::Marigold Couture:: Spring Dress for All Occasions

:: Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Marigold Couture, but all opinions are true and my own opinion. 

Spring is here and sometimes as a Momma to one very girly girl it's overwhelming to enter department stores to find something both Camila and I love. When it comes to dressing Camila I am often torn between keeping her in "in-style" and allowing her to be herself. But, when it comes to fun, appropriate and comfortable clothes, I trust Camila and her own personal style. She is above all very girly and while I might have to stop her sometimes from walking outside in some kind of Disney Princess dress or her pajamas, she is always very modest and appropriate. 

I want Camila to always be herself, that's foremost. I want Camila to be fun and happy. I love that she is so comfortable and confident in her own skin. 

I think that the styles brought forth by Marigold Couture help capture all the fun and innocence that a 6-year-old can portray. I love the beautiful hand-crafted dresses. I love the unique prints and very age appropriate styles. The dresses they make are great for all occasions; formal, casual and every day. This past weekend we celebrated Easter and Camila's new dress was so great for church but it's also one I can see her wearing to school or to a friends birthday party.  

I loved the details like the neckline ruffle and the waistline ribbon, the colors, and print on this butterfly dress was so perfect for our Spring season celebrations. Camila loves her new dress but was also very free to be herself.  That's what I loved about it. 

A little about Marigold Couture; 

"We are three Mompreneurs based in the large and diverse city of Houston, TX. We also have children and launched Marigold Couture in 2016 to bring to you a children's line that is 'traditionally trendy'. We love playing with fabrics and patterns and mixing them to give you unique, beautiful handmade pieces that are also child appropriate. 

All of our designs are crafted and manufactured with LOVE here in the USA."

Visit and Follow Marigold Cotoure on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marigoldcouture/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marigoldcoutureusa/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marigoldcouture/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/marigoldchildrenapparel

Taco Lovers Unite! #TacoGear

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All opinions expressed are true and my own. 

When I was first asked to review shirts about tacos, I knew I couldn't say no. Then I saw the Jesus Loves Tacos shirt on the Taco Gear website, and I was absolutely sure I couldn't say no. Plus there is one thing I love more than tacos and that is working with young Texas entrepreneurs. Supporting them and their pursuit of what they love.  Oh, and did I mention tacos? 

Side story, my dad's name is Jesus and yes, he really does love tacos. But, that's not why I wanted this shirt, or maybe, just a bit. He will probably think this shirt is about him. 

Gerald reached out to me and all I could think was I must go eat Tacos and I must bring Ariana of 3twentysix along. And, so we did. We both selected our favorite shirt from the Taco Gear website and then waited anxiously for them to arrive.  

::A little about Gerald and his story::

Photo Credit: Dustin Ashcraft

 Gerald, what is the name of your company and the creative behind it all?- 

"Taco Gear is the name of my company. We create taco apparel for taco lovers!

I've been a graphic designer for the last 10 years and a taco lover for life, working with businesses agencies and startups, creating and developing brands, advertisements and more.

My experience over the last 10 years has given me the ability to launch my own clothing/apparel line. This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time, and I am thrilled to have finally had the opportunity."

What was the driving force behind your brand?-

"I always knew I wanted to start my own business (apparel mostly), but never really knew what kind or what style. I've always collected and worn all types of t-shirts and appreciated the unique designs they had. I knew the market was flooded with so many companies selling their own graphic tees, so that was never really in my mind as something I would want to jump into. 

When I say I am a taco lover, I really mean it. Like many I know, I can and do eat tacos almost every day for breakfast lunch and dinner, and I usually do. 

One day, I was looking for a taco t-shirt. I wanted something simple that was designed well. I remember thinking, 

"I'm sure there's something cool out there that someone has created." 

It's so easy in today's market to launch a shirt design or online e-commerce business. I was very surprised to find that there were not very many options out there. The few options I found were mostly overdone jokes or badly designed. 

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks! I should design my own! My experience as a designer and lifelong taco lover have given me every single tool I need to launch my own taco apparel company.

I knew when I started, that I wanted to focus on taco related apparel only. The thought of Mexican / Spanish culture designs did cross my mind, but I knew there were already companies out there designing some amazing apparel in this area. So the decision to focus on tacos only, became even easier, and it's been so much fun!"

Want  to snag your own sweet JESUS LOVES TACOS t-shirt? 

Here is how....

Use code: houstontaco at checkout to get 10% off your first order!
Expires 9/21/2016 (end of summer)or Enter below to win one!!! 

Finally, what inspires you most and allows you to be creative?-

"Creativity can come from anywhere and at anytime, at least for me. I can be inspired to create a new design or slogan from anything really. It's because of this that I always write everything down. To quote Field Notes,

 "I'm not writing it down to remember it later, I'm writing it down to remember it now."

 As far as where I do most of my designing and creating, it's usually at a large desk in our living room either watching tv (listening really), or listening to music."

Do you want to follow, shop or just say hello?

Website: http://www.tacogear.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacocreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacocreative/

Tumblr: http://www.tacocreative.tumblr.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldrflores

Anyone is free to contact me via my social media networks or email me at gerald@tacocreative.com

Youtube: 

Also, could not forget, big thanks to my wild child and our blogger assistant for this collab, Cam. 
She loves tacos too. 

ENTER TO WIN:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Original Wear Clothing:: Travels to the Valley

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

One of my favorite Texas shops abroad is Original Wear Clothing for several reason; Myriam the owner is a High School friend and finding her via Facebook over 10 years after we graduated to learn about her adventures and success has been wonderful! Not only is her story fascinating; which is always my favorite part of local shops, getting to know how they were created and founded then there are her store items, they are amazing. If you have not visited her online shop, you should. Her sense of style is very unique and is kind of Texas boho meets Spanish Chic. I love it all. I love her accessories and those small detailed clutches. 

For this review, she sent  several of us over at Houston Latina Bloggers the above box with a bonus which I will talk about below, it was awesome to open! I loved the personalization that Myriam took the time to do. She is always very cheerful and giving, much like her beautiful items! The colors and  quality in her leather goods and clothing is what keeps me attracted to her brand. 

In picture, which I think she is running out of.... soon, are the Moroccan Leather Wristlet- https://shop.originalwearclothing.com/collections/the-moroccan-collection/products/wallets

and, one of my personal favorites the Slice of Heaven Cuff- https://shop.originalwearclothing.com/products/slice-of-heaven

Since Myriam and I grew up in South Texas, I thought it would be most appropriate to take my items with me on my recent visit back home and do a mini-photo shoot while on my trip! My Husband who tries to be helpful and supportive was funny enough to take the following pictures of me. If I am smiling really big, it's because he makes me laugh a lot.  I wore the wristlet everywhere I went because it was small and still very spacious for all the things I really needed!

You can see all of Myriam's new items over on her website: https://shop.originalwearclothing.com/
Pictures were taken in McAllen, Texas at the Quinta Mazatlan by my Hubby and myself.

As you can see, the wristlet is fairly small but a good travel size, great for carrying around just the right amount of items while out and about. And, it really does go with just about anything. Everyone who saw it asked me about it and loved it. I even purchased one to gift to my Cousin's wife who hosted us for the weekend, so it's also a good personalized gift for all fashion lovers! 

The bonus item that Myriam included was an original leather cuff created by another South Texas Artist, Mitch D'arte, you can see all of her creations here: https://www.facebook.com/UnoByMitch/ 

::Camila's Outfit of the Day:: Western Wear

::Momma Disclosure:: 

Momma of Dos, has partnered with Tender Nest Portraits as a brand ambassador, this post is a result of that partnership.  All photographs belong to Tender Nest Portraits.  
Also, in collaboration with this post outfit by Rose and Rhodes clothing. 

Houston Rodeo kicks off this week and along with some of the most exciting weeks in Houston, comes some pretty big boots to fill. The entire city lights up with cowboy gleam and makes sure their attire is up to par. No excuse for even the tiniest of cowboys and in our case cowgirls! 

My siblings and I grew up dressing western for this special occasion here in Houston every year. My parents had such pride in us being vaqueras; my Sister even won best dressed in Elementary school. It's one of those deep down local traditions that if  you ain't from Texas, well you better get here soon, cause you wouldn't understand. But, we can teach you the basics. 

Today we are showing off Camila's cowgirl look with this colorful, jean and flower print dress from Rose and Rhodes Clothing, Momma of Dos, has a special $5 off coupon {USE CODE: MD5} for you to use towards your next purchase! Thanks to the amazing photography skills of Annelle of Tender Nest Portraits here in Houston, we can showcase Cami's western outfit like never before. 

:: More about Tender Nest Portraits::

Annelle is a local photographer who owns and runs Tender Nest Portraits. 

She owns a studio and does natural light photography 

in Houston, Katy and the Sugarland area.  

Her work can be seen on her social media sites and website below. 

Website: http://www.tendernestportraits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendernestportraits/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tendernestportraits/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TenderNest

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Tender Nest Portraits. 

Some quick Cowgirl attire facts {taken from Google/Wikipedia}:

• Most cowboy attire, sometimes termed Western wear, grew out of practical need and the environment in which the cowboy worked. 
• Most items were adapted from the Mexican vaqueros, though sources from other cultures, including Native Americans and Mountain Men contributed.
• Many of these items show marked regional variations. Parameters such as hat brim width, or chap length and material were adjusted to accommodate the various environmental conditions encountered by working cowboys.
•  In the modern world, remnants of two major and distinct cowboy traditions remain, known today as the "Texas" tradition and the "Spanish", "Vaquero", or "California" tradition. 
• Rodeo competition for women changed in the 1920s due to several factors. Also, the public had difficulties with seeing women seriously injured or killed, and in particular, the death of Bonnie McCarroll at the 1929Pendleton Round-Up led to the elimination of women's bronc riding from rodeo competition.
• The history of women in the west, and women who worked on cattle ranches in particular, is not as well documented as that of men. 
• It wasn't until the advent of Wild West Shows that "cowgirls" came into their own. These adult women were skilled performers, demonstrating riding, expert marksmanship, and trick roping that entertained audiences around the world.

And, usually, the attire is simple: a bandana, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, chaps, gloves and jeans. 

Obtain the outfit above with purse at Rose and Rhodes Clothing, don't forget to use your $5 discount code {MD5} today!!! 

Are you ready for the rodeo??

::Tweety Girl Handmade Boutique:: Shop Review #ad

Having a girly girl, is not easy. She loves dresses and all things pink. Don't get me wrong, I do too, but not as much as her. Plus her sense of style is so unique, I can't seem to ever keep up. When I want to live in jeans and yoga pants she shows me how to brighten up my wardrobe and look girly again. I simply embrace it. Camila is such a spunky little lady, I often find myself arguing with her about what she can and cannot wear. 

When we received this beautiful handmade dress by TweetyGirl Handmade Boutique, we both loved it. Camila wanted to wear it the very next day to school. Thankfully it came with a hair bow and we had shoes and you know earrings to match it. 

The sparkles on the front of the dress are her favorite part and guess what she has sparkly silver shoes to match. I loved the detail like the matching satin ribbon trim and the cute hair bow. I think it made Camila look like the perfect little girl that she is. So appropriate for all occasion and especially school. 

Please visit Tweety Girl Handmade Boutique for their latest collection. And, enjoy our Sunday afternoon photoshoot with one of my most favorite models. 

::Original Wear:: Product Review

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

Last week I posted about Original Wear Clothing shop, this week I received my products from the owner, Myriam. I couldn't be happier with them. As a Momma I rarely treat myself to anything. These three pieces were gifted by the shop. I instantly fell in love and knew that I wanted to take good picture to do them some justice. The leather and quality is everything to me. I am not a super flashy person so the neutral colors were nice.

I received the following 3 pieces from Original Wear: 

A Slice of Heaven cuff with slits

A colorful Mexiglam cuff

& a small hand purse from their Vida Collection

Outfit: Shirt, Acid Wash jeans {my FAV!} and the gold flats. From NYC. 

Pictures of me were taken by my good friend Ari of 3TwentySix.  

To contact Original Wear Clothing please see previous post: 

http://mommaofdos.blogspot.com/2015/09/original-clothing-wear.html

::Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

Alicia Araujo-Elatassi is the owner and curator of Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio. 

Alicia was raised in a loving tight-knit family in the Near Northside of Houston,  She has a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of St. Thomas and served as a Founding President for Project GRAD a group made of scholarship recipient alumni.

Alicia Araujo-Elatassi, a published author with 17 years in education. She also is sought after speaker on parenting topics. Through her book and presentations, Alicia works to bridge generational and cultural gaps between young adults and parents. She is a world traveler, whose extensive traveling, and the adventures serve as the foundation and inspiration for every item found in the shop and the overall shopping experience. 

After 15 years of extensive travel experiences I fell in love with locating unique amazing gift. So wanted to bring back unique gift items that are interesting and much different than the usual mainstream aesthetic. Thus the idea to bring those cultural items  that resonate with my idea of growth to the store  is a joy to share with women who appreciate artisan handmade from all over the world and thus connect to Alicia’s exotic travels. 

  

End of Summer sale, selected items are 20% off. Until September 15

I'm an avid reader who reads about 5 books a month on a variety of topics, my book club encourages discussions and dissent. I also made a full 180 on my perspective on motherhood upon visiting Peru in 2009 and learning about the Pacha Mamas (Earth Mother).  I changed my view from being a perfect prescriptive book follower of so called mainstream mothering, to becoming an instinctual mother who trusted her inner dialogue first and I learned to nurture and love completely while giving my children plenty of space to roam. Thus I never became a helicopter mom. Today I love that my boys are adventurous and generous. 

We are world traveling family, we have been to over 4 different continents and traveled over thousands of miles. The boys come along as much as possible and I take pride in showing them how other people live and survive, today my boys have seen more than the average 50 year old American.  

My inspiration comes from visiting other boutiques in other cities around the world.  I loved the elegance of a Florence boutique where you will find high end items with an approachable sales person.  I ask the locals to recommend because I don't  follow the travel guides, locals know the best places.  I make time to visit galleries and museums, because beauty changes but creativity is always inspiring.   I shop at tiny mom and pop places where there it isn't about quantity but quality and craftsmanship.  I love that every single item has a story and the purchaser takes that story with them. My most favorite accessory is a wooded ring I bought from a street vendor in Costa Rica, it is beautifully made and exquisite.  Made by him from a special tree branch but meant for me to find. 

I am bilingual and my favorite person to quote is: 

Mark Twain ~ "Why Not Go Out on a Limb, that is where the Fruit is".  

Spanish Quote By Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz~ "Yo no Estudio para saber mas sino para Ignorar Menos." 

::Connecting with Alicia::

http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com

www.facebook.com/thinkinggirlsboutique

Twitter: @aliciathinkgirl

Tumblr: queridopapa.tumblr.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaelatassi

https://instagram.com/thinking_girls_boutique/

https://www.pinterest.com/aliciathinkgirl/

Email is best:  alicia@thinkinggirlsboutique.com

Queridopapa.tumblr.com is a collection of stories that inspire dads connect with their daughters during the most difficult time in her adolescence. Based on my own loving relationship with my daddy. 

::Original Clothing Wear::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

Today on the blog; I am sharing a shop directly from Spain, created and run by a Texas High School classmates of mine. I know you are fully intrigued now. Growing up, I never knew what we would all become as we graduated High School or how our lives would make a full circle. These days, I am impacted and changed by so many amazingly talented friends and "old" classmates.

My name is Myriam Guerrero, and the name of my shop is Original Wear.  

So, a little bit about me and my shop; let's see where do I begin? 

I love Fashion and traveling so much I've made it my business. The idea was born in South Korea but I've since moved from Korea, to NYC and now Spain. It started off as apparel and screen printed items, and has gradually grown to artisan work from around the world.  

                     {Photography Credit: Martin Aaron Carrasco/Model: Kendra Hernandez}

Original Wear started originally in 2009, while teaching English in South Korea.  My expat friends and I found it very difficult to shop for clothing items. So, I put my Fashion Merchandise & Marketing Degree to use.  Having to shop online and pay excessive shipping fees, made me realize I was probably on to something. I started screen printing apparel and Original Wear was born in McAllen, Texas.  Inspiration came from the cultural differences we were experiencing and the benefit of being able to tap into such a large market.  

                   {Photography Credit: Martin Aaron Carrasco/ Models: Emily & Micaela Cantu}

Fun details about me; hmmm…..well I love to travel!  I got my first travel bug experience at Northwood University where I was hand selected to study abroad with 4 other students. South East Asia was the destination and since that opportunity presented itself, I've found myself being able to walk easily through other open doors and experiences.  I think the fear we sometimes have about maybe leaving things behind to travel to the unknown is the thought of NEW challenges within a WHOLE NEW world!  I've come to enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of it all and I can tell you that I absolutely  love it.

                         {Photography Credit: Martin Aaron Carrasco/ Models: Emily & Micaela Cantu} 

I can't say I have a specific routine that I do religiously to get me going.  I can say that inspiration at times can be hard to find and/or create.  I find myself trying to live a healthy lifestyle and with that comes the ability to travel.  In traveling I strive to find handmade items by artisans that are not mainstream and bring those to you, my customer.  Sometimes I do like to jam in my work studio and create long lists of THINGS TO DO and keep myself busy!  

I am bilingual in English and Spanish, I wish I could say fluent in Korean but for now I'll have to admit to speaking a bit of Konglish. My favorite motto or a final phrase from Robert Frost's poems:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost

For questions feel free to contact me on any site that might be easiest.  

Facebook as well as personal emails to originalwearclothing@gmail.com are always welcomed!  

Thanks again for the opportunity and thanks for supporting global artisans and small businesses!

::Connecting with Original Wear::

https://www.facebook.com/originalwearclothing

http://shop.originalwearclothing.com/

http://blog.originalwearclothing.com/

https://instagram.com/originalweartravelsabroad

https://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hp-identity-edit-profile