Get a hobby and Persian rug dresses

Welcome to my new blog!

“Get a hobby.” The painful words uttered by Bethenny Frankel to Jill Zarin via voicemail in this past season of “The Real Housewives of New York City” struck a chord deep in my heart. I felt like she was talking right to me. I need a hobby. I feel like my hobbies lately has been my boyfriend and reality television. So, what do I like to do? I like to write, give my opinion, tell stories, make people laugh, and I love fashion.

Inspired by plus-size fashion blogs (Bombshell Beauty, T Minus T Plus and Fab Finds Under $50), hilariously strange situations I manage to find myself in and what’s sure to be a great roller coaster ride in my life as I move in with my long-distance love in four weeks, I decided to launch Haute Houston.

Since deciding to start my blog – about a week ago – I’ve endured several comparisons to Julie Powell from “Julie and Julia” and remarks like, “Are you gonna blog about this?” from Kevin, my boyfriend of 14 months. So yes, I’m going to blog about this.

This weekend I dominated the Gap and Lane Bryant outlets at the Katy Mills Mall with a colleague and friend from my professional organization. I was excited to see that I might not be isolated from my friends in College Station once I move to Cypress and start commuting the hour back to work every day. At least the shopping will get them driving my way.

I reviewed my treasures with Kevin after he got off work Saturday evening, and he played along, feigning interest in my purchases. I showed him the new dress I picked up from Lane Bryant, a long, bright pink patterned dress which elicited the response, “I like it, you look good in Persian rug dresses.”

So, in honor of Kevin’s fondness for Persian rugs and me in them, today I’m sporting the long, pink dress. I’m even trying to be brave and go sleeveless.

And after seeing the photo I think I'll add the gym to the list of my new hobbies.

I paired the dress with some silver jewelry and black patent leather sandals.

Dress: Lane Bryant Outlet $36
Ring: Lane Bryant Outlet $12
Earrings: Lane Bryant $11
Shoes: Bandolino via Ross $25
Necklace: Na Hoku (Christmas gift from sister, 2008)