It's A Hair Story.

The 18th of June marked my first anniversary with my husband. 

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Doesn't Hubs look adorkable in Ralph Lauren?

I felt pretty, oh-so pretty! in my Taylor Tonal Stripe Fit & Flare Dress (Nordstrom).

Clutch: Gucci (circa 2005).

Heels: American Eagle (circa 2012).

While getting ready for our dinner at Simon and Seafort's, a seafood restaurant that has won several "Best of Alaska" awards, I realized it has also been over a year since I cut off a good length of my hair.

Remember this? 

Initially, I cut my hair because it made sense: without a car, I was walking in the Texas heat every day. My thick, long curls carried more weight, more sweat, and took longer to naturally dry (I have never liked using heat on my hair; I don't even own a blow dryer).

Long Hair, Don't Care at South By Southwest 2012:

wearing a pleated Lulu's dress, via Texas Style Council, & vintage Tony Lama boots.

I wasn't nervous or scared when I told the stylist to cut so much. She kept asking me "Are you sure? I don't want you to be mad at me!"

My short hair got a few responses from people at my place of work at the time; one of the television hosts I was working with told me that I was "very brave for such a drastic change."

I didn't feel brave. The only thing I felt after was surprised: my cut locks revealed hair that had not been damaged by the sun, wisps of hair that were much darker. 

Then, as I adjusted to having shorter hairstyle, I felt an appreciation for my natural curls. I had tiny tendrils I had never noticed before. I could style my hair without using a number of products, I could use a Shampoo Plus Conditioner, and I could just shower and go! It was amazing.

Natural curl, with an Instagram filter.

Now that my hair is longer, I may one day cut it short again. Right now my goal is to learn how to style my longer hair: I've never been great at braids or fancy hairstyles. I would like to be, though. Maybe, in another year, I'll be blogging about that accomplishment!

My hair has gotten so long in a year!

Wearing: Vince Camuto Cuff Ankle Pants (Nordstrom); Collective Concepts Eyelet Shirt (Nordstrom);

Michael Kors leather flats (Nordstrom; similar).

I wear these shoes (and these Vince Camuto pants) all the time at work! Both are ultra-comfy.

My favorite bracelet, from a gift shop in Borrego Springs. My sister gave it to me a few Christmases ago!

My necklace came from Blackbird Clothes & Curios, in Austin (now closed).

Readers, have you ever done anything drastic with your hair? 

JewelMint's "The Look".

Dress: Uniqlo; Hat & Tights: Kohl's; Sunglasses: Thrifted; Ballet Flats: J. Crew.

I have been extremely busy with various projects that are off the internet lately. Even though I recently graduated, I have been asked by senior students at The Art Institute of Austin to be the copy editor for their very own fashion magazine. Regular readers will recall that I was the copy editor (and contributor) for my Fashion Capstone class's magazine, Thread. I am honored to be asked to work on such a creative endeavor.

So, in my spare time, I've been doing what I do best: finding interesting videos to watch so that you don't have to.

I found this little gem from JewelMint, entitled "The Look". I feel it captures the essence of JewelMint better than I ever could. Have a look for yourself!

As you may or may not know, I currently have a discount code for first-time JewelMint shoppers! Enter austin884 at checkout for 50% off your first month of JewelMint, courtesy of the Austin MBA Team. The discount code is active until the end of February. Please share with me know if you end up getting anything--I have a gorgeous bronze zipper bracelet from them, and it's one of my favorite pieces!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Happy Small Business Saturday!

To all of my fellow Thanksgiving celebrators--I hope you had a fashionable & family-filled holiday! I know I did. I decided to stay in Texas for a traditional day of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie (I am a vegetarian; no turkey for me!), with a friend's family. I will be seeing my own family in several weeks, at graduation. It would be too expensive for me to fly out to Montana or California for one weekend. Maybe next year!

In Quintana, TX, with my dog, Biscuit! 

Did anyone shop their hearts out for Black Friday? I only went to ULTA, as I needed to stock up on some much-needed beauty essentials.

What about Small Business Saturday? I've always thought small businesses are the backbone of America, and I'm happy that today marks the second-annual Small Business Saturday. The Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, as well as the Saturday after Black Friday, this day is to support the local businesses that make one town different from the next. Anyone can shop Macy's/Nordstrom/insert-big-department-store-name-here any time, in nearly every city or suburb. But what about the local faves? Not so much.

Unfortunately, I have to work a double today, but I did stop at Star Co. Coffee (114 East Main Street; Round Rock) for my morning pick-me-up.

So, to continue this weekend of shopping (don't forget Cyber Monday!), my new favorite JewelMint is offering 50% off of its first month, courtesy of the Austin MBA Team!

My first purchase from JewelMint.

What exactly is JewelMint? An exclusive jewelry club, and the brainchild of Cher Coulter (British fashion designer & celebrity stylist) and Kate Bosworth (American actress), every month members of JewelMint receive a new jewelry piece, which is chosen from their personal preferences and selection. Don't like the jewelry available that month? Members can skip the month, without any charge.

Sounds like a good deal to me! I already have a piece from JewelMint, this ultra-slinkster gold zipper bracelet.

My JewelMint bracelet and Biscuit!

If JewelMint strikes your fancy, all you have to do for your discount is enter austin884 at checkout for 50% off your first month of JewelMint, courtesy of the Austin MBA Team. Happy shopping!

Visit the Mint Brand Ambassador on Facebook. 

I might be committing a fashion blogger cardinal sin here, but...

I have a confession to make:

I don't like posting photos of myself on my blog.

Which is why I don't have too many style posts featuring, well, me.

And it's not because I have low self-esteem/hate how I look/used to have an eating disorder. Nor am I fishing for compliments. I don't base people on their looks, and I naively believe people don't judge me by mine.

In fact, I like to think I look pretty A-OK most days. I also walk about three miles round-trip each day to school or work (I don't have a car; it's a beautiful thing to not have a car, until I want to go somewhere outside my neighborhood). I'm exhausted when I get home and, truth be told, the last thing I have on my mind is taking a photo of myself.

(If you live somewhere other than Texas, you might not know that the Lone Star State has been going through a heatwave, whilst in a drought. A tank top paired with shorts and walking shoes has become my uniform.)

When I don't have to dress for the trek in hot weather, I wear pieces that make me feel confident and comfortable. I have friends take photos of me when I can. A few of my friends refuse to take my photo, for they think I'll be picky and need them to take dozens of pictures. You would think, from the responses I get, that I don't go to an art school where everyone is required to take one photography class. All I really ask is that I don't look like I have a double-chin.

I promise this post has a happy ending, as I recently made a discovery with my new camera: it has a timer! I don't need another human to take my photo! I don't need to do the awkward "Pleeeeease, it's for my blog" speech to my friends anymore.

So stay tuned, ladies and gents! I'm making a pledge right this second that I'm going to step out of my comfort zone, and post more looks from my very own wardrobe.

To begin this endeavor, here's a snapshot of me at a recent wedding in Kyle, TX. I was a bridesmaid, and I was very lucky to be able to have a say in my dress. Both the dress and shoes are from David's Bridal. The necklace is a handmade creation by the bride's aunt.

The Season For Loving.

I'm going to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my parents, who were divorced before I can even remember, were married on the holiday. Or maybe it's because this year's Valentine's Day marks what would have been the half-year anniversary of my last committed relationship (it's pathetic that I know this, but that's what happens when you write everything down in a journal).

Regardless of my singlehood, it doesn't mean I haven't been gushing over clothing recently and wondering what would look great if I had a Valentine.

The Scarlet Harlot Dress (aka Boudoir Babe from Forever 21):

Remember that scene from Gone With The Wind where Rhett Butler persuades Madam Belle Watling to lie for the raid party? Maybe not. Either way, although Belle's costumes in the film were mostly white or cream with a touch of pink, this dress reminds me of her and her, ahem, profession. I like the corset-look of it and the bow in the front. I'd match it with a pair of heels, the pair of Naughty Monkey's shown. If I were to wear this dress, I would do a full-effect with the makeup: smoky eyes and a red lipstick, such as Y.S.L's No. 16 Red Temptation. Add a couple gold-chained necklaces along with a black clutch, and I would be set! This dress could easily be overwhelming with the va-va-voom of it all, but that's why I like it: it has some spunk and attitude with a little sex thrown in. I would blow-out my hair for a bedroom look. What occasion would I wear this to? Alamo Drafthouse's Gone With the Wind Valentine's Day Feast, of course.

The Gorgeous Magenta Dress (aka Evening Chelsea Dress from Betsey Johnson):

Yes, this dress has my name in it. No, I would not pick a dress to wear that I didn't like. I adore bubble dresses and the color. Black is always slimming, while layered-bubble effect with the magenta is a little different. Like the previous dress, this one from Betsey Johnson has lace, and the sweetheart neckline is more accentuated, especially because the dress is strapless. I'd wear L.A.M.B.'s black open-toed Zelia Heel stilettos and little-to-no makeup (I'm a fresh-faced girl at heart, and pink always adds a little natural rosiness to my cheeks). I would wear my hair up in a messy bun. As for a purse, I'd go with the Bowtie Affair I found on Bag Haus. And where exactly would I wear this number? The Driskill Grill.

The Honey, I'd Rather Go to a Show Outfit:


Of course, all these outfits are for imaginary dates, but I can probably bet you that my next boyfriend will be a musician in one form or another, as my last two were. With that said, I like to go to concerts more than anything. I remember one boy telling me that I was absolutely crazy for wearing boots to one gig I went to at Antone's (sadly, it was canceled and the Kooks haven't been back to ATX since), but honestly, there is nothing better than a pair of boots for a show.

Why? The boots add height while still protecting my toesies. In fact, I can't think of a concert this past year that I didn't wear boots: even at Austin City Limits when it didn't rain, I wore boots! That's why I love these pointed-toe boots from Guess that I found on Zappos: not only would they would look great with the Dark Gothic Glam Skinny from Miss Me, they would give me the extra height I crave. Matched with the Daytrip Sublimated Floral Babydoll blouse from Buckle and the Heart, Lock, and Key Charm Necklace from RockLove Jewelry, I would probably wear black eye liner, a red lipgloss, and call it good. A little rocker, a little girly...definitely fits my style.

So...now that we all know I'm single for Valentine's Day, let's hope I'll be working! Does anyone have plans for the holiday yet? Decided what you're going to wear? Tell me all the fashion details!

Every Day Should Be a Fashion Friday.

After our classes ended today, my best friend Megan and I--both fashion students at the Art Institute of Austin--did some damage to our wallets.

We first went shopping at Wet Seal, where I have an Employee Appreciation 50% Off Weekend.

After I bought a denim romper and a green cardigan, I decided we had to hit up Terra Burger off The Drag for some lunch. However, when Megan and I approached The Triangle at Guadalupe and Lamar, I told her we had to make a pitstop at SoLa: "I read something about a sale somewhere..." (Thanks, Amanda!). Everything there is still 50% off, including already marked-down items.

After buying a set of gold octupi earrings and a gorgeous dress that looks fabulous on now and will look even more fab as I continue my journey of weight-loss (I want to lose 19 pounds by my 21st birthday, April 21st), Megan bought a wine-colored romper.

I like to think they're swimming on my coffee table.

This dress has a great gold-colored exposed zipper on the side.

Megan in SoLa!

We merrily made our way down Guadalupe to Terra Burger, a place Megan has never been before. I was so excited to have her try the food there because everything from the soda to the locally-made burger buns is organic. The burgers are half-price on Fridays, so this added to my excitement. Megan absolutely loved the joint! She ordered a hamburger and soda, while I got my usual veggie burger and fries (for the record, I am a vegetarian). When visiting Terra, I alternate between getting fries and getting a chocolate baby-sized shake.

Megan is no longer a virgin to Terra Burger!

Afterward, we made my usual round of the Guadalupe-located stores: Urban Outfitters, c. jane, Wish, Cream Vintage...As always, I fell in love with everything at Cream Vintage, especially a dress their seamstresses and tailors had reworked into their own vision. After trying it on, Megan made the suggestion of getting it taken in in a few places. Lindsey, the seamstress who helped me, was very nice and even let Megan take a photo of her working. I've always loved Cream Vintage since moving back into the Austin area in 2008, and I'm so glad they have in-house seamstresses. Their services are only $7, which isn't too shabby. The cost of the overall purchase was less-than-expected, as everything in the store, excluding sunglasses, was 20% off.

Lindsey and me at the Cream Vintage West Campus store.

I forgot to get a photo of the Betsey Johnson swimsuit cover-up Megan bought for $20 at Buffalo Exchange, but it summed up the crazy, wonderful day. I've decided every day should be a "Fashion Friday"; I just need more of a cash flow first.

End result of the Cream Vintage dress!

The weather was so nice, Megan changed into a blouse she bought at Urban Outfitters.

Special thanks to SoLa for the logo.

My New Year's Fashion Resolutions.

I've been thinking about the New Year a lot in regards to my personal style, especially since I've come to the realization that I don't talk about what I'm wearing much. Let me paint a picture for you: during school days, I throw on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, a jacket or hoodie along with my black boots, and I'm out the door. I try to dress comfortably while at school, and I don't care what anyone thinks of me if they're going to judge me based on how I dress. Right now, however, even some days I think I look like a slob.

While I have been told that I have great style, this has not been by my fashion-major peers at school. I came up with a list of things that, if followed, will improve my overall daily style. Some of them are simple, such as add classic pieces to my wardrobe, while others are more complicated and will take time (lose weight to fit beautiful clothes that no longer fit). I am also currently thinking of doing Project 365, which is where you take a photo of yourself for every day of the year. Recording my style progress will probably increase my chances of changing my clothing habits. Until then, here is the list, in no particular order:

1. Clean out my closet and get rid of anything I don't wear.
My closet contains items that date back to 2001.

Organized in Vib G. Yor.

2. Stop wearing my ex-boyfriend's Coors Light sandals as normal, day-to-day footwear.

Can't find them, so maybe my dog solved that problem for me.

3. Fix my mother's ring that my dog tried to eat.
The one, specific thing my mother left me is currently missing two small stones after I accidentally left the ring on my coffee table.

Wearing the ring in happier times.

4. Lose the pounds I've gained since purchasing my one-and-only Betsey Johnson dress and wear said dress.
The whole matter is quite depressing, but with a little exercise and no more ice-cream, the dress should fit in no time!

5. Try to buy things that are classic and durable.
Rather than my add to my collection of graphic tees that are not, I should invest in key pieces, such as blazers and trench coats, that can carry me through the seasons.

I thought this shirt was awesome when I was 16.

6. Stop using my chest as a billboard for beer companies.
'Nuff said.

Oh, Corona...if only you'd get off my chest.

7. Find more vintage concert t-shirts.
The two I own were given to me by my dad, and I think they're the best. There's just something about clothes with a past experience, plus since they're old they're uber-comfy.

Wearing an authentic 1981 Rolling Stones' American Tour tee.

8. Shop local stores more often, rather than at the mall.
This may be hard, as I have a 40-50% discount where I work.

Support local businesses, kids.

9. Streamline what works for me.
I have huge, once-athletic thighs from being a swimmer and runner, so lengths that hit between my knee and hip work better than high-thigh ever will, along with bell-silhouettes and high-waisted skirts.

Even when I am toned and thin, short-shorts don't flatter my figure.

10. Buy jewelry second-hand.
Why, you ask? Because I want to be green as possible without turning into Kermit the Frog, dammit!

I had a lot of fun coming up with this list...can you think of any style resolutions for yourself? Here's to a happy and fabulous New Year!

Adorn Yourself.

As a child, my #1 ambition was to be Holly Golightly from the Paramount Pictures flick Breakfast at Tiffany's. While I didn't understand the plot concept, I knew Miss Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, was always decked out in the most fabulous jewelry...what more could a little girl ask for?

As someone that loves accessories but doesn't have an endless wad of cash, I'm constantly looking for great jewelry pieces. Whether it's costume or genuine, with or without precious or synthetic stones, I spend as much time at the jewelry counter as I do anywhere else in a store. I tend to find a few accessories worthwhile, and then start to elimintate pieces by how they may compliment my wardrobe. Usually my attention's caught by colors and the shine. I'm a sucker for all things natural, but lately I've purchased more quirky finds that suit my personality as well. As you should never over-accessorize an outfit, I never purchase anything I feel is too gaudy.

These gems are just a few of simple pieces that can make your outfit pop. The sixth piece, from the NOVICA by National Geographic Store, is my favorite, as it is handmade and one-of-a-kind!

Betsey Johnson 'Girlie Charms' Bracelet--$150 at Nordstrom.com; Heart Bird Skull Necklace--$8 at WetSeal.com and select stores; Heart Locket Necklace--$12.50 at Aeropostale.com and select stores (currently all online jewelry is buy 1 get 1 FREE); Turquoise Toggle Chip Bracelet--$25.00 at KVKDesigns.com; Blue Burst Cuff Bracelet--$14.95 at KVKDesigns.com; Cedar Bracelet, "Sunset Cloud" by Gerard Terrien--$52.95 at NOVICA.com; 14 K Gold Dolphin Hoop Earrings--$125 at JewelryCentral.com; Sterling Silver Red Crystal Flower Earrings--$11.97 at Overstock.com; Sterling Silver Heart-shaped Amethyst Earrings--$15.99 at Overstock.com.