The last days of summer flew by just as I imagined it would. You ever find yourself in a moment reflecting on how much you want to stay in that moment and then you find yourself in a future mindset reflecting back on that moment? It seems rather unjustifiable to make assumptions of forthcoming feelings and instances but that is exactly how I felt as I spent the last days of summer; I didn’t want them to end.

I spent the last fleeting days of summer and the long Labor Day weekend in Puerto Rico - a getaway perfect for two. The colorful seduction of Old Town San Juan will tantalize your mind, body & soul - from the romantic and quaint bungalows to the intimate cafes.

You will leave with a fulfilled palette from the traditional and not so traditional cuisine of the island dwellers including such essentials as coconut (the Pina Colada is highly favored!) and seafood. You will also leave with a fulfilled adventure-seeking spirit because every corner you turn down in Old San Juan presents a new opportunity to discover the traditions of the culture. We found our greatest fulfillment in the rainforest and took away some history learning that its existence has even protected the inhabitants from natural disasters. We were cleansed by the rainforest – figuratively and quite literally as I have never experienced such a downpour in my 23 years of life – and we were grateful.  

Although the beginning had a melancholy undertone, I end this note rather hopeful; changes in seasons bring new opportunities and things to look forward to. Puerto Rico gave me an opportunity to rebalance and reenergize, and as far as the eye can see, the future is near and whatever it brings I am ready. 

Get The Look: White Lace Crop Top & Skirt {Custom Made), Bag & Sunglasses {Louis Vuitton}, Necklace & Ring {BCBG Max Azria), Shoes {Dollhouse}

“Take time and smell the roses” is as timeworn as it comes, but even so, there is so much truth embedded in the words. How many of us actually get the opportunity to be lax in mind and in motion? How often do we get to be introspective when our every day grind forces us to be quite the opposite?

A lot of times it is the environment that stimulates our thoughts and guides our way of thinking. Think about when you are on vacation and all of a sudden your mind becomes free of complication and convolution. Perhaps a beach and a coconut drink were in the illusion as well but you get the point. No matter what environment we exist in, we must find ways to create clarity within our mental capacities.

I found my mental escape in the Bayou Bend Gardens at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Between thickets of greenery exists a historical landmark of Houston with intertwining walkways and rustic benches. Symbolic of early 20th century architecture, I felt very much displaced from my usual populous urban surroundings. Something about small spaces and endless concrete generates a feeling of entrapment. However, I felt so emotionally invigorated in the luscious scape of the garden. Something about magnolia and azalea that awakens the senses allowing thought to move more fluidly and breathe exchange to occur more rhythmically. Perhaps the old saying should become “Take time and smell whatever natural escape you can find” since many of us Houstonians find ourselves more surrounded by a sea of windows rather than a sea of roses. Whatever and wherever it is, find it and visit it often! 

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. 

                                                                                       
To me, nothing is more fulfilling than a power skirt that hugs you just right and nothing is more seductive than leather (faux included!), but when you pair these two mates together it’s a perfect love affair.

I’m on a minimalist craze as I keep finding myself buying neutral pieces from spring’s hottest trends. I have wholesomely adopted the crop top since I love showing a little skin when it heats up – resulting in the need to stay on top of my fitness – get it right, get it tight ladies ;-)

I paired a basic white cotton crop top with a leather pencil skirt, and accented with metallic pieces including my most beloved boots designed by Apepazza. If there are two things my friends would say about my style, they would probably mention that I love metallic accents and staple accessories (particularly a chunky necklace!). To me, fashion is all about the details, which reflect the individual personality in fashion construction, making a seasonal trend uniquely you. Fashion doesn’t define with rigid lines, it allows for expression with free-handed strokes of brilliance.

The Houston skyline is rather impressive with a variety of architectural brilliance. During the peak of a weekday morning rush hour, when traffic is piling up like Legos on the pavement, you will find business folk (men and women a like) hustling to occupy their desks in these corporate offices downtown. The scene is not so convoluted as a New York City scape, but it holds a similar charm – except the lack of taxis racing to the needs of the next fare.

Once the weekend rears its lovely head, the scene slows down. People have switched up their tailored suits and business mindsets for casual wear and spirited engagement.  Spirited can be used both literally and figuratively in this case… keep the wine flowing is my personal weekend motto ;-)

I decided to take my Saturday explorations downtown and paired my minimalistic flair with the colorful appeal of the urban scene. My go-to is the black and white color palette (well mostly black but isn’t this a common struggle for many other fashion enthusiasts as well?!) so I fell head-over-heels in love with this pleated skirt from Zara. In a casual sense, it is perfect for weekend outings when paired with say gladiator sandals, but I elevated the look with stacked black wedges, a simple black crop top, gold statement necklace, and a gold studded clutch from BCBG Max Azria. The focus of the outfit was the skirt and my pairings were strategic in this sense to achieve my objective. Sometimes I may start off with a simple idea with no complete vision in mind and other times the pieces are already together in my mind like any picturesque Picasso. In this case, the skirt was the idea that cultivated into something enchanting and so captivating allowing an overtly classic feminine staple to become demanding of sophistication and novelty.

I flirted with the streets of Houston in this look while keeping the urban flow going in this becoming skirt.

                                                                       
Geometry is a mathematic discipline most concerned with shapes and the manipulation of space (think depth!). While not meant to be an academic bore, this Spring/Summer look will have everyone breaching fashion lines…

To me, there is so much sophistication that can be pulled from this trend. Pairing a meticulously designed pencil skirt (sleek, fit and flattering) with a geometrically sound chiffon top will compliment any wardrobe. I am seeing these bold patterns on small to large-scale pieces, and I cannot wait to spin the color wheel!

My trendy spirit seamlessly aligned with my eye for design when I spotted this mini halter dress that catches the eye with the array of blues (priced under $30 – what a closet steal!). The flirtatious uninterrupted flow of the lines on this dress accented my curves and liquefied my physique. Adhering to the color palate, I wore natural slate sling-backs and popped on my lips with a vibrant hue of orange. I must confess that a popping pout is quickly becoming my must-have beauty accessory as I yearn for bright summer days and equally bright and lively summer nights…Cheers y’all!