type of top with lots of support and voila! My breasts “look” like they are where they should be again. (At least while I’m wearing the suit. Lol) For the bottoms I took my love of high rise pants and picked a swim bottom that gives me the same comfort. A high rise bottom leaves me feeling not so exposed yet beautiful.

The great news is that I was able to get everything at one store, Old Navy! I feel like I could just move in there since I’m there all the time. You may have to mix and match brands if you’re looking for very different things for your top and bottom but thats okay. Before you shop for a swimsuit this summer think about clothing items that you feel best in and consider your body type before you head out. That way you don’t feel overwhelmed with trying on any and everything. If you don’t find something you love the first go round, don’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board until you do. Leave a comment and tell me what your favorite swimsuit shopping tips are, Enjoy!

Swimsuit, Denim Jacket, shoes- Old Navy

Box Clutch Purse- MilanBlocks.com

OOTD | Classic Color Blocking

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This is another OOTD like the perfect dress I posted a few weeks ago that is just everything I love. When I say “everything I love” I mean black, white, coloring blocking, horizontal stripes, comfort, airy and loose.With the Houston heat having an outfit that catches a faint breezes is important.

I wanted this look to be minimal so the v-split in the back is what adds interest to a plain black top. Although they’re all white, the culottes themselves are interesting because at first glance you may not be entirely sure what they are. Not pants, not capris, could it be a skirt? No, they’re culottes!

My shoes are black with a wide faux snake skin strap across the toes. My accessories are minimal as well. I’m wearing my gold collar necklace and my gold nail bracelet from Charm Envy. The star of this look is the custom box clutch from Milan Blocks. On one side it has black and white horizontal stripes and on the custom side the the Authentically+B logo lettering. The chain strap is detachable so it can be used as a clutch or a purse.

This OOTD is fuss free, simple, comfortable and more importantly cool! Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite minimalist look is, Enjoy!

Top- Forever 21 (similar)

Culottes- Forever 21 (similar)

Shoes- Aldo

Necklace & Bracelet– Charm Envy

Box Clutch- Milan Blocks

Mel’s Modern Caillgraphy

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I first met Mel when she came aboard at our school as a second grade teacher. Like many teachers she is multifaceted and crazy talented. It only took knowing her for a short while to realize this. As the school year started I saw her classroom come together beautifully. I could not help but notice all the unique hand lettering and calligraphy. Of course I went to ask where she had found such cool things for her room and her response was, “I made them”. My mind was pretty blown at that point. I later found out that she held a job while she attended college that allowed her to create cool custom stationary that helped her to nourish her creativity.

Not long ago Mel decided it was time for her to start her own business and named it “Three M Designs” (Melodie Marie Musgrove). She later changed the name to a much sweeter one to avoid any confusion with other companies with similar names. Her design company is now called “Maggie Elaine Designs” after her beloved weimaraner Maggie and her favorite character from the tv show Seinfield.

When Mel invited me to her home to take these photos I was even smitten with her living and work space. It is so vibrant and indicative of her talent as well as her artistic abilities. Every element and piece is carefully selected and in its right place. Her dining/work table is covered in butcher paper to protect it from craft materials and one small chalk board at the entry way allowed me to feel welcome and ready to create as soon as I walked in. The two stars of Mel’s home include a custom 5’by 6′ canvas piece hung carefully on the wall that says ” If you love what you have, you have everything you need ” and an original 1970’s sofa gifted to her by her grand parents. The sofa is adorned with bright floral prints and is built to last just like the special bond she shares with her family.

When I asked Mel what the future holds for Maggie Elaine Designs she said, “To continue to give her customers special stationary made from the heart”. As she continues on her path as an educator and future principal she will continue to design one of a kind creations. Check out Maggie Elaine Designs on Etsy for custom graphic lettering and stationary. Nourish your creativity. Enjoy!