Sunlight, Diamonds and a Giveaway!

Polka Dot Dress- Old Navy

Brown Booties- Payless

Bracelet- Vintage, c/o Anjolee

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Monogrammed Necklace- c/o ElizaJay Charm

     I recently spotted someone wearing this dress and remembered I had it tucked away in my closet after having scored it on major sale at Old Navy (like $7 or something) and was excited to style it myself! I kept it simple and added a few of my new favorite jewelry pieces, and some booties for a casual vibe. Anjolee sent me this Timeless Three Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet to style and review and it is such an easy bracelet to slip on and it totally brightens up any arm party and adds some serious sparkle. They also have Diamond Hoops and Diamond Stud Earrings which are a must have for any girl wanting to keep it simple and add some classic shine to any outfit! I can't wait to style it majorly with a silver watch and some of my favorite other silver baubles. Sometimes a change from my usual gold jewelry is refreshing and feels new all over again!

     Another new favorite jewelry addition is my custom Vine Monogramed Acrylic Necklace in tortoise! I have worn it countless times already and everyone stops me to ask where it is from! I just love the way the tortoise pattern takes on so many different colors in different light, it keeps the styling opportunities endless! All of the ElizaJay necklaces are handmade and that makes it feel extra special when I am wearing it! So guess what... Today you have the opportunity to win this necklace in your monogram as well! 

How to Enter:

Both entries are mandatory, otherwise your following entries will not count.

- Visit ElizaJay Charm and favorite her shop on Etsy and comment telling me you did.

-You MUST be a follower of The Weekend File via GFC and simply leave a comment telling me which color and initials you would choose! (Example- Mine was tortoise and 'HEL')

Bonus Entries:

- Follow The Weekend File on Bloglovin', and leave a comment telling me you did!

- Favorite any of her other Etsy shops, and leave a comment telling me which shop. (Up to 3 additional shops!)

- Tweet about this giveaway and tag @imhayley and include a link back to this giveaway, then leave a comment with the tweet URL.

-Pin any photo from this look or the giveaway on Pinterest, and leave a comment with the link.

Giveaway ends on July 4th at Midnight! Good Luck!

Scalloped

Chambray Shirt- Target

Neon Scalloped Blouse- Anthropologie

Leggings- LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

Brown Boots- Payless

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Brown Belt- Forever 21

Necklace- Forever 21

Bracelet- Gift via Nordstrom

Rose Gold Watch- Fossil

Nails- OPI "Most Honorable Red" & "India Mood For Love"

     I got this pretty blouse from Anthropologie last month and I wanted to make it feel more special then wearing it just as a top. I decided since it was juuussst long enough, to wear it as a dress, with some tights and my chambray as an outer layer (for some extra coverage). I love the scallops down the front, they are so feminine and girly. Also I just discovered a new way to make my manicures last longer (its only taken 28 years)... I had painted my nails a pinky color, but a few nails started to chip. Well to liven up my look and fix the problem, I grabbed a darker red and decided to paint every other nail a new color. It covered up the problem, and made it appear that I had done a whole new mani over night! Genius.

     Apologies for all the backyard photos. My schedule and boyfriends are completely different, so there is little to no chance to find better location then just running into the yard really quickly before the sun sets!

     In other exciting news, I never heard from the winner of the Cheerfully Charmed giveaway so the new winner (I let rafflecoptor pick each winner) is... Dani from The Daily Dani! Woohoo! Congrats girl, I know you will email me soon!

Life Lately V.6

So my life lately has been about nothing more then work, work, work. As you know I got the new job at Anthropologie, and I really love it. But I am still at my previous job as well. So this month (so far) I have had one day off, and I will only have one more before the month is over! I feel a little bad that relationships, blogging, and cleaning my house has been neglected but I am having fun and figuring it out. Plus, I won't be complaining when I get those paychecks!! 

Ive also been slacking in the photo taking department so I try to take some quick snaps and share them on Instagram of my outfits before I head off to work. So I am still looking cute, but not finding time to share! So if you don't already, follow me on Instagram at 'im_hayley' to keep up with me!

Outfit:
Top- H&M, Jeans- Forever 21, Sandals- Target, Necklace & Bracelet- Forever 21

Ive been lusting over this watch patiently waiting for it to come back in stock at Anthro and it showed up on Friday! I snagged this and a matching little bracelet and I am so excited to wear it!

Another quick snap of a work outfit. This one I managed to get better photos of, so you will get all the details later in the week! 

Been missing this little guy like crazy. I just love to look over and see him all spread out and content! I just love him. 

Nothing like some free Chick-Fil-A on a Saturday afternoon at work! So happy there is one close to me now! Those little chicken mini breakfast things are delicious!

My new home away from home! 

Another outfit for work! Everyone kept stopping me and asking where this dress was from. I have to say, I think this is my favorite piece of clothing in my closet! 

Outfit:

Dress- Everly, Vest- Forever 21, Boots- Payless, Necklace- Forever 21, Bracelets- Nordstrom, c/o Derng, Anthropologie

The 'Life Lately' link up is a collaboration between The Weekend File and Life on Leroy. Every post added will be shown on both host blogs! This means more blogs to read and new bloggers to mingle with! The link party will be every other Monday and stay open for one week!

Link up any life related post below!

All we ask is that you please follow both your hosts, The Weekend File and Life on Leroy via GFC!

Don't forget to take the button and post the code on the bottom of your post! 

I will make it my goal to stop by and comment on each and every entry.

<a href="http://theweekendfile.blogspot.com/search/label/linkup" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/dontcryemoboy/lifelately.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

Feeling Bright

Coral Shirt- Forever 21

Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Polka Dot Scarf- Zara

Brown Leather Purse- Gift via Urban Outfitters

Leopard Skinny Belt- Forever 21

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Rose Gold Watch- Fossil

Brown Sandals- Old Navy

"H" Bracelet- Gift via Nordstrom

Nails (toes)- OPI "Mermaid Tears"

     First off, I am floored that over 500 entries cam in for the Cheerfully Charmed giveaway! Thank you all so much! As long as you all still love them, I will keep giveaways going as long as I can! So without  keeping you waiting any longer... the winner is announced on the widget here! Congrats!!! Please send me an email by Monday evening to claim your new necklace!

     This was the Zara scarf I was lusting over around my birthday. Well, no one got it for me, so I took my booty over there and bought it. I am so happy I did too because it is so bright and cheery, I love love love it! I am really having a polka dot moment lately! I wore this out for a casual stroll around Fashion Island and for brunch at Paid Du Monde. And man is that place good. I think I had the most delicious eggs of my life.

     Today you also have a great opportunity to join a fun Casual Friday linkup to be entered to win a large ad space for July on my blog. And not just any space, the first and best slot! So if you are interested just head over on to Allison's blog to enter! 

Things I've Learned From Blogging

     Over the last 18 months, my blog has gone through a few transformations, gotten a few facelifts, and tried out some content that just didnt quite fit. Though I don't peg myself to know everything about blogging (far from it!), there sure is a badge of honor (like a girl scout 'blogging' badge!) that comes with countless trial and tribulation of pouring your own free time into something and you begin to learn a few things. I just wanted to share some ideas in my head, maybe for you, maybe to remind myself, of the things I have learned along the way.

- Have a vision and stick to it. I knew I wanted a "Lifestyle" blog from the beginning. I love blogging about every aspect of style in my life, no matter what form it manifests itself in... home decor, gardening, clothes, photography, you name it.

- Providing your own content is key. I really can't stress enough how much I enjoy seeing someone else's photos so much more then a stock photo or a photo taken from Pinterest. Don't get me wrong, inspiration posts are great. But shake it up every once in awhile!

- Be Kind. I will never understand why someone would leave anyone a mean comment. People put themselves out there, we should uplift someone not knock them down. I also know that people have asked me for advice and I choose to give it out whole heartedly. This is a community, and I want to be a part of something positive. Someone helped me in the beginning, and I want to return that favor.

- Not everything works, and thats okay. I posted recipes here before just to get measly views and even less commentary. I wasn't truly interested in writing about food and my readers could tell. I quickly realized that tt was not my forte and moved on.

- Be Authentic. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but no one wants to read the same blog twice. Be inspired but don't just outright copy someone else. It is your blog, so it should be your ideas, your words, your style.

- Make yourself accessible to your readers. You share your life with them in your own words and photos, don't forget to connect with the people who make your blog a success. Return emails, reply to tweets, leave comments on other blogs, it really makes a difference!!!

- The only person you are competing with is yourself. I know I feel so guilty if I don't respond to emails right away, if I haven't taken photos for awhile, or if I don't have new content ready for the blog. And on the other hand, I feel silly if I am not wearing the newest trend or posting about having the 'best day ever.' And really, I don't think anyone stresses or cares about that but me. I have to take a step back sometimes and allow myself to live my life, and be myself, and then the creativity flows a lot more naturally.

- It's okay to say 'No'. I have had companies approach me to try things out or host giveaways, and sometimes I just had to say no. I want to be authentic and be able to really get behind something I am putting the effort into. I am never going to push a product that I don't honestly believe in or care for, regardless if I have to have zero sponsors one month. It is okay to feel an opportunity isn't quite right, and you are not rude or mean to say no.

- Constantly learn. I am always learning about new ways to edit photos, html codes, new websites and tricks to make my blog better. And I have fun doing it! Blogging is so much more then just "a blog". Some days I feel like a writer, graphic designer, photographer, editor, stylist, you name it. Don't under estimate what you can do, and what you can learn to do!

Meet the New June Sponsors

This month I wanted to take a moment to introduce some newer sponsors to The Weekend File! Take a moment and check out some new great blogs and shops!

Truly Lovely is a blog run by two sisters, Kassi and Kayli who like to share everything that is well, lovely! Kassi is a newlywed and her sister Kayli is currently a full time college student. You will find some cute tutorials and their Fancy This Friday linkup!

The prettiest and greatest handmade jewelry from a young designer, Shlomit Ofir in Tel Aviv. Everything is gorgeously golden and truly unique! I am so smitten with the Formica Tribal Necklace, I need to make it mine soon! 

 

Scout by Bungalow makes durable and heavyweight bags in all shapes and sizes and in the prettiest, vibrant colors and prints! They are great to take with you shopping or even as a beach bag or weekender! You can even personalize your items! So cool!! Lucky you, until the end of the month you can receive 20% off of your entire order if you enter "weekendfile20" at checkout!

Cheerfully Charmed is an online store that makes gorgeous statement necklaces. Their current best seller is the J Crew inspired Bubble Statement necklace! I have it in yellow and every time I wear it, I get stopped and asked where it came from! I am already ready to add another color to my collection! Right now if you buy 2 necklaces, you can get a 3rd color completely FREE! 

Itchelita is one of the sweetest gals out there in the Etsy world and she makes the cutest little baubles for your wrist! There is something for everyone, and all of her bracelets are hand made by her! I am currently loving the Gaby Bracelet with the little fortune cookie charm... so cute!

My best friend Rachel, has started blogging all about her life and her job as a makeup artist. She gets to work with some pretty cool clients and always has some great makeup tips to share with all of you. Not to mention, her writing and stories about life are always hilarious. Check out her fun series called "So You're..." on how to get the look evoked from some of your favorite books, movies and songs!

Stitchfix is an amazing online personal shopping service where you fill out a fun style survey and someone ships 5 items based on what you answered. I don't know about you, but I love finding a box full of surprise goodies! Head on over to check out more!

This is a blog about Jordan, her firefighter husband Jason, and their little pup, Duke. She shares recipes, DIY's and crafts but really blogs so she can remember all the great memories so they caan share them with their kids one day! Pretty sweet if you ask me! She is adorable and also shares lots of great info on her weight loss journey!

Anjolee is a fine jewelry manufacturer specializing in diamond earrings, rings and tennis bracelets. They are based out of San Diego, CA and really strive to provide exceptional customer service to each and every customer. Check out all of their pretty baubles, especially my current favorite, the Vintage Quad Square Diamond Bracelet!

Summer Chevrons

Pink Chevrons Dress- Target

Denim Jacket- Old

Bronze Sandals- Issac Mizrahi for Target

Sunglasses- Kate Spade 'Lulu'

Brown Leather Purse- Gift via Urban Outfitters

Bracelets- c/o Stella & Dot, J Crew

Necklace- c/o Shlomit Ofir

Nails- OPI "Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not"

     Last month I happened to come across this dress on the clearance rack at Target for around $15. I am a super fan of the high-low skirt trend, and I thought the print was perfect (hello, chevron stripes are my fave!) and the colors were so perfectly summery! Since it is an easy cotton dress, paired with a denim jacket and some sandals, it is the perfect dress for warm, sunshiny days. 

     On a different note, I now work at Anthropologie as I announced a few weeks ago. I have never, ever had a job where I could just wear whatever I wanted. I thought that would be exciting and fun, but it is proving to be somewhat stressful! I think the options are too endless so I end up being undeciscive and wasting so much time in the mornings getting ready! Do you guys have any tips or tricks for planning outfits or getting ready in the mornings? Anything that works the best? Anything I should avoid doing to make it easier? Im all ears!

     PS- I also want to take a moment to thank ALL of my followers new and old for being so sweet and supporting my little blog here. I have gotten many new followers lately so I just want to say hello and let you know I noticed you, and I am so happy to have you following along! Say hello and make sure to introduce yourselves. I love connecting and finding new to me blogs to read!

Time To Tango

Brown Blazer- Nordstrom

Tangerine Blouse- Old Navy

Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Bronze Sandals- Issac Mizrahi

Bracelets- J Crew, c/o Stella & Dot

Purse- Paul Frank

Nails- Sally Hansen "Celeb City"

     These photos are a month or so old, I just never got around to posting them. I don't know why either, I actually like this outfit! I am loving on this bright tangerine color this summer. Paired with neutrals like browns and golds, it tames it down enough but still makes a big impact. I think I wore this on a dinner date with my love. We tried a new italian restaurant down on the peninsula and it was so, so delicious! And how great does my new(ish) J Crew bracelet look with my Stella & Dot? They look like a match made in heaven if you ask me!