from prosecco to plaid

Tradesy

Julie — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:57:38 +0000

I have a new obsession, and it’s called Tradesy. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about making some extra cash if I can. Enter: Tradesy, the best fashion resale website out there. You may remember a little while back, I mentioned an ABC segment I did with Tradesy founder Tracy DiNunzio. This site is the premiere destination when it comes to turning your closet into cash. Tradesy makes it so extremely easy to upload images and start selling. They also handle returns, so once your item sells and you ship it off to the customer (in packing materials that Tradesy sends you), you’re done. I highly recommend checking out Tradesy immediately, and while you’re at it, head on over to my closet. You can also follow my Pinterest board dedicated to ‘My Tradesy Closet.’

a dress and top I’m selling on Tradesy

Keep up to date on all things Tradesy by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

And…

I’m SO excited to be featured on the Tradesy blog today. Click HERE to check out the post!

Let’s Cook

Julie — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:49:39 +0000

Garlicky Roasted Chickpeas with Feta, Mint, and Lemon

I have been absolutely horrible about cooking recently. Things have just been crazy around here, and soon we’re moving (!!), and I guess I’m just not feeling my current kitchen anymore. However, I’ve made it a goal of mine to get back into that kitchen. I’ve rounded up some recipes and ideas that I’m totally feeling for the summer months ahead.

Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts

Sunny Broccoli Pasta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

Raw Lasagna

Find these recipes and more on my food + drink pinterest board.

Event Recap: Cornelia Guest at TOOTSIES

Julie — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:04 +0000

event hosts

As you all know, I co-hosted an event last week at TOOTSIES with Monica and Bethany. It was a huge success and so much fun. Handbag designer Cornelia Guest was there with her adorable beyond adorable dog, Olive. If you didn’t know, all of Cornelia’s bags are cruelty free, and a portion of the sales from the evening went to Pup Squad Animal Rescue. It was a great night of shopping, drinks (from SlimRitas), and sweets (from Rustika Cafe & Bakery). We also did two giveaways, one of Monica’s sketches and one of Cornelia’s bags. Thank you to all who came out!

we each got to dress a mannequin

my mannequin was wearing Haute Hippie, Clover Canyon, and Cornelia Guest, and I was wearing Parker, Alexis Bittar, Rebecca Taylor, and Stuart Weitzman, all from TOOTSIES

event guests and friends with their swag bags – filled with lots of goodies, such as Rx SKIN THERAPY samples, items from Kuhl-Linscomb, FPTP greeting cards, and more

Cornelia Guest bags galore

with Cornelia Guest

Monica and I having fun with Olive

during the giveaway

Cornelia Guest and Olive

with our amazing photographer, Megan

Photography by Megan Batson

Also…

Some exciting news!! My greeting cards are now being sold at Sam and lilli!

Summer Blouses

Julie — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:43 +0000

I don’t know about where you live, but here in Houston it feels like the heart of summer. I’m talking humidity and lots of heat. When it comes to this time of year, I live in shorts and blouses. The majority of my closet is filled with all sorts of blouses. Every color, every print, and every fabrication you will likely find in my wardrobe. It’s easy to throw on shorts and a blouse, the look can be dressed up or down, and it’s totally comfortable. While I may own tons of this summer staple, I’m always in the market for new ones. I’ve rounded up some of my current favorites.

1. Chelsea Flower from Intermix 2. Current/Elliott from Cakewalk Style Shop 3. Madewell 4. Anthropologie 5. Topshop 6. Forte Forte

Image Source

Friday

Julie — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:09:12 +0000

I know, I’ve fallen off the blogging radar screen the past few days. It’s funny because a couple weeks back I spoke to my alma mater’s fashion communications class about blogging, and one of the things I pointed out is how important consistency is. Ha! Look at me. I totally slacked off this week. It happens, I know. It’s just been one of those weeks and I couldn’t be more excited that it’s Friday. From back to back to back deadlines to a big event I co-hosted (can’t wait to share all the pictures with you next week) to getting ready to go out of town in a few days (NYC, here I come! Can’t believe I haven’t been back to my most recent home since November), it’s been busy. Here is some inspiration for the weekend ahead. I hope you enjoy your couple days off. Here’s to Friday!

sometimes it’s all you need to do

delicious

pretty in pink

backyard BBQ’s are my favorite

there is no better way to unwind than sitting by the pool at the end of the day

Images: 1/2/3/4/5/6

Cornelia Guest + TOOTSIES

Julie — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:28:30 +0000

I’m so excited because tomorrow night I’m co-hosting an event at TOOTSIES, and handbag designer Cornelia Guest will be there. It’s going to be a fun night of shopping, swag bags, sips (SlimRitas), and sweets (Rustika Cafe & Bakery). Bonus: A portion of the sales from the night go to Pup Squad Animal Rescue. If you haven’t seen a Cornelia Guest bag, put your seatbelt on because they are not only totally gorgeous, but they are priced well, too! It’s a win-win in my book. Hope to see all of you Houstonians out at TOOTSIES tomorrow night (make sure to RSVP)! And for those who don’t live in Houston, of course I’ll be recapping the entire event on the blog soon.

Graphic T-Shirts

Julie — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:40:28 +0000

It’s no surprise that I love a great t-shirt. Like I’ve said before, I’m not referring to an old, oversized shirt that you sleep in (although I love those, too), I’m talking about a tee you can throw on with skinny jeans, a lightweight scarf, loads of fabulous jewels, ballet flats, and a blazer, or one you can dress up at night with a skirt, baubles, and heels. I’ve always had a thing for graphic t-shirts (no, not the kind you find on Jersey Shore – no offense to anyone that is a fan of that show). I just think they are such a fun and unexpected piece of clothing, and you can do so much with them. I’ve rounded up my top five for you right here on FPTP today.

1. Gap 2. Topshop 3. Rag & Bone/JEAN from Intermix 4. American Apparel 5. Free People from Nordstrom

Feature Image

How to…Host a Spring Brunch

Julie — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:30:32 +0000

Whether you’re planning for a Mother’s Day brunch, a bridal shower brunch, or a ‘lets celebrate because it’s spring and beautiful outside’ brunch, they all come with preparation. One of my favorite pastimes is playing hostess and entertaining guests. However, it can be stressful to entertain if you aren’t adequately prepared. I’m not talking weeks of preparation, but it’s good to get organized (and it’s fun, too)! Here is your 10 step guide to planning the perfect brunch in the comfort of your own home.

Pick a date and time
Create a guest list
Send out invitations. You can, of course, just send your invitees a text or an email, but I think it’s much more festive (and the invitees will feel special, too) to send an e-vite (Paperless Post is my all time favorite)
Make lists
- Food/Drink you want to serve
  - What you already have in your pantry and refrigerator, and what you need to purchase
- Decor/Tablescape
  - Don’t go crazy here (unless, of course, you want to). I think flowers are perfect and a simple color scheme. Place cards take away the question of ‘where to sit’ and can also serve as a decorative element
- Serving Platters and Dishes/Silverware
  - What you already have in your cabinets, and what you need to purchase
Set up a schedule for the few days leading up to the brunch – when to purchase the food, the serving platters needed, flowers – so you’re not running around like a crazy person the day of
Clean your home. No guest wants to walk into a mess. Set aside 30 minutes to clean up prior to the brunch
Give your guests something to take home afterwards so they’ll remember the great time they had at your brunch (cupcakes in a jar, mini floral arrangements, etc)
Thank you notes – if your guests bring anything (they most likely will), always follow up with a thank you note afterwards. Hand-written notes are essential; do not thank them via email.
Clean up immediately following the brunch, as soon as the last guest leaves. If you put it off, it may take you hours to get to it, and you don’t want to have dirty dishes in your sink all day. Put on some great music, finish the mimosas off, and clean.
Don’t forget to have fun. Sometimes when you’re playing host or hostess you can get wrapped up in making sure everything is perfect that you forget to enjoy your company. If you prepare enough in advance, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and have an unforgettable brunch.

Image Source

What I’m Loving Right Now

Julie — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:28:20 +0000

This month it’s all about sleeveless, shorts, and show stopping shoes & accessories.

Veronica Beard Layered Leather Tank from Grethen House via Farfetch

Rudie Beaded Trapeze Scallop Hem Dress from Alice and Olivia

Little Talks Necklace with Raw Brass Square Tube Beads from Brooklyn Stars

IRO Manel Wedge Sandals from Shopbop

Geometric Flower Vest from Topshop

Haute Hippie Silk Print Shorts from TOOTSIES via Farfetch

Mother’s Day Gift: Photo Canvas

Julie — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:31:00 +0000

As I mentioned in my earlier post today, I decided on a photo canvas for my Mother’s Day gift this year. I felt it was the perfect choice, as it’s personal and something my mom will have forever. In my ABC Segment with Patricia Lopez this afternoon, we talked all about this gift idea, and how economical it really can be (if you know what you’re looking for). The 3 photo canvases I made came from Snapfish ($35.70), Printcopia ($37.55), and Walgreens ($39.99). As you can see, all are right around the same price, they were all extremely simple to make, and each came out great. There was a Snapfish promo code offered at the time, which saved me $9.00. There was a Printcopia promo happening, which saved me $34.00. Both I had to expedite to ensure they got here on time, but Walgreens offered same day pick up for no extra charge, and they are offering a promo this week, as well. If you’re interested in this gift idea or something similar, always check for promo codes (9 times out of 10 I’ve learned sites and stores offer them). Have a Happy Mother’s Day!

Snapfish, Walgreens, Printcopia

Click HERE to watch the clip!