Sunday Night Steals: Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

 XO Metallic Journal // Initial Bag Charm // X Ring // Vintage Tin Candle // Tiny Heart Studs // Initial Necklace // LED Letter Light // Travel Size Perfume // Water Bottle // I Love You Ceramic Trinket Dish // Drusy Tassel Drop Earrings // Shimmering Stud Earrings

So I'll be the first to admit, I am very difficult to shop for. And guys, I'm sure your girl is probably the same. I'm one of those that once I see something I like, I go ahead and buy it for myself. Which is both a great thing (where my independent ladies at?) and a terrible thing (Christmas time for my friends and family is a bit of a struggle).

So I've done you all a favor and pulled together some of my favorite Valentine's Day gifts. No, I have not purchased any of these for myself yet.. although those pink tassel drusy beauties are calling my name..

P.S. They're all under $60!!!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Color Crush: Bordeaux

 Angie Garcia Photography

Sunglasses // Bordeaux Blazer (same brand on sale!) // Top (similar) // Jeans // Heels // Watch // Gold Chain Link Bracelet  // Beaded Bracelets

So I'm a big fan of bordeaux. The wine and the color. Okay, mainly the wine. But I really do love the color. 

Burgundy, claret, dark red, bordeaux.. call it what you want. I'm into it.


My purse is bordeaux, my nails are bordeaux, and yes, my blazer is obviously of the same hue.

My mom always said that red was my color, but I'm convinced that this pretty little pantone looks good on everyone. (Guys included!)

And while the color of this blazer is everything, its versatility is everything and more. Dress it up, dress it down, check and check.

Not to mention Bordeaux (France) is the world's major wine industry capital.

So basically I like to think of myself as a fine wine when I'm wearing this outfit. Which we all know is always a good thing. 

*I'll toast to that*

The Best Boots & What Your Cable Knit is Really Doing

 

 Cable Knit Sweater (under $100!)// Leggings // Arrowhead Earrings // Key Necklace // Clutch (vintage- similar here) // Over-the-Knee Boots (similar and on sale)

So I have to first rave about the boots I'm wearing here. They're Dolce Vita and I am OBSESSED. No seriously. I think I wear them at least four times a week. Excessive? Maybe. But hey! We don't have as much opportunity down here in Texas to wear our cold weather gear like you folks out East do.

What I love about these boots though is their versatility and comfort. I could literally be on my feet all day in these and still be comfortable. It's like walking on a cloud. Okay, that's a stretch. But they are super comfy.

Plus they're on trend by being over-the-knee and all. Fancy.

I'm pretty sure the ones I'm wearing are sold out now, BUT I have found some very similar alternatives. You'll have to check them out below. They are definitely worth investing in.

As for the cable knit, again, I'm going to geek out here... but I just found out there's more to this sweater than just keeping you warm!

Much like the tartan scarf we talked about last week, the cable knit has a pretty storied history itself.

The cable knit sweater originated on the west coast of Ireland to help protect the locals from the harsh Atlantic elements. Traditionally they were 100% wool making them water resistant (not proof- don't get any crazy ideas).

Much like the tartan patterns of Scotland, there were different cable knit patterns to identify those with specific clans and jobs.

For instance, the Cable Stitch, represents a fisherman's rope. I.E. This would be worn by a fisherman. Or the Zig-Zag Stitch, resembling the winding paths of those living and working in the high cliffs.

The pattern I'm wearing is called the Diamond Stitch. It represents those that worked in the small fields off the Aran Islands. Not that I do a lot of work in the fields, but who's keeping track?

What are your winter weather favorites right now?

P.S. Recognize my necklace? Check out the story behind The Giving Keys here.

Sunday Night Steals: Spring Wardrobe Refresh

Peep Toe Platform Booties // Plaid Button Down // Doe Print Flat Clutch // Tortoise Drop Earrings // Distressed Camo Pants // Bordeaux Pumps // Tassel Earrings // Double Bar Ring // Collar Necklace // Wrap Blouse

Spring is right around the corner and that means a little Spring cleaning is in order. *yaay* (not). But when you clear our the old, that only makes room for the new and I totally already have my new additions lined up.

May I present you with my Spring Wardrobe Refresh! The perfect pieces to transition your wardrobe from Winter to Spring. Long sleeve light layers, distressed jeans and fun accessories that can go with any outfit. Can you tell I'm excited?

But I'm not going to sit here and lie to you and tell you I've pulled the trigger on all these pieces yet.. They're actually just sitting in my shopping cart right now.

Guess I better get started on that whole Spring cleaning thing... I'll let you know how that goes.

The History of Tartan and Why Everyone is Wearing this Scarf

 

 Angie Garcia Photography

Louis Vuitton Purse // Sweater // Scarf (here or here) // Earrings // Sunglasses // Jeans (here or here) // Belt // Shoes (on sale!) // Watch // Gold Link Bracelet // Vintage Turquoise Ring (similar here or here) // Vintage Turquoise Bracelet (very similar) // Beaded Bracelets

So unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past 12 months, I'm sure you've seen a handful of people rocking the scarf I'm wearing above. You can call it plaid all you want, but it's official name is tartan.

What is tartan exactly?

Being the closet nerd that I am, I did a little digging and found quite the history lesson behind this popular scarf.

*This is where if you're interested, you keep reading and if not, you scroll to the bottom*

The word "tartan" actually used to mean a type of cloth instead of just the pattern. Thousands of years ago in Europe, the Celts would weave wool in different stripes and breadths that would result in a varying checkered pattern. The different colors were specific to each region as the dye was made from local sources in the area.

In the 1500s, the first recorded mention of tartan was found when King James V purchased "three eells of Heland Tartans" for his wife to wear. In 1689 during the Battle of Killecrankie, an eyewitness described "McDonells men in their triple stripe".

This is probably the most significant reference to what the tartan has meant for so many throughout Scottish and European history.

For many, this tartan wasn't just a pretty pattern, but a way to identify a family, clan or group.

Basically there was a guy in town who's job was to weave clothing for the entire village. The weaver would use different sources of natural dye from his surrounding area to color his cloth and make his garments. Inevitably, most of his clothing would come out looking to same because well, he had pretty limited materials and dyes to work with.

The end result? Everyone in the surrounding village wore generally the same outfit so this tartan became more of an identifier for the village or "clan" than it was a fashion item.

It was only until we yuppies picked it up and decided to Instagram it and make it our own that all that went down. I'm just kidding. But anyway, there you go. Your mini history lesson of the day.

So now you can wear your tartan with pride. And Instagram and Pinterest it to shame. But please, don't call it just another plaid.

*Shoutout to my college History of Fashion professor & Scotland History Online for helping educate me on the subject

 

Why I Love My Fit Foods

So New Year's has come and gone, but hopefully your resolutions are here to stay. But let's face it, it's way easier to sit there on December 31st and talk about all the staggering life changes you're going to make, than it is to go out and do them the other 364 days of the year.

Life happens. Trust me, I know that all too well. You fully plan on meal prepping and making all these Pinterest-worthy recipes... #Fitspo.

But then you get a call from your friend begging you to come to brunch with her (the peer pressure is real) or an email from your boss about that one meeting you need to prep for. Then you think about all the laundry you probably should be doing right now, not to mention the fact that YOU'RE TIRED.

I know those all seem like the most first world problems ever, but you can't sit there and tell me you can't relate. THE STRUGGLE IS SO REAL PEOPLE. 

Bottom line is this: Sometimes life just gets in the way of even the best intentions.

Enter My Fit Foods. *angels sing*

I live for My Fit Foods. I know that sounds dramatic. But I'm being completely honest with you when I say I eat the stuff at least 6 or 7 times a week (meals, not days). Especially with a lifestyle as crazy as mine, I need something I can just grab and run out the door. It's a lifesaver. I'm telling you.

All of their meals are fresh, portion controlled and most of them are even gluten free! To say I'm a fan would be an understatement.

A few of my favorites if you're going to give it a try:

-Good Morning Sunshine Breakfast
-Turkey Pasta
-Chili Mac
-Shredded Beef Tacos
-Spinach and Chicken Enchiladas
-Supreme Pizza Pasta

P.S. If you're really in a time crunch, you can even order it online!

I want to hear what you think! What are your tricks for eating healthy on the go?

Sunday Night Steals

Happy Sunday everyone! For this week's Sunday Night Steals I've gone with a bit of a neutral palette. Camel, peach and grey. I'm kind of loving the color combination currently to be honest.

I'm dying to get my hands on these pretty little mirrored shades, and for under $60, I don't know how I can say no! And this grey infinity scarf? Yeah, it's in my cart too.

These pieces are great too because you can wear them into the Spring! I hate having to overhaul my closet every season, so I'm definitely down for a few transitional options.

What steals do you have in your cart currently?

Sunday Night Steals For the Home

Industrial Bar Stool Set // Iron Jack // Sand-Filled Hour Glass // Succulent Collection // Beaded Chevron Pillow // Gold Geometric Mirror // Mounted Antler Bust // Mirrored Chevron Tiles // Incandescent String Lights // Grey Quilt and Sham Set

This week's Sunday Night Steals post is inspired by my current search for a new apartment. Which can I go ahead and just say this? It's EXHAUSTING. Thank goodness for my rock star realtor Ryan Cauley. Seriously, he's been my saving grace. If you're in the DFW metroplex and need a place to live, CALL HIM!!

But apartment search aside, I'm REALLY excited to decorate a new place! It's kind of fun to get into a new space and make it yours.

Unfortunately for me, I have inherited a pretty expensive taste when it comes to well, everything. Hence why Restoration Hardware is my life. I would literally move into one of their stores if they'd let me. But that would be creepy, so I won't.

Since RH is a tad on the pricey side (Okay a lot on the pricey side), I've had to do some bargain hunting and I've decided to round up a few of my favorites and share them with y'all!

Pssst: Did I mention everything is under $120?! *insert confetti emoji here*

What's your personal interior design taste? And where do you go to find a good bargain?

Any and all suggestions welcome! Except Pinterest, because let's face it. I'm not that talented.

Cool Coats For Men That Won't Break the Bank

Duffle Coat with Removable Hood // Grey Wool Blend Hooded Military Jacket // Green Quilted Shirt Jacket // Double Breasted Pea Coat // Grey Lightweight Field Jacket // Olive Green Field Jacket

Alright guys. It's time to hang up that North Face (just for a minute). While I have a soft spot for the fleece jacket, I'm also a firm believer in finding a more refined option that will easily go with any outfit.

I've found a few options that won't break the bank (*score*) and are comfortable and cool all at the same time.

My personal favorite is this olive green field jacket. Versatility is key with me and this guy would be so easy to dress up or dress down. Really get your money's worth!

Because who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

*Disclaimer: I know who said that in real life. For the record :)

*Disclaimer No. 2: I love North Face- but I need you to have another more tailored option in your closet!

Sunday Night Steals

Chevron Drop Earrings // Bordeaux Cable Knit Sweater // Cable Knit Loop Scarf //Resin Horn Bracelet // Suede Slouch Boots // Bordeaux Fedora // Navy Striped Mini Dress // Forrest Green Faux Leather Pocket Tote // Zodiac Constellation Pendant // Sunburst Stud Earrings // Faux Fur Vest

It's that time again! I'm pretty excited about this week's roundup of Sunday Night Steals because guys... THEY ARE GOOD!

It seems like everyone is starting to have their end of the season winter sales, which is funny because it literally just started to get cold in Texas.. like, last week. But hey, I'll take it!

Oh, and did I mention everything is under $75? What are you waiting for?!