Sip and Listen

The dog days of summer are still upon us in Texas, so we will have to stick to refreshing cocktails for now. All I can think about is Fall, but I guess that will have to wait…

Ingredients:

• 2 Strawberries, hulled, plus 1 for garnish


• 4 lemon wedges


• 2 basil leaves, plus 1 for garnish


• 1 ounce simple syrup


• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 of the strawberries with the lemon wedges, 2 of the basil leaves, and some simple syrup. Add the vodka. Top with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with remaining strawberry and basil leave.

Getting a little dark with the music this week, but there really is no better kind. Enjoy and make sure you listen all the way through, it's worth it.

Current Obsession: Alicia Bock Photography

I stumbled upon the lovely Alicia Bock a few weeks ago, and was spellbound by her talent. The way she captures light is intoxicating and her images are always mysterious. It’s amazing that she can take a simple subject and turn in it to a glamorous and romantic image.

For my lovely friend, who is beginning a grand adventure in France…Meilleurs voeux

1 Dress, 2 Looks

One of my lovely friends asked me to help her accessorize a new dress she just purchased for a wedding, and I was beyond thrilled to take on the task. Styling is clearly more fun than work. As I was browsing, I thought it would be even more fun to give her two very different looks, one classic and one edgy. I have a hunch on which one she will choose, but it’s fun to see what just a few accessories can do to the personality of an outfit.

The Dress, such a great color and the perfect blank canvas…

Look 1

Classic Party Girl by ering890 featuring platform pumps

Nicole Miller spaghetti strap dress, $440
Steve Madden platform pumps, $90
Printed handbag, $60
Kate Spade metal jewelry, $148
Kate Spade gold jewelry, $48
Kendra Scott gold jewelry, $110
Kate Spade handcrafted jewelry, $78
Chanel - Levres Scintillantes - No. 87 Seashell 5.5g/0.19oz, $40
Chanel - Coco Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz, $122

Look 2

Edgy Glamour by ering890 featuring 14k earrings

Nicole Miller silk dress, $440
Steve Madden leopard print high heels, $130
Helena de Natalio bohemian handbag, $99
Kenneth Jay Lane ball necklace, $150
Green jewelry, $55
Anita Ko 14k earrings, $325
NARS Duo Eyeshadow - Paris, $33

Style Steals: Under $100

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I’d like to rest my heavy head tonight…

It’s time to decorate our bedroom, and I haven’t quite settled on which direction to go yet. Below are a few inspirational images I have collected and you’ll see they range from modern glam to very eclectic. Oh decisions…

Eclectic

Modern Glam

All images via Pinterest

Sip and Listen

I have had a serious craving for a mojito this week, and I just learned a great trick on how to make them even better. One of our caterers at work used to bartend at Cuba Libre (may it rest in peace), and she said the trick is to use Mango Run in lieu of regular light rum...who knew? I plan on whipping up a pitcher this weekend and you should too!



Ingredients:

• Ice


• 1 1/2 ounces Mango Rum


• 10 fresh mint leaves


• 2 tablespoons sugar


• 1/2 cup Club Soda


• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Method:
Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler (or any kitchen utensil with a rounded end) to crush the mint and lime (this is the key component, so be sure to do a thorough job). Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with Club Soda. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.

Genius song this week by Matthew's favorite band, Cold War Kids. The group has been together and producing records for nearly a decade but to be honest I have only enjoyed a few songs here and there. However, their new album Mine is Yours, is brills and has completely won me over. I suggest you DL soon.

Seeing Spots

I am pretending to not remember how many days of 100 degree weather we have had in Dallas this summer, because it’s just flipping obscene. Instead I am dreaming of fall and looking for some new ways to incorporate my all time favorite print, leopard, into my wardrobe.

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A few favorites below…

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