Katydid Collection: Prints and Colors and Patterns, Oh My!

August is just a couple of days away and for us Texans, we only know that means that warmer weather is here to stay. Not so much as a breath of cold air will be coming into these parts for months and months down the road. With that being said, I was so happy to discover the Katydid Collection several weeks ago--a collection that combines some of the latest in trends: tribal and aztec prints, pops of beachy colors and monogram logos.  

The discovery of this collection matched perfectly with the current weather situation here in Dallas, so here is how I styled some of my favorite looks from the collection. The first is my day look, the second is a close-up of the Katydid accessories and lastly the last look is how I styled my Katydid romper for a night out on the town with my new "friend." Enjoy!  For more on the Katydid Collection, visit www.katydidcollection.com.

Day Look: Plain White Tee tucked into Katydid Aztec "Beach Getaway" Collection Shorts; paired with an infinity scarf and platform heels

A close-up of the Katydid Monogram Necklace in Silver representing "L" for the first initial in my name.  I've always wanted one of these...so happy I finally have one!

Loving this Katydid Chevron Romper that I wore to a local fashion show. I paired with coral and cognac colors to provide a colorful contrast.  This romper is also a part of the Katydid "Beach Getaway" collection. As you can tell, the romper is perfect for us tall girls. I'm 5'11 but with these heels I was surely 6'3...oh my!

All Day Look Photos Taken By: Ashleigh Ray

Summer Fashion Find: Hobo Lexa Crossbody Bag

Summers for me are full of all sorts of outdoors activities. From music and art festivals to outdoor barbecues to pool parties with friends, summers are all about being simple and enjoying some fun in the sun. Since last year, I've been on the hunt for the best crossbody bag to carry all of my essentials as I venture from festival to festival....and I'm so happy to announce that I've found it.

I was walking on the floor of the Dallas Galleria location of Belk, when I saw the Hobo Lexa crossbody bag. I tried it on and immediately fell in love. It was large enough to hold everything from my cell phone, keys, makeup, etc. and light enough where I could literally carry it around all day with no problems. Available in 6 colors and made of 100% leather--I'm going to be sporting this crossbody bag all summer long.

Visit the Hobo website today and check out their incredible crossbody bags as well as their other clutches and handbags. 

                         All photos taken by: Thomas Garza for Thomas Garza Photography

Fab Fashion Find: Rebecca Minkoff's Amorous Saffiano Satchel Bag

Last weekend, I ventured off to L.A. for the Lucky Fabb (Lucky Magazine Fashion and Beauty Bloggers) Conference at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. I was taking a break from all of the breakout sessions when I spotted this Rebecca Minkoff Amorous Saffiano Satchel bag staring at me from one of the tables in the vendor rooms.

Rebecca Minkoff Amorous Saffiano Satchel in red - $325.00 (come to mama!)

Now you guys know how I am about my handbags.  I'm completely obsessed.  So of course, once I put my hands on this puppy, I didn't want to let go. I love how minimal the look is, but the handbag even in its most simple nature can upgrade any outfit because that's just how luxurious it looks.

The nerve of the Wendy's employee at the conference to try to get this fabulous handbag away from me.  Clearly she doesn't know about my handbag obsession.

I'm obsessed with this handbag!  The pop of color is phenomenal!

For those not willing to pay $325.00 for this handbag, I've done some research for you. I found a look-alike with one of my fave brands, London Fog for a whopping $89.00. (You can thank me later.)

London-Fog Avery Dome / Rebecca Minkoff Handbag Look-Alike for $89.00 (Wow-zers!)

Peter Pilotto Collection for Target: A Printed Paradise

So today marked the long-awaited launch of the Peter Pilotto designer collaboration with Target and I must say that I cleaned up.  I was a little leery of the boldness of the prints and how that would fare with my skin tone but I still woke up super early and arrived at the store 30 minutes before opening to make sure that I got first dibs on the collection.  Upon arrival to the store, I realized that there was noone there but me and my close girlfriend...this was good news, but it also confused me.  Where were the lines?  Where were the enthusiastic fashionistas who hyped up this launch?

Where are the crowds?  It was just me and my close friend...we couldn't have planned it perfectly! (My friend Marquea peering in the windows)

Overall, I was 50/50 impressed with this launch.  While I looked better in some prints than others, the cheapness of around 60% of the items really turned me off.  Yeah, yeah, yeah....what should I expect when most of the items were 100% polyester??? I know...but even still I was a tad bit disappointed.

The red iris floral romper!  Love!  Was so excited that it fit me and my long legs!!!  My favorite from the collection.

I did, however, find some great pieces and my take away from this collection is that the best pieces were definitely the swimwear, the red floral romper, the red floral strapless dress (recommended to go a size higher), the shirt dresses and the long maxi swim cover-up.  I can't wait to wear these pieces.  As of the time that I'm writing this, the online selections are sold out and the stores are scarce.  So glad I scooped up what I could at 8AM this morning!!!!

Love this corset swimsuit top!!!

The shirt dress...love this...can pair with boots, open toed heels, leggings, belt or no belt.

The maxi swim hi-lo cover-up! Pair with a swimsuit or make it casually appropriate by pairing with a bandeau top, leather jacket and booties...can't wait!

Grrrrr.....couldn't get this pic to rotate...but love my swim corset top with the matching shades!

Natural Hair's Best Friend: A Darn Good Shower Cap

Every naturalista knows that it takes an insane amount of time to twist and lock hair, to bantu twist or to do an intricate protective style...only to step outside or into humidity to have the hair fall or frizz. One of the best things a natural hair girl can do for her hair is to protect it when she showers, whether the hair is still in twists or in a full fro.

I've gone through my fair share of shower caps, some specially ordered and others recommended by some of my fabulous natural hair friends, but I must say...that the shower cap that tops all and is a MUST for a natural hair diva, is from the Dry Bar.

The Best Shower Cap Ever! Photo Credit: TheDryBar.com

I purchased this shower cap for $15.00 at the Dry Bar when I was waiting on my sister-in-law to get her hair done over a month ago.  The inside is lined with terry cloth and it's super thick...and there is NO WAY that water or moisture is getting inside to ruin your hair.

Purchase this shower cap on location at the Dry Bar or online and I promise you will not be disappointed!

Moschino Pre-Fall Collection: Worth the Spend or Just a Trend?

Sometimes I take a look at what apparel items are released in the fashion world and just scream "WHY?!" 

All the rage on Instagram right now are the subtle droppings of photos of the Moschino Pre-Fall handbag collection designed by the new creative director, Jeremy Scott.  I'm not going to lie...the handbags are definitely eye-catching, interesting and make for a good editorial; but who else besides the Hollywood elite will actually wear these bags?

Moschino handbags are not exactly the most expensive when it comes to designer handbags but if I'm going to spend $500 - $1,200 on a handbag...then it better be functional, multi-faceted and still in fashion 5-10 years down the road.  That's just my two sense on these new bags that look like jackets.  Very artistic...very creative, but my jacket goes on my back...not my arm.

I'm curious...what are your thoughts on the Moschino Pre-Fall handbag collection?  Is it worth the spend to you or just a trend???

Photo Credit: Jane H. Bishop for Vogue.com

All photos credit to Moschino

Viva la Via Spiga: Exclusive Peek at the Resort Collection (Discount Code Included)

I am a certifiable shoe addict...just ask anyone who has taken a look into my closet.  Shoes are stacked high on the shelves, hidden behind my clothes and hanging on the backs of several of my closet and bathroom doors.  So imagine how much I swooned when Vogue sent me the pics from Via Spiga's resort collection??? Which ones are your favorite styles???  Just for being a loyal follower, enjoy 15% off by using the exclusive gift code RESORTREADY when you shop this newest collection. This offer is good through January 16, 2014 and is only valid on full-priced items. HAPPY SHOPPING FASHIONISTAS!

FOXY

NINO

FOLA2

VALENE

BALLARD

Fabulous Find: All the Wire Jewelry

This week I stumbled upon my newest jewelry obsession: All the Wire. After going to Courtney Kerr's premiere of her new show and meeting her bestie Tori Gonzales (see blog post here for more details), I found out through all of the various social media channels that Tori has her own jewelry company with her sister Desiree. Naturally, me being the nosy fashion journalist that I am...I just had to get the skinny on her jewelry collection. I immediately click on "shop" and the shop-a-holic in me just goes nuts...despite the fact that I should be Christmas shopping for others...OOPS!  Don't you just hate when that happens?

All The Wire Texas Charm Necklace ($25.00)

I see this Texas charm necklace and I immediately purchase it. I'm a Texas girl at heart, born and raised in Dallas and anything that I can wear to let everybody know that Texas is the best...I gotta have it. The jewelry is excellent for layering which is one of my favorite things to do. I can't wait to show you guys how I rock it when it arrives!  WOOP! WOOP!

All The Wire Chevron Midi-Ring ($10.00)

She also has adorable midi rings which have become my favorite jewelry obsession for the past year. Above all, the prices are super affordable. I just purchased both the charm necklace and the midi-ring and both cost me under $50!  SCORE!!!!  HAPPY SHOPPING DIVAS AND ENJOY! LET'S SUPPORT THIS DALLAS DIVA AND HER COMPANY!

Does This Skirt Make My Butt Look Big?

So I went into H&M several weeks ago to get this sweater that I had my eye on.  I've been into this big print movement and just wanted to try it out.  It's a huge oversized sweater that I can wear with a skirt or with leggings/jeggings.

All H&M Everything...Large Over-sized sweater, Leather skirt with Studs and textured tights

So of course I go into H&M and the sweater is only $14.95...so excited! If I'm going to wear a large oversized top then I always make sure to slim my bottom so that I don't look large.  It's a way of balancing the whole look out. So this leather studded skirt from H&M was perfect in mixing in a more fitted bottom and balancing out the huge sweater on top. If I ever want to slim it out, I can add a belt around the middle. The whole look was under $50, so score!

Fabulous Fashion Find: Bagadocious Bags (Promo Code Included)

So how annoying is it when you go to your closet and you are looking for a particular handbag but can't locate it quick enough because you don't know which dustbag it's in?  I know that I have several dustbags for my Kate Spade and Brahmin handbags but I have to look through each one to find the handbag that I want when I want it.

Well, there's a cure for that and it's called Bagadocious.  With Bagadocious, all you have to do is choose the type of dust bag that you want and it can be used for your handbags, clutches, shades, shoes or other accessories.  Upload a picture of whatever item you need a dustbag for and VOILA!  You have a quality made dustbag with a picture of what's inside so that you can cut down on how much time you spend in your closet looking for certain items.

I feel like I hit a gold mine.  Check out the Bagadocious handbags I made below.   For the first 5 followers to leave a comment on this post with their email address, I will email you a PROMO code to receive 50% off of a custom-made Bagadocious dustbag!  These make for perfect gift items as well!

Bagadocious handbag dustbag covers...you even get to choose the outside trim color!

Sunglasses Bagadocious covers--a great way to protect your sunglasses if you misplace your case.

Bagadocious bags for shoes.

My favorite fall collection, Nic +Zoe

It's completely rare that I will have favorites when it comes to the world of fashion because there is just so much to choose from but.....(shhhhh don't tell anyone), I have crowned a favorite for this fall.  Vogue Magazine granted me an exclusive look at fashion brand, Nic + Zoe's, fall/winter 2013 collection--before it hits stands in major magazines in September! I am head over heels with the multiple print patterns and styles from this collection.  All I can envision is pairing these looks with over the knee stiletto boots or booties.  But....I live in Texas, so boot season is somewhere far off in the distance right now. :(

I'm so excited to share this with you all. Take a look at some of my favorite styles and selections...don't be surprised if you see me sporting one of these in one of my next posts!

(Photo credit: Mario Sorrenti; Model: Anja Rubik)

For being a loyal follower, enjoy 30% off your first purchase from nicandzoe.com by using promo code VIPF0813. (Promo code only good for a limited time)

Fabulous Find: Celine Bag "Look a Like"

The French luxury brand, Celine, has some of the hottest handbags in the market right now.  If you're like me, sometimes you want the luxury brands for less.  You want to look the part without paying the part. The most popular Celine bag is the Phantom...it has protruding side details and can run anywhere between $2,400.00 to $3,000.00.

(Dakota Fanning carrying a Celine Phantom handbag)

I had already decided that I was going to purchase a smaller version of the Celine Phantom handbag roughly two weeks ago.  So imagine my surprise as I go into DSW for a last-minute Easter shoe run today, to see a Celine look-a-like handbag made by London Fog.  The handbag retails at $150.00 and I got it for $75.00!!!!

(Available at DSW Stores, appears to be only in-store and not online)



It looks fabulous, feels fabulous and I'm not out of $3,000.00.  Just wanted to share this secret with you guys especially since I saw one woman walking out with this London Fog handbag in both cherry and mustard colors.  According to the salesgirl, these bags are going fast!  Keep plugged in for more of my fabulous fashion finds!

This Week's Fashion Obsession...Animal Prints (Unleashing my wild side!)

So just a couple of weeks ago I said to myself "I NEED an animal print scarf!"  Went shopping on Etsy.com then to some other stores and finally found this infinity animal print scarf at Express for $20.00.  SCORE!  I paired it with a plain white tee from Nordstrom's, Boyfriend Blazer (old), mustard-colored jeggins from Express, moto boots by Guess and jewelry by Deborah Gaspar and RedibyChelsea.  I will be rocking this scarf all fall and winter!  I'll try not to abuse it but my wild side is ready to come unleashed!

This week's fashion obsession....

This week I'm obsessed with this mod platform heel from Coach's Spring 2013 collection. All eyes would definitely be on me if I wore this shoe. So chic, so sophisticated, so modern....so me.