fashion lives here.

Chic Back to School Essentials.

It’s that time of year! Back to school time is in full effect. Even though I’m years removed from my college days [time flies] I’m a sucker for the school supply aisle. I’m super guilty of spending way too much time in the notebook & pen/pencil aisle in Target. When the stuff is so cute you can’t help but grab it!

Whether you are heading back to school or need to refresh your office/desk space, why not do it in style?

back to school, BTS, school, accessories, school supplies, trends, notebook, backpack, makeup bag, headphones, stapler, pencil holder, office supplies, desk, office organization

Back to School & Office Essentials

going left to right by row
(with some BONUS finds because I couldn’t help myself)

Row 1. Notebooks.
Fringe Studio ‘Stay Wild’ Softcover Notebook • $10
RIFLE PAPER CO x Garance Doré ‘Leo’ Notebooks (Set of 2) • $15
I Speak Fashion Notebook – Bloomingdale’s Exclusive • Bloomingdale’s • $10

\\Bonus finds:\\
Refillable Brown Leather Notebook (Medium) • Kaufmann Mercantile • $12.90–55
Kate Spade New York Ampersand Spiral Notebook • Kate Spade • $14
RIFLE PAPER CO ‘Parisian’ Notebooks (Set of 2) • $15
White + Gold “Reward” Medium Soft Cover Notebook • Poppin • $12

Row 2. Pencils + Accessories.
Strike gold pencil cup • Kate Spade • $24
Pilar Pencil Cup • CB2 • $12.95
Gem Erasers Set • Kate Spade • $16
Purposeful Pencil Set • Dot & Bo • $10

Row 3. Backpacks.
POVERTY FLATS Stripey Backpack,Pink • Versace • $35
Milly Riley Backpack-White • Milly • $249
Madewell New Transport Rucksack • Madewell • $248
Urban Originals ‘Runway’ Backpack • Urban Originals • $80

\\Bonus finds:\\
Herschel Supply Co. ‘Settlement Mid Volume’ Backpack • Herschel • $55
Barneys New York India Mini Backpack-Black • Barneys New York • $149
NILA ANTHONY Geometric Print Backpack • $48
Rip Curl ‘Cross the Lines’ Backpack • Rip Curl • $49.50

Row 4. Pouches + Bags.
BAN.DO ‘Looking Good’ Makeup Bag • $26
Dogeared Coffee For President Pouch • Dogeared • $24
Herschel Supply Co. Carter Large Fold Over Pouch • Herschel • $40
Baggu Medium Carryall: Blackstatic • Baggu • $12

Row 5. Stylish Accents.
FRENDS x BaubleBar Blossom Layla Headphones – White • BaubleBar • $175
Fiskars Designer Scissors, Black & White • $5.99
THURSDAY/FRIDAY Away Mini Pouch • Sold Out
Swingline® Fashion Stapler – Pink • $9.99
Ellepi Brass Wedge Double Pencil Sharpener • $8

Hope you are ready for a new season of style!
xoxo. | cymone.

Life Lately.

New blog series alert.
So all you new readers can get to know me a lil better, I’ll occasionally post about what’s going on in my #lifelately.

Feel free to join in on the hashtag and share what’s going on in your world.

Lately.

blog series - life lately

watching…Friday Night Lights. Just Netflix’d the whole series in about 3 weeks. Loved it. A lot of it was based on my high school. Not sure why I hadn’t watched sooner. Need a new series to start.

eating…Soup for lunch and oatmeal for dinner. Got a couple of fillings and it still hurts to eat. That numbing situation is no joke.

shopping…for any spring/summer stuff on my watch list. I really should be saving money but I can’t resist a good sale. Sorry mom. Speaking of mom….

celebrating…A milestone birthday for my sweet momma and her graduating with her MBA! She’s the best. #rolemodel

needing…A full-body massage. Sleeping with the wrong pillows makes my old neck injury flare up and throws off my whole alignment. Maybe I should go see a chiropractor?

listening…To some random outdoor concert I can hear all the way from my place. Good sound system I guess.

buying…Books to read while on my cruise to the Bahamas coming up! Get the list here. It’s my first one so I’m really not sure how it’s gonna go. Any good cruise tips?

searching…For a new planner for 2016. There are so many good options out there. I’m having the hardest time committing.

craving…Good sushi. So many good places still on my list to try. I can never get enough. Now accepting applications for a sushi buddy. Is that a thing?

needing…A weekend full of rest & relaxation. Been going non-stop for at least a month. Work has been demanding + putting in some hard work on this blog will have a girl ready for a weekend in pj’s.

Hope the weekend is good to you.
xoxo,
-c.

[P.S. – the Fashion Week giveaway is still going strong. New York is calling you! Read the details & enter to win here.]

Board Shorts & Fringe. + NYFW Giveaway!

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!

board shorts, giveaway

board shorts, giveaway

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.

shorts, fringe, giveaway

fringe, shorts

kate spade wallet

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.

printed shorts, fringe

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

printed shorts, giveaway, NYFW

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

Throwback Thursday – London Study Abroad

#throwbackthursday @ The Block is Haute

My friend Morgan, former co-worker & one half of the fabulous Pair of Heirs blog sent me this photo the other day. Because timehop.

zandra rhodes, fashion study abroad

college me + classmates on summer study abroad in London. circa 2008.

Nope, this isn’t some random Halloween girl group situation.

This is a throwback snap of some college classmates and I in designer Zandra Rhodes’ London showroom.

I was blessed to get to go across the pond as part of the Baylor University Summer Study Tour. We spent two weeks over in Europe, traveling to Paris, London, & Scotland. The crew was a group of my classmates from the Fashion Merchandising & Fashion Design majors along with two of our professors.

I had the best time. I’m sure I was French in another life. I felt so free and comfortable walking around both Paris and London exploring by myself. Understanding the historical aspects on all of our sightseeing adventures really intrigued me. Even sitting at a cafe with a coffee (…okay, wine, maybe.) with a croissant and people watching was exciting too. Just taking in the life and culture that surrounded me was truly something I’ll never forget.

Big Ben, London, UK, England

big ben.

A few of our stops on the trip were to designer showrooms and studios. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how the print-driven designer Zandra Rhodes works. Her prints are what she is known for. She designs them based on her inspirations from traveling the world. She’s been designing since the ’60s and has dressed Princess Diana, Jackie O, and Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City.

study abroad, Zandra Rhodes

in progress.

There’s no better treat than to play dress up in designer threads. We all picked out what we would try on – it was so much fun! The garment that caught my eye was a dress inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s famed Mondrian dress and collection. YSL is one of my favorite designers and had passed just a few days earlier when we arrived in Paris so making my choice was a no-brainer. If only we were able to take the dresses with us!

YSL Mondrian dress, Zandra Rhodes

If you haven’t been over to Europe yet – I highly recommend it.
Remember we just talked about taking a trip – do it!

xoxo,
-c.

 

Linking up with: Classy Yet Trendy — Two Thirty Five Designs

Local Rose. + Coffee Date.

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.

coffee date

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.

coffee date

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.

coffee date @ local

coffee date @ local

coffee date.

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.

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.

core power yoga

Core Power Yoga_3848

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.

hot yoga at core power yoga

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.

Core Power Yoga_3828

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.

Gallery Wall Tutorial + Tips.

The idea to do a gallery wall has been on my project to-do list since I moved into my apartment….a whole year and a half ago. But now it’s done, and boy does it feel good. My wall is fashionista focused but your wall should be a reflection of you and your style.

The great thing is, you can always change it!

Gallery Wall Tips

gallery wall tutorial + tips

  1. Curate the images for your wall – begin to collect inspiration from all around you – things that make you smile, encouraging reminders, sweet memories.
    • Keep in mind color palette as you collect but you can decide what works together once you make the final edit.
    • I’ve created an easy template to help you keep organized as you collect your artwork & frames. Look for the BONUS at the end of this post!
    • The internet is a great source for images. A few of mine came from inspiring Instagram snaps & others from amazing printables – hello Pinterest & Etsy.
    • These are a few of the resources I used for free printables (tell them The Block is Haute sent you): Danielle Burkleo – Oh So Lovely – Brit.Co –  Free Vintage Posters.com – Little Gold Pixelgallery wall printables
  2. Collect frames – everyone’s approach to framing is different. Some people like to thrift frames & spray paint to achieve their desired look, you can collect frames over time, or buy in bulk like I did from IKEA, Michaels, Hobby Lobby. (For you Texas peeps, I grabbed mine on the cheap @ Garden Ridge At Home)
  3. Print! – Put all the images in a folder and review to make sure you like everything together. Think about what size each image would look best as. (ex: my Instagram images would not look good as an 8×10 so I kept those at the 4×4 square size) 
    • Put everything on a flash drive and head over to FedEx Kinko’s/Staples/Office Depot (aka Office Max) and have them print.
    • It’s okay to print more than what will fit on your wall. Some images may not make the cut once you start putting everything in frames.gallery wall
  4. Clean frames & insert images – nothing worse than fingerprint smudges on glass. Play around with the image/frame combination until you find what works.gallery wall tips
  5. Layout! Here’s where the fun begins. I found it easiest to start with a layout on the ground in front of the wall where the art will hang. Start with the largest piece and put it slightly off-center. Then find the next piece to compliment your focal point.
    • Since you’re on the floor it’s perfectly okay to arrange and re-arrange. (I did…3 times…okay 4.)
    • Decide on spacing – an inch between each frame is a good guide.
    • Take a picture once your layout is set for easy reference when hanging.
      Gallery Wall Layout

      layout #1.

      gallery wall layout

      layout #2.

      gallery wall DIY layout

      layout #3.

  6. Hang time! No need for a hammer and nails for this project, I just used Command Picture Hanging Strips to easily put up all of the frames. They don’t put holes in the wall & are super easy to come off! I’ve been using these since my college days. This will go much faster if you have a friend to help you hang and make sure everything is straight but totally achievable to do by yourself…like me!
    • Pro tip: your iPhone compass act doubles as a level. Open the app, swipe right, turn your phone sideways & you can easily check to see if your photos are straight!
  7. Step back and enjoy your handy work!
    gallery wall tips

    ta-da!

    gallery wall DIY

Putting up a gallery wall is no small task as I learned over the course of this project. But it was well worth it after seeing the end result.

Now that this one is done, I’m ready to do another gallery wall. Ready for hire!

bonus!

Download my [free] printable Gallery Wall Organizer to help you keep track of your fabulous artwork for your wall!

Gallery Wall - Example

Download here!

Tell me about your gallery wall experience or if you are taking on the task of doing your own! I’d love to hear from you!

Live lovely,
xoxo.
-c.

 

 

Linking up with: The Closet by Christie, Doused in Pink

Monday Musings. | June 22.

Monday musings. | 6.22.2015

Fashion Law & DVF - Monday Musings

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.

Charleston - link roundup

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.

Feeling Official. Desk Decor Ideas & Inspiration.

Up until a week ago, I did not own a desk. I don’t know if I ever have. In college, I was notorious for studying in bed and so far that’s where all of my blogging has taken place. Of course I’ve had thoughts of going to a cute local coffee shop to get some work done but I never quite make it out of bed. It really is my favorite place in my apartment.

I bought this beautiful desk and was really excited to get it home. Who knew what a task it would be to actually get it delivered and set up. I even had to do a whole room re-arrange to prepare a place for this massive desk. It would be a whole other post to cover the details of how it all came together. It took a lot of work and a lot of help (HUGE thanks to my brother) but it’s finally here.

What next? Time to decorate. Ever since I had the opportunity to purchase her I’ve been too excited to start searching for decor pieces. (insider info: in the gifts & home business all furniture is referred to as “she/her”…things you learn on the job) I’ve pulled together some desk decor as inspiration.

desk inspiration:

(aka Deskpiration…no? kinda sounds like desperation. #fail)

desk decor - 20's

perfect for the post-grad 20-something.

desk decor

a little encouragement in French + fun chalkboard detail.

desk decor - black & gold.

black & gold luxe.

desk decor - gold details.

gold details. polka dots are a must.

[more cute trays here – here & here.]

desk decor

grey + green & pops of pink. love.

desk decor.

fresh flowers & lucite accessories.

desk decor - orange

house of harper’s orange office. my favorite!

As I launch my styling & concierge business – Consulting by C. – this desk will be the epicenter of all of the magic. I feel like an official blogger now. Something about having a desk/work space makes a girl feel legit!

Follow my Pinterest page where I’ll be adding more inspiration for my desk.

Any other tips & cool desk ideas to share?
-c.

Mint to be.

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.

Mint to be - soul searching

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!

soul searching if it's mint to be

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.

soul searching - mint to be

soul searching - mint to be

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

soul searching - mint to be

soul searching - mint to be

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

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