summer 2016


Poptails at Hotel Valencia to kick off summer!

hotel valencia

Photo courtesy of Hotel Valencia

Ready to have some fun and kick off summer 2016 in style? Then we have a party for you! Can I get a woo-hoo! On June 2, 2016, Hotel Valencia is hosting a fabulous Summer Kickoff Party complete with small bites, and Poptails! I have never had a Poptail before, I cannot wait to try one! Read for all the juicy details, and I hope to see you at the event!

“To welcome the summer season, Hotel Valencia Santana Row is throwing a luxurious Summer Kickoff Party. On Thursday, June 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm, party goers can enjoy small bites and poptails: alcohol-infused fruit popsicles topped with prosecco, at The Terrace, an intimate courtyard café surrounded by blooming bougainvillea and the murmur of a water fountain.

All summer long, poptails will be served for those wanting to partake in the sunshine and enjoy lounging by the pool. Guests will enjoy the breathtaking architecture and delight in views of European-inspired Santana Row below.

Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Hotel Valencia provides the perfect sanctuary for travelers in the midst of the technology-driven hub. Stepping into the entrance, guests are transported to a place reminiscent of the Spanish Golden Age where walls feature embossed plaster treatments with hand-carved details, wrought iron chandeliers hang from a raked plaster ceiling and contemporary Iberian-inspired furniture is showcased.

The luxurious Hotel Valencia also transformed several areas of the modern boutique inn by adding Mediterranean accents. Long oak credenzas with custom stenciling and nail head decorated chairs and night stands complete the design. Hotel Valencia’s recent renovations transformed several areas of the property to accentuate its Old-World Spanish appeal.” _Hotel Valencia, Santana Row.

I look forward to seeing you at the event on June 2! It will be a lot of fun!


Bhane denim dress by the Bay

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Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Necklaces: Kendra Scott, ModCloth / Dress: c/o Bhane / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel / Bracelets: JCrew (old, also love these bangles under $30!) / Ring: 2 Bandits / Nail Polish: Chanel Mariniere / Shoes: Saint Laurent

In early spring, Bhane gathered several bloggers, and digital influencers, from around the San Francisco Bay Area to participate in a shoot for their summer 2016 campaign. The campaign took place in San Francisco, and mirrored a similar shoot conducted in India. Both photo sessions featured pieces from Bhane’s summer 2016 collection.

I wore this Bhane denim dress for the shoot, which I absolutely adore! It is a simple, classic, chambray sheath. It can be worn alone for the warm summer months, or layered in the spring, or fall season. I love how simple it is! It is perfect for featuring chunky necklaces, layered necklaces, or even a funky belt! Mental note: must find funky belt!

Bhane’s summer collection is truly inspired. It features pieces made from lightweight fabrics in soft hues, which work perfectly with denim, cotton twills, and other summer fabrics. All of the tops, bottoms, and dresses can be layered, or mixed and matched. Love!

For the photo-shoot, I wore two necklaces layered by Bhane. They were so beautiful! I am sad they did not come home with me. The circle pendant was fabulous! It was really fun meeting the designer, and learning all about Bhane! I had been unfamiliar with the brand before the photo-shoot, so the whole experience was amazing. I love learning about fashionable, wearable new brands!

In the photos taken by Bhane, I wore flat, black creepers for a street-style look. I have found at home, I love wearing the dress with wedges. I love how these espadrille wedges add some summery spice to the Bhane denim dress. I also love how my Mansur Gavriel handbag looks with this dress. It would also pair well with a summer tote!

You can see Bhane’s entire summer 2016 collection, and learn more about the brand,  online at Bhane.com.

Outfit details:


mansur gavriel lady bag in black


Perfect pleated skirt

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Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sunglasses: Dior (sold out, similar here) / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Top: Gibson / Chain bracelet: Kendra Scott / Small cuff: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Mariniere / Handbag: Givenchy / Skirt: TopShop / Shoes: Valentino (old, current season here)

Pleated skirts have been a hot trend for the past couple of seasons. I have shied away from the trend since I am on the short side. At 5’4″ I have found that full midi skirts add weight to my short legs. Since the majority of small pleated skirts are either metallic, or a solid color, I found the style did not suit my body type.

Fast forward to spring 2016! TopShop came out with the perfect pleated skirt for those of us who want to wear the small pleated skirt trend, without looking like a giant ball of fabric! This black and white pleated skirt alternates colors in a varied pattern. The pattern is ideal for minimizing the fullness of the skirt. The lines bring the fullness down, without sacrificing any pleats, or skimping on fabric. It is all an illusion! Love that!

I am not sure if TopShop had short-legged, long-waisted ladies like me in mind when they designed their skirt, but I think they made the perfect pleated skirt for women everywhere with my body type; or any body type for that matter. Who doesn’t love a slimming silhouette?! Thank you TopShop!

For spring, I love wearing this small pleated skirt for church, and dressier occasions. When the warm summer temperatures begin a month from now, I am looking forward to wearing this skirt casually with flats, flat sandals, and a lightweight tee. I think a bucket bag would complete the casual, summer look I have in mind!

If you are looking for a slimming, pleated skirt to wear now, and throughout the summer season, this is the skirt of your dreams! I know it is the pleated skirt of my dreams! Love!

Thanks for stopping by,

XOXO

Cathy

Outfit details:


black and white pleated skirt