blue and coral earrings - help me choose!

since my mexican vacation, i've been dying for some coral and/or turquoise earrings. i've found four solid options and need help choosing. which ones are your faves?

below: kendra scott nyla starburst earrings, $95 (but i have a $20 coupon from signing up for emails)

below: soul-swinging filigree earrings by thestellabluegallery on etsy, $25

below: red lucite earrings by blondechick on etsy, $25

below: turquoise and coral chandelier earrings by offthechainjewels on etsy, $34.99

coveting a new staple for fall: top down jacket

yes, yes, i know. many of you have already moved on to winter while little ole' me in texas is still enjoying fall - so yes, i'm still looking for fall staples. don't hate! my lovely friend catherine and i spotted a cute lady wearing this jacket in the puerta vallarta airport on sunday. catherine instantly popped up and went over to ask her where she got it (love her!) - it's the top down jacket by free people, and it's still available. a bit pricier than my usual finds, at $148, but i think it might be worth it. love the side pleats and the buttons on the sleeves. available in pink or black.

ps. more on mexico coming soon...working on gathering photos!

guest room vision: viceroy santa monica...in texas

i haven't been able to get the decor at the viceroy santa monica out of my head since i visited for a work trip many years ago. kelly wearstler is just genius for her work at that hotel and i wish wish wish i were as talented as she is. i'm totally poaching the grey walls with white plates, vibrant accent colors and white and grey textiles.

the current room: the hideous blank slate

the vision: the viceroy santa monica by kelly wearstler

the materials:

while i'm in mexico, nick and his dad will be painting the currently light purple walls a slate/elephant gray.

meanwhile, i'll be waiting on the arrival of this duvet cover and white canvas curtains from west elm.

the accoutrements: i'll be accenting the room with purples and yellows, so will be on the hunt for pillows and such. not to mention all of those plates i'll need for above the headboard! i'll also be scouring craigslist for a different bed frame. although i do like the white, i kick myself for buying that low-profile bed. haaaaaate it, especially when i knock my shins on it while making the bed.

viva mexico!

adios ladies, i'm mexico-bound! i'll be celebrating with my friend andrea for her 30th year by relaxing beach-side with margarita in hand. just look at that pic from the hotel's website - i mean, REALLY!? i'll be sure to take as many photos of the fashions i find along the way to share with you on the ole' blog. arriba!

while i'm gone, nick and his dad will be painting the guest room for me. i've never forgotten how much i loved my room at the viceroy santa monica when i visited on a work trip a few years ago - so i decided to do my guest room just like it. more on that tomorrow!

living room curtains are up!

but i hate them! this girl (pointing at myself) waited too long to buy them from anthropologie before they sold out so decided to go semi-DIY. i went to joann's and m&j trimmings (online) and bought the supplies, and found a seamstress in south austin who was up for the challenge. we spent part of sunday with our friend/designer/contractor peter getting them hung and although i'm loving the daintiness, the lightweight fabric and the navy blue ball fringe, i had them made too skinny so they don't cover the windows when they're closed. such a novice move! needless to say this girl (pointing at myself again) went to west elm to buy replacements and is in the doghouse with my hubs.

before

after

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fat guy in a little cooooaaaaat

i think i mentioned that nick and i went to VA last weekend for his aunt's wedding. not only was it awesome to catch up with family and celebrate with denise and steve, but i also got in a little shopping time (obviously) with my sister-in-law jen. i found this little number at old navy on sale for $50 and couldn't resist. it's a great weight for cold(ish) winter mornings in texas and i can't wait to break it out in a month or two.

PS. that's my best "fat guy in a little coat" face.

thank god halloween is over

i haven't been a fan of halloween since i got accidentally trapped in the nyc halloween parade about 8 years ago. something about drunk adults in masks freaks this sista out. anyway, i spent halloween cruising around austin in the convertible with nick and emilio, working on some house stuff with our awesome friend/designer/contractor peter, cooking up some meals for the week, and hanging out waiting for trick-or-treaters. all-in-all, an awesome sunday - especially since it was 80 and beautiful and i didn't have to go anywhere near adults in costumes. what did you guys do for halloween?