still alive (and kickin')

Hello to all who still follow this lil' blog. I had the best of intentions when it came to blogging, but found out soon enough I just can't do it all, meaning be an awesome friend, employee and, most importantly (to me), a mom, while simultaneously try to run an awesome blog at the same time. Plus, I like to get my sleep too.

And I would love love LOVE to keep this blog going, but the timing is just not right. My daughter is four and needs lots of attention. She's my number one priority and pretty much everything I do is to provide her with a better life.

That being said, here's a bit of an update: We moved from our small little hometown in West Texas to San Antonio, just us two, me and my little one. I returned to work for a former employer at a small ad agency, my girl is in a lovely pre-K, and I am now living the true life of a single mother. So talk about being short on time, that would be me.

But I'm glad for the move. I lived in San Antonio before I had my daughter, in fact she was born here, and always have enjoyed what the city has to offer. Of course, this time around I get to live it through the eyes of a child.  We've only been here two months and my daughter is still acclimating to being away from the rest of the family, but for the most part, it's been great.

Though I'm not a very good blogger, there are other ways to keep up with me, if you're so inclined to do so.  I'm on Instagram under bevygal, where I do capture our life in the Alamo city. And if you'd like to know what I find so pinteresting, feel free to follow me on Pinterest here.

As for the blog, I'll be popping in time to time to say hello and give mini updates when I can, but those postings may be few and far between.

Thanks to the few of you who may still be following me here. I wish you the best in the new year and hope you'll wish the same for me.

booties = big for fall

photo credit: SplashNewsOnline.com

image source: hi i'm anna and i'm an addict 

image source: lookbook.nu


Last year I liked the look of these type of booties, but just wasn't too sure about it. Spring came and I saw a similar pair on the clearance rack. Still, I questioned whether they were me or if I would wear them enough. Then I went through Pinterest and Pinterest doesn't lie. Prediction: booties are gonna be in big time this fall.

I was lucky enough to nab myself a similar pair from Steve Madden on clearance! (And hey, if you're a size 9 or 10, you'll be even luckier, 'cause they are even more reduced and they come in cognac and black suede also.)

So how do yall feel about this bootie style? You in or you out?
 
(Ok, upon closer evaluation, the girl in the third photo is not wearing the same kind of booties, but hey it's still a good look.)

simple white + jeans

Top: Express (way old). Jeans: Seven (way older). Sandals: Gap (Spring '12). Purse: Melie Bianco.

So since my last rant on my hometown's fashion, I decided to finally share another outfit ensemble. This was an impromptu photo taken just steps away from a popular local hangout (and taken with an iPhone 'cause we're so fancy). Yes, this is me in all my going-out glory. I kept it simple, which is really how I like it most of the time.

Oh, and if anyone here is a Kendi Everyday devotee, yes, my purse is indeed the same one Kendi carries. That girl has good taste, so naturally I was inspired to purchase the same one.

a little envious

image source: Wendy's Lookbook

image source: Chicisimo

image source: Atlantic-Pacific

I live in a small town, not super small, but around twelve thousand population. I grew up here, went away to college, worked in advertising in a big Texas city and then had my child and returned to my little hometown. Besides losing the conveniences of a city (as in having access to resources, ie stores whether it be for groceries, home wares or fashion) I also lost something else: having a place to dress up and go to. 

I'm not talking anything fancy, but honestly my little hometown is so very casual, so so so casual. And it's sad for me 'cause I want to clean myself up and get cute and go out, whether it be for coffee (but we don't have a coffee shop unless you want to have coffee at DQ), dinner (where me and my clothes will walk out smelling like tostada chips) or even a drink (very limited bar scene, at least one where you feel somewhat safe), but when I do put together a stylish ensemble, it's so glaringly obvious that we (my friend and I) are the oddballs out. We get questioned where we're from and then receive shocked expressions when we reveal we are indeed from that very small town.

And I'm not really pushing the fashion limits or wearing anything daring, but I wish I could, though not anyone would get it or appreciate it. Most of the time, I turn down the style quotient on my outfit, so I'm not too over the top, or what would be considered that here. I know I should just dress how I want to dress and not care what others think, but still, I'm reluctant to do so. It's gotten to the point where I question why I even shop for clothes, since I don't go out all that often, partly due to being a mother to a four year old, but mostly because what I have in my closet is plenty enough for my hometown outings.

Point is, I'm incredibly envious of the ladies above. They get to rock the cute outfits almost daily and have a place to wear them.

However, on the days where I'm completely casual, this is the place to be.

What do yall think? Does it matter to you if you're the most dressed up/stylish person in the room?

charcoal & chic

This charcoal-colored room is a favorite. It's definitely in my inspiration files. Though I've seen the room featured plenty of times on other blogs, I never knew there was more to it, or actually less to it. It's only 180 square feet, which makes it even better in my book. I love seeing attainable interiors.

image source: Tommy Smythe's House | House & Home September 2007 | Photographer: Michael Graydon | Designer: Tommy Smythe

bucket list: wear a nice hat

image source: Entertainment Wise

I think there's a place in my heart where I feel I must wear a hat like this someday to some occasion without feeling I look ridiculous or out of place. And not to some silly hat party, though those are fun at times, but to a truly nice event. A girl in West Texas can dream. Sigh.

j.crew dresses america

image source: J.Crew

I think it's almost a prerequisite that you must be a J.Crew shopper in order to also be a blogger. Most every blog I read will post something J.Crew related at least once a week! For a company that doesn't advertise and only relies on their catalog for sales, they're doing pretty well. That, and, like I mentioned, every blogger bows down to them.

If you're interested in learning more about the retailer, check out J.Crew and the Man Who Dressed America tonight on CNBC. I already have it scheduled for my DVR.