golden rule

A lot of times people think gold equals fancy. However, you can wear touches of gold (beyond just some of your jewelry) all the time, day or night. This doesn't mean a long gold gown is good for a night out with friends, but it does mean a gold top or a golden dress can work very well for an everyday look. Yesterday I had brunch with some girlfriends and my ensemble consisted of a gold versatile top (can be worn as a cover up or as part of an outfit) with black shorts and some espadrilles. It was easy, comfortable, and perfect for a warm day in Houston.

Jordan Taylor top, similar black shorts from Forever 21, Stuart Weitzman espadrilles, Ray-Ban aviators, BOLBACH cuff, similar black beaded necklace from MizMlu

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

button downs galore

I love button downs. I don't wear them in the way of a suit...ever, but I do love them for a casual look. I love them with shorts, as a cover up, over a casual dress, you name it. The idea around a button down that it is strictly for business and not pleasure, and that it's only worn for the work day is not true...at all. You can jazz up your button down with accessories and buy them in really any color or print under the sun. Some of my favorite picks below.

green from Nasty Gal

python print from Intermix

chambray from Madewell

black & white from Forever 21

coral from Urban Outfitters

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

Jul's Gems

I have officially been a Houstonian again for 4 days. 'Y'all' has not entered my vocabulary yet, the weather has been amazing and not humid (in due time I know this humidity situation will be changing), boxes do not fill the apartment anymore, the heavy lifting is (mostly) done, if Bed Bath & Beyond had a 'customer of the month' award, oh you better believe I would be receiving it, and my boyfriend and I had a quiet night out last night sans talk of moving, furniture, or bedding. All in all, my official beginning as a Houstonian has been a great success! Some of my gems for the moment.

beautiful flowers awaiting my arrival on Friday

a piece of the kitchen

(oil & vinegar bottles from Bed Bath & Beyond, salt & pepper holder from Bering's)

fun and colorful bangles

from By Malene Birger

love this romper

from Parker

my nail polish this week

'Cute as a Button' from Essie

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

an ode to Etsy

As you've seen, I have featured various items from shops on Etsy ever since I started from prosecco to plaid. I'm a huge fan of the site. I think you can find hidden gems on there if you really search. I know the site can be overwhelming, but it's worth it. You can find anything on there, from scarves to jewelry to stationery to vintage trinkets and more. The best shops I have discovered are the jewelry shops. I'd like to warn you that you can become addicted to this site. Only start browsing when you have sufficient time on your hands. A glimpse into some great jewelry shops on Etsy.

Brooklyn Stars

A Second Time

Bouvier Jewelry Designs

Balanced

NFJ and S

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

pastels please

Pastels are so sweet. Whether it's pastel clothing, accessories, or home goods - the softness of the pastel genre is perfect. While I do love my bright and bold colors, I also am a huge fan of the softer side of things. The following items are all in the pastel family, fabulous, and under $50. Yes, please!

blouse from Nasty Gal

$48.00

shorts from H&M

$12.95

dress from Forever 21

$19.80

top from Macy's

$22.49

scarf from Forgotten Cotton

$20.00

necklace/bracelet from Brooklyn Stars

$24.00

frames from Z Gallerie

$12.95

butter dish from Anthropologie

$12.00

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

new beginnings

Well, this has been a whirlwind of a week. From packing up my entire life, to saying goodbye to amazing friends in New York, to 16 hours on an Auto Train, to 14 hours of driving, I'm almost officially a Houstonian again. On top of all that, I accepted a job at one of my all time favorite lifestyle publications, PaperCity, and I can't wait to start in May.

In my first blog post here, I mentioned that I would get to the derivation of the name at a later date. I was inspired to call it from prosecco to plaid because I was looking for something that would describe a New York City girl moving down South. Of course, Prosecco isn't only a New York City drink and plaid isn't the only thing southerners wear, but that is how I came up with the name. And the journey continues...

Now my blog will have an extra layer...the adventures of a NYC girl living in Texas. Hope 'y'all' have a great weekend!

somewhere in between Florida and Alabama

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

clutch me

I love clutches. I love them not just at night, but during the day, too. Of course, when I'm going for a day of shopping or some activity where I can't be holding something in my hands, I opt for a cross body bag, one with handles, or one that goes over my shoulder. However, when I find a really great clutch I get so excited. Since they aren't that large, I pile them high in my closet. A girl can never have too many clutches.

House of Harlow Riley Leather Oversized Clutch

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Zip Clutch

Vince Camuto Juliann Oversized Foldover Clutch

Urban Expressions Ginger Clutch

Lauren Merkin Louise Patent Leather Clutch

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

weekend review

Being my last weekend in NYC before the big move, it was far from a quiet one. Non stop dinners, brunches, time with friends, and my going away party. Such a fun weekend, but I can't believe I move this week. Since I would much rather spend time with my friends over packing boxes (obviously), let's just say I have a lot to do the next couple days in my apartment. Hope you all had fabulous weekends.

Oreo Cake Balls

unfortunately, mine turned out sub par, due to using frosting instead of cream cheese, but next time I'm trying this recipe found here (pictures to come)

Recipe Book from Anthropologie

gift from 2 of my friends...perfect for my new kitchen

Lamp from Joss & Main

purchased for the new apartment

Sheer lipstick from NARS

one of my favorite lipsticks, worn to my going away party

Michael Aram frame

gift for our newly married friend from high school

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

bittersweet and brunch

Tomorrow is a bittersweet day for me. I have brunch with my entire group of friends from high school - all 12 of us. We have not all been together since probably our graduation day circa 2004. I can't wait. I feel bad for the rest of the tables in the restaurant because it will be far from a quiet brunch.

And then tomorrow night is my going away party. I'm also so excited for that because who doesn't love a party and especially with your closest friends. The bitter part of 'bittersweet' comes in because I have to say goodbye so soon. I've already said goodbye to a couple, a few more on Saturday night, and the rest Monday. Just crazy.

Back to one of the 'sweet' parts of all of this - brunching with friends. Brunch is my favorite meal and my favorite thing to do on the weekend. Brunch ensembles should be comfortable (but not frumpy), fashionable, and fun. You're not going into the office - this is your time to dress as you wish. One of my favorite brands, Joie, has some fabulous weekend brunch options. Click below to shop the pieces.

handkerchief blouse

tie dye top with shorts

striped short dress

striped maxi dress

denim jumpsuit

lace top

(similar top shown here)

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

appetizers

One of the many things I'm most excited about for my move and the new apartment is the thought of entertaining as much as possible. I love being a host. Definitely one of my favorite pastimes. As I've been researching new ideas and recipes for the first 'party' at the new place, I've literally created a folder full of all these inspirations.

Starting with some appetizer ideas...

I'm a huge fan of Prosciutto, in general, and I think anything on a skewer is adorable and tastes delicious, so the minute I saw these I got really excited. 

found here

Who doesn't love mac & cheese. And in a martini glass. Perfect way to serve it. 

found here

All my friends know that meatballs are my absolute favorite food. Nothing compares in my book. Topping them off with a touch of spaghetti..doesn't get much better than that.

found here

A twist on absolutely delicious spring rolls, if I do say so myself.

previously mentioned here

Mini foods are so cute and just taste better for some reason. I love everything in this image, but the one I'm looking at to make next would have to be the grilled cheese shooters.

found here

To be continued (with drinks)...

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter

pink & blue

I love both bright pink and royal blue, separately and together. I love the contrast of the colors when they are paired together, but I also would wear them alone any day of the week. If you aren't comfortable wearing such a bright color on your top or bottom half, stick to sunglasses or a clutch. The little addition of one of these colors will instantly change the look of your outfit. As I previously mentioned here, I'm all about color. These two, in particular, could be my favorites to wear.

Etro Royal Blue Pants

Free Endearment Clutch

Rachel Zoe Jumpsuit

Vince Boat-Neck Top

Thierry Lasry Sunglasses

Amanda Uprichard Silk Shorts

Aqua Dress

TKEES Thong Sandal

CLICK HERE to LIKE this blog on Facebook
CLICK HERE to follow on Twitter