Paisley Perfect

The past few days have been a bit of a whirlwind. Last Friday, I got an unexpected call from my mom about my dad's health. I don't want to go into too much, but he ended up in the emergency room. Luckily, he is back home now and we are awaiting more answers. In the meantime, a best friend's dad passed away...again...a bit unexpected. Plus, I have been going through a few other personal details, but everything is getting ironed out.

I feel like when I step away from blogging or social media, I owe you guys an explanation. I know you are NOT sitting around waiting for my next post, but still. I have loyal friends that come here and support me, so I feel like I should share why I take a few breaks here and there.

I have always told myself that my personal "life" comes first, everything else can take the back seat. I love what I do, the friendships I've made and the opportunities that come with blogging, but at the end of it all, I will choose to focus on real life and not beat myself up if a miss a few posts here and there.

I REALLY appreciate you guys coming back even though things haven't been as consistent as they were in the past. I can only hope you will check in every now and again and say hi. Your reading and coming here will always be a huge part of my life!

Express Barcelona Top (wearing an XS) // Express Ankle Pants (wearing a size 4) // Nude Ankle Strap Heels (option here and here) // Gigi New York Clutch c/o // Forever 21 Sunglasses // Noonday Bracelets (here, here and here) // Cross Ring (option) 

The bright side? I actually got "dressed" yesterday and had a nice afternoon with an old friend. I have been meaning to wear my Barcelona top and ankle pants for over a week, but didn't have a reason. It felt good to fix my hair, throw on some heels and feel normal again. I highly recommend you guys check out Express for the latest Spring finds. I am in love with all their tops and of course, as we all know, their pants are classic and fit like a glove. 

Happy shopping and thanks again for all the support!! xoxo

Ladylike Leopard

You can ask any of my girlfriends, either from high school or college, and they will tell you that I have always had a special place in my heart for leopard. If anyone tries to tell you that this print is a trend, tell them to call me. I understand that there are some trends that are here today and gone the next, but animal print is definitely here to stay; if I have anything to say about it.

That is why I was so drawn to this dress from Walk Trendy. I have leopard shoes, bags, belts, skirts and tops, but haven't gotten a dress in this pattern in quite some time. I love a good shift dress, especially when it comes in a ladylike leopard style. 

I literally wore this dress all day. Once it was time to pick my girls up off the bus, I traded in my studded heels for flat sandals. This dress is super comfy, doesn't wrinkle and is one that can be taken from day to night. For reference, I am 5'7 and I ordered and medium.

Walk Trendy Leopard Dress c/o // Forever 21 Studded Heels (old: super similar here and here) // Gigi New York Clutch c/o // Collar Necklace (option here and here) // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Ring c/o // Cross Ring (option) // Daniel Wellington Watch c/o

Thank you Walk Trendy for sponsoring this post. All opinions and content are 100% my own. I only share items from brands and retailers that I would personally wear/purchase and believe my friends/readers would enjoy as well.

Chambray of a Day

My house, right now, is "Crazy Town" and unfortunately, I'm the mayor. Not sure if it's a full moon or what, but my kids have pretty much lost their minds. Drama, tears, fights, sass, messes and any other emotions that fall into the category of young girls sums up what I am dealing with right now. Add two dogs, baskets of laundry (one basket where all the whites turned pink because of a red shirt that snuck it's way in), a sink full of dishes, backyard renovation and empty refrigerator to the mix and you have yourself a mom on the brink of going postal.

Breathe, Shanna, breathe. This is just a moment; a small snippet in time that shall pass. There are bigger fish to fry and issues going on in the world.

I do not take these moments for granted (blessed to have them) and one day I will look back and laugh....in fact, Landry just told me I was a "cool" mom because my PJ's now have a psychedelic pink tint to them (thanks to that sneaky red shirt). Sweet! See, things are already looking up! At least she is folding the laundry...making progress.

Days like yesterday call for fast action when getting ready. This chambray dress from J.Crew Factory and cap toe espadrilles are my tickets to success...so are hats. When you're on day three of not washing your hair, you grab for anything to cover up the mess. I might just wear this entire outfit again tomorrow. Because let's be honest, none of it has been put back in it's closet place. Go ahead and call it easy access...the only way these days.

J.Crew Factory Chambray Dress // Mossimo Cap Toe Espadrilles // Woven Satchel (old: option here) // Forever 21 Zebra Print Scarf (sold out: similar here and here) // Merona Fedora from Target // Forever 21 Sunglasses // Daniel Wellington Watch c/o // Leopard Bangle (option) // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Ring c/o // Cross Ring (option)

Portofino Stripes

So, let's go ahead and say that my blogging week will now begin on Tuesdays from here on out. The weekends are too precious these days. The thought of putting together a post on Sunday evening hurts my heart. Weekends are filled with friends and family, not sitting in front of a computer. 

Take for instance this past Sunday, my parents were in town for a two day visit. My mom and I got tickets months ago to see Neil Diamond. Yes, Neil Diamond. I grew up listening to his albums on my my mom and dad's stereo. My mom literally rocked me to sleep to his music. I am DEFINITELY aging myself now. He was also the very first concert I attended. I still vividly remember his show, even what he wore. Seeing him again so many years later, with my mom completed my life. Okay, maybe I am being dramatic, but seriously, I had a moment. 

He walked on stage and tears just ran down my cheeks. Emotions were in high gear. I am a sap and dork...I have come to terms with these parts of my character. You guys, I was flooded with childhood memories. Neil Diamond was a HUGE part of my upbringing...music in general was. 

Anyway, he put on the BEST two hour show and sang every single song I wanted him to sing...and believe me, I was singing right along with him. It was a night with my mom that neither of us will ever forget. In case you haven't noticed yet, I am still on a small Neil Diamond high. SWEET CAROLINE...bum-bum-bum.

Now can you understand why yesterday was empty? I was embracing time...time where the minutes zoom by, but create lasting impressions and memories. Ones that you can't get back, but are embedded in your heart and mind forever. Mom, Sunday night will be one that I will treasure for all my days.

Express Portofino Stripe Top // Express Wide-Leg Pants (old: option here) // Forever 21 Tote (on sale!) // Steve Madden Nude Pumps (option here and here) // Costa Sunglasses // Micheal Kors Watch // Forever 21 Pave Necklace (option here) // Cross Ring (option here) 

I am also treasuring this stripe top I got at Express over the weekend. I actually purchased two! It's been awhile since I did some shopping there, but oh my word...these Portifino tops are the real deal. They come in a few different styles, cuts and prints. I am telling you, all of you, go grab one or four. They are BOGO 50% off right now and well worth it. I am also a little obsessed with the Barcelona reversible camis. I picked up this print and don't be surprised if you see it this week. Again, so many colors and patterns. The fit is perfection, great for the warmer seasons and can be layered under jackets/blazers down the road. 

I hope you guys are off to a great week. Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my rambles!! See y'all tomorrow!

P.S. I had to share that Old Navy is running 40% off your purchase (online only) when you use the code SUNSHINE. Hurry sale ends today...you guys know I will be doing a little shopping! Ha!

Festival Style with DSW

Living in Austin, The Live Music Capital of the World, home to the ACL Music Festival, SXSW and hundreds of other ongoing live music events, festival style opportunities never cease in our area.

I love a good boho, free-spirited look any day of the week, but get especially excited when I have the chance to put together an outfit for a local music festival. In fact, I plan on wearing this dress again for Lone Star Jam next month. I usually opt for my cowgirl boots when attending music festivals, but as the temperatures start to rise wearing boots is too hot and not as comfortable than say, a great pair of wedge sandals.

DSW has been one of my go-to sources for shoes since I was in college. I remember when they first opened a store in my area and I thought I had died and gone to shoe heaven. DSW is definitely your one-stop shop for shoes, no matter the occasion. I've featured several styles I have purchased from DSW in past posts. A true believer and fan here!

With spring festival style in full swing and everyone craving to get outdoors to embrace as much as live music as possible, it's time to start thinking about fun and affordable ways to incorporate your own festival style twist.

Below are a few trends to keep in mind for staying cool and stylish if you plan to head out to a musical festival in you area:

1. Fringe...lots of fringe!

2. Floral

3. Kimonos

4. Hats

5. Lace

6. Wide leg pants

7. Rompers

8. Flowy maxi dresses or skirts

9. Wedges, ankle boots, gladiators or espadrilles

10. Suede incorporated into hats, bags, belts, jewelry and shoes.

Stopping by DSW can meet almost half of your musical festival style needs with not only shoes, but hats, bags and lots of other accessories too! If you don't have a store near you, make sure to shop their online selection.

 

Altar'd State Dress (sold out: option here  here and here) // Crown Vintage Wedges c/o DSW // Fringe Bag (option here and here) // Kendra Scott Rayne Tassel Necklace

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by DSW through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write this post about DSW, all opinions are my own.