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If you’re into zippers and super-skinny jeans, get a load of these beauties. This is my favorite pair right now. All bow down to the Paige Premium Edgemont Skinny Super Rebellious jeans. Yummy. Sure, they’ll cost you a cool $259, but what’s not to love? I adore Paige jeans too. I bought my first pair waaay back in the day and still wear them. The fit is fabulous and although they stretch a tad, it’s not to the point that they don’t fit anymore. There’s just something wonderful about the craftsmanship and the fit. I’m putting these on my Wish List this holiday season, but I don’t think I’ve been good enough. Darn my sarcastic ways.

It’s time to gush! Last year, I received a gift card to Adorn Home & Body for my birthday and I’ve been a loyal customer ever since. The store itself is beautiful. The fab owners, Brent & Kim Charlet, have a talent for not only picking out adorable merchandise, but also creating a wonderful shopping experience. The store boasts the perfect mixture of clothes, accessories and unique home decor items.

I’ve bought a bunch of dresses from Adorn, because they are stylish and functional. If I throw on heels and statement jewelry, I can dress the outfit up for a night out, or I can wear wedge sandals and hoop earrings for a daytime look. When items go on sale, it’s impossible not to take advantage of the extra savings. Adorn sells a beautiful selection of jewelry; many lines made by local artists like Kendra Scott. While some of the jewelry is more expensive, like Seasonal Whispers bracelets, many pieces LOOK expensive, but they’re reasonably priced which makes them perfect for gifts.

As far as gifts and home decor items, Adorn has so many great items to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. From smaller trinkets for the home to architectural salvage pieces, these unique treasure are everywhere. You should se the amazing wood dining table and upholstered chairs on sale right now for 40% off.

They’re putting new clothes and merchandise out every day, so stop by soon! Kim & Brent just got back from market, so the new fall items are on their way. The store is in Lakeway near the PJ Shop.

I’m an eye-candy enthusiast,a sucker for shoes and I could possibly run a marathon in 5-inch heels. That being said, I melt over Christian Louboutin shoes. So expensive, yet so delicious. In light of how ridiculously popular Louboutins have become over the years, I find the whole legal debate over the famous red soles highly entertaining.

To make a long story short, Christian Louboutin got his fancy french panties in a knot when he discovered YSL unveiled shoes with a red sole. (They’ve also done blue: see pic above). The whole thing went to court and appeals are still flying. It seems Louboutin’s trademark red soles are no longer. Why such insanity, you ask? Well, you can’t own a primary color. Gee, really? Does this shock anyone? What’s funny is how incredibly long he got to ride the ruby wave until someone was like, “Wait a minute! He can’t trademark the color red! Why aren’t we making shoes with red soles? Let’s make some. Francoise, fetch me my diamond-studded sketching pencil.”

I think Christian needs to launch an entirely new collection with a really bizarre color for the soles like puce or amber or neon green. Then he can re-establish his notoriety and nobody else will want those colors. Right now all of the REAL Louboutins are almost obsolete because EVERYONE and their orthopedic-shoe-wearing GRANDMAS will be with red soles. All of the women who have spent a gazillion dollars on Louboutins will instantly be among kabillions of knock-offs.  Shhh, if you listen closely you can hear the sound of  a status symbol crashing. How quickly before the shelves at Goodwill will be overflowing with tear-stained Louboutin pumps? That remains to be seen.

Judge Marrero upheld YSL’s rights to manufacture and sell red-soled shoes and repeatedly asserted that red is a decorative element rather than a trademark-worthy feature: “There is something different about fashion. In fashion, color is an ingredient,” the judge said, musing that designers use color just as a chef uses “salt and pepper,” or a writer uses the word “the.” How much do you love this judge? I love him a lot.

If you know me, you know I love big jewelry. I’ll wear the rings the size of your skull without blinking an eye. I’ll wear earrings that hang down to my waist. I’ve been known to wear hoop earrings that can also be worn as bracelets. That being said, I’m not always a believer in “bigger is better” when it comes to jewelry. To me, statement jewelry should serve one main purpose – enhance your outfit. I tend to wear tailored yet simple outfits, so my jewelry plays a huge role in pulling my outfit together and often serves as the pop of color needed to make my outfit complete.

When it comes to hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces, my Kendra Scott earrings, rings and bracelets are my all-time favorite accessories. Not only are they brilliant and beautiful, but also wearable and dependable. What is dependable jewelry, you ask? It’s the kind of jewelry you can wear for any occasion and it always looks great.  Dependable means it’s the perfect finishing touch. Above is the Poppy Cocktail Ring in Salmon paired with the Grayce Statement Necklace in Crush, a press favorite.

I wore it to two recent events, the 1st Annual Military Gala by Liz Fields in San Antonio, and The Bachelorette Watch Party Benefiting Autism Speaks in Austin. The events were amazing and I got so many compliments about my Kendra Scott jewelry, it was crazy. The dome rings are always starting conversations! Above is the Poppy Cocktail Ring in Turquoise paired with Wren Earrings in Turquoise. LOVE.

Top Image: Kris Luck Images

I haven’t drooled over stuff for little girls in a  while, so I feel it’s time to identify some super-duper cute things. Remember, I’m a prissy mom of two boys. Indulge me, okay? Plus, I’m including cute stuff from Etsy and nobody can gripe about that.

Dagmar Daley Vintage Bathing Suit - $58 at Arte Bebe
Get a load of this vintage bathing suit. Is this adorable or what! No, that wasn’t actually a question. It comes in sizes 18 mos up to 4 years.

Misha Lulu ‘I Love NY’ Dress – $58 at Arte Bebe
This amazing tank dress will certainly make anyone who sees it crack a smile. It’s full of whimsy and nifty fabrics – perfect for a summer party! This dress runs small, so order one size larger.

Mini Boden Patchwork Applique Tee – $30 at Nordstrom
It’s pink and it features a hen or is that a rooster? Either way, it’s cute and funny.

Lovely Ladybug Bodysuit – $22 at Etsy Shop Peaceloveandkids
What beats a handmade, stunningly simple bodysuit featuring a sweet ladybug and fluttery wings? Answer: Nothing.  Anyone with a baby girl up to 24 months is a lucky winner.

Sea Glass Tank - $28 at Etsy Shop bchildrenswear
I love this whimsical tank with stitched blue squares cascading down the front. It’s a soft American Apperal tank with hand-stitching – with love – for girls size 2T – 6Y.

What’s your best color? What makes look great, even when you’re feeling tired? What makes you look tired, even when you’re feeling great? What?!? You don’t know? Neither did I…

After gaining and losing a zillion pounds thanks to two pregnancies, my adventurous fashion sense checked out and I was left with a closet full of black clothes. Don’t get me wrong, I love wearing black and there’s nothing wrong with it. But I personally started to feel like I was intimidated by colors. It’s like my brain started to malfunction after I became a mom and determining what looked good on me was impossible. “Should I buy this blue shirt? Is it the right blue? Is it too blue? Oh, forget it. I’ll buy black instead.”

Thanks to my great friend, Lisa Kennedy of Kennedy Style, me and colors are friends again. Watch this video to see what I’m talking about:

It’s crunch time and you probably haven’t done all of your holiday shopping yet. Well, here’s a list of 12 unique and functional gifts for all kinds of gals. From the funky fashionista to the fabulous foodie to the reality TV drama queen, these gifts are sure to please. Let’s take a look:

THE QUIRKY GIRL

Stuck Goldfish Bath Plug – It’s funny, it’s different and it actually works. Give the quirky gal on your gift list something that will make her laugh. (It’s pictured above & below.)

Pink Elephant Dish Scrubber - Nothing makes doing dishes fun, but this nifty elephant scrubber might make it a bit more enjoyable.  Honestly, you just can’t go wrong with a hot pink elephant. Period.

ON-THE-GO-GAL

Fishnet Wine Tote – She can drink on-the-go and be stylish. Perfection! Just one of the great gifts for her at Cambria Cover. Love that place!

Luxe Link Purse Holder – Help her keep that gorgeous Prada off the floor and germ-free with an adorable purse holder. These are the coolest gadgets ever and don’t let the petite size fool you, they can even hold heavy purses.

THE FASHIONISTA

Sephora Bling Compact - What’s great about A TRUE fashionista is she loves sneaking a peek at her fine self.  She’ll love you forever if you give her the gift that says, “I love you even though you’re totally vain.” Ha!

Heated Lash Curler - Another goodie from Sephora! The perfect gift for the gal who has everything. A heated lash curler actually works with the wax in mascara to give you perfectly curled lashes with zero fuss.

THE SENSIBLE STYLISTA

Leopard Manicure Set - Does she appreciate animal print and a polished manicure. Give her this portable manicure set with serious style. Talk about cute. You should see the little clippers in person. So sassy!

Laptop Skin - She’s stylish and loves her laptop? Well, give her a laptop skin with serious shoe appeal. Yes, floral heels make working on your laptop so much more tolerable.

SHE’S A ROMATIC

Kimmidoll Fabric Covered Notebook – This is a great fabric-covered notebook for the dreamer who likes to jot down her thoughts. Or maybe the planner who likes to make lots and lots of To-Do Lists. Either way, this is a super gift idea for the woman who always has a pen nearby.

Bessence Candles – I’ve mentioned Bessence Candles a bunch because they’re just perfect gifts. This line of eco-candles is the brainchild of Sandra Bullock. Each scent is made to enhance the dining experience. Black Cassis is my favorite!

THE DRAMA QUEEN

Real Housewives Get Personal – If she’s parked in front of Bravo 24/7 like me, give your dramatic book worm the gift of Real Housewives gossip. This book doesn’t cover all of the shows, but it certainly is a fun read and perfect for the reality TV fan.

Kardashian Konfidential - Oh, no she didn’t! Yes, she did. Maybe it’s a guilty pleasure, but if she watches Keeping up with the Kardashians, you must get her this new read. Get the latest trash talk from the three sisters who know how to bring on the drama and dish it out.

THE FAB FOODIE

Cupcake Wrappers - If one of her favorite words is ‘cupcake,’ you can make her smile with these cute Girl’s Night cupcake wrappers. They’re pink and they’re fabulous! Baking just got funner, right?

Etsy Apples ‘N Pears Half Apron – How much do you love Etsy? Get a load of this adorable handmade half apron that sells for $19.99. It even comes with a hand towel attached. Talk about perfect.

If you’re looking for a gift with heart this holiday season, look no further. How about a custom bracelet from designer Dorian Webb, featuring faceted blue quartz in various sizes and shapes? Did I mention the proceeds from this gorgeous piece of jewelry benefits the North Texas Chapter of Autism Speaks? It’s an amazing gift for any woman in your life and the best part about it is it gives back to a fantastic organization.

As you may know from reading MommyQ, I have an autistic son. That being said, I’m even more impressed with Dallas mom, Lara Travis, who is spearheading this fashionable vision. Like me, Lara found out her child was autistic when she was about 18 months old. After the shock and sadness from the diagnosis wears off, it’s time to take action and that means spending lots of money on speech therapy, occupational therapy and often, private schools. Lara turned to Autism Speaks for support and direction and as proof of how meaningful the organization is in her life, she decided to give back in a unique way.

Lara combined her love of fashion and love for her daughter, Grace, into a beautiful reality. She recently commissioned award-winning designer Dorian Webb to create The Grace Bracelet for Autism. Lara wanted the bracelet to be representative of autism, as you can see with the deep blue apatite and a single piece of opaque blue quartz, but also totally wearable. Webb’s vision is also apparent in her signature granulated “pyramid cluster” and smaller “caviar caps” that accent the sea of blues with the sparkle of sterling silver, and complement the handmade toggle clasp.

“It’s beautiful because it’s the way I see Grace,” says Lara of the bracelet. “It’s fun, whimsical has a lot of beauty. It makes me really proud of Grace. She’s come such a long way and it feels great to give back to an organization I love.”

I personally encourage everyone to share this story and purchase a bracelet for your friends and family members this holiday season. If you know someone affected by autism, please pass this story along. I think they will see the beauty of the bracelet, as well as the beauty of the cause.