All I Want Is a Resort Somewhere

Oh, wouldn't it be lovely? Yes, yes it would  - and it seems like you all are feeling the same way, since lately all the messages I've been getting (and social media accounts I've been stalking) revolve around what to wear to some kind of event in some kind of tropical, resort destination. Partly inspired by this and partly by my cousin's upcoming nuptials in Palm Bizzle, I put together these looks that will take you from nada to cha cha 'real quick. 

Leaf Heels - Schutz// Pink Fringe Heels - Schutz// Leopard Heels - Schutz// Vinyl Heel - Schutz// Ruffled Bodysuit - Andres Otalora// Printed Pants - Andres Otalora

In My Head: Kelly O'Connor

Today's a big day because my collage models have... heads! And they're not just heads - they're heads borrowed from artist Kelly O'Connor. She's the ultimate collage artist and is my version of clip, cut & paste #goals. What? Who? What? you ask - allow me to backtrack. 

I've been blessed with a sister-in-law who is as fabulous as she is inviting and as hilarious as she is inspiring. But on top of all that fun stuff, she's not only the best life resource but also is an amazing art resource. She works as an art consultant (follow IG Art if you don't already!) and has the best eye for pieces that fit perfectly in your space/taste/budget.

Through IG Art, I've learned of more than a handful of talented artists, but my favorite is Kelly O'Connor. Her work is what my psychedelic, mid-century-inclined dreams are made of.  In fact, I think I told her as much when I met her at an Art Pace event last year and did the signature fan girl move of creepily grabbing her hand and saying "oh ma gawd I loooove you" (I'm telling you, I keeps it cool). And because my stream of consciousness words won't do her justice, I'll leave it to the professionals and direct you to this article Illa wrote a few months ago to give you a better sense of O'Connor's style (warning: you'll find yourself in lurve with Kelly after reading it, too). Here's a snippet:

"O’Connor’s melding of glamour and affliction carries through in the real wasp nests that she has hung from the ceiling of the gallery. Texans can relate to the anxiety that comes with spotting paper wasp nests under eaves, but O’Connor’s vespine nests are painted luminescent gold and contain vividly colored and glittered eggs." 

An O'Connor wasp nest (see upper right corner of collage) hangs in my living room, and today some of the heads from her 2016 Hypnotic Void exhibition adorn my collage models. I tried to find fashion as candy-colored and fantastical as they are. Kelly says today's collage gave her bride-of-Frankenstein vibes, while I can't help but think of my late paternal grandmother and her floral applique swimcap. Either way, today's a big day. 

Zig Zag Dress - La Double J

Hopelessly de-voted to De Gournay

If you're anything like yours truly, you spent a nice chunk of your weekend stalking your interior decorator insta-crushes who were attending Paris Deco Off, the yearly five-day event where the best labels and designers from the interior world showcase their stuff and unveil new products in exhibitions that will make you (or at least me) drool (I know, that's so French-girl-cool of moi). 

It's no surprise that one of the must-see showrooms was De Gournay's, the name behind those beautiful hand-painted Chinese wallpapers that provide the backdrop to what seems like anyone and anything extra-chic (see, e.g., more of my insta crushes, Alice Naylor-Leyland, Poppy Delevingne, and Caroline Sieber). The whimsical silk chinoiserie of De Gournay has also recently taken a much-welcome field trip from the walls to the closet, thanks to collaborations with Moda Operandi and Aquazzura. 

So it's really no surprise that other designers have caught on to the floral and bird motif-craze, which inspired today's post. Because (perhaps for the first time ever), it's now very in-vogue to have your clothes match the drapes. 

Bridge Score Pad - Caspari// Floral Dress - Massimo Dutti// Tassel Clutch - Serpui// Tutu Earrings - Nicola Bathie// Bird Clutch - Serpui

The Mean Reds

For those that je ne sais pas, the Mean Reds are a more severe, progressed form of the January Blues. The difference between the two mental states is best described by the one who coined the term, Holly Golightly: "the blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible." Horrible! 

Just as horrible as getting back from a work trip on Wednesday to find your car covered in a frozen sheet and having to (blindly) drive into the garage to blow dry the windshield until the ice melted (true story). Well it seems Over the Moon predicted my longing to go vacationing would turn into a full blown take-me-to-an-island fervor when they asked me to pick some getaway garb. Check out the article here and take an escape (albeit a mental one) by getting a jump start on some summa shopping.  

Panama Hats - Sensi Studio// Beaded Flats - Zara

January Blues

The Houston weather forecast calls for a high of 32° low of 23° today, with “snow showers” predicted mid-day. It also snowed here before Christmas (for first time in 10 years!), but that’s different, because anything in anticipation of Christmas is different. The only magic I associate with today’s likely precipitation is its ability to leave me with a desperate longing to escape. This phenomenon is what I dub the January Blues, hence today’s collage and hence why I’m considering making today’s happy hour order a piña colada (find your beach, people).