So I guess it’s officially wedding season, two weddings within a few weeks of each other. This was another opportunity for me to bypass the shopping and use what I already had in my closet. This dress I actually had made from a pattern, by a seamstress friend of mine. I wanted something girlie and swingy-and she made exactly that. The floral fabric with sheer spots and blue lining I fell in love with at JoAnn Fabrics.

These shoes, I think have seen their last event. I’ve owned them since highschool!! Many dances, weddings and semi-formal events later, I just haven’t managed to let them go, but it’s time to retire them and say goodbye.

The jewelry are gifts. Necklace is from my Grandma and bracelet actually came as a set with a watch (which I hardly wear together), from Schwabs. The pearls were perfectly dainty for my girlie take on wedding attire.

Dress-TailorMade(McCalls Dress Pattern)/Shoes-ChineseLaudry/Necklace and Bracelet-Gifted

Going to my aunt’s wedding, I really wanted to purchase a new dress but realized I could make a perfectly suitable outfit with pieces I already had in my closet. I mixed a little bit of this-and-that to create something I could only call classic gone askew.

A beautiful LBD with a fit and flare cut that skims over the curves is a good closet staple. This dress can be worn time and time again-and I have-worn this time and time again.

The accessories always manage to change-up a classic: cap-toe heels with leopard print, bold necklace, gold bangle and vintage mesh handbag were my choices for the evening. I danced the night away and when my tootsies got tired, changed into dainty gold ballet flats. A fun outfit for a fun wedding!

Dress-CalvinKlein(viaRoss)/Shoes-NineWest(viaTJMaxx)/Necklace&Bracelet-Inherited/Purse-Vintage(viaIronSideMarket,SanAntonio,TX)

Our travel day back home to Texas consisted of riding in the car for 13+ hours. This outfit focused on comfort, comfort, comfort. I love this striped top. It fits easy like a t-shirt with an added sense of playfulness. My cargo pants are as comfy as sweats, but way more versatile and wearable. I’ve already worn them so many ways: rolled up and down; with flats, flip-flips, sneakers and heels; with flowy tanks, casual t-shirts and silky tops; or as the photo depicts, with striped tops on long road-trips back home.

Our trip could have been shorter, but we took a detour to Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Ironically enough, we didn’t make it to the actual fort. We did, however, take a tour through the Billy the Kid Museum-located two miles out from the center of town. This museum was interesting…and expansive. Lucky for us, we left happy to have made the trip.

Top-JonesNewYork(viaMarshalls)/Pants-Merona(viaGoodwill)/Shoes-Converse(viaMarshalls)/Pendant-Keshi/Earrings-Etsy(TheWaterPlanet)

Our last day in Santa Fe, we intended to do lots of walking, so sneakers were a must. A long sweater worn over a basic black tee kept the chill to a minimum and dark-rinse skinny jeans streamlined the look. I had forgotten my sunglasses in the room, this jazzy pair was purchased in a general store downtown. I like the heart on the side, kinda cute and silly at the same time.

True to the plan, we traveled entirely by foot, exploring parts of Santa Fe we hadn’t yet seen and learning that there is always something beautiful in this town to stop and take pleasure in…like a fishy sculpture!

Just a quick announcement- my art can now be found on facebook!! If you are on facebook and like my art, I’d be honored to connect with you. Please check me out at: facebook.com/VRMstudios

through the ages
they will fill pages
of the family tree

Yes, I see-

like father, like son
like mother, like daughter

like grandfather, like grandmother
like sister, like brother

like a vicious disease
passed to one another

Unless you come clean
you know what I mean?

All it takes is one
to ruin his fun

to break the cycle
to undo what’s been done

And then start anew
fresh leaves break through

Curses exist
but God’s blessings do too

Who will be first?
To reverse the cursed?

Will it be me?
Will it be you?

I push and I shove
but deep down
there’s pure love

for everything you are
for everything you’re not

you say you love more
but my heart is what you’ve got

it’s all I have to give
for as long as I shall live

I’ve got plenty
but some say
I should have more

Sometimes, I daydream
about the finer things
but I often leave out
greed, power, corruption, ego…

what great money brings

I could have more
but what more do I need
when everything I’ve got
my soul it does feed?

Please don’t judge
my humble inventory of stuff

I live
I laugh
I love

and it’s more than enough

Santa Fe definitely comes with a mindset…and fashion sense that’s all its own. For me, Santa Fe fashion conjures up images of long, flowy skirts in bright patterns and fabrics; loose tops; embroidered jackets, cowboy boots; silver and turquoise accessories; and touches of Native American garb.

I wanted to reflect that spirit, but do it my way. Enter a flowy hot pink skirt, classic black and white top and knee high croc print boots.

I’m also wearing local handmade jewelry: my favorite turquoise butterfly pendant, purchased at Keshi in downtown Santa Fe a few years back and a unique turquoise and copper cuff, purchased on this trip from a vendor in front of the Palace of Governors.

I liked this outfit because it was ultra comfortable and it took on a personality of it’s own, much like the city different itself

Top-JonesNewYork(viaMarshalls)/Skirt-Goodwill/Boots-DuoBoots.com/Pendant-Keshi/Bracelet-LocalVendor,PalalaceOfGovernors(SantaFe,NM)

We spent the day checking out the art, playing in the parks and enjoying the sunny but chilly weather.  Lows in the 20′s and plenty of wind encouraged us to stay bundled up. Basic bootcut jeans, sneakers and a plaid coat in a vibrant shade of pink kept me warm and cute.

Underneath, I’m wearing my black tee from Torrid and hobo sweater. Earrings are a gift from Schwabs, they are handmade from Etsy and meant to look like fish. The top is the head and it twirls down into a fishtail. How did he know I’d love them?!

Coat&Jeans-Dots/Shoes-Converse(viaMarshalls)/Scarf-OldNavy/Gloves-Target/Earrings-Etsy(TheWaterPlanet)