Pro Tip: Milan Blocks

This weekend I'm bringing you two of my latest and greatest deals-n'-steals. We'll start with Milan Blocks: a company that creates customizable acrylic clutches of all shapes, sizes and designs - all for less than or around $100. Truth be told I found them while on one of my Insta blackhole deep dives (a nightly ritual) and didn't know whether to believe it or not. But believe it I did and believe it you shall - I present you with the play by play below. 

Toucan Clutch// Star Clutch// Confetti Clutch// Cactus Clutch// Heart Clutch// Personalized Clutch// Mondrian Clutch// Pineapple Clutch

My husband gifted me with this Edie Parker clutch for my birthday in 2015 in anticipation of our upcoming nuptials (I know - serious brownie points for Mr. Steen). But with that price point, its obvious this bad boy is a once-in-a-closet opportunity. So when I saw the special edition Lone Star clutch at the Webster, I found myself in quite the conundrum to say the least. 

Photo by KT Merry

Photo by KT Merry

Enter Milan Blocks: I reached out to their email contact explaining my concept: Texas flag on one side, Cuban flag on the other (aka the Natalie clutch - they of course didn't name or showcase this brilliant idea of mine, so I'm taking the liberty of oh-so-humbly doing that leg work). These are the to-know deets: $110, 4 weeks, ships from China. To say I was very impressed that the clutch was exactly what I envisioned (or that it even arrived) would be an understatement. 

Of course, there are discernible differences between my two acrylic clutches: gold hardware, weight of material, and emotional attachment would probably be top 3. But for a price tag that is pretty much 94% discounted, you get what you pay for and what you get is GOOD. Consider y'allselves informed. 

Don't be late to the Ball-et: Cinderella Style

In honor of the very last two performances of Stanton Welch's Cinderella at the Houston Ballet this weekend, I give you my ode to the fairy tale I grew up with. From the classic Disney movie my mother only permitted me to watch in español (Cenicienta anyone? Nope? Al-righty), to my tween days watching Whitney and Brandy spice it up (don't act like you didn't belt out, "Impossible! Things are happening eeee-veryyyy-day!" to yourself just now) - there's something about a childhood story dressed up in tutus that makes the little girl in me do a happy dance. 

And while I personally identify with the step-sistas whose talons wouldn't fit into any dainty shoe, I can still appreciate the idea of being a patron of the arts in my own backyard (cross "get sophisticated" off of the weekend to-do list). Little known fact - Houston has America's fourth largest ballet company - so if the aromas of livestock at the Rodeo ain't your thing, go see something that's just as impressive. 

Ballet Book Clutch - Olympia Le-Tan// Ballerina Dress - Rochas// Pink Velvet Heels - Steve Madden// Silver Tinsel Dress - Rejina Pyo// Light Blue Short Dress - Mestiza NY// Light Blue Top - Maje// Clear Shoes - Steve Madden// Black Tutu Dress - Cinq a Sept// Glass Slipper Heels - Jimmy Choo// Cinderella Book Clutch - Etsy// Long Light Blue Dress - Marchesa Notte// Glitter Flats - Aquazurra// Black Top - T by Alexander Wang// Tutu Skirt - Topshop// Pom Pom Heels - Aquazurra// Swan Lake Book Clutch - Olympia Le-Tan// Black Lace Dress - Sandro// Pearl Heels - Steve Madden

What's black and red and yellow all over? My Dream Rodeo Outfit

Partly inspired by Houston Rodeo's plat du jour: a slice of flamin' hot cheetos pizza with some fried oreos on the side (yes its real - do your research here). Stay tuned this weekend, when I'll give ya the scoop on how I made this dream an affordable reality with a little help from my new Ukrainian amiga Kate. Until then, off to Rodeo you go-go - happy trails, kids. 

Cactus Earrings - Tory Burch// Hat - Stetson// Black Beaded Earrings - All Things Mochi// Blue Top - Petersyn// White Top - Mi Golondrina// Yellow Skirt - Vita Kin// Black Skirt - Vita Kin// Python Box Bags - Ximena Kavalekas// Black Boots - Lucchese// Red Boots - Lucchese

The Ultimate Woman Crush Wednesday

Happy International Women's Day, my fellow female goddesses. 

While it may be tempting to drown out the power-to-the-women messages flowing from every possible airwave today (don't I strive to be the walkin', talkin' embodiment of ladylike empowerment like, everyday?), I for one am going to try to pump up the frequency (literally). Use this global celebration as just that: a moment to acknowledge the value our sex brings to this big, bad world. We are the daughters of heroines, sisters of superwomen, stewards of friendship, and carriers of life - and we still go to work on our holiday. 

I'll leave you with the not-so-subtle reminder that there's a she devil in all of us capable of kicking ass and taking names. And, to quote my go-to (or listen to her, muchas gracias to Austin at SoulCycle this am for bringing this jam into my life): You're a grown woman, you can do whateva ya want. 

Female Sign Earrings - Doodad & Fandango// Outlaw Sweater - Lingua Franca// Girl Power Crossbody - Paravel// Win-Win T Shirt - Unfortunate Portrait// Nasty Woman Earrings - Doodad & Fandango// Future is Female Sweatshirt - Represent// Hear Me Roar Clutch - Sarah's Bag// Goal Digger Sweatshirt - Bow & Drape// Controlla T Shirt - Bow & Drape// Beyonce & Frida Pins - Georgia Perry// Bad B*tch Tea Cups - Etsy

Beach Basket in Paradise: Mariella Vilar

(Yes, sung to the tune of Jimmy Buffet) While we're on the topic of tropical sabbaticals, now is as good a time as any to introduce you to one of my very favorite accessories brand: Mariella Vilar. Different bag styles (clutches, baskets, and purses of all sizes), different materials (straw, canvas, jute) and different colors (like so many it'll be hard to choose) - but all made to order, personalized, and painted with some TLC by the brand's namesake.  

Mariella Vilar bags came into my rotation around this time last year when I was on the hunt for a special way to thank the special ladies who hosted my bridal shower. They were a hit (and won't break yo' bank!). So when Mariella suggested I also treat myself to one with my new initials, who was I to not indulge? My navy and white striped straw basket accompanied me on all my honeymoon adventures and made for the perfect carry on bag. They make any freak look c'est chic - see evidence below.

 

If you need proof that one of these bags is exactly what you and your Insta have desperately been missing, see the way we (as in my basket and me together, forever) made ourselves at home at the Ka'ana Resort in Belize.