The island stretches a full 60 miles until you reach the Mansfield Channel that separates South Padre Island from North Padre Island. It’s absolutely beautiful and I look forward to getting the opportunity to come back and camp for a few days. I highly recommend bringing hiking boots so you can explore the beautiful sand dunes and grasslands. You’ll need to watch out for rattlesnakes, but other than that it’s a pretty mild hiking environment. You can watch the sunset over the Madre Lagoon which is one of seven estuaries in the world. I also recommend bringing a cooler with extra food and snacks in the event you were stuck. There’s not a lot of people as you get further down the coast (sometimes miles in between campsites) so keeping enough food and water on hand is essential.

Last Days of Summer

As we roll into Labor Day weekend I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on this past Summer. After years of fighting battles internally, I found a freedom I’ve never experienced before. I took my second solo trip to Florida stopping along the way in historic Vicksburg, MS then onto Mobile, AL, and landed in the Emerald Bay in Florida. Meeting up with a friend I haven’t seen in twenty years was just one highlight of this magical season. Summer is the season of living outdoors, of dipping your feet into the sea and laying on the beach listening to the humming of the ocean. It’s a time for lots of SPF, sunshine, and hydration. The season for really living life to its fullest and being as carefree as possible. Road tripping from beach to beach and walks at sunset make this season unlike any other. What was your summer like? Did you find a way to get out of your home? Did you make it to the beach? Did you watch the sunset on the horizon late into the evening while cicadas sang in the background? Here are a few of my favorite memories from my week in Florida.

Work Wardrobe Refresh

The world is coming back into motion and I have to tell you, I’m here for it! Yesterday I had to drive into Houston for a business meeting and I realized over the past few months I really needed to up my work wardrobe. After living in sweat pants and tank tops for what seems an eternity, it was finally time to grab a few new items for work events. So many offices are re-opening or moving to part-time staff working at the office. I figured many of you could also benefit from a few new work inspired items for your wardrobe, too.

Fall Denim Round Up

Every Fall I make sure to do a quick inventory of my denim, corduroy, and pants so I have exactly what I need for the cooler months. This year I’ve been really leaning towards ankle flared jeans, straight legs, and a solid pair of tan corduroys. Denim really never goes out of style.

Back to School Sneakers

With all the hype of kids going back to school, it’s the perfect time to grab a pair of new sneakers. I try to refresh my athleisure twice a year (usually Spring and Fall) discarding anything worn or that no longer fits and adding in a few new pieces. Recently I bought a few things to include new leggings (same fit as the ones you are seeing in this pic just in a powder light pink), sneakers, and this adorable top from my friends over at Off the Grid. Sneakers are something you want to change out as soon as they start getting worn. Your feet are imperative as vehicles to get around and worn shoes lead to backaches and injuries. I love the look of these old-school New Balance ones. In fact, I had the same pair in college and wore them until they were no longer in good condition.

Welcome to 36

Wow! I’m not going to lie as I sit here and write early this morning I cannot believe I’m turning 36 years old in a few hours. Age is funny. I remember a few years back when I lacked purpose in life I felt old and withered. These days I feel like my life has just begun. I feel vibrant, alive, and excited when I rise each morning. I feel like tackling the day is a privilege, not a chore. Over the past two years, so much of my life changed and I’m here for it! I’m living proof that you should not give up on your dreams. Keep going, keep striving, keep doing the baby steps until you reach what you’re after.

Wallflower - An Easy DIY Project

The past few weeks I’ve been in a state of unpacking, organizing, and decorating my new home. I moved in about three weeks ago with a plan of action that unfolds more and more every day. I absolutely love getting to decorate and design spaces. In fact, I love it so much that’s what I went to college for! Funny how much I’ve used the degree in my regular life over the years. I’ve been sharing glimpses of the new place over on my Instagram (see this post and this post) but today I wanted to roll out a really simple idea for a blank wall or hallway on the blog!

My Favorite Fall Dresses From Amazon

As we transition to the end of the summer I’m already reaching for new items that will carry me into the Fall. Dresses are hands down the easiest item for me to throw on and change out my accessories to fit the season. Since I live in Texas, I have to still dress to combat high temperatures until mid-October when it finally starts to cool off. I find lightweight cotton blends in pretty shades of mustard, sage, cinnamon, olive, and chestnut are gorgeous this time of year. Right now I’m pairing them with brown leather slides and straw totes. However, as we move into the cooler days I’ll pair with boots and a floppy hat for more of a Fall feel. Here are a few of my favorite dresses you can grab on Amazon for under $35.

Wearing Confidence

A few years back I went through a period of time where I was really shy. Growing up we traveled all over and I was constantly the new kid. It was so embarrassing to eat lunch alone until I made friends. Later on, I struggled with anxiety and found social interactions intimidating all over again. I started working on better lifestyle habits and slowly gained more and more confidence. Just about that time a friend of mine reached out and introduced me to the most amazing mascara. I partnered with a company and immediately was plugged into a team of girls who really cheered me on! We became fast friends over Facebook and they would give me encouragement when I posted! I had no idea how much I needed that in my life and am forever grateful.

Meet My New Personal Trainer

Back in June, I realized I was getting bored with my workout routine. Every few months I try to switch things up or I find that I don’t push myself to workout daily. My go-to is to walk or run but I felt like in the heat of Texas summer that was even a stretch to do. Just about that time my friend Courtney reached out and offered for me to try her workout program. I told her immediately I was down! At this point, I could benefit from accountability and a new routine. I’ve been going through the workouts the past five weeks and not only have I seen muscle tone, I’ve also noticed my strength improved! She’s offering 50% off to all of my friends who register through noon tomorrow using this link so I had to pop on and give you all of the details to the program.

Getting Inspired Again

At the beginning of summer, I felt so worn out. I had just come off of a four-month push in my business and at work, my daughter broke her elbow and had surgery, and stress was at an all-time high. I felt exhausted and uninspired. Have you recently been there, too? I’ve learned as the years pass that life comes in waves. Sometimes you are riding a high and then the valleys in life happen. As I approach being 36 in two weeks I’ve been reflecting more and more about these seasons in my life. How do I manage the lows better? How do I encourage the high points to stay high longer? How do I stay inspired when I don’t feel like I have much energy? As I’ve reflected I found a few things that help me get through the waves of life.

Summer Whites

As we wind down with the second half of summer I felt like it was the perfect time to pull out some of my favorite white pieces. Being from the south, classic white cotton eyelet lace is a practical and pretty textile that’s easy to keep clean. Throw the item in the washer and line dry for the best results. White cotton pieces are worn time and time again throughout the years and my go to for getting dressed quickly. I’ve rounded up a ton of pieces below for you to shop ranging from high end to Amazon finds under $20. Whatever your budget is you can find quality pieces in your budget.

A Modern Yet Chic Apartment in College Station, TX

It’s been a place full of growth and discovery. A home filled with peace and love. I believe we are products of our environment and I sought to create a place for Skyler and myself to flourish in! From Covid to working from home to homeschool This is where all the magic happened that created the life we have now I will be forever grateful for these memories and the life we created one day at a time. The apartment is three beds and two full baths with high ceilings and beautiful granite and stone textiles. I love how much light is throughout the day! Although the space evolved over this past year, I tried to carry the same look and feel throughout the space - whimsical, chic, and feminine.

Lifestyle, Inspiration, Style, interior designCrystal LowyJuly 21, 2021Interior Design, Home Sweet Heel Clicks, Home, Decor, ApartmentComment

Feeling Overwhelmed These Days?

A few weeks ago I stumbled across a documentary on Amazon Prime about being a highly sensitive person. I had no idea this was even a thing in life but immediately connected with the content. I am extremely sensitive to sunlight, overhead lights, and brightness. If a siren is sounding in the background, I struggle to concentrate on anything except the repetitive noise. After a social event, I feel completely wiped out and want to spend the next day doing my own thing in my environment. Does any of this sound familiar to you? This post may help! 15-20% of people and animals are classified as highly sensitive. They pick up on small details most would overlook and they have a heightened sense of taste, touch, hearing, sight, and smell. When they are bombarded by too many new experiences or strong things they end up feeling frazzled. Welp, that’s me!

Sweet Summer Moments

I believe there are seasons for everything in life. I mentioned in my post last week on listening to your inner voice how I needed to take time to enjoy the things I’ve worked hard for over this past year. After a season of grinding every day from early morning until my head hit the pillow my body was telling me to get more rest. I started incorporating more quiet time, regular massages to work out stress knots in my body, and sleep to help combat the pressure. As the days began to get longer I noticed I also shifted in my sleep schedule. I awoke a little later and went to bed later. Instead of fighting this, I decided it was time to breathe it all in and just go with it. You see, as much as goals are incredibly important so is joy. Without joy, we cannot experience the fruit of our rewards. Savoring the sweetness of summer has never been so vital for me in the past. But here we are and I’m embracing this season. Time is precious and you cannot relive moments.

Warm Summer Nights

About this time of year I reach for flowy dresses and skirts since the humidity and heat are really high. Lately I’ve been pairing my summer dresses with mini bags like this one from House of Want. I love the quality of the purse and that it’s made of vegan material instead of leather. The gold hardware is also such good quality creating an expensive looking aesthetic. You can grab this one or the pink one I wore in New Orleans in a post from earlier this week. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite finds for summer right now below! Hope you guys are having an amazing Fourth of July weekend!

Petite Style, Style, LifestyleCrystal LowyJuly 3, 2021College Station, TXSummer Style, Dresses, Maxi, Style 31, PlatformsComment

Red, White and Blue Outfit Inspo for the Fourth

StyleCrystal LowyJuly 1, 2021Style 31, Red White Blue, Swimsuit, Beach, Stripes, Holiday, Holiday Style, FourthComment

Listen To Your Inner Voice

Are you one of those people that gets a strong sense of direction in the pit of your stomach? Like there’s something inside of you urging you to move one way or another? I am that person. I’ve always had a strong intuition but growing up and into my early adulthood, I didn’t always pay attention to it. In fact, sometimes I would rationalize against it. As I’ve aged (hello 35 almost 36) I’ve learned to trust that inner voice. The inner voice doesn’t steer me wrong. In fact, every time I’ve gone against it I’ve later regretted it. I believe intuition is just as important as what our minds can come up with. I find humans rationalize emotional and illogical choices to justify doing them. I also find that we lead so often with our heads and not our hearts.

Small Town Charm: Fairhope, Alabama

On my way home from my travels this week to the Florida coast I made it a point to take a short detour through Fairhope, Alabama. It’s a coastal city about half an hour South from Mobile, AL and an hour from Pensacola, Florida. The city has so much charm it felt like I was instantly transported to a little European town. From lovely boutiques to patios covered in flowers there’s no dull corner as you make your way through the streets of their small downtown area. The city dates back to late 1800’s when a group of popular reformists decided to create a southern utopia. The city was built for creative and free thinking people. Around 1908 the city was established with about 500 people.

No Rain No Rainbows

Over the past week, I took myself on a little journey across the South. I decided to start in Mississippi and travel down to the Florida coast and then back through New Orleans making a loop home. When I arrived at the coast I immediately encountered a series of thunderstorms. It definitely was a challenge for me to photograph and spend time at the beach due to intermittent raining and required an immense amount of flexibility in my day. I am a planner but you can’t always plan everything. Life is dynamic. In fact, some would say that life is constantly changing and nothing remains the same. I’ve found the thunderstorms bring the prettiest sunsets and rainbows. I think that’s true for life, too. There’s no such thing as only experiencing “good.” You have to have the lows for growth and to appreciate the highs. Without rain there is no rainbow.