Who Needs Office Appropriate

The pencil skirt is often seen 9 to 5pm in an office but add a high slit to it, and it goes from classic to subtly sexy. I have only worked one real “business” type job. You know, the one you have to actually get up and get “business casual.” It was my first job out of college and I remember being so excited to wake up and put real buisness clothes on. As a child (and adult) I love a good costume and that is how I approached this new adventure in my life. However, after a few months of waking up early, doing my make-up, hair, and stepping into the business suit, the novelty wore off. Nowadays the only pencil skirt you will catch me in, is the one with a high slit. The high slit makes it modern and sexy. Dress it up with a silk blouse and heels or throw on a t-shirt, tie it at the waist, and grab some sneakers. I have become a fan of the pencil skirt again, but only if I never have to wear that “office appropriate” kind.

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outfit details // Altuzarra High Slit skirt (yellow sold out but here on sale in black and pinstriped), A.L.C. ‘Delle’ blouse, Shutz ‘Enida’ shoe, Illesteva ‘Leonard’ sunglass

Never Letting Go

I love it – the crisp, clean, classic feel of all white. Being someone who used to follow the, “no white after Labor Day or before Easter” I feel pretty great throwing the rule book aside. White is a color I have grown fond of over the years. I always recommend having a section of your closet dedicated to different items in white. It is so versatile and a “no think piece.” When you feel you have nothing to wear, it always looks amazing. Throw a white t-shirt under a blazer (I own this one in three colors), a white sweater with black pants, or pair white on white (as I did here). You will always look great, it will never go out of style, and it is a no-brainer.

My one advice on buying white – don’t rush it. Since it is such a classic color you want to build a base of items you love and are excited to wear. This could take time to acquire. Where should you start? I recommend starting with buying a really good white t-shirt or blouse. These are the white items I wear a few times a week so I never feel bad about investing in them.

 

outfit details // Derek Lamp 10 Crosby Flare pants (on sale here, here, & here), Madewell Pleated Short Sleeve blouse, Roarke ‘Abyss” Scarf Necklace (full page here, I also love this one)

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outfit details // Derek Lamp 10 Crosby Flare pants (on sale here, here, & here), Madewell Pleated Short Sleeve blouse, Roarke ‘Abyss” Scarf Necklace (full page here, I also love this one)

Outdoor Patio Revamp

I absolutely love entertaining. I have mentioned it quite a lot on this blog but it really is my bliss. I love getting friends and family together and creating a special and memorable evening. Seriously, nothing is better than an evening spent with those you love. Especially if you have a great glass of wine or champagne in hand ;).

Unfortunately for me, I don’t live in a state where entertaining outside is a year round event. Because of the heat and mosquitoes we fight in Texas most outdoor entertaining is done in April or November (trust me it isn’t that cold yet). But for those two months where the weather is pleasant, I am outside as much as possible.  Which means, all of my hosting duties migrate to the patio.

I definitely get both my love for entertaining and being outside from my mother. She can throw one hell of a party (indoor and outdoor). Knowing that I will have a few weekends where I want to have parties outside, having a cute outdoor area has always been something I’ve strived for. I could sit on Pinterest for hours looking at outdoor inspiration (see my board here). While I do love my patio seating area (see it here) I was never set on my outdoor dining area. That is until recently.

While my outdoor space doesn’t allow me to create the exact design I want, I was set on creating an outdoor space that would feel cozy but hip. Almost like you were sitting in a cool indoor lounge but could glance over and see the stars. And with the help of ATG Stores I was able to accomplish this goal. Shout out to ATG who made the entire process so easy for finding every piece I needed. Their website literally is a one stop shop for your indoor and outdoor needs!
 I am so happy with how it turned out. We have already hosted a brunch or two (we had a cool front) but I can’t wait to host lots of dinner parties once the temperatures cool down entirely.

Design Breakdown:
Commonwealth Curtain Panels – I really wanted to break up the large patio area and make the dining area feel intimate and sexy. I knew adding curtains would be a great (and inexpensive) way to accomplish what I was after.

Safavieh Couture Duval Bar Trolley – I am a huge believer in having bars around the house. Not only do they fill awkward spaces but they have a bit of a “throw back” feel. They let your guest know they can let loose and have fun, but also have the ability to tie in your entire aesthetic.

nuLOOM Fez Natural Area rug – I know what you are thinking, “Isn’t that an indoor rug?” And yes. It is! However, the space is completely covered and the rug is really easy to roll up after use. I think it gives a really intimate feel and allows your guest to feel comfortable and cozy.

Fine Mod Flower Dining Table – I have been obsessing over this table shape for years! It is retro, sleek, and a statement. It was such a fun and unexpected touch to add to the space. I love the table so much, I am thinking of moving it indoors to be my dining room table! It is such a great piece.

Fine Mod Wire Leg Dining Chair – We have these Eames chairs as our dining chairs and I really wanted to keep the flow from indoor to outdoor similar. These were a great price to accomplish the look I was going for. They are also so easy to clean off and are light-weight to move around.

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Furniture Details c/o ATG Stores // Safavieh Couture Duval Bar Trolley, nuLOOM Fez Natural Area rug, Fine Mod Flower Dining Table, Fine Mod Wire Leg Dining Chair, Commonwealth Curtain Panels

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