LIVE: HOUSTON'S HISTORIC SIXTH WARD

While in Houston, I took the opportunity to snap some shots of the neighborhood in which my mama lives. It is one of the oldest in the city and it's absolutely beautiful. It sits just outside of downtown and directly next to the historic Glenwood Cemetery…Howard Hughes is buried there. The neighborhood is relatively small and the historic society maintains the integrity of the architecture within the community. The homes speak for themselves…

H/S/K&T: TAYLOR LAUREN ALVIS

Another Houston BFF that has ventured across country…this one to New York to study design at Parsons! It feels like years since both of us were getting dressed up every Wednesday to go to Mango's/Fitz. Then again it has been just about that long! Her picks are super cute, especially for the coming summer months. That is if those months would ever come. Another cold rainy day here in Nashville. From what I hear, it's not much better in NY. If you think Taylor has great taste…you should see her big city apartment. Adorbs ) 

HEAD: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

SHOULDERS: Abrial Shoulder Bag by Beracamy Paris

KNEES: Abeni Romper by Dolce Vita

TOES: The Andie Sandal by Madewell

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: RACHAEL LOSCHE KRUK

Sometimes while living in Nashville you have brief encounters with people you know you could become great friends with…but they're gone just as soon as you've met them. This here lady is one of those people. We met at the Dwight Yoakum show here at the "Mother Church of Country" aka the Ryman. Her beau plays keys for Dwight. She is a native Houstonian who packed up and left our fare state for sunny California…maybe one day we will both return to the familiar streets of Montrose but for now we're both pursuing adventure. Rachel works in the music biz, as many I meet here do, at Silver Side Productions. The first thing that struck me was her amazingly natural red hair followed by her beauty and then by her apparent sense of style. These photos were taken in her LA neighborhood, Silverlake. It looks so sunny and alive….it is freezing and storming outside here in Nashville as I write this…

PS Rachel is a girl after my own heart with that Texas ring! 

Photo Credit: Johnna Lynn INSTAGRAM // copperpeace

Sephora Black Liquid Eyeliner

Jordana 'Honey Luau" Lipstick

Mother's Vintage Necklace

Vintage Cable Bracelet

Crop Top by Free People

Fringe Concert Purse by Copperpeace

Texas Ring by Jen Cervelli

Black Blazer by Zara

Fanny Pack by Copperpeace

Vintage White High Waisted Pants

Urban Outfitters Ecote Sandals

'Russian Roulette' Nail Polish by Essie

OUT & ABOUT: THE OPRY

Robert's lovely friend, Elizabeth Cook, put us on the list for The Grand Ole Opry last night and it was absolutely wonderful! The cast from the show Nashville was in attendance since they were taping for the show…my boss man Jim Lauderdale performed his own stuff and then played banjo for 'Claire Bowen' so make sure you catch him on the show! We spent most of our time wandering around backstage through all of the wonderfully decorated dressing rooms of past Opry stars. Our personal favorite was Porter Wagoner's…so many shiny things! Of course we caught many great performances and only in Nashville would Robert find himself playing a 10k guitar in Vince Gill's dressing room and have Charley Pride stop and begin dancing to Robert's music…needless to say we're pretty happy here.

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: HIATUS

Apologies all! Things have been crazy busy and I honestly haven't had the time to make a new W+W post ( I began working for Jim Lauderdale and Imogene + Willie so I have been good busy! I promise to have a sweet post for next week! 

muah.
des.

TASTE: BAKED MINI VEG QUESADILLAS

These little guys are perfect for snacking, finger foods at a party or the main course to a fabulous tex mex dinner! They take no time at all and are a healthy alternative to their crispy counterpart. I love 'turn key' style dinners. Something you can prepare easily, throw in the oven and et voila...dinner is ready. I am a big fan of being creative with recipes. I never follow any to the tee. This is the perfect example of a food you should experiment with! I love the simple black bean and sauteed onion combo but looking for something more interesting? Sautee your favorite veggies and throw them on in or...you may stay tried and true...to the classic cheese quesadilla. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 (12oz) Can Black Beans 
• 8oz Shredded Cheese
• Corn or Flour Tortillas*
• 1/2 Chopped Onion
• 1 TSP Olive Oil 
• Cooking Spray 
• Salt to taste

DIY: THE LITTLE THINGS

I truly believe it's the little things that make all the difference. This is a perfect example...this flag hangs above our couch in the living room. It is the largest wall hanging in the room and being centered above the couch, it is somewhat a focal point in the room. Robert and I were never really content with the way it looked and decided it needed a change. That is when I recalled the bag of clothespins I had down in the basement and Robert said he had a spool of wire! Combining these two things to re hang the flag made it much more pleasing to the eye. Moral of the story: Sometimes it just takes a little tweaking. Don't go nuts if you don't have to. 

H/S/K&T: BRANDI LISENBE

Today we have the sister of one of my previous H/S/K&T guests, Kelly Amber Garcia. These ladies are the brains behind the super cute/hip blog, Mucho Mucho Bueno Bueno...which is why I am honored that they were able to take the time to share their favs with us! You can find Brandi snipping and styling at her co-owned salon, Do or Dye TX, down in Houston. To be honest I have yet to meet this busy lady but since I am in Texas now maybe I will!! Hint hint Brandi! 

INSTAGRAM // lisenbesquared

HEAD: Lovely Bird Biarritz Floppy Hat w Braided Suede

SHOULDERS: Rugged Overnight by Stash Co

KNEES: Roxy X Kassia Meador 3MM Long John Suit

TOES: Indo Board Pro Balance Trainer

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: INSPIRATIONS: KATHARINE HEPBURN

I mentioned in my previous W+W post I had dressed as Katharine Hepburn for Halloween a few years back. That got me to really thinking about her and reminiscing over her countless classic Hollywood hits. That in turn led me to start thinking about how her style was so iconic; anti feminine slacks were preferred over bedazzled silk dresses. She was a private woman until her later years and always maintained a fearless attitude towards life. I feel she was able to show this not only inside but out through her dress. If you haven't seen any of her films start with The Philadelphia Story. 

DIY GIFT: VEGAN LAYERED WHITE CAKE IN A JAR

I firmly believe in never showing up to any type of celebration, party or gathering without a gift. A girlfriend from high school moved to Nashville only a couple of months before we made the move and it was exciting to be able to reconnect with someone I loved so much back in the day. Her birthday was recently and with little time to prepare, I made these little gems for her and her husband. I followed these recipes for vegan white cake and vegan white cake icing. I had everything on hand sans the lemon juice which I subbed apple cider vinegar for. I began by making cupcakes out of the white cake recipe and while those were baking prepared the icing. Follow the jump to find out how I made them look so adorbs! 

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: JESSICA BRIANNE JANES

Jessica is a jack of all trades type of woman. Her main focus is theater and acting but you can find her doing all kinds of things around Houston; tending bar at the hip Montrose spot, Grand Prize...serving coffee and cake at another hip Montrose staple, Brasil...and last but not least, playing the part of a woman with various illnesses to which aspiring med students must diagnose. She's impersonated having a seizure for a solid minute in the lobby of a hospital and even a pregnant woman panicking in to labor. Jessica definitely doesn't lack personality or knowledge of Hollywood starlets passed...the night we met I was dressed as Katherine Hepburn for Halloween and she had been the only one able to recognize my costume that day. This lady is one of my first texts when I come to Houston so without further adieu meet the enigmatic mogul herself! 
INSTAGRAM // samejessica

China Red Lipstick by Sonia Kashuk

Kensington Market Sunglasses

F21 Earrings

Vintage Black Eel Skin Clutch

Lilly White Sheer Floral Dress

Black American Apparel Tube Dress

Black Hanes Tights

Minnetonka Boots

DIY: INFINITY BOOKSHELF/NIGHTSTAND

We recently moved our bed and in doing so we had to get creative with the nightstand situation. Once the bed was moved, there was no longer any room for our bedside tables so I decided to try out something I had been wanting to try for some time now...infinity bookshelves. However, instead of just being a bookshelf, I wanted it to be sturdy enough to hold say a glass of water, iPhone etc. I thrifted these old reader's digest books and by thrifted I mean pulled them out of the trash behind a bookstore! They have beautiful brocade jackets and instantly knew how I would repurpose them. 

Supplies for one shelf: 

• Several Pretty Books
• 2 (4-6 inch) Corner Braces (L-shape) 
• 6 Screws

h/s/k&T: TOES: NISOLO SHOES

Nashville is home to Nisolo Shoes; a budding new company with a bright future selling high quality, men's and women's leather shoes and accessories. Through happenstance, I met a few of the people behind this operation and was given the opportunity to check out the Nisolo house. Before we get to it though...I would like to say that Nisolo is a prime example of what I believe in and preach so often...social responsibility. I considered writing my own synopsis of their story but realized that it is just too good and I should leave it up to the people themselves. Read Nisolo's story! Nisolo is in transition to their new storefront and I am absolutely sure it is going to be fantastic! If you are in Nashville I highly suggest checking this co out. It will surely make Nashville proud. If you don't live here...check them out online below! 

TO WEAR CHANGE...

INSTAGRAM + nisoloshoes   TWITTER + @nisoloshoes

SHOP NISOLO + LIKE NISOLO + PIN NISOLO

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: ELISHA ASHLEY GORE

One thing Nashville surely doesn't lack is a healthy supply of beautiful, non- Nashville women. Elisha being one of them! Elisha and I met through my husband, Robert and her beau Rob a number of weeks ago at a show. Upon learning we both loved cooking, we decided we would definitely have to cook up a storm together! As I mentioned earlier, this lovely lady is not from here. In fact, she hails from our neighbor up North, Canada. To be specific, the beaches of Toronto. She isn't phased by these cold Tennessee winds and her Canadian blood may have something to do with it! Elisha has been known to swim in icy waters and her ongoing studies in marine biology are a testament to her love of the sea....beauty and brains! 
INSTAGRAM // seoulwithit

From top to bottom

Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick by NARS

Vintage Floral Wrap Dress

Thrifted Nude Pumps

TASTE: TOFU POTATO BREAKFAST TACOS

I seriously believe vegans get a bad wrap. Although I myself am not a full fledged vegan (I can't kick delicious cheeses), I choose not to consume or cook with eggs and milk. This quick and easy dish could fool even the most adamant anti vegan! It also happens to be delish. 

Ingredients:

• 8 Corn Tortillas
• 1 Block Extra Firm Tofu, pressed to remove excess water
• 1 Large Russet Potato, chopped
• 1/2 White Onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, roughly chopped
• Olive Oil
• 1 TSP Turmeric
• Salt & Pepper to taste

LIVE: TAYLOR BRASHEARS

A couple of weeks ago for Wardrobe Wednesday, we introduced Taylor Brashears. This week VOX+V takes you in to her adorable East Nashville home. These photos were especially fun to work with because of all the wonderful color and light within...a bachelorette's little dream home. 

GIVEAWAY: VINTAGE LONG SILK OSCAR DE LA RENTA SCARF

Vox+V is having a weekend giveaway yay! Check out this lovely warm earthy toned floral long silk scarf by Oscar De La Renta! There are so many ways to wear this gorgeous piece. Enter for a chance to make it yours by following the directions below! The giveaway ends Monday at noon CST and winner will be announced via instagram and fb shortly after! 

INSTAGRAM USERS
Follow despromisellis on Instagram 
Repost the scarf photo
Tag despromisellis and #voxvintage
FACEBOOK USERS
Like VOX+V on FB
Share the giveaway post 
Tag Vox Vintage 

Have any questions? Leave a comment! 

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: EASY BREEZY

Every third War+W, I am going to do the post! It will allow me to get more creative with my wardrobe especially since I am going to start participating in the Coast To Coast Challenge. I totally would have never come up with this outfit if it weren't for their nautical theme...and a quite a bit of help from Lily. After yesterday, I wish I could just make her be my personal stylist/photographer! We decided to go the unconventional nautical route using ocean hues, coral and wave style hair instead of the classic striped nautical look. This outfit made me want to go sailing and spend my days drinking pina coladas at the yacht club...I am totally going to do this one day...in this outfit. 

 From top to bottom

White & Gold Vintage Inspired Sunglasses

Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil by NARS

Vintage Thick Gold Rope Necklace
Coral Crossbody Bag by Deux Lux

Gold Chain Bracelets by Ralph Lauren

Vintage Gold Emerald Ring

Vintage Neck Scarf

Aqua Blue Blouse by Theory

Vintage Navy & Gold Waist Belt

Vintage Thrifted Blue Maxi Skirt

Nude Decollete Jazz Red Sole Pump by Christian Louboutin

h/S/k&t: SHOULDERS: STASH CO

Recently, I have had the pleasure of discovering Stash Co...another reason to be proud I am from Texas. Stash Co designs and produces a wide variety of high quality leather goods using unique mediums such as long haired Brazilian hides, antique brass hardware and yak bone beads embedded with red coral, brass and turquoise. If that does not spike your curiosity I don't know what would! To further your interest, all these bags are made in a beautiful, old turn of the century mattress factory. Stash Co creates bags to be loved, treasured and envied...I want one oh so bad to take on the road this summer! Robert would be jealous of MY bag for once! See giveaway details below! 
SHOP STASH CO + LIKE STASH CO + BLOG STASH CO

Stash testers have been hitting the road with our spring collection. NOLA, SX, San Antonio, and perhaps the biggest test...Jr Jigh! 

We're testing and tweaking spring line. Officially available April 15. 

LIKE or COMMENT if you'd like pre-release details.

SHARE or re-POST on your page or blog for the chance to win a OOAK ( one-of-a-kind ) Stash bag from our Spring collection valued at $300. Leave us a comment including the link to your post. Good example of some of our fav bloggers athttp://www.muchomuchobuenobueno.com/2013/03/mucho-monday_18.html

Email us press@stash-co.com if you want to clarify any details.
Thanks for spreading the good word!
xo

OUT/ABOUT: LAUNDRY BRUNCH

Since moving from Texas, we have not had a dryer and it is becoming increasingly annoying. I am able to wash the clothes at home but I must take them elsewhere to dry. To make things a little more fun, I decided to just take our laundry over the Lily's house and make a fun thing out of it! Thus, our laundry brunch was born. It was perfect timing with Elisha leaving to Austin for SXSW and Robert arriving home soon. Kind of like our last girl's day for a bit even though Elisha was able to only stop by for a moment and her beau joining her. I made a delicious tofu and potato scramble for breakfast tacos and Lily provided grapefruit mimosas that turned in to gin and grapefruit spritzers...Laundry with friends and drinks is always more fun!