Kold Sips and Tech Gifts

IMG_3141IMG_3136 IMG_3141
IMG_3144 IMG_3146

This time of year we all find ourselves entertaining the company of friends and family. Often we are serving fresh, cold beverages to our guests and running to the store several times to restock the bar. What if I told you that your favorite sodas, teas, flavored waters and mixers could be demanded and poured with the touch of a button? It’s true.

Introducing the hip and forward thinking Keurig KOLD. I’ve been a fan of the brand since owning my first hot brew coffee and tea system way back when. Now, they are completely changing the game with their newest addition. Keurig KOLD drinkmaker puts the power to make cold beverages, on demand, right at your fingertip. Simple? You bet. I occasionally fancy myself a carbonated soda to sip on while watching my favorite holiday movie, now I can get it without even having to run to the store. She likes seltzers, he wants mixers for cocktails. Want a Coke? How about an iced tea? Or maybe a refreshing flavored water. Get what you want, when you want it, at the push of a button.

I am a total tech nerd and if you know someone like me in your life, don’t think twice, this gift will go over great with everyone. Dallas is one of several exclusive markets now selling Keurig KOLD! Did I mention there’s a margarita pod to make cocktails, too? It’s going to be a VERY Happy Holidays this year!

Plaid in the Park

DSC_0073 DSC_0093 DSC_0103 DSC_0110

 Shirt: J. Crew ; Jeans: Bonobos

Simple things tend to bring us the most joy. A loyal friend, a good cup of coffee or a trusted pair of old boots might do the trick. I find the most pleasure in the art of trekking. Taking the road less traveled, getting outside and blending in with nature. Call me the camouflaged connoisseur of taking to the streets and finding out how to find my drum.

Sorry if my metaphors seem a bit much. I’ve just returned from New York City, you see. The city bustled with traffic of all means, noise pollution and a certain spark that only this time of year can bring. Through it all, though, I found a sense of wonder hidden in the majestic sprawl of Central Park. The feeling called to my inner outdoorsman and so I ventured into the depths of the concrete jungle and dawned a new persona.

The king of the fashion jungle in winter time seems to be the mighty plaid. You’ll find it on scarves, belts, jackets and more. My favorite way to wear it? Shirting. Yup, call me a lumberjack because my affinity for perfectly mixed lines puts me in my happy place. After I’d seen a stretch of the park including ponds, mountains, fountains and lawns, I concluded that I’d better get home before dark. I cherished the ability to rock my new favorite plaid button down for a stroll and only wished that my next adventure would be as soothing to my outdoorsy soul.

Insta Fit for Fall

Screen Shot 2015-11-10 at 11.10.51 AM Screen Shot 2015-11-10 at 11.11.10 AM Screen Shot 2015-11-10 at 11.11.28 AM Screen Shot 2015-11-10 at 11.12.03 AM Screen Shot 2015-11-10 at 11.13.57 AM

Unlike some, I don’t keep my favorite ways to stay healthy and fit a secret. I am all about sharing the wealth on health on social media and with you.  So as I look ahead to what some consider the most high calorie and unhealthy season of the year (aka my favorite time to indulge) I thought I’d share some of my favorites right now.

For fitness, I always try to cross-train during the week to keep my body guessing to intensify the workout. Of course, my old faithful friend Flywheel Sports has been my go-to for years. The different trainers provide a variety of rides and workouts that maximize the 45 I spend on the bike!

Another favorite that has been fun to try recently is Beyond 500. This particular workout method combines three disciplines to create the most efficient and balanced workout system: Pilates-inspired functional movements, cardio intervals, and strength exercises. I always feel winded after but stronger because of the work I put in.

Fuel Up? Look no further than my favorite good-for-me meal on the go, Snap Kitchen. Whether I am grabbing a juice to refuel during a long day or after a workout or getting a nutrient packed meal, it’s always a good choice. Lately I have been digging on the Far East Tumeric juice and one of their tasty snack packs.

When I am at home, I love whipping up a green salad with a protein and a flavorful dressing. It’s the 2 minute way to fill up with something that will keep you full of energy and away from the fast food! Homemade doesn’t have to mean hard.

Treat yourself and your skin to something extra special this fall. Kiehl’s legendary product line keeps your skin glowing, soft and healthy throughout the year. Guys be sure to stock up on my favorites for the fall season. Products like the oil eliminator, facial fuel and the creamy avocado eye treatment will get you ready in no time.

Need a little more relaxation time post holiday shopping or family time? Etre Belle is located in the bustling NorthPark Center and offers spa and medical spa services including massages, facials, manicures/pedicures. I love their rejuvenating facials and swedish massages if I feel a little tense or tired.

Fall into a healthy routine this season and tell me about your favorite ways to do so on social media!

Trick or Graphic Tees

DSC01149 DSC01157 DSC01160 DSC01163 DSC01170 DSC01182

Look 1: Graphic Sweatshirt; Distressed Jean; Shoes (Vintage)

Look 2: ShirtDistressed Jean; Shoes (Vintage)

I got a lot of requests for a full on costume outfit post with Halloween being tomorrow and all. Well, I can’t say I can oblige that this time around, plus you don’t wanna see me in spandex, but I’ll do you one better. On Halloween, we sometimes have to step outside of our comfort zones in order to fit the bill that our costumes require. Just like the spooky holiday, the same theory can be applied to our wardrobe choices.

Now I find myself remembering back to when I found out that jeans didn’t have to be ill fitting or that sweatshirts didn’t mean oversized, form hiding behemoth. Trying out a new way of wearing our favorite outfit pieces doesn’t have to be scary or have overwhelming alterations to our norm. Forever21 Men is taking the fright out of the change and shopping experience. Just take the things that you find yourself most comfortable in and look at them in a new way. For me, a skinny jean with a bit of ware and tear is within the boundaries of my comfort zone but still adds a grungy chic vibe. Another winner? The fitted sweatshirt. I know we all think of this piece as the chunky, drawstring-laden pullover we dig out of our closet each fall but with a bit of tapering, a dapper discovery it makes. My favorite sweatshirts fit like a glove and I covet a bit of graphic design to complete the look.

So, don’t let the skeletons of closets past haunt your style. Embrace subtle, forward changes and notice that you have an amazing persona underneath that ghost sheet of a closet. Boo!

Fall Finds with Forever 21

DSC01202 DSC01209DSC01203DSC01214DSC01228DSC01245

Look 1: Sweater; Jeans; Chukkas

Look 2: TeeJeansChukkas

Realizing that it’s ok to begin layering up my clothing and that the southern warmth is slowing dying has to be my favorite part of fall in Texas. With that said, the choices you make on which layers to pair is as important as knowing if you’ll be switching from a hot coffee to an iced on midday. I’ve partnered with my friends at Forever 21 Men for a two part series that will hopefully bring a new meaning to how the dapper gent updates his wardrobe for fall, and take on all the weather wonder it brings.

The first-ever F21 Red store opened this past week in at the Shops at Park Lane in North Dallas, and the price points at the 18,000-square-foot store make Forever 21 seem spendy. Socks start at $1.80, jeans at $7.80, tees at $3.80, and accessories at $5.80. The idea behind the F21 Red brand is deeper discounts and greater quantities of trendy staples than the typical Forever 21 shop. So yea, take note because going on those big shopping sprees won’t be putting a hole in your wallet with F21 Red.

I loved shopping the collection and coming up with fun ways to explore fall layering. Take a super comfy chunky knit sweater, bootcut jeans and warm boots and bam! it’s an instant fall classic. How do I peel off the layers when the seasonal weather turns warmer? Lose the sweater and have a chic long sleeve tee underneath with subtle graphic design on the sleeves. This versatile look is going to be your best friend for football games, outdoor events or just running errands in the cooler temps.

This fall, the leaves aren’t the only thing falling. So are the prices at F21 Red for Men!

Courting Couture

eat-style-dallas-lacoste-0777 eat-style-dallas-lacoste-0799 eat-style-dallas-lacoste-0817 eat-style-dallas-lacoste-0864

eat-style-dallas-lacoste-0879

Bomber Jacket | T-Shirt | Chinos

Growing up, I played every sport you could think of. Whether I was out on the soccer field, teeing up the golf ball, playing baseball or in the swimming pool. I kept active throughout my younger years and loved doing so. The one sport that always spoke to me though was tennis. It’s a game of “love” that asks you to “match” its high energy back and forth with clothes that allow you to do so.

A storied brand, Lacoste, has always blended the art of staying stylish during high intensity activity with its line of super chic menswear for after and before play. As we go into a season that asks us to balance the departure of warm weather with an occasional cool breeze (if you’re lucky in the south). So I went back to my roots, back to the court, to show you some of my favorite ways to show off the Lacoste look.

I was immediately attracted to a super comfy bomber jacket that hugs in all the right places and made of a soft material. Like your favorite cardigan but cooler, this classic bomber style is a hybrid design with color block details and a modern slim fit. Another must is a transitional v-neck shirt that allows you to stay cool when the game heats up. It’s an essential t-shirt in soft pima cottton, finished with the Lacoste signaure croc logo. I paired this look with a pair of slim fit chinos but you could certainly rock it with jeans or slacks as well.

With a brand that has perfected its preppy and sporty look since 1930, I felt right at home slipping on the alligator branded pieces and getting ready for a fall to remember.

Fall Transitions and Traditions

DSC01028 DSC01033 DSC01040 DSC01045 DSC01053 DSC01056 DSC01058

I’m not sure how your neighborhood was this weekend, but in Dallas we got some much needed cooler weather. All this talk of how to balance the end of summer cool air with remembering the heat will be there tomorrow got me thinking. I am always struggling to find the perfect outfit that performs its chic duty, while allowing me to transition at will when the weather takes a turn. I’ve teamed up with American Eagle Outfitters to talk about some of my favorite transitional outfits that fit the end of Summer to Fall move. These folks get it! After hearing more about their styled collections and innovative new clothing, I inquired more about what it takes the complete a look. “Styling a strong outfit is sometimes like constructing a building: you have to start from the bottom.” I couldn’t agree more.

One of my favorite trends of the moment is the jogger pant. American Eagle has these style must haves in just about every fabric, color and fit. I was instantly attracted to them based on the versatility they allow the person wearing them to basically perform a ‘convertible clothing’ swap at any moment. Pairing their olive toned cargo jogger with a fun print button down and a stylish boot can really prove my theory. I found the pants breathed easy as I ran errands or arrived at an event or dinner. There are so many pairings to be made with a good dressy jogger that can be perfect for the office or after hours happenings.

My new favorite way to wear this trend is a bit sporty and more casual. The heather gray fabric jogger I am sporting above is the classy way to stay comfy when roaming about town. With a relaxed fit, drawstring waist and cuffed bottom, this is where style and comfort come together. For cooler nights as we enter a new season, a signature graphic hoodie t-shirt is the perfect combination for these pants. Don’t think twice, this comfy combo is nice.

Fall transitions are a snap, even when the weather fluctuates. American Eagle makes winning combinations that let you own your style no matter the time of year.