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Personal Peek: Baby Boy Nash is HERE!

Ok, the first rule of motherhood...don't promise something you can't deliver, ugh! I promised many of the readers over on CasaCullen that I'd have Nash's birth story up today. But I'm just no able to get the post up. I just feel the need to take this second week off and enjoy my baby and my visiting family. I can guarantee RWD will be live and kickin' it again in one week, so pop back by then and we'll back to our regularly scheduled programming on all sites!

Thank you RWD readers for being so awesome and always checking out the site and leaving such great comments. I'm so blessed to have such a strong readership on RWD and I love that we all adore fashon and beauty so much! I just had to tell you, this week being Thanksgiving and all, how thankful I am for you!

Much love, Morgan

***

Here's a snippet from the post that I wrote over on CasaCullen today:

As we get used to life with baby, we're so enjoying every single second and are amazed by the daily changes and milestones. Y'all, I can't even believe the love we feel for this little man. This evening, at 7:46pm, he'll actually be one week old. Seems hard to believe it has already been a week because it has literally flown by. We are really overwhelmed by how much we love and adore him.

I still just NEED this week to just get used to everything and prepare myself to not only juggle motherhood but also blogging and the wonderful clients I have on board too. I've realized my most important job is mothering this tiny little man and that is such a gorgeous and empowering feeling. Please just be patient as we figure it out and I promise to be totally honest about any changes to the site, etc...but I don't foresee any, just a break right now! Truly, these two weeks of 'maternity leave' are exactly what this family needs.

We can't wait to share his birth story next week and even some really great DIY projects we've tackled for his nursery recently too. Below I wanted to share some of my most favorite pics so far from our week with him. We've already had so many amazing moments and truthfully the time in the hospital and our first few days at home were just shy of magical.

I already have some of my family in town to celebrate his birth, meet him and also enjoy Thanksgiving week. CasaCullen will be overflowing with love, blessing and Thanksgiving fun this week. I feel so lucky to have almost my entire family here around me. We hope your turkey week is just as blessed and we're sending warm energy your way. We are so thankful for our readers and all that they bring to our lives. So...thankful...for...you! Hugs and we'll be back on Monday!

A Few of My Favorite First Week Moments:

Really truly holding him for the FIRST TIME! I loved when they laid him on my chest and I just looked into his big bluish grey blinking eyes and just said, 'You're my baby and I've so wanted to meet you!' He was super calm, very alert and just stared at me. It was magical. This was after they got him all cleaned up but I just had no idea the love rush I'd experience when I first met him. My Nash.

Of course there is something so special about the fact that Nash is a mini-Walt. I mean, right down to hair color, features and yep, even his toes. It's hilarious! I love seeing my two men together because it's just like Walt and his Mini-Me. This is a good shot of his sweet ginger, peach-fuzz hair...and I'm completely bonkers in love with it. I don't even care if it changes, but for now...I'm hooked!

Heading home from the hospital. It was actually a really blissful and surreal stay. We delivered a smaller hospital in Austin and I kid you not, it was like staying at a hotel. Two words: complimentary massage! I'm not kidding you, all new Moms are given a complimentary massage. Yep, LOVED IT!

This was literally only 10 minutes after Nash and Zola met. Zola immediately took on the protective big sister role and has been by our side ever since. She's super curious, loves to kiss his head and fingers and is wagging her tail more everyday. The first few days were a little rough and we were getting concerned but Zola has turned a corner and is slowly getting back to her great puppy self. She and Nash are going to be the best buds ever!

And finally, at his first pediatrician visit. Is this one relaxed baby or what? I think he looks like the Priceline gnome in this pic, ha! Plus I love how comfortable, secure, safe and completely at ease he is in his Daddy's arms. Magical...completely and utterly, magical!

Personal Peek: Sweet Site - Top Ten Birthday Wants from Modcloth Under $50

So yesterday was my 31st birthday AND I was 31 weeks (and 6 days) preggers too! What a special day it was! My younger brother and his girlfriend hooked me up with a gift card to one of my favorite online retailers, ModCloth. Thanks y'all...you sure do know how to make a 31 year old feel super special.

So just for the record, I'm kinda sorta maybe obsessed with this site. My sister turned me onto them a few years ago and I just adore so many of their incredible pieces. I've even featured some of their great casa pickins' over on our sister site, CasaCullen, right HERE. Aren't they insanely quirky and cute? I'm giddy with excitement to spend my gift card today (yep, it's burning a hole in my pocket) so here are some of my fave picks under $50 in fashion/accessories.

Pssst - If you've never had a chance to check out the great vintage-type offerings over at Modcloth, do yourself a favor and click HERE!

Fairest of the Sea Skirt for $42.99

 

 

Bookshelf Bandit Tote in Anthony for $17.99

Come Full Circle Scarf in Grey for $19.99

Sage Yes Jacket for $49.99

Treasure Nest Bracelet for $27.99

Former or Splatter Skirt for $37.99

Sea for Yourself Bag in Foam for $39.99

Unleash the Fashion Flat for $32.99

Brilliant Idea Top for $42.99

London Is Calling Leggings for $49.99

Personal Style: Morgan Cullen from RunwayDaily - Tie Dyed Tank Tops and Black Maxi Skirts Under $50

Tank: Old Navy (under $4)

Skirt: Old Navy (under $7)

Metallic Flip Flops: Antonio Melani at Dillard's

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Tiny Double Hearts - gift from Hubby

Earrings: Swarovski studs - gift from Hubby

Shades: Converse - gift from my Dad

Ok, so obviously my body is going through some, uh hum, changes and with that comes the task of learning to dress my growing bump! This outfit really does make me feel feminine, strong and on-trend. We were recently in the Houston area for a few days and popped into an Old Navy outlet-type store. Let me just say, deals were found. Can you believe this skirt and tank set me back only $10? Yep, a ten dollar ensemble...I'll take it!

A maxi skirt is that great summer piece that every girl should have in her closet. Versatile, functional and wearable to numerous occasions, I love a black version because you can dress it up or down with ease. This particular version is cotton and superbly comfortable! I love pairing maxi skirts with breezy tanks or one of my jeans tops. What do you pair with your maxi skirt? For more ideas, click HERE.

Check out the great maxi skirts and easy summer tank combos I've hand picked below...all under $50! If you don't have this combo in your wardrobe, grab a few pieces today. Seriously, it's that 'perfect on almost every figure' look and you'll be thanking me later because it's also such a comfortable outfit to don too! Enjoy!

PS - Want to check out more of my personal style? Click HERE!

Maxi Skirts and Tie Dyed Tanks Under $50:

More Free People...

(Or click HERE to view the pieces online)

Bump watch alert! So we found out yesterday (when this pic was taken) if we're having a boy or girl, so head on over and find out that answer HERE, if you're curious. Also, it looks like I might be a bit farther along than I thought. This was supposed to be at 18 weeks but the Doctor thinks I might be almost 20 weeks. So that might be a half-baked bun right there. He still needs to consult with my primary Doctor before any due dates are moved...but for now, we're happy to report a healthy and growing baby. Enjoy!

Personal Peek: Oh, Baby - We've Got Something BIG to Share!

Many of you are already big fans of CasaCullen (thank you for your readership over there, too) so if that's the case...then you're already in the know!

If not, we're going to take the day off from posting over here on RunwayDaily and celebrate our blessing and HUGE EXCITING NEWS! Click HERE to be in the know!

And you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll be showcasing more Mommy-friendly fashions and bump-tastic pieces. And, now that the word is out...I'll also be sure to get back on the bandwagon with 'My Style' posts so you'll be able to watch the bump, stylishly grow!

Personal Peek: Donating My Hair - The New Haircut

It's truthfully surreal looking back at ALL THAT HAIR now. Did you guys know that it was giving me headaches and neck pain? Yeah, horrible neck pain and I was so over my long hair that I nearly took scissors to it one afternoon. That's when I knew it was time to a) book a salon visit and b) donate that junk, ha! But in all seriousness, I'm blessed to have hair that grows pretty fast so naturally the cycle of growing out and cutting starts all over again, now.

So you voted HERE and told me what style you thought suited me best (thanks for all the wonderful comments and votes) and I heeded your suggestions! So I finally caved and purchased a Groupon offer (are you on Groupon yet? If not, click HERE to sign up because it's amazing and you'll never pay full price again) for a $90 cut at half off...cha-ching! Right when I stepped into Elan Hair Salon, the whole place just gave me this really warm feeling.

There's one more before pic for ya!

I totally told my stylist, the wonderful Terry Curry, that this was absolutely a possibility for a runway hair. Just imagining all the top teased and tousled and this funny lil' rat tail braid in the back. Yep, I could totally see this on Marc Jacobs catwalk. Oh and about that rat tail mention...RWD Hubby used to totally want one when he was younger, how hilarious is that?

CHOPPED! I actually told Terry that I'd be happy to walk out of the salon with my hair just the way it is, right here, with the ponytail bluntly chopped off. It felt so freeing, so light...I just wanted to swish my head and hair back and forth, back and forth. Any other long hair lovers out there who have opted for a shorter 'do totally know what I'm talking about!

Zah braid.

There's cute lil' Terry, doin' her dang thang, ha! This was called 'texturizing' and I'm glad she did it because I couldn't even keep up with how fast her hands were moving. Terry has been a stylist for over 25 years so if you're looking for someone in Austin who knows hair, face shape, etc...go see Terry at Elan. Make sure to tell her I sent you, k?

Terry was amazing and styled my hair two different ways and showed me, step-by-step, how to get each look. This look was accomplished with a round brush and flat iron and RWD Hubby loves it!

Then it was back in the seat for me as Terry wrapped individuals sections of my hair around a medium barreled curling iron and spritzed the curls with setting spray. When she was all done, she lightly ran her fingers through some of the curls giving my hair a more tousled look...that's much more my style!

Here's my iPhone hand-held shot! Love those chitty chitty bang bangs!

Of course RWD Hubby had to get in on the action...silly boy!

  

And here's my first attempt at styling the 'do all by myself. Not too shabby, but definitely not nearly as great as Terry's options above. How come every time you leave the salon your hair never looks that good again? I think they sprinkle magical fairy hair dust on you and send you on your way...secretly knowing the dust wears out in 24, ha!

Oh and remember, it was our 5th anniversary last weekend so we headed to San Antonio to celebrate. Naturally, I'll do a Personal Peek post of our trip (and eats...oh our delicious eats) over on CasaCullen in the next week, but I just had to give our RWD readers this sneak peek at my new 'do all over San Antonio. I really tried to style it in a few different ways but I'm also totally digging the length while donning a fun spring hat. Hope you enjoy and we'll be back to our regularly scheduled fashion/beauty programming tomorrow!

Personal Peek: Looking Back - Our Wedding Day

"The best marriages are those where each partner tries to outgive the other." - Beckett Quay Waddell

 

That gorgeous and amazing quote is from my paternal grandfather, one of the most amazing men that ever lived. So today is our 5th anniversary and I can hardly believe it. Five years ago, hundreds of people put their lives aside to stand there with us as we professed our love (ok, not really, we just repeated the vows) at the church I grew up in. Then we all danced our buns off in celebration at McKee Botanical Gardens. And yep, that's totally us on their website!

So many amazing things happened during our wedding day...it's still one of our favorite days of our lives. Thank you to all of our amazing wedding party people...my bridesmaids were spectacular and so giving of their time and Walt's groomsman (all family) were the icing on the cake. Surrounded by very special people, both families came together and helped in the preparation and later bid us adieu as we took off for two weeks on an Italian honeymoon.

After five years of marriage, I can honestly say, it hasn't all been peaches and cream. We've had some really tough times and some huge storms we've had to weather, together. But I've married the man that's always up for 'talking through it' and hearing me out. He's a listening ear whenever I need it and a big hug at the end of every day.

We really, really try to never go to bed angry and always kiss before we say goodnight, NO MATTER WHAT! We also sit down every three months for our 'quarterly convos' to chat about how we think our marriage is going and where we want it to go. Actually, I'm thinking that might be a really good future post over on CasaCullen...remind me!

But back to the post at hand, I just wanted to re-live and share some of my favorite captured moments too. I'm not going to caption anything, I just wanted to share my hand-picked images that I absolutely love. None of these images are from our professional photographer (who, sorry to say, completely stunk...she did, not her pics, they were actually great) but these are actually all taken by our attendees. Yeah, we obviously had some serious talent in attendance.

Again, we're so thankful for EVERYONE that joined us on April 8th, 2006. A special, wonderful, magical and memorable day...indeed! Enjoy the pictures and here's to many, many more years of marriage and relational growth.

PS - This is CC Hubby's favorite picture ever, above. He even has it printed out and in his wallet. What a cutie, huh? Also, just so I don't have to answer this in the comment section...that is absolutely an earring in his ear. I love(d) it but since we've moved to Texas, he's actually taken it out. I totally think it's sexy and hope he puts it back in, one day. Hugs!

Personal Peek: Beauty Buzz - I'm About to Cut and Donate My Hair...for the Third Time!

Guess what amazing readers? I'm finally cutting my hair again! For the hardcore readers, you'll remember a little over three years ago when Nick Arrojo (of What Not to Wear fame) chopped it HERE. Three words for you: loved...that...cut! But ugh right now as it's gotten so long and annoying. No joke, I was  seriously tempted to take my office scissors to it last week. It gets wrapped around me every night when I sleep. Then when I try to readjust myself, I actually put my elbow down on top of it and yank my own head...ridiculous! So yeah, no more Tangled for me, Disney can keep that idea, ha!

So I recently purchased a Groupon (if you don't know that that is yet, click the link now) for a local Austin salon and this is the option I opted for:  

For $45, you get a women's precision cut, Kevin Murphy deep-conditioning treatment, shampoo, blow-dry, and style (a $90 value).

Sweet readers, I'm giddy with excitement and can't wait to a) donate my hair again to Locks of Love (more on that later) and b) have shoulder length (and manageable) spring/summer hair.

And what I'm most excited about is the amazing salon description Groupon used to explain what's in store for me. People, I'm so bonkers excited:

They specialize in precision cuts and inspired styles for all follicular floras and faunas. Mangled manes in need of a meticulous pelt pruning will first be luxuriously lathered in a conditioning treatment courtesy of the Kevin Murphy. A rich, botanical mask packed with key conditioning ingredients, it nourishes and strengthens strands.

I've never dyed my hair so excuse all the differences in color hues above. Real Simple's Beauty Makeover program (more on that HERE) is how I created these cool self images. They're color choices are hard to manipulate...trust me, I did my best. I'm going to keep my little virgin hair color the same. Why? I can't even imagine doing quarterly color updates because I can barely drag myself to get a hair cut. I'm totally not a hair person so yeah, same color...but a fun and drastic cut for sure.

I polled RWD Hubby and he gave his thumbs up on numbers 3 and 8. Which are your favorites? Really, do tell me...because I'll be taking the top three cuts to the stylist and will ask him/her which is best for my face shape and hair texture. So please share in the comment section below which choice you like for me.

My fave picks? I love looks 1 and 3 and I think they're a very similar cut, just styled differently! I think look 4 can also fall into this category as it's most similar to my natural hair texture. I love the idea of blunt bangs so 5, 6 and 8 caught my eye too. And those wispy layers in look 2 are so sexy but I know I'd need to bust out the curling iron or round brush for such tousled and pretty tresses.

I'm just trying to be realistic here because my fancy new hair dryer HERE is even pushing the limits during my busy work week. Plus, I've already had the cut in option 7 HERE so I'm game for something different. But man oh man, I totally loved that cut! Ok, I need your help. Give me any insight, insider scoop, etc on any of the above cuts! Can't wait to hear what you think and of course I'll be donating my 10+ inches to Locks of Love again...unless you know of another hair campaign that rocks your socks off?

Personal Peek: Beauty Buzz - My Lymphatic Facial and Phytomer Products from Venus DeMarco

I can't even remember the last time I had a facial. I think it actually might've been in San Francisco, with a visiting friend, around three years ago. Yep, t-h-r-e-e! I was long overdue and in desperate need of some face TLC. Knowing I didn't want to just purchase any old Groupon facial, what I really wanted was to splurge on an amazing aesthetician. So where did I go? I went to Venus DeMarco right here in Austin.

I've been purchasing my Jan Marini product(s) from her for over a year now. Every time I pop by to grab my facewash or sunscreen, she always reminds me that her facials are her specialty and what she's known all over Austin for. I finally took her up on her offer and laid back to enjoy an hour and a half of pure facial bliss.

Then I picked her brain about which facial would be best for me. I told her I'd been a big slacker with moisturizer lately and she told me she could tell from just looking at my skin. We chatted about my routine; everything from eating, sleeping, stress to the supplements I currently take. We also caught up on everything new with her business, including a Facebook page HERE (which I've been telling her to do) and her additional website HERE. If you're battling breast cancer or know someone that is, please direct them to her site. She's a survivor and her story, wisdom and research will amaze you.

Ok, ok..back to the facial. So I'm a huge believer in getting a facial from someone who really knows what they are doing and has been in the business for years. Understandably, everyone has to start somewhere but this level of splurging happens only occasionally for me so when it does, I splurge on the best. Venus is the best! Her product knowledge, skincare know-how and all around wellness make her an extremely respected expert in her industry. I knew I was, literally, in good hands.

During my entire facial, Venus used only Phytomer products. I had vaguely heard of this line but had never tried them. Can I just say, one whiff and I was sold. This is some good smelling stuff and personally, that matters to me. I had creams that smell old lady creamy and sunscreen that just wreaks of chemicals. Nope, I want natural ingredients and pleasent aromas. Phytomer is a great combo of both...done and done!

After my lymphatic facial (find out more on that service HERE which was a first for me and exceptionally lovely) we then sat back down and talked about a few products that would provide a better moisture barrier for my skin. I told her what my budget was for skincare and she really tried to give me the best combo for my skin type. She said this first found of products would be more expensive just to get my skin's moisture back on track. Once that happens, we can tailor my routine back and make it more affordable. I don't mind spending a good amount of money on skincare (it's the accessory you wear all the time) but I'm a budget minded lady.

So the three products I left with; Douceur Marine (Velvety Smoothing Cream - above), Oligoforce (Purifying Enforcement Serum with Oligomer) and Peeling Vegetal (Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes) and I'm hooked on all three! The cream smells so good I want to eat it and Zola is constantly trying to lick my face. The serum feels like this amazing barrier on my skin and has toned down my breakouts. Lastly, the peel/mask reminds me that twice a week I need to think of me!

If you're in the Austin area I highly recommend popping in to see Venus. HERE's her contact information and HERE's her Facebook page. She's running a great special on Phytomer and Vie products for all her Facebook fans so head over there and get the details on that. If you're not in the Austin area, I highly suggest googling skincare specialists/aestheticians and reading all the reviews. Venus has 35 reviews on CitySearch HERE and an overall five star rating. Don't spend your hard earned cash on some lackadaisical treatment...splurge on quality. Go on and treat yourself, gorgeous readers, you deserve it!

Personal Peek: Fashion/Beauty Resolutions for 2011

Is it really 2011? Oh my gosh, like so many of you, my jaw is still on the floor and I can hardly believe 2010 is gone. What an eventful and crazy year it was. When looking forward to 2011 and all I have in store for 2011, I just knew I had to take a moment and list my Top Five Beauty/Fashion resolutions. Why do I want to share? Because in a round about way it keeps me accountable.

Before I get to down to business, it can't truly be an accurate resolution without looking back at my 2010 goals. HERE's where you can view the original post and below is how I fared over this past year. Red strikethroughs equal completed tasks (yay!) and blue side notes give you an idea of where I'm still at with that particular resolution.

Ok, so after seeing how I've done on last year's list...I think I deserve a pat on the back. Completing three of five tasks isn't too shabby at all. Let's take a peek at what's in store for me/for us in 2011, below.

So there it is, in the great wide open and you have to keep me accountable to following through with all of these! Do you know of a great non profit that needs women's clothing? Shoot me the info via RunwayDaily@RunwayDaily.com and how about your favorite eye shadow color palette? Tell me all about it! So do share, amazing readers, what are some of your resolutions? How do you stick to them? Thank you again for another awesome year...I'm totally looking forward to the best year yet for RWD. 2011 surely has so much to offer!

Personal Peek: Happy Holidays Letter from Morgan Cullen at RunwayDaily

Personal Peek: Quick Question - Would You Want More Deets on My Daily Style?

So I have been meaning to ask you this question for months but I've been waiting to get a new camera before I put it out there. A camera that would allow me to take a self timer picture and share with you amazing readers some awesome ensembles that I've put together. Now, we have one HERE and I've never truly ventured into this territory because I just never thought people would be so interested in what I was wearing.

What got me thinking about this? I cannot believe the amount of inquiries I get on my personal Facebook page about everything I wear and it's totally flattering. I realized I'm not afriad to share my shoping secrets and good deals from where I buy my boots to the best store for super long maxi dresses. I've decided it's high time to share my wealth of shopping information with you. What do you think?

So with that being said and out in the open, I'm contemplating adding a few pictures each week of ensembles that I'm donning. Is this something you'd want to see? Do you enjoy all the fashion blogs where the writers post pictures? Or wait, do you find those extremely annoying? I don't at all, and really enjoy seeing what real women wear and how they creatively pair pieces together.

Of course I'll always share the details on every piece I'm wearing so you can either a) scoop one up for yourself or b) I'll be sure to do some hand picking to find you similar pieces! Vote below and share your thoughts on this new post idea...because the good Lord knows, all this fashion work I do, I truly do FOR YOU! Cheers and please vote below!

More RWD Ensembles?
	SURELY WOULD!
	NOPE, NOT FOR ME!
= see results =

Personal Peek: Time Away - We're Taking a Mental Health Week

Hey amazing readers! There comes a time in everyone's life where they have to put their work aside and concentrate on their personal life, to the fullest, at least for one week. We're taking an entire week off from blogging and this is H-U-G-E! Why? Well because we haven't taken a full week off from our blogging career for over three years. Yeppers, three whole years...non...stop...blogging!

RWD Hubby actually convinced me that this has been a long time coming and a much deserved sabbatical/hiatus is just what I'm truly in need of. Obviously, I'm eager to return with new-found energy, ideas, creativity and seriously refreshed. It's only one week so don't fret but please check back on Monday, October 18th as we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming then...haha!

So what can you do for us this week? Share all our sites with all your friends, via email and Facebook. We'd be forever grateful and appreciative!

Image from HERE

Personal Peek: Wardrobe Essential for Travel - Vera Bradley

Images from HERE

So when was the last time you popped by VeraBradley.com? I know, exactly! I didn't even know it existed until a few days ago. Now listen, I know Vera Bradley might not be the trendiest or statement making brand...but they do have some excellent products that I just have to mention. First of all, when I travel, I always bring my VB cosmetic bag (it was an awesome bridesmaids gift from a friend of mine) and my VB hanging travel cosmetic organizer (similar one is featured above in purple.)

Do you know how many people ask me where I got both of these? Literally, so many women have asked! I think it's an absolute must for keeping all your goodies organized while traveling. I'm not one that loves living out of a suitcase because I like the comforts of an organized home (where everything has its place) but I also love traveling so I've found my Vera Bradley products make my life so much easier, on the road. Do you have any VB products that you just love? I also have a tote and overnight bag (compliments of RWD Hubby as one of my wedding gifts) and they have also gotten their mileage.

Honestly, one of the main reasons I love Vera Bradley is because, drumroll...they are machine washable! Seriously, can I even tell you how many times I wish I could just throw my Gustto or Kooba in the wash. I love me a good leather bag but I also really adore the fact that after a long trip, my VB products come out of the wash looking brand spankin' new! I've rounded up a few items above, but I suggest you head on over to VB and check out their awesome online offerings. 

Psst! Here's a great shopping deal, straight from Team VB, that I know you'll just love:

25% Off Paprika and Hope Garden at verabradley.com!

(Offer ends September 23, 2010)

Afternoon Pick Me Up: Personal Peek - Fossil Sunglasses

I love Fossil sunglasses. Oh wait, I'm actually, pretty much obsessed with Fossil sunglasses. I've had two pairs that I've donned for years and they've been the best glasses. The lenses aren't even scratched (and I'm super rough on my shades) and they little fake bling on the side is still just as sparkly as day one. I've decided it's high time I share my love and adoration with you as I'm on the hunt for a great new pair for our upcoming Bahamas cruise. Gotta keep those peepers shaded in style, at all times. Check out these great deals below...because seriously, how amazing is the price point? Enjoy!

Click Images or Links for More Info

Fossil Cat Eye - Jackie for $55

Fossil Aviator - London for $45

Fossil Aviator - Rena for $50

Fossil Polarized Aviator - Manchester for $45

Fossil Square - Liverpool for $45

Fossil Aviator - Portia for $40

Fossil Square - Kate for $60

Personal Peek: The Falling Whistles Campaign Necklace

 

 

 
  

(Images Courtesy of Falling Whistles - Click to Enlarge)

Readers, this is an amazingly inspirational and somber post today. Unexpected, as today is RWD/RWD Hubby's wedding anniversary, but I'm not going to go too far in depth. I'll let you feel compelled to research and learn more about this amazing campaign. I was actually awoken with a thoughtful and thought provoking gift on my night-stand this morning and knew I just had to share it with you. This necklace stands for something so much bigger than just fashion and trends and I'm so glad RWD Hubby remembered how much I was touched by it! 

A few months ago, RWD Hubby and I popped into a new menswear store located here in Austin, Tx called STAG. An awesome local spot for all things trendy and traditional for your gentleman folk. We both scoured the shoe section and loved that all the display cases/furniture were also for sale. Some truly amazing statement pieces that might just find their way into our CasaCullen in the near future. 

I stumbled upon this amazing display of whistles and they caught my eye as it was literally days before I launched our Freshy Fig giveaway here on RWD. I obviously had whistles on the brain. I started reading the book that accompanied the display and my jaw dropped and my eyes watered. RWD walked over and asked if I was ok. He then realized what they stood for and a night's worth of conversation on this topic began. 

For the sake of not being able to convey the point as eloquently as on their site...here's what The Falling Whistles Campaign necklace actually stands for: 

Falling Whistles gives a small window into our world’s largest war. Originally just a journal written about boys sent to the frontlines of war armed with only a whistle, readers forwarded it with the same kind of urgency in which it was written and demanded to know – what can we do? The Falling Whistles campaign launched with a simple response - make their weapon your voice and be a whistleblower for peace in Congo. Read the story and buy the whistle. Proceeds go to rehabilitate and advocate for war-affected children. Share their story and speak up for them. Together, we'll become the voice of a growing coalition for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

I will don this necklace with so much pride/hope for continued growth for this cause. I hope that you support it too. If you're in Austin, pop by Stag and grab one up. Or order one online via The Falling Whistles website/online shop right HERE. Also, keep up to date on their movement via their awesome blog HERE. Make a statement in this gorgeous necklace...though the cause is beyond somber, the movement is very much alive! Enjoy!

PS - Excuse the rather dodgy iPhone pic above! Actually, that's really hard to do...a new-found respect for sure! I'm off to the pool to relax and kick back in the sun but wanted to share my necklace!

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Personal Peek: RWD's Twenty-Ten Resolutions

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I love making New Year's Resolutions! I have to actually PULL them out of RWD Hubby and I recently asked him why that is. He said because then he feels compelled to HAVE TO do it. I laughed and said, 'That's precisely why you share...for accountability!' 

With that being said...our plate is full on the home front as our to-do list is twenty items strong and growing. I guess that's what happens when you buy a home. On the fashion chic front, it's a whole nother story. They are short and sweet and to the point. Some are huge changes and some just minor adjustments. Some are material purchases and some are going to create lasting memories. (Hopefully all good and no bad, I'm referring to number three.)

But now they're out there, in the great unknown and for some reason, I feel like I am held accountable by all my dear readers. I even have a good friend overseas who wants me to be her accountability partner for some of her twenty-ten goals so I'm more than willing to also lend strong support for others in their resolutions. What are yours? Come on...share away! 

So let me take a second to explain my list above. Numero uno sounds ridiculous but I'm a sucker for a sale and I'd like to make this year a year of adding classic pieces. For goodness sake, I turn the big dirty thirty in October so maybe it's time to look at classics in a whole new light...blah blah! Yes, I'll still splurge on trendy pieces...don't you worry.

Number two is self explanatory...really, it's time once again to get myself in shape. I'm very excited about number three and I'm sure you can imagine another member of the RWD household whose mouth is watering. Obviously, RWD Hubby is in complete support of this one. I promise to post, via CasaCullen, my trials, errors, success and highlights. I will hold nothing back and share all...in the kitchen

Number four is just a very weird phase, I'm thinkin'. I've really never worn a watch. I don't know if it's out of pure habit...but I've heard that once you go 'watch' you never go back. So mabe I'll be one of those ladies that owns a million (my Mom) or maybe just have that luxurious one staple watch that I wear daily. We'll find out, soon enough. 

Last, but not lease, number five should be on everyone's list. Give more, buy less. It's that simple and that hard. Well, without further ado...I'll leave you with a great sampling of some seriously fashionable time pieces below. I guess it's time to accept the fact that I'm an adult, but a big kid at heart, and having a watch makes me one step closer to actually being more responsible...and fashionable. Enjoy!

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Personal Peek: Holiday Shopping Guide - RWD's Favorite Things

So there have been requests for Holiday shopping lists...but instead of sharing some more timeless pieces or something statement-making if you're a more daring diva, I've compiled a list of my all-time FAVORITE things. If Oprah can do it, why can't I? 

I want to take a few minutes to highlight some key items in my round-up below. I adore my Swarovski crystal solitaires from RWD Hubby...wear them all the time. These and my right hand silver band are literally always adorning my everyday casual wear. A new beauty discovery that I adore is Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. A steep price but smells like heaven and is light, refreshing and phenomenally hydrating.

What else, hmmm. I use all Jan Marini skin care products and their Antioxidant Face Protectant, yep, I could eat it. Ha ha! Smells like magic! I love Williams-Sonoma soap sets for around the house...I live in my Hanky Panky's and Crochet boots. A plaid shirt, great T and long and lean jeans are always in rotation. My Bose player is blastin' tunes throughout the new pad daily. 

Sooooo, there you have it, dear readers. A fantastic round-up of some of my fave essentials and just a plug for some fabulous products. Have a question about anything you see, below. Shoot me an email or leave a comment and I'll be sure to get back with you promptly. Happy hump day!

(Click Thumbnails to be Directed to ShopStyle for Info & to Buy!)

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Personal Peek: RunwayDaily Attends Fashion Week Awards Show in Austin, TX

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RunwayDaily had the pleasure of recently attending Austin Fashion Week's first ever Fashion Awards Show and let me just tell you...it was awesome! Complete with red carpet interviews and and special guest appearances by Jonathan Kayne (aka: 'Kayne' on Project Runway Season 3) pictured above on the runway with numerous models in his designs. The show's beyond witty hostess, Jenny Hart (loved her) from Sublime Stitching rounded out a great evening of laughter, memories, awesome fashion and everyone vying for that coveted 'Golden Boot!' 

Oh but there's still more...high voltage live music rocked out in the background (my fave: Alpha Rev) while models galavanted on the shortened runway wearing looks from local designers. LA based designer Corey Lynn Calter passed out an award and the after-party got started outside a bit early as a gorgeous Texas sunset laid the perfect backdrop (pic above). All in all, a fabulous first go for Austin's inaugural Fashion Week! We here at RWD are hoping to be much more involved next year as we literally knew NO ONE! Cheers to Austin and it's unending support of local creative artists...and that, dear readers, is exactly why I'm thrilled we moved to this awesome city! Bravo!

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Personal Peek: RunwayDaily Arrives in Austin, TX - Settling in Nicely!

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Personal Peek: RunwayDaily Relocating to Austin, TX

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