Packing light for any trip is always fun and challenging for me. How to be comfortable, chic, and ready for any occasion is a trick for most of us. I like a small footprint that packs a big bang! That’s always what I’m after.
Here this lightweight denim shirt suffices as a jacket for most occasions. This gorgeous Louis Vuitton luggage is from The Real Real.
When you arrive at the Hotel Emma, you will be greeted by a lovely combination of old-world charm and excellent service. With 146 rooms and seven top-floor suites, the Hotel Emma is comfortable and unconventional, just the way I like it. This unique hotel represents a new standard of South Texas luxury!
There is beauty in every historical room in this hotel. Every day felt like an adventure!
From fantastic food to the unique history of the purveyors for everything, right down to the signature margarita glassware, (read their history here) the culture of the area is brought to light.
The lobby is just a glimpse of what lies within these walls. With new visual and sensual surprises around every corner, this hotel will keep you guessing!I might pack light, especially where cosmetics are concerned but I always pack some nibbles to snack on. Ready for our adventure? Our first stop was sea world. We had much fun watching the wales and it was my first time in ages going on a roller coaster ride. And there are tons to choose from!There are times when it’s just fine to be a tourist and this is no exception. Between the river walkandThe Alamo, it’s a great opportunity to teach the kiddos some history.
For authentic Mexican food, we chose the three generations strong restaurant in the heart of downtown Mi Tierra. I just know you won’t be disappointed!
Back home at the hotel, the library is a must-see for young and old alike. Acquired from the library of Sherry Kafka Wagner, a San Antonio icon, novelist, historian, Harvard Fellow, and cultural anthropologist.
This 3,700 books strong collection is housed in one of the Brewhouse’s vaulted rooms, which have been furnished with club chairs and lighting designed to seduce you into whiling away an afternoon with a good book. Browse to your heart’s content and check out books using the library’s vintage card system.
Of course, I couldn’t resist an editorial shot in this ultimate of spaces!
Hospitality is the watchword at Sternewirth, Hotel Emma’s tavern, and club room. A dramatic 25-foot vaulted ceiling soars over intimate groupings of sofas, easy chairs, and banquettes arranged to encourage conversation, celebration, and business deals. Enjoy a restorative cocktail, a notable wine, or sturdy craft beer. Come for the city bar authenticity, classic cocktails made without gimmicks and hearty small plates that satisfy your appetite for flavor and substance
Don’t miss the French restaurant called Mon Chou Chouright outside the door of the Hotel Emma.So sad to be leaving, but we will be back to make this a yearly occasion!
Spring is in the air and I thought now would be the perfect time to share my spring travel edit with Alice and Olivia. You know very well how I love to put together travel-ready capsule wardrobes. So today I’m going to show you how to pack a transitional spring travel wardrobe from cold to warmer weather.
I started with a reversible kimono and paired it with black leggings and cami. For shoes, I chose these feminine combat style boots from Naturalizer. They are so comfortable and added a chic edge to this look.
Take a look at the reverse side of this kimono in the parting shot, the print is simply gorgeous!
Can this gorgeous seafoam color be a neutral? I certainly think so. This is the basis for my capsule wardrobe that will take you from a colder climate to balmy breezes. Not only that, this fantastic overcoat will stay in your closet forever. Thevegan leather joggers are comfortable and on-trend and a cashmere sweater is a must-have for all seasons.
Wondering which leather is best between faux leather and vegan leather? Take a look at this post where I go in-depth about the two different types of leather and which is the better alternative.
Accessories make the look and are so easy to pack! Here are some of my favorites from Pharaoun cocktail rings. The quality and craftsmanship is a testament to this fantastic brand and the price point will keep you coming back for more. From stackable rings to this mandala collection, I just can’t recommend them enough!
Keep the coat but you can quickly change up the look. These palazzo pants in a great print and a silk cami do the trick. I’m already feeling a change and I haven’t left town yet!Comfortable platforms add height and I find they are key to the palazzo pant. There are so many to choose from in all price ranges. These snakeskin ones are from Alicia and Olivia from years ago. They have the same style today. Take a lookand see what works for you.You know I am very cautious with prints but this classic yet exotic one had just the right amount of movement and color without being childlike. I enjoy dressing with a nod to my location and this was just perfect!
Combining this print with red takes it to another level! It always gets cold somewhere and thiscashmere sweaterdoes the trick. Keep it casual in this striking combination.
Notice how the necklace is a nod to the print. Always keep your eye out in random places for statement accessories like this.
I am petite so an all-over print is typically a no-no for me. My advice? Get out of your comfort zone every once in a while. It’s quicker to take off than nail polish! Give it a chance. Here I took off the belt and wrapped it around my neck. I always look better with something wider around my waist and this leather wrap belt did the trick. And these platform shoes give me the height I long for. At the end, I was in love with this look!There are so many ways to tie this belt. I’ll post a link hereto an easy and helpful guide from the Ada Collection showing you 8 ways you can tie this belt. The self-belt from the top comes in handy to cover my not-so-perfect neck area and ads a hint of cool.It’s back to accessories! With gold accent bangles, hoops, and statement rings, you can never go wrong and they work with most outfits! When traveling, pack them inside an evening bag. Here is the parting shot. The other side of thisreversible kimono is from Alice and Olivia. Two completely different prints and you are good to go!
Happy travels! I know these looks will serve you well whether you are traveling or on the go around town.
With Spring quickly approaching but winter hanging on, it’s important to have items in your closet that will work with each other under any circumstances. You know I like to put together travel-ready capsule wardrobes and this is one from Veronica Beard.
Now about that striped button-down! I fell in love with its versatility. It has such great detail. Left untucked, it has this asymmetrical hem, tucked in it looks like a preppy shirt. A brilliant travel companion! Pop the collar and you’re good to go. It comes in white as well.
When spring is in the air this is my go-to look. You know I love to mix prints and a stripe goes with everything, my past blog post Mixing Prints and Patterns testifies to that. In this case, the paisley skirt was the perfect partner. I paired it with my reversible Valentino belt, matching clutch, and my platform slides.
Travel tip. When you’re just using a carry-on like I always do put your cosmetics in a clutch or evening bag it will serve as double duty.
It all works together. The Carley kick-flare jeans are stretchy and comfortable and so are these heels. I always take special care with the height of my heels and these boots are just right. Same clutch in that Carmel shade (yes, I’m old-fashioned I still match my purse and shoes).Back to pattern play. This striped topmakes a whole other outfit (make sure to add a belt) But…..check out this jacket. You know Veronica Beard is famous for them and this is no exception! Are you catching the puff on these sleeves?!! The gorgeous Nitza dress and the Cooke leather Dickey jacketis not to be ignored. Who says boho style can’t be turned into city style? I chose gold accents, bangles, and hoop earrings that I used for quite a few of these looks. I’m also getting a lot of mileage out of this clutch.Same dressdifferent day. Same clogs different look. Packing jewelry is easy and a great way to change a look. A few silver pieces and a straw bag brought this look right into the market. But how about that hat! Harder to pack but worth the effort. Here is a similar one in a brown color from Veronica Beard.
Packing tip. Put the hat upside down in your luggage, surround the brim with this dress, and pack your PJs in the crown. They don’t take up as much room as you think.
Valentines Galantines or at home make it an occasion! My advice to you is to take control on Valentines day. You will be glad that you did! Click here to read my blog about why.
Cozy at Home? Chocolate is loved by everyone, including my husband. Here are two ways to get his attention why don’t you try both!
Try this chocolate cake recipe from my blog, it will be the easiest you have ever made!
Or go this route wearing LaPerla like I am below. You can shop their looks here
Galantines can be so much fun and has some history to it that is interesting. You can read more about it from this article from Cosmopolitan magazine
Here is my take on a girls trip
My idea of fun…………… champagne a great dinner with friends and a spa morning
It’s rodeo time in Texas. Well, that’s every day here actually! The history of rodeo is a blend of cultural traditions and upbringings with origins from the Spaniards who colonized the area. A mixture of Anglo and Spanish Mexican cultures led to the birth of the American cowboy era in the 1800s.
Did you know that women competed in many events in the 1930s rodeo? During this time they competed against men and won in a variety of events including bronc riding steer roping and of course trick and fancy rope riding. After the tragic death of a female contestant, everything changed. You can learn more about the history of the American Rodeo in this article.
From over-the-top logomania to my well-worn twice-dyed Lucchese boots, everything goes at the rodeo!
The Landings: A resort-style island community minutes from Savannah Georgia
Are you looking to make a change? I was introduced to an island community just a short drive from Savannah Georgia where you and your family can live a life full of adventure.
This is not the retirement community of old. With a premier wellness center, two deep water marinas, five distinct clubhouses , six championship golf courses and 31 tennis courts this is the perfect place to enjoy an active lifestyle. Bonus points for beautiful Savannah Georgia being a short drive away. Read more about The Landings on my Instagram post
Enjoy the life you have always dreamed of! In my case sailing!
Don’t forget the Tart cosmetics! This one is my go-to palette and have you tried the eyeliner? Liquid on one side for a great cat eye (I need help with that) but on the other side, a soft pencil to save the day. Shop makeup palettes at Tarte Cosmetics
Jewelry Ideas for Valentines
Valentines is fast approaching and what could make a better gift than some Lagos jewelry. With everyday pieces, you can mix and match it’s a gift you will wear daily! Shop Lagos Jewelry Here
For customizable travel-friendly jewelry, MyTalia is my favorite
Not All Healthy Choices are Obvious
Choosing what we eat is so critical to our wellbeing and there is so much information out there. For me I keep it simple. If its fruit I stick to berries they are the lowest in sugar. I can’t tell you when the last time was I ate a banana.
For nuts, it’s almonds over walnuts. It’s not that they’re not good for you they are just lower in fat Carrots are typically off my list but I used to love the ones I dug out of my mothers garden! Nothing is ”off the table” but when I can, those are my choices.
A Cautionary Tale About Skin Care
For the last few years, I have been using oils on my face. In Montana, it was very dry especially in the winter. When I got to Dallas I kept that up and then I started seeing on my forehead this weird little growth. It turns out it was a sebaceous gland gone awry probably from too many rich products on my oily skin. I showed you on one of my stories I had to have it cut out. Just beware of the richness of the products you are putting on your face especially if you have oily skin like mine. You can read more about face oils in this Self Article. I also wrote a blog a while back where I talked about why I stopped using coconut oil as a moisturizer, which you can read here
