How I Styled Springs Prettiest Patchwork Dress

How I Styled Springs Prettiest Patchwork Dress

Stine Goya is line that I am seeing everywhere from Madewell to Shopbop. Serena picked up this little number from Aquelarre in Culver City before heading to Austin to shoot at Tillies Resturant at Camp Lucy. The colors of this patchwork are so sophisticated, we knew tht it would make the perfect accompanyment to the incredible tile work in this space. 

UPDATE: Vote For GE’s Great American Grandma

UPDATE: Vote For GE’s Great American Grandma

I’ve been going on and on since January about GE’s Great American Grandma Job Search.

If you missed my video you can check it out here.

Well, GE has narrowed their search down to 10 candidates, one of whom will ultimately be named the Great American Grandma. Each of the top 10 impressed GE’s search committee with their energy, creativity, camera presence, storytelling ability, spunk and more.

Watch all 10 videos on their site, then go like, share or comment on your favorites to show them some love! (And you must be nice! Remember – Grandma is watching!)

GE will announce the final winner during the first week of April (and no, not on April Fool’s Day). But they will also give many of their applicants the opportunity to take part in future Great American Grandma projects, so stay tuned. GE’s Grandma will be hired part-time for a 10-15 hour per month gig, sharing the secrets of great recipes… of food, fun and family. The job will include:

  • $50,000 salary
  • Will receive 5 brand new, top-of-the-line GE Appliances kitchen products
  • Serve as a social media spokesperson on GE Appliances channels
A Gem in the Hill Country: Our Staycation at Camp Lucy

A Gem in the Hill Country: Our Staycation at Camp Lucy

A lesson in staying in the moment.

A few weeks ago, we were at dinner with friends, and the conversation turned to must-see places and experiences in Austin. My friends regaled me of an outstanding restaurant outside of town called Tillie‘s. I open the website to find the most gorgeous architecture and tile work at a restaurant of an event space called Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas. Beauty was all around so I thought that it would be a great place to shoot our spring fashion story.

I talked Scott into taking the 20-minute drive out of town for a Staycation at Camp Lucy. We headed to the little town of Dripping Springs. I was so excited, but Scott had slight trepidation as we got further away from Austin and into the “wild” of the Hill Country.

Twists and turns down narrow roads we go! It’s not far from Austin, but you feel like you’re in another country entirely. Driving past a river and crossing over narrow bridges it feels like we have gone for miles. Where are we?! We stop to speak with a gentleman by the side of the road. I immediately knew there was more to him then meets the eye. “0h just go up the road until you see the green tile roof” and on we go. We’re on the right track.

As we pull up, our eyes get bigger and bigger, we enter the most beautiful setting made entirely from repurposed buildings from Asia. The tile work is magnificent, and the people are lovely. Camp Lucy is a wedding destination that houses five different venues. There’s a swimming pool, private dining areas, and landscaping that goes on and on. Everything is beautifully planned out, from the church to the steeple. But there is so much more to this Hill country ranch than that.

Camp Lucy is the kind of place where you can escape the pace of the city and relax in a calming environment. We call this a “staycation destination” and the middle of the week is a perfect time to escape!

On the property is Tillie’s restaurant, a true fine dining experience in the heart of the Texas Hill Counrty. It is worth the 20-minute drive from Austin for dinner alone (or breakfast, lunch, AND brunch). With a seasonally (if not daily) changing menu, Chef Brandon Martin combines flavors and textures in a way that is so satisfying for your palette. Think Southern Comfort meets Asian flavor.

You’ll find this theme throughout the rest of Camp Lucy as well. All of the structures on the property have been imported from Vietnam, rebuilt and revamped on-sight. The most impressive structure on the site is the gorgeous 19th Century chapel, built from intricately carved ironwood.

Scott and I had the privilege of staying in the luxury suite which had a fireplace, a stone zero horizon bathtub and honestly the most comfortable bed we have slept in in ages. All of the rooms at Camp Lucy are individual little cabins (it feels like you’re at summer camp!) and are thoughtfully and elegantly decorated, you’ll feel right at home.

Ideally located near wineries, breweries, and a host of Hill Country activities, the beautifully crafted Camp Lucy guest rooms in Dripping Springs also offer a unique escape from the ordinary.

The whole experience was terrific for us, but as always, it is the people that make a place memorable.

Between the management and staff, nothing is left to chance right down to Smore’s in one of the outdoor fireplaces. Whether you are in the large suite or one of the cabins overlooking the ravine ( which reminded me of a trip to Africa), there is not a wrong spot in the house.

Reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Remember what life is all about. Connections: To People, Places, and Nature.

IFB: Links à la Mode Fashion Roundup March 1, 2019

IFB: Links à la Mode Fashion Roundup March 1, 2019

SPONSORED Chico’s No Stain No-Iron Shirt Powered by Stain ShieldTM technology

SPONSORED Chico’s No Stain No-Iron Shirt Powered by Stain ShieldTM technology

I have to confess; I am having a bit of a moment with Chicos right now. My daughter and wardrobe stylist gave me a tip last year that Chico’s was “actually pretty cool” and had been shopping there for years for her clients. As you know, I love a good challenge mixing my highs and my lows or in this case: my Chico’s and my Valentino’s 😉 Here I am last week doing JUST that!

 

We are thrilled that Chico’s reached out and asked me to participate in their “No Stain No-Iron Shirt” challenge featuring their new technology of stain-resistant fabrics: Stain ShieldTM.

 

You had us at no ironing needed! This blouse is just as flattering as it is wrinkle-free. A total bonus that the cotton fabric is enhanced with Stain Shield™ technology that repels oil-based and water-based stains (think ketchup, mayo, soda, WINE—you can say goodbye to those mishaps.) “Though it may not repel every single stain you encounter, it’s a fabulous feeling to have protection from some of those everyday oopsies.”

 

I decided to take my new blouse out on a test drive for lunch with a friend at the Oasis on Lake Travis. Here I am, wearing all of my favorite friends: Burberry, Hermes, Valentino and my newest friend Chico’s.

 

No fool here. I put my fancies aside before the test and took a fortifying sip of red wine.

 

Here we go with the test, but I wanted to make sure it was a good and honest spill.

 

And to our surprise, my Pinot Noir wiped right off of this blouse with a tap and some water!

 

Presto success I couldn’t believe my eyes. Traveling will be so much easier, and there is nothing like a tailored shirt to take a look up a notch. Just ask Carolina Herrera.

We #lovechicos and am happy to partner with them on this post. 

How to Wear the Pantone Color of the Year: Living Coral

How to Wear the Pantone Color of the Year: Living Coral

Each year Pantone, the authority on color and it’s usage throughout branding and marketing, announces what THE color of the year will be. This year, Living Coral will be filling your shopping carts making it a bright and playful year for fashion. Living Coral is bright, eye-catching and bold – everything we plan to be this year as well!

Serena’s Picks 


Start incorporating vibrant Living Coral into your wardrobe today! 

 

Hotel Crescent Court: My luxury stay in Dallas’ premier hotel.

Hotel Crescent Court: My luxury stay in Dallas’ premier hotel.

Old world luxury in a present-day hotel.

 

Have you ever been to a place where you felt that the entire world was all around you? From fantastic 19th century art to modern day amenities. Old world hospitality and international cuisine are waiting for you as you pull up to the iconic Hotel Crescent Court.

 

Walking through the beautiful action packed lobby and hearing different languages dance on the marble floors makes me wonder. Am I really in Dallas? Or am I experiencing Texas luxury at it’s finest?

Whether you are coming to Dallas for the first time or you’re a local looking for a luxury StayCation, the amenities offered by the Hotel Crescent Court are unparalleled. If you are looking to unwind this is the place for you! Scott and I both enjoyed treatments from the spa and relaxed in the whirlpool. I can’t wait to go back this summer to enjoy the pool and beautifully landscaped courtyards. (Hotel Cresent Court offers Spa Day Passes that you can use even if you’re not a hotel guest) From the presidential suite for your wedding or next girls retreat to the fitness center and the private dining club. This hotel just oozes elegance and old world charm.

 

Back in the Great Hall, Beau Nash is the place to meet old and new friends over cocktails and a great casual menu.

Lunch is served at the Conservatory which is excellent if you are craving your Tex-Mex fix (which my husband always is). If you have a taste for sushi Nobu is there to  satiate your craving. Still hungry after that Yellowtail? It’s time to join the Crescent Club…

 

 

 

Did you know that private memberships of The Crescent Club and The Spa at The Crescent are available including access to the most prestigious private dining club in Dallas along with a fitness center, complimentary classes and swimming pool?

 

With its beautiful courtyards, expansive views, fine dining, and relaxation, you don’t have to go far to get everything you need at the Hotel Cresent Court.

After all Stanley Korshak is right outside the doors!

My spa experience was unrivaled.

I am somewhat suspicious of getting a facial at a hotel. I love and take advantage of all of the spa amenities usually but you know by now how careful I am about my skin! In this case, I was over the moon with Orit, my wonderful esthetician. I immediately felt comfortable with her level of expertise, and I learned a lot from her.
The Spa and workout facilities are exceptional. No wonder people in the area get a membership to work out there.

 

 

The hotel exceeded our expectations. All of the rooms are a fantastic representation of the great design and world-class service that comes from Hotel Crescent Court. The last night I was fortunate enough to stay in The Presidential Suite, what a treat. There is undoubtedly history here… I felt like a queen.

 

There is so much more to show you, I’ll post the videos of my stay on my IGTV and more photos can be found on my Instagram.

 

What a great experience I had in the heart of Dallas at one of the most iconic landmarks in the area.

 

 

 

Thank you Hotel Crescent Court. Your hospitality has no rival. Don’t miss this fantastic experience when you are in Dallas.

xS

How I Mix Pink and Red Like A Pro: Valentine’s Day Edition

How I Mix Pink and Red Like A Pro: Valentine’s Day Edition

When you think monochrome, do you think pink and red?


It seemed like a great time to give this trend a try with Valentines literally around the corner. This Chanel-esque cardigan jacket is from Chicos can you believe!? I cropped to fit my short torso and paired it with neutrals (Valentino and Chanel of course!). I think that pink and red is the ultimate color combo and can be worn from up-town to downtown, workday to night out, chic Chico’s to high fashion there are so many ways that you can mix this color combo into your routine. Be bold or pair the combo with neutral base as I did, the choice is yours.

Stylist Picks 


Incorporate these pink and red pieces to freshen up your look this month. 

A Valentines Treat For Your Sweet: The Easiest Cake You’ll Ever Bake!

A Valentines Treat For Your Sweet: The Easiest Cake You’ll Ever Bake!

Hello LOVERS! Valentines Day is right around the corner. No matter what your relationship with this holiday is, be sure to treat your sweet (or yourself and girlfriends) with this simple quick and easy chocolate cake recipe that will blow your mind! It is perfect to quickly whip up at home or wow your friends by bringing these ingredients to you Gal-entines Day soiree.

Cake 

  • 4 oz. butter 
  • 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate 
  • 3 whole eggs
  • 1/8 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cake flour 

Toppings 

  • rose petal ice cream 
  • whipped cream 
  • health bar 
  • cocoa nib 
  • rainbow spinkles 
  • caramel sauce
  • chocolate sauce 
  • candied rose petals 
  • rasberries
  • blackberries 
  • marshmallows 

directions: 

  • melt butter and chocolate together 
  • whisk eggs and sugar together
  • whisk melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture
  • whisk in cake flour 

Pour cake mixture into the can, bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes until outside of the cake is set and center is still soft. Please note: baking times may vary. Top cake with your choice of toppings while still hot and enjoy! 

All of the Trends for Spring 2019 That You Need to Know Right Now

All of the Trends for Spring 2019 That You Need to Know Right Now

Spring 2019 fashion is fun, flirty, sporty and chic. From Neons to Neutrals, Strong Silhouettes to Prairie Dresses, Ladylike handbags to waist bags, I am sure that you can take inspiration from these trends to refresh your spring wardrobe. Whether you are pulling from your archives, or shopping ready-to-wear here are trends that you’ll need to look for when you are creating your looks this Spring. Or getting inspired right now! 

 

Leopard Print 

You heard me right! The animal print sensation that came to us last Fall is here and even stronger and more elegant than before.

Dolce Gabbana 

Max Mara 

Neutrally Minded 

I personally don’t think there is a chicer color combination than beige, white, blush and brown. This color palette is sophisticated and elegant and can take you 

Bright Neon

A micro trend that we saw last fall is taking a stronger stand for spring. Neons will move from just being an accessory and a pop to a full blown bold statement. Don’t be afraid to mix your colors and remember that when you are working within the same color hue there are no other rules! 

Versace 

Zimmerman 

Prairie Dress 

My favorite type of “throw on” dress can still be recycled from Summers past. This spring, look for prairie dresses that are long sleeved, floor length and in soft florals and flowy fabrics. This romantic bohemian dress should be as demure as it is confident. 

Accessories Are Extra! Extra! 

There is a theme of extreme when it comes to the sizes of accessories this season. If a giant fringed sunhat is not in your future, might I recommend a teeny tiny ladylike handbag.

Jacquemus

Valentino