Dallas: Amber Venz

The evolution of Amber Venz. As my friend Martha would say "Loves it."

Everywhere: Tory's Resort Collection

Even though it's all about clean-lined simplicity this fall, I still love ethnic-inspired pieces to throw into my zero-print world. I rarely wear prints or patterns, but I'm into Tory Burch's Resort Collection. I just saw it on Rikshaw's lovely blog.

I need - really, truly need - that floor length orange skirt and blouse with pom pom rimmed short sleeves.

It's inspired by her trips to India. I'll be there in October and it'll be interesting to see if my eyes and mind will be opened in a similar way.

Everywhere: Shiny, happy pants

A while back I went a bazooka over the sparkly leggings that Isabel Marant sent down the runway for fall. Seeing how VOD is my IM dealer, I asked Jackie what they'd set me back. Around two grand was the answer. I so wish I could throw that kind dough at these. Alas, that's not the life I'm living.

They have been in mind since that budget-busting convo and I've had my eyes peeled for an alternative version.
Just found these from Siwy's fall line. The black sequins Hannah's on the right aren't as cropped as I'd like them to be, but....
these other Hannah's - the Not In Love style on the bottom right- may work. I could see wearing these with a gray American Apparel sweatshirt or a simple black cashmere pullover sweater over a denim button down with the bottom peeking out.

Dallas: Do Good Design

Wrote and produced the style page for this month's D Magazine. I wrote about designers with a conscious and how the altruistic trend of producing wares that benefit a third party has taken off.

August will be the last month that I work on D's fashion coverage because beginning in September I'll be the editor-at-large of FDLuxe. Woo-hoo! Can you believe? I've been working on and off with editor-in-chief Tracy Hayes for several years and I'm bursting with excitement over the opportunity to learn from her. Feeling lucky, smiled upon by something or other, and good about life.

Everywhere: What I Want Now

One of the things I love about being gone in July is that by the time I've come back in August the stores are filled with shiny new deliveries of fall merch. It may be 105 in Dallas today, but I'm pining away for some of the season's new frocks. Here's my idea of an easy transition outfit, summer to fall. Something I can wear now and when the temps begin to drop.

Etoile Isabel Marant plaid shirt
J Brand's Houlihan. I loved them so much in olive - the fit is perfection - that I'd love to have them in white.
Proenza's PS1 bag.
Matiko studded oxfords. The rounded studs add some toughness to an otherwise conservative shoe. However, I think this will be the last season I can wear studs, as they're going the way of the gladiator sandal. Out and done. There's gotta be another way give things an aggressive layer besides these guys and exposed zippers.

Ray ban aviator sunglasses. I have these in acetate tortoise and adore them. New for fall they also have them with the lenses edged in leather. So chic, so Steve McQueen.