Lovin’ Right Now: Anvil Cards’s Houston Astros Merchandise

For all those who are not professional baseball fans, know that today is an amazing day aka Opening Day.

With having been born and raised in the Houston area, I am naturally an Astros fan. Pair that with spending many summers at my dad’s parents ranch where the Astros would just about always be on and you can easily call me a die hard fan. I mean, I may have even cried when they won the World Series this past year. Though I know for a fact that I was not the only Houstonian celebrating in such a way.

Many local companies have also embraced the Astros and one of those companies is the wonderful Anvil Cards. They’re known for their quirky cards but have been producing some pretty awesome Astros themed merchandise here recently. So, to all my fellow Houstonians and Astros fans, be sure to check out their website!

 

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Insta-February

 

Looking back on February, I can honestly say that it was a month that was well spent. It also went by way quicker than January did due to the lack of crazy snow/ice storms!

I can’t wait to see what March has to bring, especially with the first day of Spring being March 20th. Spring is one of my favorite seasons (the other is Fall), so I am quite excited to see all the new blooms and to be able to enjoy being outside without it being too cold or too hot.

 

Psst… I tend to post more things on Instagram, so if you want to see all of what I’m up to be sure to check out my account @shortsweetandlovely !

Splurge vs. Steal: Chloe Nile Bag

If there is one lesson that my mom has taught me that I try and implement on a daily basis, it’s comparing costs and distinguishing wants versus needs. One thing that I do wonder, though, is how many others continue to think like that and push the influence that social media has away. I know how easy it is to feel swayed to want to buy something that you see all over Instagram and several blogs, believe me–been there done that.

However, I do hope to let y’all know that it is okay to not have the latest and greatest or to not even be able to afford it. Constantly I hear about people who have fallen victim to credit card debt, and i do think it’s because of them feeling the need to keep up with their peers or those that they see on social media. That’s why I love finding dupes of current trends, because then I can have the same look without needing to sacrifice other things that I tend to treat myself to. I mean, I love me a good lavender latte.

So kudos to those out there who to post dupes of their designer duds, and to those who can’t afford them–don’t worry ’bout it! Be sure to check out the above dupe and others on Amazon, as it’s one of the best places to find dupes for trendy items.

-C

Let’s Talk: Amazon Prime Yoga Video Workouts

When I went to the MFAH Oscar de la Renta exhibit with a coworker and some of her friends, I heard the most amazing thing. Apparently if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, then you can watch a variety of instructional workout videos, including ones for Yoga. More than likely, I’m late to the game on this one but for those of y’all out there who also did not know about this–how awesome is that?!

Seeing as how one of my goals for 2018 was to start getting back into yoga (I took classes for a good while in Oregon but stopped when I moved back to Houston), I looked up the aforementioned videos on Amazon as soon as I got home. I have already tried out some of the Beginners Workout ones instructed by Erica Vetra and loved them. Even though you’re not in an actual class setting, it feels like you are with all the tips and suggestions on pose form that she supplies.

Yoga, and exercising in general, has always helped me when I have either been depressed (seasonal depression is real, y’all) or had low energy levels or even just felt a lack of self confidence. I know that I am not the only one who tends to struggle with issues like these. So, I have decided that on Wednesdays I will post about and discuss different wellness topics with you all. As of right now, I am undecided on how long I will keep these posts up but I do feel that it’s something that should be talked about.

Also, for those who, like me, have dealt with either depression, anxiety, or self esteem issues, I hope you find something that works for you like yoga does for me. If yoga does seem like an option that you’d want to try, be sure to check out my yoga essentials below and the yoga classes on Amazon Prime (much cheaper option than an actual class…just saying!).

Hope y’all have a lovely day!

-C

( Tank via JoyLab, Sports Bra via JoyLab, Zella High Waist Leggings via Nordstrom, Yoga Mat Cleaner Kit via Amazon, and Gaiam Yoga Print Mat via Amazon )

**And yes, I did include a yoga mat cleaner, because no one likes a gross yoga mat.

***The above leggings are over $50 but do know that Nordstrom is having a sale right, which includes a lot of their athletic gear. I got these high waist leggings from Nordstrom this past weekend for a little over $40 and love love love the cute marble pattern on them.

“The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta” Exhibit

If there’s one thing that was on the top of my 2018 To Do List, it was to go see the Oscar de la Renta exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Having grown up watching movies that were costumes by the likes of Edith Head and Givenchy, I came to love fashion and view it all as a work of art. Oscar de la Renta, in my opinion, is among the likes of Head and Givenchy. Not just because he dressed women in gorgeous pieces but because he knew it wasn’t the clothes that made the woman, but the woman that made the clothes. In his own words, “it’s not about what you wear, but about how you live your life.”

So, here’s to taking de la Renta’s advice and having a life worth living and also to the wonderful art that he created.

-C

Looking Back on 2017

From my first ever solo trip to Seattle (a place I’ve never been to, no less!) to trying to expand and play with my personal style to Hurricane Harvey to the Astros winning the World Series–this year has been a crazy one!

Below are some of my favorite moments and photos from this past year. So thanks to everyone who I got to spend this crazy year, and thank you to Joybird and many other retailers for giving me all the design inspiration that I need for my new place.

Cheers to a new year!

-C

(All photos are my own unless otherwise stated)

Style to Admire: Kate Middleton

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As the Duchess of Cambridge, dressing well is of the upmost importance. However, not only does Kate Middleton dress well, she does it with a style that is uniquely her own.

Since her engagement to Prince William, the world has seen Kate favoring more classic silhouettes while giving them a more modern feel with a variety of pattern, color, fabric, and texture. I love the A-line dress silhouette that she favors, as it’s not only a classic shape but also one that is universally flattering (aka a style that many of us can copy while trying to look as fab as her!). With it being a classic shape, it can also easily be incorporated into any sort of lovely dress, whether it’s one of a fun and trending color (a la the Marigold Jenny Packham dress) or one that is a more classically patterned dress (a la the polka dot Dolce & Gabbana Dress).

It is also refreshing to see someone with a title embrace trends like the average woman. Floral prints that err on the more natural side have been quite popular this year and the Erdem dress that was worn for the Germany/Poland Royal tour is so lovely. The real start of the show, though, when it came to the fashions seen form the Royal tour had to be the Alexander McQueen red off the shoulder dress. I know many women have scoured the internet for something similar while hoping to find one that is lesser expensive.

What do you think of her style? Check out more Style to Admire posts here. 

Have a lovely weekend!

-C

Shades of Blue

Being a big fan of just about any shade of blue, I just had to have this super cute Escapada top. Besides the gorgeous blue colors, this top also has a fun tassel fringe bottom. I also love how well it paired with these white Target chino shorts, that I’ve been practically living in lately, and these Charming Charlie tassel earrings for a fun Fourth of July outfit. 

What are some fun pieces that y’all are loving lately? 

-C

 

P.S. I apologize for being absent from Short Sweet and Lovely for the past few weeks–things have just been a bit crazy for me as of late!

Classic Navy Sheath Dress

Y’all, I am loving this sheath dress that I picked up a few weeks ago on super sale at Stein Mart. Yes, you read that right. I bought this dress at Stein Mart and am super proud of that fact. Honestly, who wouldn’t be after saving close to 100 dollars?!

As far as the dress itself goes, I love the classic navy/white color palette and the style of it. I normally don’t go for a sheath style dress but from the first moment I put this on in the dressing room, I knew it was a perfect fit. It’s hard enough finding a dress at such a great price, but finding one that is fitted for someone with some curves and that hits just above the knee is nothing short of a miracle.

Kudos, Stein Mart. Kudos.

-C

Weekend Wear + A Hand-beaded Clutch

If there is one clutch that I have fallen hard for this summer, it is the Azteca Beaded Clutch by Gretchen Scott. I love the colors that were used, the pattern, the size, and the fact that it is hand beaded.

Honestly, with this gorgeous clutch, you can dress up a simple top (like what I did) or complement a lovely dress. Y’all know I am all about pieces that are versatile and this clutch definitely fits in that category.

-C 

 

Outfit Details: Karen Kane top; Liverpool jeans; Donald Pliner wedges; Brighton sunglasses; Everlasting Joy necklace, earrings, and bracelets