Monday, February 28

In The Sunset

Sweater- Nordstrom, Scarf- Forever 21, Dress- Forever 21, Belt- Forever 21, Leggings- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Forever 21

     While it might look like the sun is shining and I am just thrilled to be dancing around outside, it is not! This weekend people said they saw the thermometer reading 28 degrees. In California!!? So, so cold! And for everyone who asked, no snow in my yard, but a lot on the mountains! 

     I didn't want to keep living in jeans though so I threw on this dress that reminds me of somebody's grandmas couch. I went with that theme keeping it dark, heavy, and cozy with lots of knits. I find this dress to be really hard to style since it isn't that fitted, but also oddly drawn to the print. Oh, and this is Hayley with undone hair. Sometimes on sunday all that time curling and hair spraying is better spent cuddling on the couch with the boys!

     I would love to stay and chat even longer but there is a bathroom that needs tiding up, a big pile of laundry to get done, and a suitcase that just isn't going to pack itself. How cool would that be though? Have a happy monday, everyone!

Saturday, February 26

It Might or Might not be Snowing Today

Sweater- Forever 21, Button Up- Forever 21, Jeans- Target, Boots- Ted Baker, Necklace- Forever 21, Sunglasses- Kate Spade

     I have really been on a black and brown kick. It seems to be so easy to just put together. And remember that necklace? It is from this post. At the last minute my all dark outfit got to the better of me and I threw it on for a little pop of color. 
  
     We are pretty much staying in and working on watching our dvr today because, get this, it is supposed to snow in LA. Snow!! That just seems really ridiculous, but it is what they are saying! I don't even think I have snow appropriate clothes. It is kind of fitting that we are going to a hockey game tomorrow. I wonder if I can make a snow man? Probably not, were all on the watch for one little snowflake, but it is enough to stay inside with hot chocolate and reruns of 30 Rock!

     Just to remind you guys, we have a great line up of gals helping out and guest posting while I am in Las Vegas. They will be starting next Thursday and I am really excited to introduce you to some fun ladies! Oh, and I am working on getting a tutorial up for you guys soon!!

Friday, February 25

I Like You, A Lot!


So I wasn't going to do this weeks FBFF Blog Awards because I just felt I was too new to the blog world and I didn't want to single anyone out. But after reading countless new blogs today and seeing who everyone picked I felt compelled to share. I had a great time browsing so many new blogs! So note, if I didn't put you on here, just know I am choosing 10 out of like 50 daily reads and I really do like you all! 

1. Creative Juices - most creative 
Kristine. Or Polly. I give this girl my vote because the outfits she puts together I would never think of in a million years and she pulls them off, flawlessly! 

2. The Real Deal - authenticity 
The Daybook. Sydney is the real deal. She has her own sense of fashion, her own voice, and a big heart and puts it all out there day after day for everyone to read. Plus her hubby posts too, so you really get to peek in on their life.

3. Spark Notes - most helpful 
Clothed Much. I read Elaine's tutorials time after time again before I really gave in and started this blog. Not to mention she always replies back and answers any question you may have. She is stylish, smart and nice. Triple threat!

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old 
Dwelling & Telling. I only recently found Linley's blog but I already feel like she is a long lost friend. She loves to rock the same uniform I do (skinny jeans and boots!) and has this charming accent that I now hear when I read about her life. 

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected 
I want to nominate both gals behind the Everybody, Everywhere blog. In just a few short months people are glued to their computer screen waiting to see what the next challenge is going to be. Okay, that might just be me, but their following on their personal blogs and the EBEW is incredible!

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY 
Oh Happy Day! Jordan is a woman after my own heart. Lovely little family, endless style, and blogs the best party projects that make me envious that I don't have enough friends to copy these parties and make them my own. Her blog is endlessly inspiring!

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together 
Kendi Everyday. 30 for 30. So many gals have gotten in on this it is incredible to see how big of a following she has. I refer to her as Mama Kendi in my head because I feel like she is the gal we all look too for style advice. I think if I ran into her in real life, I might even call her that. 


8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable 
Cupcakes and Cashmere. Emily's is a blog I found and was instantly pouring through her archives for days! I feel like she just walked out of a fashion magazine every time she posts her outfits. And I feel a little drool coming on when I see her delicious desserts!

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger 
I don't read any specific beauty blogs so I cant really nominate anything here. Any suggestions?

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty, lifestyle 
It is kind of a double whammy but this one has to go to Sydney. Her blog and her down to earth vibe really inspired me to create my own and I will be forever grateful for that inspiration!

Thursday, February 24

Green With Envy

     Lately, I find myself ditching the blacks and grays in my wardrobe for varying shades of green. They are still dark and neutral but still give an outfit that very earthy, springtime is coming vibe. I am loving structured pieces in olives and hunters and brighter, funkier shades for the summer. Not to mention, this color pretty much goes with anything so it is a no brainer!

Wednesday, February 23

Everyone... Meet Ted!

Shirt- Forever 21, Jeans- Target, Boots- Ted Baker, Belt- H&M

     Do you know Ted? Well, Ted is my other boyfriend... Ted Baker. Ted Baker would also be Geoff's boyfriend because he loves him as much as I do. Every once in awhile we will wander in the store at South Coast and end up buying something amazing. These boots were 40% off and caught my eye. The sales girl saw me petting the leather and staring at the boots and she said the dreaded words, "Would you like to try those on?" Well, I was pretty much sold after that. Good thing the boyfriend hadn't even bought me a Valentines Day present because it made this purchase completely justified! You know how people describe leather as buttery? These boots are weightless, soft and full of butter! And they have gold soles and gold inside which makes them that much more awesome! I really had a hard time taking them off this weekend. In fact, I think I might go wear them right now with my hoodie and work out pants before the boy gets home from work and thinks I have gone crazy.

Tuesday, February 22

Thank You, Mr. President

     This weekend was filled with eating (BJ's Pizza and pizookie, anyone?), sleeping in, a lot of work, the first race of the season, seeing some houses, and a successful trip to Ikea. Even though I had to keep working, the boy had a 3 day weekend which made it easy to squeeze everything in but now I am pooped! 
     I haven't tried these yet, but these are Ikea chocolate bars in Hazelnut, Milk Chocolate and Dark. I don't know if I am going to simply just start gnawing away on these or if I am going to get creative with them but they will be eaten soon!

     New air tight jars for the countertop for the puppy's food and treats. I really don't like having those ugly food bags that stink in every cabinet so I wanted the dog stuff to look more presentable but be easy to grab a treat out so we leave these on the counter and they look cute! And... no more bacon smell!

     These vases are from Ikea as well, but not new. My Valentines flowers were starting to die so I cut off the survivors and put them in my little colorful bud vases and they look so pretty in the kitchen! It makes doing the dishes so much more lovely!

     This guy. Look at his bed head! I love this little face so much. I had posted this photo on Instagram labeled Lewis Einstein because that is exactly what he looks like! I am so sad because it is looking like it is going to be time for a trim but he looks so cute all fluffy and unkempt!

     We like to eat cereal in this house instead of dessert. It fills you up a little but more, without so much sugar and bad stuff. These little Organic Peanut Butter Panda Puffs from Trader Joe's are like bowls of heaven. They are so good! 

     My favorite new purchase, a new outdoor mat for our front door. We had an old "Welcome" one that had been here for years that just wasn't cutting the mustard anymore so now we have this amazing graphic print one out there. Instant cool for out front stoop!

     I have been hoarding these little Eiffel Tower Salt and Pepper shakers for years and we finally dusted them off and brought them out. They sit on our butcher block and are a nice little reminder of our weekend we spent in Paris like 100 years ago, or 2005!

     If anyone else wants to do a guest post over here the first week of March, its not to late. Go here for the information or email me!

Monday, February 21

Dress in the Wind

Dress- Old Navy, Boots- Forever 21, Belt- Forever 21, Bracelet- H&M, Earrings- Icing, Necklace- Edor Jewelry

     I had a tad bit of a Marilyn Monroe moment taking these photos... One minute I was all cute and posey and the next minute I had to think quick and cover up or else we would have had some embarrassing moments captured on film! Have I mentioned how much I love this dress? It comes in a shirt too, but it is so comfortable and easy to slip on and you look really, really pulled together without much effort. I also had a grey coat going with this, but it was taking a nap in the trunk when we saw this orange wall and had to jump in front of it for a few shots. I really hope they didn't have security cameras outside...!

     I also have an idea maybe you can help me out with? I am going on vacation from March 3-7th and I was thinking about hosting a few guest posts over here on my blog while I am away. Any of my other blogger ladies interested? The theme will be accessories and I have a few ideas, other then that its up to you! E-mail me for more information, I only have those dates available but maybe we can double up days or something if more of you want in! 

     Also this weekend I was featured over here at Bright Wishes. I did a little color inspiration board for her and it was really fun. You can go check it out at the link above.

Friday, February 18

FBFF Question Time!

This is just a little teaser of an outfit shot we did, I have been so busy I cant find time to edit the photos! But the background is... colorful!!!


1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed? I know it sounds cheesy, but it really has. I am opening myself up to strangers to tell me if something is a hit or miss and it is so silly when you post something you didn't really care for, but people think it looks great. It does make you look at an outfit in a different way.


2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or post it/talk about it anyway? I am a girl! Of course there are things I dislike about myself or look at someone else and wish I had her this or her that but when it comes down to it, I am very comfortable with who I am. I am not the typical size zero blogger that looks great in everything, but I find what works for me and stick with it. As for talking about it, why not! I would rather talk about a weird arm chub then crop it out!


3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds for the evolution of your body image? I think as you get older and find out what styles look best on you and what you feel most comfortable in, it just gets easier to get dressed in the morning and like what you see. I definitely say avoid trends unless they really, truly work for you. You can have your own style regardless of what you see on the mannequin's at the mall.


4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience of having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision? Well, the experience is usually the boy and I bickering about where to stand or if there is too much "cleve" happening when I lean over so there is no chance to be feeling self conscious because I am just trying to avoid shadows and make sure he isn't just taking a photo of my chin. When editing, we sometimes have 40 photos or 200. I just browse through and the ones where the light is good, my outfit isn't bunchy or weird, and my eyes are open and those usually make the cut!


5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart? It is important to wear what makes you feel good. Even if you see every blogger wearing skinny jeans but you like bootcut... wear those bootcut jeans and own it! Style is what you make of it and you can really make it anything you want.

Thursday, February 17

Only an Awesome Thursday


Shirt- Anthropologie, Jeans- Target, Flats- Target, Belt- Forever 21, Bracelet- H&M

     I know you might be thinking to yourself, "Isn't it raining in California?". Well weather watcher, you are correct. I am actually in an oversize hoodie, leggings, and LEG WARMERS (!!!) under a big blanket right now. This outfit was the forgotten outfit from this weekend. It was what I wore during the day on Sunday before we headed out of town. Thought I might give this little dark number his chance in the spotlight. Those little fuzzy leopard print flats I got at Target years ago and I love them. They totally cheer up any outfit that is dark and uninspired. and as for leg warmers, I found these totally cute grey and pink striped ones at H&M this weekend and had to take them home to try it out. So far, my ankles are incredibly satisfied. 

     I have one awesome thing to share today because I am so excited about it that it gets a whole Thursday dedicated to it!!! On Tuesday evening I noticed that one of my favorite bands was going to be playing a few shows around California and I had no idea that this had even been made an announcement. In under 24 hours we have decided to take the trip up to Santa Barbara in April to go visit our friends that just moved up there and we managed to get ourselves tickets before it sold out in minutes! I get to see Mumford & Sons! I have been loving this band for about a year now and didn't think I would be seeing them anytime soon so I am over the moon!! Plus I get to have a girly hang out shopping day up there, and potentially a trip to Solvang for some danish baked goods?? If you haven't heard them, or need new music to get into go check them out here.

P.S.- Did you see that new little button over there? Oh yeah, thats right, The Weekend File is now accepting Sponsors!!! I am thrilled! go check it out!

Wednesday, February 16

The Post I Forgot to Title...

Sweater- H&M, Tank- Target, Jeans- Target, Boots- Forever 21, Bag- Forever 21, Scarf- H&M

     This was our first time heading out and attempting to take photos in the dark. How lucky were we to find a completely empty and lit parking garage! Just don't give your photographer too many beers before they get behind the camera or you will get 55/60 blurry photos. Kidding, Kidding. But those beers and the basket of french fries were totally worth it! And let me tell you about this bag... It is so soft and so light. And it has that extra little strap that gives your little shoulders a vacation every once in awhile. I love it and for the price it really couldn't be beat and it is my go to bag for everyday use these days. 

     A few of you have been asking me how I do my hair like this even though it is so short. It is fairly easy and i want to show you guys. What would you think about a tutorial or a step by step post? 

Tuesday, February 15

Scenes from the Weekend

Friday I had a great lunch with my friend, Tiffany, at this great little sandwich shop called Jammin Bread. They make everything fresh that morning and have the most delicious sandwiches, quiches and soups and while it is a little on the pricey side... it is worth every penny. After lunch, Lewis and I laid down for a little nap and look at that little bed hog! Smack dab in the middle of my pillow under my covers! 

Saturday morning I went to the salon and got my hair done. Since my friend does my hair at her house mostly, it feels so relaxing to sit back and get my hair done with a Vanilla Soy Latte in one hand and a stack full of reading material in the other. I also found a new addiction... Dwell Magazine. I think I flipped through 6 or 7 magazines and it was glorious! 

Sunday was our Valentines Day. We walked around my favorite mall, South Coast Plaza, which is full of my favorite stores in the world and I got a brand new pair of Ted Baker boots. Leather, black, soft, long, slouchy... I love them so much, I pretty much might never take them off. Then we headed over to my favorite Italian restaurant, Maggiano's and filled up on delicious wine, caesar salad and pasta. Afterwards we even headed down to a little get together at a friends house and it was nice to get out and see friends we hadn't seen in awhile!

All in all I had a fabulous weekend and Monday was just the cherry on top when I came home on my lunch break (from a good day at work, too!) to take out the puppy and low and behold I had some lovely flowers waiting for me on my countertop. I feel really happy and blessed lately and I am so thankful for my little tiny family we have here. 

Monday, February 14

It's a Lovely Day!

     So today I get to spend another lovely Valentines day with this charming guy right here. I am not big on the "Hallmark" holiday, but it is just nice to know this is our sixth one spent together and I still am just as excited as the first. Cue the "awwww's". Although, I do have another little white furry guy waiting in the wings who would like to be my Valentine today as well. We celebrated last night and I had a great evening out and about, something we haven't been able to do much of lately, while my mom came to take care of the pup. We went to my favorite Italian restaurant (Pesto Alfredo Ravoli!) and wandered some of my favorite shops (Zara! H&M! Ted Baker! Free People!) and spent some time with some friends. The nicest guy I know also treated me to a new pair of Ted Baker leather black boots! I want to sleep in them tonight they are so pretty!

I hope you all have a great day today with your loved one or ones!! 


Friday, February 11

FBFF Questions and a Winner!

Carrie Bradshaw's closet. The epitome of wearing print and color and pulling it of, in my opinion!
    
     I decided to take the plunge and sign up for the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday. I have been watching some of my favorite blogs each week answer questions on these topics and they were so thought provoking and helpful in getting to know the blogger better, I decided to sign up and participate. So every Friday I will be answering the questions over here, if you want to answer them in the comments as well... go for it!


1. What color dominates your closet? I know this sounds so boring and run of the mill... but it is probably blacks and very dark neutrals. I love a dark grey, brown, black, or dark green and you can definitely see that in my wardrobe.


2. If money weren't an issue, how would you change the color emphasis in your closet? Well, well, well, if money wasn't an issue I probably wouldn't be afraid to buy those red jeans or a bright pink button up because if I only wore it once or twice a year, the fiscal part of it wouldn't really matter. When I shop, I try to buy a piece that can mix with a lot of different items I already have and therefor they are usually more on the plain and safe side.


3. What is your mantra about mixing colors? I normally will keep one half of the outfit pretty simple, like jeans or black pants, but then allow myself to go a little wild with a printed shirt and bright colored cardigan on the top half. I like to play it safe, which can sometimes be boring but this is what I love about the blog world. It has shown me how to be more confident and try things I never would have thought of trying in the first place.


4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits? Color to me is a way of expressing the seasons through my clothes or my mood or feeling. I really love prints. I also really love texture or unexpected details. I might not "mix" too many colors onto my body at one time, but I might have one or two items on that pop and bring the outfit to life.


5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe? Before I started blogging, I had never, ever, thought of wearing colored tights! I knew they existed, but I never thought of marching around with green legs... but now I can't wait to try it out. I picked this up from a lot of my favorite blogs (The Daybook, Kendi Everyday) who have their own personal style, but show this one little accessory really bringing their outfits together.

Also...
Congratulations Meg! Please get an e-mail sent over to me asap so we can get your information for your pretty new earrings!

Thursday, February 10

Awkward and Awesome Thursday... Again!


Awkward-
- Noticing a complete strangers fly is down. Then deciding if you should mention it or not. But knowing if you do, you have been clearly gazing at them below the belt... and that is weird.
- Also awkward is the fact that this happens to me so often, I think I have put this on my list before.
- People falling down. But like a funny fall where they aren't hurt. And you cant stop laughing.
- When the checker at Target starts flashing the light and calling to another checker and making a big scene, just because your item is missing a barcode but it seems like you just tried to steal something and the people behind you are becoming angry.
- Trying to take my little puppy on a walk. We look so ridiculous because he wants to lay down and eat everything and I drag him for feet before I even notice.
- Looking at the Valentines day cards with 20 other people doing the same thing and you notice you just picked up the dirtiest, nastiest card there is and you are hoping no one just read that over your shoulder.
- Mint Chocolate Chip flavored gum. I just don't know about that.


Awesome-
- Forgetting about that check from Christmas is still sitting in your wallet... in February!
- Thin Mints.
- Getting to get all dressed up and go on a real date at my very favorite Italian restaurant this weekend.
- Parks and Recreation. Hands down the best show on tv!
- People with dimples. I don't have any... and I think they are so charming.
-  My giveaway ends tonight, and I would love for everyone to have a chance to win some pretty new earrings!!! Sign up and take a shot and if not, just go look at all the other little pretties sold at Edor Jewelry!
- Two weeks until we get to go on vacation to Las Vegas for 4 glorious days. Shopping, Slot Machines, Racing, and all those free little drinks they bring you.
- Qdoba Grill and their super awesome Pick 2 menu. I am addicted to their soft tacos.

*I just realized I accidentally hit "no comments"...whoops! Comment away friends!!*

Tuesday, February 8

All Ablaze

Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad, Shirt- Forever 21, Jeans- 7 for All Mankind, Boots- Old Navy, Necklace- Edor Jewelry, Earrings- Icing, Belt- Forever 21 (attached to a dress)

     I am having the most indulgent breakfast right now. If the king of food were here he would probably tell me I am actually eating a dessert. I don't know if he exists, but whose job is it to categorize such important topics? Well, regardless I am eating a Thomas' English Muffin topped with creamy Peanut Butter and Nutella. Let the drooling begin! It is delish! So good I can barely focus at the job at hand which today is... blazers! 

It was time for another Everybody, Everywhere and I purposely wrote in my planner what to wear today. My favorite part of this blazer is the cuffs. They are a light blue with stripes which I really like to play off and help guide the rest of my outfit. My favorite thing about a blazer is it easily makes an outfit so much more snazzy and important looking. I also love to wear my thinnest, silkiest shells underneath because the blazer is so structured. So go check out everyone else rocking their cute blazers today! 

Sunday, February 6

Casual Sunday

Scarf- Forever 21, Sweater- Forever 21, Shirt- H&M, Jeans- Citizens of Humanity, Shoes- Converse

     Well, well, well... Don't you just love these really artsy photos? We can thank the boy for these. We got up, had bagels, took the dog to his vet appointment then scouted a really cool empty warehouse building to take some photos at when low and behold... the camera battery was still sitting on the counter at home. So today we have some low budget, iPhone photos where most of my head is cropped off. I promise you I brushed my hair today. 

Casual Sunday was all it was cracked up to be and more. We didn't do much of anything at all, but got enough accomplished to justify sitting on the couch to watch the Super Bowl all afternoon. We also found a house we might potentially like. It is in a different neighborhood then we have been looking in, but it looks like it has potential and a nice yard for Lewis to play in. 

As for the Super Bowl... everyone is wearing yellow, I am very confused as to which team is which, and I cant wait for Glee to come on. I did manage to eat a large amount of potato chips this afternoon, too. That is what you are supposed to do today, right?


ps- This giveaway is ending soon, and I really want you to win some gorgeous new earrings. So go sign up, ok!?


Saturday, February 5

Stealing the Show

 
Sweater- Nordstrom, Shirt- Forever 21, Cords- Old Navy, Boots- Forever 21, Necklace- Forever 21, Sunglasses- Kate Spade

     I am still sick. The kind of sick where the medicine I am taking isn't even making me feel any different and it has been five days. This is why I brought out the big guns today... The puppy! I am hoping his cuteness will distract from my swollen sinuses and dry, red nose. 

This outfit was pretty much worn for all of about 10 minutes before I felt completely worn out and like retreating back to my fleece blankie and reruns on HGTV. Although for those 10 minutes I did feel like I was living inside of a Ralph Lauren ad. Who knew we had such a pretty field for photographing in right behind our house! 

Oh yeah, and isn't the little guy getting big? He has been so good just napping next to me all week while I have been glued to the couch. He is so sweet.

There is currently a nice boy making a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich with my name on it. Hoping I will feel better in the next few hours because then it is off to work. 

Have a happy weekend and fun Super Bowl sunday everyone!

Thursday, February 3

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!



Awkward-
- That photo of me right there. There is the blogger in all her glory. No makeup, the same American Apparel hoodie for 3 days, and a meal consisting of cough drops and Smart water.
- The fact that I have to go to work today all germy and serve people coffee. Sorry for that extra side of sick, folks! 
- Teen Mom. I don't know why I watch it but I feel like I am watching a train wreck of girls who make really bad choices and I just want to reach through the tv and shake them.
- The fact that my mother enjoys speaking loudly and saying really embarrassing things in very public, quiet situations. 
- Stepping in dog poo, and not noticing.
- I don't even know who is in the Super Bowl, and I don't even care! Football is my napping show! Turn it on, and my eyes close!

Awesome-
- Sleeping all night with a cuddly puppy and a nice boyfriend. Our dog has worked his way into that little wedge right between our pillows. I love it.
- I actually managed to read a magazine yesterday. It his been months since I have had time to do that!
- Target for copying a pair of last years Dolce Vita sandals I wanted, and the fact that they are only $24. I hope those babies are comfy because they will be coming home with me!
- Rachel Ray show. I really wish I had her fake stage kitchen.
- Tazo Refresh Mint tea. It has been my saving grace the last few times I have been really sick or freezing. It is so tasty!
- The fact that you can (and should) still enter this giveaway to win a pair of earrings from my favorite Etsy shop ever!
- For the Love of Blogs for giving away 10 spots of ad space for February and the fact that I would like to be one of the lucky ones!

Wednesday, February 2

Feeling Lovely?


     Love is in the air because it is February, the month of love! Is this why it is the shortest month? Hmm... Anyways that little groundhog did not see his shadow, which means dresses and short sleeves are soon to be upon us! While I was stuck at home sick today (yes, this is why there has been a lack of posts) I got to thinking about red roses and pink hearts and all of that lovey dovey stuff. Not that we are very big on Valentines Day or gift giving, it sure wouldn't hurt to own a few of these little pretties! 

1. Forever 21- Contrast Color Heart Cardigan $24.80
2. Orla Kiely- Car Print Mug $12
3. Topshop- Nails in In The Red $5 GBP
4. Kate Spade- Date Night Ring $58
5. Topshop- Lips in Brighton Rock $8 GBP
6. Kate Spade- Keyboard Laptop Sleeve $60
7. Hunter- Red Tall Boot $158
8. Old Navy- Stripe Scoop Neck Top $12.50
9. Forever 21- Red Jersey Dress $27.80