Elephant Romper

We experienced some fabulous warm spring weather this past week.  The temperatures reached up into the high 70’s so I immediately took this short window of opportunity to pull out this fun elephant print romper by Angie Clothes and my open toe sandals!  I am a big fan of bohemian prints and textures and when I saw this elephant print motif I knew I had to have it!  Did you know that in China, India, and Africa, the elephant is a symbol for power, dignity, intelligence, and peace?

This romper is super comfortable and lightweight which makes it a perfect option for the warmer months to come!  I love the rust colored crochet trim around the bottom of the shorts which adds a little bohemian flair and texture.  I added a crescent moon necklace such as this one here or here and this gold leaf headband to accessorize and achieve an overall boho chic look. 

This romper comes in a few other colors and patterns.  I really love this one here, here, and here.  Rompers are a great addition to your warmer weather wardrobe.  They are simple to accessorize and require minimal effort and planning!  Just pick out your accessories and you are ready to go! 

I hope you all have a fun weekend planned!  If you haven’t already, please take the time to subscribe to my newsletter.  Be the first to receive information directly to your inbox on new blog post updates and the SF Bay Style Coffee Chat newsletter series.  I will be covering a wide variety of topics including: special sales and promotions, Q&A's, weekly roundups, my shopping wish list, and so much more about fashion, beauty, travel and home decor! 

Have a great day!

Xoxoxo,

Hayley

SHOP:

Red Floral Dress

We had some glimpses of warm spring weather over the last week here in the San Francisco Bay Area and I love any opportunity I can get to throw on a dress and go bare legs!  This red floral fit and flare dress by Calvin Klein fit the bill perfectly for our day out visiting the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University.  

Museum History:

The Cantor Arts Center's diverse collections span continents, cultures, and 5,000 years of art history and include one of the largest presentations of Rodin bronzes outside Paris.  It first opened its doors to the public in 1894 and was known as the "Leland Stanford Junior Museum".  Privately founded by the Stanford family, the museum exhibited a general collection of art from around the globe.  By the turn of the century, it was the largest privately-owned museum in the world.  The building itself is an architectural tour de force with a rich history of growth, success, and devastating setbacks caused by the catastrophic San Francisco earthquakes of 1906 and 1989.  The earthquakes caused irreparable damage to many of the art collections and the museum was badly damaged in both events causing it to periodically close down to the public.

Today, the museum is thriving, reconstructed, and revitalized thanks to art enthusiasts in the surrounding community, volunteers, and the dedication of Stanford University faculty and staff.  In 1999, it reopened as the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts.  If you’re planning a visit to the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoy visual art, I would highly suggest adding this to your list of things to do.  The admission is free and the art collections are magnificent.

As you may know, I am a big fan of Calvin Klein dresses.  I recently wore a few other CK dresses in these posts here, here, and here.   I picked out this dress back in November and thought it would be perfect for the holidays.  I love the fit and flare sleeveless style which is extremely versatile for all seasons.  The trick is to add layers in the winter, such as tights and a trench coat.  In the warmer months of spring you can wear it alone with a cute pair of sandals or heels like I did for this particular warm day.  I kept my accessories to a minimum bringing along my black leather Kate Spade handbag  found here and wearing my favorite black bow heels. I have my eyes on a few other Calvin Klein dresses for spring.  I currently have these ones in my shopping cart here, here, and here.

I hope you all enjoyed the President’s Day holiday and were able to get out and do something interesting or fun!  There are so many places to visit in our local area so I am trying to make it a point to get out with the family and explore as much as possible!

Xoxoxo,

Hayley    

SHOP:

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

SHOP ALL: 

Hollywood Movie Glam Home Decor

My taste in home décor has definitely evolved over the years and now I find myself leaning towards more modern and minimalist style.  Mid-century modern style has always been a favorite look of mine.  It’s my dream to someday purchase a 1950’s fixer upper and restore it to its original beauty and glory, adding bright pops of color in every room!  It’s a cheerful and playful style but very much sophisticated.

I found these vintage cotton candy pink mid-century modern club chairs and just fell in love.  I always wanted a pink sofa but getting these accent chairs may be a great compromise.  Here are a few other pink beauties you may love just as much here and here.  I went with a Hollywood movie glam theme in my design below.  Cinematography is actually a personal interest of mine and I majored in film and television production in college.  I always try to add home décor that reflects my personality and/or interests – then you have a story to tell about it!  here are some of my favorite cinema inspired accents that would be perfect for a home theater or any movie designed room here, here, and here!

Mid-century modern is always bright and colorful with the use of paint, wallpaper, accents, and art.  Here are a few of my favorite wall art pieces that would go perfectly in any retro styled room here, here, and here.

Happy Decorating,

Hayley

Inspired Style

I seek style inspiration from many places…film and television personalities, Pinterest, fashion designers, magazines, celebrities, bloggers, models, and Instagram friends to name a few.  Sometimes I like to participate in style challenges on Instagram with some of my friends.  It’s a great way to connect with other stylenistas and forces you to be more creative with your wardrobe and outfits each day! 

This past week, I participated in #shannonsastylechallenge46 and the theme was “inspired style”.  Who do you look to for fashion inspiration?  Do you pin it and spin it?  I love to participate in style challenges because I generally end up wearing things that have been in the back of my closet for a while.  It’s a great way to reuse and recycle old pieces and add in some new pieces to complete a fun “pinspired” overall look!  It’s definitely a great way to save money too! 

I thought I would share a few of my style inspiration posts below   I hope you will join in on some style challenges with us!  Its fun and you will make a lot of new friends in the process!

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Friday's look was inspired by the talented & sweet miss@reesewitherspoon ❤️ I adore her personality & style which exudes all kinds of southern charm!  

Hayley's dress c/o Karina Dresses

This style inspiration post comes from thee beautiful and sophisticated@oliviapalermo 💗 I love her east coast style!  I switched out the denim shorts for a skirt and I love her cute ruffled cardi but used my pink faux fur vest instead! 

Olive this! @emilyanngemma is one of my favorite fashion bloggers!  I adore her casual chic style and of course her gorgeous brunette locks!! 

Snake Print Dress

I recently spent some time in Orlando Florida presenting at a Human Resources conference at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.  Whenever I travel for work, I try to plan my outfits ahead of time so I don't end up over packing.  I usually bring a dress or two that can be worn with a simple cardigan and flats during the day.    At night, it's easy to slip on a pair of heels and refresh my make-up for an evening look at event dinners and cocktail parties.  

This snakeskin print fit and flare flare dress by Calvin Klein was perfect for this event.  I love the fit and flare design and was thrilled when I found out there were pockets!  I really think all dresses should have pockets, don't you?  I sometimes don't like to carry a handbag around, so pockets are a great when you just need to stash your credit card, room key, and some lip gloss!  

    

 Calvin Klein is one of my favorite fashion designers when it comes to dresses.  I've worn CK dresses in previous posts here and here.  I just adore this particular style and print!  I am also currently loving theses ones here, here, and here.         

I decided to pair this dress with some neutral strappy heels such as these ones here, here, and here.  The weather in Orlando on this particular day was a bit hot and muggy so I didn't wear my light pink cardigan I packed.  However, if you are looking for some options to go with neutrals, I would suggest this one here or basic black like this one here.  

Starting my morning off the way I always do with a hot cup of coffee and sometimes...donut holes too!  

All I can say is these were YUM!

Dresses are always a great option for traveling as long as you pack ones that aren't prone to wrinkling!  It's much quicker and easier to pack when all you need to worry about are the accessories!  I hope you all have a great day!  

xoxoxo,

Hayley      

SHOP:

Rainy Day in Floral

It's been raining pretty hard here in the San Francisco Bay Area.  El Nino is in full effect and I'm not complaining!  We have experienced a drought in California for the last few years, so it's been nice to get a little saturated with the rain and get outdoors, even though it was a little soggy out!  

I purchased this Calvin Klein floral cap sleeve dress just before Christmas.  I love the vibrant colors and fit and flare design. I'm styling it for a winter rainy day but I'm sure I will be pulling it out again this spring and summer for warmer weather looks.  I really love this dress but found a few similar options here, here, and here that I have my eyes on!   

I decided to wear my black trench coat as I knew I would be going out in the rain today.  A trench coat is one of those classic closet staples everyone must have.  This particular coat is and old favorite, but I found a few similar options for you here and here.  I also have one in a tan color which works well for lighter colored clothes such as this one here.  In the winter, I like to put on tights when I wear dresses and skirts.  This keeps me a bit warmer and also saves people from getting blinded by my pale and sometimes stubbly legs!  Here are some great options for tights here and here.  Believe me, they make a world of difference in the colder wet weather!    

Last but not least, I decided to wear my favorite bow adorned black flats.  These ones are so comfortable, wear well in wet weather, and who doesn't love bows?  Here are a few other options that would also work well here and here.  Also, don't forget to grab an umbrella when you head out the door!  I love this large black one because it is sturdy and has great coverage.  However, I also have my eyes on this bubble umbrella.  They come in many different colors and remind me of the one my mom purchased me when I was young!

Don't forget to pull out your spring and summer dresses and mix it up for winter!   I hope you all enjoyed your weekend whether it was raining, snowing, or sunny out!  

xoxoxoxo,

Hayley

Valentines Gifts For Her

How do you celebrate Valentines Day with your loved ones?  I have gathered up all my favorite V-day gift ideas for her, including accessories, handbags, shoes, clothing, and home decor items.  I tried to find items that are versatile enough to use throughout the year, but also sprinkled in some hearts for novelty, romance, and fun!

Here are a few of my favorite handbag choices here, here, and here.  These options have been on my favorites list for a while because they can be used any time of the year for a pop of color or to add simple elegance to your outfit. However, if you want a touch of whimsy, how about this one?

I have always been most comfortable wearing flats. Don't get me wrong, I love to wear high heels once in a while, but when I'm looking for cute comfort, I always go for the flats!  Check out these beauties that are perfect for Valentines Day I found here, here, and here.

Mugs are always a great idea whether you love a little tea, hot cocoa, or coffee.  I usually opt for an eclectic mix that represents my personality! It's fun to wake up in the morning, grab your favorite cup, and start your day with a smile!  Here are a few of my favorite ones here, here, and here that are perfect for Valentines or any morning in bed!

I confess, I love to add a little whimsy and charm to my home decor as well.  A great way to do this is with throw pillows! When February 1 comes rolling around, I switch out my glittery and glitzy new years decor for some red, pink, and white!  I love these ones here, here, and here! 

Check out the rest of my favorite Valentines gift ideas below and make sure you shop online early!  Also, don't forget that flowers, chocolates, wine, and a Valentine card are always good ideas!

xoxoxo,

Hayley

SHOP: