London Trip Part Deux

I wanted to post one more time while we were in London, but between the jet lag, Hubs working, and my shopping, I just couldn't get all of our pictures downloaded and onto this blog! We are home now, but still jet lagging quite a bit and trying to get back into the swing of Texas life.  I got the rest of our pictures uploaded, and I can't wait to share them with all of you.

On Monday, Hubs had to go to meetings and such, so I happily set off into the London shopping scene.  I made my way down to Harrod's.  Harrod's is one of the most marvelous department stores I have ever  been through.  It took me about two hours just to walk through the glitzy store, then I found myself downstairs trying to figure out where to eat.  I couldn't take a full-on body outfit shot because Hubs left early, and I slept late (of course), but it was rather cold on Monday, so I got to wear my new headband that my cousin bought me for my birthday.

Free People headband, VS moto jacket, Betsey Johnson earrings, MAC Lady GaGa lip gloss

We also went to Harrod's again together so that Will could get the full effect. I was in such awe and shock of this place!

F21 lace dress, Chico's leggings, H&M turtleneck, H&M scarf, VS moto jacket, H&M arm warmers

After Harrod's closed, we decided to just keep walking along the streets enjoying all of our beautiful surroundings. I must say, although it was a bit chilly that day, it was a nice break from the Houston heat.

Tuesday was our day for doing all of the touristy events that we knew we needed to do while we were there. So, we visited the Tate Museum and the Tower of London.  I enjoyed both quite immensely, but I have to say the Tower of London was so breathtaking.  I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was looking at the spot where Anne Boleyn was actually beheaded.  

Here are some of the shots that I took at the Tower of London.

My husband loved how the city mixed the historical building with the new stream-lined modern buildings

Of course I had to take a picture of the guard who was guarding the Queen's jewels

The Chapel at the Tower

A picture of the bridge from afar

Of course I had to show you what I wore!
Uniqlo jeans, Steve Madden Boots, J.Crew button down, American Eagle hoodie, Old Navy jacket, F21 hat, LV satchel (my little sister let me borrow for the trip, thanks Autumn!)

So, I found this store on the way to Harrod's called Uniqlo, and I absolutely fell in love with their jeans.  This is so crazy, bc I NEVER and I mean NEVER find jeans that fit me! I am a true pear-shaped woman, and finding jeans to fit and the waist and in the bottom is a foreign concept to most.  I loved their jeans so much that I bought a regular pair of skinnies and a black pair of skinnies.

My new Steve Madden boots that I wore out while I was there

My face looking at the Tower of London

I am so fascinated with taking the subway. I guess because we drive from door to  door in our big cars and trucks down here in Texas.  If we ever go to the Northeast, I get so excited just to take the subway, everyone thinks I am crazy!

This is us riding the escalator in the subway station

London London London

I have been in this magnificent city for a mere two days and already, I am in LOVE! Seriously, if you have not had the pleasure of visiting this fascinating city, you must get here just as fast as you can.  Yesterday was a little rough due to the 6 hour time change between London and Houston so we napped for a few hours during the day, then headed out for a big night on the town. We went to eat at a fabulous restaurant called The Long Acre, then hung out and met some really neat locals at a dive next to The Icebar.  (I really wanted to go to The Icebar, but they were closing down to redo the inside, boo!)  The people were incredibly friendly and extremely inviting.  They were quite interested in Texas, I must say!  I have also been blown away by the fashion here.  I have seen so many inspiring ensembles, it is quite different from the conservative Houston style, but I feel like I fit in just perfectly.  I wanted to share a few photos with you about what we have done thus far, so enjoy!

This is what I wore for our night out..

UO dress, VS moto jacket, F21 tights, Steve Madden thigh-high socks, Steven Madden boots

This city is incredible!

Now, here are my fashion musings while we were roaming about on Saturday afternoon.

I love everything single thing about these outfits. Everyone here layers and layers and layers. I just can't get enough! I am constantly looking around for more people to watch. AND you better own a pair of black tights because they wear them under everything! 

Featured Follower for edk.dolce

Hello my lovelies. I feel like I have been away forever but it has only been two days! London is so lovely and I have been stocking up on photos to share with you all soon.  I have enjoyed seeing all of the wonderful fashion while exploring this beautiful city.  They definitely know how to do it up right here in London!  I wanted to share with you though, my featured follower post girl Elle's blog edk.dolce!  I have been so excited get all of these wonderful awards and features, I am truly blessed. 

Check it out HERE!

XOXO from London!

Lipstick Couture Giveaway Winner!!

Hey my lovelies! I got so excited with everything else that is going on that I got behind on announcing the winner of my jewelry giveaway! The winner is Taylor Rhodes over at A Little Bit of Everything. (You should visit her) I was so pumped because Taylor is actually a fellow HOUSTON blogger. (YAY, I Love my City) So, I gave her the option of picking any piece that she wanted from my Etsy shop.  Taylor happily decided on the Rock Candy necklace which I absolutely adore.  After sending her the necklace, she sent me a picture of herself wearing it to a baby shower last Sunday. Congratulations Taylor!!

This is the necklace Taylor picked!

This is Taylor wearing the necklace

I love my City

So I am seriously getting into vintage shopping lately, which I know sounds so cliche but it's the truth! I found this leather skirt at the fabulous vintage shop, Leopard Lounge down in the Montrose area. (this is where all the great vintage shops are in Houston!) So no surprise I had to bust it out for the second weekend in a row on a date with my hubby to the Galleria and then off to his friend's birthday party!  I also wore my new striped bandeau and $10 tank from UO. I love you UO!!  My husband so graciously took these photos because my talented photographer is moving this weekend.

UO tank and bandeau top, Vintage leather skirt, Jones New York shooties

I got Substance, Yeah Yeah

I cannot believe I got two awards in one week! Is this really happening?  So, I got a Blog with Substance award from my girl Elle over at edkdolce!  

1. Thank the blogger who gave me the award.

Thank you Elle!!!

2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five words

Fashion, Style, Culture, Passion, Authenticity

3. Pass this on to 10 other bloggers that you feel have a substance in their blogs.

Seven Style Notes

Crimson Rosella

A Pinch of Lovely

buttonowl

Irene's Style Notes

Dear Girl

...It's Simple Love...

Two Eyes in the Mirror

TOPCOAT

thegoreprincess

Made a List, Checked it Twice, Bought it All

I am incredibly lucky because every year my birthday happens to settle right at the beginning of my favorite season, Fall. (and let's not forget Fashion Week) This year I turned hmm...let's just say I got a little older. Somehow I had compiled a massive shopping list full of Fall items from boots and socks to blue eyeshadow and leather jackets.  In fact, the list was so monstrous that I knew I had to ask for cash (everyone's favorite right?) and gift cards or I would never get all of these items crossed off my list.  My family happily obliged and sent some much needed birthday money my way, and I have made quite a haul!  I feel fully stocked and ready for this crisp Autumn season and I just know I will have some killer outfits to wear to the Houston Fashion Week next month too! (Oh so excited) Houston has finally decided to host a fashion week and I could not be more ecstatic. So you see, I had many reasons to invest in these wardrobe pieces, but do I really need a reason?

My first find was this black leather moto jacket I found on Victoria's Secret website.  I have been after one for about a year now, and I scooped this one up as soon as I saw it.  It is an amazing deal at $198 and it is real leather, no faux here!

Victoria's Secret Moto Jacket

I found this dress blissfully hanging in the Urban Outfitters sale section. I love anything floral as you know, but I couldn't get over the gauzy sheer collar on this dress.  I was thinking about some grey thigh-high socks and black boots, but feel free to suggest more ideas!

This gorgeous Free People necklace was a birthday present from my bestie cousin Shanna who knows me better than anyone in the world. (She actually picks out my presents and doesn't divert to the old gift card) She is so brave and she never fails, I swear!

Free People necklace

I cannot tell you how long I have been looking for the perfect pair of black leather shooties.  I have looked high and low and everywhere in between.  I finally stumbled upon these Jones New York shooties in the DSW sale section. Yep, the section that looks really scary and it takes at least an hour to look through to make sure you didn't miss anything. These were the very last pair of size 8, so I know it was meant to be. I heart you black shooties.

DSW Black Leather Shooties

Ahhh the faux fur vest. Now, I am not big on faux leather, but I will definitely go faux fur! I mean, why not? Look at this luxurious fur vest I nabbed from Victoria's Secret. (A thank you to my lovely mother-in-law Cheryl)  I looked at so many different fur vests at Ann Taylor, Macy's, Dillard's, Zara, etc. You name it, I looked there. I finally made the decision to buy this one from VS because I loved the caramel and coffee colors they used in this piece. I cannot wait to do an outfit post with this baby!

Victoria's Secret Faux Fur Vest

Yeah you know you want to rub your cheek on it!

I have really been into putting bright colors on the underneath part of my eye just to give it that last little pop!  When I went to Houston Fashion Night Out last week, the MAC makeup artist used this intense blue called Atlantic Blue, but they were sold out! (tear) So I went to the MAC counter at Macy's and they had it.  I will definitely be doing a makeup post with this color.

MAC Atlantic Blue eyeshadow

I have been on the search for a grey half-zip hoodie for quite some time.  I have found a few, but they would either be too plain or too expensive for just a hoodie! Well, alas I found one right in the middle. It has a little character and the price was right.

American Eagle hoodie

I heart vintage shopping especially online! I found this little gem from one of my fellow blogger friend's etsy shop, Ande Monster Vintage.  She really does have some lovely items and her blog rocks too!

As all of us fashionistas know, utilitarian trends are heavy this season.  I love them, but I don't like spending massive amounts of money on trends.  That's what Old Navy is for! I love this military-style jacket that I can layer over pretty much anything all Fall and Winter.  Another tidbit, Old Navy has some really chic real leather moto jackets and a delicious faux fur vest!

Old Navy Jacket

Now you didn't think I would really only get one floral dress did you? Of course not! I picked up this alluring floral frock from Forever 21.  I plan on layering underneath it and over it

Forever 21 dress

I love all the bright colors but it still somehow works for Fall!

Of course I needed some thigh-high socks! I only purchased grey and black so far to be safe, but I am on the look-out for a pair that are a deep wine color. Holler at me if you know where I can find them!

Steve Madden socks at DSW

I am blissfully in love with my new black leather combat boots from Steve Madden.  It will add just enough bad girl edge to all of those floral dresses I just bought! (thank you to my husband)
Of course I had to take a picture of them with all of my Fall reading materials.

Steve Madden Troopa Boots

Have I mentioned that I love Urban Outfitters? I found this cute army green tank in the sale section of course! And I picked up the striped bandeau top on my way to the check-out counter. I have become obsessed with putting bandeaus under everything! I wore these two pieces together with my black leather skirt last night to a friend's party. (I will post that later, don't worry!)

Urban Outfitters bandeau and tank

I have seriously debated back and forth about buying a denim shirt for about the last six months.  I finally decided to take the plunge! I purchased this particular top from J.Crew because I love how it looks worn and washed a few trillion times already.  I will be doing some serious outfit posts with this button down.

J.Crew denim shirt

I am telling you, I raided the Urban Outfitters sale section at The Woodlands mall!  I bought this blousy top and I have so many ideas for it, I hope it is ready to be worn!

Urban Outfitters blouse

Well this is pretty much everything I needed to make it through this season! (yeah right)  I will definitely be doing some outfit posts soon. I am also going to start doing a post on Fridays called 5 Looks, 1 ______.  Next Friday it will be 5 Looks, 1 Black Blazer, so stay tuned!

XX

PS--I actually did all the photography in this post!!

I Got the Sunshine

I just received my very first award and I am so incredibly delighted this morning I can hardly stand it! I received the Sunshine Award from my girl over at Vogue & Vintage and from my other lovely over at Seven Style Notes! They are both amazing bloggers and I am so ecstatic to receive this award from them.  I  cannot wait to pass this token of honor on to some of my favorite bloggers as well!

Here is how it works:
1) Save the photo and post to your blog 
2) Pass the award to 12 more bloggers like you and following you from the news and comment 
3) Link the name of their blog and the url 
4) write and link him / and that gave you the award!

Here are my picks:
1) Button Owl
2) Cowbiscuits
3) Two Eyes in the Mirror
4) TheGorePrincess
5) Skipping Heels
6) Statements in Fashion
7) TOPCOAT
8) Crimson Rosella
9) CURVES AHEAD MAKEUP
10) Every Road A Runway
11) Gina Marie Vintage
12) Irene's Style Notes