Style Icon: Clinton Kelly

Hello again! Being gone so long, this post will be a bonus of fashion & fun.. and one from the archives.

I met Clinton Kelly, man of many talents, but most known for cohosting What Not to Wear all these glorious years. He really knows his stuff when it comes to fashion/style/witty zingers. That show is so incredibly entertaining. It absolutely holds a pretty top spot on my 'favorites' list. So when I saw a last-minute, day-of opportunity to attend his style event at Austin's Macy's in the Domain, my momma and I seized the moment and jumped at the chance. We were in San Antonio, dropping Dad off at the airport, and not five minutes after we drove away, he called to *brag* that he had just seen Clinton!!! Now we definitely had to go!

They put on a nice fashion show, with helpful tips for mastering the fall stylesusing 6 trends (think army, embellishments, etc.) on three different models (young, curvy, over 40). Guests snacked and sipped on h'ordeouvs and mocktails whilst perusing our goody bag. The Q&A was even better. Attendees asked Clinton all sorts of questions (Are these pants acceptable, what length necklaces for what necklines, pregnancy style...) and he even brought up several of the girls to offer up incredibly honest opinions of their current outfit. Scary-brave girls, were they.

After the show, I was able to meet Clinton! What an honor! We seemed to hit it off (delusional?) and were able to chat for a bit about men's pants (he agrees.. WHY do boys wear those super skinny jeans?!), my outfit, and his outfit. I can now say that Clinton Kelly liked my outfit. Talk about a dream come true!!!! Literally, I've dreamed that I meet Stacy and Clinton in NYC and they like my outfit. Waking up not even planning to meet this fashion icon of mine... thank goodness I was presentable!

He's a great guy, and even better in person than on television. It was truly an honor to hear him speak and talk with him afterwards. Thanks for a great night, my friend!

-Stripes

P.S. Who is your style icon, male or female?

Recap: Stripes

How do you explain away six months?!? Goodness, if you would have asked, I wouldn't have told you it had been that long. I learned two things: graduating makes you BUSY and time flies!

Since that last SXSW post, we really hit the ground running with life. I was treated to a trip to Harry Potter World/Disney World, wrapped up my final year of nursing school, GRADUATED with my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (in which my beloved Dots did amaaaazing with pictures!!! She's a great photog- hit her up!), studied for the hardest test of my life, passed the NCLEX, played maid of honor in my friend's wedding, celebrated graduation in Canada, searched for a job, celebrated again with a BFF trip to Chicago, found a job, and moved to Houston where I started work. Wowza. Craziest and one of the most unforgettable summers of my life. Happy that season has passed and I can now (officially) enjoy the greatest season of all- FALL!

Here's a few of my favorite moments! What fun to relive such momentous occasions. 

the most fun grad photo shoot!

 

post-graduation picnic

Cinco De Mayo themed grad party

photobooth fun (great props, Tay!) at the VIP pre-party

Front row

National donut day/passed my test/interviewed for a job

wedding fun!

Sidewalk dining view in Montreal

Lovely street in old Quebec City 

The food..... so french! Oui!

Loved The Bean in Chicago

Eating our way through Chi-town

If I were to post an "outfit photo" from the past few months, it would be scrubs. But, I can tell you, I have some of the cutest scrubs one can have! On a real fashion note, I have spent much of my spare time searching for the perfect pair of brown riding boots, and I finally succeeded! I think they deserve their own post, they are that pretty. And also because maybe many of you are on a similar hunt. Us girls have to help each other out.


I have an exciting event I attended recently... stay tuned, I can't wait to share! Also, check back for Dots' recap- she had an incredibly busy summer!

-Stripes

SXSW: Good Music & A Handsome Hunk

While Stripes was continuing her spring break in school, I spent the rest of the week at various SXSW events. I missed out on the first two days due to illness, but by Wednesday I was back on my feet. I wasn't going to miss singing along to Thrift Shop with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Unfortantely the sound system continued to go out while Macklemore preformed which caused major frustration from the audience. It was still a fun and free concert. After his performance my friends & I headed to the food trucks, where we ran into Macklemore. He was just as cool as you think he is. 

-singing along to Thrift Shop-

-Ra Ra Riot-

-Vampire Weekend-

Apart from the music scene I had to stop by the films. Zac Efron's At Any Price was premiering at I had to stop to get a glimpse of his gorgeous face. He was only a few feet away, but I was up in the clouds. He was flawless and such a doll! I still can't believe I saw him. 

top: Urban Outfitters / skirt: Dillard's / tights: Target / boots: H&M

I had a lovely SXSW week. Can't wait for next year!

xoxo,

Dots

SXSW: Ian Somerhalder & Hanazuki

We began our SXSW adventures at Good By Global at Austin City Hall listening to some inspiring speakers. Good By Global focused on promoting social good through sources such as social media. We spoke with Morra Aarons-Mel of Woman Online about the influence of social media in our society and how we can bring forth good causes through it. We met many fabulous people who were encouraging in the blogger world and who wanted to help others. 

We dressed comfortably and cute for our first day of SXSW. We walked all over town and the weather was absolutely perfect. Thanks Collective Bias for the free food. We had a wonderful day taking in all the festivities and receiving free swag.

dress: DKNY / jacket: Target / bag: Kate Spade / flats: Target

top: The Loft / pants: Forever 21 / purse: Urban Outfitters

Ian Somerhalder mentioned his foundation, Ian Somerhalder Foundation, that focuses on helping impacting the planet through projects and people. His celebrity status helps draw the media in as he positively impacts the world. To find out more information or get involved, click here.

Ian, being a gentleman, gives up his microphone to Sophia Bush because her's stopped working. Sophia Bush of One Tree Hill works closely together with Pencils of Promis. She helps provide education around the world. Find out more about it, here.

We ended our night attending HanaZuki Full of Treasure Party. There we snacked on sweet treats, made cute cloud pillows, and crafted phone cases.

Stripes' new phone case.

Dots' new phone case.

xoxo,

Dots & Stripes

Ladies who lunch

blue jean jacket: Target via thrift / sweater: Forever 21 / dress: Old Navy (old) /purse: Kate Spade (!)

  tee: Hot Topic / collared blouse: Cotton On / skirt: TJMaxx

We're lunchin' ladies! We really feel like we are channeling our two favorite ladies, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez, respectively! And love the layers we pulled out for the GORGEOUS weather our area had. Honestly, it was perfect. We chose the best day for a walk around shopping and the yummiest Mexican for lunch!

Take the time to enjoy the little things. Breathe.. It's almost Spring Break!!!!!!

-Dots & Stripes

Happy Birthday, Stripes

Yesterday we got together for a Birthday lunch for Stripes.  We spent the afternoon snacking on sandwiches and salads at a local restaurant. After we popped in an antique store across the street. 

sweater: Thrift / pants: H&M / bag: Target

jeans: Forever 21 / bag: Coach / wedges: Urban Outfitters

black polka dot, mint manicure.

a new camera for the collection.

 Stripe's favorite - Taylor Swift.

I hope Stripes had a Birthday as wonderful as herself.  I'm extremely blessed to have this lovely gal as my friend! I can't wait to have many more crazy fun adventures with you. 

xoxo, 

Dots