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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

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

When Yoga Gets Hot. Core Power Yoga.

July 14, 2015

Hot yoga y’all.

It was my first experience. And well, it was hot.

The Dallas Blogger Collective celebrated the opening of a new location of Core Power Yoga at Preston Forest. The staff welcomed us with open arms and treated us to a great class. The Preston Forest location is the third in the Dallas area. The studio managers Abby & Matt from the Henderson & Mockingbird locations were on hand to help with our technique.

C2 Class Description:

Ready to sweat? CorePower Yoga 2 (C2) is a rigorous yoga class with demanding strength postures that will have you moving, breathing and sweating! True to its name, a C2 class focuses on building and engaging your core strength to support you in more advanced postures. Set to energizing music in a heated, climate-controlled room, CorePower Yoga 2 strengthens, balances, detoxifies and exhilarates the body and mind.

The class was intense and challenging but in a good way. The studio manager Caterina was our instructor for the class. She started off the class with a little bit of what yoga is to her – a place of joy – which was a good reminder to push through to block out all distractions to tap into an inner strength for a least an hour. I thought hot yoga would be intimidating but I really enjoyed the class. I didn’t notice the heat so much but the sweat . Oh yes, I definitely got my sweat on. It was great that the additional instructors were on hand to adjust our positions and help our form.

After the class we refueled with a mini-breakfast spread from Corner Bakery. We got to sample the Four-Grain Tabbouleh and the Chilled Berry Almond Swiss Oats which was pretty tasty.

Overall it was a great experience. Core Power Yoga offers a free week of classes so I would encourage you to take advantage and try them out. They offer a variety of classes for all levels of yoga experience.

Live your power,
-c.

Monday Musings. | June 22.

June 22, 2015

Monday musings. | 6.22.2015

Susan Scafidi, Diane von Furstenberg, Steven Kolb and Stephen Freedman. Photo: Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage

Fashion Law is becoming a thing y’all! Fordham University in NYC is offering two academic law programs, which are not only new to Fordham, but to the entire world. The programs will cover topics like fashion financing, copyrights, licensing and sustainability as it relates to the fashion world. I have been looking at Fordham ever since they were pioneers in introducing fashion law courses. Even more focus on this blossoming specialty is exciting to see.

lunch at Green - Monday Musings, link roundup

lunchin’ it at Green Vegetarian Cuisine. follow me on insta @theblockishaute.

My mom is on a quest to improve her health by eating better & getting in a little exercise. We wanted to check out Pearl Brewery, the San Antonio Texas historic complex turned trendy eating, shopping, and farmers’ market and found Green Vegetarian Cuisine to eat at. The menu looks no different from any other restaurant but everything is vegetarian or vegan. We both loved our healthy choices. Can’t wait to go back!

Amber Heard ELLE. Monday Musings - link roundup

#girlcrush alert. amber heard.

So last week my girlfriends and I got to preview a free screening of Magic Mike XXL. (GO SEE IT. You won’t regret it.) The lovely Mrs. Johnny Depp – aka Amber Heard – was cast as the leading lady and she was giving off some serious vibez. Definitely want to see more of her and thanks to ELLE we can. She’s the cover girl and lead story in the July issue which is on newsstands now.

Miguel/Wild Heart - Monday Musings. Link Roundup

New music from Miguel. Wild Heart.

Miguel #fangirl here. Really excited about this one. Miguel’s highly anticipated new album Wild Heart is set to drop on June 30th. NPR has the first listen. While this will be a departure from his early work and less R&B than the mixtape Miguel that I fell in love with over 6 years ago, I’m excited to see what this talented singer-songwriter puts out. The first single ‘Coffee’ jams so if that’s any indication, I’m here for it. Order your copy here.

pray for Charleston.

I don’t have words to really express my heavy heart at the tragedy that occurred at the Emmanuel church in Charleston, South Carolina. All we can do is continue to pray for the families of the Emmanuel Nine and pray for peace to settle over this country. I will continue to thank God for each and everyday that I am given and live life to its fullest potential as it is truly a gift that should not be taken for granted.

Love first & foremost.

Til next time,
-c.

The Block is Haute Travels. Atlanta Weekend.

June 10, 2015

So sorry for the delay in posting! I’ve been juggling work, vacation, and rearranging my apartment getting ready for the delivery of my new desk. So excited for it to arrive – I’ll be sure to post once she’s photo ready!

This past weekend I spent in Atlanta, Georgia. It was my first official vacation of the summer and it was good to get on a plane and take a trip somewhere. The visit to the ATL was to celebrate the wedding of my high school friend Valencia and her husband Trae. My best friend Jasmin was in the wedding party so it was a family affair. Her husband Kevin and daughter/my god-daughter Audrey came and Jasmin’s mother joined us. Since the event was a destination wedding for most, we spent a lot of time with the couple’s whole family and guests who came in town to celebrate (we all grew up in Texas but they are living in Atlanta as Trae attends school at the Morehouse School of Medicine). Everyone had a great dynamic together and a welcoming spirit which was definitely love-driven. The weekend was full of fun. We did a bit of exploring, some shopping, and of course celebrating with the bride and groom on their big day to start their forever. Also a little twerking may or may not have taken place — because bachelorette party…tutorial/class situation…it’s ATLANTA ya’ll…no further comment lol.

Here is a recap of the weekend in pictures!

friends since high school. brunch with our bride.

laughing & reminiscing about the old days. [like we’re old?]

the only stop I HAD to make. Garrett Popcorn is a must. #nom

late night ice cream run. hand-rolled waffle cone @ Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Beyond good!

family photo at the Georgia Aquarium.

got to touch a starfish! eek!

second ice cream run in Downtown Decatur. how cute are they in their Run DMC tees?

it’s wedding time! #simms_wedding

gorgeous shot of the couple from their engagement shoot.

let’s get the party started!

delicious wedding cake – italian creme!

my sweet god-daughter Audrey with her mom Jasmin & peek of the bomb.com BBQ from Fox Bros.

wedding selfie!

with the beautiful bride.

special tribute to the bride. so sweet!

Overall it was a great weekend spent with good people in a fun city. It’s good to get out and explore new places. I encourage you to travel this summer – whether it’s a grand vacation to the beach or just a road-trip to a different city. Make it happen and make some memories!

Til next time.
-c.

Linking up with: Classy Yet Trendy — The Miller Affect — Because Shanna Said So

Good Reads: Summer 2015 Reading List.

June 3, 2015

The summer season means more time for leisure & lounging, whether it’s early morning on a patio or out in the sun by the pool. One of the best things to do with leisure time is to read. Categorizing myself as a “reader”, I love to pick up a good book and basically binge read until I finish.

In high school I had a mini-library going. My brother and I would love it when our mom took us to Half Price Books. We used to spend hours in the store building piles of books to take home. (actually, we still do) In college it was more about reading textbooks for class but I still caught up on my novels during summer break. And now in the post-college career stage, my reading has been put on the back-burner (because: tv & sleep). For whatever reason I always find myself getting inspired to grab a few books to read during the start of a new year and in the summer.

If you want to know the background on why I love to read, here it goes: when I was growing up, my mother had this thing against toys. Not sure if they offended her or she had a bad experience with them but toys were not on the list of needs for our household. My mother even went so far as to request in our birthday party invites that no toys be given as gifts…BOOKS ONLY. As a five-year old, this is a traumatic situation. But I somehow got through it, by reading more and more. It turned out to be a very good thing so kudos and thanks to my mom.

With summer trips, a cruise, and extra-time off from work these are the books on my reading list:

Make it Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take the Leap. Live On Purpose.
by lara casey

the girl on the train
by paula hawkins

#girlboss
by sophia amoruso

I’ve got your number
by Sophie Kinsella

Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media.
by Aliza Licht (aka @dknyprgirl)

The Knockoff: A Novel
by Lucy Sykes

Savor: Living abundantly where you are, as you are
by Shauna Niequist

Killing Monica
by Candace Bushnell

I’ve got a mix between books geared towards building a brand, a thriller, and fashion related novels. I can just picture myself on my rooftop patio spending some quality time in a book. I’m getting more and more excited to dive in as I type!

What do you think about this list? Tell me your suggestions & what books you’ll be reading this summer!
-c.

Monday Musings.

May 18, 2015

I did so much research this weekend – I spent most of Sunday catching up on Mad Men before the finale and scouring the internet for ideas, tips, & tricks. So much so that I didn’t end up writing this post until now….it’s a little late in the day but you know the saying, “better late than never”. The endless stream of data available for consumption is just amazing. Starting a business, growing a blog, there is so much to learn! It wasn’t just a rabbit hole of YouTube videos (those are dangerous), but I gained so many valuable, actionable tips to help me launch this new phase of my career. Because of all of the great information I came across, I’d thought I would start a new series highlighting of interesting things I’ve found in the week prior. Links might be helpful, informative, or pretty, and just fun.

MONDAY MUSINGS. – 5.18.2015

monday musings | weekly link roundup

insta pick of the week. @konsciousvyb – #dopetee

monday musings | weekly link roundup

#HMBalmaination: a movement of togetherness, fueled on a hashtag

monday musings | weekly link roundup

Free classes at Creative Live – great resource for learning and growing.

Pink lipsticks + glosses for Spring | A Girl, Obsessed

image via.
Obsessed with this girl & her blog – [A Girl, Obsessed]

monday musings | weekly link roundup

Croissants are my weakness. This new bakery brings Paris just a little bit closer.

Feel free to share any of your musings with me!
Have a great week, xo.
-c.

MunaLuchi Bridal Tour Stop – Dallas.

April 21, 2015

Last week, I got the privilege of working with Ebony Peoples Events and Design on a fabulous event for MunaLuchi Bride magazine. If you haven’t heard of MunaLuchi, it’s a bridal magazine that caters to brides “who crave culture and style”. They are touring various cities hosting fun-filled events with inspiring decor, special access to Coterie members (planners, photographers, etc. endorsed by MunaLuchi), cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, and live entertainment. Guests received a swag bag with goodies from Tata Harper, cookies from The Dough Bar, and the spring/summer MunaLuchi magazine featuring blogger and ‘Blood, Sweat, & Heels’ star Demetria Lucas D’Oyley who tied the knot in October 2014.

It was really a special treat that the Editor-in-Chief of MunaLuchi, Jacqueline Nwobu came to the event. She was a woman-in-demand as everyone wanted to get a moment with her. The whole night she was warm and open to each and every person.

Prepping for the event of course took weeks of coordination and planning with Ebony and all the vendors who so graciously donated their services. We started set-up for the day around 9am. Our 10am Starbucks run was much-needed. The venue was Sixty Five Hundred and our theme was Kate Spade inspired decor in black, white, and pink. We had four different styled table settings courtesy of Prashe, lounge furniture from DFW Lounge Rentals, and a greenery wall with vintage frames, a la Kim Kardashian’s floral wall from her wedding, that everyone loved!

In addition to decor, we had various vendors supporting the event. Some of my favorites were:
Wine Sponsor: Socologie Wine | Bridal Gowns: White Gown Showroom | Catering: Low Country Quisine | Photo Booth Fun: A&K Photo Booth

We rounded out the night with entertainment from an amazing Dallas band called Authentic Soundz and our go-to DJ – DJ Gumbo.

My photos are just iPhone snaps but the official photographer for the night was Izehi – her work is so good! We had such a good time putting on and hosting the event! So many people showed up and had a great time.

Looking forward to hosting more #MunaTour events!

#PrayforBoston

April 15, 2013

My heart goes out to all who are affected by the bombing at the Boston Marathon today. It makes me feel some kind of way that someone would plan and plot an attack like this. The images from the scene are full of sadness and filled with the weight of pain. When I saw the CNN alert on the bombing, I just felt like my life, my job is so insignificant. It’s one of those things that puts life into perspective. I don’t know anyone in Boston, let alone anyone who would be running a marathon but I feel a deep sorrow for everyone impacted, even the families of the victims, first responders, doctors and staff at all of the hospitals.

The frequency of these tragedies is beyond sad.

If nothing else, pray for Boston.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Want List. Victoria Beckham Denim.

April 9, 2013

Add these Victoria Beckham high-waist flare jeans to my ‘Want’ list. Inspired by none other than VB herself while out with baby Harper in LA over Easter, I’m convinced that a pair of these would be a great addition to my denim stack. She is the best at modeling her own collection (and making me want everything she makes/wears). If I could find these on sale, that would be amazing. A high-waisted super flare jean is a must to give the illusion of long legs and works well when worn with your tallest wedges. Sometimes it’s just easier to wear jeans when going out on Saturday nights and this silhouette is sexy, yet different from what everyone else is wearing. I even love the back pocket detail, so simple but true to the Victoria Beckham branding.

Saving my pennies!

Get a pair here or here.

Board Shorts & Fringe. + NYFW Giveaway!

Giveaway Time! – CLOSED

Local Rose. + Coffee Date.