givenchy

Printed skirt with a painted story

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion  tagged alice + olivia / givenchy / outfits / prada by

printed skirt outfit idea printed skirt blogger alice + olivia skirt outfit ideaprinted summer skirt givenchy antigona

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Tee shirt: Halogen (old, also love this one) / Cuff: H & M (under $5!) / Handbag: Givenchy (similar under $400 here) / Skirt: Alice + Olivia / Nail Polish: Chanel Canotier / Shoes: Prada (similar under $300 here, and under $100 here)

I usually shy away from non-traditional prints, but when I saw this printed skirt by Alice + Olivia which appears to have a colorful painting on it, I decided I needed it in my life. The scene on the skirt appears to be vintage architecture in colorful Havana.  The only sign of humans are wall paintings which also exude a vintage vibe. There is one sign of life; a lonely kitten on a balcony.

The colors are vibrant, and modern; ideal for the summer months. There is something about the print which draws me into a colorful, vintage Havana where I can escape for at least one moment. It’s as if I am the missing human; and I need to pick up the kitten, and bring her inside for safety.

After I received the skirt, and began to style it, I found if I picked up any of the colors, it took away from the skirt itself. This led me to pair it with black in order to allow the skirt to be the centerpiece of the outfit. I paired my printed skirt with a basic tee because it has been over ninety degrees here, and tee shirts are incredibly comfortable in this extreme heat.

Fashion is a form of art, so why not find something artistic which reflects your personal style? I love this printed skirt. It is a classic full, knee length skirt (on me because I am 5’4″ on someone taller it will hit higher on the thigh)  which can be styled conservatively, as I styled it, or with more va-va-voom. For example, it can be paired with a crop top and strappy sandals for more of party-ready look.

Have you ever found an artistic accessory, or article of clothing, which spoke to you? If so, please share in the comments below!

Thank you for stopping by,

XOXO

Cathy

California Casual summer outfit

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion / Jewelry  tagged casual style / givenchy / hm / kendra scott / outfits / saint laurent / summer 2016 by

california casual outfit ideasan francisco bay area fashion bay area street style kendra scott harlow necklace summer 2016silicon valley street stylecalifornia casual summer outfitsaint laurent espadrilles

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel /  Earrings: Kendra Scott / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Top: Gibson / Necklace: Kendra Scott / Handbag: Givenchy / Nail Polish: Chanel Emeraude / Bracelet: Kendra Scott (on sale!) / Skirt: H & M / Shoes: Saint Laurent

Have you ever heard the term “California Casual” and wondered what it meant? California Casual is in reference to a style of dressing seen on the streets of California. While east coasters adhere to a strict dress code for specific activities, us Californians prefer a laid-back, anything goes mantra when it comes to personal style; and dressing for activities.

Here in California, we can walk into a five star restaurant wearing shorts, or a denim skirt. This would not fly in the south or the east! Those regions have specific dress codes for specific locations, activities, and events.

Don’t get me wrong, just because we all live by the California Casual dress code, or should I say anti-dress code, this does not mean we can wear anything we want, all the time! When it comes to certain locations and events, we do adhere to certain codes of dress; and appropriateness.

For example, we always wear dressy, black outfits for funerals. We would never show up to pay our respects in torn denim or the like. When we attend weddings, men wear a suit and tie, and women wear skirts or dresses-no white for guests. Of course some people push the envelope and show up inappropriately dressed; but I believe that happens throughout the country. For the office, we dress according to the company’s dress code. Some industries such as law, still require a suit and tie. Other industries such as high tech, allow employees to show up in torn jeans and an old tee. There is a wide spectrum of what is considered appropriate when it comes to the office.

California Casual to me, means I have the freedom to dress according to how I feel; as long as I don’t wear white to a wedding, or red to a funeral 😉

This summer, the heat has been bothering me. I am not sure if it is because I am getting older, or because winter was so cold and my body just has not adjusted to the ninety degree heat. Whatever the reason, California Casual style has been my summer lifesaver! I love wearing espadrilles in the heat; and having the option of wearing them for dressy occasions. They pair well with skirts, and dresses. Espadrilles are not just for the beach, they are perfect for everyday life! Plus, they are so comfortable to walk in, and they keep feet cool. Love that!

I wore this outfit last weekend to Santana Row. I met my friend Laura from Have-Need-Want for brunch, and then shopped around, and visited the new Kendra Scott store opening. If you are local, definitely check out the new shop! They have so many fabulous jewelry items in stock, it is like a dream!

The temperature was high, and this California Casual summer outfit was perfect. The skirt is drawstring, the blouse is loose and flowing (natural air conditioning!), and the shoes were like slippers; only they were wedges! I am looking forward to wearing this ensemble for future shopping excursions, brunch, warm dinners, and perhaps church!

Do you consider yourself a California Casual girl? What does the term mean to you?

Thank you for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Photo Credit: Laura Adney/Have-Need-Want

Black and white for summer

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion  tagged banana republic / givenchy / ivanka trump / outfits / summer 2016 by

fashionable summer outfit ideablack and white for summerhow to style ivanka trump tassel sandalsaccessories to match tassel sandalsblack and white banana republic flippy skirt outfit ideadressy modest outfit idea for summersmall sugar givenchy antigona in black

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Top: Gibson / Cuff: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Cavaliere / Handbag: Givenchy / Skirt: Banana Republic (has pockets!) / Shoes: Ivanka Trump

Black and white for summer is a classic, timeless style. I have found myself drawn to black and white together every summer, for as long as I can remember! Although I have another black and white skirt for the summer season, the skirt I have is a pleated, midi skirt. I decided it was OK to also include this black and white skirt in my summer wardrobe since it is above the knee, and the white is more of an off-white, rather than stark white; like my other skirt, which you can see styled here.

I love this skirt because it is above the knee, which is a good length for my height. Although it is short, it is not too short, so I can wear it modestly without worrying about showing too much. This makes it an easy option for church; or to wear more casually throughout the summer. Love that!

In addition to dressing it up, this black and white skirt for summer looks adorable with flats and a tee shirt for a casual, summer lunch or brunch. It also looks pretty with flat sandals and a tee for more casual  excursions during the summer months. I love the versatility of a black and white skirt!

When the weather starts to cool off mid-fall, this skirt will easily transition with a lightweight sweater, and open toe booties. Since the white is more of an off-white, this skirt can easily be worn during any season throughout the year. In the winter, it could be paired with a turtleneck sweater, tights, and knee boots! Love that!

If you are looking for a go-to, easy to wear skirt with longevity, which transcends season, this is it! You can find my new favorite skirt online here.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Shop the look: