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Board Shorts & Fringe. + NYFW Giveaway!

August 5, 2015

Hey y’all. Happy Hump Day! This week has already been interesting. Anyone else already looking forward to the weekend?! Vacation towards the end of summer is what’s keeping me going. Speaking of vacations, this giveaway is one you want to enter!

Can I just say how much I love this outfit. The A.L.C. shorts were a Last Call sale purchase and I’m so glad I have them. Printed shorts have been on my mind lately so I’m glad I got to rock this pair. Board shorts aren’t normally my style but these were just too cool when I put them on. Longer length shorts are great for those who aren’t as confident about their legs but still want to achieve that look.

Can’t forget about the accessories! These fringe heels are so fun. As soon as I saw them, I went out and bought them (something I rarely do #fr). I knew they would be a versatile yet trendy shoe to add to my wardrobe. Fringe has been a huge trend this spring/summer and I had to join in.

Haute tip: One of the best ways to try out a new trend is to try it with an accessory like shoes or a handbag. Then you aren’t making the full commitment and don’t have to spend a ton of money.

top: H&M (similar) | shorts: A.L.C. (similar here, here, here) | shoes: here & here on sale

Photo Credit | Dusty Rose Darling

Giveaway Time! – CLOSED

Bringing an exciting giveaway to you readers. Deets on how to enter below!

Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future. This is known as Fashion Week. – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex & The City

How long have you been wanting to travel to NYC for Fashion Week – the major fashion event of the season? I have teamed up with some amazing bloggers and we are bringing you a one of a kind giveaway!

Enter below to win a TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY DURING FASHION WEEK!!!

Where? New York City
When? September 11-13th

Prize Includes: A $400 flight voucher, two free nights at the Hudson Hotel, and a $400 SHOPPING SPREE!!!

I’ve been dreaming of a way to make it to Fashion Week for years but now YOU have a chance! NYC buzzes with so much energy during Fashion Week. Everyone of the fashion world hits the city for over a week of fashion madness.

This is a trip you NEED to take.

New York Fashion Week Giveaway

*Each entrant can enter up to 161 times. All entries will be verified. Each entry improves your chance of winning! Must be 18+ years older to enter. International applicants welcome! This giveaway will end at midnight on August 12th and the winner will be picked at random. If you win, you must answer our email within 48 hours to claim the prize or it will go to the next winner.

Linking up with: Chic Street Style – Pastries Pumps & Pi – Living in Color Style

Release Your Inner Wild.

July 27, 2015

Dress: Zara, old (similar, here & here) | Kimono: Urban Outfitters (similar, similar) | Sandals: Gentle Souls | Necklace: Bauble Bar | Clutch: The Limited, old (similar, really cute ones here, here, & here)

Met up with some friends for dinner and drinks on Friday night. Got to catch up with a friend of a friend that is living the life we all want to live. He’s a musician/chef/world traveler. He even picked up and moved to Hawaii for a year to just get a change of pace. His next trip will be stops in Japan and India, just because. Hearing all of his interesting stories got all of us inspired and ready to book a flight to anywhere.

Speaking of travel, this outfit is my go-to whenever I have to catch a flight. The dress is so comfortable and the leopard kimono is perfect for those chilly airplane temperatures. Always have to travel in style!

Sometimes you just have to release your inner wild.
Nothing too crazy, just take a step outside of your norm to grow and learn more about yourself.

thanks to Dusty Rose Darling photography for bringing out my wild side.

Here are some ideas on finding your inner wild:

Take a road trip with no specific destination.
Pick up and move to Hawaii for a year.
Have dinner at a restaurant by yourself.
Plan a trip to a country that no one has heard of.
Teach yourself a language or a new skill.
Dye your hair a funky color – even if just for a week.
Build your bucket list & commit to crossing one major thing off every year.

At dinner we asked the question, “If you could go anywhere in the world & money was no object, where would you go?”
So, where would you go? Let me know in the comments!

|Photo credit: Dusty Rose Darling|

Linking up with: Pink Sole – Still Being Molly – Fizz & Frosting – Living In Color Style – Mix & Match Fashion

Haute Picks. Printed Summer Shorts.

July 20, 2015

1. Elizabeth and James Keyla Printed Drawstring Shorts • Elizabeth and James • $159
2. Caslon® Drawstring Linen Shorts (Regular & Petite) • Caslon • $49
3. A.L.C. ‘Val’ Flower Print Silk Shorts • A.L.C. • $325
4. MINKPINK ‘Cherry Pie’ Print Shorts • MinkPink • $29.40
5. Two by Vince Camuto Diamond Print Linen & Cotton Shorts • Vince Camuto • $59
6. Topshop Palm Print Shorts • Topshop • $60
7. Dirty Ballerina High Rise Floral Shorts • Nordstrom • $38.40

One of my favorite things about summer is wearing shorts. While denim shorts may be the go-to summer staple, new alternatives have been popping up the last few seasons.

Printed shorts are great options for those breezy summer days. They are comfortable yet cool and chic. These shorts can be dressed up with wedges but can also be easy and laid-back when you pair them with a simple white tee and flat leather sandals. Even if you aren’t a big fan of prints, this is a way to get in on the action without making the full commitment of a printed dress.

Accessories with printed shorts can be clean and simple. Let the shorts be the start of the outfit. Floral and geometric prints are safe bets when shopping for printed shorts to add to your summer outfit rotation.

Nordstrom has a good selection and their anniversary sale is going on right now so it’s a good time to pick up a few pairs of printed shorts!

Happy shopping! Hope you pick up some haute picks!
xoxo,
-c.

Linking up with: Pink Sole, Style Elixir, Classy Yet Trendy, Living in Color, The Red Closet Diary, Mix & Match Fashion

Local Rose. + Coffee Date.

July 16, 2015

There is something so sweet about reconnecting with your past over a cup of coffee.

I got the chance to do just that over the weekend. After my hot yoga class at Core Power Yoga, I got myself together for a coffee date with a friend from my middle school days. How’s that for #throwbackthursday?

Turns out, she is a blossoming photographer discovering her true passions in life, similar to my journey with this blog – a quest to experience the world through a more confident lens. Our paths divinely reconnected a few years ago, only to bring us to this meeting.

Suyapa suggested the spot, Local Press + Brew, a cute coffee and juice bar in the eclectic Oak Cliff neighborhood. It’s a simplistic spot with a clean aesthetic offering organic, cold-pressed juices as well as locally roasted coffee and espresso. She brought her husband along and we spent a few minutes catching up over coffee. We sat outside to soak up the summer sun and talked about our paths apart after our early years as middle-schoolers, all the way up to our current work and passion projects.

trust me. you need the almond milk latte.

My passion is the pursuit of living a full life, in whatever form that takes (currently this blog & the cool experiences that come with it) and Suyapa’s is her photography: Dusty Rose Darling. When this shoot popped up on my Facebook timeline, I was immediately drawn by the beautiful imagery and felt compelled to reach out, which brought us to some good coffee and a few quick snaps to test the waters.

I love celebrating the talents of others, so it’s exciting to get the opportunity to work together. Looking forward for what’s to come!

Shop easy knit dresses perfect for a summer coffee date here:

photo credit: Dusty Rose Darling

Let’s Shop. Swimsuits: Bikini vs. One Piece

July 9, 2015

Time to do some swimsuit shopping for my upcoming cruise to the Bahamas! I haven’t invested in a great suit in a while this is perfect timing. There are so many cute swimsuits out there these days. Unique cut outs and the rise of updated one-pieces make this shopping list all the more necessary.

BIKINI TIME

Made by Dawn Basic Bottoms • Free People • $68

Striped high neck bikini set • Topshop • $52

T by Alexander Wang Black Mesh Panel Bikini Top • Alexander Wang • $225

Melissa Odabash Evita Bandeau Bikini • Melissa Odabash • $80

MIKOH Barbados Bikini Top • Mikoh • $76–108

Maaji Underwire Tie Back Crop Bikini Top • Maaji • $70

Zoe Karssen Stars Halter Bikini • Zoe Karssen • $129.50

Kate Spade New York Georgica Beach Stripes Bikini Top • Kate Spade • $98

one piece swimsuits

Forever Sexy Halter One-piece • Victoria’s Secret • $88.50 Anne Cole Contrast-Striped Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit • Anne Cole • $54.99

Nanette Lepore Montecito One Piece Swimsuit • Nanette Lepore • $98 Suboo White One Piece Swimsuit With V Details • $205

Mikoh Hianano Plunge-Front Printed Halterneck Swimsuit • Mikoh • $210 Blue Life Eclipse Crisscross One-Piece Swimsuit • Blue Life • $154 Tory Burch Lipsi Color Block One Piece Swimsuit • Tory Burch • $225 Acacia Swimwear Teahupo’o Swimsuit • Acacia Swimwear • $212

Suboo Printed Mesh-Paneled Swimsuit • $215

Forever Sexy Double Cut-out One-piece • Victoria’s Secret • $49.99

Mikoh Coral Moorea Braided Swimsuit • Mikoh • $240

Any favorites here? Scoop them up before we say goodbye to summer!

Stylin’ for the 4th of July. + Sales!

July 2, 2015

Happy 4th of july!

Technical delays made this post a few days late but it’s finally here! I wanted to share one of my outfit ideas for the 4th of July holiday. When I was looking through my closet, I actually found a few different outfit options but settled on this particular one. I just had to incorporate this flag scarf that I got on a trip in San Francisco. It’s become one of my favorite scarves (and I love me some scarves!)

It’s super easy to find a striped blue dress like the one I’m wearing (old, from Uniqlo). I’ve linked a few cute ones here, here, and here. The great thing about a simple striped dress is that it can be worn in a variety of settings and can easily be dressed up or down with appropriate accessories.

Just a few things I’m thankful for this holiday — celebrating with friends, good food, a day off from work, an tech-savvy uncle to help with blog issues, & 4th of July sales!

I’ve already made a couple of purchases to take advantage of the sales. Shop a few to find some good deals!

ANTHRHOPOLGIE : Extra 20% off sale with code SALEAWAY – ends 7/4

Madwell : Extra 30% off with code META20

Sole Society : Up to 50% off sale!

J. Crew : Up to 60% off with code LONGWEEKEND

Barney’s New York Warehouse : Up to 60% off sale!

ASOS : Up to 50% off sale — I’ve already done some damage here.

Also, if you haven’t entered the GIVEAWAY for the Chloe bag & Rayban Aviators — go now! Click over to my previous post to enter!

Happy 4th!
xoxo,
c.

Giveaway! Chloe Marcie Bag + RayBan Aviators.

June 29, 2015

giveaway is now closed. congrats to the winner bianca h.!

thank you to everyone who entered!

Today I’m so excited to be teaming up with some fabulous ladies for an awesome giveaway!

We will be giving away the Chloé Marcie cross-body bag AND a pair of Polarized Ray Bans in the color of your choice. Both prizes to one lucky winner!

Let me tell you – these two items are high priority on my want list. The Chloé bag is one of those luxury staples that you’ll have forever…also a maybe, someday item for me.

But these Ray Bans?, How fun! I’ve been scoping these out for a couple of months now but just haven’t made the purchase. Yet. I love that they come in a variety of summer shades that all look great! – blue/green, a cool lavender (slightly different style), and my favorite: the orange/red combo

photo evidence #1: doing a little try-on in Neiman Marcus.

groovy huh?

These accessories are the most wanted accessories of the summer and here’s your chance to win them! Go you!!

To enter, head to the rafflecopter widget below! Each blogger follow is one entry, and if you complete every entry, you will receive a bonus 10 entries for the giveaway!

All entries will be verified, so make sure you follow directions exactly, or you’ll be disqualified. This giveaway is also open internationally!

Good luck!

Host: Dressing Dallas

// Uptown Fashion By Jess // Life in the ATX // A Weakness For Sparkle // Beauty By Miss L // The Miller Affect //

// Fitness and Frills // Michelle’s Pa(i)ge // Kristi Case // Lumarnescence // The Fashion Hour //

// Finding Beautiful Truth // One Small Blonde // The Block is Haute // Fashion Conspiracy // Twenties Girl Style //

// KB Styled // The Closet Crush // Live More Beautifully // Friday We’re In Love // The Beauty Snoop //

// Classic and Bubbly // Oak and Oats // Living in Style OC // Techionista // The LA Survival Guide //

// Pretty Petals // Loubies and Lulu // Glitter and Spice // Sophisticated Whimsy // A Complete Waste of Makeup //

// Caleigh’s Kitchen // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // http://www.outfitsandoutings.com // Teach.Inspire.Change. // Style By Fluent //

// Style Me Twice // Little Miss Fashion Queen // Champagne & City Lights // Pretty Little Details // The H is For… //

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header image via: Pinterest

Printed Jungle. Updated Office Wear. + Giveaway Teaser.

June 26, 2015

Coming to you from the urban jungle of downtown Dallas is one of my favorite office outfits to wear. It’s my favorite for a few reasons.

It’s a random creation. (shirt + dress)
Perfect for summer office attire.
Looks expensive.
It’s a unique combination. (re: random)

I created this outfit on a whim one day and it happened to work out quite well. I got so many compliments, I figured I must be on to something. I wanted to wear the dress since it’s so easy yet chic but I had only worn it with a black blazer which is too hot for this heat or a basic black J.Crew cardigan which is fine, but not the look I was going for. The cardigan didn’t quite match the edginess I was envisioning.

Then I thought back to how I change-up dresses to wear them in a new way. In the winter, I often put a sweater over a dress to give the appearance of a sweater and skirt combo. The sheer black tunic shirt from H&M had been in heavy rotation lately so I tried it over the dress. Immediately I grabbed the belt and voila! a new funky outfit was born.

To keep with the edgy theme, I accessorized with my favorite gladiator heels, my Bauble Bar dog tag necklace (also seen here), and my Phillip Lim x Target Pashli satchel that is my favorite mini bag. (Thanks mom for helping me score during the Phillip Lim x Target madness!)

This outfit is perfect office wear for the hot summer days. While we can wear sleeveless to the office (spaghetti straps not allowed), I prefer to have some arm coverage to keep it profesh (professional, yeah you got it).

office wear tips:

Other style tips to jazz up your summer office attire include putting a silk shirt over a dress with a belt or try putting a sleeveless dress over a white button down shirt. Roll the sleeves to keep it light and cool.

Get creative to get some additional use out of your favorite sleeveless dresses!

Also…

A giveaway is coming!

Come back on Monday to get ALL of the juicy details. You’re gonna want to enter this one!

See you soon!
-c.

Linked up with: Classy Yet Trendy, Two Thirty Five Designs, Cute & Little

Mint to be.

June 12, 2015

soul searching

Lately, I’ve been doing a little soul-searching to find out exactly what my purpose is. Trying to figure out what is meant to be for me.

While I don’t have the answer yet, the journey of discovery has been an interesting process. Life is about finding your passion and pursuing that joy that keeps you waking up each morning.

I do enjoy my career in the corporate retail world but God has been nudging me to go deeper, to find what it is that makes me the most happy. Part of that included putting 100% into this blog. The inspiration and idea for this blog came to me five years ago when I was still in college…and I hate admitting that because it took until only a few months ago to really put all of my effort into it. But I love the late nights and extra work. Writing and sharing my life & style is really an expression of the person I’m growing to be.

The other part is thinking about going to law school. I’m not necessarily looking to make a career change and become a lawyer but law school has been something on the back of my mind for a while now. I’ve even found notes on considering law school in random notebooks of mine from prior years. To me, those notes are telling me that I should take a shot at it and see what my path may be. Pray for me as I start studying to take the LSAT (law school entrance exam) in the fall. (Also: ANY tips and insight are most welcome!)

To share this is definitely a big deal for me. I didn’t even tell my closest friends about my first pass at the LSAT until right before I took the test. There is so much beauty in growing as a person and I thank God for each and every day that I get another chance to do so. Through the blogging process and studying for this intense test I’m learning more about myself with each step I take.

As I cultivate this community at The Block is Haute, I hope that this will be a safe place where we can all share our journeys in this walk of life.

Now onto some style!

I’ll share a style secret with you. Colored shorts make dressing so much easier. I love pulling out these J. Crew Chino shorts and pairing with a neutral top + accessories and heading out the door. These shorts and my cutoffs get the most rotation during the summer months. I think I buy a pair every time I hit up J. Crew (which is often). It’s just so easy yet an instant pop of color which you know I live for.

It makes people think you spent a lot of time figuring out what to wear when all it required was choosing the bright shorts!

Outfit details:

J. Crew Chambray Shirt — also here and similar here
J. Crew Chino Shorts — other colors and lengths
Urban Outfitters Eyelet Top — similar here and here and love this one
Kate Spade Handbag (outlet find) — similar here & another cute one
Gentle Soul Gladiator sandals (that I found at Nordstrom Rack for a penny. no joke!) — similar here, here, and here
Bauble Bar Dog Tag Necklace

What about you? Are you searching for your passion & on your daily journey of growing?
Please share, I’d love to hear your story!

-c.

Linking up with: Lena B Actually — Style Elixir — Two Thirty Five Designs — The Closet by Christie — Pink Sole — More Pieces of Me — On the Daily Express

Amour. The Reason to Exist.

June 1, 2015

The French phrase “raison d’être” meaning “reason for being” is the inspiration for this post’s title. When you discover that love is the reason to exist, everything else will fall into place.

I spent the weekend celebrating love with a college friend, celebrating her last days as a single gal preparing for her upcoming wedding. I was also able to spread love to my mom by spending some time with her and delivering an early birthday present that she absolutely loved.

Speaking of love, I’m enchanted by the simpleness of this printed shift dress from Amour Vert. Not only do I love the dress, I love what Amour Vert stands for. The brand name translates to “green love” in French. They are a company that is committed to being the gold standard for ethical products and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Companies who think critically about the cost of manufacturing and its effect on the people and environment score points in my book. The quality of the silk is great and the colors are gorgeous. I decided to pair this dress with heels to elevate the outfit. These Dolce Vita coral sandals are my favorite shoes as of late. The color adds another dimension to the outfit which is perfect for me since I’m always down for a pop of color.

Nothing like an easy printed shift dress to make weekend dressing super easy. Pieces like this are great for your wardrobe because you can just throw it on and go. (Make sure it’s not wrinkled though!) Pair with colorful heels or a lace up sandal for added interest. This dress will even transition into fall with tights and a cute bootie.

dress: Amour Vert (similar here & here) | shoes: Dolce Vita (also in tan & black) | bag: The Limited (old), (similar here & here)

So tell me what is your raison d’être/reason for being?

[linked with: Pink Sole, Claire Justine, DC in Style, Style Nudge, I do deClaire, Style Elixir, Classy Yet Trendy, Myriad Musings, TwoThirtyFiveDesigns, The Closet by Christie, Rachel the Hat]