London Shopping – Whistels

outfit details // Whistles Cashmere dress, Rachel Zoe 'Nevana' boot

accessory details // Ray Ban Wayfarer sunnies in black via Smart Buy glasses c/o

photo shot by B

I always try to talk about travel once a week and since yesterday was about a Dallas eatery I thought I needed to do a better job. While thumbing through travel photos and deciding what I wanted to share with you all I came across these photos I shot while in London in November. I actually have an entire batch I never posted – 1. because I look SO tired and puffy and 2. because I am wearing grey in every.single.outfit. I have been trying to add some color to my outfits lately so put these on the back burner. However since today was a travel day I figured now is as good a time as ever.

This Whistles dress was actually a sweet gift from the hubs. He has this incredible gift of shopping twice a year and buying items that last. I say gift because it really is hard to not shop all year long. However, during these two times a year he splurges! I mean, he really goes out and gets nice items that he will wear for years to come. And the crazy thing is, he does! He wears these items for years and years – because the quality lasts! Since he had bought what he needed he wanted to treat me to something nice (isn’t he a dear). While walking through a few stores I stopped at Whistels. I have always loved them for their minimal and chic style so I knew I would find something I wanted. Actually, a really amazing navy coat instantly caught my eye. While trying it on and deciding if I liked the oversized fit, “B” brought me this cashmere sweater dress. It was minimal, great quality, and something that will be in style for years (so very B). I was taken. After trying it on I knew this dress was going to be my winter staple. Taking a note from the hubs, I am trying to buy items that fit all the above qualities (quality, wearable, and classic) as I get so jealous of his really nice pieces that last year after year. It makes me sit in my closet and realize how much money I have wasted over the years. Although this entire theory is so much easier said than done it is a lifestyle change. Saving up and waiting for quality over quantity. A lifestyle I have never mastered! Maybe 2015 will be the year?! Probably not as I just finished up an order at Zara, but a girl can dream!

If you want to buy great items that will last (and from an amazing English store) I recommend checking out Whistels. You can shop Whistles online or pop-in their stand alone stores shall you ever find yourself in London. Their pieces really are beautiful and classic and while they might be a little heavy on the pocketbook they will last you for years! And isn’t that the lesson of the day?

outfit details // Whistles Cashmere dress, Rachel Zoe ‘Nevana’ boot

accessory details // Ray Ban Wayfarer sunnies in black via Smart Buy glasses c/o

Don’t Leave Without Trying: Dallas, TX Edition

Location: Dallas, Texas

Name: Mesero Miguel

Price Point: $$

Dish: Nachos Conocidos

Why:Growing up in Texas you are born to have an appreciation for Tex Mex (which is a form of Mexican food). I decided to go to SMU for college which happened to be down the street from a local tex mex spot that everyone loved. I must say, I was less than impressed. The food lacked major flavor and originality. Almost 10 years later people are still going to this other spot time and time again. For the life of me I can’t figure it out. Great tex mex is something us Texans hold near and dear to our hearts so there really is no compromising on mediocre food. When Mesero Miguel moved in right down the street from my house I was excited and a little skeptical. I was hoping it wouldn’t be like the “other local favorite” and lack any real creativity or flavor. After my first trip there I was smitten. I fell in love with the Nachos Conocidos which are four individual chips topped with brisket, beans, cheese, creama sauce, and an avocado. They are absolutely divine and each bite gets better and better. I am sad to say that the waitstaff now knows my husband and me by name as we go there all the time but these nachos are addicting. I have since introduced them to other friends, family, and visitors, whom all agree these nachos are a MUST if you are visiting Dallas. Each bite is packed full of flavor and since there are four you can share or have them as a meal (which I do). These really are a – Don’t Leave Without Trying – dish!

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image via Dallas Observer

Blush

ASOS Slouch sweater, ASOS Leather Pencil skirt (now on sale)

accessory details // Ray Ban Classic Aviator in black, Christian Louboutin Pigalle heel

photography by Molly Miller

This is my, “I’m clearly not in NYC for fashion week look.” Considering the windchill is around -20 in NYC, there would be no pencil skirts (seriously how cool is this blush leather one) and light sweaters! I keep getting asked why I am not at fashion week. Truth is – I absolutely hate it. I know that is almost a sin for someone who loves fashion but let me tell you – Sex and the City totally airbrushed it. Not only are you running around in the freezing cold to catch a show but you look around and see others doing the same thing, in outfits they probably would never wear. I always got the sense that everyone was trying so hard to be something they weren’t in their day to day lives. It really gave me the wrong vibes. What really killed me? Last year – I witnessed two girls in the MOST ridiculous outfits, like straight up alien outfits, walking up and down Lincoln center for hours just trying to get their picture snapped by street photographers. These girls literally snuck into the exit of a show and walked out with a group of people time and time again. For some reason it made me nauseous to see the amount of effort they were putting into it and the fact that people were taking their photos. I promise you – what they were wearing was nothing short of a costume. I literally thought Jimmy Kimmel was going to jump out and say, SIKE, all of you are suckers for thinking this is fashion. It was that bad! After watching them and observing others throughout the week I realized maybe this whole shindig wasn’t for me.

Don’t get me wrong there were good parts. I loved seeing girls I hadn’t seen in a while but it was always such a fast encounter that I didn’t really get to catch up with them. Everyone is in a hurry running from show to showroom that there isn’t a chance to catch-up, how I like to. I am sure there are many of you rolling your eyes while reading this. “Listen to this negative Nancy. I would kill to go to fashion week.” Trust me – I know how I sound. But, when I visit a city I like to really enjoy the city, the people, and the atmosphere. So running around like a crazy chicken trying to catch a coffee date or not miss a show it just isn’t enjoyable to me. Actually the antithesis of enjoyment.

If you are in the fashion industry or a blogger I recommend something else. My idea of fashion week is to skip it, book a trip to NYC a few months later, and visit with all the girls or brands you want to. This way, they actually have time to know you, talk to you, and remember you. In any industry you want to make lasting connections. To build a relationship you need to have time to get to know the other person or brand and a quick 5-15 minute conversation just doesn’t cut it (which is about what you have during FW). Booking your trip a few weeks after fashion week will be much more beneficial as the brands aren’t exhausted from the craze of getting their shows ready, everyone will have more time to meet, and you stand out (because you aren’t being pushed and shoved by 100 other girls). Now, do you get to say you went to fashion week? No. But did you help your business for future partnerships – Most likely. Just a recommendation but if you prefer a more personal and meaningful connection this is what I would do. However, the best advice: experience FW for yourself! You can alway say you went, gave it a shot, and loved or hated it!

outfit details // ASOS Slouch sweater, ASOS Leather Pencil skirt (now on sale)

accessory details // Ray Ban Classic Aviator in black, Christian Louboutin Pigalle heel

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