Vixen.

As we enter fall, it's time to take off the Cajun Shrimp and bring out the dark vampy colors.  And one of my favorite is a Revlon find - Vixen!

A lot of people see this as a less expensive alternative to Chanel's Rouge Noir (made famous by Uma in Pulp Fiction) and I agree - the colors are almost similar.  I am certain that the $25 Chanel is easier to work with than a drugstore brand, but I've gotten pretty good at the application. 

For me, this polish lasts longer than Essie and OPI - maybe it's the dark color?  Maybe it's the fact that I also use the Revlon base and top coat with it?  Maybe it's that I spend a good hour with the application? 

This year, in between Vixen wearings, I am looking for a cheap substitute for OPI's You Don't Know Jacques - a cool gray color.  Any ideas?

What is your go-to fall color?

Random Wednesday.

Lots of random-ness for you today.  It's hot (super hot) and my brain just isn't functioning correctly.  In fact, I spent most of the day yesterday reading Gone Girl. 

If you haven't read it, hop to it.  Sooooo suspenseful and hard to put down.  I loved it and I heard it's going to be a movie produced by Reese Witherspoon.  Perhaps she can play Amy? 

I'm also in a bit of a food rut, so the fact that my fave lady, Ina, is releasing a new cookbook in a few months is great news.  You can bet this will be at the top of my Christmas list.

I saw this cute shirt yesterday on the Standard Style facebook page and now I want it.  It's Fall 2012 Jill Stuart and also comes in ivory.  I love a basic, interesting shirt.

I've also decided that I want a pair of gray jeans for Fall.  I tried these Paige on at at Nordstrom the other day (great Anniversary Sale price), but this line just doesn't fit me how I like. 

I might have to break down and order my tried and true J. Brand's in the gray.

What's happening with you?

Anniversary Sale Goodies.

Well, the Anniversary Sale strikes again.  I went for the single mission of finding a pair of black boots and came away with an entire "biker chic" outfit.  I promise not to wear all three of these pieces at the same time.

I saw the Trouve Black Leather Jacket in the catalog and immediately emailed my contact at Nordstrom to hold one for me.  He didn't have my size left, so we pre-ordered it.  Super glad mine arrived as it's no longer available online. 

It's everything you want a leather jacket to be - soft, buttery leather, a great fit and a classic style with an edge.  I cannot wait to start wearing this!

Many of you know that I work retail.  So one of my "rules" when making purchases outside my store is that it must be something that I cannot find at my retailer.  It just doesn't make sense to spend full price / sale money on something I could buy with my discount.

When I saw this leather/silk tee, I knew it was the perfect piece to take home.  It will be a great going out top with jeans, but also sassy tucked in to a skirt.  I will get a lot of wear out of this. 

Lastly, my main mission - black boots.

I tried on ALOT of boots.  I dismissed these at first because they had a bit more detailing than I wanted - I wanted simple and streamlined.  But I was convinced to try them on and it made all the difference in the world. 

These are easy to get off and on, the leather feels nice and they have a slight heel.  My favorite part is that they come up a tad higher than most boots - so they are almost covering your knee.  I think my go to brown boots of last Fall will be replaced with these!

There must have been something in the water that evening, but I was attracted to everything involving leather - I promise I am not leading a secret life!

What did you pick up this year?

Robyn Brooks.

Based on the number of stylish gals I have seen sporting these bracelets, I think it's safe to say that Robyn Brooks is the next big thing to RSVP to the arm party.

Robyn is actually a KC girl working in NYC.  She launched her own line after spending a number of years in the industry working for some of the biggest names in fashion (hello, Manolo Blahnik). 

Each bracelet comes in a variety of widths and is offered as a cuff, bangle or hinged bangle.  But the best part to me is that she uses a unique assortment of natural materials to set her jewelry apart - cork, stingray skin, python just to name a few.  Then you can choose which color of skin you'd like.  No two bracelets will be alike, which is the beauty of the whole thing. 

I have seen the orange and cork in person and they are both AMAZING.  These jewels have promptly moved their way to the top of my lust list.  These pictures really don't do these items justice - visit her website, especially the press section, to see the baubles in their glory.

She also makes a gorgeous collection of clutches and day bags - the cork is by far my favorite for summer.  Unfortch, the day bag version in cork is sold out...but there's still the clutch!

Have you seen these around town yet?

Anniversary.

Happy Anniversary to my sweet, sweet husband. 

I plan on sticking around (and continuing to wipe slime off your face) for a very long time.  Thanks for being you and letting me be me (wonky behavior and all).

Just in case you want to reminisce about the hottest July day ever, read here.

XOXO!

Insta Life.

I've become a bit Instagram obsessed lately.  It drives The Texan crazy that I'm always snapping a zillion photos of our life.  But I say it's his fault.  He was the one that got me the IPhone after all.

4th of July fashion - Potential fabric for my dining room chairs - Cookies made with The Bug - a night out - my sweet boy sleeping - a Friday afternoon treat

You should follow me!  My ID is:  sharrison1028.  Follow me and I'll follow you...

Do you Instagram?

Dino Pack.

I have a dinosaur fanatic on my hands.  Every morning he "hatches" from his bed as a different creature and insists on acting like said creature for about an hour after waking.  We're well beyond T-Rex and Triceratops - it's all species I can no longer pronounce, periods I can no longer keep straight and every rock or stick protruding from the ground is a fossil he wants to dig up. 

Since he's such a fan, I took my sweet to the dinosaur exhibit at Crown Center, which of course meant we needed to stop by the KidOH! section at Halls Crown Center.  It's a feast for the eyes with lots of adorable kids clothing (brands you can't find anywhere else) and a great corner filled with toys, home items and cute gift ideas. 

Of course my guy was immediately attracted to the MadPax Spiketus Rex backpack.

Perfect for my dino-man, right?  Halls just carried one size, but the packs actually come in 4 different size options:  Full Pack (orange and blue above) for ages 5+, Half Pack (green above) for ages 4-. 

The other 2 sizes are Nibblers (cool lunch sacks) and Mighty Bites (gadget holder - just 6" big). 

I really, really love The Bug's current backpack - a classic LL Bean with his name on it.  But maybe he's ready for something more grown up...more boy-ish.  These definitely feel like they could handle the beating an almost 5 year old dinosaur would give it.  One of these would definitely make him roar.  I have a feeling I will be headed back to KidOh! one day soon. 

Kira Grace.

We are all aware of my love of Lululemon. (Here and here.)  Just the other day, I almost broke down and purchased a pair of their undies!  I knew then that I was almost crossing the line from huge fan to giant stalker. 

So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across a line of workout wear called Kira Grace.

Goddess Yoga Halter

Warrior Yoga Stance Tank

Warrior Yoga T-Back Tank

Warrior Yoga Capri Legging

Warrior Yoga Capri Legging

Founded by a yoga enthusiast / fashionista, Kira has spent her lifetime designing active wear for brands like Gap, Victoria's Secret and Lucy.  All of their items look incredible - well fitting, great colors, interesting shapes on the tops and good basics.  Everything has great customer reviews too - I always like it when someone else has done all the testing for me. 

I am so tired of being twinsies with everyone at Bar Method - I could use a little branching out.  I think my first purchase would be the Goddess Yoga Halter Top - perfect workout wear for these warm summer days.

It looks like right now you can only purchase online.  They are offering Free Shipping so it doesn't hurt to try!

Have you heard of Kira Grace?

Just Beachy.

The fam and I just returned from a week long vacay to Mexico.  Seriously doubted our June timing as I was fearful that it was going to be too hot to enjoy ourselves...but I'll take the 85 degree weather Playa del Carmen was having over this muy loco heat KC is stuck with.

It was a little like Groundhog Day each day - wake, kids pool, lunch, adult pool, beach, happy hour, repeat.   But, it was great family time and The Bug is rocking a major tan. 

Here are a few things that I couldn't manage without...

My sweet Forever 21 fedora.  Everyone in my family hates this, but I like that it's cute and keeps the sun off my face.  I have enough freckles and can't stand to squint. 

The most amazing sunscreen ever made.  Yes, it comes with a pump so you get every bit of the 48 ounces out of it.  And yes, we practically used it all.  The pump makes a huge difference when the child is trying to squirm away during the application process.  It's lightweight, rubs right in and seems to last as long as it says it will.  Worth every bit of it's (somewhat pricey) price tag.

Loft Ikat dress.  I found this the day before we left for about $30.  I paired mine with a turquoise necklace and wore it to dinner one night.  It was the perfect vacation dress and I think I will get lots of wear out of it this summer. 

Clearly, I am having an ikat moment and my brand new Arrowhead Ikat Suit is no exception.  I love the fit of the top - enough coverage for my modest self and fits well enough that flailing arms and kicking feet can't knock it lose.  Despite the fact that he thinks he can swim, he can't. 

What are your summer vacay necessities?