Bernardus Lodge & Spa: Part 1

Spring break is finally here and the weather is really starting to warm up!  We decided to pack our bags and take a quick trip south to the Carmel/Monterey area.  We stayed at the beautiful and luxurious Bernardus Lodge & Spa located in sunny Carmel Valley.  It's one of my top pick hotels in the area and a place that we revisit every single year!  

Bernardus Lodge is one of my favorite places to stay primarily because of the location and fabulous accommodations.  Nestled in warm and sunny Carmel Valley and surrounded by the picturesque Santa Lucia mountains, you're  within close proximity to the many of the valley's wineries and just a short drive to Carmel by the Sea where you can shop, stroll art galleries, grab a bite to eat, or take a stroll on the beach to watch the sunset.  After we unpacked our bags, we quickly threw on our swimsuits for a dip in the infinity pool jacuzzi.   

It was absolutely gorgeous outside.  Carmel Valley's climate is somewhat protected from the wind and fog out by the coast so the temperatures are much warmer inland.  I actually picked up this rainbow and ruffles bikini at Asos last year I've always loved rainbows and when I saw this colorful and bright swimsuit I immediately knew I wanted it!  I love the ruffled off the shoulder top and the bikini bottom gives this 40+ year old mama just the right amount of mid rise moderate coverage 😊.  Unfortunately, this one is currently sold out but I searched more online and found a few more rainbow inspired favorites!  

Whenever I pack for a sunny weather vacation I always bring a few staple accessories in my suitcase: a straw hat to keep the sun off my face and throw on after swimming and a few pair of sunglasses to coordinate with different outfits.  I love picking out brightly colored sunnies or edgy styles to have a little fun!  Here are a few of my current favorites including some rainbow inspiration too!

  

   

  

The fire pit next to the jacuzzi was lit towards dusk so we grabbed a bottle of Bernardus wine and enjoyed the views of the Santa Lucia mountains while the fog rolled in.  The scent of fresh lavender filled the air from the nearby culinary gardens and the steamy jacuzzi beckoned us in again!  It was the perfect way to end a relaxing day as we contemplated our plans for the next day! 

I'm looking forward to sharing more from our stay at the Bernardus Lodge and Spa in my next blog post.  Until then, for more things to see and do in and around Monterey and Carmel, check out the posts below or visit my Travel page. Also, 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 Spring Break!

🌞🌞🌞

Hayley

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Top 10 Swimwear Trends for 2016

Swimsuit c/o Infinity Boutique//Photo by Brianna Wurz

I know it's a little too cold out still to think about swimwear.  The thought of putting on a swimsuit while I still have several pounds of winter weight to shed off makes me cringe a little!  Not to mention that trying on a swimsuit with pale and stubbly legs is not exactly a great experience!  However, I am planning a warm weather spring getaway with my family so now if the time to start getting in shape and shopping for some new swimwear!  

Swimsuits have definitely evolved over the last 50+ years and the styles have changed dramatically from decade to decade. There are a lot of new trends popping up as well as some old classics that are coming back into style.  I am seeing a few style trends emerge this year in swimwear.  I thought I would share the top 10 trends from my perspective as well as my favorite picks in each category! 

1.  The Monokini:  I have always gravitated to two piece swimwear because I am rather tall (5'10) and have a very long torso!  However, I am really loving the idea of the monokini...its essentially a one piece but has cut outs that make it look like a two piece suit!  This style is very popular right now and I can't wait to try a few of these on!  I have my eyes on this one here, here, and here.  Which is your favorite?

2. Bohemian: this look is very popular this season not only in clothing but also in swimwear.  For those of you not familiar with the term "Bohemian", you can think of it as romantic, free-spirited, nomadic, or hippie.  This style includes a lot of texture - fringe, lace, crochet, suede, etc.  Check out some of my favorite "boho-chic" swim styles here, here, and here.

3.  Retro: I have always been a fan of 50's and 60's fashion.  It's simple, elegant, and classy.  I am seeing a lot of retro inspired swimsuits and can't wait to try these fun and eye catching styles.  Grab a cute pair of colored sunglasses, some red lipstick, and grab your floatie!  What do you think of these beauties here, here, and here?

4.  Ethically Inspired Prints: These unique, colorful, and patterned prints are currently making a wave in the fashion world and these patterns have also transcended to swimwear motifs.  Some of the most common ethnically inspired  prints we see in fashion are Ikat, African, Ganado, and Chinle,  Here are a few of my favorite ethnically inspired swimsuits here, here and here.

5.  Black & White: these colors on their own or mixed together will always be a timeless, sleek, and classic look.  A black and white swimsuit is like haveing a LBD.  It's a closet staple that every lady must have.  Take a peek at my favorite black and white styles here, here, and here.

6.  Gingham: this is one of my favorite patterns to wear throughout the year.  Gingham can be described as a check pattern with two colors - white plus another bold color such as blue, pink, red, or yellow which are the most common ones we see.  Gingham is the perfect print for any picnic or pool party you attend this spring and summer!  If you are a lover of gingham print, you will die over these swimsuits I found here- top,  here - bottom, here, and here!

7 & 8.  Stripes or Polka Dots: As far as I can remember, stripes and polka dots  have always been in fashion, so I don't think this is a new trend.  However, just like the classic look of black and white, these are must have patterns in your wardrobe - including your swimwear!  What do you think of these striped ones here, here, and here?  I also found a few cute polka dot swimsuits here, here, and here!  Super cute, right?

9.  Floral: I don't know about you, but I am always busting out the floral pattern as soon as the temps rise above 60 degrees F. after spring!  These beautiful floral swimsuits here, here, and here are colorful, cheerful, and a welcome pattern after the freezing cold temps in winter don't you think?

and finally, one last note worthy trend to mention is....

10.  Ruffles: the delicate and romantic look of ruffles is a style that has remained in swimwear design for many many years.  Here are a few of my personal favorite ruffle adorned swimsuits  here, here, and here.

What is your favorite swimsuit style?  With so many adorable looks to choose from, it will be hard to narrow down which ones I finally decide on!  One thing is for sure...it's time to get to the gym and these surely are a source of inspiration!

Happy Day!

Hayley

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Spring Break Weekend with Mara Hoffman

What are your plans for this last spring break weekend of 2015?  Well I hope you are getting out and enjoying some beautiful sunny spring weather.  As it begins to warm up more, I have been thinking about bathing suits.  It's been a while since I bought a new bikini and its really hard to envision myself in one right now.  I still have some winter weight to shed off, my legs are as white as a ghost, and I need to get to the gym for some serious toning!  However, all that aside, bikini shopping in the spring is a great source of motivation to get to the gym and shed off those extra pounds!

As for what I'm loving in beachwear right now...Mara Hoffman!  I adore her colorfully designed clothing, swimsuits, and accessories!  This stunning and bright one piece reversible lace up swimsuit is the perfect style for me.  I love the lace up detail on the back of the suit, the higher waist line (a hot returning trend in swimwear right now), and the cut out detail on the sides.  Add a beautiful cover-up such as this Mara Hoffman whisper weight black georgette beach dress.  I love the colorful and vibrant embellishments around at the neckline and back and the draped slit front style which is perfect for any day at the pool or on the beach! 

Don't forget your beach day accessories!  Always wear a hat to protect your face from the damaging rays of the sun as well as plenty of sunscreen!  I love the black bow detail on this straw hat  as well as this one.  Both are perfectly versatile to go with just about anything you wear!  Also, make sure you throw a pair of sunnies in your beach bag!  I have always been a huge fan of the Ray Ban aviators and these ones are my favorite!  Last but not least, pack a cute pair of embellished sandals to complete your beach day look!  Check out the these darling styles here, here, and here!  

Feel free to shop all of my Mara Hoffman picks below as well as some additional beach/resort style accessories!  Enjoy your spring break weekend!  

xoxoxo,

Hayley