Archives for April 2015

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

April 28, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 1 Comment

Wondering what to get the special moms in your life for Mother’s Day? No worries…we’ve got you covered! Check out our a few of our favorite things:

//ONE// For the mom who loves to work on her fitness but also likes to keep her outfits on trend, this Tory Burch Fitbit Wrap is just the ticket. She can slip her Fitbit into this stylish wrap bracelet to dress it up so she can keep up with her steps in any outfit!

//TWO// We couldn’t resist these adorable monogrammed eye masks. Always ahead of the curve with their clever designs, Iomoi’s offerings include stationary, tote bags, and decorative lacquer trays, all customizable, making them the perfect gift for any mom!

//THREE// For an accessory any mom is sure to adore, these turquoise and horn drop earrings make a perfect gift. They are fun and stylish and just the right size to make a statement without going overboard.

//FOUR// For any mom who loves being pampered, Essie’s Spring 2015 nail polish collection makes a fun little gift. This collection is the result of a collaboration between Essie and designer extraordinaire Rebecca Minkoff, so you know it’s sure to be on trend!

//FIVE// These Eberjey pajamas are a favorite of both In the Loop Style sisters! We adore them for their soft modal jersey fabric and borrowed from the boys style. This is loungewear done right. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed will never be the same!

//SIX// This Aerin Ikat Jasmine body cream is the definition of luxury. With just a delicate hint of fragrance, your mom will be the most intriguing woman in the room.

//SEVEN// You can thank your mom for instilling perfect Southern manners by getting her this tongue-in-cheek Yes Ma’am tea towel. Well, bless your heart!

//EIGHT// This Gigi New York clutch can be monogrammed. Their entire line is customizable and a great price point. The label also has great totes, cross-body bags, and iPhone and iPad covers.

//NINE// Chastiti gifted this Heather Moore framed circle pendant to Chandra on her very first Mother’s Day, and we love its simplicity. It is such a special way to always have your children near your heart.

//TEN// This collection of Jo Malone London fragrances, from floral and fruity to citrus and spicy, allows you to explore Jo Malone’s spectrum of unique scents.The collection has a fun twist — these fragrances are designed to be layered, allowing you to create your very own signature scent!

//ELEVEN// For the foodie mom, Katie Lee’s Endless Summer Cookbook is full of fresh, easy-to-follow recipes that evoke the sun-drenched summer flavors of her Hamptons home. Full of page after page of stunning photography, this cookbook is also a feast for the eyes.

//TWELVE// Jonathan Adler’s kitschy designs add a bit of whimsy to the home. Who doesn’t like a fun conversation piece? This designer has a little bit of something for everyone, like this adorable polished brass hand ring holder. Hands down, it is the cutest gift we’ve seen!

//THIRTEEN// There are just no other comparable candles to the Lafco scents, especially Dressing Room, a fresh, feminine fragrance with notes of delphinium, apple blossom, and gardenia. A cool bonus is that the beautiful hand-blown vessel can be re-purposed. Perfect gift for any age.

//FOURTEEN// Aerin Lauder’s new home line is the best thing to hit home decor in a while. Gorgeous and thoughtfully styled, each and every piece is stunning. This gorgeous chocolate shagreen tray would make a swoon-worthy gift for the stylish mom with a contemporary flare. Many pieces from this beautiful collection are available locally at Longoria Collection in Uptown Park.

//FIFTEEN// For a chic home accent at a wonderfully low price point, this copper-dipped earthenware tear drop vase is both traditional and today. We envision this piece in just about any home holding a beautiful bouquet. What’s perfect about this vase is that even without flowers, it steals the show.

//SIXTEEN// This fun, floral cosmetics bag by Tory Burch makes a great gift for your favorite aunt or sister (hint, hint). Stylish and sleek, this cosmetic bag will keep you in the loop during all your travels!

A Flare Extraordinaire

April 24, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 2 Comments

Although I never stopped wearing my flares, they definitely took a back seat to skinny jeans for several years. They are back in a big way though, and I am celebrating! With the right fit, a flared-leg jean can be the most flattering item in your closet. They have a way of elongating the leg like nothing else. I think flares can work for most any body type, and I have a few tips for making sure you get the right pair.

Inseam — The length of flared jeans is the most important factor to consider. You want to make sure the hem just barely, almost but not quite, grazes the floor. Any longer, and they look bunched up and sloppy, breaking the long line of your leg. Any shorter, and your pants just look…well, too short! This is where a great tailor comes in handy. Unlike skinny jeans, which you can wear with just about any shoe in your closet, flares really should be hemmed to a certain heel length and look best worn with shoes of that height.

Rise — I also think a slightly higher waist looks best. I’m not talking about mom jeans with a 12″ zipper or anything too crazy! I just think it’s best to avoid the super low-rise jeans that were au courant about ten years ago. The higher waist contributes to that long line, effectively elongating your legs even more. It also gives you the option of tucking in your top. If your jeans are sitting low on your hips, your waist will all but disappear the moment you tuck in your shirt.

Fit — Indeed an essential component of any pair of jeans, proper fit is crucial to a great flare. When buying jeans, it’s important to note the amount of stretch in the fabric. This will help you decide if you need to size up or down. I generally prefer a more true denim feel, as opposed to a super stretchy jean, but that is just a personal thing. Also, with flares, they seem to look best when they are very fitted to the knee, with the break of the flare coming just below the knee.

Keep it Simple — In general, I am not a big fan of jeans with too much going on in terms of stitching on the pockets or down the leg. There are exceptions, but I feel like the most booty-flattering jeans keep it pretty simple on the pockets. Again, this helps avoid a break in the eye, keeping the line long and lean. It also keeps your look very classic and less likely to look dated in a few years. I have had the same pair of J. Brand Love Story flared jeans since before I had my son, and with their dark wash and simple styling, I feel like I will be able to wear them for another five or six years at least. The jeans I am wearing here, however, are the Jiselle fit by Seven For All Mankind, and I love their worn-in wash and plain pockets. Unfortunately, this style is mostly sold out, but Seven makes several other flares that are also great. One of my super stylish friends was wearing the Slacker by Mother the other night, and they looked amazing, and Frame is killing it right now with their flares!

Styling — Although flare jeans are a throwback to the bell bottoms of the Woodstock era, they are not limited to a hippie chic look. In fact, I think they are super versatile. You can never go wrong with a simple white t-shirt or tank, tucked in or half-tucked, worn with wedges. This look gives you the perfect blank canvas for adding fun accessories to personalize the look. I also love flares with a fitted blazer and pointy heels for a classic look that is a great staple for casual Friday. Or you can do as I have here and pair them with a rolled-sleeve, button-down and fringe crossbody bag for a more casual vibe.

Side note: This J. Crew chambray shirt is practically threadbare; I’m pretty sure I have not gone a week without wearing it somewhere since I got it a few years ago! Talk about getting my cost-per-wear money’s worth! It is still going strong though, and I love the denim on denim look!

Make Time and Make a Difference

April 23, 2015 By Chastiti Horne 4 Comments

In the not-so-distant past, a blue dress belonging to a young Washington aide became the center of many a joke. Late night television hosts had a field day, and the dress took on a life of its own. Today, that same dress would have its own Twitter account! However, getting past that political stigma, a blue dress recently brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. Although my wardrobe centers around the color black and an LBD is my typical go-to attire for special events, blue is one of my absolute favorite colors. When I was selected as a 2014 Woman on the Move by Texas Executive Women for my work with Child Advocates, Inc., I was not only honored to be included in a group with such distinguished past honorees, all of whom I admire, but also humbled to be a part of such a prestigious class of women – each of them are absolute trailblazers! Texas Executive Women is an organization of professional female executives from various fields who are actively involved in mentoring young women and providing scholarships to those seeking higher education. TEW began its mentoring programs in 1993, and since then, it has touched the lives of over 2,500 middle and high school girls. The goal behind mentoring is to provide role models to spark the desire for a better life and show them how to make their dreams become realities.

The ten women chosen each year as Women on the Move plus one Rising Star are honored at the annual WOM Luncheon. To say that I was excited to be included is an understatement! However, what to wear to an early November luncheon in Houston can be tricky. One day our temps could reach the mid 80s, and the next day frost appears on our car windows. I chose a gorgeous, and pricey, dress from one of my favorite Houston boutiques. It was perfect, and I was so excited to wear it! In typical fall weather fashion for Houston, we had been experiencing very warm temps, so my newest “professional luncheon” outfit boasted short sleeves. But, as luck would have it, I awoke the morning of the luncheon with temperatures already in the lower 40s and meteorologists telling us to brace for a freeze. As an honoree, I had to be at the event hours before it started with no time to acquire a new dress, so I quickly searched my closet for a replacement and grabbed a recently purchased dress with long sleeves. I switched around some accessories (including my favorite Stella & Dot statement necklace that could tell quite a few stories itself) and grabbed my heels, disappointed about the “dream” dress I left hanging in my closet that would have left me shivering the entire time.

The highlight of the luncheon was not receiving the award, but getting to meet and mingle with the young ladies from the high school that the organization mentors and provides professional opportunities and training. These young women were so excited to be there and be a part of this special day. Little do they know, we mentors get so much more from them than they do from us. Being able to guide these young women and advise them in their pursuit of their dreams is so rewarding. As we were taking photos prior to the start of the luncheon, several of the girls came up to me to tell me my dress was “so pretty!” Still thinking about the perfect dress left at home and hating the weather gods, I heard one of them say “Do you mind if I ask where you bought it?” Several of the girls leaned in, and I informed them that it was from……Gap! She exclaimed she thought the dress looked like it would cost “more than she could ever afford” and she could not believe it was from a store in which she could actually shop. Another said that she didn’t realize you could look so professional and nice in something from Gap. The looks on their faces and the excitement from finding out the dress was actually very affordable and attainable to them was priceless. Looking back, I am so thankful the weather failed to cooperate and I was able to show a group of young ladies (well on their way to being our future leaders) that looking great does not require having the most expensive clothes or shoes. You can still rock a bargain and have the best outfit in the room!

I would be remiss to not discuss what lead me to becoming a WOM and that “blue dress day.” While my professional accomplishments certainly played a role in being chosen for the 2014 WOM class, it was my volunteer work that sealed the deal. Growing up, our parents instilled in us volunteerism. Granted, back then they didn’t call it that, they simply taught us by example that helping others in need should be a part of your everyday life. My sister and I both strive to instill in our children that same philosophy. When I was a first year law student, I missed working with kids (I was a high school English teacher before law school — I was not much older than my students!), so I heard about a group called Child Advocates, Inc., that worked with children in the court system who had been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. I’ll never forget leaving orientation with tears rolling down my face and a heartache I had never before felt, but knowing that I was meant to help these children. Now, nineteen years later, I am still at it! April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and this year is the 40th anniversary of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. As I look back through my years of service with Child Advocates, I think of that day at orientation when I resolved that I would eradicate child abuse. Clearly, that dream has not come to fruition, but I am proud to say I have represented over 40 children through the years and have loved each one of them and hopefully have given them not only a better life, but a chance to help break the cycle of abuse.

Child Advocates, Inc., mobilizes court-appointed volunteers to speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guides them into safe environments where they can thrive. We work with the courts, caseworkers, attorneys, foster parents, and anyone connected to the child’s life as a guardian ad litem to ascertain the best interests of the child and report to the court our findings and opinions. We meet with all of the aforementioned players and spend as much time with the child (or children) as we can. We assist in finding appropriate placement, work with schools and teachers on educational needs, and meet with therapists and physicians to help in the healing process. Our volunteers go above and beyond the job description of a guardian ad litem and are continuously trained to stay on top of issues that present in these abuse and neglect cases.

The children I have represented have, no question, profoundly changed my life. Yes, I cry. I get mad. I cry some more. But that is a good thing. Child abuse should illicit that reaction. Those emotions are what make me strive to treat each case as carefully as I handled my first one nearly twenty years ago. I am not numb; I am not burned out. I am actually more resolved than ever to educate the public about why volunteering is so very important, why giving back is vital to your well being, and the difference your time can make in a child’s life. People ask me all the time “How do you do it? You run a busy law practice. You have three young children. I just don’t have the time to volunteer and it just would be too sad.” My response never changes: “No one has the time. You make the time.” If I can volunteer, anyone can. One or two hours a month simply means getting off Facebook or foregoing coffee with friends. While those things, in the big picture, are insignificant, those couple of hours can bring light into a child’s dark world. That small amount of time may be the only time that child hears a kind or encouraging word or feels someone’s arms around him in a loving hug. I hear people complain all the time about politics and social issues, the price of gas, the inequality of this or that, but rarely do I hear people complaining about the child abuse crisis in our nation. It is not a pleasant topic to talk about and makes people uncomfortable. My wish is that people would realize that as long as we have a class of citizens who can be beaten and neglected with impunity, nothing else can get better. Children should not be treated as chattel, and only by recognizing the need can we make a difference. A volunteer only has to possess three things: the ability to listen, to feel, and to speak out.

Please consider volunteering on behalf of children. There are so many great organizations, including Child Advocates, that need volunteers on so many levels. Justice for Children (here in Houston) works to change the laws to better protect our children and to provide legal representation. Children’s Assessment Center works with child victims of sexual abuse and is dedicated to providing a multidisciplinary team approach in the prevention, assessment, investigation of these cases. There are so many wonderful organizations all with too few volunteers. While I am grateful the month of April is dedicated to child abuse prevention, the need is 24/7 all year long. I encourage everyone to report suspected child abuse immediately at 1 (800) 252-5400 and to remember that every second counts. It is your business as it is mine and all those around us. Blue has been designated as the color of the ribbon for child abuse prevention. So pull out the blue from your wardrobe and wear it proudly! More importantly, teach your children, by example, to speak out for those whose voice cannot be heard.

An Instagram post crossed my feed just today discussing the mission of Alliance of Moms (a group founded by moms in Los Angeles) who believe that all parents have a responsibility that extends beyond their own kids. Their focus is on supporting children in the LA foster system. I love this! They have recognized that we are all responsible for the children in our communities and beyond. My group of “mom friends” get this as well. These ladies amaze and inspire me daily by making our world a better place with their selfless contributions. To have the support of these women and to know how much they also care about the welfare of children, makes me unbelievably blessed to have them in my life. We know our children go to bed every night and wake up every morning feeling safe and knowing without a doubt that they are loved and cherished. Every child deserves that. My sweet husband has been on this journey with me since day 1. To him, it is unfathomable that children lack the same basic rights to be safe as adults enjoy. Together we hope that our actions do not go unnoticed by our children and that they too will continue the legacy of helping others. Since the beginning of time, society has turned a blind eye on child abuse. Many feel that “it’s not my problem” or “I don’t want to get involved.” But I say to them, if not you, then who?

Chastiti’s Dress: Gap, old (here and here for similar) | Chandra’s Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, sold out (here for similar) | Chastiti’s Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (here and here for similar | Chandra’s shoes: Christian Louboutin | Chastiti’s shoes: Christian Louboutin | Girl’s dress: Zoe

An Overall Fun Look!

April 20, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

Looking back on my fashion faux pas over the years, the era that no doubt holds the worst record is my time in college. Everyone talks about the 80s as being the worst in fashion, but while the perms were indeed horrifying, I think some of the get ups of the late 90s and early 00s were just so embarrassing! This was the reign of the Spice Girls after all! Platform sneakers became a thing, trucker hats and Juicy track suits were cool, and for some reason, we all thought it was okay to wear our dresses over jeans. One trend that I have missed for a while, though, is overalls. I know, I know…the ones back in the day were pretty bad. BUT just think how comfortable we were as we studied for finals in those farmer-inspired denim onesies!!

Thankfully, the overalls that have recently made a resurgence are a far cry from the baggy, sloppy, droopy ones of our college days. With a skinny boyfriend fit and more tailored on top as well, these overalls are much more flattering and feminine. I think they are the perfect piece for a casual, comfy look. But for goodness sake, make sure and accessorize to avoid people taking you literally!

And what better shoe to wear with overalls than a throwback slip-on! So many labels have come out with their own version of this classic in recent years, including several upscale versions. I think the best way to wear this look is to just stick with the O.G. — Van’s made this look popular decades ago, and they are still going strong. They offer their classic slip-on in numerous canvas colors and patterns, including old school checkerboard, and this snakeskin embossed leather version adds a luxe twist.

No doubt, this look is far from office-appropriate, and cocktail chic it is not! But it’s great for chasing after kids (it’s inherently wardrobe malfunction proof!), running Saturday morning errands, or you just might find yourself with fishing pole in hand…cue the Andy Griffith theme!

Overalls: Old Navy, sold out (here and here for similar) | Racerback Tank: Stateside (navy version here here) | Plaid Shirt: J. Crew Factory | Shoes: Van’s | Necklace: Madewell, sold out (here for similar) | Pyramid Bracelet: Madwell, sold out (here and here for similar) | Watch: here and here for similar

Going Out West, Part 2 — Marfa

April 17, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 1 Comment

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, talk of the tiny West Texas town of Marfa, has likely crossed your radar with increasing frequency in recent years. I believe we have the hipsters to thank for its most recent ubiquity, but its staying power is due in no small part to the artistic efforts of the late Donald Judd, who almost singlehandedly put this desert art village on the map in the 70s.

Marfa Courthouse — Presidio County Courthouse

For a while, it seemed that every magazine I opened featured a spread on Marfa, and my interest was piqued years ago. The art, the high-desert, the Marfa Lights, the faux Prada store… it is all so intriguing. The mystique of this artist’s haven was magnetizing, even to a novice like me. When we decided to make the trip west to Big Bend for spring break last year, spending a few days checking out nearby Marfa was a no-brainer. Once we were there, we loved it so much, we extended our stay and ended up playing in Marfa for almost a full week!

My first order of business was, of course, to find lodging to accommodate my husband and me and our two children. After hours of online research, we ultimately decided to go with a private home rental, as opposed to the local hotel options. I’m so glad we did! We stayed in the amazing La Mistica, a property designed by Garza Design + Build.

La Mistica Marfa Back Yard — La Mistica in Marfa

Filled with an abundance of natural light and boasting mile-high vaulted ceilings, this airy and spacious property provided the perfect home base for our stay in Marfa. I was instantly inspired by both the minimalist design of the space and the attention to detail throughout the home. Just look at those amazing orange steel casement windows!

La Mistica Marfa — Stunning Interior of Marfa Rental Property La Mistica

The steps on the wall to the left in the photo above lead to a loft area, which provides the “second bedroom” and boasts built-in bookshelves filled with reading materials appropriate for getting you in a West Texas state of mind. The full kitchen is stocked with anything and everything you could possibly need, and the laundry room is accessible to guests. This was a much-needed amenity due to the impressive amount of dust we brought home on our clothes each night!

Adventures In Marfa — Inspired Architecture

La Mistica Details — It’s All in the Details at La Mistica

Perhaps our most exciting surprise was the inclusion of a movie projector in the great room. Frozen was released on DVD during our stay in Marfa, and a quick trip to the Red Box provided my children with perhaps their most memorable activity on the trip!

For me, however, the awe-inspiring scenery and majestic sunsets provided the highlights of this West Texas road trip. It is no wonder so many Hollywood cinematic crews find their way to this small town. The prettiest scenes were found on the drive to Fort Davis and Davis Mountains State Park. It was truly breathtaking and a must-do if you find yourself in the area.

Marfa Sunset — Spectacular West Texas Sunset

Fort Davis Mountains — Chapel With a View in Fort Davis

You never know what you might see in this town. While exploring one afternoon, I saw this couple presumably on their way to say their vows in the courthouse. They were alone, so I imagine this is the only image of them “walking down the aisle.” I was delighted to capture this special moment!

Although we were traveling with two preschoolers, who are admittedly not the most patient museum or gallery patrons, we couldn’t come this far without checking out some of the country’s most innovative art installations. Our first stop was the Chinati Foundation, established by Donald Judd in the 70s and opened to the public in 1986. This contemporary art museum features several of Judd’s permanent collections, mostly untitled. Among them are the artillery sheds and 15 untitled works in concrete. With our rowdy littles, we opted to explore the outside exhibits only. We were blessed with a gorgeous sunny day, and the kids loved exploring the vast area.

Artillery Sheds by Donald Judd - The Chinati Foundation — Donald Judd’s Artillery Sheds at the Chinati Foundation

Donald Judd at Chinati Foundation — Donald Judd’s Untitled Concrete Installation

The remainder of our time in Marfa was spent exploring the shops and galleries, sampling the local culinary offerings, and burning off our energy at the playground near the Marfa Ice House. We also made the drive to neighboring Valentine to check out Prada Marfa and take the obligatory photos. Yes, this installation has probably been featured one too many times on Instagram and has lost a little of its freshness, but its genius can’t be denied. Seeing it in person was more moving than I had imagined. The irony of this faux store is brilliant, and I can’t help but wonder what future generations will think about a pretend luxury shop in the middle of nowhere! Sadly, the landmark was vandalized the week before our visit; you can see the blue paint and torn awnings in the photo below. I believe it has since been cleaned up and restored…thank goodness for the local art lovers and their dedication to preservation!

A trip to Marfa is certainly like no other. On its surface, this desert town seems old and sleepy and just a stop on the road to somewhere else. But if you dig only a tiny bit further, Marfa reveals its true flare as a vibrant art community wholly honoring the minimalist legacy left behind by Donald Judd. Marfa has served as inspiration for artists and designers across the country. Once you know what to look for, you’ll spot its influence in many designs by major retailers.

Although Marfa’s hipster invasion brings with it a certain pretentiousness that can be a little off-putting, the majority of the residents we encountered just seemed like cool people who were happy to be living the dream. I certainly enjoyed it for the week I was there! Read on for more of my recommendations on Marfa!

STAY

Without hesitation, I would no doubt book La Mistica on any return trip. This place is JUST SO MARFA! But in the event you need more space or it is booked, there are plenty of other options for lodging. For a group, a fun option would be the Marfa Boarding House. This two-story adobe dwelling sits on three acres and sleeps 16 with its seven bedrooms and optional casita rental. This adorable house would be the perfect place to rent for a girls’ trip!

Perhaps the most famous of the lodging choices, the historic Hotel Paisano is centrally located and is the social hub of the town. The Paisano is known for housing the cast and crew of the 1956 movie Giant. If it’s good enough for Elizabeth Taylor, it’s good enough for us all!

The Thunderbird Hotel, with its mid-century architecture and contemporary styling, is one of the hippest hotels around. Although the rooms are small, they are well-appointed, and they all display works of local artists. Guests have access to record players and an extensive vinyl collection, as well as bicycles, an outdoor fireplace, and a pool at this sleek boutique hotel.

If the Tbird feels reminiscent of Hotel San Jose or Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, it’s because they were all painstakingly remodeled by Liz Lambert, hotelier extraordinaire. She has also recently put her stamp on Marfa’s own El Cosmico (discussed below) and San Antonio’s uber cool Hotel Havana.

If you are looking for something in the vicinity of Marfa but wanting more of a true West Texas ranch experience, definitely check out Cibolo Creek Ranch. Located about 45 minutes south of Marfa, in the Chinati Mountains near the Mexico border, this luxe hotel is like summer camp for grown ups. Among the activities offered are guided Jeep tours, skeet shooting, horseback riding, fishing, and a fabulous spa for a great massage at the end of the day.

For the more adventurous free spirit, El Cosmico is an upscale “nomadic hotel,” offering renovated vintage RV’s, teepees, safari tents, a Mongolian yurt, and tent campsites. I can’t confirm, but I suspect El Cosmico is responsible for the term “glamping”! Although the facilities are a bit primitive for my taste, I certainly see the allure of this glam trailer park. I’ve heard it compared to a Wes Anderson movie set. You certainly can’t get any more chic than that!

EAT

Although Marfa is a teensy village with just over 2,000 people, the restaurant scene is impressive for a town of any size. Be prepared, however, because this is a place that prides itself on its laid back vibe. There is no hurry, and there is no rhyme or reason as to the hours some of these places keep. Your best bet is to stop by the visitor center on arrival and pick up a list of the restaurant hours. This is not, however, set in stone and you’ll want to call ahead, but it will at least give you a good idea of what to expect.

The food truck scene in Marfa is quite respectable, with Fat Lyles taking my personal top spot. Their Korean burger is to die for! Food Shark, with their cleverly-named Marfalafel wrap, is the local favorite, and the brisket tacos at Boyz 2 Men are definitely worth trying.

Upscale Cochineal is the place to be for innovative and fresh cuisine. This little gem changes its menu each week, and a sampling of their offerings includes pan-seared duck, cheddar cheese soufflé, and border-inspired chilaquiles. It is one of the few restaurants open daily (dinner only), and they also serve Sunday brunch. The other foodie haven in town, Maiya’s, serves fun handcrafted cocktails and delicious pastas. It is generally open Wednesdays–Sundays for dinner only.

During our stay in Marfa, we dined at Hotel Paisano’s restaurant, Jett’s Grill, several times for dinner. It is one of the few places that was truly kid-friendly but still served delicious cocktails and pretty solid food. It was my goal on this week-long road trip to avoid fast food restaurants if at all possible. Traveling over 1,200 miles roundtrip with two small children made this no small feat, but we succeeded in eating just two meals from a drive-through the whole week. This was partly thanks to Jett’s! We were able to secure patio seating each time, and the kids enjoyed throwing coins into the fountain. The live music from the adjacent hotel bar floated out and provided a truly lovely dining experience!

Jett's Grill at Hotel Paisano — Jett’s Grill at Hotel Paisano

Although it appears to be temporarily closed due to a landlord issue, it is worth mentioning Pizza Foundation. They are usually only open on the weekends, but this pizza was actually worth the wait! We were all big fans of the New York style thin crust slices, and I sincerely hope they are able to reopen by their projected July date.

For an authentic, real deal breakfast burrito, look no further than Marfa Burrito. Yes, it feels a little sketchy as you walk into what appears to be this family’s home. And yes, you must place your order in Spanish. But let me tell you, it is worth it!! The homemade tortillas. The salsa verde with just the right amount of kick. It was all just right on point. Do try it!

TO DO

The many art galleries are no doubt the biggest draw in Marfa, and no trip is complete without visiting the Chinati Foundation, Ballroom Marfa, and Marfa Contemporary. Other notable stops include the Greasewood Gallery at Hotel Paisano and the Wrong Store & Gallery with its shockingly eclectic goods!

With our niños needing to hit the hay shortly after sunset, we decided to forgo chasing the Marfa Lights. We did, however, stop by the observation deck (which also serves as an incredibly nice rest stop!) during daylight hours to read up on the phenomenon. Pretty interesting stuff!

We did get the kids to stay up late one night, though, and we drove to the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis for one of their star parties. It was awesome! We gathered in an outdoor amphitheater where a guide pointed out each constellation and visible planet with a massively powerful laser pointer. My son is still talking about that laser pointer! Telescopes were available, and guides help point out what you should be looking for. It was such a special night!

Tienda M Marfa — Photo Collage of Cloud Pictures Featured in a Marfa Shop

When in Marfa, the options for places to choose a really great souvenir are many. A few of my favorites include:

Freda is an adorable shop featuring on-trend fashions, apothecary items, jewelry, vintage clothing, and its own Marfa Brand soap scent created exclusively for the shop. I was excited to pick up a few of of their soaps and a Rodarte hoodie that I have worn TO DEATH ever since!
Marfa Book Company is one of the coolest and most carefully curated book stores I’ve ever shopped, and of course, I wasn’t able to leave without picking up a few books to take home. Signs of Marfa (only a collector’s edition is currently available online) and Chinati: The Vision of Donald Judd are beautiful books now on display in my home.
The Get Go is Marfa’s version of very small Whole Foods. Marfa Brand soaps are for sale at the Get Go, as well as Marfa Maid Goat Cheese, Big Bend Coffee Roasters, Jeni’s Ice Cream, organic produce, a very nice cheese selection, and decent wine options. Most interesting to me was the massive volume of Topo Chico in stock. I do believe hipsters have found themselves a new drink!
The gift shop at Hotel Paisano has an extensive selection of gift ideas to fit any budget.
For a very special treat, check out the Cobra Boot Company. These handmade boots featuring American leather are exquisite, and a wait list is around eight months long.
If unique furniture is what you’re looking for, Garza Marfa has you covered. Their saddle leather and steel chairs, ottomans, and benches are AMAZING and on my wish list for sure! I hope you find what you’re looking for in Marfa!