Dating in Dallas. Oddfellows

Hey everybody! How are you doing? Sad that its Monday? I know those feels. But you know what makes Mondays bearable? The weekend, and what makes weekends so spectacular is the queen of all meals, brunch! Brunch is everything we love about breakfast except you get to sleep in and then day drink, I mean who isn’t about that life?

Dallas is basically (and I mean in the most basic b kind of way) famous for #brunchingsohard but with that being said brunch choices can get a little congested, and if you’re anything like me, too many options is overwhelming. So here I am to help cut through the fog of bottomless mimosas and avocado toast to throw my advice your way and suggest you check out Oddfellows.

Oddfellows will always hold a dear place in mine and Dane’s heart because we had brunch here on the day we got engaged. But let’s get real that’s not a good enough reason for you to go here. The real reason you should go here is because the food is phenomenal! Plus they serve their breakfast items (which make up a good portion of the menu) all day! Now of course like any brunch place worth its salt its busy on weekends 😦 but since Oddfellows is located in the bishop arts district you can walk around and check out the shops while you wait on your text informing you your table’s ready! One of my husband’s favorite stores is the cigar shop, I don’t smoke but even I say its worth checking out while waiting for your table.

Cheers! Oddfellows makes a pretty delicious mix of cocktails!

Look how excited he is for pancakes!

Oddfellows does a pancake of the day so there’s always something new for Dane to try, the boy freaking loves pancakes, this was a coconut walnut pancake and it was so decadent but perfectly fluffy! I’ll be honest I’ve not had better pancakes at any other restaurant. Whether its a lemon blueberry pancake or a chocolate banana its always “the best pancake I’ve ever had” haha.

One of my all time favorites!!! You guys, their pork belly eggs benedict is other wordly! The flavors are so well balanced, I cannot help but do a happy dance anytime the meal is brought to the table…which is almost every time we go. I’m someone who will keep ordering something til I hate it…and you guys its been a while since eating this masterpiece and we are still very much in the honeymoon phase of our affection haha. Seriously just promise me at least one person orders this dish when you go to oddfellows so you can all try it and know what I mean.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you get to #brunchsohard this weekend! Happy Monday!

 

 

Dating in Dallas. Toulouse

Guys I am back with another post for my Dating in Dallas series! This week the hubs and I decided to check out a place I had been eyeballing for a while but never actually got around to trying. We all have those restaurants right? Like you notice it, think it’d be fun to give it a try and then forget about it the moment you’re asked the dreaded question… “where do we want to go to dinner?” is there any other question that deletes the contents of your brain that quickly? Really hoping its not just me who feels this way haha.

Well all that being said Dane and I finally decided to try out the adorable French Bistro Toulouse. Like any reputable bistro there is patio seating but since its Texas there is still air conditioning Hallelujah! The interior is definitely Parisian inspired without looking gimmicky, and they play soft French music in the background which I was a massive fan of. All in the all the ambience was very romantic without being intimidatingly upscale. So if you’re looking to knock the socks off of your date without having to worry about which fork to use this is the place. My scrunched faced cutie.

Like any date we started off with drinks, Dane got an old fashioned which according to him was good but nothing to write home about, I tried it but since I don’ t like whiskey my opinion means nothing. I ordered the Chanel No. 6 which was a nice light champagne cocktail that I’d 100% order again.

Then for a few small bites we ordered their Petite Gougere (cheese puffs with truffle oil) each bite was fluffy and beyond flavorful. The perfect balance of delicate texture and sinfully rich flavours.

You guys *contented sigh* Toulouse makes some of the best escargot I’ve ever had! I was honestly worried that I’d be disappointed. One of my favorite restaurants in Austin makes delish escargot and I was afraid toulouse would let me down…but they’ve actually dethroned my beloved Austin spot. Toulouse makes some of the most garlicky, decadent, and tender escargot this girl has ever had! If you’re weirded out by the idea of eating snails, don’t be. Please be adventurous and just give it a try, you will not regret it!

 The perfect ending to our meal of appetizers haha (you wanna try a little bit of everything am I right?) Beignets with cappucino pot de creme! If any desert could turn me into a non food sharer this would be it. I decided to be a good person and share but goodness me I could’ve polished this dish off myself. 10/10 perfect dessert!

Dane and I loved our experience at Toulouse and would definitely recommend you check it out, the ambience was romantic, the food delicious, and the waitstaff was super friendly but didn’t overwhelm by coming by every 5 minutes. Toulouse is the perfect little date spot for changing up the everyday pace of dinner and movie. Try something out of your food comfort zone, sip a cocktail, and pretend you’re in Paris with your gorgeous date!

Keith Harkin 2017.

So its been a hot minute since I’ve done any sort of blog post…I am sorry. Weddings, travel, back injuries galore, ya its been a tad hectic around here. But for those of you who have stuck with me I have one seriously fun post!

I had the pleasure of getting to see Keith Harkin in concert yet again. Basically if the guy is in town I am trying my darnedest to go see him. Essentially the only time I’m not there in the audience blown away by his talent is if I absolutely could not miss work. That’s just about the only thing that’ll keep me away.

I never tire of seeing Keith, because he is the musical equivalent of fine wine, he gets better with age. I had a particularly wonderful time at his last concert in Dallas at the historic Poor David’s Pub. Keith has really honed his style and is uniquely himself, a true artist’s artist. He cares about his music, he’s not out to please people and do what’s popular at the moment. His evolution of art is not to keep up with others but to nurture his own individual voice both literally and figuratively.

Please tell me I’m not the only one getting serious Stevie Ray Vaughn vibes here.

I cannot encourage you enough to check out this class act. Keith is by far one of my favorite artists out there. He manages to bring all demographics together with his art, music that everyone from the grandest babies to the greatest grandparents can enjoy. True art is timeless and knows no boundaries, this is something Mr Harkin truly exhibits. You can find more info, buy merch, etc through his website and be sure to follow him through his twitter and instagram

Fashion Friday: Hot Dame

I will make no excuses for lack of posting…But I had a little freetime this week and I thought hey I should post a little look for you all. This week I am featuring the hottest little black dress I’ve ever had the good fortune to wear! The dress is The Vamp from Pinup Girl Clothing.

Hair Flower: Gift from Miss Amy May

Earrings: Charlotte Russe/Similar

Necklace: Gift/Similar

Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing I actually tried on this dress when I went the the pinup girl clothing boutique many moons ago and fell in love instantly…but alas I was a little too broke to buy it at the time…but as the saying goes “Good things come to those who wait”. The dress went on sale, and is still on sale I might add, so I finally bought my PUG first love. The Vamp is the perfect LBD, form fitted to show off the curves, yet modest enough you wouldn’t feel awkward if you ran into your Grandma while out and about. The fabric is a sturdy cotton poly blend but still comfortable, as reference I am 36″ 27.5″ 36″ and the Medium fits me quite comfortably. Basically The Vamp is everything you could want out of a LBD…But if black isn’t your thing this dress comes in other colourways as well!

Shoes: Restricted

I hope you all enjoyed this post and thank you for putting up with me and my lack of posting. Happy Friday!

 

Music Monday: Keith Harkin Band

So it took me absolute ages to post this feature…I’m sorry but vacations, sickness, and just the fact that I took a ton of pictures meant I had my work cut out for me. I swear all of my posts these day’s begin with an excuse…shame on me. Anyway back in December I had the great pleasure of attending a Keith Harkin Band gig, yep that’s right a Keith Harking BAND! I’ve seen Keith perform many a times and I am always blown away by his artistry and musicality, but oh my goodness to experience the kind of energy that is brought to the stage when there is a full band is nothing short of AMAZING! I had such an incredible time and I’m sure you can tell from the pictures everyone else was too! 

If you weren’t fortunate enough to catch Keith at Poor Davids back in December fret not because he’s coming back March 18th and you can reserve your tickets here if you’re not able to make the gig might I suggest purchasing Keith’s LONG AWAITED SECOND ALBUM: On Mercy Street Here. Every song is so raw and honest you feel as if you have your own private show with Keith right there. I hope that you all enjoyed the pictures and that you all continue to support true artists like these lads here! Cheers!

 

Fashion Friday Featuring Unique Vintage

Hello my lovely readers, how are all of you? I know its been absolute ages since I’ve posted anything! I’ve missed all of you and I’ve missed blogging. My life has undergone a few new changes mainly a new job (Hallelujah) so adjusting to my busier schedule has taken a bit, but here is hoping I’ve finally got things sorted so more regularly scheduled posts will happen! Okay enough of my excuses 😉 now onto this weeks feature!

The one the only Golightly Dress from Unique Vintage.

Praise be to He! Pockets in pretty dresses!!!
forever giggling with my little sis/photog

Glasses: Urban Outfitters

Dress: Unique Vintage The Golightly is made up of everything I love in a dress: 100% cotton, available in a variety of colors and patterns, flattering to all shapes and sizes, true to fit, has adjustable straps, a full skirt that is just begging for a hearty twirl, as well as some seriously adorable details going on, I mean just look at that bow, and best of all POCKETS!!!! Does anything top that? I’m seriously enamored with this dress, I love how easy this little number can be dressed up or down, and I know for certain its going to transition into fall and winter seamlessly. As I stated before this dress is true to size, but since my proportions are a bit off I found the waist to be a bit loose on me, so I threw on a belt to cinch it in and that works just fine, so if you have a similar shape but are worried about sizing no need to fret with just a tad of accessorizing or even alterations you’ll be golden. Oh also the Golightly in the red colourway and the navy and white gingham (which I own) are currently discounted so I say you oughtta snag yourself one while you still can.

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Miz Mooz/Similar

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday my loves!

Fashion Friday Featuring Olan Rogers Supply

Hello my darlings welcome to the weekend. As some of you may know I had the incredible opportunity to model with the Olan Rogers Supply team this spring, and I must say I had an absolute blast. I already loved this brand but after getting to know everyone involved my love and respect for them has become tenfold. I’ve never met a nicer group of hilarious and insanely hardworking people in my life. This team is so determined to give their all and present you guys with the absolute best products possible. Long hours, sweat, and even some tears go into every new line these guys put out. Yes the designs are beyond awesome and the shirts are softer than baby blankets made from a cotton candy and fabric softener blend, but its knowing that you’re repping a brand that cares so deeply about their customers that makes this so special.

The new Spring line was completely inspired by films that basically served as mile markers through Olan’s life. It really is the story behind the story that’s always the most interesting, so I say give Olan’s inside look into the inspiration for this new line a read so you can fully appreciate how killer these new designs are.

Look 1.

Tank: Olan Rogers Supply

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Target

Look 2.

Baseball Tee: Olan Rogers Supply

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Target

Look 3.

Dinosaur vibes and model skills

T-shirt: Olan Rogers Supply

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Target

look 4.

V-neck: Olan Rogers Supply

Shorts: Old Navy

Boots: Target

Look 5.

Chambray Top: Target/Similar

Tank: Olan Rogers Supply

Shorts: Old Navy

Boots: Target

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you go buy lots from Olan Rogers Supply because you really could not be supporting a better group than those fine folks there. Happy Friday my loves.

#iamunique

Hello my dears its been a while since I’ve posted anything that wasn’t a strictly fashion post. Yes this one will have to do with fashion but I promise it will be so much more than that.

One of my favorite companies in the world: Unique Vintage has started a campaign I could not be more pleased with. The #iamunique  campaign encourages people to really love themselves for who they are. Basically you use the hashtag and talk about what makes you different and why you love yourself for it…Sure it sounds simple enough but openly stating your truest self and your rawest emotions can be a little scary especially on the interwebs, where kindness, understanding, and acceptance aren’t exactly a common theme. But I felt called to take the plunge and put myself out there.

Basically I used to wear what was “in” and pretend to enjoy the things that “everyone else” did and in turn was miserable, truly miserable. By wearing what was “in” I felt ugly because #iamunique I have a less than common figure and most clothes aren’t designed to flatter someone with short yogi legs, a ridiculously long torso, and line backer shoulders. I only wish I could go back in time and talk to little Sarah who was crying in dressing rooms wishing to be like everybody else and tell her how happy she would become the moment she embraced her truest self.

I have loved the pinup style for most of my life, even at the age of 4 I worshiped Audrey Hepburn and her flawless glamour. But since pinup was considered over the top by so many I had resigned myself to boring socially acceptable clothes for far too many years. I was denying who I really was everytime I bought myself a pair of skinny jeans and a graphic t-shirt. But all of the denial stopped the very moment I slipped on my Unique Vintage wiggle dress “just for kicks”. Needless to say I bought the dress, but honestly it was so much more than that, it felt like I had bought myself the freedom to be ME.
My first real pinup dress changed everything for me.

By realizing how right I was about my fashion choices I carried that same confidence into other areas of my life. I no longer pretended to enjoy the music that everyone else was listening to, I would unashamedly tell people my big plans for the weekend consisted of  of staying home baking, marathoning Doctor Who, and and snuggling my dog, and if I found something funny I would laugh my witchy cackle and maybe snort a little too. I was no longer ashamed of who I was. I loved me and I didn’t have to fit societies rules to do so.

 Going steady dress

Brenda Dress.

I’m not like everybody else and that’s okay, in fact its more than okay, Its fan-freaking-tastic! By being my truest self I have had so many opportunities open up to me, I’ve become bolder, braver, happier and the people who have chosen to love me for the real me are absolutely irreplaceable. In all honesty I probably wouldn’t have half the friends I do now if I hadn’t started dressing pinup. I discovered myself, and a community of so many beautiful hearts and minds. I just want to extend a huge thank you to Unique Vintage for starting this campaign of self love as well as to my wonderful pinup community that inspires me daily and reaffirms me. Like I said in my #iamunique insta post “yes I am unique but that doesn’t mean I don’t belong”.

Fashion Friday: Workwear You Can Wear Again

Well hello my darlings. I hope life is treating you quite well. For this week’s Fashion Friday I thought I might share a Workwear outfit made of pieces you can wear while at the office or simply out and about with friends.

If you’re anything like me you don’t like clothes you can only wear on certain occasions. If I bought something I want to wear it often, I want my money’s worth…so if I ever get married the whole wedding dress situation should be interesting 😉

The whole model thing always comes back to this.how I think I look when I fix my hair.

How I actually look apparently.

Blouse: H&M

Skirt: Cotton On

Tights: Target

Shoes: Restricted Shoes

So what do you guys think of the outfit? Polished enough yet still versatile? What are some of your favorite work to casual pieces? I love hearing from you guys so drop me a line and let me know what you think, and as always Happy Friday.

Fashion Friday Featuring Tattify

Hey guys sorry I’ve been MIA for a few weeks but life got a bit crazy…and by “a bit crazy” I actually mean my life should’ve been checked into a psych ward crazy 😉 But anyway I am back and finally have a fashion friday to share with you all. This week I am featuring the godsend of a company that is Tattify. If you’re anything like me you’d love nothing more than to be a tattooed badass…but you’re not quite ready to make that leap just yet. This where Tattify comes in to help, they have a myriad of temporary tattoos to choose from sure to suit all tastes. But if you want to be sporting something no one else is or tattify doesn’t have the design you want you can send in a design and get a custom piece! They also have nail art and metallic tattoos so they’ve got you covered on all bases really. I of course went the nerdy route and got Doctor Who themed tattoos.“Are you afraid of the big bad wolf?”

Earrings: Payless/Similar

Tattoos: Tattify First off I love the designs, was thrilled with how realistic these tattoos looked, some temporary tattoos are too shiny to look real, my highly sensitive skin had no reaction praise the lord, and the price is highly affordable at $5 for two duplicate designs or $15 for a full set. I will say that the Bad Wolf tattoo wore off really quickly…but I think that had to do with where it was placed more than anything, because Allons-y lasted a few days. So all in all I am very pleased, and I will probably continue purchasing from Tattify til I take the leap and get real tattoos 😉

Jacket: Forever 21

Blouse: Forever 21/Similar

Bra top: Onzie

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Target

I hope you all enjoyed this post and check Tattify out, and if you do be sure to let me know what design you get! I love hearing from you guys. Happy Friday.