She Plays Dress Up

"Dr. Jekyll, Miss Hyde"

2014-01-28T13:02:00.002-08:00

Photographer: Tiara Marèi

Stylist: Amee Ly

Model: Hailey Krieg of Page Parkes Agency Dallas

Click for more of the editorial!
Read more »

A Couture Cause!

2013-09-27T07:48:00.001-07:00

Hi my fellow Houstonian readers!

I am involved in the creation of a 2014 high fashion calendar, "A Couture Cause." This calendar is the first of its kind and highlights real women who are doing great things in our fabulous city. The best thing about the project is 100% of the proceeds will go to two local non-profits, The Orange Show and Youth Hope Association.

We are planning a launch party to introduce the calendars to our friends and raise money for the two charities. The party is October 9th at Tootsies from 6:30-8:30 and the invitation is below. You won’t want to miss this event-it’s a 1920’s burlesque theme, with gorgeous models selling calendars from cigar boxes, a jazz band, photo booth, campari flavored cotton candy, bites from Pondicheri and sweets from SWEET!

Also, check out this awesome press release on CultureMap!

Hope to see everyone there! Remember to RSVP!

i need: ankle boots

2013-08-22T10:26:00.003-07:00

1. Saint Laurent zipper leather ankle boots 2. Isabel Marant Tacy boots 3. Zara block heel ankle boots 4. Acne Brenda ankle boots 5. Reed Krakoff leather neoprene ankle boots 6. Zara bi-color ankle boots

It's almost September and it's still 105 degrees outside in Houston right now. However, this isn't going to stop my long-standing obsession for all things winter-related: boots, fur, and leather. My usual summer go-to ankle boots are my Isabel Marant Dickers, but I may need to retire them until next season.

From different textures to edgy hardware, these boots are definitely items I have been aching to see on my feet soon! What boots are you lusting after?

www.amee-ly.com

2013-07-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned, I am re-designing my new page for wardrobe consulting, styling, and visual merchandising!
www.amee-ly.com

STRONGER.

2013-07-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice

2013-07-09T12:11:00.002-07:00

Houston Chronicle Free Press Summer Fest Fashion Spread

2013-06-01T14:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry to my fellow readers for being absent for the past month! I have been busy with my wardrobe consulting, designer consignment, and visual merchandising business as well as assisting photo-shoots and fashion shows! You can see what has been going on in my life via my Instagram (@sheplaysdressup).

One of my favorite shoots so far has been the Houston Chronicle's FPSF style spread, which comes out in print tomorrow. Finally, I get to write about the amazing experience of working with a talented team for my hometown's newspaper!

Check it out online here!

MET 2013 | PUNK: Chaos to Couture

2013-05-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

My favorites of the night are here! I loved not only how some women took the punk theme literally to whole new level, but others meshed the idea of punk with glam. From spikes, studs, streaked hair to sequins, lace, and leather, this MET Gala was definitely not one to be missed. As much as punk attire isn't me, I can truly appreciate the edgy couture outfits and live vicariously through all of these beauties.

Madonna in Givenchy, Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello, Julie Macklowe , SPJ in Giles, and Anne H in Valentino

Taylor Swift in J Mendel, Rooney in Givenchy Couture, Kate Bosworth in Balmain, Nina D in , and Kerry Washington in Vera Wang

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2013-05-02T17:52:00.002-07:00

It's starting to quickly warm up again (and by warm up I mean reaching an absurd 90 degrees already for May). We've been getting a bit of rainy showers at the end of April, so hopefully this means May flowers to come!

Wearing: Celine cashmere sweater, H&M botanical print pants, Celine white pumps, and vintage rhinestone necklace

IFB project #94 featuring Epic movie

Spring cleaning!

2013-04-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and that means time for spring cleaning! Ever since I started wardrobe consulting, I spend the majority of my time in a closet (lol and before it was in a retail company's luxury closet). Surprisingly, I never get sick of it! I just recently helped organize two closets and am about to reorganize mine again as well. If you feel that your closet is feeling cluttered or you can't seem to find anything to wear for this upcoming season, perhaps it's time to have a closet cleanse. Here are a few tips if you're feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Inspiration Board

2013-04-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Post Happy 5th of April!

2013-04-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow readers! Sorry I haven't been blogging >_< For the past two weeks I have been busy working on my wardrobe consulting business. In addition, I started interning with an amazing stylist, team, and group of models for the Simon Primavera 2013 VIP Show and Garden Presentations at the Houston Galleria. Definitely learned a lot and had fun understanding a different side of styling! You can see a few photos on my Instagram.

As a small break on my birthday, Philip and I drove to Austin for the day to enjoy the perfect sunny and breezy weather :)

Austin for the Day Part II

2013-03-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

South Congress is one of my favorite streets to stroll down when I am in Austin. It has amazing shopping (especially if you're into vintage and unique finds) and tasty bites.

Austin for the Day Part I

2013-03-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

SXSW is here and thank goodness for daylight savings, more sunshine for everyone to enjoy! I decided to drive for the day to attend the Manrepeller/Neiman Marcus/Style Caster panel. Unfortunately, I totally underestimated the chaos that is SXSW.

Random drunk pedestrians walking into moving vehicles + Drivers with road rage = HORRIBLE COMBINATION

After not finding a parking spot (Went to 4 different lots and two garages...all full!!) and being stuck in an hour's worth of traffic, I missed the panel :'( What a shame, I was really looking forward to it!

Read more »

Shorts weather continued

2013-03-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

Shorts weather...for now.

2013-03-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Spring is slowly creeping in. These past few days have been perfect like California weather. Sunny and breezy! Hearing that there may be a cold front coming in, I decided to take out a pair of shorts for a stroll. Absolutely a wise decision.

Read more »

Bad Bitches in Black

2013-03-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013 brought my love of black out again! So many amazing silhouettes, textures, and details! One of my favorite designers Isabel Marant just had her show about an hour ago and I am shocked with the route she took. Where are the crazy colors and patterns I am so used to seeing? Maybe she is saving it for Etoile? Nevertheless, she brought black back this season! These studded embellishments got my attention in a good way (wasn't really feeling the crystal studs in her Spring 2013 line). I am also coveting the boots (ponyhair or some kind of fur??). Mmm delicious! A little disappointed with the lack of iconic prints, but maybe this is a sign I should start focusing more on amazing cuts and details (as well as turn into a princess of darkness..hmm??).

Oscars 2013

2013-02-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

Last day in NOLA!

2013-02-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Another week in NOLA!

2013-02-18T11:10:00.001-08:00

Fresh off a plane from New York City and I've already decided to hop on another one to NOLA with Philip. I have never unloaded a luggage and re-packed so quickly. Usually that suitcase sits there up to a week. Pathetic, I know. I have to admit I am slowly getting better at packing. Sometimes I will regret not bringing an item or two, but it's nice not hauling around two suitcases, a carry on, and two personal bags. Haha, clearly I had issues!

A quick flight later, we were in a taxi to Booty's down on Louisa St. Our taxi driver, oddly, did not know the difference between a red light or green light. He breezed through a red light and a stop sign while deliberately slowing down when the light was green. WTF. He almost hit a cyclist on the way too. We decided to walk the mile and a half back for our own safety.

Booty's is such a chic coffeeshop/bar. The interior with the metal ceiling, mis-matched lightbulbs, thin wood paneled walls, and a bathroom with weekly art installations yielded to such a desirable atmosphere. Why doesn't Houston have more of these?!?

Post Happy Valentine's Day

2013-02-15T08:09:00.004-08:00

My cheesy card to Philip, Happy V-Day!

NYFW Fall 2013 // Yigal Azrouël

2013-02-12T10:12:00.001-08:00

My good friend Antonio and I were lucky to attend the Yigal Azrouel show located down in the Meatpacking district on Friday. We literally shielded our faces from the stinging icicle daggers being thrown at us from the sky with our coats. The wind was strong and it was probably the coldest weather I've faced....ever. Once inside, of course, it was like a warm oven due to the body heat from the mass amount of people attending the show. We saw amazing people such as Jenna Lyons, Hamish Bowles, Ken Downing, Kate Lanphear, Aimee Song from Song of Style, and my favorite at the very last minute before the show started Miroslava Duma! All I could see was her adorable pink hat scurrying along to her front seat next to Aimee.

I'm wearing a Balenciaga leather jacket, The Row Chantilly lace shirt, Miu Miu goat hair cape, R13 zipper leather pants, Balenciaga bag, and Isabel Marant sneakers. Antonio is wearing a Dries van Noten coat, Alexander McQueen scarf, Opening Ceremony kitty sweater, and YSL ponyhair leopard loafers.

IFB CON 2013

2013-02-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

Back to Basics

2013-01-31T08:56:00.002-08:00

If you started reading my blog a long time ago (2009 I believe?), you will realize how much my style has changed. When I worked in retail, every single day would consist of a new "character" depending on my mood that day. A few years later, I've learned that I needed more practical outfits for routines such as running errands, traveling, closet cleaning, and so forth. It's not everyday you can wear giant feather vests, poofy ballgown skirts, and sequined dresses to the grocery store...especially in Houston. So now I have fallen back to a more simple uniform consisting of a top and jeans. I didn't want to just throw on a plain sweatshirt so I compiled a couple options of simple silhouettes with detail that would lift up a plain ensemble.

I'm now on the hunt for a good cuffed jean with a nice wash and looser fit. I've been shuffling back and forth between Rag & Bone and Victoria Beckham skinny jeans. Recently, my friend pointed out a pair of R13 jeans at VOD when we were in Dallas. I've never heard of the brand, but once I tried them on I was hooked. The denim is soft, the wash is perfect, and the back of the hems have a little darted detailing. Cannot wait to find a couple more pairs in NYC! For the time being I will oogle over these adorable Marni cuffed jeans with pinstripe detailing and these badass Balmain jeans I will never be able to afford at full price.

1. Marni cuffed boyfriend jeans

2. R13 Relaxed Skinny Jean

3. Balmain skinny stretch cotton jeans

I've certainly learned to appreciate button ups more this year. They're so easy when it comes to jeans or tucking into a skirt. I love the contrasting details of all of these blouses as well as the light-weight factor that is perfect for those random warm winter days in Houston.

1. Zara combined shirt

2. 10 Crosby Leather Collar Chambray Shirt

3. Isabel Marant Mengjie Blouse

I'm totally coveting more detailed knits and contrasting sweaters. Is it sad to say I've never owned a coat or purchased any sweater until 2012? Now I can't stop wanting them! If I could I would definitely want these three pieces to be added to the closet. Embellishments, wild prints, cut out designs, or color blocking will add a unique factor to any jumper.

1. Phillip Lim Embellished Top

2. Stella McCartney Leopard Contrast Print Sweater

3. Moschino Cheap & Chic Cutout Cotton Sweater

Similar to coats and sweaters, never really had a true need for leather in my closet. When working in retail I would drive to and from work, which spared me exposing myself to cold weather (if there ever was any). Since I had been traveling more recently, my mind has opened up to the idea of giving leather some love. Along with drawstring leather pants I have been dying over, I wouldn't mind incorporating leather tops into my wardrobe. Cannot resist the look of buttery leather...especially in oxblood!

1. Diane von Furstenberg Sade Leopard Laser Cut Leather Top

2. Reed Krakoff Cashmere Leather Top

3. ASOS Leather T-Shirt

A post Instagram photo of a simple outfit I wore to the movies a few weeks ago// Rag & Bone sweater and denim paired with Isabel Marant Jenny boots.

Now that I know what kind of things I will be looking for in NYC, I'm off to pack! See you soon Big Apple!

Favorite SAG Moments

2013-01-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

To be honest, there seemed to be a lack of risk taking in SAG fashion last night (perhaps I was too shocked and distracted from Downton Abbey's episode). Among the sea of strapless one tone dresses and Hollywood style hair, a few ladies really caught my attention.

1. What can I say? Marion Cotillard's new hair cut was adorable! Also drooling over the beautiful teal and contrasting white on her dress.

2. While it seemed everyone was wearing heavy satin and bright jewel tones, I loved the dainty mint hue of Ellie's dress. The embroidery and side bow gave a perfect feminine touch.

3. Watching her transform from her Downton Abbey 1920's pastel, embroidered attire into this beautiful vintage sheer paneled dress on my TV screen in the same night pretty much goes to show the girl can wear anything and make it look elegant! The fact that she can rock the "side boob" without being unfazed...I MEAN.

4. Loved her in Les Mis and truly loved her in this navy Zac Posen! Simple, but the mermaid tail draped beautifully.

5. Give it up to Anne Hathaway for taking a risk in Giambattista Valli. The uneven hemlines and sheer neckline definitely stood out amongst the rest. I believe she's looked better at other award shows, but this was one of my favorites of the night.