Almost 30 Days

So as you read this (these pictures were taken almost two weeks ago... I know, I'm sorry) I'm on my 28th day of the Whole30. I was turned on to it after seeing Jessica's results from What I Wore. Then Alyssa, blogger pal extraordinaire, whipped up a really helpful email so that all the Lobas (my hot-yoga ladies) could start ASAP!

Because of this blog, I have this really interesting "gift" of being able to look back at myself. I can check back on to see pictures from last month, last Christmas, whatever, as a snapshot in time. So the day I wore this outfit you see below, was the first real day I actually noticed this Whole30 thing was working. I had just bought these pants from Zara in April and they fit so well the last/first time I wore them (maybe even a bit snug), and then all of a sudden they were big!

The Whole30 experience has been great but mostly because of everyone around me who was so supportive! Thanks to my Lobas who didn't mind talking/texting/emailing nonstop about food! Thanks to Alyssa for getting it all together in the beginning to make it all seem easy and possible without even having to buy the book. And thank you to my wonderful husband who had to deal with my crazy ordering at restaurants on vacation in San Francisco and ran to the grocery store for me numerous times to accommodate my food needs (like trying to find sugar- and soy-free broth when I was sick).

I'm going to try to keep this going until I leave for NYC for the Summer Solstice yoga event, Mind Over Madness, in Times Square. Once there though, I may have to have a slice of New-York-style pizza... oh yeah, and a few cocktails that haven't been allowed either!

Top: Banana Republic Outlet (cute similar option)
Jeans: Zara
Shoes: Zara
Necklace: Silver Linings Shop (on sale now)

                                          

Stripes, Polka-dots... and More Stripes

You may remember this sweater from Monday, and these pants from yesterday... and these shoes too. I told you I didn't pack enough bottoms for my trip to San Francisco! I bought these jeans the first day of the trip and wore them two days straight because of the cold weather.

As you can see, I was getting real creative with what was left in my luggage. I had this referee-stripe blouse left clean that I had planned on wearing with some really cool black tuxedo shorts, but it was far too cold. 

The polka-dot jeans with the referee stripes just didn't work but when I put this striped sweater over it, the combination somehow worked and even created the most unexpected yet coveted trifecta of pattern mixing!  

What do you think? Did my luggage leftover remix work, or do I look like an insane woman?

Blouse: Zara

Sweater: Loft

Pants: Target

Sunglasses: Target

Necklace: Vintage

Bag: Target

Shoes: Sam Edelman "Trina"

Bows & Dots

While in San Francisco my husband wanted to do one thing most: Go to a baseball game! I didn't oppose this, but he knows as well as I do that I would have been painfully bored there. So while he and a few of his old friends went to the game, I took to Market Street on my own and did some shopping. I've always believed the best way to experience a new city is to shop it, and so I did!

I got to visit my old friend Uniqlo (a store, not an actual person) and went on a wild goose chase for a pair of old-school Nikes. Turns out being at the airport and watching everyone in their comfy travel shoes reminded me that summer is coming and that I needed some walkin' around shoes. I finally decided on these Nike Victorias but had to order them once I got home! Pretty sweet right?

Top: Forever 21 (buy here for just $15.80!)

Jeans: Target

Bracelets: Park Lane

Watch: Charming Charlie

Sunglasses: Forever 21(exact same and in floral)

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina"

Busy Day in San Francisco

On our first full day in San Francisco we managed to check about 10 things off our to-do list. It sure helped that we had a car to explore with, even though driving on all the steep streets was really stressful.

Judging by the previous night, I knew it was going to get cold. Lucky for me, the smallest Target in America (seriously, it's the smallest Target by area in the country) was just down the street from our hotel. I bought a pair of super cute polka-dot jeans. Then I stopped by the Forever 21 in Union Square that was just two blocks from our hotel (how convenient, right?) and bought the pants you see later in this post. I figured these two pairs would be enough to make up for the lack of warm bottoms I didn't pack. 

After the quick shopping trip we were off for a day of fun. Here we go...

First stop: Fisherman's Wharf, where we could see Alcatraz in the distance. We walked down Pier 39 to see the sea lions and then stopped at this fruit market for some healthy snacks to take on the road.

 The sea lions at Pier 39!

 Then we took a drive around the Presidio where we had a great view of the city.

 Outfit 1

Shoes: Express

Jean Jacket: Old Navy

Necklace (similar) & sunglasses: Forever 21

Top: Forever 21 (old) Similar here

Skirt: Anthropologie (old)

 We then drove down to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge (to where my husband ran that morning when I was out shopping. Typical.)

Next we drove to Sausalito and had lunch at a Mexican restaurant where I discovered my new favorite snack. Jicama cut into sticks with chili powder and lime. Yum! 

The fountain in the downtown area. 

 A pretty little walkway lined with flowers.

Outfit 2 (Yes, I changed in the car)

Pants: Forever 21

Shoes: Zara (old)

Bag: Target

Cobalt silk blouse: From the Gilt City warehouse sale in Chicago

 Then I discovered I could fly.

 It was foggy but we still had a great view from the Marin Headlands.

Then we stopped in Tiburon for some coffee and lounging.

Our last meal of the day was at the Cliff House which was recommended by my neighbor who used to live in San Fran. If it was clearer out we could have been able to see more of the amazing view of the Pacific Ocean out the windows of the restaurant.

To end the night we drove past The Palace of Fine Arts. How amazing is this?! The craziest part is that this is basically some people's front yard. If you could turn around from where this picture was being taken there is just a small street and regular houses. Can you imagine this being your view everyday? So cool.

Travel Wear: San Francisco

Travel wear doesn't have to consist of yoga pants and hoodies. I always see people at the airport dressed like they are going to the gym and wonder how much harder it would have been to just wear some easy comfortable layers. 

When I travel, especially somewhere the temperature varies as much as it does in San Francisco, I like to bring and wear lots of layers that mix and match to fit the weather. 

With this outfit I was ready to go out to dinner straight off the plane! It started with this comfortable maxi dress I found at H&M in Las Vegas for just $15! I added a loose-knit sweater for when it got cold on the plane or at night. Lastly, I added my dark jean jacket that was a complete life saver by the end of this chilly trip! 

Dress: H&M

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina"

Watch: Charming Charlie

Necklace and belt: Forever 21

 The start of the day at O'Hare Airport wearing all my layers at once.

Pink Luggage: Macys DVF "Alice"

Purse: Target

Jean jacket: Old Navy

Sweater: Loft

A view from the end of the pier.

Memorial Day Weekend Sales!

So many great sales to shop this Memorial Day weekend! Here are a few of my favorites going on NOW!! Happy shopping!

Anthropologie: Through Monday, enjoy free shipping on all orders $150+ with code LONGWEEKEND : Such a pretty maxi dress!

ASOS: Take 20% off everything with code TAKE20: My Favorite Bathing suit!

C Wonder: Spend $100, receive 25% off. Through the end of May, save an extra 50% off sale items with code SALE50 : So many cute nautical themed items!

Gap: Through Tuesday, receive 20% off your purchase with code GAPGIFT : An easy slide on sandal in my favorite shade, Hot Pink!

Henri Bendel: Get $25 towards every $150 that you spend. Use code MAY25HB : Love this summer wristlet!

J.Crew: Up to $75 off your purchase using code SHOPNOW : You may remember this light-as-air cover-up from my beach trip last weekend! Still on sale!

J.Crew Factory: Through Monday, enjoy 40% off everything: Loving this striped dress!

JC Penney: Save an extra 10% with the code SPREE10 

Kohl’s: Save an extra 20% off everything with code SUNFLOWER 

Macy’s: Take 25% off your purchase of  $100 with code ICONS : These sandals have the "wow" factor!

Madewell: Through Monday, take 20% off Tees, Tanks & Shorts with code SUMMERNOW : Cant get enough of this map print!

Nordstrom: HALF YEARLY SALE for women + kids through June 2nd. Shop select items for fall and save up to 40% : This bra is not in the sale but it's my favorite and it finally comes in hot pink!

Piperlime: Get up to 40% off at their designer sale. Scoop up some perfect low leather wedges like these!

Rebecca Minkoff: Through Monday, shop exclusive styles at up to 60% off! Seriously, no words for how amazing this mini is!

Sole Society: Through 5/31, use code RSTYLE20 for 20% your order: These red leather heels ended my search for the perfect everyday red heel!

Victoria’s Secret: Shop the annual swimwear sale. Get up to 40% off select bathing suits like this colorful option!

West Elm: Extra 15% off sale items now till 5/27 using code MEMDAY15: Maybe I'll finally get one of these perfect trays for my dresser!

Pink and Polka Dots

Since I'd only ever worn these pants with safe options like a navy sweater and chambray shirt, I decided to pick something unexpected this time. This bright pink silk blouse was anchored by my favorite and surprisingly comfortable pink leather heels. Throw in a heavy metal chain necklace and I've managed to make an outfit of simple yet girly pieces look quite put together for work!

Also I just noticed that this outfit is made up of our wedding colors: hot pink and navy. Maybe that's why I put them together.

I hope this week's bright outfits have given you some spring inspiration. 

I promise to get pics from our San Francisco trip up on the blog next week. Beware, there might be sweaters involved!

Pants: Forever 21 (on sale now here)

Blouse: J. Crew Factory

Heels: INC from Macys

Necklace: Shop HRH

Bracelet: Forever 21

Watch: Charming Charlie

Swimwear and Cover-ups on the Brain

Maybe I have swimwear on the brain because our honeymoon to Greece is fast approaching, or maybe it's because we just went to the beach this past weekend. Maybe it's because I own one of these suits below (#7) and didn't get the chance to tell you all how much I love it (yes, that's right I love a swimsuit, the one item that almost everyone hates!)

ASOS is one of my favorite places to go for swimwear. They have what feels like an endless selection and the easiest free shipping and returns. And right now they are killin' it with all their cute options!

I'm being drawn to fun one-piece suits and cover-ups lately so I wanted to share my favorites and maybe save you the three hours of your life you might have spent sorting through the massive selection all alone.

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

My Most Versatile Skirt

This skirt has been a long-time favorite because of its amazing versatility. I've worn it to work, interviews, and in casual situations.

I remember wanting this skirt after I saw it on Glee, then finding one buried in the sale racks that just happened to be my size. Needless to say, it was a very lucky find. This skirt has been among my favorites for the past few years and will be for years to come.

I think every woman needs a timeless bold-patterned pencil skirt like this one that can be dressed up or down, and will receive compliments galore for years to come!

Check out a few of my picks for similar skirts here, here, here and here.

Skirt: Fantastic Field skirt from Anthropologie

Cobalt heels: Forever 21

Striped top: J. Crew painter boatneck tee (old, but similar here)

Sunglasses: Target

Belt: J. Crew Factory

Necklace: Nordstrom (old, but similar here)

**Congratulations to Roxanna Gonsalves! You are the winner of the rosebud necklace giveaway!

Color Combo Obsession: Mint + Neon Yellow

I found this neon yellow skirt at Target, and I immediately thought about wearing it with this mint blouse. It just so happens that I've been hanging onto this blouse just waiting for it to meet its perfect outfit match! They came together with these gorgeous J. Crew heels with a teeny pop of neon detail. Even better, I found them on major sale!

Skirt: Target (buy here for just $23)

Blouse & necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: J. Crew "Coraline"

Earrings: Macys

Trench: Target (super old) 

Kelly, Cobalt & Lilac

My hair is at this awkward stage in the growing-out phase where it's not doing anything I want it to do.  

I decided to try to distract everyone's attention away from my non-compliant hair with a brightly colored outfit. Did it work? Can you tell that my attempt to curl my hair failed miserably? I hope not.

Has anyone else had this problem? This "in-between"-length hair and no idea what to do with it? I'd love some suggestions.

Top: J. Crew

Pants: Loehmann's

Shoes: Sole Society "Claire"

Bag: Target

Pink Bracelet: Forever 21

Spike Bracelet: eBay

Necklace: eBay

Toe Polish: Essie "Mint Candy Apple"

Giveaway: J. Crew 'Inspired' Rosebud Necklace!

I am so very excited to announce HOTPINK style's very first ever giveaway! 

One of you, my lucky readers, will win your very own free-of-charge J. Crew 'inspired' rosebud necklace from my friends over at Silver Linings Shop! Check out how to enter below the links at the bottom.

It's so bold and makes quite a statement paired with something as simple as this striped dress you see here!

If this necklace wasn't enough, they also have the super popular J. Crew 'inspired' "fan fringe" necklace  in many colors too! And guess what? All my readers get 25% off their whole order with code HOTPINKFAN!

*Winner will be announced next Wednesday!

 

Dress: Joe Fresh for JC Penny

Shoes: Cole Haan Talia (the most comfy black pumps ever!)

Necklace: Silver Linings Shop

Bracelet and watch: Charming Charlie

Nails: Essie Bond With Whomever

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