Dress: Gap // Shoes: Marc Fisher // Sunnies: Karen Walker

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

Images via Alex Phillips.

Most grandmothers have the reputation of being a great cook, including my grandmother, Monna. Cooking has always been a large part of her life and has become one of the things she is best known for. This week Monna is sharing her favorite pecan pie recipe and her famous pie crust.

Monna always has something cooking in her kitchen, and 99% of the time she is cooking for someone else. I have always admired her willingness to help others in need and I am truly amazed at her ability to show love to others through her talents in the kitchen. She is always taking a meal to someone who is sick, preparing food for a funeral or wedding, and bakes a pie or cake for every birthday and holiday. Since there is always something cooking in the oven or on the stove, it is hard to believe that she manages to keep her kitchen spotless at all times. She somehow manages to leave her kitchen looking brand new when she walks out the door with a fresh hot meal in hand.

“I clean as I bake. Rinse dishes as I go, and then put it all in the dishwasher. I bleach my white counter tops almost everyday, to keep them looking new.”

The pecan pie recipe (below) is a little different than most pecan pies, because it uses evaporated milk. The milk makes the pie filling a little thicker and each bite is full of pecans. Monna likes to top off her pecan pie with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and warm maple syrup. Get the recipe and shop some of Monna’s favorite kitchen accessories below! xoxo

9 Inch Pie Crust

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Crisco

4 to 5 tablespoons of cold water

In a large mixing bowl sift flour and salt together. Cut in the Crisco with a pastry blender until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle water a tablespoon at a time on the mixture. Gather up with fingers and form into balls. Flatten slightly and roll out on a lightly floured mastery cloth. Always roll from center to edge. Tip from Monna: roll the pastry between two sheets of wax paper.

Pecan Pie Filling (for 9 inch pie crust)

3/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup dark Karo

2 eggs

1/2 cup Pet evaporated milk (another brand is fine too)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup pecan pieces (or halves)

Mix sugar, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in Karo syrup, then beat in eggs one at a time. Add evaporated milk, vanilla, and pecans, then mix well before pouring into pie crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes. Tip from Monna: top off the pie with warm maple syrup and Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.

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

Dress: Banana Republic // Shoes: Banana Republic // Clutch: Banana Republic // Earrings: Banana Republic // Bracelet: Banana Republic // Sunglasses: Karen Walker

There is seriously little color in my closet, and for the longest time I have tried to add more color and failed. I have specifically searched for a versatile red dress in the past and finally found the perfect structured red dress at Banana Republic. I love the collar detail and hidden buttons all the way down the front of the dress. The pockets were of course a huge selling point for me, because everyone loves a dress with pockets! I ordered this dress in a size 0 and it fits well everywhere, but is a little tighter than I would like under the arms. The dress has a more tailored cut, but is still easy to move and walk in and is a great length for sitting.

I paired the structured red dress with 4 inch sandal heels (wearing size 8, fits true to size), but it could easily be paired with closed toe pumps for cooler temperatures. This black and gold clutch from Banana Republic went perfectly with my heels and is large enough to hold everything I need for a night out! I also found some simple gold jewelry at Banana Republic, including these hoop earrings and this bracelet (took me a while to figure out the clasp). This look is perfect for the summer heat but still nice enough for work or a wedding. Shop this look from Banana Republic below! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.

Banana Republic provided free product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

1. Kiehl’s // 2. Lacoste // 3. Fitbit // 4. Shinola // 5. Sperry // 6. J.Crew // 7. Stelle Audio 

If you live in Dallas, and waited until the last minute to get a gift for dad (like me), all of these options can be found at Northpark Center! xoxo

Shirt: Zara // Jeans: Gap // Heels: Charles David

The other day while looking in my closet, I noticed I have added a significant amount of blue to my wardrobe compared to the overwhelming amount of black I own. I guess all the blue and white means I have officially transitioned into summer! I found this blue and white oversized oxford at Zara to add to my growing collection. The lightweight cotton material is perfect for going from the hot Dallas sun to the icy AC indoors. I am wearing a size extra small and it is still has the oversized look. This oversized oxford will be great for transitioning to fall with some added layers, because it has long sleeves. I paired it with my favorite distressed jeans from Gap and classic nude heels from Neiman Marcus. Shop more of my favorite blue and white oversized oxfords below! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.