Three years ago today I was sitting at my desk at francesca’s corporate office, probably crossing a few items off of my to-do list with just enough time to spare before our next marketing meeting. I was so proud to hold the role of Marketing Coordinator and absolutely loved spending my days in our colorful office attached to the studio. The clicking sound of the camera snapping away at the models was just part of the everyday background noise. And it was common to see season’s latest trends waltz past my desk on a daily basis. It really was just a thrilling opportunity to be a part of it all.
Flash forward to today and I’m on the other side of it all. Lone Star Looking Glass is a full-fledged small business, holding me as its CEO, and I’m a mom to a toddler too. A lot can happen in the blink of an eye!
When francesca’s reached out about collaborating together and sharing a Mother’s Day style story, I practically squealed with delight! Annie and I spent the day at francesca’s studio a few weeks ago where we snapped several different sundress outfits for the clothing company’s website and social media. (Take a sneak peek at some of them here!) It really was surreal to be standing in the studio, just a few feet away from my old desk while holding a toddler in my arms, that’s for sure! Annie had just as much fun participating in the shoot as I did. The team played Baby Shark for her and she was just all about it. Spending the day with her in my old stomping grounds was like everything had come full circle.
While it was so much fun to shoot away in the studio, my favorite snaps to share are those taken on adventures and in the moment. So today, I’m taking you all on a day trip to Galveston with me and sharing three different sundress outfits that are oh-so-perfect for a beautiful spring day or Mother’s Day. Annie is along for the ride this time too and some of these shots of the two of us just may be a few of my favorites we’ve ever taken!
Neutral Stripes for Spring
Wrap dresses really are the most flattering of all. As soon as I slipped on this striped tied number, I felt the need to spin around and do a little dance. This wear-anywhere frock makes for a perfect dress to don for Mother’s Day Brunch or even on date night. It’s classic with a feminine flirty feeling too. I tied francesca’s Doreen Midi Dress with the cutest sky-high clog-style heels and a bright yellow clutch.
On our day trip to Galveston, we visited the boardwalk in Beach Town where we snapped these photos. It’s one of my favorite spots in all of Galveston because it reminds me so much of the Florida beaches my family would visit growing up. I kept telling Annie over and over that we were going to the beach but I don’t think it set in until she reached the end of the boardwalk and saw it for herself. That smile on her face could brighten just about anyone’s day!
Sidenote, this may just be my favorite picture of Annie of all time. Thinking it needs to be framed in our house stat!!
SHOP MY SUNDRESS OUTFIT:
Pretty in Plaid
When I was in high school I had a pair of shorts in a madras plaid print that was oh-so-similar to this plaid that this gorgeous off-the-shoulder sundress is boasting. Not only do I absolutely adore this silhouette of francesca’s Lorinne Midi Dress, with its off-the-shoulder details, tied waist, and ruffled hem, but seeing that plaid print styled in a new way made me fall in love with it all over again. The best thing about day dresses like this one are that you can dress them up & down for almost any occasion. Paired with simple sandals, it’s perfect for breakfast out on Mother’s Day morning. Swap it out with wedges and it’s a gorgeous frock to find yourself wearing come happy hour with the girls.
When I pick out Annie’s clothes each and every day I think my mind tends to subconsciously grab pieces that coordinate with whatever I’m wearing. So needless to say, she almost always ends up wearing something that matches me. We found Annie’s embroidered Mexican dress on a recent trip to San Antonio and the bright blue color pops so perfectly with the blue plaid in my midi dress. Y’all, I just have too much fun dressing up this little girl of mine!
Aaaand she’s off to play in the sand and splash in the waves!
SHOP MY SUNDRESS OUTFIT:
Oh My Tie Dye
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. Every time I find myself strolling the beaches of Galveston I truly can’t believe that I’m only 45 minutes away from my home! It’s a place that I need to take more advantage of visiting – especially with this beautiful spring Texas weather we’re having. francesca’s has oodles of dresses, cover-ups, sandals and roomy totes that are positively perfect for a day spent beachside. The tie-dyed Lorna Maxi Dress can be worn dressed up with heels out and about or over your favorite swimsuit to the pool or the shore. I love how it looks styled with this bright straw beach tote and these comfy “flatform” sandals.
During our day in Galveston, we popped in and out of shops on The Strand, had lunch at the Fisherman’s Wharf on the pier and even grabbed a scoop of ice cream from La King’s Confectionary. But it’s safe to say our favorite part of the day was dipping our toes into the cool waters of the Gulf of Mexico!
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There is still time to shop for you, your mom or whoever you please before Mother’s Day next Sunday. Right now, full priced items are buy 1, get one 60% off in both stores and online at francesca’s. You can also grab free shipping and $10 off your purchase of $75 or more with the code LOVEMOM. Be sure to check out their page of giftables and trinkets Mom will love this Mother’s Day!
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Big thank you to francesca’s for sponsoring this sundress outfits blog post and partnering with me this Mother’s Day. It brought me so much joy to work with this team again and I’m thrilled to share this spring style content with you all. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog!
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xo, alice
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photos by Ban Avenue
