Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Rockin' the work outfit. This is what I wear about 75% of the week. Booor-ring!

Awkward-

- The Real Housewives of Miami. It just doesn't have the same vibe as the other ones. OC is the best!

- Puppy looking like a walking lamp with that big cone on his head!

- The fact that it was raining and we had our heater on all weekend and now, barely halfway through the week, it is going to be 90 degrees and the A/C is on!

- Getting forked? I don't entirely understand it but I think people just kinda stick a bunch of forks in your lawn? Kinda like getting TP'd? I need to know more...

- These Old Navy commercials on t.v right now. Are they joking with these things? I didn't even know they were for Old Navy!!

- My sore tooth I have had since Sunday. I cant figure out what I did but it is painful. I think the prescription is lots and lots of frozen yogurt. 

Awesome-

- Playing Words With Friends on my breaks at work! It makes them fly by, and I swear I am getting smarter!

- Fossil watches. Who knew? I need to earn an extra few dollars to get this baby I am lusting after.

- Pintrest. ADDICTING.

- Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, giving a copy of his new book to every single partner (employee) at Starbucks! I can't wait for a lazy day with a cup of tea so I can get to reading!

- My new $10 deal from H&M that you will be seeing tomorrow.

- Our trip to Santa Barbara coming up in a few weeks. Ocean view room i'll be there soon!!! 

Mellow Yellow

Shirt- H&M

Pants- Gap

Belt- Forever 21

Heels- MIA

Necklace- Anthropologie

Bracelets- ???

Do any of you remember those old Gap commercials from the "Everybody in..." campaign where they sang Mellow Yellow? And it had the singer form Phantom Planet? That is totally what I thought of when I put this outfit on. Specifically this bright yellow belt. I sang this song all morning when I was getting dressed. I felt like I had a bunch of extreme colors going on but for some reason I wanted to ad that one last piece. I dunno, did it work? I think the shoes were my only downfall, or if my pants were a bit longer I could have hidden my shoes then solved that problem. Note to self... remove hem.

I wanted to let you guys all know that this really awesome eBay-like website to sell all of your fun fashion goodies, Smashion, did an interview with me for their Smashion Lounge and it is up today! Go check it out if you want to! I had a great time answering all of their fun questions.

Gone Fishin'

Sweater- I <3 Ronson

Beanie- H&M

Tank Top- Forever 21

Leggings- Forever 21

Boots- Old Navy

Earrings- Claire's

You might be thinking to yourself, "Oh she went fishing some where very cold?" or "She looks like she is sea sick because she can't stand up straight!" Actually, you are wrong. I have never been fishing, and if I did go, I think I might actually get sea sick. Or bored. Regardless, Geoff asked me if I was auditioning for the new season of the Deadliest Catch. I have to admit, the dark colors and tall boots, one might misconstrue my cozy outfit as one of a Fisherman but I don't want to fool you guys. Geoff says its the cotton sweatshirt. Fisherman always wear oversized cotton sweatshirts. But it is just me! Doing laundry all day and hanging out at home. Sorry.

I did want to make up an elaborate story about 10 foot swells and killer sharks because that would be more interesting then what really happened with my day! 

Scenes from the Weekend

This weekend was filled with work, food, and nursing our little puppy back to health after his surgery on Friday. Nothing too exciting around here, but I managed to get a few shots from the iPhone to share. Oh yeah. I finally got around to making my Twitter public again! So come ad me and chat with me, I always have absurd things to share! Just hit the Twitter button on the right and you are all set!

Sweater- Forever 21

Scarf- Forever 21

Shirt- Target

Sunglasses- LC Lauren Conrad

Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad

Boots- Forever 21

My one and only outfit shot from the past (busy) weekend! Check out the new sunnies! Aren't they cute!? And don't ask why I am wearing sunglasses in my bathroom. It just happened.

Turkey Sandwich on Sourdough with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup from Boudin SF. Best lunch meal ever, in my opinion!

I decided to make a fancy dinner this weekend with a Spinach and Tomato salad and Cheese Tortellini with Roasted Red Pepper and  Chicken Apple Sausage. One of my favorite dinners! And so easy to make!

Poor Puppy has been forced to wear the cone all weekend and I have felt so sad for him! This must be how people feel when their children are sick. Thankfully he slept a lot and seemed to be back to his normal, wild, puppy self on Sunday morning. Just 11 more days of the cone.....

This is the last few days if you are interested in sponsoring for the month for April! Ads are affordable and awesome!

And the Winner is....

Looks like it pays to be prompt! Congratulations Kendra! Please send me an email as soon as you can and we will get to work on your Large Ad Space! 

Clothes like Pajamas

   

Sweater- Nordstrom

Dress- Old Navy

Leggings- LC Lauren Conrad

Belt- Forever 21

Shoes- Kohls

Somedays after work I want to get dressed up, but I also have this urge to put on the boys pajama pants and a big hoodie and call it a day. But then I think of you guys, and my lonely closet and decide otherwise. Clothes that are soft, lightweight, and roomy might do the trick. Enter this dress that is basically a very, very long t-shirt. And this cardigan that is so big it can almost wrap all around me twice and has those sleeves that go allll the way past my hands. Perfect! Although for public, I jazzed it up with some heels so I didn't rock the lazy chic look to the extreme. 

OOOH... Last day for the giveaway! And I might have an extra special surprise tomorrow as well so go ahead and enter to win a month of free ad space!

And check out my Blog Roll on the right, I made some updates to it last night. So go browse some of my favorite blogs and you might find a new great one to read! If there are any blogs you are loving right now, link to them in the comments. I am always looking for new inspiration!

Spring Essentials

This post was originally a guest post here, but I loved it so much I wanted to share it with you guys as well! All of these items can be found at Forever 21.

1. Maxi Dress and Floral Prints.  This dress is the best of both worlds for me in Spring. Maxi dresses are casual and cool, but still keep you covered up incase it gets cold in the evening (or if your legs still aren't ready to come out of hibernation!). Floral prints are really the epitome of the season and I don't care how you wear them, but its a must! Pull out your old Easter dresses ladies, those babies are back in style this year! 

2. Aviators. These sunglasses are oh-co cool and yet oh-so casual they go with nearly every outfit. They really make a simple piece, like just a pair of sunglasses, make a big fashion statement. If you have blonder hair (like I do) I prefer the more golden rimmed lenses, but if you have darker hair, the silver ones look great. Remember, Maverick? Dreamy!!

3. Lightweight Scarves. I am never ready to part with my favorite accessory when winter ends thats why my neck begs for an alternative. Enter the tissue weight scarf. Keep them light and airy, in bright, vibrant colors and it will be a nice way to dress up a plain tee and jeans on the weekend. Also, no sunburns on the back of your neck! 

4. Denim button up. The versatility of this piece is unreal. It can be worn over dresses layered over tank tops, tucked in to skirts, and even help trick the eye to the pattern-afraid fashionista. Scared of a floral skirt or white pants? The denim shirt is like a little fashion comfort blankie. Sometimes I get suck in a denim rut, and this is a great way to try a new piece, without it being too over the top.

5. Candy Colored Nails. Put your red nail polish and Lincoln Park After Dark in the back of the drawer and embrace some new colors for the beginning of Spring. Think of the Easter bag of M&M's and shop accordingly. My favorite is a very matte sea foam green and a bold taupe. These colors are different, festive, and help jazz up everyones old standard pinks and reds. 

6. Turquoise Jewelry. This is one that takes me all the way through summer. I love a bold, blue pendant or sparkly aqua ring. This type of  jewelry can be found at just about any jewelry store and matched with just about anything and it adds the post beautiful pops of color in a very traditional way. 

7. Strappy Heels.  This is like a hybrid of a wedge sandal, a heel, and a flip flop all rolled into one. Spring is the chance to keep your heels a bit higher, the heel a big chunkier and the chance to play with little cut out details and straps. These are the best all rolled into one. And if it is breezy, slip on a nude slight weight sock and keep those toesies warm! It will still be just as cute.

8. Lace Up Oxfords. I remember wearing these as a kid (the classic black and white version) and now they are back with a vengeance. You can get them with laces or without, and in just about every color. If you are looking for an alternative to your winter booties and a before stage to your strappy sandals try playing around with your styling and adding a pair of these babies. They look great with flowing skirts or rolled up jeans. And don't be afraid to look a little Grease and roll your socks down... It's cool again!

9. Graphic Print Tanks. I think I have a whole drawer full of these silky tank tops with all different kinds of prints. It is an easy way to add so much color and vibrance to any outfit. Paired with a cardigan you have the best of both worlds for a Springy day out and about. And you can pull this look off heading to work to or going out on the town, they are sooo easy to dress up... they are a must have! 

10. Western Inspired Leathers. Whether it is a pair of cowboy boots or a belt with western inspired details these accessories look great paired with a white dress or a pair of denim cutoffs. The little details make you think of summery days and the outdoors and add a different take on the classic brown leather belt. And swap out your heavy black, flat boots for a funky pair of tan cowboy boots and you will look like you are spending your weekend on a Texas ranch in the sun!

BFF's Forever!

Is it just me or do any of you guys have impromptu, late night, photo shoots with your dog? He really gets a kick out of Photobooth, I promise! Actually, he wanted to show off his new big boy teeth and tell you all that he is now 6 months old! And Friday... well, he will be getting his little "man" operation, and I am a nervous wreck!

See those chompers?

Excuse my smudged eyeliner... it was like midnight when I got this brilliant idea...

Now Lewis is getting the hang of it...

Yeah, thats the best dog ever.

Heart melting at this point. He is waving hi! <3

Have you checked out my giveaway for free ad space for a whole entire month? If not, there is only 2 days left to enter!

I am guest posting over here today with my favorite fashion picks for the Spring, and I love it so please go check it out!

First Day of Spring? Really?

Jacket- AC (It's Old!)

Scarf- H&M

Shirt- Forever 21

Jeans- Target

Boots- Old Navy

Necklace- Forever 21

This playground is in a neighborhood near our house and when we jumped out to take pictures it was so windy, so cold, and so bright outside! I was literally teeth chattering and shaking standing out in this little sand box, that isn't even sand.... wood box.

I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to go there! Every photo either had me squinting or hunched over to try and shield my body from the wind and rain! I am OVER this weather I tell you! That little Spring teaser we had last week needs to get back here... stat! I am too cold!!! I am dreaming of days laying by the pool with some iced coffee and a good magazine!

This is a very basic and typical outfit I wear to run around and run errands... and go pick up my new favorite pair of sunglasses from Kohl's. My Kate Spades might have seen better days... Anyone know of any affordable companies that will swap out my horribly scratched lenses and replace them with similar ones? Until then I got a cool new pair that I cant wait to show you! I also got socks, because you know, socks are important when it is cold! 

Tied with a Bow

Sweater- Forever 21

Shirt- Forever 21

Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad

Boots- Target

Necklaces- Edor Jewelry & Anthropologie

     Life has been really busy lately. I promise you guys I will get out of the bathroom mirror, take boyfriend outside and give you some proper outfit photos (soon)! I felt all gung-ho today to head out and get stuff done but it is raining! Why? Why cant we have the gorgeous weather all of you are enjoying? This is California for crying out loud!! Crazy. 

     Well, a little note about these boots. You have never seen these boots before. I haven't even seen them in 2 years. Why you ask? The incredible clothes eating closet deposited it somewhere in the very back, behind the second rack of clothes, all bunched up to be forgotten about. I knew I had grey boots somewhere and what do you know? There they are! It is like gaining a new item when your closet chooses to let you find said item in its dark abyss of clothing goodness! But I did it, and boy did they give me a blister, but I matched! 

In case you didn't see it over the weekend, you can enter my giveaway for a free ad space for the entire month of April! It ends March 25th so hurry!

Ad Space Giveaway!

Guys! This is epic! Okay, it's not but it is pretty cool... I am going to give away a single Large Ad Space for the month of April! This is the first month my Sponsors are going to launch and I wanted to share a little something with all of you! Included in the ad space will be one feature post to go up the first Monday of April. You can basically write about anything that you want, you will have free reign of this blog, just don't go too wild, k? My granny reads this. Kidding!! 

(this could be you!)

How to enter:

Be a Follower! +1 entry

Follow on Bloglovin' +1 entry

Tweet @imhayley and mention The Weekend File and this giveaway +1 entry

Blog about this giveaway and leave the link +2 entries

That's five times the way to win some awesome ad space right over there....!

Remember... separate comments for separate entries or my little brain starts to get confused!

The winner with be randomly chosen on March 25th. I know thats quick, but I want to give you time to make a beautiful new button!

Asymmetrical with Envy

Sweater- Forever 21

Blouse- Anthropologie

Jeggings- Target

Boots- Old Navy

Ring- Forever 21

     I joined in with the world and brought out a few pops of green last night! I didn't wanna get pinched at a bar by a stranger so I had to comply with the rules! After work, we went to dinner with my entire family and then my friend from Santa Barbara drove all the way down here to spend St. Patrick's Day with some of us. I have to say, I only had a few drinks and only stayed out until nearly 1 am but I am an old lady now. I just cant keep up! I was fine last night but this morning I am so groggy! My cup of coffee is barely making my stay awake at this very minute. 

Oh! And how do you like this top? I found it in my closet with the tag still attached. Apparently I only spent $9.95 on it and it has the coolest asymmetrical neckline and even though you cant see it, there are green beads up one side of the neckline. But lets have a debate here... are these leaves or hearts? Let me know because I am at a loss. 

I am also featured right here today as a part of the What She Wore series. Go check out her great blog if you have time!

Today Only! 100% of every dollar spent on Forever21.com will be donated to helping the efforts in Japan. That is unheard of. Go. Shop. Now!

This Outfit has Traveled all over the US...

Sweater- Old Navy 

Dress- Forever 21 

Scarf- H&M 

Belt- Forever 21 

Jeggings- Mossimo 

Boots- Forever 21

     Confession time... this outfit is old. Like I wore this probably 3 weekends ago! These were the photos that were trapped on the camera that has traveled all over California, Vegas and Texas and has safely been returned back. I didn't want to skip it though because it was a rainy Friday night and it was late and we took the tripod and with all that effort... I love how they turned out! I was craving layers and I wanted to be comfortable but cute, so instead of a sweatshirt and jeans I wore a dress over jeggings and  put on that chunky sweater. I remember it, and I was comfy! And have I mentioned how much I love this parking garage? It is going to be our new Friday night routine. Buy the boy a burger, give him a kiss, make him take my photo! Works for me!

     In other news, cross your fingers, toes, puppies toes, and whatever else you can cross for us. We are going to put in an offer on a house! We have bad luck with these things (I think we have lost 3 other houses in the past year for one reason or another) but hopefully luck will turn around! Its old, needs work, and has the worst kitchen but it has wood floors, a great yard and is in a great neighborhood. Oh, and did I mention its within walking distance of my favorite fro yo spot? Heck yea!

Feeling Fancy

Dress- Forever 21, Leggings- Target, Boots- Forever 21, Necklace- Forever 21, Belt- Forever 21, Watch- Burberry

     So sometimes I do put on a pretty little number and get out of my favorite jeggings for an evening. This is the last and final outfit shot from Vegas. This was actually our first day when Geoff and I were still all gung-ho to take proper outfit photos before heading out on the town. This dress is so silky smooth and light, I cant wait to style it lighter for the summertime as well. And don't stare too hard at your computer screen or you will see a wonky armpit that I am just going to pretend isn't there because I am too sleepy (dang Daylight Savings!!) to try and edit it out. I blame the tank top underneath. Either that, or I should really get some sort of pit-tuck. Kidding. 

In A Nutshell

Scenes from our week in Vegas via my iPhone. Taken with Instagram and Diptic:

The first time I went to Serendipity in New York was pretty much perfect, but the first time I went in Vegas was a hellish story of waiting over an hour for a half melted Froooozen Hot Chocolate. This time I wanted to give it another shot so we waited for a table on the patio over looking the Strip an enjoyed a delicious grilled chicken sammie, sweet potato fries and of course, a big old dessert!

My partner in crime for the whole weekend... my Mama! We kept joking that she was my babysitter for the weekend while the boy was  busy, but we had a ton of fun! Best babysitter ever!

I know it is a total tourist trap, but we found ourselves right outside of the M&M store (I have never been!) and with time to kill so we wandered right through it, ate some M&M's, took some silly pictures, tried a peanut butter Kit-Kat (YUM!) for the first time, and even saw a little 3D movie!

The new Starbucks logo to celebrate the companies 40th Anniversary. This lady was waiting me when I got back from Vegas had to turn our store upside down to get it ready for the little launch party we had on Tuesday!

The first night we were starving, so we went to this place I had read about, called I <3 Burgers and it was delicious! My burger had Gouda, Red Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Lettuce and Garlic Aioli... I was in heaven! And there are like 10 different french fries to choose from. My mom and I outside of the Paris, here we stayed. And the machine that kept paying out all the dough! Next time you are going to Vegas I will let you know where it is! Best kept secret!

And then, of course... the whole reason we were there in the first place was for Geoff to work and we went to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Sunday. If you don't know what that is, just show these photos to your boyfriend... instant brownie points, I'm tellin ya! Geoff and I at the race, the view from the suite above the start/finish line, Jeff Gordon's #24 car waiting to head to inspection.

My mom and I on pit lane (I look so skinny standing like this! Must remember to do this for every photo from now on...!), Goodyear tires getting ready to be used before the race, Kyle Buschs' #18 Snickers car after inspection, the view standing inside Denny Hamlin's pit box before the race. It sounds silly, but I really actually love going to the races! That boy has finally rubbed off on me, it only took 5 years but now I finally love it. 

I'm the hippest member of the Barbershop Quartet

Hat- Urban Outfitters, Jacket- Forever 21, Shirt- H&M, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Forever 21, Watch- Burberry, Bag- Forever 21

     This outfit felt all kids of wrong. Like a big fedora? Stripes? Grey shirt? But you know what... I loooooved it! And I felt so comfortable all day. I do remember asking Geoff if I looked like "one of those men that sings in a group and sells salt water taffy", because Barbershop Quartet wasn't coming to me and he assured me I didn't, but I still think I kinda do. And that is the new Fedora. I will probably wear this every day this summer. It is  Navy with a mustard yellow bow. Tell me that isn't the cutest? 

Speaking of that guy, he has some family stuff to take care of in Texas this weekend so it is just me and the dog. I have already managed to write a blog and do my taxes. So I already think i'm doing pretty well. And my sweet little puppy let me sleep in until 9:15am! I cant even remember the last time I slept that long! It sure is quite around here though. Laundry, and getting the dog groomed before work are on my agenda today. hope everyone has a good weekend!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Shirt- H&M, Jeans- Target, Boots- Ted Baker, Purse- Forever 21, Watch- Burberry, Rings- Ireland Street Vendor and Vintage (Gift from Mom)

Awkward

- My dirty towels in those pictures, sorry guys, that is where the little card says to put them if I don't want them anymore!

- Seeing all of these girls in one shoulder, glittery mini skirt dresses, unable to sit down because their clothes are too tight and poking them everywhere.

- Being in a restroom and hearing a, um, "noise" and accidentally saying out loud "What was that!?" then noticing my mother and I weren't alone. Whoooops!

- Charlie Sheen. Need I say more?

- Geoff ordering a drink in Vegas and being brought a check that is more then the amount we just spent on our whole dinner. That boy has expensive taste!

- Being stuck in a full elevator and two individuals are fighting. I have no where to go, people!!

- I have to spend the weekend all by myself because the boy has to go to Texas last minute. What will I do??

Awesome

- Gwyneth Paltrow in this weeks Glee! So good!

- Taking puppy Milk Bones, breaking them up and stuffing them in Lewis' Kong with a tiny bit of peanut butter on it... he is busy for hours! 

- Finding this shirt at H&M. You can't tell but it is grey and white and basically my new favorite!

- I met Marie Osmond! Totally random and unexpected but it is still cool!!

- My new fedora, you will see soon, it is Navy and Mustard yellow!

- Having French Fries with nearly every meal in Vegas. No complaints here!

- Hitting the jackpots on penny machines. It keeps counting, and counting, and counting!!

- The pasta I made up two nights and and was totally dee-lish! Rigatoni, Ground Beef, Stewed Tomatoes, Garlic, Creamy Tomato Alfredo and all baked together with some Mozzerella and Bread crumbs on top. 

My Waldo Moment

Scarf- Forever 21, Necklace- Forever 21-, Sweater- Forever 21, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Ted Baker, Watch- Burberry

     I bet if you had an ariel shot of the Las Vegas Strip this weekend it would have looked like my very own Where's Waldo book! I don't care though, I just bought this sweater and I am already in love with it. Even though it photographed red in my very professional bathroom mirror shots, it is actually a really pretty shade of deep coral.

      My mom and I shopped all over Vegas on Saturday afternoon. Miracle Mile, Forum Shops and ended the afternoon off by sitting on the patio at Serendipity 3 and having a chicken sandwich and frooozen hot chocolate. I ended up wining big time at Caesars. I pulled a penny machine on the max bet (we are talking like 60 cents here, people) and I won $30!! They rushed over to take my picture and balloons fell from the sky... it was magical. Okay, in my dreams the rest of that happened, but I really did win the money. I promptly went to Banana Republic and bought a pencil skirt that was on sale and had a cocktail. Pretty good day if you ask me!

Back with a Dot.

Thats right. I am baaack! And with so, so much to do today! Not only is it my first day back, but it is also the Everybody, Everywear Polka dot challenge! So when I was packing I threw in this black long sleeve blouse with pink polka dots and wore it on Saturday night when we went to dinner and to a show.

I really dont know how to style this top, it is a see through shell so it makes it harder to dress up. I wore it with black jeans and my black boots and rolled up the sleeves. It also has these tassels I never know what to do with, so in a bow they went. I am not crazy about that part but it worked for the time being. Oh, and do you love the super orangey bathroom shots? Thats because boyfriend was working, and busy, and this is how outfit photos happened on vacation! Don't be too disappointed, we will be back to our regular scheduled programming soon!

Today is also Starbucks 40th Anniversary. Every Starbucks will be having some sort of fun stuff going on today (which is why I gotta get going and get to work stat!) and we are also launching the new logo. I was at work until about 1 am yesterday putting out all of our new retail, and I will say, it is really really cute!