Elevated

The days in Houston are still far too warm for my liking this late in October, but the mornings and evenings are absolutely lovely – nice, crisp breezes with beautiful skies, and just cool enough to finally break out my favorite coated denim. I love how these pants can elevate the simplest of outfits – the timeless t-shirt and jean duo brought up a notch. I could have been wearing tennis shoes with this ensemble as opposed to the pumps and still feel put together (which I did in fact do to make grocery shopping a little more comfortable post photo shoot).

American Apparel top | J Brand coated denim | Ann Taylor shoes | bag from Italy | Clyde’s Rebirth necklace and bracelet | cuff via Sun Child | Ray-Ban sunnies

And yes, those are holiday decorations in that 4th photo, already adorning the store roofs in Highland Village – really?! Apparently Halloween just doesn’t matter anymore?

I hope everyone has a spooky Halloween, filled with lots of candy! Enjoy it this week while you can, because apparently Christmas has already started.

xo,

haley

Music Monday – Westrin & Mowry

Perhaps it’s the relentless Facebook and Instagram pictures of majestic fall colors from home, or perhaps it’s the passing of our recent anniversary trip to the Midwest that has my mind so focused on The Mitten state. Whatever it is, I feel it is once again the perfect time to showcase some of the wonderful Michigan music that Karrin and I are so tied to.

Westrin & Mowry (comprised of Brian Westrin and Pete Mowry), an Americana duo from the Lansing area, have recently released a full length album that has been on constant repeat during my daily commute. This isn’t the first album the talented duo has put out, but it’s been a solid 10 years since the last release. The two have been involved in several other musical projects over the years, so there are a variety of reasons for the break between albums. And as impatient as I know many were to hear more from these guys, The Past Rushes In was worth the wait. I don’t think this new album would be what it is without that break – Westrin & Mowry’s lyrics and music are very much drawn from personal experience, and I love that I can hear and feel that difference, and that the two albums can relate to completely different parts of my life – sort of like I’ve grown with them. It takes time to create that type of music.

So if you are into butter smooth vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and elegantly produced sounds that are perfect for coffee shops and Sunday drives – then these guys are for you. Check out the new album on Spotify (my favorite tracks are Late Night Run and Never Alone), and if you feel so inclined to own a copy, it is now available on iTunes and Amazon. And for those that are interested in reading more about it, the duo did an interview with the Lansing State Journal with some details regarding the creation of these songs.

Happy Monday!

xo,

haley

Back to the Basics (numéro deux)

My first post ever on Style Sound was Back to the Basics. I’ve been so disconnected from fashion and posting lately that I decided it was time to get back to the roots that started this awesome partnership I have with Haley. Fashion goes in waves and circles, it goes from trend to trend with so many ups and downs;  but there is always the  constant you can go back to that never fails, the LBD that beats out any crop top. Don’t get me wrong, we all know Haley and I love a good crop top (case in point: here, here and here… or even check out the minor midriff I’m showing in this post), but a good pair of denim jeans and a classic white button up will never seize to prevail. The best part about the basics is you can accessorize or adjust them slightly to wear in different/fashion forward ways to bring some life into them without having to spend half your  monthly budget on new clothing. After you make the initial investment all you need is some minor cash to add some seasonal flavor.
Gap button up and jeans | H&M hat | gifted necklace and bracelets | Espadrilles borrowed from my sister | thrifted Coach saddle bag

It may be nearing peak fall, but on this beautiful sunny 75 degree day I couldn’t bring myself to pull in any fall colors. I kept my basic high-waisted jeans feeling effortless with a tied white button up, accessorizing with fresh neutrals and a chunky Indian necklace.

Did I mention my VINTAGE COACH SADDLE BAG FIND? Sorry for the ALL CAPS but that is how excited I am!!! I have been searching for 5 years for a used one in both good condition and worth the price and I found this gently used baby at my local Ballard Buffalo Exchange. It’s the perfect size to take me from a day at work to a night out for drinks with friends. This basic leather bag is sure to keep coming back in posts for the years ahead…
The next time you go shopping and want to buy  three different trendy tops I challenge you to take a step back and invest in a good solid basic. I promise you, even though the choice may feel boring at the time, it will take you places you may not have thought possible.

Have a fabulous weekend!

xo,

Karrin