While I'm off in Palm Springs spending some much overdue time with my besties, I am thrilled to have my blogging buddy Gaby from The Vault Files filling in for me. Not only does she have an impeccable eye (I am particularly fond of her Splurge vs. Save column), she's also got a super cool jewelry line to boot. Enjoy! xo Kirsten

Hi everyone, this is Gaby from The Vault Files, super excited to be here guest posting at Triple Max Tons while Kirsten is away enjoying her time off at Palm Springs. When Kirsten suggested me to do a post about my dream vacation and the essentials I would bring, I jumped! I mean, how easy it is to dream about the ultimate travel destination? And to me, the ultimate dream vacation would be The Maldives, I think these pictures from the Huvafen Fushi Resort speak for themselves, how relaxing and stunning is this place? So this is what I would bring along:
Thank so much Kirsten for the opportunity to be here today, I hope you're enjoying your time in Palm Springs to the very max!

{print by adam james turnbull and available for purchase on society6}

I know, I know...I have been a very neglectful blogger this week. I managed to eek out one whole post. Not my most impressive record, but hey...sometimes life gets in the way of my adventures in blogland. After a bust week chock full of design projects, writing assignments, errands and traumatic dr appointments (both in news and procedure, ha!), I left on a jet plane early this AM to visit my besties from college! It's always such a special treat seeing those girlies, and - even though it's been about a year since we last saw each other - it feels like no time has passed at all when we get together. Can you guess where we are going to be sunning, swimming and socializing for the weekend?? Here's a hint...

Ok, so that was kind of a trick question. We won't be staying at The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs, but the aforementioned oasis in the desert will be the destination du jour. It's my first time going there. Any tips or places to see/eat/shop from any of you that have visited before?? Bring it on!

So many things on my Wasteland wishlist...

{All photos courtesy of Keep Austin Stylish}

Check out Keep Austin Stylish for a fab round-up of SXSW street style. Do you spy a certain someone in there? Yes, you do....it's me!!! I'm wearing my trusty faux leather Urban Outfitters jacket from about 3 years ago (similar*), fave maxi dress from Etcetera Etc (similar), Dolce Vita flats (similar*), and piles of gold jewelry. A huge thank you to my pal Joanna for including me in this uber-fashionable bunch. You rock, girl!!

PS I am picking the winner for the Maddox & Klaus giveaway at 5pm today - if you haven't already entered, you better do it now!!!

{illustrations from spun sugar paperie // french quarter maison sofa // pink hummingbird porcelain table ware  // tom dixon pipe light pendant in white/pink // 13" round beaded cake stand // jennifer paganelli st. croix pink embroidered pillow // interior image via stacy garcia}

After coming across a pendant light that looks exactly like Mike & Ikes, I have got sugar on the brain today.  Perhaps it is the fact that I am trying (in earnest) to eat healthier, but the cotton candy and bubblegum pink decor, milk chocolate colored upholstery, and prints paying homage to the artistry of pastry are calling my name. Oh, and what would you do if I told you I discovered a no-calorie macaron? You'd  have to see it to believe it? Well, feast your eyes on the delectable guilt-free watercolor treats from our latest sponsor, Spun Sugar Paperie. This shop is chock full of gorgeously illustrated and painted french pastries and other girly delights. Fancy a custom print? No problem....Laura can whip that up for you in no time. Your walls and waistband will both thank you.

{my new fave dress I scored for $12 //  bloggers with their thrifted loot - pic taken by Jentine}

Over the epic weekend that was Texas Style Council, Sofia, Megan, Natalie, Jenna  and I (along with 90 other fab bloggers!) went on the thrifting adventure under the guidance of the always wonderful Jessie of Style & Pepper, Jentine of My Edit, Elissa from Dress With Courage, and Pamela from Market Publique. I was a textbook case of the “overwhelmed thrifter” before venturing out on this workshop. I would walk into a store, go through two racks, look up at the copious mish mash of clothing ahead of me, and decide to check out before I waded any deeper into the store. There was too much and I didn’t know where to start or have 5 hours to dedicate to maybe finding something that sorta fits and has a weird stain on it. However, the thrifting tips that came from these ladies….oh my gosh, consider my mind blown.  Before we were let loose in Savers like the pack of fashion-crazed hoodlums that we are,  Jentine, Jessie, Elissa and Pamela dropped these pearls of wisdom on us: 

Dress appropriately
Leggings, a tight tank, shoes that are easy to get in and out of…think things that aren’t going to add bulk when you trying them on without taking everything off. It makes trying on clothes a little less “eww” and more “oooh.”  

Size is only a number
Jentine really hit a note with me on this one – there are some precious finds sitting in my closet that I would have passed up based on the size, but fit like a dream.  Since thrift stores have clothes from different eras, countries, and manufacturers, size is relatively irrelevant. Give yourself an allowance of up to 2 sizes above and below the one you normally wear…and when in doubt, just try it on. Tailoring is also always an option.

Go for the “fast 5”
Jessie, I just love you for introducing this concept. The “Fast 5” are jewelry, shoes, scarves, bags, and…ummm… ahhh!!!  I forgot.  {Insert 15 minute pondering sesh} Oh!! I remember now – belts. Basically, they are the on-the-cheap accessories that you know will fit and spice up an outfit. After you hit those spots, go to your fave department – dresses, blazers, pants, etc. It really did make navigating the store a little less panic-inducing having it broken down.
  
Dryel is your friend
When Pamela uttered the magical five-letter word that is Dryel, the heavens opened up and said “Thou shalt not pay ridiculous prices to dry clean your amazing $10 silk dress.” Go buy this DIY dry cleaning kit…it will save you time, energy and dollah bills.

It isn’t a marathon
You don’t have to hit up every department every time. It’s ok to beeline it to the blazer rack, and get out of there. You might get that feeling of “What if I missed the diamond in the rough???” but that’s ok…there will always be a next time.

What’s the best thing you ever scored while thrifting??

PS Since I am going to call a spade a spade and admit that I am wayyy too lazy to post a recap of the epic times had at Texas Style Council, I will live vicariously though these ladies' pretty photos and recaps!

Now that most of us are seeing the first signs of spring (well....excluding us Texans, its felt like spring for a while!), I say there is no time like the present to bring the fresh and bright colors peeking out of their buds inside the home. The one hue that is really caught my eye this season? Kelly green. It's just a happy color. Plain and simple. Apparently, the Irish has also chosen it to be their lucky color too...so hey, can't hurt to give it a try. What colors are you most looking forward to seeing/wearing/decorating with during the upcoming warmer months?

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

MaxStudio Double Breasted Cape Rain Coat* // Express Zelda "Emerald" Legging Jeans* // Jack Rogers Women's Highlands Boot* // Kate Spade New York Melinda Floral-Print Vinyl Satchel* // Vera Bradley Umbrella* // Helene Berman Wide-Brimmed Wool-Felt Hat*

Last weekend, Austin became one seriously soggy city and the rain just. didn't. ever. quit.  If any of you were in town for the first part of SXSW, you are probably still airing out to dry after getting thoroughly waterlogged. While I generally loathe traipsing about town while the heavens unleash their buckets o' water on us, what's the one thing I love about rainy days? A free car wash!!! SCORE! As I was driving around town in my squeaky clean "couch on wheels" (aka Grandpa-approved Toyota Avalon), I spotted the first few dustings of Texas Blue Bonnets. Spring is finally here, people! That old saying that April (March in this case) showers bring May flowers isn't messing around. I can't help but wonder...what do the May flowers bring? Probably some sort of Texas allergen that will have me huffing and puffing and accidentally blowing my house down. It's a small price to pay for sunshine throughout the dreary winter months.

If I stare at a color for 30 seconds and it burns my retinas so I see spots when I look away, I'll probably want to wear it, decorate with it, or just surround myself with it. If you a pair it with my most favorite pattern in the whole world - stripes - well, GAME OVER! My willpower to resist is three sheets to the wind, and I'm probably already forking over the cash. In this case, it is this super rad colorblock stripe boatneck tee from J.Crew. Not to mention that shocking door painted in a blinding yellow...I can totally see this painted on a cool beach bungalow.

Images via  J.Crew / Because I'm Addicted

I will be the first to admit that I can be a total spaz. For example, I am really in my spaz prime when I score a great new thrift find (*cough* $10 silk Escada skirt *cough*), when I watch irritating but addicting reality TV (The Bachelor, anyone?), and when I discover shops where I literally am sent into a tizzy because I get so excited about what I am seeing. That latest Etsy shop to send me into orbit is Maddox & Klaus, a glitzy urban tribal collection of handmade jewelry. Naturally, I am beyond thrilled to welcome them as a March sponsor. Not only was I stoked about the seemingly made-for-me designs, but the price people!!! Everything is UNDER $30.....WHAT?! Hoarder Kirsten coming through! Don't mind me, I'll take the entire collection. But you want to know something super exciting? One of you will be winning that lovely beaded peace sign necklace featured above!

The last time my parents came over for an impromptu dinner and movie, my mom and I ended laying on the floor because our sweet and sentimental vintage couch is not so easy on the back. It takes the term "pain in the a**" to a literal level...a reality I wish was not staring us square in the eyes for the sake of aforementioned back and wallet. Whenever we are ready to act like grown-ups and invest in some furniture that doesn't come with an assembly book, a soft and elegant navy blue sofa will be gracing our home indefinitely. Until then, it's back to stiffly waddling around our apartment like Frankenstein after relaxing on the couch.

Images via Everything LEB // Apartment Therapy // Coco + Kelley // La Dolce Vita via Pinterest // Live Creating Yourself via Pinterest // Houzz via Pinterest // HGTV

As you all know, I just love living here in Austin. One of my favorite parts of living here is the creative community, and the constant inspiration that comes with it. When I first moved here, I discovered 81POPPIES - a beautiful clothing line that is designed and locally made by designer extraordinaire, Michelle Weisman. It's girly, it's modern, it's cool, it's got vintage touches, and most importantly - it's totally mix-and-matchable. To say I lusted over just about every piece in every collection she puts out is likely an extremely accurate statement. Seriously, the vivid greens, gorgeous corals, and bright prints are colors that you just have to see in person.  If you are looking to add some pops (or poppies!) of color to your spring wardrobe, you can throw your towel into the ring because the search is over. Plus, just because Michelle is a total sweetheart and uber-awesome blog sponsor, she's offering 30% off the spring 2012 collection for Triple Max Tons readers with code TMT. Score!!!!

Follow 81Poppies on Twitter // Like 81Poppies on Facebook // Shop The 81Poppies Collection

After writing this post, I tried a couple of the winged liner looks on {ps thanks for all the liner suggestions!} and.....meh. I can paint my lips the most shocking shade of orange or the brightest hue of pink I can find, and I feel totally confident. Swoop a  swipe of winged eyeliner on me, and I suddenly feel super self-conscious.

I wear glasses most of the time, so it's not really a tried-and-true look I fall back on in a pinch. However, I just LOVE the retro-inspired winged look when I see it in editorials, on the runway, and on the stylish gals on the street. It's a major bummer whenever I attempt it because it just looks a little 'off'. One reason just might be because I have deep-set eyes so it kind of covers the lined part when I look straight on. Seriously...I took about a zillion photos to get one where you can actually see the wing. Le sigh. The other reason? I'm not going to lie....I sometimes looks a little more chola than chic on me if I go a little too cray cray with the wing. Yep. It's a sad, sad truth.

But enough self-deprecation. The question still remains: do you ever wear a winged cat-eye look during the day? If so, where do you draw the line (literally and figuratively) for daytime wear?

Oh, and promise me you'll never do this....ok?

Sample sale sites. They are multiplying faster than bunnies, and that is something I can't really complain about because, hey- I like a good deal just like the next gal. Having just discovered Uncovet, I've gone and added another one to my list. It's an invite-only design-centric shop that  is carefully curated to unearth rad, one-of-a-kind products for its members at a discounted rate. Think fashion, accessories, home decor, knick knacks, and vintage goods for a very enticing price. What are you waiting for? Hop to it and get on the list!

PS Here are sign-up links to all of the sample sale sites I am currently subscribed to. If any strike your fancy, feel free to sign up using my invite code!

Happy Friday, everyone! Yesterday officially kicked off March, aka the month of the whirlwind schedule. With SXSW hitting town, Texas Style Council, my dad's enormous birthday celebration, a trip to Palm Springs, favors to do for the fam, and prettifying the blogs of my clients, it's going to be a busy but extremely fun month.  Thankfully I've got my Google Calendar to thank for keeping me organized...otherwise, yikes. I am looking forward to this pretty low-key weekend that will be brimming with quality time with the fam - John and I are headed out to my parents house tomorrow night to babysit my nieces and nephew - aka three of the most awesome kids EVER. We usually end up playing some cards together (a game called Hand and Foot - so addicting!!) or doing some sort of arts and crafts project. We've got the Kite Festival in Zilker Park slated for Sunday....nothing like some free fun in Austin! What's going to get the hubby and I fueled for all the action this weekend? A healthy twist on my fave comfort food - sweet potato fries! I've got 3 sweet potatoes sitting in my fridge, begging to be baked to crispy perfection and dipped in a spicy sauce. Can't wait for dinner. YUM!! 

Recipe and photography via Bon Appetit

When you first heard me sing the praises of Bark Decor, I was in a "this shop is so cool, my head might explode" awesome design flurry. Well, now I am writing about Sara's fantastic wares with an exploding head and heart because 1.) the 2012 collection is killer, 2.) they are sponsoring this little blog of mine this month, and 3.) I am seriously smitten with everything! From the sweet briolette drop earrings to the artsy illustrated ram pillows and back to the wish-listed slouchy tees screen-printed with a rad owl and caribou, I just love the indie-meets-modern vibe that the collection perfectly captures. Oh, and did I mention that everything is totally and completely affordable? Did I also mention that Triple Max Tons readers can also get 10% off their purchase with the code BLOGLOVE? Aaaand that's your cue to shop til you drop....vamonos, amigos!

Follow Bark Decor on Twitter // Like Bark Decor on Facebook // Shop The Collection on Etsy