Rainy Day...

Rainy Day... by hchdesigns featuring porcelain cups

J Crew cotton shirt / H M white top, $11 / Quiz black pants, $16 / Michael kors jewelry / ADOPTED white iphone case / Black glasses / New Balance MRL996DG, $145 / Porcelain cup

Well, it's finally raining here in Cali... which means... zero productivity.. I just want to be home, sip my tea, be causally chic and slow down for just a hot minute...

Sometimes when I get up super early to get ready, I just savor the stillness of the world and sip my coffee...just a sign that I've truly gotten old when getting up early is a luxury... big eye roll, huge... 
On days like this I dream of sitting on my couch, wearing all things cozy & chic... J Crew sweatshirt, oh come to mama... it's such a great way of being cozy and fabulous all at the same time.. and why on earth would you wear runners for any other reason than have a cozy day inside?? I'm kidding... sorta.

I will sit, do nothing... ignore the 3 huge Ikea bags of laundry that needed to be folded and put away.. I will drink my tea and do some online shopping cuz that's just a good day.. Some days you just need to give yourself a rainy day... open up the window and listen to the rain coming down, drink your favorite hot beverage, do an incredible eye makeup job the no one will see and relax... for no other reason than it's raining...

Release Your Inner Audrey...

Release Your Inner Audrey... by hchdesigns featuring a turtle neck sweater

Sometimes a little black ensemble is the best thing for those, ahem... blah bloat days...  You know what I'm saying... All black creates a slimming affect to where... we need it most.. Glory! I have to be honest doing this trick saves my bacon on a regular occasion.
Coming off the holidays everywhere you look there is new motivation for creating a new healthy lifestyle.. which I am in full support. However, what do you do when you efforts haven't taken full affect? Release your inner Audrey... my favorite item to help with this, is the leopard print flats.. Can you say awesome? With the monochromatic color, slimming and all that goodness... an interesting print it draws attention to all the places you do want to show off! Don't feel you can "pull off" an animal print? That's ok,  you can... just like here, do it in small amounts .. see there is no other print in the entire outfit...
Besides, it's a New Year and a new you! Go for it... I am sure Audrey would... and that is enough for me!  

Feeling like a boss...

Well, tomorrow is my first day back to work after 2 weeks of vacation... trying to psyche my self up for it... but let's face it Monday's aren't for sissies... and since I am still jet lagged, I plan on wearing a version of this outfit (since I can't afford any of these items ) to inspire me to take life by the horns! Paired with a coffee mug, of course! I am a firm believer in dressing how you feel or how you want to feel, and nothing like showing up to work wearing a fabulous tan and killer shoes to lift the Monday blues... 
In the meantime... I will be parked on the couch watching football with my husband and ignoring the unpacked suitcase on the living room floor... ahh...bliss... 
Happy Sunday everyone! 

Starbucks run.... by hopehowland featuring michael kors jewelry

Fall Trends...

I love fall, even more I like options... and mixing last fall's greatest hits with this fall's "must haves" is how I roll... Right now I've been seeing the color "Oxblood" everywhere... it's deeper than burgundy, more mysterious than wine .. or so I've read. Honestly, you would think that there were other options when coming up with a name? someone in the marketing department was on vacation.. sounds gross... anyhoo...

I do love a pop of color... and I am excited to try out this new "go to" color... In these new fancy schmancy fall trends I have some commitment issues... Here today, gone tomorrow, What is my solution? Instead of running out and buying shoes in this new color, I would do a purse... or even more economical... wait for it.. Nail Polish !! Ahh, and the world goes wild!!  I find it's best to keep your wardrobe mostly classic and then add trendy accessories here or there... and most important keep yourself classy and go rock that look!

Fall Trends... by hopehowland featuring skinny jeans

Happy Hunting

Fall is officially here... crisp leaves, pumpkins out... Apple cider.. thick socks (usually my husband's) and flannel!!! If you haven't heard, flannel is HUGE this fall... and why wouldn't it be? It brings images of cozy nights in with the husband next to our (pretend) fireplace..aka the TV.. sipping hot apple cider and watching Casablanca...(greatest movie of all time.. just sayin)

 

I am now on the hunt... (because it is hunting season) for some awesome flannel... and no not just any old flannel, as in... should never ever be worn, ever.. never ever... nightgown.

I am talking about a awesome, feels like fall, don't you look amazing button down flannel.. and there are some guidelines... MUST be flattering... (if it don't help, don't wear it. Period.) MUST fit (moo moos are not a good look)... again this really should be under the whole flattering category...but you get the idea... and you MUST layer... it is essential for not looking like a bum (you know what I mean...)

 

I suggest a white tank and infinity scarf, leggings (because they're awesome!) and non UGG boots... repeat after me "I will not look like a 16 year old shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch", the end. No offense to all you die hard UGG lovers out there, they have their place, just in the right outfit.. (I know.. I am so controversial)

 

 

Anyway...I digress... this is a look I created and now I am gonna go hunting, for something like this!

 

No animals were harmed in the making of this collection...

Happy Hunting by hopehowland featuring heel boots

Redding Trip, what to pack...

 

OMG... I am leaving for Redding tonight.. and the high when there... wait for it.. 102!!! ITS OCTOBER PEOPLE!!!! insane.... what the heck I am going to wear??? (well that's usually my issue any time I travel)

Hot weather = less clothes... great... just great... ( I'm loving the whole, it's cold so layer up look)

I need pieces that can easily transition from (wicked hot) day to night.. my thinking it just might be tank tops that save my life! and then of course the necessities.. aka acessories!!!
 ... the plan is, to have many versatile pieces that you can mix & match on the day...and I am sure when I get there I will raid my sister's closet (at least the 2% I fit in)!

But this list is going to be my packing inspiration (since I can't really afford Stella McCartney)...  here's hoping that I don't forget something and I don't melt away! See you all when I get back!
P.S... if you don't follow my blog yet.. you should...it's the little button to the right says "join this site"..... it makes me feel loved! (no pressure, but.. seriously... follow me)

Redding Trip... what to pack.. by hopehowland featuring long tank tops