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

Advertisement

“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)

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!

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

Five Escapada Living Must Haves for Summer

 

Once summer comes around, I’m all about wearing dresses and tops made of lightweight fabrics, which are a definite must when you live in such a hot and humid area like I do. With that being said, since moving back to the Houston area, I have constantly been on the hunt for brands that use lightweight fabrics while also still remaining stylish.

One of those brands that I have found to satisfy my fabric and style needs is Escapda Living. I mean, not only do I love the feel of their pieces, but I also love how the classic cuts of them are styled with either a fun print or some tassels. All of which work perfectly down here in the South!

-C

 

3/4 Sleeve Mimi Tunic Dress / 3/4 Sleeve Susan Top / Tasseled Karen Top / Short Sleeve Naomi Romper / Daphne Tunic Dress

 

Five Must-Have Gingham Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

When I think of gingham I think of pictures of Audrey Hepburn in a blouse and gingham crops riding a bicycle or Brigette Bardot in a gingham dress. Having grown up with a love of 50’s and 60’s icons, I have always had a sweet spot for this pattern.

However, as much of a fan I am of the classics, I am loving the fresh and updated take on gingham that many people are embracing. I even recently purchased this MINKPINK dress, which combines this classic pattern with ruffles and the oh so flirty one shoulder trend. I’m also loving this cold shoulder Amanda Uprichard dress.

How are y’all embracing gingham this spring/summer?

-C

Turquoise + White

 

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m going to be spending this Friday in a ridiculously stereotypical manner by making tacos and guacamole. Will also more than likely indulge in a Corona or a Pacifico as well because cheers to the weekend, am I right?

Also, I know I’ve posted about Jude Connally before but I am absolutely OBSESSED with the moisture wicking material she uses for her designs. For those who also live in an area where it gets quite warm and humid during the summer months, I highly recommend you check this line out as it is so breathable and easy to wear. This dress in particular is perfect for summer, with it’s turquoise and white (aka one of my favorite color combinations) and it’s halter-like style.

Have a great weekend!

-C

 

(Dress: Jude Connally; Heels: Donald Pliner (old, similar); Earrings: Knot Just Pearls) 

 

Photo by Amy Barker Richards

One Down, Three to Go

 

I can’t believe a quarter of the year has already passed by! Growing up, I always had older people tell me: “oh just you wait until you’re older…time will start flying by!” I honestly never believed them when they would say that, and yet, here I am, wondering where the time went.

2017 has already treated me so well, though, that I won’t complain about how fast it seems to be going by. I was able to take a trip to Seattle and back to my second home of Oregon, spend time exploring new places in my area, and change up my casual wardrobe to represent a more post-grad life ( Side note: This has also resulted in a few more people now asking which college I recently graduated from instead of asking which high school. #shortpeopleproblems? haha).

Hope 2017 has been good to y’all as well! 

-C

P.S. I’ve started a new Instagram account solely for this blog, so follow me now @shortsweetandlovely to see more content! 

Feels like Summer (Reader Update)

Hello lovelies!

I know I’ve been quite hit and miss when it comes to posting since having gotten back from my trip to the Pacific Northwest and I apologize for that. Things have been crazy here, but I am currently trying to get back to some semblance of a normal schedule/routine.

Also, it’s really been feeling like summer here in the Houston area. I’ve already worn my white jeans multiple times and have even been able to get out the bikini as well. Crazy stuff–I know.

One brand I’ve come to love recently is Jude Connally and that is because of the saving grace of the moisture wicking material of many of her pieces (like the dress I am wearing above). If there’s one thing that annoys me, it’s when humidity gets my clothes to attack me and luckily that does not happen when you wear Jude Connally.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, y’all!

-C

 

(Dress: Jude Connally (sold out, similar); Wedges: Donald Pliner; Tote, Necklace, & Earrings: J Barton Clothiers)

Photos by Chelsea Chandler