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.

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.

Dress: Orimono (similar) // Jacket: Gap // Shoes: Kate Spade (similar) // Necklace: (similar) // Sunnies: Karen Walker // Earrings: Anthropologie (similar) // Phone Case: Sonix

When packing for LA last weekend, I was in such a rush I didn’t really think through what I would need for my trip. When I arrived to my room and unpacked I realized that I did not pack a good outfit for a day of exploring and eating at nice restaurants. When I went downstairs to explore The Line Hotel, I saw a Poketo store and some great summer dresses in the window. I made a great impulse buy and got this simple summer black dress for a day of exploring West Hollywood. I love the way the neck is cut higher and the light weight material flows easily. This dress is great for layering, like I did with a denim jacket, and I love that it has pockets! This dress was perfect for lunch at Sugarfish on La Brea, followed by an afternoon of exploring shops on Melrose and a quick pick me up at Alfred Coffee. Find more of my favorite simple summer black dresses below! xoxo

Images via Mel.

Dress: ASTR // Jacket: Gap // Shoes: Vince (similar) // Earrings: Anthropologie (similar) // Bracelet: J.Crew

Earlier this week I shared my time at Create & Cultivate Downtown Los Angeles, and gave a sneak peak of the dress I wore. When I was packing for LA, I quickly realized that I did not have an outfit that I liked and felt comfortable sitting in most of the day. I saw this ASTR tie front dress online at Nordstom, but they did not have any in the Dallas area. Naturally, I trusted the mail man and had the dress over nighted, all while crossing my fingers that it would fit. I ordered an extra small because I have another skirt from ASTR with a similar cut and an extra small fit best. This dress is great because it has adjustable straps and the tie front can easily be adjusted in order to make the dress fit best for everyone. The top button on the dress fits tighter on the rib cage and slight pleats makes the bottom of the dress easy to move in, but still gives a flattering shape. This tie front dress was easy to sit in and move around all day, and it went well with my denim jacket for cooler AC temperatures. The only complaint I have about this tie front dress, is the material. While I love linen, the dress wrinkles very easily and the second I sat down, I had a wrinkle across my lap. Shop more tie front dresses below! xoxo

Jeans: Gap  (similiar pair) // Top: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Kate Sapde // Necklace: BaubleBar

Easter was last weekend, which means I’m back in white (jeans)! I was raised with very strict instructions to only wear white after Easter and before Labor Day, so I am still getting use to the idea of winter white and have not figured out how to pull it off yet. White jeans pair so well with light neutral colors like these tan Kate Spade heels and my favorite tee in sand from Urban Outfitters. I found these skinny white jeans at Gap and love the cropped leg and high waisted fit. I am wearing a size 25 and it fits well through the leg with enough stretch to move around. Shop more of my favorite light neutrals to pair for spring below! xoxo

Images via Eric Hoang.

Blazer: ASOS // Tank: J.Crew // Jeans: Gap // Shoes: Neiman Marcus // Bag: Neiman Marcus

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

Images via Mel.