Organizing Jewelry

This past weekend I decided I needed to get more organized with my jewelry, since I use our guest bedroom as an extra closet and dressing room. I still want everything to look pretty and presentable if we have a guest! And it needs to be easy to grab and use on a day to day basis. Here is how I decided to organize and display everything...

-I took a pretty plate we never eat on (Orla Kiely for Target) and laid out all of my watches on top of the dresser for easy access.

- A mirror (Ikea) sits in the corner where I draped a few beaded necklaces and a trinket from traveling over it. It is easily accessible if I need to use it but there is another (larger) mirror nearby.

- The heart shaped box (Urban Outfitters) actually has 3 seperate compartments where I have organized earrings, bracelets, and miscellaneous. It doesn't take up much room, but holds a lot! 

- That ceramic hand (Urban Outfitters) is one of my favorite ways to display fun cocktail rings! 

- The polka dot bowl (Fish & Eddy) houses all of the bracelets I wear on a day to day basis. Not to mention, I love the bowls so much I wont eat out of them so this works perfectly to display them as well!

- The small box was bought in Prague and holds sentimental brooches and charms that I want to keep safely tucked away!

- Bigger bangles, necklaces, and sunglasses are organized in this pretty tray (John Dorian for Target) that I also set out on the dresser or can be hidden away in a drawer if we need more space.

- This vintage jewelry box actually used to belong to my sister when she was in high school. It has lots of drawers for keeping everything organized and hidden and two glass doors that house some more favorite necklaces on hooks. It spins so it is perfect to hold anything and everything! One drawer even has all the spare buttons that come attached to clothes.

- I keep my 2 fedoras right on top in case the mood strikes to wear one!

- Tackle boxes are perfect and airtight for storing the rest of my baubles out of the way while still being organized. These are affordable (around $5 and these are from Kmart in the sporting good section) and come in all different sizes!

- The dividers come loose so you can adjust the size of the space that you may need. Everything stays untangled and dust free and these slip perfectly under the guest bed or in a dresser drawer! I have been using these for years and everything stays put... they are perfect for jewelry storage!

Trying On Tribal

Maroon Tribal Print Dress- Everly via Crossroads Trading

Leather Belt- Thrifted

White Rose Gold Watch- Fossil

Rose Gold Bangle- c/o InPink

Statement Necklace- Forever 21

     Last week while browsing around Crossroads I came across this pretty Everly dress. It came in blue as well, but I was drawn to the vibrant maroon print, that was so different from all the other dresses I own. I kept it casual with a denim jacket and sandals on a sunny afternoon lunching and browsing antique stores in Old Town Orange. The dress happens to be backless and going without a bra is just not an option! It is also a midi length, which is taking some adjustment to get used to. I do love that it is a great backdrop for this statement necklace. I am happy I bought a dress that was a little out of my element because it makes it a bit more of a challenge (a fun one!) when it comes to styling it! 

     Do you ever buy pieces out of your comfort zone? How would you style this dress? Leave me some ideas!

Tips for great outfit photos

While I don't claim to be a pro or even in the upper echelon of style bloggers or photographers, there are a few tips and tricks I have learned along the way to help my blog have interesting and pretty photos. I have noticed that more and more all blogging advice is valuable to me and I enjoy reading others tips so I decided to share a few of my own to help you guys create great photos for your blog!

- Have variety. Nothing is less interesting then finding a new blog and scrolling through archives where every photo looks exactly like the next in the same place with the same pose! Readers want to be interested by the outfit and the photo. 

     Try finding interesting walls with contrasting colors (to your outfit) and textures (bricks, wood, etc.) or wide open spaces such as fields, parking lots, etc. We love to go to the top of parking structures, schools on the weekend (when they are empty), or streets with light traffic where we can stand in the road or on the sidewalk. When shooting with walls, instead of having it placed directly behind you, standing along a wall and shooting down it will appear to give a photo more depth. This could be a post all in its own!

- Set the scene. If you are going to go out in the "Golden Hour" (the hour before sunset where the sun is lowest in the sky) know how to use the light. This is something we have recently been playing with and you can get amazing light leaks and a "glow" on your photos. Position the camera toward the sun, with your subjects back to the sun. Letting light peek around your subject will create really cool effects. 

     If you are in a field or park try to position yourself in complete and even shade. I cant even tell you how many photos have been ruined because a shadow from a tree left me looking like I had a pattern all over my body. Make sure to let in as much light as possible so not to be under exposed.

- Make it interesting. Think about what you are wearing and what details are interesting. Of course have a handful of full length photos to show the entire look, but the details make the outfit! Place the camera even on the ground with your shoes, to show a different perspective. Trying using your handbag as a backdrop to show off your jewelry or painted nails. 

     Remind yourself of your favorite pins on Pinterest or what catches your eye in a magazine and try it out! Detail photos are always the most fun to stage and play around with. Which leads me to...

- Move around! If you take outfit photos often you are going to get comfortable and have a few go-to "signature" poses. I often put a hand on a hip and look to the side, or lean forward slightly and look at my shoes. Why? I don't know, but it happens! Try not to get stuck in a rut and try to do new things.

     If your camera is above, tilting it down slightly and keeping your chin straight can create long, lean looks while getting all of your outfit in one shot. If your camera is lower (like on a tripod), tilting your head down slightly will help avoid double chin syndrome and an up the nose shot. Try standing at an angle (not dead on), this will help your pose look less "heavy" and more natural. 

     And if all of this fails, sometimes I dance around, walk back and forth, twirl, anything to get some movement that is more free feeling then just standing still!

- Edit, Edit, Edit. My process goes something like this... When I upload the 100-150 photos taken I scroll through them right then and there and discard any where my eyes are closed, the lighting is off, I dislike the pose, or whatever else isn't working. This leaves me with about 30 photos and is much easier to work with. Then I scroll through with a closer look. Is this interesting? Does it show off something unique? Is it different then the last? And most importantly, can I edit this photo to make it look amazing? If the answer is yes then go for it! If you have 4 photos that are identical pick your favorite one and edit that. At this point I normally have anywhere from 5-8 different, well edited, various photos to use in my blog post. 

Hope you enjoyed these tips! Will you use some of them in the future? Do you already do some of these things and do they work? Would you like to see more posts similar to this? Leave your feedback below!

     

Neon & Neutral

Neon Striped Sweater- Loft

Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Cream Bow Heels- Payless

Mint Green Necklace- Forever 21

Mixed Metal Chain Bracelet- Forever 21

     One of my absolute favorite trends right now is the pairing of neon and neutral. I spotted this sweater at Loft in Las Vegas and it was so cute but not in my size. So I took home the black and cream striped version. But when we got back home I started calling around looking for this version and I managed to find it, at 30% off too! This sweater is so comfortable, and can look dressy or casual depending on how you style it. I wore this out on a Friday night to try a new bar called the Wine Lab and felt the perfect amount of stylish and cozy! I also added pops of green since it was the day before St. Patrick's Day! Oh yeah, and somebody had to jump into a few shots and say hi to you guys!

     Just to remind you guys, you can win an ad space on my blog for the month of April over at Shannon's blog and you can also win an ad space on Piece of Cake. Piece of Mind. from me! Both end soon so don't hesitate! 

Spring in Bloom

1. Floral Chiffon Blouse- From Old Navy, would look great with yellow skinny jeans.

2. Chelsea Crew Boliva Suede Bootie- Loving this LuLu's bootie to wear with nearly every skirt and pair of shorts in the spring! 

3. Spotted Floral Bracelet- Adds a little color to your arm party!

4. Floral High-Low Sheer Skirt- My obsession with the high-low continues in a sweet floral fabric.

5. Avonlea Floral Dress- A favorite from Shop Sosie with sweet pleats on the bottom.

6. Polly Top by Goldie- Add some color and glamour for the night out! Pair this Topshop blouse with skinny dark jeans and a high, neutral colored heel.

7. A Night to Remember Heel- Add a ton of floral to a look in a small package with these Modcloth heels!

8. MOTO Floral Highwaist Hotpants- Turn your denim up a notch with a subtle print from Topshop.

9. Vibrant Floral Print Top- Put on with a blazer and some chunky necklaces for a night out.

10. Structured Stem Sparrow Bag- Orla Kiely can do no wrong when it comes to floral and leaf prints. A go to bag for the spring!

11. Blouse Party Top in Spring Floral- Love this structured Modcloth blouse. Would pair it with high waisted skirts or a wide leg jean for two completely different looks.

12. Smith's Rosebud Salve- Adds a little rose flavor to your day as well!

13. Cream Floral Fabric Flat- Springy flats would look so cute with a light colored dress and a vibrant cardigan.

Advertise on The Weekend File

Just a quick little note to let you guys know I am accepting sponsors for April! I already have some great sponsors lined up and would love to have your blog, shop or Etsy store as part of the mix! This blog is growing more and more everyday, I even saw 13,000 unique page views last month! The month of April will see some great collaborations, giveaways and hopefully a tip to the Lucky FABB conference at the end of the month! For more detailed information on statistics, sizes, and pricing please send me an email!

Ad Space Giveaway!

     Hello there, I’m Kendra from Piece of Cake. Peace of Mind. and I am so thrilled to be one of Hayley’s sponsors this month! I am currently residing on the west coast of Canada where I work and study media and communication. My true passion lies in fashion journalism and I try to get myself involved in the industry any way I can! My blog is my baby and I love nothing more than spending an afternoon photographing beautiful fashion finds, pretty buildings and sweet moments to share with my lovely readers. Today I am giving away an ad space on my blog so that one of you wonderful people can spread the word about your own small business, Etsy shop or blog! It’s always so much fun when we can spread the love!

Win a 200x200 Ad Space on Piece of Cake. Piece of Mind!

How to Enter:

- Follow both Piece of Cake. Piece of Mind and The Weekend File via Google Friend Connect and leave one comment saying you followed both!

Additional Entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

- Follow The Weekend File on Facebook 

- Follow Piece of Cake. Piece of Mind on Facebook 

- Follow The Weekend File on Instagram at im_hayley 

- Follow Piece of Cake. Piece of Mind on Twitter

Good Luck! Winner will be chosen on Tuesday March, 27th.

In A Maze

Striped Navy Dress- Forever 21

Black Cardigan- Forever 21

Leggings- Kohl's

Brown Riding Boots- Payless

Baby Blue Handbag- Cynthia Rowley

Boyfriend Watch- Fossil

Bracelets- Forever 21 and Brighton

     Yesterday was the first day of Spring and I have to say, after our rainy ugly weekend, the sun shining in the windows and the warm air can really do something to a girls mood. I had a great day running errands, a quick shopping trip to Crossroads Trading, and had a great Trader Joe's day. Food shopping makes me excited, I don't know why! I also managed to find a great skirt and an Everly dress at Crossroads that are now happily living in my closet! 

     This outfit isn't the most Springy because it is from a few weeks earlier. The dress was meant to be worn with a chambray shirt and sandals but it was just still too darn cold. So this is what you get. When in doubt, add lots of black layers.

     On my agenda today is enjoying this weather for one more afternoon and hanging our with my bestie, Rachel and then tomorrow it is Spring cleaning! I am hoping to get our house spic and span so I can take some photos and show you guys the progress so far! 

     I am giving away an ad space on Shannon Heart's Blog today! Head over to check it out and enter to win a medium ad space for April!

Over The Weekend

Friday started with a delicious home made dinner and a little wander around some of our favorite places in town. I finally had a reason to use this adorable Anthropologie apron that has been in my kitchen drawer begging to be worn! 

Dinner consisted of Trader Joe's Pesto Tortellini, cut and grilled Chicken Apple Sausage, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes and all tossed with light Alfredo and a healthy dose of cracked pepper! So delicious! 

After dinner we wandered to The Camp. It is a really awesome, modern and hip shopping center near by and we checked out the shops and restaurants. We decided to stop in the newly opened Wine Lab which was so cute and cozy, screening a Woody Allen movie on the far all. I had a glass of Pinot Gris from Washington and some delicious Grey Sea Salt Chocolates. 

Saturday was rainy and lazy. I did manage to get dressed up for a family dinner later in the afternoon. I wore my Madewell Wallace dress for the first time and it is sooo cozy! I made sure I also had a hint of green for St. Patty's Day!

The ominous, cold rain clouds that filled our sky all weekend. I can;t even tell you how fast they were floating across the sky. I should have taken a video, it was so wild!

I received this great bauble from Oia Jules and Monika of The Doctors Closet that I cannot wait to wear! 

The best green polish I could find! This perfect shade is High Line Green from NYC and was only $1.99! Apparently their quick dry polish has calcium in it which is awesome because this polish stayed glossy, went on thick (I hate when polish is thin and runny) and did not chip! I highly recommend their 'In a New York Minute' line! 

The boys of the house. This is what Saturday pretty much looked like all afternoon. Snuggles, tv, and staying warm.

Meet The Sponsors

I can't believe it is already the middle of March! Time is flying this year! I have had some lovely new sponsors this month and I wanted to take a second to introduce them to you. And as always, if you are interested in being a sponsor, send me an email. I would love to have you and your blog or shop!

Karen Kane- Karen Kane makes gorgeous and well made clothes and is so supportive of bloggers, which is something I really admire about them. They have a great Spring collection full of gorgeous pastel coral and aqua pieces that would add some pop to your wardrobe! Plus enjoy 20% Off and Free Shipping on orders over $50 with the code "KKSPRING20". 

Piece of Cake, Piece of Mind- Kendra is an adorable student from Vancouver and has an equally adorable blog. She takes great photos, shares cute outfits, and has started a new weekly Bits & Bites Link-up that is so fun to browse through. Stop by and check her out!

Christa Jae- A new favorite blog of mine, and the brains behind my incredible new blog design. Christa is a local California gal who shares her Instagram photos, current design projects and great photography on her blog. 

Elements of Emma- Emma has a cute blog where she writes about her life and her Target Chronicles, blogging about her favorites and purchases from everyones favorite store! 

Derng- Emily, and her shop Derng, are just so cute and chock full of gorgeous baubles I want to own every single one myself. I am crazy for the Max Choker and the Pave Link Pave Bracelet. I bet you will find some new bling you can't live without, too!

A Little Dash of Ash- Ashley works for Free People and shares all of her favorite looks, style, colors and drool worthy purchases on her blog. Her blog is always full of endless inspiration and a favorite of mine is her Monday Instagram Link-up.

La Plus Belle- Kaity has an Etsy shop full of handmade headbands of all styles and colors, something for everyone! My favorites are the knitted and crochet head bands like the Amelie and the Juliette! Check out her shop for some cute new accessories!

Frills for Thrills- I have been reading Sarah's blog for a long time now and it is one of my daily favorites. She shares cute Copycat outfits, decorating her house, and her new adventure as a soon to be mama! I love her blog!

Striped Shirt.com- This website and the ladies behind it are so kind and easy to work with, how could you not want to promote their awesome striped shirts? Their website is full of striped shirts in all different colors to promote your favorite college tea, high school colors or even some festively colored stripes! All well fitting and affordable, you should check them out!