Mockingbird Station is FALL-ing for Fashion Fun!

What an awesome, busy month it has been.  School has been overwhelming to say the least, but Mockingbird Station has been the place where I can unwind with friends and fashionistas.  During the first week of school, I got the opportunity to host the Station's Back to School Beauty Night at Castle and Pouf.  Last week, I tweeted and styled a look at the What to Wear Style Lab event.  Mockingbird Station is a super-cool shopping center in Dallas, right across Central Expressway / 75 from SMU.

At Back to School Beauty Night, students and stylistas alike got pedis at Castle Nail Spa and blowouts and hairstyles at Pouf.  Both Mockingbird Station beauty destinations are exceptional.  I bet you're wondering who the VIPs were that night.  It wouldn't be a night of pampering without Project Emilie star Aunt Emilie.  Mom (Elaine) and other auntie (Lou Lou) joined us to help support Genesis Women's Shelter.  Mockingbird station introduced old friend Elizabeth West to pedicures and Pouf blowouts, woohoo!

What to Wear fall 2013 at Mockingbird Station was another fabulous success.  Priya Bhola Rathod of DFW Style Daily and Via Priya was an amazing host.  She put some audience members on the spot by asking how they would rock the runway styles.  That night was all about runway looks for less while putting your own spin on it with fashions from Movida Boutique, Lavo Collections, Francesca's, and more!  Fashion writer and stylist Abby Gregory put together the runway looks.  Me, @small4style, was the live tweeter for @mockingbirdsta with the help of Jasmin Brand of @brandpointe (PS follow us all on Twitter!).  After the show, I caught up with the fabulous Sean Charles of Sean in the City.  

What is Mockingbird Station going to do next?  Stay tuned on Mockingbird's Facebook page and here on Small 4 Style to find out!    

Back To School is Better with #HEBfirstday Contest

The first week of school is always a little nerve-wracking, but it's always good to see old friends, make new ones, and express your personal style.  H-E-B (which is the same company as Central Market!) wants to see how you're getting ready for back to school with a contest on Instagram and it's super easy to enter.  All you have to do is post a photo of how you and you friends/family are getting ready for the big year ahead with the hashtag #HEBfirstday. 

Today and tomorrow (Sunday, September 1), show off how you get ready for back to school on Instagram for a chance to win a $100 HEB gift card!

Project Emilie: Collegiate Chic 2013

It's been many years since Emilie was in school, but she has fond memories of her schoolgirl days.  For both me and Emilie, the most fun part of school is back to school shopping, of course.  Emilie wanted to show you her fall semester fashion picks, and I think she looks super-collegiate chic!  She thought it would be fitting to do our photoshoot at SMU since I'm starting my junior year.  And remember... even though she is not in school anymore, Emilie will always be a NERD!  I hope you enjoy our first day of school adventure.   

 Walking to class on our first day... do you know how hard it is to find parking?? 

 Once we arrived at Dallas Hall for our first class, Em was a little nervous.  But she was OK!  Don't you love her "nerdy" backpack?

 After our first class, Emilie enthusiastically told me about her fabulous summer!

 Em will be forever preppy in this layered look.

 And what could be preppier than loafers?  Em's Sperry's are the SMU school colors... Go Mustangs!

 Between classes, Emilie had to strike a pose at Fondren Library.

 Our next class was in the Cox Business area.

 After going to our individual classes, Em and I met up for more summer chit-chat.

 I think it's safe to say that Emilie had a great first day!

 We can't forget to thank our official photographer, Grant Small! 

Steal Our Style!  

Back to School Beauty Night at Mockingbird Station!

Ready for a night of pampering for back to school?  I'm hosting Mockingbird Station's Back to School Beauty Night and I couldn't be more excited.  Your $30 ticket gets you a pedicure, a blowout, gift bag, and bites.  The money raised from the tickets will benefit the Genesis Women's Shelter, which helps battered women and their children.   

Get your tickets now!

Nerd Alert! Visionworks' Back to School Night at Northpark

If eyes are the window to the soul, then the glasses must be really important, right?  Glasses make everyone look a little smarter, sophisticated, and more distinguished.  Whether you have to wear prescription glasses or not, students of every age should complete their back to school looks with glasses from Visionworks.  

Visionworks at Northpark invited a group of Dallas bloggers to learn more about eye care and what makes them stand out from the competitors.  Their "buy one get one free" promotion, their quick turnaround on glasses, and their fabulous selection of glasses makes Visionworks the place for glasses shopping. 

When I was younger, I used to get made fun of for wearing glasses but now, they are one of my go-to accessories.  Times have changed and glasses will never go out of style.  What I liked most about my visit to Visionworks was the emphasis on style and great prices so you don't have to choose one over the other.  So be the chic nerd at school this fall with Visionworks glasses.  Visionworks is located all around the USA to get your perfect glasses anywhere.

P.S. - Grant really liked Visionworks too!

Wits + Beaux Knocks Everyone's Socks Off!

Designed in NYC, made in the USA, and worn by all... that's what men's fashion accessories brand Wits + Beaux is all about.  Standout men's accessories are hard to find, so the founders of Wits + Beaux (Kevin, Dan, and Kent) made it their mission to design bold fashion accessories for men that are made in the United States and sold at affordable prices.

This season, Wits + Beaux is doing a Kickstarter campaign to promote domestic manufacturing, resulting in high quality accessories at reasonable prices.  The founders are also working on a sock-designer feature on their site where customers will have input in each new collection from Wits + Beaux.  Who wouldn't want to back that?  Learn all about their company, watch their video, and see what it's all about on Kickstarter.   

After hearing about all the great things this brand has been doing, I was curious to style them for my little brother, debonair boy Grant, and myself.  I know they're men's socks, but the Wits + Beaux slogan does say "worn by all" doesn't it?  

Fun socks are always the perfect way for guys to spice up their suits or jeans.  All of my guy coworkers at Nordstrom wear colorful, patterned socks and I love the subtle fashion statement.  For my teen brother Grant, socks are also an integral part of his wardrobe.  From school to golfing to attending fashion events with me, making a statement with socks is always important.

Now where does women's fashion come into this?  Wits + Beaux socks come in every girl's favorite patterns and colors.  They're the perfect fall accessory.  I styled my Wits + Beaux socks with booties and wedges for a fabulous pop of pattern for every occasion.   

Getting the Wits + Beaux experience was such a treat for us.  My brother cannot wait to wear these socks this fall (and me too!).   

Don't forget to check out Wits + Beaux on Kickstarter   and on their online store. Use promo code Insta20 to get 20% your order!

 Alex is wearing the "Pink Mustard" socks

 Alex is wearing the "Terminator" socks

 Alex is wearing the "Rabbit" socks

 Grant is wearing the "Hero" socks

 Grant is wearing the "CheckMate" socks

 Grant is wearing the "Tango" socks

Look Du Jour: Study Chic

Finals are just around the corner, so I need to be stylishly prepared.  Here are some of my witty essentials to get me through.

 1. Kate Spade "Look on the Bright Side" Tee

2. Moleskine XL Notebook

3. ModCloth Personal Library Kit

4. Kate Spade "Skirt the Rules" Paperweight

Look Du Jour: Ivy League

Being on campus and back to the books inspires me to dress collegiately.  Blazers have always been cool, but my new favorite trend is the over-sized emblem blazer.  Whether it's Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren, the emblem adds a little more prep to your step.

Look Du Jour: Schoolgirl Chic

There's nothing preppier than a cute oxford.  The oxford is one of the most versatile shoes of the season.  Wear these now with shorts and sundresses.  Wear them with tights and skinny jeans in the winter.  I for sure need a pair for this semester.  It's like I took these from my school uniforms for many years - only these are way more fabulous!

1. Steve Madden Pink Taxxi Oxford

2. Jeffrey Campbell Saddle Up Wedge

3. Jeffrey Campbell Williams Oxford

4. Bass Clear Oxford

Betsey Johnson BookBag

It's a little early to be back to school shopping already, but I spotted this super-chic Betsey Johnson bookbag and had to have it!  Having a cute bag makes school just a little more fabulous.  I got it in teal, but it also comes in fuchsia and black & white.  What are you planning on using for your bookbag in the fall?