The 2nd Story

I have a deep-seated love for balance. But for me, balance isn't about everything matching— it’s about  the tension created by mixing two opposing styles, vibes, or textures. I live for the "mismatch" that somehow feels exactly right. The classic band tee is the perfect canvas for this. It’s a staple, but it doesn't have to stay in the "jeans and sneakers" lane. This week, I took my favorite Pink Floyd classic and styled it three ways to prove that when you play with opposites, a thrifted tee becomes high-end art. 1. The Satin & Stud Balance This look is the ultimate study in rough vs. smooth . I paired the cotton band tee with a chartreuse satin skirt. This is a personal favorite because it creates a "Rock-Luxe" vibe. The chartreuse and the black of the shirt are high-contrast, but the magic is in the materials. The silkiness of the skirt elevates the worn-in feel of the tee, while the studded boots add the necessary "grit." It’s eff...

  Creating a Secondhand Home In two weeks, my husband and I will have lived in our house for two years. What a ride these past two years have been. Milestones, deaths, celebrations, losing jobs, and starting businesses—a lot can happen in 730 days. There were many unexpected events; some were amazing, and others I would have rather never experienced. Still I would not take any of them back. Each experience has led me to where I am today. Through it all, we have been making this house our home. It feels funny to say that, knowing we plan on moving states in a few years, but what I mean is more of a feeling than a permanent location. It’s about creating the feeling of home . We originally moved into our previous house to take care of my grandmother when she was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was a quick decline, but I will never regret the memories (both the good and the bad). The time I spent with her is time I will never get back. My time with her came to an abrupt end, we h...

We kicked off my husband's 40th-birthday celebration early this week. It is a milestone year that deserves a major celebration. Honestly, I wouldn't be where I am without this man's unwavering support, so he deserves a whole chapter of his own! We started the day with a slow morning and coffee at our favorite local shop. We’ve come to really value that quiet time together. As my kids get older, the way we spend time together has changed. Every stage has its pros and cons, but witnessing them actually absorb an experience and be fully present is something truly special. We’ve been talking about this specific event for weeks: The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performing Danny Elfman’s scores from Tim Burton’s films. They played music from Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and The Nightmare Before Christmas . It was a total nostalgia dump. I loved watching the crowd get into it; it’s amazing to see people come toget...