I LOVE the Citywide Garage Sale in Austin, Texas!

For the past ten years I have been attending the City-Wide Garage Sale in my amazing town of Austin, Texas! It's a wonderful place to go if you are looking for unique pieces of furniture including; antiques, up-cycled finds, revamped pieces etc. I also love going for the selection of vintage linens (beautiful baby quilts (12.), adorable embroidered pillow cases (3.), ethnic print bedspreads (8.), tablecloths (8.), etc) that they offer. I like to consider my home as an eclectic/bohemian mix of pieces and textiles and I find that the City-Wide is just the perfect place for me to add to my collections! Word to the wise, please check the schedule here because they are not open every weekend.

I went this past weekend and picked up some amazing finds, but also found a new dealer that I immediately fell in love with. The business that rents the space is called House Wren and it's run by Nancy Govro and her boyfiend, Mike Clark. As soon as I stepped into their space I immediately felt a peaceful comfort. I was surrounded by beautiful yet industrial pieces which offered the aesthetics equal to that of an affordable Restoration Hardware! Affordable being the key word here.

Check out Nancy and Mike's online shop here! Note the spectacular white and steel dining room table that WILL someday be in my home!

Thanks Austin for hosting such an incredible event, and thank you Nancy and Mike for making such beautiful and unique pieces for us all to swoon over. Job well done!

Perfect Summer Beauty Essentials

ok ok, my summer beauty regimine is basically the same as any other season, however, these products definitely add some pizzazz to a lovely sun-kissed, summer face.

First up is one of my favorite cleansers. EVER. It's the Jennifer Bradley 3 in 1 cleanser, and I love it because it's light yet it leaves your skin ever so clean, fresh, and super soft! You must order it through her directly (go on, it's ok to feel like a diva) but don't sweat it, she's so easy to work with! Also, next time you are bored at the office, make sure you check out her youtube video tutorials on basic makeup application techniques - she's a genius. (AND she did Obama's makeup!!!)

note: do NOT miss her other products - everything I have tried from this line has been incredible!

Next in line is the Murad Acne Treatment Concealer (21.). I love it's creamy texture, and it's thin design. It easily covers and conceals and definitely does not cake or feel heavy. The main reason I love this product is because it heals while it conceals. It's a one, two sucker punch for pesky summertime acne. Murad products can be purchased online here or at Sephora.

I love that pink "pinched" look in the summertime - I especially love it with my sunny freckles! My grandmother always told me that a woman pinches her cheeks and whores wear rouge, and southern women really know their stuff! My ammo for achieving this perfect look is O-Glow by Smashbox. It comes out of the tube a smooth, clear gel, but by the time it hits your skin, the ingredients in this product transform your skin into your own natural "blushing" color. It's pretty spectacular, easy to apply, and it's 100% impossible to mess up the application. True Love.

This next product has been in my arsenal for a couple of months, and I do not foresee it making an exit anytime soon. I am a fan of the lip stains - lip glosses are too think and I cannot stand the sparkly, kindergarten effect most have. Lip sticks smear and don't last, and chapsticks just don't cut it. Come on ladies, we have got to put forth some effort here, no? The last time I went to Sephora to replenish my Urban Decay Lip Envy in "Greedy", they were out (go figure), so I decided to try the Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain in "Fox Trot" and to my surprise, I LOVE IT! I tried Drew Barrymore's "#1 lip stain in America", and should she be telling the truth, you should all be ashamed of yourselves, folks! Everywhere I go I get compliments on the Josie Maran. It really is shaped like a magic marker, it's extremely easy to apply, and the stain lasts all day long. I generally apply a gloss type product over it and my two go-to products for this job are either Malin + Goetz lip mouisturizer for day, or LIPfusion micro-collagen lip plump for evening. And I admit, I have definitely seen some plumping action with the latter. It's unlike Lip Venom in that it does not sting and the effects last longer than the time you have the product on your lips.

And finally, without further ado, the one product that I am known for - Nemat's Amber Oil(12.). It's so soft and clean, and for some beautiful and mysterious reason, my body chemistry mixed with this scent is pure heaven! Oils of all kinds are also lovely alternatives for those of you who may be allergic to harsh alcohol based perfumes. I am sure some folks think it's time for me to find a new scent, and to that, I shrug my shoulders and walk away.

TGIFF readers. Happy Shopping!

ps, Nordstrom's Anniversary sale began TODAY!

The Jumpsuit gets a modern makeover!

I am a product of the 1970's. Born to a young, beautiful and hip mother, I definitely saw my fair share of jumpsuits being worn around the house, to the grocery store, and even out on the weekends. As a matter of fact, I vividly recall a white cotton and chifon, strapless jumpsuit accessorized with white Dr. Scholls, and large gold hoop earrings - if I could only have her exact outfit today! (yes, even the shoes)

This summer I have had my eye on the return of the jumpsuit, and while I am not in love with the metallic, disco-era patterns of yonder, nor do I want to wear a suit made of polyester, I do adore the palazzo style pants and the light and comfortable yet slimming and becoming fabrics of today's pieces. The prices range depending on the fabrics and designers, and the look can be chic and elegant or bubblegum tween if you decide to wear a skort style romper with bobby socks and pig-tails. The latter i do not condone for reasons of public sanity and personal reputation.

These pieces are meant to have fun with...dress them up with some amazing baubles and slick heels, or keep them simple with an off-the-shoulder style paired with a low and messy chignon for an evening-on-the-beach look. Whatever you do, wear this style to its full potential, the jumpsuit can be very sexy! Above are some of my favorites, but there are TONS of styles out there!

Happy Shopping!

Product Description

1. Stella McCartney - cashmere and silk (1195.) on sale (537.74)

2. Forever 21 - poly/spandex blend (27.80)

3. Young Fabulous and Broke - modal/spandex blend (198.)

Stunning VVVegan Nail Polish!

A girlfriend of mine just completed her internship as an aesthetician at a local organic/natural beauty spa and nail salon. I am no stranger to natural cosmetics, but I do tend to make myself scarce when confronted with them. From a personal standpoint and historical reputation standpoint, natural cosmetics simply don't hold a candle to the dirtier competition. UNTIL NOW! I was so delighted to find that her salon carried SPARitual nail color, a vegan, DBP, formaldehyde, and toluene free formula that applies like silk, lasts at least 2 weeks (chip free), and also comes in amazing colors (both matte and shimmer).

I am currently wearing 'Last Call' which i bought from her salon for $10 srp and I absolutely love it. Move over OPI, we've found your arch nemesis!

Paint those piggies!

Hello Sandal Season!

I have forever been a lover of warm weather. I adore everything it encompasses; summer vacations, white beaches and tropical blue water, fruity frozen cocktails, Bebel Gilberto (whom I discovered on a trip to Greece - and since then her sound simply embodies all of what summer means to me), sun-dresses, AND sandals! While I must admit that I am a "have Havaianas will travel" type of girl, there is no denying the raw sex appeal of an exquisute sandal on a beautifully tanned foot!

If you have been following the summer fashion trends of the last few years, then it's obvious that the gladiator sandal is all the rage. There are definitely some tragically hideous gladiator styles that come and go, but here we will focus on the beauty of fine craftsmanship, quality materials, and an impeccable spring/summer pallate.

Sandal A is the Trouve 'Seabeck' Gladiator Sandal and it retails for $89.99. It's created of smooth leather straps and accentuated with antique brass hardware. The bonus is that there is a zipper in the back of the sandal for easy dressing.

Sandal B is the Jessica Bennett 'Rolo' Sandal in blue grey nubuck leather which retails for $144.95. This beauty is about to make a grand appearance in my own personal closet - and I cannot wait! It's an all leather sandal, weathered and softened with brushed hardware and a back zipper closure. I am in love with the blue/grey color as it is a perfect neutral shade that can be worn with blacks or browns (or navy) and can be worn dressy or casual.

Imagine this sandal on a sun-kissed, perfectly pedicured foot!

Amore!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for SUNGLASSES!

Ever since I can remember I have always had a very healthy relationship with eyewear. It started off with Maui Jims when I lived on the beach, then progressed to Ray Bans, and now my favorites list looks a little something like this...

Fendi

Chanel

Marc Jacobs

Prada

Tom Ford (pictured above)

(...and in no specific order because they are each fabulous when set alone.)

Walking through Saks to get to the denim department is simply torture for me because I have to (yes, i have to) walk past the sunglass display. I shouldn't say that, because I actually never walk past it, I walk right to it. I try on as many pairs as I can and pinch myself and reel in the thought of owning a brand new pair of Chanel's! It's invigorating, it's free, it's wonderment and awe, but most of all, it's honest style.

Yes, go ahead and pay $350.00 for a pair of sunglasses. If you wear them nearly everyday (such as us Texas gals) then they are most certainly worth it. Not to mention the fact that my Fendi's have lasted me a cool four years and are still in great shape and most importantly, they are still in style. The reason? They are beautiful and they are classic.

I wonder how many neon and black Wayfarer rip-offs we'll see in 2015? Hopefully not nearly as many as we see in 2011!

It's summer, go celebrate!

These Boots (and shoes) Were Made for Walkin'

Once upon a time there were two little girls that lived in a master planned community in NE Houston. One of them was myself, and the other was a darling, curly-headed cutie named Coye Nokes.

Ms. Nokes has really made a name for herself in the fashion industry lately. She designs the most amazing shoes for the modern, working (and walking) woman.

Her styles are crisp and clean and timeless. The textiles she chooses only accentuate the most beautiful parts of her creations, and NONE of her designs would I not wear.

They are nicely priced, definitely not cheap, but then again, cheap means .....well, cheap. Cheap materials, cheap production...cheap.

So, in honor of what we deserve and work hard for, and to salute a savvy woman such as Coye, get out your wallets ladies, and try some Coye Nokes on for style!

We are neither blobs nor little girls

It is so difficult to shop these days. I don't do lace, ruffles, oversized sweaters, booties, peeptoe booties (eeks), gargantuan purses or outfits (please, please, no outfits). So that pretty much rules out most of the current offerings. Don't want anything to do with looking like a fairy, your grandmother, or a blob.

I like tailored pieces along with some feminine style (have to show those legs). Clothes should help define your shape, not drape!

Found this store in San Franciso that had a good mix of clean lines and feminine allure. Picked up a killer military trench coat. But, for our weather, I prefer a look like this - the aforementioned blazer that your boyfriend would wear, but accentuates the waist, the wily dress that your boyfriend wants you to wear, and of course heels! Always wear heels.

Aritzia is the store. Mostly in Canada but a few locations in the states: http://aritzia.com/

A sassy little number - Upcycled, Vintage China gets a new life!

Upcycling and repurposing..... I adore these words! Don't get me wrong, I love a brand new and beautiful item, but the market is overflowing, fortunately, with more and more amazing and unique products that are also somewhat eco-friendly. (We must consider the resources that are expended while recreating these products.)

For the past several years, and probably every day, I have spent at least one minute on the internet looking for some sort of product or another. I always seem to have this idea of exactly what I want....and it takes me forever (and even worse, sometimes never) for me to find that perfect item!

I love ETSY, I am a real voyeur - i can get stuck there for hours....looking for nothing, yet finding everything that I definitely don't need, but suddenly MUST have. It seems like nearly all of the sites that I have spent any time on lately, are from Turkey! The ring above is another example. They have somethin goin on over there....and I LIKE IT!

The beautiful and simple ring pictured above is upcycled from a 1970's piece of china. The daisy image is so flirty and feminine, the colors are very modern and chic, and the design is simply powerful...I just can't get enough of it.

I am woman, hear me rrrrrooooooooaaaaaaaaar!

The artist is RecycleJewels of Istanbul, Turkey. To see more of these delicious designs, click HERE!

If you're looking for a sexy, classic, forever piece...try THEORY.

From t's to leather, Theory always...and I mean ALWAYS produces some of my favorite pieces. Cheap? No. Worth the extra penny? You bet your bottom dollar!!!!

The Boyfriend Blazer is all rage these days, but rare is it that you can walk in and out of a store within twenty minutes with the perfect, affordable piece....until now.

Theory has once again delivered with the French Terry Jacket. Retailing at $120 USD.......how can you deny it?

ps, get a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card and earn reward points for the purchases you make. That's a WIN-WIN to moi!

ModPlexi - Clearly Modern Design

One of the contributors to The Basically Blog has just recently purchased a new home, and Melissa and Wendy of ModPlexi in Austin, Texas made her some new house numbers!

As the ModPlexi ladies put it themselves, "Our address plaques will make a fresh first impression when people see your house. " You know what? They are right on the money! The simple, unique, and colorful designs will welcome any guest into your home. Consider it foreshadowing into the awesomeness behind door #1.

ModPlexi is also responsible for some additional crazy, cool art (including fabulous album cover frames) made from recycled and found objects!

These ladies reduce, reuse, recycle, AND re-purpose! YOU GO, GIRLS!!!!!

Check 'em out!

The SWANKIEST boots in all the land!!!

I am in L.O.V.E. with these boots... just as I have been for several years now. Being cheap, I find it hard enough to swallow $200 for a pair of jeans, much less $400 for shoes that are very seasonal to Central Texas. If I lived in a colder climate, these boots would have been in my closet YEARS ago.

The Frye Boot Company is known for it's quality ,and if you will get enough wear out of them, they are totally worth it.

The Paige Riding Boot is perfectly distressed, fits like a glove, and extremely versatile as they would be beautiful worn with dresses, leggings, or jeans. (god forbid short shorts, too)

In Austin they can be found @ Allen's Boots on Congress Avenue. Everyone else may find them online @ the Frye site!

Happy Shopping - go on, YOU DESERVE IT!