Houston is one of the largest cities in the country and at the tip of the grand state of Texas. I had an initial perception of southern living when I first moved here, but that perception altered when I began to see how flagrantly diverse the city is. On every corner stands a boutique restaurant with unique cuisine from across the global scape from a French creperie to a Mexican pastry shop to an Asian-Infused Japanese food truck. One could easily make the claim that Houston is an international food mecca; I’m always ready to take a Texas-worthy sized bite out of the next treat!

Now, when it comes to fashion, Houston is home to a mixed bag of style mavericks – from earthy boho to urban chic and all statements in between. Like many other metropolitan cities, the fashion in Houston is fluid in nature moving like water through pits and falls in the road satisfying the thirst of the concrete jungle and those existing within it. For many, fashion feeds and satisfies our personal desires to differentiate and to express. In a city as large as Houston, everyone is scratching to make a mark on the influential circle.

Geographically speaking, Houston is still a member of the southern club no matter how distinct it is, and thankfully the hospitality still exists! Men and women still hit the streets in leather cowboy boots, but don’t be shocked to see some red soles and Chanel labels within the going crowd of night dwellers in local hot spots.  Houston is definitely flirting with an identity crisis on a global scale, and I’m flattered to be apart of its evolution! 

Captured at Discovery Green, the verdant patch of life, entertainment and activity in downtown Houston, my look hints at southern style with a classic blue jean collared shirt in a relaxed fit.  The details of the skirt capture the feministic charm of the overall look, and the clutch adds complimentary color. 

Why tell the rain to go away when you can still go out and play?!  Summers in Houston are inevitably filled with incensing rain, extreme heat and humidity. A girl’s best friend, considering the intense natural conditions, is a lightweight, flowing sundress. I eyed this high-low dress and fell in love with it mostly for its feminine aura but also due to its versatility. In this case, I wore a sheer short sleeve top as an overlay to create a layered look. However, I could also wear a statement necklace or summer scarf around the neck or even nude heels on foot just to name a few alternatives.

When initially putting this look together, I used the black sun hat as a focal point, centering everything around the simple yet chic appeal of it. A lot of times I create my OOTD by starting with my accessories. I believe that the accessories oftentimes make the outfit, and you can pair a different accessory with the same outfit and create a look so uniquely different. To me, that’s what makes fashion so much fun. Every woman knows that “perfect-pair” feeling when her heels click on the pavement in sync with the light touch of her flowing dress on the back of her legs all the way up to her opulent necklace that shines so bright it reflects on her rounded-Jackie O inspired sunglasses.

Be inspired to bring your own sunshine on those occasions when the clouds hang low and the rain unceasingly falls.