Burgundy Floral Dress

This past week has been so busy!  As a working mom it's sometimes hard to balance kids, homework, sports activities, the holidays, Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, and the demands of work!  Lately I have been working 12 hour + days to meet deadlines and I really feel like it's starting to take a toll on me.  I need to find a balance...some time to focus on my health and working out, some time to take care of me by getting my nails done and a pedicure, finding time to finish that book I started on a plane trip home from a business trip several weeks ago, time to catch up on Instagram, time to spend on me.  Do you all have the same challenges?

Details:
ASTR the Label Wine Multi Dress - available in solid wine color and olive brown here
Burgundy Pumps (old) - other options here, here, and here
Mauve sunglasses (old) - similar here, here, and here
Whiskey brown saddle bag by Sole Society - similar here, here, and here
Photography: Rachel Radcliffe Photography

Sometimes the best thing to do is just disconnect and focus on your self.  Here are some tips I use to help me feel a little peace and solitude when my life starts to feel a little chaotic and out of control:

1. Take a relaxing bubble bath

2. Go to the spa a get a massage or facial

3.  Get a mani/pedi and say yes to the glass of champagne when they offer - why not?

4.  Grab that book you've been reading and bring it to your local coffee shop - you won't be disturbed by the distractions at home!

5. Go enjoy an ice cream cone with your favorite flavor

6.  Take a drive to the beach, mountains, go get lost somewhere - bring your camera and a picnic for one!

7.  Go have lunch or grab cocktails with your best girlfriend!

8. Sleep in!  You can stay in your jammies all day if you want!

9.  Watch a chick flick or comedy on Netflix

10.  Go to the gym and get a good work out in 

Do you feel like every once in a while you get stuck in a grind and can't seem to break the vicious cycle?  For most people, the solution is to just make a conscious effort to remember to do something special for yourself at least once a day.  These can be little things, like blocking your calendar at work to go get a pedi at lunch time or taking the dog for a walk to get in some exercise...Just like you have a work schedule or kids sports practice and game schedule...what is on your schedule this week?  Pencil yourself in on your calendar like you do for others and you will begin focusing on yourself!  At a minimum, you will feel good about yourself and taking time for you will definitely improve your energy level and mood!  

So let's talk about this dress...you know retail therapy is another great mood booster!  First of all, I love burgundy!  It'a always been a favorite color of mine to wear!  The floral pattern is so pretty but it also comes in solid colors including olive brown and wine.   It's made from an airy and flowy georgette material.  There is a back button key hole closure with a mock neckline.  The sleeves are long and with pretty button cuff details at the bottom.  I originally ordered this dress in a size medium and needed to size up to a large.  I normally wear a size 6-8 but I would highly suggest sizing up one size to ensure you have the perfect fit!  

I got these strappy burgundy heels several years ago and recently came across them when I cleaned out and purged my closet.  I brought along my go to saddle bag that literally wear every day!  I  decided to take a break from work and drove to my favorite ice cream parlor to same the holiday peppermint flavor!  Needless to say it was well worth the break and the outside landscape was a much better view than my laptop for a while!!       

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Happy Holidays, 

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Related Posts

Orange Duffle Coat

I can't believe December is already here!  The fall weather in the San Francisco bay area is starting to feel more like winter (absent the snow) and the days have become shorter.  It's time to pull out those warm coats, cozy knits, and extra layers to ensure you are all bundled up for the cold weather season ahead!

Details:

Burgundy Booties (old) - similar here, here, and here

Blue Jeans - similar here, here, and here

Polka Dot Cashmere Sweater - similar here, here, and here

Plaid Blanket Scarf - similar here, here, and here

Sunglasses - similar here, here, and here

Gloverall Orange Duffle Coat - more colors here, here, here, and here

Photography: Rachel Radcliffe Photography

For those of you who know me, you probably know that I have a crazy mad love obsession with coats!  For some women, it shoes...others it's handbags...but for me, I love nice coats!  It's probably odd that I have such a collection as I am from California and our "winters" are generally mild!  I saw this Gloverall orange duffle coat online a few months back and I fell in love with the pumpkin spice orange color.  I knew it would be a bright and vibrant color for autumn and double as a beautiful and warm coat for this coming winter!  I stalked it until it went on sale!

   

A Fashion History Lesson:

The heritage of Gloverall Duffle coats started around 1950 shortly after World War II ended.  Gloves and Overall wholesalers H&F Morris were offered very large quantities of surplus military duffle coats which quickly sold out due to high demand and popularity!  Based on this success, the founders of what is now known as Gloverall, tweaked and perfected the style.  They refined the duffle coats by replacing the thick jute rope with leather and introduced an Italian check back fabric.  Playing a part in fashion and culture through the last 68 years, Gloverall has become one of the most respected and loved British outerwear brands outfitting men, women, and children with their iconic style across the globe.     

I have forever been a huge fan of British style...tartan plaid, trench coats, riding boots, mixing prints and patterns, layering, menswear influence, etc.  When I first saw this orange Gloverall coat, I fell in love. At first, I was drawn to the classic English style with wooden toggles and leather closures. I also adore the plaid lining and comfy spacious hood.  Once I found this one, I was opened up to a whole world of different styles, colors, and patterns, to choose from... Honestly, this could become another real obsession for me.  Here are a few of my favorites below!

In the spirit of British fashion I decided to mix up my outfit with plaid and polka dot patterns and warm cozy layers such as this cashmere polka dot sweater (similar here, here, and here) and this plaid blanket scarf (similar here, here, and here). I know UK sizes are different than the US, so for those of you wondering, I ordered a size 8 (UK) and I generally wear a size Medium (6-8) in US women's sizes.  I might suggest sizing to a UK 10 for my next Gloverall coat purchase.  Although the fit is fine, if you plan to wear chunkier knit sweaters and turtlenecks in the winter, you will want a little more room for layering!   

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Happy Holidays, 

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Related Posts:

Grease Plaid Leggings

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, friends, and/or loved ones!  We spent Thanksgiving with my brother-in-law and his family and the day after with my family and a few of our closest friends.  By this point, I'm a little tired of turkey but have to say my husband and I did a really great job of utilizing our turkey left overs for some pretty amazing recipes!  We made a turkey pot pie on Saturday night, Turkey vegetable soup on Sunday night, I sent the kids to school with a turkey salad sandwich today, and tonight...turkey tacos!  How's that for being resourceful?  I'll try to share those recipes in a future blog post!



Details:
Brown Booties by Dansko (old) - similar here, here, and here
Plaid Leggings by Sanctuary - available in different colors here, here, and here
Popcorn knit rust sweater (old) - similar here, here, and here
Brown Newsboy hat by San Diego Hat Company - similar here, here, here, and here
Brown Saddle Bag by Sole Society - similar here, here, and here
Photos by: Rachel Radcliffe Photography

Plaid is one of my favorite patterns to wear during the fall and winter months.  I have a variety of plaid blanket scarves, skirts, and button up flannel tops but surprisingly, no plaid pants!  In fact, when it comes to pants I'm usually a minimalist kind of gal wearing mostly jeans, leggings, and joggers.  I thought I would give these Sanctuary plaid leggings a try and brought them into my dressing room.    

Once I tried them on, I was immediately sold!  They are cut from a soft, curve-hugging knit with faux back pocket styling and a banded waist similar to a pair of jeggings.  They are available in a selection of plaids, camo, florals, and checks as well as versatile solid neutrals.  They are made of a stretchy knit fabric using 68% rayon, 27% nylon, and 5% spandex with an elasticized waist.   They are popularly known as the "Grease Leggings".  I assume this is because they are similar to the black skin tight pants Olivia Newton John wore at the end of the school year carnival in the movie "Grease". 

I am 5'10 and normally wear a women's size 6-8.  I ordered a medium and they fit perfectly!  These are my must-have leggings for comfy style on-the-go.

I kept this look pretty simple pairing the leggings with a popcorn knit rust sweater that I've had in my closet for several years. If you end up getting any of the patterned leggings, you'll want to wear a solid color on top.  I like to wear my leggings with complementary color tunic length knit sweaters, cardigans, and oversized dressy sweatshirts. When the weather begins to get cooler, I'll throw on my pea coat and a scarf to bundle up and keep warm!  I ended up purchasing two colors because I love them so much!

For the final accessories, I wore a mocha colored brown newsboy hat, chocolate brown suede booties, and had my favorite whiskey brown saddle bag in tow.  Hats, bags, and booties are perfect accessories to any fall inspired outfit! 

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Happy Holidays, 

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Green Butterfly Dress

I love the warm and rich colors of autumn and recently I had a look at my closet and realized I needed a refresh for the season!  A few weekends ago I spent some time organizing, purging, and changing out my wardrobe for fall and winter necessities and I quickly realized I was seriously lacking in the fall dresses department! 

Details:

Dress: Green Butterfly Print Dress by Adelyn Rae - find more Adelyn Rae dresses here!

Boots: Brown Suede OTK Boots by Coach (old) - similar here, here, and here

Bag: Saddle Bag by Sole Society (old) - similar here and here

Earrings: Old Navy - similar here and here

Photos by Rachel Radcliffe Photography

When I first saw this dress online I was immediately drawn to the beautiful butterfly print.  The butterflies are painted in a muted orange and pale blue and really pop against the olive green background.  The twisted choker neckline and black lace detail adds a feminine Victorian style which I really love!  It reminds me of the gorgeous dresses Kate Winslet wore in the movie Titantic!  

Here are a few more of my favorite Adelyn Rae dresses!

The fit and flare style and bow tie sleeves on this dress provide a flattering, fun, and flirty silhouette.  The length of the dress is perfect hitting me right at the mid-thigh.  The sizing is also true to size (TTS).  I am 5'10 and normally wear a women's size US 6-8.  I picked up this dress in a Medium and it fit me perfectly even in the bust and shoulders where sometimes I can have sizing problems!  

Since it's fall, I decided to wear my whiskey brown suede over the knee boots which match my favorite brown saddle bag perfectly! I love wearing boots with dresses in the fall and winter months.  I have a pair of green Hunter rain boots that I'm excited to wear when the weather gets a little drizzly and rainy later this season!  

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Thanks for visiting!

xoxoxo,

Hayley