Etsy Dallas Spring Bash 2012

So, I know I don't talk about it much on this blog, but I have this little shop. I bring it up because for the first time ever, Shertown Studios will be participating in a shop+party+art+craft bonanza called the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash!



If you're local, you will definitely want to show up. There will be handmade shopping, a photo booth, live music, craft tables, a full bar, and, of course, me hawking my wares. I will be featuring my hand painted gift bags, including some brand new designs that I haven't yet listed in the online shop.

When: Saturday May 5, 11am-5pm
Where: The Palladium's South Side Events Center, 1135 South Lamar (I'll be in the Lonestar Room with the bar. You're welcome.)
Why: Because you are an amazing, cultured human being who is in serious need of snarky gift bags

I would love to see everyone there! Be sure to stop by and say hello. :)

outfit: something new

occasion: date night / dress: Strut (last worn) / shoes: Steve Madden (last worn) / locket: gift from the hubs (and my all-time favorite possession) / earrings: Kendra Scott / sunnies: ASOS (last worn)

I like jewelry just as much as the next girl, but I've never been very good at knowing how to style it. Instead of my usual "MUST HAVE" response to fabulous clothes and bags, when I see precious stones and metals luxuriating in well-lit stores, I just get confused and sort of cock my head to the side like a meditative labrador retriever. My mental capacity is reduced to one word, "Preeeeeeetty," as I vacuously regard the splendor. There's admiration, certainly, but not a whole lot of comprehension.

Well, no more! In my great efforts to evolve as an intelligent, jewelry-capable human being, I bought myself these gorgeous turquoise Kendra Scott earrings (they were on sale!) I'm not sure what this will eventually say for my pocketbook, but my ears look fabulous.

seasons in film

Sometimes, all it takes to appreciate the now is to remember the then.

outfit: plaid and sneakers

I'm not sure if I was going for Daisy Duke or Mary Ann Summers with this one. Perhaps we'll never know.





occasion: running errands / shirt: Old Navy / cami: Old Navy / jeans: Gap (last worn) / shoes: Converse (last worn) / watch: Fossil (last worn) / ring: gift from dad, metal detecting find (last worn) / earrings: gift from husband

This outfit really would have been better served by a little bit of bare tummy, but I just couldn't do it this day. My midriff was firmly on vacation. Hopefully it will be back in time for summer.

outfit: florals on top and bottom

This top has been described as "grandmother-y" by more than one of my ever-so-supportive friends and (ex) co-workers. I take it as a compliment, since it means that I am one step closer to the highly coveted status of "Psychotic Old Cat Lady." Score.






occasion: shopping / top: Urban Outfitters / cami: Old Navy / skirt: swap from Jen Love Kev (last worn) / shoes: Nine West (last worn) / watch: Michael Kors (last worn) / bracelet: Privileged (last worn) / purse: thrifted Gucci (last worn)

Do you ever go shopping for new clothes and get really self conscious about the outfit you're wearing? I wore this outfit to pick up some professional clothes; I loved the ensemble when we left the house, but absolutely hated it after trying on lots of snappy slacks and sleek button-downs. I guess it's a "the grass is always greener" sort of thing. I've always loved the look of more structured clothing, but inevitably feel uncomfortable in it.

Unfortunately, I think that lately I've used comfort as an excuse to stop trying, and have 100%-cottoned my way into a style rut. It's definitely time to introduce some Dry Clean Only into my wardrobe. I may even go crazy and start ironing buy an iron. Stranger things have happened.

outfit: stripes and scarves

These days, when anyone asks me what I "do," an awkward moment is almost always guaranteed. The word unemployed has such a nasty ring to it. Also, the word blogger is less impressive than I might hope.

However, hope is on the horizon! I've had a couple of interviews so promising that I've starting thinking about my business wardrobe. What I've discovered is that I have nothing to wear. Literally. I haven't had to dress "business" since about twenty pounds ago, and all that remains are some sad mis-shapen pants and an ill-fitting button-up with flared sleeves.

So, this is an example of an outfit that is not office appropriate.




occasion: casual lunch with mah hubby / shirt: Gap (last worn) / jeans: Gap (last worn) / shoes: Nine West (last worn) / scarf: H&M (last worn) / purse: thrifted Gucci (last worn)

I've been scouring the internet (i.e. clicking through the Kendi Everyday, Cardigan Junkie, and A Dash of Spectacular archives) for business wear inspiration. The only thing that really stuck was a sudden and profound urge to wear a scarf. Now that I have that down, I might try working on slacks.

outfit: one of the guys

I hang out with a lot of dudes. Swearing, drinking, smoking, misogynistic dudes. I'm not sure when or how it happened, but it did, and getting dressed in the morning has become much more complicated ever since. You see, I don't want to wear heels and sequins to sit in foldy chairs and drink Budweiser, but I don't want to lose my femininity either. So, I've figured out how to have the best of both worlds.






occasion: running around / shirt: Football Hall of Fame gift shop (made into a tank by me) / skirt: ?? (it's super old) / shoes: Steve Madden (last worn) / earrings: Express

In order to hang with the guys, a lady needs the following articles of clothing: 1) something casual, 2) something girly, and 3) something shiny.

Sports tee + skirt + gold hoop earrings = done.

love in film

The spark of life in this man sometimes takes my breath away.

outfit: peeks of neon

It's official, I'm diving into the neon trend. Well, not so much "diving" as "cautiously dipping a toe into a lukewarm neon bath." Yeah, I'm a rebel.






occasion: running errands, dinner with hubs, drinks with friends / shirt: Lady Lotus (last worn) / pants: thrifted (last worn) / necklace: gift, Kalli Art (last worn) / watch: Swatch (last worn) / bracelet: gift, Beautiful Skin (last worn) / purse: thrifted Coach (last worn) / sunnies: Target (last worn)

I dare anyone who may think this outfit is boring to check out that neon bra strap. Scandalous.

friendly love in film

There's nothing better than kittens and friends who love champaign as much as I do to make a party spectacular.

outfit: coral is just pink

Like most red-blooded women out there, I love the color coral. Coral shorts, coral shirts, coral dresses, I'm pretty sure I even have a coral bra. But, let's be real for a second. Coral is really just pink.







occasion: attending a beautiful country wedding / dress: c/o Lulu's / shoes: Nine West (last worn) / necklaces: Frocks (last worn) and gift from the love

I got this dress at the TxSC Lulu's/Swap.com swap party. I've been saving it for the perfect occasion, which came along when my dear friend Vanessa got married to her long-time boyfriend David this weekend. She was the most exquisite bride I've ever seen, and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. We are so, so happy for the newlyweds!

Bonus: a picture of the man behind the camera, all dolled up in his wedding day finest. He's super sexy.



Yeah. That one's mine.