Hello Darlings,

With warm weather and a swimming pool ten stories below, I've been enjoying and exploring Texas. Early last week, I came to Austin Texas and have love this city. In contrast to Houston, Austin is much smaller, more intimate and charming.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="SOCO in Austin"][/caption]

In Houston, I loved my time in The Galleria, which is at once a shopping dream and nightmare. One of the largest shopping malls in America, The Galleria has great stores but the lay out is confusing. I also enjoyed Houston's City Center, which has a combination of upscale stores and restaurants.

Hello Darlings,

In Fall 2010, Zac Posen launched his new line Z Spoke by Zac Posen at Saks Fifth Avenue. A designer explained," The dresses — that's something I can do with my eyes closed. This is about new identity." His ability to merge downtown chic with uptown sophistication earned him the title of America's Fashion Darling and it is definitely a title that he's not giving up anytime soon.

Recently, the designer partnered with Mondani to create a new handbag line launched under the Z Spoke label. "By the looks of it, these are bags for any occasion and mode. Women can choose from Italian leather, canvas, and suede totes and wallets available in vibrant colors like yellow and poppy red and to suit any mood, from day-to-night (we love the sophisticated top-handle flap with a rope handle version) to classic (the tote with the signature scarf detailing on the side adds a playful femininity) to a little more wild (the hard-to-miss printed satchel features illustrations by the London born artist Daisy de Villeneuve)."

Hello Darlings,

Despite the Juicy Couture brand not being in favor with the fashion community, I do like the feminine and laid-back appeal. I understand why fashionistas hate the velour track suit, since I am a part of that group. However, in my view the same dislike should not be applied to the entire line. My experience with Juicy Couture merchandise has been great, and I was excited to hear that Erin Fetherston is their new guest designer.

I couldn't help myself when finding this beautiful silk jumper on Shopbop. As some of you may know, I adore Juicy Couture (most of the time). Yes, even their tracksuits (no "Juicy" on my bum) as lounge wear around home, to walk my dog, or when on an airplane for more than 10 hours! But only for lounge wear! Note: Never use the tracksuit as substitute for REAL CLOTHING! Because it is not!

Hello Darlings,

I just had a day of successful shopping, and rediscovered my love for Burberry flares and scored two pieces from Wilfred's Little Moon line. It's amazing how little I need to feel a huge amount of happiness :P Just kidding, but it is true the smallest things make me ridiculously happy. Such as hearing the perfect song on the radio, finding a cute new cafe, and of course to spend time with family and friends.

 

I am having a love / hate relationship with flares. Some days I really love them and then there are other days... On the days when I adore them, I can't help but gush to my mom about how awesome they fit. However, there are days that I can't help but toss them to the back of my closet. Why, you might ask?

 

I have absolutely no idea why I feel soo dramatic about them... but at times flares seem to me a bit outdated and decadent. What do you say... love or hate the idea of flares?

 

I also would like to share my new 2 carat black& white diamond necklace courtesy of ICE.com jewelers. The necklace is exquisite and elegant. Thank you Emily :) And for my darling readers, ICE.com is offering up to 75% off the 10 items in Summer Styles section, as well as 20% off of all of ICE.com jewelry by using FBSS2 at the checkout or using this link, click here!

Returning to my dilemma over flares, the main issues are getting the proportions right and balancing flares with heels or wedges. Here are professional suggestions from Nina Garcia's The One Hundred:

Only wear wide-legged styles with something fitted on top, to balance the bulk on the bottom.

Leave the hemline a little long—too short is not a good look.

A flat front is more flattering than pleats.

Be careful of pocket placement— no flaps on your hips, it will widen instead of slim your hips.

I am wearing:

♥ Burberry Dark Indigo Wash Flare Leg— from Holt Renfrew Last Call

♥ Talula Babaton Semi-Sheer Tee— from Aritzia, Sherway

♥ Charlotte Ronson Dietrich Sandals—from shopbop.com

♥ 2 carat black& white diamond necklace courtesy of Ice.com jewelers

♥ Barba Rihl leather Purse—from Holt Renfrew Last Call

♥ Ray Ban Wayfarer II—from smartbuyglasses.ca

 

P.S. I also just bought Tim Gunn's A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style and can't wait to share!

Wishing Everyone a Beautiful Day!!!

With Love...

Marta