PHOTOS BY MEGAN ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

Top: Nordstrom (similar here + here ) | Jeans: J.Crew | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Handbag: 3.1 Phillip Lim | Watch: Michele ( case + bracelet ) | Bangle: David Yurman (similar here ) | Ring: David Yurman | Earrings: Fossil (similar here ) | Lips: YSL

I normally don’t enjoy wearing heels a whole bunch since they aren’t the most comfortable of footwear, but I do make an exception when I brake out the boyfriend jeans. I think the two go hand in hand and complement each other quite well. Nothing says comfortable and polished like a little distressed boyfriend denim and some pumps.

Today is bittersweet, as I have said goodbye to my beautiful, blush 3.1 Phillip Lim bag today. I have sold it onto another fellow handbag-lover who will cherish it just as much as I did. It’s funny how attached we can become to material objects, but sometimes the memories they carry mean so much. With an old handbag gone, a new will take its place…and I have my eyes set on the most fabulous Fendi. Please stay tuned…well, in a month or two…

Lately, I have tried to focus my attention on purchasing pieces that will remain in my wardrobe collection for years and years to come. Collecting one piece at a time takes great restraint, but in the end always ends up being the better decision. Focusing on the basics  (with a specific color palette in mind), I am building my foundation, then from there I will add a few trendy pieces to the mix. I’ll let you know how that goes…

What are your tips and tricks for building the closet of your dreams?

xo A

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MERRICK

Sweater: Ann Taylor (similar here ) | Tank: J.Crew | Jeans: Paige | Shoes: Converse | Hat: J.Crew (similar here ) | c/o Watch: Tory Burch

The most brutal time of year in Texas is August. It is hotter than hades and there is nothing you can do about it… except escape to the mountains…which is precisely what I did!

I was in Colorado just long enough for it to get me all excited for the fall and winter months ahead, and I could not be happier. Sweaters, boots, scarves, and jackets are my vice and I’m sticking to it. The summer sales have ended and the new Fall clothing lines are out, and in my opinion it is totally acceptable to start stocking up on your seasonal favorites…but maybe just a little too early to start craving pumpkin-flavored everything, let’s not get carried away.

For the weather that begins to feel like fall, I enjoy a good pair of distressed jeans with a light, comfy sweater on top. Throwing on some staple chuck taylors and my favorite navy-banded Tory Burch watch, it all makes for a great relaxing day ahead.

Who’s ready for the cooler weather? Say I!

xo A

PHOTOS BY MEGAN ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

Dress: J.Crew (similar here + here ) | Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff | Shoes: J.Crew | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Watch: Michele (strap here ) | Bangle: Hermes | Lips: YSL

As the stores flood with new Fall items, it’s hard not to long for the cooler weather despite the relentless heat of August. Yes, I have caught myself already buying fall and winter clothing even though I won’t be wearing it for at least another 3 months. And yes, those are tears welling up in my eyes…

The most frustrating thing about being fashion-obsessed is buying a piece for your closet that you absolutely, positively cannot wear immediately. Instead, you just watch it day after day hanging there limp and lonely on the rack in your closet. What a nightmare!

In hopes of keeping my attitude a positive one during the rest of the summer, I have forced myself to enjoy the brighter summery hues while I still can. At least I can go ahead and love on my leopard flats before carrying them into fall!

xo A

PHOTOS BY MEGAN ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

Dress: Ann Taylor ( on sale! ) | Shoes: Old (similar here ) | Handbag: Chloe (similar here ) | Watch: Michele | Bangle: Monica Vinader (similar here ) | Ring: Michael Kors | Sunglasses: H&M (similar here ) | Lips: YSL

Clip-In Extensions: Sally Beauty Supply | Eyelashes: Ardelle | Nails: Essie (After School Boy Blazer) | Lips: YSL

After struggling for over a year with my spontaneous decision to chop off my hair last summer, I have finally grown it out long enough to add a few clip-in hair extensions when I please. I tried  to use them as soon as I made the big chop, but alas, my hair was too short for it to blend in with the extensions.

I have finally reached the perfect “below-mid-collarbone” length to blend. I am using the same hair extensions as I did back in college, and let me just say they never disappoint. These have been the most reliable extensions I have come across that are 100% guaranteed not to damage or ruin your hair. They are also extremely cost effective over any of the weaves, fusions, or tape-ins. You can do anything you want to them – blow dry, curl, flat iron. I love them.

They also make the growing-out process a little more bearable. Nothing wrong with a little instant gratification here and there!

What is your beauty favorite?

xo A