La Vie en rose

Thanks again for the photos, Dad—who, for the record, hates my shoes. Why do men never understand the deep and real relationship a woman shares with her shoes?

CUSP necklace (similar), The Impeccable Pig dress (c/o thanks to the SMU Sorority Contest), Tory Burch bag (similar), Stuart Weitzman wedges (similar)

I’m looking forward to my good friend Taylor’s USC graduation this weekend. The champagne is at the ready, but what about the other crucial element of the equation— the outfit? Shh Taylor, this is what I’m wearing to your celebratory brunch ; )

I’ve been swooning over this flirty, floral sundress ever since I tried it on at The Impeccable Pig in Dallas. The romantic print and the snug fit make it an A in my book. I know I’ll keep this little number in constant rotation this summer—especially when the NYC heat rears its ugly head. What’s your go-to look for sticky, summer days?

The Secret Garden

All photos taken by my talented dad. As a retired cinematographer, he now focuses on oil pastel paintings, mismatched tracksuits, lunch outings with “the Romeos” and puppy playdates with Finn and Coco. If you're interested in art, check out his painting portfolio.

Forever21 earrings, Forever21 blouse, Loft skirt, J.Crew clutch (similar), J.Crew heels (similar)

Like any little girl with a big imagination, our backyard became my play area. Besides countless fake weddings (my younger brother typically stood in for the groom), I was completely obsessed with “The Secret Garden.” I spent hours outside imagining Mary’s adventures. I still have a soft spot for the book today. I guess we never really do grow up after all!

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

1.     Honeydew Intimates Lace Bralette ($32) and Boyshorts ($18)

2.     Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote, $575

3.     YSL Vibrant Red Nail Lacquer, $25

4.     Moët & Chandon Champagne, $36

5.     Kate Spade Carlisle Passport Holder, $68

I still have one more year left to go but for many, college graduation is right around the corner! Congratulations, you’re just getting started. I hope you earn a job you love or create one instead, fall in love with a new city and keep learning wherever you go. Good luck!

Show Your Mommy Some Love

My mom has always been a glamorous, super woman in my eyes. My earliest memory is watching her get ready for a night on the town with my dad. I must have been about three years old, but I still remember her elegant, black gown and the scent of her perfume. I keep a small bottle of it in my bathroom and whenever I smell it, I’m instantly transported back to that moment.

As my biggest cheerleader, my mom has never missed a ballet recital or a teary phone call. Her constant love and support has always and will always be invaluable. The older I get, the more I see myself in her. It’s not just my green eyes, big smile and unruly curls I’ve inherited from her. I know I will be a great mom when I have kids because of the example she has shown me and my brother. 

1.     Leif Gemstone Magnet Set, $38

2.     Swoozies iPhone case, $35

3.     Swoozies Sealife Medallion Straw Clutch, $39.95

4.     Jennifer Meyer Gold Mommy Pendant Necklace, $850

5.     Rachel Zoe Charlie Satchel, $436

6.     Gorjana XO Cuff, $75

7.     Leif Strawberries Stripes Scarf, $128

8.     Waiting on Martha Glass Necessity Tray, $54

9.     Waiting on Martha Bon Bon Pink Cake Stand, $80

Giveaway with Accessory Auctions

Zara hat, Accessory Auctions scarf c/o, H&M dress, Banana Republic purse, Tory Burch shoes

Photos by the always fashionable and wonderful, Alex Harvel.

Founded by two sisters in Dallas, Accessory Auctions enables online shopping fanatics like myself to bid on affordable pieces. Auctions are held on their Facebook page every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m. (CST) and Friday at noon. If you see an accessory you want to purchase, you just comment “sold!” on the picture. I knew I had to sign up when I realized I never had to change out of my pajamas to shop and free shipping is offered.

Accessory Auctions is graciously giving away this infinity summer scarf to one lucky Brooke du jour reader! How cute is the pop of yellow? Dress up a simple summer outfit with this printed scarf. Or hey, if you’re not one to shy away from color, pair it with something equally bold.

To enter, all you have to do is “like” Brooke du jour AND Accessory Auctions on Facebook and leave a comment on this post letting me know you did. Extra brownie points for “sharing” this post on Facebook, Twitter, etc!

The giveaway will be open until Monday, May 6 at midnight. I’ll use a random online generator to choose the winner. Are you feeling lucky?

Spotlight on Kira Plastinina

I’m so excited to share with y’all an article I wrote on the opening of Kira Plastinina’s LUBLU boutique in Preston Center. With over 250 stores under her belt, another store may not seem like a big deal to some. But for Kira, the new Dallas location of her popular LUBLU brand hits close to home. Kira sweetly squeezed me into her busy schedule of managing a hugely successful global fashion empire, SMU Communication Studies classes and Theta sorority sisters—How does she do it all?!

The full article is on Pegasus News, but read below for a little taste.

Photo credit: FD Luxe

Photo credit: FD Luxe

Photo credit: Harper's Bazaar Russia

Dallasites take note, there’s a new boutique coming to The Plaza at Preston Center. Twenty-year-old SMU junior and Russian fashion designer Kira Plastinina is the mastermind behind LUBLU Kira Plastinina.

The June opening marks LUBLU’s first American flagship store.

“My friends always ask, ‘Kira, where can we get your line?’ I realized Dallas is a great market and a great fit for my line,” Plastinina says.

LUBLU will draw in high-end, trendy shoppers. “When I’m designing, the three words I keep in mind to reflect the brand are feminine, savvy and daring. This is a girl who dresses up for events. My strongest point as a designer is fun cocktail outfits,” Plastinina says. “Our demographic is for the ‘it’ girl. When she walks into a room, people notice what she’s wearing—it’s different and fresh. She strives for that when she’s looking through her closet.”

Plastinina’s favorite piece LUBLU will carry is a yellow sweater with a colorful, chameleon-knit embellishment, she says.

Keep up with Kira's jet-setting style on Facebook and Instagram.

RTR: Look Luxe for Less

J.Crew earrings (similar)

Hervé Léger dress, Anthropologie clutch (similar)

Channeling Lauren Conrad with a braid from my go-to girls at La Bichette.

Photos by Megan Rutledge of MDR Casual and Kate Londgren of The Western Belle. Thanks ladies!

My 21^st birthday dress was such a hit, I knew I had to use Rent the Runway for my last sorority formal of the year, Anchor Ball. Who doesn’t love RTR? Fashion fun that’s easy on the wallet? Yes please. I went with the Ashley Bandage dress and couldn’t have been happier. It’s the perfect amount of sexy and sweet.

Party prep at La Bichette, drinks at the Ritz, dinner at Sambuca (I highly recommend the pink lemonade!) and our formal’s venue were all so much fun. If you didn’t take advantage of the silly photo booth, you seriously missed out. Anchors aweigh!