a lonestar state of southern

Happy Monday, friends! After being out of the country for two weeks only to head right back out of the city once I got back home last week, it’s safe to say I am feeling this Monday in a big way. Pass the coffee, please!

This weekend was such a fun one, y’all. I have to say, I’m still on a bit of a high from it! I got to spend time with friends I haven’t seen in a while all while celebrating the loveliest couple, Brad and Ashley.

I did something a little different and uploaded a bunch of Instagram Stories of the festivities (usually I take weekends off to unplug) and got so many questions about what I was wearing!

So today, I thought it would be fun to do a less “edited,” more “real life” look at what I actually wore as a wedding guest this weekend. Be warned, you won’t find any professional photos here… just snaps I managed to take oh my iPhone. I’ll be spilling everything from underpinnings to accessories, so read on below for all of the fun!

rehearsal dinner

DRESS   red sandro cocktail dress (wearing size 34, more sizes available here)   |   EARRINGS   pearl drop earrings (old Kate Spade, similar but smaller linked)   |   LIP COLOR   merry rose   |   CLUTCH   ysl clutch   |   SHOES   christian louboutin simple pumps

The rehearsal dinner was absolutely stunning, and we had such a great time that these were the only two photos I managed to snap! I had purchased this beautiful dress (more sizes here) last week while in Paris, and was itching for the chance to wear it for the first time. It ended up being the perfect, timeless, elegant piece for the occasion!

Fun fact, the designer of the dress, sandro, is a Parisian line that is actually more expensive in the US than it is in France! That’s why whenever I travel abroad, I always try to find a boutique. While the pieces are definitely at a higher price point, the beautiful material and incredibly quality construction make them pieces you’ll own for years. I purchased this sandro coat nearly four years ago, and it’s still my go-to in colder months!

This red dress is one I know I’ll have in my closet for years. With it’s timeless silhouette and gorgeous deep red hue, I plan on getting a lot of wear out of it!

Wedding

DRESS   navy BCBG gown   |   EARRINGS   navy hoop statement earrings   |   LIP COLOR   merry rose   |   CLUTCH   ysl clutch   |   HEELS   coach strappy platform heels   |   SPANX   spanx oncore shorts

When I shop nowadays, I’m always looking for pieces that are in-stock so that it’s easy for you to find them if you end up falling in love with something I wear! Since this was a personal event, however, (and one I obviously wasn’t planning on blogging – ha!) I didn’t think twice about purchasing this gorgeous, navy dress from the BCBG outlet store near Dallas!

My mom, sister and I were actually there looking for a formal dress for my sister, but when I came across this off the shoulder piece I knew it had to come home with me. The construction of this gown is absolutely beautiful, with a subtle train at the back you can’t see from these photos! It definitely has a lower neckline than I typically wear, but since I’m so flat chested I felt comfortable enough wearing and dancing in it all night.

I paired it with these fun earrings to keep it festive and light, and wore this pair of heels… my go-to for weddings! I’ve owned these for over a year, and wish I could find them available in more sizes. With the straps and platform, they are endlessly comfortable. I wore them all night dancing and didn’t have to take them off once!

I also have to say that I found the best pair of spanx to wear under this dress. I highly recommend these if you’re looking for a pair as well! They’re lightweight, easy to move in but quite effective at keeping things held in and smoothed out. They made me feel comfortable and confident all night!

Like I said above, this is definitely not my usual type of post, but I love sharing bits of my “non-bloggy” life with y’all here and there! Would you be interested in seeing more posts like this? Let me know below if so!

Love from Texas,

Kate