Grown-up birthday

"I don't want anything for my birthday." We say and hear this phrase and I think the (ahem) older we get, the more we mean it.  How very extra special it is then, when least expected, a message from a high school friend, fresh flowers, new earrings, a beautiful card.  I was truly touched on my birthday, and the very next day, as if Karma wanted to add a cherry on top ... a long awaited fridge arrived.  Loooong awaited.  These are the clothes you can work in, play on the floor with kids, clean, cry happy tears in.  The good stuff.

XO

To get a similar look:

Jeans // Sweater // Blazer // Blouse // Belt // Flats // Necklace // Earrings

Wine & Dine

Let's talk about the most awkward part of having a blog, blog photos!  Lauren, Kelly, Jenn and I have had numerous conversations about it. We are not models.  We do not think we are models. But pictures spice up the blog, so there we are.  My husband and I have fun with it, and we are usually laughing throughout the process.  I prefer photos with puppies, friends, or my husband in them, but it doesn't always work out that way.  So with that being said, here are the winners from this weekend.

This excited about taking pictures

Saturday was a perfectly PNW day - slightly overcast with light rain. My husband and I went to a local vineyard and then grabbed dinner, so I needed an outfit that could work for both.  I opted for a long tuxedo blazer and heels and then dressed it down with a casual white t-shirt.  Since I am always cold I never leave home without extra layers, and I brought an ombre overcoat to keep me warm while we sat outside wine tasting.  Cheers to not taking yourself too seriously!

Happy to have puppies + husband join in on this one

OUTFIT DETAILS:  LONG TUXEDO BLAZER // WHITE SCOOP NECK TSHIRT // BLACK & WHITE HEELS (SIMILAR HERE AND HERE) // OMBRE JACKET // SILVER PENDANT NECKLACE

"Repeat Mondays"

Last year on vacation, my husband and I watched a marathon session of those home renovation shows and thought - we could do that!  We should do that!  A year later, I can report that I lost my patience, the budget, my sanity, and we aren't even done yet.  Close though, and get out what you put in, applicable to every aspect of life.  It would be easy to park myself at home and study the wood floor stain.  Does it need more orange?  Brown?  But, time waits for no man and women have long known - ain't nobody got time for that.  Giving a thumbs up on the new stain matching the original old floors, it was time to dart to an industry chapter meeting downtown.  It was a "repeat Monday," aka crazy, and I wanted my daughters to know that in the midst of this whirlwind I have not and never will forget that they are my center.  Since they are young, I try to personify that mantra.  I love wearing bead necklaces my daughters have strung together, and I select patterns and motifs that personify not only the latest trend I am eyeing on a fashion blog, but also what is trending in the lives of the ones I love.  We are currently fascinated with birds, so I found a lovely pair of gold feather earrings, and a fun pattern dress with white birds swirling.  When I look at it I think, "I know the feeling!"  It can alternately feel like flying and diving and picking yourself up again.  Fashion that inspires certainly gives a boost to any Repeat Monday. 

xo

SHOP THE LOOK: Earrings // Dress// Heels// Special Necklace

Resolutions

DETAILS:  BALENCIAGA WHITE BLOUSE (SIMILAR HERE AND HERE) // SAINT LAURENT LEATHER PANTS (SIMILAR HERE) // GIANVITO ROSSI BOOTIES (SIMILAR HERE) // MAIYET EARRINGS // ANYA HINDMARCH CLUTCH

 I hate the first week of January; in fact, I think it’s the absolute worst week of the entire year.  Not only are the holidays over and I'm left with frigid weather, but I have to “celebrate” both New Years and my birthday that week – both of which compel uncomfortable introspection as I look back on the resolutions I failed to accomplish during the prior year.  Unfortunately, as I get older, it gets worse (I’m not usually this dark, I promise!).  I decided this year, however, that I refuse to be disappointed in myself in 2016, so I’m only creating resolutions that are both easy to accomplish and enjoyable.  I clearly have no qualms simply lowering the bar for myself.   Some of these resolutions might take me slightly out of my comfort zone, but none will be the painful type I have typically promised myself in the past (run 25 miles per week, eat less dessert, learn French, etc).  Here are 2 of my resolutions for 2016:

        (1)    Host more social events at my home.  I really enjoy intimate socializing and that can be difficult at overcrowded NYC restaurants/bars.  My husband and I always talk about having friends over more often, but then I get overwhelmed worrying about who to invite, what to feed them, what music to play, etc.  I realize that this is my own insecurity and that my friends don’t actually care about what types of flowers I have selected or whether we’re eating on fine china or paper plates.  I’m going to start hosting more informal events, such as casual dinners or game nights.  I’m already working towards achieving this goal – my husband and I hosted a few close friends on NYE at the shore (pictures below), and my next event will be the puppy shower I’m throwing in February to introduce all of our friends to our new Bernese Mountain dog, arriving Jan 30th!

         (2)    Wear more color! I’m most comfortable wearing clothes that don’t call a lot attention to me, so I tend to select neutral color palettes – white, black, beige, camel, brown, navy, ivory, etc.  I absolutely love a monochromatic look with neutral colors – it’s like chic camo to me and I’m convinced I can blend into a wall if I like.  With that said, I really admire women who amp up their outfits with colorful accessories. Whether it’s floral scarves or colorful shoes, these women look so put together and SO CONFIDENT! Unfortunately, my NYE outfit below does not meet my new fashion goal – white shirt, black pants, black shoes – but I’ll aim to do better!  

#ClosetGoals

New Years is a great time to reflect on your blessings and brainstorm your goals for the next year. I got to spend NYE with my favorite people in the world, my family.  I also got to see one of my oldest friends, Jenn.  I've known Jenn since 4th grade, and I met her husband even earlier in 3rd grade, so it was great spending NYE laughing and catching up.

LORI'S DETAILS:  TUXEDO TOP // BLACK JEANS // SIMILAR BOOTIES // EARRINGS
JENN'S DETAILS:  SWEATER // LEGGINGS // BROWN BOOTS // NECKLACE

Part of my new year's resolution revolves around my closet goals for 2016: to wear things I really feel good in and donate the rest.  I gathered a pile to take in to a local foster care placement organization, and I know you can too! Here's a quick test to help you make the keep vs. donate decision:

1. The High School Test: If your highschool cousin shops there, then you probably have no business wearing it anymore.  That crop top you wore to your favorite college party?  Donate.  Your torn up Abercrombie jeans?  Donate.  Your Dr. Martens you've saved for sentimental value?  Donate! I know they hold some great memories, but you've got photos and it's time to move on.  In the wise words of Blink 182, "I guess this is growing up". 
2. The 12 Month Test: If you haven't worn it in the past 12 months, then you don't need it.  You've made it through all four seasons without wearing it.  Let's face it, you're not really going to miss that blouse.
3. The Fit Test:  This one is obvious. Maybe you've lost weight, maybe you've gained weight.  But if it doesn't fit, then donate it.  Someone else who does wear that size right now might really love that dress. 
4. The Feel Good Test: If you don't feel great in an outfit, then why keep it? Give your wardrobe a refresh and opt for a newer look that you feel confident in.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then donate that outfit to your favorite charity and take yourself shopping for something that suits you better in 2016!

Happy new year!

Cheers, it's time for 2016 Goals!

My New Year's Resolution this year was to go through my garage.  I have just read the best selling Marie Kondo books on tidying, and feeling inspired, tackled the task.  I laughed when I found a box of letters containing previous resolutions, all of which list the following .. .be on time, clean more often.  So this year, I am adding a new twist.  The goal is to go outside, walk with my children to the park after work, pack the fruit snacks and the jalapeno margarita to go, and leave the pile of leaves needing to be picked up for just a little longer.  I can't say enough how impacted I have been by my mother and grandmother's sense of style, but more importantly, I love their sense of spontaneity.  They could both just throw together an outfit and make a simple walk feel like a little occasion.  I never saw sweat pants growing up, I can't believe it.  I want a closet stocked for last minute jaunts outside, dressed in a manner in which I wouldn't be mortified to run into the neighbors.  Because, well, that has happened many a time before truth be told.  New Year, and it is time for some new (totally attainable) goals!

For a similar look ...

Rehearsal dinner looks

Cousin Elizabeth and her fiancé Andrew

Elizabeth with aunts and cousins

Elizabeth with the Boudreaux boys/cousins

Toasting the happy couple

My mom's family is very close. My cousins are like my brothers and sisters. Growing up, we'd always get together for holidays, Mardi Gras, summer vacations, you name it. Now that we're older, it's more difficult getting everyone together between sharing time with our own families, kids schedules and taking time off from work. Weddings have been the only occasion we're all able to come together.

This New Year's weekend, my cousin and best friend Elizabeth and her fiancé Andrew tied the knot in Houston. It was the perfect way to celebrate the New Year, and the first time our family has all been together (minus my cousin Taylor who was overseas and my grandparents who cannot travel - we missed you!) since my wedding nearly six years ago. I was honored to return the favor and stand by Elizabeth's side on her special day!

The wedding weekend kicked off on New Year's Day with a beautiful formal dinner at the St. Regis Houston hotel. Elizabeth looked gorgeous as always, and I loved the classic look she put together.

Elizabeth wore a beautiful, structured white Halston dress that fit her like a glove. She pulled her hair back into a sleek high ponytail to show off the dress's high back and her emerald drop earrings (yes, like the earrings Kyle Richards wore on the RHOBH). To top it all off, Elizabeth's silver heels were the perfect pop of personality.

Shop the bride-to-be's look

My brother and I

I wore a blue and black dress that had a similar cut to the yellow Elizabeth and James dress I wore recently here. The fitted top and flared bottom was very flattering - one of my new favorite cuts to help hide these wide hips I now have since having a baby.

The detailing is what I loved most about this dress - it looks as though it's beaded, but the pattern is actually black fabric with a sheen. The dress is very lightweight contrary to how it looks and has the right amount of stretch making it very comfortable (because we all know by now I don't wear anything that isn't comfortable).

I wore the same black heels I wore for the wedding (similar heels posted below), classic diamond and pearl earrings, and this diamond ring.

Shop my look

This New Year's weekend is one my family will always remember and cherish. It was so much fun having everyone together and reminiscing on old times. Drinking with my godchild was definitely a reminder how much we've all grown up!

More looks to come from Elizabeth and Andrew's fairy tale wedding. So happy for the newlyweds!

Happy New Year, y'all!

Xo, Jenn