Happy Friday! So glad Thanksgiving Break is finally here! I feel like November just flew by at a rapid rate. With all the chilly temperatures I’ve been reaching for cozy sweaters like this beautiful baby blue lace embellished one I’m wearing in today’s post. Sweaters are a great gift for anyone in the family. Below you will find several of my favorites from Amazon including this Christmas-themed fair isle, this cozy cardigan (I have it in two colors), and this lovely oversized turtleneck. You can shop all of my favorite Amazon sweaters picks below!

Fashion, Lifestyle, Petite Style, Shopping, StyleCrystal LowyNovember 18, 2022Style 34, Style 36, Winter Style, Sweater, Amazon, Amazon Shop, Work Outfit, Work Wear, gift guideComment

The Perfect Black Summer Dress

Summer is in full swing around here with sunset walks, day trips to swimming holes, and a relaxed approach to bedtime. Being a Leo, summer is my jam. I love the long days and the warm air hitting my face in the evenings as the sun drops below the horizon. I love all the sandals, bare feet, sundresses, and straw bags that come along with them. When I saw this dress on the hanger at the store, I knew I found a classic affordable piece I could wear all summer long. Whether it be a vacation, backyard BBQ, or just lounging around the house - this baby fits all the occasions. Coming in at just under $30, I bet your last bag of groceries cost more. Here are a few tips on how to style it!

Thoughts on Rest and Play (and Why You Need It)

I spent the weekend resting, relaxing, and playing. The past month of my life was a whirlwind. My role at my job changed, a trip mid-month for a work conference in Vegas took place, and then when I returned it was a non-stop follow up from the trip. I worked twelve days straight without taking even an evening to myself. It was absolutely necessary, but at the beginning of last week, I started to feel really heavy. I dreaded Monday morning and felt like I had zero time to decompress. That was it for me. I knew it was time to take a break. It was suggested I take a full day off and just do what makes me happy, so I did just that. It can be a HUGE challenge to work full-time and run a blog and a business on social media. Although I’ve been doing all three for years, this month was particularly tough. I struggled to bounce back with energy. One thing I have learned about life is that I am the only one responsible for my life. If I want to live a life with clarity and calm I have to create that environment. I also know that I am prone to maxing myself out. Here are a few things I’ve learned about the necessity of rest and play.

Bluebonnet Fields in Texas

It’s that time of year! Finally, Texas bluebonnet season. If you’ve never been to Texas during this time of year then it’s time for you to plan your next trip! In late March and early Spring, the entire state becomes alive with wildflowers. Specifically, the Texas Bluebonnet which is our state flower. For years, my family flocked to find the best fields for photographs. It’s perfect for bridal pictures, senior college or high school pictures, family portraits, and of course, blog photos! I decided to round up a list of some of the top locations to find these bluebonnet fields!

Alcohol Free For Three Years Now (and life lessons learned)

Wow. I am in a little disbelief that I am typing these words, but today (which is March 22, 2022) marks three full years since my last drink. Over the course of the past three years, I’ve meta morphed into the best version of myself so far. As I journaled early this morning I realized just how far I’ve come and what it took to get here. I thought I’d share a few life lessons in today’s post. If you are considering removing alcohol from your life then this is the post for you. This is what changed over three years. Some of it I didn’t think was possible. Some of these things required day-by-day focus. Some of it just fell into place. All of it is my testimony to making the best choice for myself. These days I feel alive and I feel like most days I thrive. The complete opposite of where I was a few years back.

What’s In My Cart: All Floral Everything

Since we all finally made it to Spring, I am pulling out all the best florals! I love the landscape this time of year in Texas with all of the wildflowers and infamous Bluebonnets are in bloom. I usually transfer that inspiration over into my wardrobe. From statement earrings in the shape of flowers to embellished handbags, you can add a touch of florals without being overkill. The dress I featured below is Hunter Bell NYC. It’s made of the thinnest (without being see-through) material that is perfect for layering this time of year. I actually wore this to a women’s luncheon and received a ton of compliments on it. I grabbed this old clutch I love and my favorite classic Sarah Flint pumps (save $50 here)! The look was effortless and glam at the same time! I put together a list below of some of my favorite floral pieces you can shop for! The price points start at under $50 and also include luxury options!

Sunny Spring Yellow

I’m on a yellow kick lately. There’s something so bright and cheerful about daffodil and marigold shades of yellow I’ve had it on constant rotation. I recently share this yellow maxi dress and this adorable top with you guys! Today’s it’s all about the gorgeous cabana stripes on this Caroline Constas top. Statement tops are perfect for resort wear styles and vacation. This same top would look adorable with a midi or maxi skirt, a pair of skinny jeans or linen pants. Dressed up or dressed down it’s dramatic and flattering. I decided to wear it with a pair of cropped pants I picked up from Amazon the Drop and pops of white accessories. Although this top is more of an investment piece, I rounded up a few under $100 below for you to shop! To top things off I added a little gold jewelry and a bright yellow satchel I’ve had for years!

Weekend Guide to Port Aransas and Corpus Christi

If you are looking for your next Texas vacation then you need to check out Port Aransas! Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast between Galveston and N Padre Island is the charming island and beach town called Port Aransas. Filled with pastel shops, stores, and restaurants this makes the perfect family vacation! I spent a couple of days here and put together a weekend guide for you guys! From Instagram spots to a restaurant that has presidential history, here is a guide to spending the weekend in Port Aransas and the neighboring city Corpus Christi.

Twirling in a La Maison Talulah Dress

I recently discovered the label La Maison Talulah and let me tell you I couldn’t be happier. The brand designs the most feminine dresses with the most delicate of details like the button-down bodice and tiered ruffle skirted on this dress. You probably remember this short floral dress I wore recently here and here. That one has the most beautiful cut and ruffles on the shoulders and sleeves. The fabric of both dresses was also impressive. Such quality! If you are looking for a few options at lower price points check out the shopping list below! I included a few from Amazon that is under $50!

Spring Accessory Report

Let’s chat about all things Spring now. Over the next few weeks, I begin rotating out all of my cold weather clothes and put my Spring things front and center. I usually gravitate to a few color palettes - nudes with whites, pastels, and cherry red. Depending on my mood, I’ll dress accordingly. Having a few classic accessories like a basket bag, gold jewelry, and scarves make endless options for your favorite pieces. The switch of a bag and the addition of earrings can make any outfit come to life. Also, a pretty statement necklace pops on web meetings! I love being able to show up in real life or on camera with a little color on. It draws people’s eyes to pay better attention to what I’m saying. Below are over 100 spring accessories for you to shop! Let me know which ones are your favorites in the comments!

Pretty Plaid Dress

Hope you had a lovely weekend! I am prepping for a business trip and spending the weekend with my daughter and getting ready for travel. I also had such a good time at a luncheon and putting with friends at Bigshot Golf here in town. If you haven’t been over there, I highly recommend it! It was a blast! I planned to wear this dress that evening, but temperatures dropped quickly, and I ended up changing into jeans and a sweater. This shirt dress has the prettiest Madrid plaid print. Soft colors and delicate embroidery make this a really special piece. I’ve been wearing shirt dresses often lately - see this post and this post. They are so easy to throw on and look flattering on most body types. Because they are tied at the waist, it creates a natural hourglass shape. Plus, having a fuller skirt allows you to move freely without feeling like you are going to flash someone. Yes, you can even sit criss-cross legged on the ground when you pick a long enough skirt. Although the one I’m wearing is an investment piece, you can easily grab other options below! I rounded up a ton of them starting at $35. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and win a free Younique MOODSTRUCK EPIC 4D Mascara!

How to Wear Converse Sneakers with a Dress

Did you know that the most popular post I’ve done in 10 years was how to wear converse sneakers if you’re petite! Month after month that single post gets more views than any other piece of content. I figured it was long overdue to share a follow-up to that post with how to wear converse sneakers with a dress. Because… spring is coming! Today I’m going to give tips for anybody's height or shape! These are pretty universal and perfect for getting organized for Spring Break this year. Here are a few ways tips for how to wear converse sneakers with a dress.