everyday essentials with everlane

taking it back to everyday basics.

lemme tell you (if you already don’t know): i’m a HUGE @everlane fan. i am very lucky to partner with the brand and i genuinely love their clothes, shoes, jeans that i buy a ton of it! last xmas i bought all my GFs my fave everlane tee. and guess what? they make a line for MEN too! just GREAT basics for everyday practical wear. and what’s even better is it’s an ethical clothing brand that uses ethical factories AND their pricing is transparent! at the bottom of each product they break down the pricing for you from materials to labor to product transport. it’s crazy awesome. and as a consumer, you’re more educated and more likely to purchase IMO.

anyways, let’s talk about da pantaloons. yep, i’m stepping up my pant game this year for sure. while i have the wide leg cropped pants i wanted to give the straight leg cropped pants a try and my girl hooked me up, LOVE EM. they are high rise, up to my belly button which makes it easy on the food baby. they come in multiple colors and lengths — i would size down on these since they stretch and the ankle length is perfect for the #shortgirlproblems. i chose to pair it with a gingham button down tied into a fun knot in front. but a tee or cami half tucked in front works too! i’m also wearing the square day tote (new) which is super buttery and a great size for everyday use and keeps its form/shape. i especially like the saddle color. it also has one side compartment but otherwise open like all totes. more on Everlane after the jump for those who want to read about what to try, i got CHU!

side ramblings: check out ya girl working one of her side hustles!! haha, i love it, my friend actually found me and sent it to me, SO crazy COOL! last week i was able to get a @drbarbarsturm facial at @goop! (bye goop, ATX loved ya!). holy heck, i walked away with the hyaluronic serum, one of her best selling products. it’s gobs of money (trust me my heart is still doing palpitations) but i wanted to see the hype for myself. it’s the most i’ve ever spent on one skincare product. but hey, i’m all for paying more on a quality product, especially if it works. i’m hoping i’ll stretch this one out close to year. more skincare talk but the @sephora sale is in full force for rouge members. shamelessly i am one but kept it low key this year due to all the recent goop skincare purchases. i limited myself to the beloved Tatcha pure one step camellia cleansing oil // Caudalie SOS vinosouce thirst quenching serum (HG) // trying out the Drunk Elephant TLC sukari babyfacial // trying out the BIOSSANCE pro-biotic gel moisturizer. well, at least i think that’s low key. eep. it’s clear i spend too much money on skincare. but i’d rather do that than makeup. so it’s justified. :D

currently on my playlist: rise up by Andra Day

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if you’re unsure of where to start with @everlane, go with the cotton v-neck. i admittedly own this one in multiple colors. then i’d try their denim for $68-78 you can’t go wrong. i’ve personally bought the cheeky straight jean styled here // the authentic stretch high rise skinny // and the kick crop jeans styled here. they’re all perfect fits with the ankle length (no hemming needed because ain’t nobody got time for that). they just released the summer jean today and you can be sure it’s sitting in my cart haha! the shoes are amazing quality that are MADE IN ITALY! lemme tell you, italians know how to make shoes. i own the boss boots // the day heel // the v-slingback // the wedge (NEW and obsessed). lastly, Everlane does HAPPY RETURNS, which totally makes me happy. instead of returning stuff via mail and waiting for a refund you just find a happy return center and they process and package your return for you. it’s the little things y’all. okay this is lastly lastly but Everlane is constantly has new releases which is so great but not so great on the wallet. haha and yes, it sounds like i work for them but i don’t. :D

here are some personal things i’m eyeing at Everlane in case they strike your fancy too:

“owning” the direct sunlight per Steven

obligatory TEXAS bluebonnet photo!

this is the stuff Steven encourages me try haha. we believe this belongs in a GUESS ad haha

top | GAP fitted boyfriend gingham shirt in orange (really old) — similar
pants c/o | Everlane the straight leg crop in bone (size down) — similar but the wide leg crop
bag c/o | Everlane the square day tote in saddle (color currently sold out but available in two others) — the market day tote (larger) // the day magazine tote (love the shape of this one)
shoes c/o | Ann Taylor liv leather block heel sandals in light sienna tan (size up 1/2 size, very comfortable)
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the gingham off the shoulder top

white denim + black gingham.

i LOVE gingham. it's probably one of my favorite spring/summer prints right up there with stripes. but black gingham was a piece i hadn't owned yet. this one is a super breezy top with some subtle cinched bell sleeves. style tip: always pair black gingham with white. oh and the tassel earrings are pretty dang light, i own them in yellow styled here. #thatsallfolks.

side happenings: what was supposed to be a pretty quiet weekend ended up BUSY! in a really good way. i totally needed it. Friday evening was one of those "i am too old for this" kinda nights.. -- @bobschophouse & @greenlightsocial the VIP hidden bar (aka: Benny's room) with the one sided mirror is pretty dang cool. i can't remember the last time i stayed out/up until 3AM but my girl Michelle @stylebeacon was in town so what the hell! Saturday continued with my monthly facial at @hiatusspa (Hillary Robinson is my girl!) then checked out the 2nd Street White Linen Night downtown all to wake up at 6AM on Sunday for a "photoshoot" & brunch at my fave @countercafeatx -- the joe's special holds a special place in my heart. ha! here's to a productive week ahead! xx 

currently on my playlist: slow hands by Niall Horan

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an austin blogger easter picnic

coming soon, TV series -- Bloggers of Austin, TX :D

#blessed

nothing like a beautiful day spent with some Austin blogger babes. so happy i get to call these gals my friends. don't be fooled though, holy cow it was one WINDY photoshoot -- rose was spilled, eyeglasses were found?, keys were lost (no worries we found them in the end, thank goodness it was a gold key!!), bugs galore but ENDLESS laughter and smiles. the funny thing about these shoots is no outfits are ever planned, we all knew we would do a spring/picnic/Easter photoshoot and BAM #nailedit. dresses, white denim, rompers, floral print, stripes, chambray, off the shoulder, cold shoulder... it is all covered right here. 

when the idea came up for this photoshoot i debated a few different dresses (shocker) but decided on this gingham ruffle hem midi dress. i have #ginghamproblems right now and should probably slow down on gingham purchases but it is such a spring/summery print, it looks good on everyone and comes in a lot of different colors and checkered sizes. the ruffle hem and bow sash sold me on this one. it runs a little large, i'm wearing a size 0 regular, which… i can't even remember the last time i fit something that tiny. #notcomplaining

probably my favorite photo from this entire stack! i am a sucker for artsy/candid ones like these! isn't this just too cute, look at @simplyyvan in the background too! 

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Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

i've gotten to hang out with Hilary quite a bit this year and she is always a blast to be around!! so easy to talk to, super friendly, and considerate of others! this girl was going to back out of the shoot and i had to tell her "NO! you can't you're the glue that holds us all together!" it's so true. i know many of the girls would agree. she's brought so many people together, her thinking is, "the more the merrier." she showed up in this beautiful cobalt dress with matching cobalt earrings. cobalt can never do any wrong, with any occasion i feel like! 

Meg // theautumngirl.com

Meg is pregnant!! we discussed her hashtag, #preggersmeggers she's got the cutest baby bump going on right now and she has inspired me to try some Lilly Pulitzer clothing. this one is something i would definitely try because of the subtle color, not too crazy of a print, and of course the little ruffle hem. Meg gave me a little shout out on facebook yesterday and it made my heart smile. she's a gem. 

Jess // uptownfashionbyjess.com

special thanks to Jess, this was her idea. and she brought most of the props, scouted the location, coordinated the photographer and that is all not easy! especially when you are working with a large group of girls. (thanks Jess!) it all came together so well thanks to Jess and everyone else's ideas! Jess wore this green striped dress and the color looks so good on her. love the side button detail!

Yvan // simplyyvan.com

i call her my lil blogger sis, she's in college y'all!! i've gotten to know Yvan over the past year almost? maybe less but she reminds me of myself when i was younger. however, i wasn't doing all the successful things she is doing with her life! #waytogogirl she makes me feel super young and we always bond over BUBBLE TEA! also, if you're a concert-goer, Yvan will always have you covered! she writes an incredible and UNIQUE concert series and takes the most epic concert photos -- with her PHONE!

Kaily // heykailymae.com

Kaily worked this umbrella y'all! and holy moly she is such a vision! it really goes with her striped + cold shoulder outfit and overall aura. yes, i just used the word aura. at the end of the shoot i finally got to meet her precious baby girl (prettiest eyes) whom i always see in her instastories!

Kimberly // littlebittyinthecity.com

Kimberly is such a photogenic gal and has the prettiest smile! i don't think she even has a "bad side!" she wore this blush romper with a floral print and some white sandals (note to self, i need some white heeled sandals!). she is the most petite thing so probably knows the best places to buy petite clothing, hence the name of her blog!

Haylee // itsmehaylee.com

Haylee kind of recently chopped her long locks and i am pretty sure i tell her each time how much she rocks it! for a split second, she makes me want to do the same. if you read this blog you know that I bought my first pair of white jeans last year! i love how Haylee picked an off the shoulder chambray top to pair with her white jeans anddddd.. the bandana is icing on cake. i need to try this look!

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

Kaley is always effortlessly beautiful, she rocks everything she wears. she has an epic maxi dress collection… it's a mystery why she did not show up in one!!! this striped off the shoulder dress is absolutely right up my alley, the sash, ruffle, and the length! i also love how Kaley took the picnic basket out for a spin. ;D

the black cape coat & gingham twill

happy thursday y'all!

last week i attended the 16th Annual Texas Conference for Women, i have been going for the past three years because it's paid for by my company and it's always a great experience! @RobinRoberts was an amazing keynote, i love her ENERGY, it's contagious! listened to lifestyle blogger @CamilleStyles talk about personal branding, and i met @ATasteOfKoko an Austin food blogger! i always leave feeling completely EMPOWERED. so many take-aways but here are mine in a few bullet points because who has time to read everything i write anyways?! (except my mom!)

  • innovation = growth.
  • courage grows with usage.
  • sometimes you have to say NO. because when you say yes to everything you are actually saying no to a lot of other things. 
  • "when fear knocks... let FAITH open the door."
  • everybody's got something. 

the sun was NOT cooperating for this shoot (i mean come on sun! lol) so we had to keep moving a lot. the original outfit i planned to wear was with a blazer but i grabbed my cape as a last minute thought. i eyed this cape for a long time and never bought it because of the price, but i was in Vegas... it was my 30th birthday, so whatevs! i did get it altered because it was too long. i love capes, they are so CLASSY. throw it over any skinny jean outfit, or dress for instant elegant-ness (that probably isn't a real word). i felt so glam that morning and can't wait to wear it again! 

the three C's: cape, coffee, CHANEL. 

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top | Gap boyfriend twill gingham shirt (sold out, but i love the softness of the twill! it's more of a dressy gingham material) -- similar in navy
outerwear | ZARA buttoned cape coat in black (old) --  similar from Nordstrom in camel! / similar but belted
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black (size down!)
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- dupe from Nordstrom BP. / dupe from F21
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
bracelet | BaubleBar elephant link bracelet (sold out) -- similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (favorite MK watch that is lightweight and has a flat face)  -- also loving the new one with a blue face!
rings | BaubleBar mason pave ring in gold / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / Etsy midi & stacking rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nail polish | essie nail polish in frock 'n roll (fall 2015 collection, it's a unique color and only ONE coat is needed!) 

rock the cape,
JD

flannel gingham & quilted vest

don't underestimate the flannel shirt. this thing will keep you pretty warm. even if you're chopping down a tree... or just trying to model it. ! 

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top | J.Crew Factory classic button down flannel shirt in cape gingham
vest | lululemon athletica fluff off vest (last season) -- similar
pants | lululemon athletica wunder under pants in black
wellies | Hunter huntress rain boots in matte black
watch | Skagen grenen watch in titanium (men's)
rings | BaubleBar ice lateral midi ring in gold / etsy stacking rings

rock the flannel,
JD
 

navy gingham & quilted vest

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this vest was so HOT last year, i couldn't get my hands on it in time. they were selling on ebay for $200+. it was crazy. so... when it came out again this year, i snagged it. immediately. they are still available on J.Crew in chartreuse, bright ivory, navy, and black; and on J.Crew Factory in bohemian red, warm bisque, dark navy, black, and a checkered buffalo blue. the only difference between the two is pricing and the pockets. the J.Crew excursion quilted vest is priced at $120, and the pockets have flaps with two exposed buttons at the top of each. the J.Crew Factory quilted puffer vest is priced at $58.50, and the pockets (flap-less) open at an angle with a single hidden button on the inside of each.

probably more than you wanted to know about these vests... but i hope this helps! be sure to pick one up ASAP! they go great with button downs (as i have it styled here), sweaters, and long sleeve shirts. a great "extra layer" that will get lots of use this season!

J.Crew vs. J.Crew Factory vest

J.Crew excursion quilted vest

J.Crew excursion quilted vest

J.Crew Factory quilted puffer vest

J.Crew Factory quilted puffer vest

 

vest | J.Crew Factory quilted puffer vest in dark navy in XS
top | Gap fitted boyfriend gingham shirt in navy (on sale!)
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash
shoes | Frye melissa button boot in cognac
bag | Coach station crossbody in british tan (vintage)
watch | Michael Kors darci in gold
necklace | J.Crew Factory crystal sunburst (just sold out! hopefully they re-stock soon)
rings | etsy and H&M stacking/midi rings