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California Casual summer outfit

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

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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

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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

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Casual summer boyfriend jeans

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion  tagged banana republic / casual style / givenchy / jimmy choo / outfits / summer 2016 by

how to style casual summer boyfriend jeanshow to wear a givenchy antigona with a casual outfithow to wear boyfriend jeans in the summer

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Necklace: c/o Kendra Scott / Top: Banana Republic / Handbag: Givenchy / Bracelet: c/o Kendra Scott (old, also love this one) / Nail Polish: Chanel Canotier / Ring: Kendra Scott / Jeans: Banana Republic / Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Casual, summer boyfriend jeans, have become my go-to on days when I want to be comfortable. They are loose fitting, the fabric gives, and they look more like I am wearing real clothing then running around town in yoga pants. Although boyfriend jeans are not what one would refer to as “slimming,” they are comfortable, and easy to dress up or down. Those facts alone make them a winner in my closet!

I have worn my summer boyfriend jeans with high wedges, low heels, and also flat shoes. In the pictures above, I wore my boyfriend jeans to Santana Row with a pair of espadrille/sneaker hybrids. It was very comfortable! I was with my two daughters, who both took these pictures, and knew I would be doing a lot of walking. The shoes, and jeans, were the perfect combination for walking, shopping, and spending time with my two girls.

We were at Santana Row so I could check out some Father’s Day gift ideas, and put together a gift guide for Father’s Day, which you can read online here. After we took pictures of my favorite gift ideas, we went to Lisa’s Tea Treasures for tea. It was so much fun!

If you have never been to Lisa’s Tea Treasures, I highly recommend going. The tea food is filling, and makes a great lunch. The service is fabulous, and it is a great opportunity to teach your kids table manners; if you have children.

How often do you serve formal tea at home? If you are like me, once every ten years-if that! Going to Lisa’s Tea Treasures is definitely a great opportunity to teach tea time etiquette to the kids. They have a kids tea which includes a small slice of cheese pizza, mini corn dogs, ice cream, and fruity tea. My daughters love it! You can see my meal on my Instagram online here. That was cannoli cake, and it was pure heaven!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Outfit details: