we wear things - houston fashion blog | personal style blog

#NoColorEver rests for no season

2018-06-29T13:35:00.004-05:00

I recently came back from a beach trip to Mexico that originally had a forecast of rain for all 4 days. Thankfully, the
sun was out the whole time and the only doom and gloom on the trip was provided by my all black wardrobe.

As someone who feels my best being shrouded in darkness, my vacation wardrobe was not going to be any different.

Some additional perks I found to having all black resort wear?
It makes packing so easy AND ALSO HIDES ALL THE INEVITABLE SALSA STAINS.

fifi.phi on instagram

Some colorless picks below for stalking though your colorful vacation surroundings:

#SoWorthIt Kat Von D Lock-It foundation

2017-08-08T20:54:00.001-05:00

Kat Von D Lock-It makeup available from Sephora inside JCPenney #SephoraInJCP

Since I've been busy being a SAHM (stay at home mom) I haven't had as much time to research the latest and greatest in terms of beauty products, I also don't have time to be reapplying makeup throughout the day, so when I had the chance to try out Kat Von D's lock-it foundation line from, I jumped on it. 24 hour matte coverage? Challenge accepted.

After unboxing all the goodies, I started with the brushes, primer, foundation, concealer, and finally the setting powder. I loved the packaging and bottles it was very Kat Von D, and the brushes felt luxurious for such a great price. I used foundation #48 a neutral beige and it blended with great coverage. The setting powder gave a great matte finish, that really did last me all day running around with the kids. These days one application is all I can squeeze time in and this foundation is definitely my go-to now. You can get color-matched perfectly with Color IQ at Sephora inside JCPenney and pick up products from Kat Von D's Lock-It line.

in collaboration with JCPenney

By late afternoon the makeup is still going strong!

MiriEffect Skincare Review

2017-06-14T20:43:00.001-05:00

Let me first summarize this review as this; Big things come in small packages.

Last Tuesday I was able to have some mom time off to enjoy the MiriEffect Signature Facial with Onyi, the founder and #girlboss of MiriEffect Skincare. Located in the Gallery of Salons, which is literally a space filled of individually owned mini shops, from hairdressers, nail salons, and masseuses. Essentially your one stop shop for your beauty needs while supporting some small business owners. Upon entering the room is quaint and really it's all the room you need to get comfortable, enjoy a glass of sparkling water, and get ready for some relaxing time.

It starts business as usual with filling out an in-depth questionnaire regarding your skincare regime. While getting changed, Onyi studied it and was ready to get to work on getting my face back into tip top shape. After a steam cleaning, Onyi examined my skin and decided the best way to treat my skin. The treatment included some extractions, a yummy coconut smelling exfoliating mask and a facial massage. It was the ultimate mom break, and Onyi was professional and friendly the whole time. I walked away feeling refreshed, and she even followed up to let me know what steps I should be sure to take to best take care of my skin. I'd definitely recommend making an appointment at MiriEffect if you're in the area and getting your skin refreshed.

MiriEffect Skincare

Located Inside Gallery of Salons

11333 Fountain Lake Drive, Suite D17

Stafford, TX 77477

281-402-6760

Moonrise Kingdom Baby Party

2017-05-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

So i have been blatantly MIA from the blog and pretty much life outside of my house for over a year now. The reason? Well if you follow my scant instagram feed as of late you'll see it's filled with more shots of babies or food than #OOTDs - So back in March my two little unicorn babies turned 1! And we celebrated with a Moonrise Kingdom themed party in our neighborhood park. My sweet wild and wilder one. While frantically decorating the park which turned out to be a wind tunnel at the park and wrecked a few decor ideas that day but it all turned out well in the end, although I barely remember the party. -_-* Thank goodness for a few shots from their good 'ol uncle dru!

with Auntie Fifi

Moonrise Kingdom theme invites!

i should have take a photo of these before they got all warped from the wind.

cake and sugar cookies: wink by erica | donuts: shipleys | photos by studiodru | smash cakes and decor by me

wood you look at the time JORD + WWT giveaway

2016-11-10T16:08:00.000-06:00

With Christmas coming up, I'm sure many of you are scrambling for something unique to give to that fella in your life who already has everything. Or maybe that year end bonus is coming up and you're looking to treat yourself. Well, woodencha know, Jord makes just the thing- a wooden watch! I was fortunate to recently receive one of these unique watches which stands out just a little bit more from the usual leather or metal bands prevalent everywhere.

The presentation from the start is impressive- the box itself was a wooden container, its lid affixed in place with four magnets and smelled fragrantly of an oak forest. There's a bottom shelf that slides out to hold any extra links for the watch and the whole package pretty much could stand on its own to hold your watch at the end of a long work day. And of course, the wooden watch contained within pulsed like the heart of its container.

I was impressed with how well the watch strap was constructed- instead of loose links, the wooden links held flush together. The face itself provides a window to the inner workings where a self-winding automatic drive system gives you an ample 36 hour power reserve. Considering that I probably spend about $20 every year or so on watch batteries, this watch pretty much pays for itself over time (no pun intended).

I was pretty drawn to the Dover ebony and rosewood style for its eye catching color which gives a little pop to otherwise fairly neutral clothing without brightly overwhelming it. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this unique watch and it'll be making an appearance during the Christmas party rounds coming up.

And now you can win a $75 e-gift code with our contest, but as a bonus you automatically get a $20 e-gift card just for entering - CLICK HERE TO ENTER So what are you waiting for? Contest ends on 12/4/16 at 11:59pm

Wooden Wristwatch
This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches.

modern mom jewelry

2016-09-29T22:18:00.004-05:00

So it's not news that I'm now a new mom, but now that I am I was excited to join Esther from Cute Head Kids and Zadok Jewelers on a photoshoot with other blogger moms Monica from Classy and Fabulous, and Jenny from Tidbits to learn about some new jewelry available at Zadok Jewelers made for especially with moms in mind. From charms and meaningful pendants by Heather B. Moore, to stacked rings from Jackie Cohen's My Story Collection, or initial charms by Roberto Coin.

All the while noshing on treats from both Three Brothers Bakery and The Foodie Chef.

Photo credit: Kyle Weber, @photosbykyleweber

Organizer/host: Esther Freedman @cuteheadskids

Jewelry: @zadokjewelers

Location: On Point Custom Homes, @onpointcustomhomes

Desserts: Three Brothers Bakery, @3brothersbakery

Cheese & fruit: Morgan Jankovic, @thefoodiechef

Blogger: Jenny, @jennymarieweber (in green)

Blogger: Issa, @issarocks (me!)

Blogger: Monica, @classnfab (in leather jacket)

Jewelry brands (gold pendants with chains): Heather B. Moore, @heathermoorejewelry

Jewelry brand: Jackie Cohen My Story Collection

Jewelry brand (letters): Roberto Coin, @roberto_coin

Maternity Shoot.

2016-08-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

dress: ASOS

ok so i know my babies are nearly 5 months now, but here's a look back at my backyard maternity shoot that we took just weeks before I was on hospital bedrest. Shot by my bestie Andrew Nguyen

WWTParis

2016-06-23T09:18:00.000-05:00

Vinnie and I (along with Brittney from Classy & Fabulous) recently made our way to Paris. "Recently," we visited in May.

What can prepare you for Paris?

It was my second time visiting, and I still wasn't prepared.

There are certain cities that you convince yourself that you'll have a kinship with. You've read the books, watched the movies, scrolled through the photos, and have decided there is where I'll go. There is where I'd be me.

And then if you're lucky, you visit those cities and get to see if those assertions actually ring true. Paris was one of those cities for me, and it managed to live up those expectations not just once but twice.

And so I still wasn't prepared. Paris, please continue keeping me on my toes.

Places to visit:

Hotel Grand Amour (eat & stay for the perfectly furnished rooms & x-rated details)
Palais de Tokyo (stroll by the Louvre but come here for the art sightseeing)
Le Wood (come for the drinks and wood bar, stay for the croque monsieur and conversation)
Hotel Particulier Montmartre (eat & succumb to injury & extreme <im>patience trying to locate)

Paris travel tips:

You don't need that many shoes.
You definitely don't need that many heels.
"No color ever" isn't just a lifestyle, it's a packing necessity.
Pack that thicker jacket you were debating over (it won't take up that much room once you unload some of those shoes).
Say you really shouldn't be eating all this bread, but then accept & enjoy all this bread.
Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.
Introvert? Nervous around strangers? Not anymore since you'll be begging everyone and anyone for the wifi password.
Wifi = "wee fee"
Cushion your sightseeing with hours spent meandering. And shopping.
Chanel (as are most luxury stores) is closed on Sundays; remember this as to avoid crying once you are standing forlornly outside the locked gates of the storefront.

-fifi

Photos taken by Vinnie

The Vintage Contessa

2016-06-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

Check out my Q&A with The Vintage Contessa, and while you're at it shop the site and save 15% off Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton with code issa15 YOU'RE WELCOME.

Woodland themed Baby Shower

2016-06-14T09:57:00.003-05:00

So I have a backlog of pregnancy posts but first up a very belated post for a few details from my Woodland themed baby shower from back in January. Who knew Kale roses could be so beautiful?

Zara Dress

So I actually found this dress the day before my baby shower, i know super last minute but that's how pregnancy went for me. If you follow Monica from Classy & Fabulous she's been sharing our pregnancy stories because there's just so much that's not included in the books that we found out ourselves. My BFF CeoGlam hosted me a wonderful baby shower, that i helped out with the theme, details etc, and really all the small details came together perfectly in my opinion.

Gender Reveal cake - GIRL AND BOY

DIY Party favors - Trail Mix bags

My Journey #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek

2016-04-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

So I've been pretty MIA from the blogosphere since my last trimester where I ended up being on bedrest, and then hospital bedrest since March, and ultimately having my twins at 35 weeks on March 24th. And now after a stint in the NICU, both twins are home :)

This week my twins turned one month old, and after learning that this week was National Infertility Awareness Week, I think it's finally time to share my story which I've been meaning to share for awhile now. Sorry it's going to be verbose (and really not all that interesting), but mine obviously has a happy ending. ^^

My story began in 2012 when me and the husband decided we should probably stop not not trying, and start trying for a baby. Which entails downloading one of those period tracker apps. Then one day in November I realized my period was late and took a pregnancy test. It was ++++ (yes this story is still has to do with infertility so bare with me) I immediately texted the husband, called my Obgyn office to schedule an appointment, and started eating some fruit. Because that's what you do, you start eating healthy. We were elated and then less than 36 hours later I would have a miscarriage. And when it started I just second guessed the pregnancy test, thinking I must have just had a false positive and getting my period late, but man why is it so painful? why is there so much blood? Let me just take more advil. Mind you I was shooting a wedding while this all started. It didn't hit me until I got home and I knew. [side note* this could be why I stopped shooting weddings, scars.]

It's funny the moment you get that positive pregnancy test, something changes in you, which is probably the hormones, but still you mentally become a Mom. And the urge to complete that feeling becomes that much greater. Prior to my miscarriage it was trying but not really trying, after the miscarriage it was the only thing I wanted. I only knew I was pregnant for a day, before my miscarriage so even I was surprised how hard it hit me (like crying in the bathtub emotions), and how I didn't know who I could talk to. It seemed at the time it was taboo, nobody talked about it. All the while my facebook feed was a daily reminder as it was filled with baby announcements and baby photos.

It wasn't long before I had started acupuncture treatment. I had heard praises about this type of fertility treatment and I figured it would be most cost effective. The only problem was they didn't want us to try until the treatment was over. It seemed nearly a year wasted, and by the end of the year I stopped going and started trying those ovulation tests and natural supplements. Every day waiting for that damn happy face to appear. And then getting slightly excited when I thought my period was late, only to start spotting the next day. Hormones do a crazy thing to you, and so does trying to get pregnant. I turned into someone else sometimes, irritable and an overall grouch (especially to the husband, SORRY HUBS). Every month those two weeks you have to wait to see if it worked is torture. You imagine symptoms, possible early signs of pregnancy, or at least I did. You waste a ton of pregnancy tests. And then heart crushing when you get your period. And repeat.

I went through this cycle for several months before finally going to my Obgyn, got my hormones checked out, got put on meds for thyroid issues, and then clomid. I thought this is for sure going to be it. Each month they saw a few good follicles (almost eggs). We went through a few cycles with just clomid and HCG trigger shots (to drop the eggs) to no avail. My hormonal level skyrocketed even more with the drug making each cycles high and lows that much greater. Not to mention me dreading to go to the suddenly plentiful amount of baby showers and parties where everyone brought their babies. It was that age where everyone around me was having babies. And not that I wasn't happy for them, but it was just another reminder. And then everyone asking me when are we going to have kids. I mean EVERYONE. At first I laughed it off, oh we're trying alright. It's surprising how painful a simple question can be, and a reason why you shouldn't ask it. The advice would usually be worse though - Just do it more. Relax, Don't stress about it.. Ok gotcha.

After those first few cycles of clomid not working, the next step was getting the HSG test to make sure my fallopian tubes were open. Let me warn you, this test is painful. And I almost wanted the results to come back saying yes something was blocked, because why else would I not be getting pregnant.

After the all clear was given, we moved on to clomid with IUI (think turkey baster). 3 more cycles and that was it. Clomid can only be taken so long before the percentage of it working drops, and I had met that limit. And my Obgyn office could do nothing more for me. I needed to take a couple months off after that. After several champagne nights, I was ready for a consultation for IVF.

We decided to go for it. Even though insurance was not going to cover it (very few do), and yes it is ridiculously expensive. A lot of the cost is also for the meds (which are shots, yes that's plural) the process starts with pretty much a month long of shots that go in your stomach, twice a day. Then there's the all the blood tests and ultrasounds, before the major procedures (extraction, and putting the embryos in). The doctor recommended us to put 2 in for a higher success rate. It was a challenge that's for sure, the entire process is arduous, but worth it. Nine months later, and a hard pregnancy (I'll save that for another time), I'm now the mother of two precious babies.

My journey to motherhood took over 4 years, and I was an emotional wreck a lot of the time. I kept it all to myself for awhile. Your friends who haven't experienced infertility are there for you but there are just some things they don't understand, and some can inadvertently say the wrong things that your crazy emotional state just can't right now. Luckily halfway through my journey I found friends I could talk to who were also in the same boat. They really saved me on days I needed encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to vent to. Which is why I've been wanting to share my story, because those who shared theirs really helped me.

So if you need to talk, I'm here.

FEED for Clarins

2016-04-28T11:55:00.002-05:00

available exclusively from Macy's

Since I'm always supportive of a good cause, I was excited to learn about the Clarins and FEED launch of this year’s National Million Meal Mission. This collaboration aims to provide 1,200,000 meals to children around the world in 17 days – It started on April 22, 2016 and ending on May 8, 2016. Nine retailers across the country will be offering a FEED 10 pouch filled with deluxe Clarins products. Each pouch provides 10 meals to children, helping them grow, learn, and thrive – an investment in their futures.

For many children around the world, hunger is not only a daily struggle, it is life threatening. School meals offer hope. Since 2011, FEED and Clarins have provided over 10 million meals to children around the world. Through this year’s National Million Meal Mission, FEED and Clarins hope to make the world a better place for present and future generations, one meal at a time.

Clarins is known around the world for helping generations of women achieve authentic, natural beauty. Respect lies at the heart of the Clarins ethic: respect for the customer, for nature, for the
environment; respect for life.

Inside each pouch which comes in two styles, are perfect travel size products! This pouch included the following: Multi-Active Day Cream, One-Step Facial Cleanser, UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen, Moisture Rich Body Lotion, Double Serum, Super Restorative Eye Concentrate.

The Boardroom

2016-03-23T11:02:00.001-05:00

After a week of poor decision making, making a trip out to the Boardroom in Tanglewood was about the best decision I had made thus far. About a stone's throw from my place in the Galleria area- well, if I could throw a stone 1.5 miles- I ambled in on a Saturday morning. I had never been to a salon tailored towards men so I had no idea quite what to expect.

The waiting area

When you first walk in, rather than the awkward pleather bench with months-old copies of In-style magazines with the pages dog-eared with particular celebrity 'do's to copy (and more often 'do-nots) scattered on the stand nearby, I was greeted with wood walls and leather chairs- the kind of ambiance where million dollar deals are made with handshakes. In this case, the handshake would be an understanding of making me look like a million bucks.

Neshia was my stylist for the day and gave me a quick tour about the salon before settling down to a consultation. I would be getting The Benchmark that day- a cut, shampoo, paraffin hand dip, scalp massage, face massage, hot towels, and a finishing hand massage. After she cleaned off quite a bit of hair to prepare me for a hot Houston summer, I was taken to the back for the paraffin hand dip, which I actually enjoyed probably more than I should. You dip your hands in a water bath of clear liquid which is actually paraffin wax and when you remove your hands, it's as though you had stuck your entire hand in a melted candle. They wrap up your hands to let the wax harden and sit you down for the relaxing shampoo/scalp massage/face massage/hot towel wrap with a few added drops of eucalyptus oil/menthol to bring on a minty fresh sensation.

After the hand wax was peeled and a soothing final hand massage, the appointment felt like it had ended too soon. Neshia then did a quick styling and I felt like I was ready to go out and tackle the weekend. All in all, a great experience and I would definitely go back the next time I'm wound up from a week of staring at spreadsheets and tax returns.

Local Loves: Abejas Boutique

2016-01-28T11:08:00.002-06:00

Off the Shoulder Dress: Clu. Shoes: Vintage Hermes Scarves

Paisley Stretch Top: Raquel Allegra. Gold Distressed Sneakers: Golden Goose. Leather Bag: Let & Her.

I recently had the opportunity to play dress-up at Abejas Boutique , this local boutique has been around since 1996, and focuses on casual cool styles. Located near rice village, the space itself gives off a cool boho vibe that makes me ready for the warm weather to return.

Be sure to check them out online or in-store to shop these looks and more!

Abejas Boutique
5600 Kirby Dr suite 4
Houston, TX 77005

thredUP

2016-01-25T08:30:00.000-06:00

dress: Suno via thredUP

This month I was introduced to thredUP a shop for great condition secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories. of course I had to check out what designer stuff they had and I was happy to find plenty to choose from plus lots of brand new pieces too, which ultimately led me to this amaze Suno dress, which i got for $108 (plus a 40% off discount off my first order) so really $65. Not bad for a dress that originally cost around $675.

After watching the documentary The True Cost, about the fast fashion industry and with all the excess lately in the world, I'd have to say I'm taking back my closet by really focusing on pieces that count and can last. Truly staples in my closet and by shopping pre-owned items also helps the cause even more, plus you can find some really unique items at great prices this way too!

bump style #2

2016-01-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

coat: Mango | dress: Charlotte Russe (Similar) | shoes: Christian Louboutin

So my bump is actually significantly bigger than in these photos, mainly because I've just been so preggo lazy to post them. SORRY GUYS! This was around 17-18 weeks I believe and I'm now at 24 weeks and growing exponentially. Maternity fashion dreams haven't turned out as fun as I hoped, since most days I actually rather just wear PJs at home, or just leggings and a long tee. But when I do dress up i'm trying to remember to at least take a photo.. which in itself was even hard before pregnancy for me as of late. :X

anyways i call this my very Kardashian look.

Bump Style #1

2015-12-16T10:45:00.003-06:00

Dress: Forever21 | Shoes: Ebay

So I've obviously been lazy with posting on the blog as of late, Instagram has been my go to but not as much as this dress from Forever21, it's pretty much the only thing I want to wear these days. And these shoes which were a great inspired find off ebay.

News Flash

2015-11-06T15:05:00.000-06:00

charmed life

2015-10-29T11:53:00.001-05:00

top: AYR | jeans: Current/Elliot | Jewelry: Charmed Circle | shoes: Christian Louboutin

When Charmed Circle asked me to be one of their influencers for the month I couldn't say no, not only do I adore their jewelry, but just love Gina the designer. She's truly the sweetest lady around. I decided to pile on a few pieces from her latest collection coming out soon, tassels, fringe, gold what more could a girl ask for?

Charmed Circle Influencers

2015-10-14T12:24:00.001-05:00

Come visit with me and these other gorgeous ladies tonight at Cakewalk Style Shop as we celebrate the latest collection from Charmed Circle!

Sweet

2015-09-23T18:18:00.000-05:00

dress: stylestalker | heels: saint laurent

I typically shy away from the skater skirt silhouette because I find it to be cute and sweet, which are very wonderful traits when not pertaining to my wardrobe. That being said, you would think that a dress with a skater skirt and flowers on it would not be included amongst all my pencils skirts, slits, and minis. But there's black. And mesh. And strapless. And off-the-shoulder. Then topped off with a pair of exaggerated mary janes and a vampy lip...more than enough dark and twisty details to temper the sweetness.

P.S. I've been nominated as a CultureMap Stylemaker :) You can vote here.

fifi.phi on instagram

Forever 21 Friday - Pre-Fall

2015-09-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

Top Drawer Lingerie

2015-08-27T15:10:00.000-05:00

Although I admire the look, feel, and effect of beautiful lingerie I tend to stick to my tried and true (yet still chic, yes?) Calvin Klein sets. When Top Drawer Lingerie invited myself and a few others to visit their shop, I found myself out of my comfort zone in the very best way. You know, just forced to view and try on all sorts of silky, lacy, laced-up bits of luxury.

The boutique and its friendly staff provide a positive personalized experience, and there is a variety of lingerie looks available in a variety of sizes that I was not even aware existed. The shop allowed me to pick out a piece for myself, and I chose a luxe navy blue netting illusion bra by Simone Pérèle that I excitedly pulled out of my bag to gaze at again while drinking celebratory

post-shopping champagne.

Top Drawer Lingerie

1101 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

topdrawerlingerie.com

Lace-up Life: Wolford

2015-08-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

stockings: wolford | heels: saint laurent (similar)

I'm always looking for ways to further live the laceuplife, and these beautiful "Alicia" Wolford tights will be perfect for the Autumn. I'm imagining them with a short pleated skirt and loose heavy-knit turtle neck sweater. I was excited to match them with my new heels (studs on studs!) but walking in these satisfyingly silky hose paired with heels proved a bit...perilous. The intention might be "sexy", but the actual result was wobble wobble. At least we have some photos.

Forever 21 Friday - Suede Everything

2015-07-31T16:39:00.001-05:00

Many people don't know that Forever 21 sometimes carries lux material when it comes to items, you can often find something silk, linenblend, or even suede. Currently they've got a ton of suede items getting you ready for fall.