Congratulations to Sarah Martinez for winning my Instagram giveaway! Thank you so much to everyone who participated. It was so exciting to pick out the pieces in this giveaway, and I look forward to having many more giveaways in the future.
If you didn't see my post about free ties for the first 20 subscribers to Tie Cargo, make sure you check that out. All you have to do is use coupon code "tiezero" at checkout, and your name-brand tie will be on its way. Normally it is $10 for one name-brand tie per month. Examples include Armani, J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. Go check out Tie Cargo!
Thank you again to all who participated in my giveaways! Y'all are so awesome! Have a wonderful night!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Here I am wearing my knee high boots and flowy top from Forever 21. My leggings are from Marshall's. I received this adorable necklace for Christmas from the boyfriend's Grammie. It's such a cool necklace, and I'm excited to experiment with it.
I hope y'all enjoyed this outfit. I'm hoping to head to the Julep Maven meet up tomorrow here in Dallas at Max's Wine Dive. I'll definitely write a blog post if I make it. Have a great one!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I have never been to this event before, but it could be something worth checking out. If anyone has been to this before, please let me know if it is worth attending. I'm a little late on finding out about this, but I will be sharing upcoming events here in Dallas. I plan on attending more events this year, and reporting on them. Let me know if you think of any events I have not mentioned. Thanks, y'all!
I am so excited to find out about Beautycon here in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, March 14th at Fair Park. And Fleur Deforce will be there! I was watching her latest vlog last night, which I always forget she does, and she had just revealed coming to Dallas for her new book tour.
I am so excited for Fleur. I have been watching her videos for about a year now, and I really love them. She is so funny, and she's British, so she says the cutest things. I love her style, and she really let's you see a play by play of her life, which is so precious. It's just great to see a strong, confident woman following her dreams. It's very inspiring.
If you haven't seen her YouTube videos, I highly recommend it. I think it would be a good idea to watch some of her first videos and then her newer ones so you can see her transformation. Way to go, Fleur!
-xoxo-
A few weeks ago I went to Mercat Bistro here in Dallas, Texas with the boyfriend and his mom. We were out looking for a new place to rent, and his mom suggested we try out this restaurant. They were technically closed, as it was 2PM, but they were staying open for some reason, and said we could stay. When the boyfriend's mom went in to the restroom, she saw the Governor was having lunch. We were dining outside, and I never went in the Bistro, but I still thought it was cool we were the only ones present. It was such a lovely day! Sometimes, I would like to have snow sometimes, but on days like the day above, I don't really miss snow.
I really love the location of Mercat Bistro. As you can tell in the picture, the plates are beautiful. We tried the charcuterie for our appetizer, and I ordered the French onion soup as my lunch. I also ordered a black hat, which is an espresso shot on top of vanilla flavored cream. It's delicious! I also enjoyed everything else. I will definitely return and try more.
I hope y'all enjoyed this post! Happy weekend!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I apologize for the delay, folks. My computer started acting up a few days ago, and has not loaded anything since. I am trying to update from my phone, which is rather difficult. I should have a new laptop in a day or two. Please check into my Instagram in the meantime for updates.
I finally tried my own manicure art again. It's been about two weeks, but that seems far too long, because I love trying new things. This design was inspired by some one of the dot-themed Christmas tree nails I saw on Instagram. I wish I could remember the person so I could credit them.
The first thing I did was apply two coats of white satin finish nail polish from Julep. I applied a coat of fast dry, but it didn't dry as quickly as I hoped. Then I made little lime green dots of Julep nail polish with my dotter I purchased at Urban Outfitters online last Christmas. I then made dark green dots from another Julep nail polish. The red dots were last, and you might want to wait for the greens to dry for a few minutes, or else your red will smear with the green. The star is made with a gold color I used from a Forever 21 polish I bought earlier this year. The base of the tree is a dark brown or black color from Julep. It's hard to tell which color it is. Lastly, apply a coat of fast dry.
These nails were so fun and easy to do. Making little dots is so easy, and if you make a mistake, it's hard to tell. Let me know what you think about this manicure, and if you have any manicure design suggestions for the future.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Happy Tuesday y'all!
I chose another outfit I couldn't capture every detail of in one picture, so I added a few to this post today. My shoes are the center of attention, again, today. I bought these from Ruche, and wore them last week to the Christmas party. I haven't worn these shoes many times, but the first time I did, I was traveling on a flight from Gunnison, Colorado to Dallas, Texas on Christmas, and they had a beating. Now I try to think of them in outfits like this.
My pants are gray, pleated, slouchy pants from Forever 21. I bought them online, and they are a bit long (I'm petite), but fit perfectly everywhere else. They have enough room that when it gets cold enough, I can wear another layer underneath.
My cardigan is from a small retailer online. I cannot remember the name of the company, but my top was about $15. I love it because of the lace detail, and you can easily pair it with a skirt or shorts. I'm also a huge fan of mint, so I had to have this cardigan.
I'm still working on my Christmas shopping. I would like to plan ahead better next year, and get more shopping done earlier, but sometimes I just love waiting for the sales around Christmas. I don't always have the extra money, but this year I did start a gift box where I gathered little presents throughout the year to hand out at birthdays or Christmas. A few gifts came in yesterday and today from Amazon, which amazed me with their super quick Prime shipping. I love it! It was so hard not giving my boyfriend his presents, but they are now wrapped and sitting under the tree where I will do my best not to think of them for the next week. In the meantime, I'm still looking for the best practical gifts I can. Until tomorrow...
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I had a pretty hectic Friday, cleaning up a little mess my prissy cats created, and a bit of a pest problem with my dogs. Needless to say, TGIF! I threw together a little something for y'all on this festive second to last Friday before Christmas.
I was inspired by a candy-cane striped, button-up blouse my boyfriend gave me. The top is from Ann Taylor Loft, but my boyfriend found it while thrifting. I think it makes a great holiday shirt. On top of that, I wore a red, button-up, double-pocket cardigan from Forever 21. For the final touch, I wore a silver statement necklace because I am really into the metallics this winter.
At first I was going to wear a skirt or pants with this outfit, but in the end I decided I liked the black tights and shorts best. My tights are from Forever 21, and my shorts are Express Stretch. Similar here. I also wore my black H&M pointed stiletto booties. The weather was mild, so I could get away with an outfit like this in Dallas.
I finished my third final exam today. My last one is due on Sunday. My doggies get groomed in the morning, and I'm heading to Pampered Soles to get some of my own pampering, then lunch. Photos to follow. Be sure to check my Instagram account @dressdynamicdallas. Have a great weekend!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I was invited to a Christmas Party this evening, and am so excited to share what I wore. This isn't the first time I have wore this outfit, but I did change it up with different jewelry and hairstyle, plus I never wore it in front of so many people before, nor shared it online.
Everything in the photo was purchased at Ruche about two years ago. I saw the outfit in their lookbook, and basically copied it. It is so adorable.
The shoes are green and purple. I wouldn't think to match all of these pieces, but I love how it looks, and I have been given so many compliments on the combination. They are wedge heels, which is also one of my other favorite things to wear. These are so great because they look vintage.
My skirt is also the perfect respectable length for gatherings with all age groups. I love the pattern, and how the ivory looks lacy on top of the red. The waist is what is best about this skirt because it has a thick elastic band that doesn't fit too tight, but it feels great compared to some zipper waist skirts. I feel like I could wear it all day.
The top is really the center of attention of this outfit, and I am so sad I did not include a photo, but I might wear it again this year. My top has black lace sleeves, and a lace open back with black bows that go up the spine. The black lace material has a gold shimmer thread woven throughout it, which is so pretty in the light. Since I'm taking all of my own fashion photos at this time, it can be difficult with the phone I own to take full outfit shots. In the future I hope to include more angles of my outfits.
This is my second year attending this particular Christmas party at my boyfriend's mother's home. She has such a gorgeous and inviting home. I love being at her house, especially around Christmas time because she goes all out. This year there were three Christmas trees! I didn't stay as long as last year, but the house was buzzing when I left. She is such a wonderful hostess! I forgot her gift at home, but I will be surprising her with it on Christmas.
I wore my hair in a slightly messy bun with one of those fun donut hair pieces. I also wore these huge, vintage, gaudy, fake diamond and pearl earrings. I'm about to post a picture of them on Instagram. They were purchased to use in my jewelry designs, but I couldn't bear to take them apart. My make-up was done with white eyeshadow on my water-line and in the corners of my eyes. On my lips I wore a berry lipstick from Forever 21 from my Ipsy bag.
I'm going to be stepping it up with blog posts from here until at least January 20th when school starts back up again. I will do my best to keep posting every week, but make sure to follow my Instagram (@dressdynamicdallas), since I do most of my posting there. Anywho, tata for now.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I am feeling so inspired because of Christmas coming up. It's so inspirational! I just love this time of year!
I bought my pants at Tommy Hilfiger earlier this year on my trip to New York. It was such an exciting experience! I am obsessed with Gossip Girl, and at the time I started reading the books, so I was having even more fun. I went to many of the places I saw in the show, such as the Russian Tea Room from when Georgina meets up with the crook Poppy Lipton, and the men's Ralph Lauren store from the episode where Nate is sleeping with Duchess and she buys him something spiffy. Oh I do love New York!
My shoes are from Ruche. I am obsessed with the vintage-classic look of all of their clothing. These shoes were a spontaneous purchase because as soon as I saw them, I purchased them no matter the cost. They were actually purchased together with the plaid skirt I wore a few days ago. I love oxfords, especially these because they have a heel. I'm short, so I typically go for heels.
The shirt I purchased at Forever 21. I have been trying to purchase tops that are versatile, as opposed to in the past where I would purchase a top because it's lovely and bold, and then I have limited outfits to wear it with. This shirt is so billowy and silky. I love the button detail in the front.
My pearls are also not real. They are play jewels, but they look cute. I love layering them alone or with other jewels.
If you liked this outfit, or you want to know more, leave a comment below. I'd love to have feedback. I'm so excited to be sharing all of my outfits. It's something I have been longing to do, and I have a passion for it. Please enjoy my fashion expressions.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
My Monday was a nice mellow day like I like em. I put on this adorable outfit I love to wear all year round (w/ shorts in the summer and boots), and I stopped into Top Pot Doughnuts to pick up some treats for everyone in the office. I ordered the peppermint chocolate donut, which I found interesting yet tasty. The coffee is also DELISH!
The sweater wrap I bought at Tobi a few years ago, and it ties around the waist, but I like to tie it behind my back. It looks cuter. Similar here. My sweet boyfriend also let me use his gift card a few years ago to Marshall's where I scored these adorable booties. Similar here. You can see a bit of my purple socks peeking out, but that wasn't intended. My pants are from Nordstrom's. I also wore a black t-shirt under the sweater wrap.
I snapped the picture above quickly out on a walk with my dogs, Tiki and Odessa. I just love these shoes, and I never think to take pictures when I'm out walking my dogs. I'm sure I look funny, but it kills two bird with one stone, as they say. You can see the booties are a little beat up since I wear them so much in the fall. They are very comfortable.
This week is off to a wonderful start. I began my Christmas card adventure tonight. It's not something I remember to do every year, but this year I want to remember everyone. I also put my first Christmas present under our cute little tree. There is a Christmas party on Thursday I am invited to attend, so I was excited when the package arrived today with the hostess's gift. She will be so pleased! I hope everyone else had a wonderful Monday, and I look forward to what the rest of the week has to bring.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Two Christmases ago I received this lovely tri-fold bag from Thirty One Gifts from my boyfriend's mother for organizing my jewelry and jewelry supplies. I love the pattern, and the font and color is very nice with the pattern. I'm able to fit a lot of stuff inside of the pouches, and it has versatile storage. You can also change the handles, but I haven't tried to yet.
Thirty One Gifts has so many other cute patterns and bags of various sizes for so many uses, along with other items such as thermals and wallets. I think these items make wonderful gifts, especially when you can personalize it. I also love how the patterns change each season. (The new snowman pattern is especially cute!)
I would think a good selling point for these items is for mothers and organizers. My aunt has a few bags she uses for diaper bags, or other travel needs. These bags would also look cute in a little girl's room or a college girls bathroom. Think of also organizing a pantry with these cuties!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I wore this outfit last year on Thanksgiving with green tights, and I think it is such a classic outfit. The skirt and shoes are from Ruche, and here I am wearing black tights from Forever 21.I'm struggling with wear I purchased the top, but I believe that, too, is from Ruche. I just fell in love with the outfit, and the skirt included the belt (score!).
My Sundays are usually spent in comfy clothing, so today was a fun change. I am again back in comfies, and working on my next outfit ideas and blogging (...and starting Game of Thrones finally). You also cannot miss the lovely cat in the background of the photo above. That's a vintage decoupage cat doorstop given to me last summer. I absolutely love it! (And it keeps the kitties out of my kitchen.)
I was a little eager in some of my earlier posts and misjudged how soon my semester in school was over. My last day is not actually until this Sunday. I was able to take it a little easy over this weekend and focus on fashion. Two of my courses are complete, but I have two more left. Just two more finals! I'm so excited to have more time to focus on other things. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a peaceful Sunday afternoon, and a Monday filled with coffee (or tea).
-xoxo-
Stephanie
