Bay Area Fashion

Summer prairie skirt

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion  tagged casual style / chloe / hm / outfits / saint laurent / summer 2016 by

summer prairie skirthow to wear a prairie skirt for summer chloe hudson styled for summerlong maxi skirt for summer layered summer necklaces

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: c/o Dolce Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Tee: H M / Choker: Ettika / Necklace: Kendra Scott / Handbag: Chloe / Ring: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Emeraude / Skirt: H M / Shoes: Saint Laurent (also love this basic pair under $100)

There is something about a prairie skirt for summer which not only fits into fashion’s current 1970s influence, it is ubiquitous with warm weather. Perhaps it is the prairie skirt’s overall style; the casual tiers, the flowing silhouette, which embody the comfortable, casual vibe of summer clothing. I love it!

Every summer I seem to reach for one prairie skirt which blends well with my seasonal mood. This season, I have been in a neutral color palette mood; and this prairie skirts fits right in by being a classic shade of navy. OK, navy isn’t exactly a true neutral, but it works like a neutral, so I give it a pass 😉

I love the maxi length of this prairie skirt. It has a bohemian vibe which also fits my current fashion mood. It can easily be dressed up with wedges, as I have done, or worn casually with flat espadrilles, sandals, or flip flops. I love how this skirt can be ultra casual, or dressy casual. That’s very me!

As we move into fall, the 1970s influence from the runways will remain strong throughout the season. While certain influences from the 1990s will creep into fashion, such as choker necklaces, lug soles, and loafer pumps, the overall vintage vibe will remain 1970s. Since these are styles I love, I am already trying to integrate some fall trends into my current summer wardrobe. If you are curious about what the fall trends from the runways are, you can read more about it here.

Which trends are influencing your personal style this season?

Thanks for stopping  by!

XOXO

Cathy


prairie skirt feature image 2

4th of July outfit ideas

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion  tagged 4th of july / outfit ideas / patriotic / summer 2016 by

forth of july outfit inspiration

4th of July outfit ideas for day or evening parties, and celebrations, from left

Outfit idea #1: earrings / red bracelet / blue bracelet / handbag / dress / espadrilles

Outfit idea #2: earrings / clutch / nail polish / shoes / dress

Outfit idea #3: earrings / handbag / bangles / shoes / top / skirt

The 4th of July is almost here! This means we all need a fabulous outfit which not only shows how patriotic we are; it shows our fabulous style! After all, most people will cobble together a red tee with denim cut-offs; do you want to be most people? Of course not!

Pictured above are three fun, and patriotic, outfits which will make you stand out at any type of 4th of July party you attend.

I love the skirt and off-the-shoulder top for daytime parties. The white dress and espadrilles are perfect for a BBQ; the shoes won’t sink into the lawn! Love that! For an evening celebration, complete with fireworks, that striped dress is calling my name. Love them all!

The red shoes pictured with outfits two and three could easily be swapped out; depending on the event you are attending. Love that!

What are you planning to do on the 4th of July this year? Which of these 4th of July outfit ideas do you like best?

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

More patriotic pieces for 4th of July outfit ideas this summer:

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