(ModCloth’s “With Only a Wink” Dress by Bettie Page.)
Texas Style Council held a Prom Party the second night of the convention, and Ryan and I didn’t make it, just like with our high school prom. Oh well, at least we are consistent!
But, if I had gone to this year’s prom, I would have rocked this dress, ModCloth’s “With Only a Wink” Dress by Bettie Page. I thought long and hard before I bought this little number, reading the many comments and looking at the pictures for weeks. It was a bit of a commitment, but I ordered it in plenty of time to return it, just in case. Thankfully, the dress fits like a glove, and I’m so thrilled that I splurged. (We were definitely planning to attend the Prom, but plans changed at the last minute.)
I love the cut and color, as well as the intricate neckline that is flattering and sexy, without being too racy. The latticework is open, which necessitates a strapless bra, but it’s more modest than a strapless dress and would be appropriate for a wedding or other semi-formal event.
(I paired the navy dress with hot pink heels by Miss L-Fire.)
Since too much navy can look dated, I added a pair of hot pink heels by Miss L-Fire, which I bought back in 2008, right before I got pregnant with James. Now that my baby days are behind me, I can actually wear and enjoy them!
(The pretty bow at the waist.)
The dress has a beautiful bow detail at the waist, which adds quite a bit of definition and really makes the piece, along with the delicate collar.
(My Miss L-Fire shoes, with candy details, from Anthropologie in 2008.)
It was fun getting dressed up to take these pictures, but now I really want to wear the dress somewhere! I promise to tell you when I do!
Shayla and I are coming to the end of our amazing collaboration soon, but we’ll pick it up again early next year. These last two weeks are a bit more reflective.
Today’s question is: What Do You Love About Austin?
Oh, Austin, how I love thee. Seriously, I have thought about this topic a lot lately. I’m a Texas girl by birth, and I’ve only lived in two cities in my lifetime: San Antonio and Austin. I guess I should expand my horizons, but, for me, moving to Austin from San Antonio was like traveling to the moon.
Austin is definitely its own little place in Texas that is unlike the rest of the state, and most people love it for that reason. There’s the food (Torchy’s!), the music, the politics, the food, and the relaxed atmosphere you don’t find in most other cities here. Oh, and did I mention the food? Austin is a bigger metropolitan city, but it still has a small-town feel, and I really like that quality. Depending on where you are in the city, you run into the same people over and over again, which makes it feel like home.
(Austin’s lovely Violet Crown.)
I moved here to be closer to Ryan back in 2001, and though we drove to San Antonio to get married, we’ve lived here ever since. Our boys were born here, and aside from my parents (who really should move here!), all of our family lives here now. It’s home.
The weather is beautiful year-round, and though the summers are hot (and sometimes miserable), the rest of the time is lovely. There are parks all over the place, festivals practically every weekend, and new restaurants opening daily, it seems. In fact, Austin is currently experiencing a huge growth spurt as more businesses and people move to the area.
I love our little town just north of the city limits, and we still drive into Austin proper every week, too. I think it’s a great place to raise children, and my boys will never be without something fun to do or some new place to visit.
If you’re in Austin, what are some of your favorite things? Feel free to share in the comments. And be sure to visit Shayla’s blog today as she shares her love for her tiny town.
(The Venus of Pflugerville is no more. I’m still in shock.)
Thank goodness it’s Friday! This was one of those weeks that took forever and almost brought me to my knees, but we made it and the weekend is here. School is just around the corner, so there’s a little school supply shopping and a lot of relaxation in our plans. Here are some things that caught my attention this week.
I finally finished “Orange is the New Black” and oh my gosh! Didn’t see that one coming. The real Piper was on Fresh Air this week.
And so was Jenji Kohan, the show’s creator.
San Japan is in San Antonio this weekend. The pictures of previous conventions are hilarious.
Joni’s series on royal palaces is fascinating and juicy!
This story on preventing forced marriages in England broke my heart.
An opinion piece on Beyoncé’s new haircut. (Now that I’m in my mid-thirties, I’m growing my hair out. What would the author think about that?)
Have a wonderful weekend!
