Jesse Coulter

Last week I hosted my 7th ATX Blogger Mixer! I can't believe I've been planning these for almost 3 years. I had a wonderful co-host, Anita, who blogs at Fearless Captivations help me with the event. We hosted the mixer at Raven + Lily's newest location at Rock Rose at the Domain. The space is absolutely stunning, and we were lucky enough to have their CEO & Founder, Kirsten Dickerson, guest speak.

Kirsten inspired us all with her wisdom and passion for empowering women. There wasn't a dry eye in the room after hearing her stories about working with and helping women around the world.

I first saw denim culottes on blogger Valerie Dittner and fell in LOVE! I knew they had to be mine, but I was not about to pay an arm and a leg. I searched online and found these culottes from Macy's for less than $50. I ran to Macy's immediately and they were everything I imagined. BEST part is they are currently on sale for $26.99!

Jacket/Jeans: Gap
Tee: Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Birkenstock
Purse: Vintage Dooney & Bourke

My ASOS peplum top has become my most worn and favorite tee in my wardrobe.  I've dressed it down here, and dressed it up with this outfit.  I wore this to a dinner for Austin Mom's Blog contributors. Mexican food, great cocktails and new mommy friends who enjoy blogging, couldn't be better.

Overalls: Cotton On (Find the shortall version here)
Top: Gap
Shoes: Target

Meet my new favorite tee! I have loved the peplum trend, but haven't been able to find the right length or material till I struck gold with this top. The best part about it is I can stuff my face with food and my belly has all the space in the world.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it in every color.

True story about the purse I'm carrying.  Alex gave it to me for my birthday, 7 months ago, but last weekend I finally decided to use it.  Honestly, it sat so beautifully in my closet, untouched that I didn't want to carry it for the longest time.  I waited for the perfect spring day to change purses.

Top: Asos
Shorts: Levis
Sandals: Target
Purse: Fossil Sydney Satchel

I realized last minute before Easter I had zero spring dresses in my closet (aka I was really bored of the dresses I owned).  I found this dress at Altar'd State and fell in love, the only problem was the length was a tad too short my taste, especially since I was going to be wearing it to church.  An employee pointed out a skirt slip that added just enough length my dress, plus it is a half slip so you can move it up and down your waistline depending on the length of your dress.  I love the texture it added to my outfit.  Alex of course called me out on it in church saying "Is your slip supposed to showing like that!?"  I know I'm going to get much use out of this purposely exposed slip.

Dress: Altar'd State
Slip: Altar'd State
Shoes: Gianni Binni
Purse: Small boutique in Abilene

Please excuse the angry face...I was in a hurry

Dress: BCBG
Heels: Gianni Bini
Bracelet: Thrifted

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I hope you are all kissing your loved ones today.  I was planning on making special breakfast muffins for Turner and Alex, but I couldn't for the life of me find a cupcake pan. So.....cereal and toast it is.

Tonight, we don't have much planned since Alex has to work from home.  I'm going to cook his favorite meal, and Saturday night we're going to try a new restaurant and go dancing (I so miss two-stepping).  This year we decided not to get each other any physical gifts like last year, but flowers/chocolate/cards aren't off the table.  Funny story...Last night, as Alex and I were talking he began craving something sweet.  I began to explain how crazy the grocery store was earlier that night, and how I couldn't believe the amount of chocolate covered strawberries they were selling.  A few minutes later, Alex jumps off the couch and runs out to the garage, returning with chocolate covered strawberries from that exact grocery store. "Happy Valentine's Day" he says with a big smirk on his face, and then proceeds to eat one.  Not sure if they were for him or me, either way I'll be finishing them off tonight.

I'm looking forward to a weekend of house cleaning, projects and warm weather!

Cheesing w/Turner

Pullover: Gap
Tee: Target
Khakis: Gap (on sale for $38 plus an additional 30% off = $27!)
Shoes: Aldo
Necklace: Jcrew Factory

I enjoy a good challenge, and when my friend Kelsey decided to not shop for 90 days I made the decision to join her.  I know I've been shopping too much recently. My problem is that stores will have major sales, and the items will be so cheap that I feel like I can't NOT buy them.  I mean serious sales. I'm getting clothing 70-80% off it's original price.  I walk a way with a steal, but in the end I never needed it in the first place.  I love a good deal, but at a certain point I need to realize that I don't have to buy every item on sale. Shopping is addictive, I know.  I am tired of always wanting more.  I'm hoping this challenge will give me some peace, so I can focus on the more important things in life.  When I was in college, I challenged myself to only shop second hand for 1 year, and I did it. I know I can complete this challenge, but I hope to gain a good lesson that will stick with me when I do begin to shop again.  Walk away from the sale Jesse, walk away.

With that being said, I will not be shopping for clothing for myself for 90 days.  March 31 is the last day of the challenge. I'll still be posting outfits, that is if I can continue to talk Alex in to taking photos of me.  He grunts a little less now when I ask since we only have to take a few steps to our deck.

Shirt: Gap
Vest: Belk
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Vintage

Yes, it is COLD here!

Cardigan: Old Navy
Tee: Madewelll
Pants: Jcrew Factory
Belt: Jcrew Factory


P.S. - Congrats to Emily Newcome for winning the Empress Stationary Stamp Giveaway! I'll be emailing you with details soon.

It was the perfect storm last weekend for me to bust out my wool shorts, weather above 60 degrees and a basket full of dirty clothes.  Sunday, Alex, Turner and I ventured out to Georgetown to walk around the square, pop in a few antique shops and have lunch at an amazing mexican restaurant.  As we were walking I looked down at my legs and was reminded of how pale I am, I asked Alex, "Does my paleness scare you?" Of course he looked at me like I was crazy.  I ask a lot of questions where he gives me that face.  It had been a while since I'd seen my legs in broad day light, and they kind of threw me off guard for a minute. "Whoa, I feel like Powder right now. Seriously." I think Alex was just happy the shorts gave me an excuse to shave.  In all seriousness, I don't mind my fair skin.  I tried a tanning bed once in high school, and I burned in 4 minutes. Then, I decided I would try to get a quick spray tan to even out my sunburn, and I got confused with the directions and accidentally put the special lotion (which I later found out you're only supposed to but in the creases of your hands and on your elbows/knees) all over my body.  I popped out and sure enough I looked worse than before. Sun burned with splotchy dark spots.  Just what I wanted the day before PROM!  Needless to say, I do not tan.  In the summer, I wear as many layers as possible.  "Laying out" is a foreign term to me.  I love the sun, and enjoy it's warmth, but I try my hardest to protect my skin from it.


Top/Cardigan: Gap
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Thrifted
Boots: Nine West

Dress: Gap
Boots: Nine West - I highly recommend these boots! The skinny calf is perfect for my fellow chicken leg ladies.
Scarf: Luxe No. 7
Coat: Tulle via Nordstrom

Cardigan: Ross
Top: Urban Outfitters (Men's basic tee)
Jeans: Fossil
Shoes: Rocket Dog
Purse: Bought @ a small boutique in Abilene