My Weekend in Austin for the Texas Style Council 2013 Conference (In "Grams" and SLRs)

I must say that it's hard to put this past weekend into words. Luckily I took lots of photos, and they tell the story better than I could hope to with words alone. 

I had a wonderful time at the Texas Style Council 2013 conference. I was nervous going into it because I'm not very comfortable with mingling and meeting new people. I pushed myself to do it (because I knew it would be good for me), and I'm extremely glad I did. 

I ended up connecting with lots of bloggers who inspire me, as well as making friends with bloggers and brands I hadn't heard of before. I even met a few people who are newer to the game than I am, and I was able to share some of my experience and advice with them. 

Although the events were tons of fun, the craft cocktails were ever flowing, the classes were informative, and there was a shocking amount of swag, it was really the people that made this weekend such an incredible experience.

P.S. If you're wondering why my prom date looks like a younger, tanner, curlier version of me, it's because she's my cousin. Getting to stay with my family in Austin was just the cherry on top of the Peanut Buster Parfait that was this weekend, and I'm glad I could take Zoe to a crazy, swag-filled, photo-booth-ridden blogger prom before she goes to her own senior prom next year. 

What I wore today: 07/31/2013 (Remix)

I must say that I find the concept of style "remixes," (outfit posts featuring pieces readers have seen before), a bit odd. Of course I re-wear things in new ways; that's called being a real person and not a TV character. Why should there even be a term for it?

Still, in the world of personal style blogging, there is definitely pressure to show off new, never-before-blogged pieces, and I feel that pressure as much as anyone else. But the truth is that, on most days, I'm not wearing new purchases; I'm wearing a few well-loved standbys mixed together in a new way.

And, for me, as a blog reader, though I like seeing new pieces, I find it just as interesting (if not more so) to see a favorite blogger wear an old item in a new way. 

If you missed seeing these items in the past, check out the peplum tee here, here (tucked in), and here: the skirt here; the blazer here; and the boots here, and here. 

* * *

Oh, and I took the leap and got baby bangs. Didn't think I've breeze by that, did you? I like them, but they're definitely taking some getting used to. It's a fun change, though. 

Sequined wool skirt - Anthropologie
Navy and white polkadot peplum tee - H&M
Suede ankle boots - Target
Floral blazer - Anthropologie
Basket-weave purse - Had forever, don't remember

Featured in IFB's Links à la Mode

I'm honored to be featured again in IFB's Links à la Mode this week. Find the link to my post on tie-dying cutoff below (if you haven't seen it already) and check out some of the other featured posts while you're at it.

"But if fashion were easy, wouldn't everybody look great?" ~Tim Gunn

I usually open with a title for Links à la Mode.. but this week, it's a quote found in one of our links. Tim Gunn did say it best, if fashion were EASY, everyone would look great! But alas it's not. It's tricky, specific, fickle, and highly personal. We all spend our entire lives getting dressed, but how many truly have style? This week we have a mix of the things you need to find your own personal way to fashion. So grab your cuppa and read these links!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

• A la Modest: Chelsea Boots: From Victorians to Mods to You
• Al-Balsam Life: Tim Gunn's 60th Birthday: His Memorable Quotes
• Arash Mazinani: Are you searching for a style magic pill?
• Beauty and Sass: marc the many moments
• Burgundy Whispers: Best Fictional Boyfriends
• Catching Flight: eBay Finds 6 eBay Shopping Tips
• Dresss:Code: Wearable Avantgarde: Salvatore Ferragamo F/W 13/14
• Fashion is Evolution: How to DIY tie-dyed distressed cutoffs
• Healthy Fashionista: Healthyfashionista's Guide To Naturally Perfect Skin
• Inexpensive Chic: Pantone's Fall Colors '13
• Inspirations & Celebrations: The Best White Jeans For Your Body Type - Style Guide
• Little J Style: Do's and Don'ts for Clear Skin!
• My Style Vita: Accounting 101 for Bloggers
• Rose & Pine: Do You Have The Time?
• Stilettos & Tequila: How To Haggle Like A Pro In 11 Easy Steps
• Style Bizzare: How to Find Your Personal Crystal
• Style for the Seasons: 10 Essential Items for an Overnight Work Trip
• Style Vanity: Mixing Prints Guide For Men
• Tickle Me Chic: Who's to blame?
• Wild Beauty: Wild Beauty Places: Bite Beauty Lip Lab

My Dad's Birthday

Last Sunday was my dad's birthday, so I made him a German chocolate cake. We gathered at my parents house, around their pool, although it was really not warm enough to swim. I enjoyed observing my dad spend his birthday doing the things he loves most: playing with his grandson, sitting in his back yard with his family, discussing ancient Rome with my fiancé.

It was a nice reminder that it's the simple things in life that make it so rich. The place you call home, and the people you call family are the most precious gifts of all.

Sorry to get so mushy on you. Birthdays and holidays really get to me sometimes.

I'm at TxSC this weekend

I'm really excited to be spending this weekend in my second hometown, meeting some of my favorite bloggers, learning lots, and having fun.

I'll bring back tons of photos and ideas to share with you. I just wish I could share the migas tacos, which I'm going to order at Maria's the moment I get there, with you as well.