The other day I styled this black slip dressfor the daytime with a knit cardigan. Since this dress is so versatile, I am sharing two more ways I like to style it for different occasions. For an evening look, this dress works great with minimal accessories. Ipaired thecross back slip dresswith these simplestrappy leather heels from Banana Republicand a tassel bucket bag from Neiman Marcus. I love matching a black dress to my shoes and bag, and then use jewelry to bring a little color to the look. I decided to keep this evening look primarily black by only adding thin gold hoops and a thin gold bangle. The main accent was the beaded scarf I found on sale at Elements in Dallas (on Lovers Lane). I do not have a link to the exact scarf, but Mignonne Gavin makes some similar onesas well as Anthropologie. The beaded scarf is a great alternative to a chunky necklace, and easy to style with layers for fall. Stay tuned to see how I style this dress for a night out! xoxo
This past week Dallas has been shown in a negative light around the world. The atrocity that occurred in downtown Dallas last Thursday was very unsettling for all in the city, especially those of us who have lived here our entire lives. Not only was there a sadness for the multiple lives taken, but the Dallas community felt an extra weight knowing that our city would be known for yet another shooting.
It is rare that I feel unsafe in Dallas, in fact, I have always felt that Dallas was in some sort of bubble. I have witnessed extra care from citizens as well as the Dallas Police Department to make sure the city is as safe as possible for everyone, no matter their age, race, or gender. When I came across this “I Believe in Dallas” mural, in the design district, it instantly became one of my favorite spots in the city. If you asked someone who lives in Dallas, I am certain that the vast majority would say they believe in what the community of Dallas represents, myself included.
I want everyone who visits, or lives in Dallas to enjoy the city as much as I do on a daily basis. In addition to my new favorite mural, here are my favorite places to eat, shop, spend the day, and stay (or staycation).
My favorite places to eat:
Bistro 31, Hattie’s, Henry’s Majestic, HG Sply Co., Hillstone, Javier’s, LA Gourmet Pizza, Lark on the Park, Meddlesome Moth, Meso Maya, Mi Cocina, Neighborhood Services, Ocean Prime, Rise No.1, S&D Oyster Co., Savor, Snuffers, The Zodiac Room, True Food Kitchen, Velvet Taco (I could probably list a million more places, but will stop here)
My favorite places to shop:
Highland Park Village, Inwood Village, Mockingbird Station, Neiman Marcus Flagship, NorthPark Center, Preston Center, Snider Plaza, Stanley Korshak, The Shops at Park Lane
My favorite places to spend the day:
Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Farmers Market, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas World Aquarium, Dealey Plaza, George W. Bush Library, Katy Trail, Klyde Warren Park, Nasher Sculpture Center, Perot Museum, Sixth Floor Museum, Thanks-Giving Square, White Rock Lake
My favorite places to stay (or staycation):
Hotel ZaZa, The Joule, Omni Dallas, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Magnolia Hotel, Hyatt Regency Dallas, The W Hotel
I am wearing this simple black dress from Gap that is so comfortable and well priced. It is great to throw on when it is over 90 degrees out, and also great to layer in cooler weather. I paired it with these amazing Marc Fisher flatforms that I found at Nordstrom. These shoes are super comfortable/easy to walk in and go with almost all of my summer outfits. I am wearing a size small in the dress, but it still fits loose, and the flatform shoes fit true to size (wearing size 8). Shop my outfit below, and follow me on snapchat (taylorthompson7) to see more of my favorite places in Dallas! xoxo
Jacket, Shell and Pants: St. John // Shoes: Stewart Weitzman // Jewelry: Vintage
Throughout the month of July, I will be sharing the wisdom of my grandmother, Monna, in a four part series called Mondays with Monna. My grandmother has the largest collection of shoes and handbags I have ever seen and has been a huge influence in my personal style. Monna always dresses her best and matches everything from shoes, to her handbag, and even her jewelry. This week I sat down with my grandmother, Monna, to learn more about her favorite shoes and handbags, and how she find quality accessories that will last for years.
Monna has somehow managed to fill five closets in her house with close to 200 shoes, and still has “out of season shoes” that she rotates in and out of the attic. Over the years, she has found unique ways to pair her shoes and handbags, in order to keep up with changing styles. Her favorite way to pair outfits, is to base them on colors and patterns. Of all the brands that she has purchased over the years, her favorites include Kate Spade, Judith Leiber, Neiman Marcus, Ferragamo, Cole Hahn, and Bottega.
“Some of the styles have come and gone, but designer shoes will rotate back into style because of the material, same thing with handbags. If the fabric and leather can last, so can the style.”
Monna’s favorite places to find quality shoes and handbags without breaking the bank are Neiman Marcus Last Call (Inwood Village location has the best selection), T.J. Maxx (Park Lane location) and Saks Off Fifth (Park Lane location). xoxo
I recently booked my first cruise, and even though it is a whole 60 days away, I immediately started shopping for beach clothes (whoops)! I found this striped set at Nordstrom and both the skirt and top are currently 40% off the original price! I ordered the crop top in a small just in case it was tight on the arms, but I would have been fine with an extra small (it does not fit tightly on the arms). Since the skirt is fitted at the waist, I ordered it in an extra small. I love the button detail down the front of the skirt, as well as the very useful pockets. This striped set is perfect for a day at the beach or a causal patio dinner. Shop more of my favorite beach ready sets below! xoxo
One of the most useful pieces I keep in my closet is this basic white blazer. It is great for all season and can easily be dressed up or down. For a typical and chilly workday, I paired the blazer with a nude tank from J.Crew and light wash, high waisted jeans from Gap. I ordered a size 2 in the blazer because the sleeves run a little short and 25 long in the jeans so I could cuff the ends. These Charles David pumps from Neiman Marcus were also a great basic addition to my closet. I bought them in black and loved them so much I went back and got them in nude. They fit true to size (wearing size 8) and the platform makes them comfortable enough to wear all day. Shop my favorite white blazers below! xoxo