Black Gingham Bow Top

My love for gingham continues...in my last post here, I shared this gorgeous red gingham off the shoulder tie waist top.  Today, I'm wearing another one from the Who What Wear collection at Target, but this time in black gingham!  Seriously how cute is this top for summer?
   

Photography: Rachel Radcliffe Photography

There are so many things I love about this top!  First of all, the peplum style is so cute and figure flattering - cinching in around the waist and flaring out around the hips creates a nice slimming silhouette.  Also, the big bow on top of the left shoulder is the cutest detail!  The bow is adjustable so you can tie it to your desired fit.  I am 5'10 so I love it when tops have adjustable straps as I always need mine fully extended.  Lastly it's gingham, and who doesn't love gingham print for spring/summer?  By the way, it also comes in black and/or tan if you prefer a solid color that would go well with prints on the bottom!

I've rounded up a few of my favorite black gingham tops in various styles and price points below!  I'm wearing the first one one pictured below left in a size medium and it fits true to size!  Scroll through and see all the other darling styles I found!

I practically live in shorts in spring and summer and one closet staple I cannot live without is denim shorts!  I would say denim in general is a must have essential in my closet including a denim skirt, denim jacket, denim shirt dress, and a good ol pair of denim jeans!  I usually don't like to spend too much on shorts and as I get older I'm finding that I do prefer at least a 4-5 inch length.  I figure you can always roll them if you need to and they go with everything!  I've rounded up some of my favorites below.  I'm wearing these mid-rise dark wash ones in a size 8 and love them! 

I love to add a pop of color with accessories such as earrings, handbags, hats, or sunglasses.  I enjoy the color contrast and it makes the outfit a little more fun and playful.  I picked up these red sunnies last year for $16!  Again, I usually don't spend a lot on sunglasses as I have a tendency to lose them scratch them, or break them!  I've included the latest finds and favorites in the shop links below in various styles and price points!  You can't go wrong with red sunglasses!  I've already worn them in several posts including this one here, here, here, here, and here to capture a few!.    

Last but certainly not least, I love to wear comfortable open toe sandals when the weather warms up  and these woven basket weave slides literally go with everything! (I recently wore them in this post here!) I found a lot of similar styles and price points in the shopping links below.   How cute would any of these look with a flowy maxi dress and straw hat?  These ones are super cute and currently on sale for $49.99! Check out more of my picks below!

I hope you all had a beautiful weekend and Happy Memorial Day!  If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my San Francisco Bay Style 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!

xoxoxo,
🌞🌞🌞
Hayley

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Our Memorial Day Traditions

Photography: Rachel Radcliffe Photography

Featured: 

This red gingham ruffled off the shoulder top (other cute red gingham tops found here, here, & here)

These basket woven slide sandals (similar options here, here, & here

These denim shorts (similar here, here, & here)

These red Sunglasses (similar here, here, and here)

Red gingham lid mason jars found here - perfect for summer barbecues or outdoor picnics!

Can you believe it's almost the end of May and Memorial Day is this weekend?  Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the American soldiers who died while serving in our country's armed forces.  This is an important observance personally for my family as both my parents were in the US Marine Corps.  My dad served during the Korean War in the early 1950's enrolling straight out of high school and my mom was a Reserve Marine stationed in San Diego. 

When we were growing up, my dad didn't like to speak too much about the war and what he personally went through.  However, I've always admired his strength and courage at such a young age to decide to join the armed forces to defend and protect our country.  Memorial Day is also a time to honor those that have served (our veterans) and those who are currently serving.  My greatest appreciation, respect, and gratitude goes out to all those brave men and women (past and present).  Both my mom and dad passed away several years ago and were laid to rest with honors at the beautiful Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.  I miss them dearly.    

What are your plans for this Memorial Day?  One of our current family traditions is to visit the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on days of observance to place American flags on all the soldiers graves.  We do the same in December with holiday wreaths!  My whole family gets involved including my kids (the grandchildren).  We  typically drive up early and have breakfast before the ceremony.  This is a great way to volunteer in your community and a personal way I remember my mom and dad and also give thanks to the many countless other military service men and women from the past.

When we get home from the Veteran sponsored ceremony, we lighten the mood with a little outdoor fun in the sun and barbecue!  I usually host at my house but everyone chips in to help with the food prep and clean up.  The weather for this coming Memorial Day is expected to be bright and sunny in the low 80's!  That's perfect outdoor weather to enjoy a little sunshine and some good food with friends and family!

Gingham is the quintessential print for spring and summer!  Red and white gingham reminds me of our Memorial Day barbecues with my family growing up.  My dad would mange the grill (usually making barbecued chicken, grilled vegetables, and corn on the cob in the husk marinated with butter and his secret spices, while my mom made her infamous baked beans, ambrosia salad, and apple or peach pie with fruit she picked directly from the fruit trees in our backyard.  

I really love this this red and white gingham off the shoulder top and it would be a great option to wear for our family and friends get together. (it also comes in black gingham).  Here are a few other darling red and white gingham tops I found online!  

I love to wear open toe sandals when the weather gets warmer and these woven weave slides literally go with everything! I found a lot of similar styles and price points in the shopping links below.  I really love the woven basket weave style.  How cute would any of these look with a flowy maxi dress and straw hat?  These ones are super cute and currently on sale for $49.99! Check out more of my picks below!

I love to wear something that's a little patriotic (red, white, and blue) on Memorial Day so blue denim shorts are a great choice, plus they're so American!  All of the shorts I included in the links below are less than $20 and most are currently on sale for $15!  That's seriously a steal!  I'm wearing this pair and I love the fit!  I wear these all the time which in my book counts as a closet staple!  Shop them all below and find your right pair!

Last but not least, you'll want a good pair of sunglasses while you're outside enjoying the festivities and parties this weekend!  Most of you know that I love to have a little fun with sunglasses wearing bright colors and/or funky styles!  I'm wearing these red sunglasses which are under $20!  There are really endless possibilities and I think they really make any outfit more fun with color!  Also, I recently picked up these red gingham mason jars!  They come in a pack of six with red gingham lids and striped straws, a carafe, and a caddy!  You can use them for serving lemonade, alcohol, beer, water, punch, etc.  I may even throw in a little rose wine and sip it from the straw! 😃  

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend and Happy Memorial Day!  If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my San Francisco Bay Style 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!

xoxoxo,
🌞🌞🌞
Hayley

Recent Posts:

    

Striped Tassel Dress

Blue and white has always been a favorite color combo of mine but when you add stripes and swinging tassels - that's a winning combination for spring/summer style!  I've always loved Eliza J dresses and this fit and flare haltered frock is no exception! 

Photography By: Lucy Marie Photography

Featured: Eliza J Fit & Flare Tassel Dress (similar options here, here, and here)

Kelly & Katie Kirstie heels found here (I'm wearing them in "Natural Nude Leather"): similar options here, here, and here

My favorite straw hat (similar here, here (on sale), and here (love the blue stripes)

 

This dress features a sleeveless halter style neckline with a back zipper closure and darling tie behind the neck!  The horizontal stripes at the bodice and vertical stripes on the skirt are strategically placed to create a slimming and elongated look!  I'm wearing this dress in a size 8 and it's true to size.  It's made of 100% cotton so will be an airy and cool option for the hot summer days ahead!  

How adorable are these tassels?  I'm wearing a size 8 which is true to size.  The dress is made of 100% cotton and it's recommended to be dry cleaned only (probably to keep the tassels looking nice).  Cotton dresses are always my favorite to wear during the hotter months of summer!  They're airy and cool and just have a nice feeling against my skin!     

 

The bodice on this dress is lined but the skirt is not.  However, the material was not see through at all!  There are side seam pockets which I always love in dresses!  This really is a dress you can wear to any occasion.  I decided to wear my favorite Kelly & Katie nude heels found here.  I'm wearing the Natural Nude Leather color but look at all the cute color and pattern options that are available!  I love these heels!  You could also dress this look down a bit by wearing flat sandals such as these blue slides here, or these pearl embellished ones here!  Add a white cardigan such as this bell sleeve option or this darling scalloped one here!   

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my San Francisco Bay Style 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!

xoxoxo,
🍍🍍🍍
Hayley

Recent Posts:

    

Gal Meets Glam Evelyn Dress

Photography By: Lucy Marie Photography

I've always adored Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam.  I began following her blog back in 2011 when she was living in San Francisco.  I love her feminine and sophisticated style and obsession with pink, dresses, and all things girly!  I recently had the opportunity to meet up with her at the Walnut Creek, CA Nordstrom store a few days after the initial launch of Gal Meets Glam Collection.  Launching her own label was a life long dream come true for her and it's been so exciting to see all of her hard work, passion, and attention to detail come to life in her dresses.  The Gal Meets Glam Collection truly reflects Julia's personality and style...from the buttons, bows, colors, patterns, ruffles and hem lines, these dresses are beautifully and authentically Gal Meets Glam!   

Featured:  Gal Meets Glam Evelyn Dress
 (sold exclusively at Gal Meets Glam here and Nordstrom here)

Kelly & Katie Kirstie heels found here
 (I'm wearing them in "Natural Nude Leather" but they also come in a "Light Pink Faux Leather", "White Floral Print Faux Leather", and many other beautiful spring colors!)

Woven Garden Basket - found here and on sale for $9.00!
(other similar options here, here, & here)



The Evelyn dress (found here and here) was part of the Gal Meets Glam debut collection and I knew from the moment I saw it, I had to have it!  I love the fit and flare style and the halter neckline adorned with a cute bow! The beautiful textured jacquard features a floral color pallet of pale pink and ivory and the inverted pleats provide a sassy fullness to the skirt.  I'm 5'10 and wear the size 8 which runs true to size. The great news is that Julia put a lot of thought into what sizes would be available in her collection.  She wanted all women of all sizes to enjoy the beauty of her dresses!  The Evelyn dress is available from size 0-20.

The Evelyn dress can be worn for any occasion.  I recently wore it to brunch with my family on Mother's Day and received so many compliments!  It's a perfect dress for weddings, baby showers, church, graduation parties, spring/summer soirees and work attire!  I wore it to work this past week with a light pink cardigan and nude flats and was perfectly comfortable all day!  All of my co-workers asked me where I bought it! 💞

 

Spring flowers are in full bloom in the San Francisco Bay Area!  I love the smell of jasmine and roses but pink peonies have always been my favorite!  I like to put fresh flowers throughout my house and bring the outdoors in!  What are some of your favorite flowers growing in your garden?  It takes a lot of work to maintain them but I love to see pretty blooms and smell the fresh floral scent of various flowers this time of year!  It reminds me I need to get outside this weekend to plant more for summer!     

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Gal Meets Glam Collection, go grab your favorite refreshment and have a look!  The dresses are sold exclusively at Nordstom and Gal Meets Glam!  I've already bought two other dresses including:  The Ardith dress found here and here (I recommend sizing up on this one) and The Yvonne dress found here and here (comes in navy and pink)!

Have you already purchased one from the collection?  Which is your favorite?  New dresses will be launched each month and once they're sold out they're gone! I can't wait to see what the next release brings but one thing is for certain...Gal Meets Glam is my new favorite brand!

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my San Francisco Bay Style 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!

xoxoxo,
🍍🍍🍍
Hayley

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