Daily Style Diary: May 11th, 2017

Hey guys, so I am starting a new series called Daily Style Diary. Each day I will post the outfit from the day before I wore on my Instagram (@hellofashionblog) so you have quick, easy links to shop my outfits. The dates will be in the titles so if you see an old Instagram post you can search for the date on my blog and easily find the exact outfit and get details. Some days you will see multiple blog posts: my Daily Style Diary and other new content for the day. So be sure to check for both posts so you don’t miss anything. 🙂

Polka dots are one of this season’s unexpected prints. A part of me felt like this print was semi-childish, but when I saw this cute mini skirt (under $60) I loved that the ruffle detail made it feel a little more sophisticated yet still playful.

Also for everyone asking about my pink lace top from my Viktor Rolf post with Beckam, the brand is Self Portrait but it’s from last Spring and no longer available :(. But it’s definitely a stunner! This one is super similar.

More Cute Tie Shirts:

Polka Dot Pieces:

XX, Christine

xo, Christine

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DAILY STYLE DIARIES FASHION MY STYLE NORDSTROM SERIES SUMMER

This Summer’s It Statement Color

Obsessed with the scalloped detail on the hem and they are under $100!

DETAILS: DENIM COLD SHOULDER TOP (UNDER $100) | RED SCALLOPED PANT (UNDER $100) | WHITE SUN HAT (UNDER $50) | BLACK SUEDE SLIDES (UNDER $100) | SUNGLASSES (UNDER $50 – JUST CAME BACK IN STOCK)

I can’t get enough of bold reds right now! From statement heels to swimsuits, and even great pieces that can work for the office. I’m obsessed with these pants (under $100! – last worn in this post ). They are the perfect crop and the scallop detail is so good! Red is always a great color for your office wardrobe. Not only does a bold red brighten up your neutral-heavy work wardrobe. There’s something about a bright color that energizes you throughout the day. Also these sunnies just came back and stock. They look high end designer but are under $50! Wahoo!

Below are some more great red pieces to mix into your wardrobe!

Xx, Christine

xo, Christine

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The Prettiest Swimwear Pieces Under $30

Hi guys! I got so excited finding my orange bikini top on sale for under $20 (details in this post) that I started doing a little more digging and found tons of great swim pieces at amazing price points. I wanted to share some of my favorite finds, so above are beautiful swimwear pieces all under $30!! Swimsuits are one of my favorite things to buy, I have been on a splurge this year, but I can’t help myself especially when they are this good of a deal! I’m obsessed with this gingham print bikini top and these bottoms. Gingham is huge right now and I love the vintage feel of these bottoms. I also love the crochet bikini styles like this one in white and this blush halter. I’m obsessed with all things palm too, and how good is this ruffled top and this triangle bikini top? Also don’t be afraid to mix and match swimwear pieces! Everything doesn’t always have to be matchy matchy. Mix color and prints from different brands!

Below are a few more of my favorite swimwear pieces under $30. Which one is your favorite?

Xx, Christine

xo, Christine

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6 Ways To Make More Time in Motherhood & Your Career

My little ninjas! These two jump all day!! I swear they never get tired 🙂

Love the red lining against the black on this tote!

Obsessed with these studded heeled sandals.

DETAILS: COACH MARKET TOTE | GRAPHIC TEE (SIMILAR HERE) | STUDDED ANKLE-WRAP SANDALS (ALSO LOVE THESE) | GOLD COACH WATCH | STUDDED BANGLES (SIMILAR HERE)

It’s Mother’s Day week! Motherhood is one of my favorite things to write about! In no way am I an expert, but it’s one of the things I am most passionate about. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve looked forward to being a mom. It wasn’t until I became one that I realized, holy cow, it’s not as easy as it looks! I’m constantly in the struggle of making sure I set enough time aside for the kids, that I’m present and they know how much they are loved. If there is anything I’ve learned it’s that it is a 24-7 balancing act and I fail A LOT, but I’m always trying to make it better! I wanted to share 6 tricks I’ve learned to making life easier, happier, and a little less crazy – both in motherhood and my career.

Write it out. There are some days where everything seems to run smoothly, but more often than not it feels like a tornado inside my head, lol. Between running things at ILY, shooting or wrapping up projects for the blog, and balancing the kids and Cody, there’s no such thing as a slow day. On days when I feel frustrated and cluttered, a lot of it is just nonsense running through my head. When I sit down and write things out, the list is ALWAYS shorter than it seemed in my head.

Minimize. I am a big believer in the power of decluttering – I’m a work in progress but it’s crazy what a difference it makes! I was in the habit of throwing everything in my purse so I had anything and everything wherever I went, but now I realize that having a cluttered purse, closet, car – really anything – just adds more stress. No mom has time to burn. especially not digging for keys while she’s trying to get the kids out the door to school or running late for a meeting. I love having this Coach tote. It’s classic and timeless – the perfect mom bag! It fits the essentials: my laptop, wallet, chargers, wipes for kiddos, and a snack to curb my sweet tooth. (Or to share with B – he’s always asking for treats!)

Mix business and family. I definitely have times when I have to set aside time specifically for each – like shutting off my phone during family time or having Cody take the kids out to play while I knock out some solid work hours. But when it’s appropriate, incorporate your kids in your projects. A lot of times they are excited to help! Last week I ended up working late finalizing a gallery wall for a home shoot we had early the next morning. Mara was excited to help (or avoid going to bed, not sure which one :). So I had her pick out the pictures she liked the best and she taped al the photos inside the frames. It was a simple way to mix work and family life, but she was excited to help and it was a fun mini project for us to do together.

Don’t compare yourself. Especially nowadays when you factor social media into everything, it’s so easy to compare yourself to those picture-perfect Instagram feeds or to your neighbors, people you work with, etc. No matter who you might be tempted to compare yourself with, you’re never seeing the whole picture. When you’re having one of those days, shut out the distraction and spend some one on one time with your babies.

Extra Hugs. Be that annoying over-affectionate mom. Ok, maybe not that extreme, but don’t skimp on the hugs and kisses. All that time goes by so fast! B told me he was too big to sit on my lap the other day and I about cried right there!! Of course he didn’t mean it but it made me realize how fast he’s growing and how soon it will all change! Don’t miss those moments for extra love.

Strive for perfection. Settle for excellence. The idea of a super-mom – one who doesn’t meltdown, meets all of her work deadlines, never gets upset with her kids, has a perfect house, cooks every meal, and never forgets to brush her kids’ teeth before bed – she doesn’t exist! Every day is a balancing act and just like marriage or any relationship, it’s ok to have hard times. They just make you stronger. The real super-moms are the ones that can admit when it’s hard and learn and grow from it, not pretend like their life is perfect or something that’s not real. It’s those lessons you learn through the failures that make you a super-mom.

More gift ideas for mom for Mother’s Day (or yourself :):

XX, Christine

xo, Christine

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What is #HelloLucky15?

If you follow me on Insta you have probably started to notice people commenting #HelloLucky15 and wondering what the heck does that mean? I’m really excited about this, for the next few days I will be doing one gift a day to one Instagram reader (make sure your following @hellofashionblog). I wanted to find a way to give back to you guys and thank you for following! So each day one reader will win a different prize from gift cards, to beauty products, facetime to answer any of your questions, or other fun prizes! Here’s the full scoop:

WHAT: Every day you will have a chance to win something relating back to my blog post for the day – i.e. a $50 gift card towards a cute new swimsuit or to spend at one of my favorite retailers. You can also choose something more personal, like jump on Facetime with me and ask me any question.

WHY: A way to give back each day to you guys for following and being part of the Hello Fashion fam.

HOW: Tune in to my Insta stories to find out what I’m giving away for the day. To enter, comment #hellolucky15 on my Instagram posts within the first 15 minutes of when I post a photo. I’ll pick a winner every day from all of the qualifying entries from that day (you can enter on multiple pictures if I’m posting multiple times in a day). The winner will be announced the following day and contacted via DM and announced on my Instastories.

HINT: Make sure you have your post notifications turned on for @hellofashionblog so you don’t miss when the post goes live! Here’s how:

To view my stories, just watch for a colorful ring around my Insta profile pic (@hellofashionblog). Whenever I have new stories, the circle around the pic will be filled in/colorful.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I WON: I will post an image of the comment tagging the person who won on my instastories and also send you a DM the following day. The more photos you comment on the more chances you have to win!

Thanks for being a part of my Instafam! Love connecting with you guys! If you have any questions let me know 🙂

XX, Christine

xo, Christine

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GIVEAWAY

The Designer Swimsuit That’s Now On Sale Under $20

Obsessed with this swim under $20!

DETAILS: ORANGE BIKINI (UNDER $20 – MORE COLORS HERE) | BLUE MIRRORED SUNGLASSES (UNDER $50)

CODY: COLORBLOCKED SWIM SHORTS

HAPPY MONDAY Fam!! We were in St. Lucia at the new Sandals Over Water Bungalows last month and it was seriously magical!! One of my favorite islands we’ve been too (working on a full travel guide :)! I’ve gotten a lot of questions on this bikini and I just found it on sale for under $20 so I had to share before it sells out! It’s one of those really unexpected colors that looks flattering on everyone. It makes any tan look 10 times better, so don’t shy away from this statement color. I fell so in love with the orange I just ordered this bikini and this orange ruffle one piece. I love the detail on this one too.

I know bright colors aren’t everyone’s thing, so if you want more of a softer neutral the orange bikini I’m wearing above comes in like 5 other colors here.

More colors here:

And more great orange swimwear options here:

XX,
Christine

xo, Christine

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Summer Head-to-Toe Under $100

DETAILS: NOT GETTING READY TEE (UNDER $100 – SWEATSHIRT VERSION HERE) | DISTRESSED DENIM CUT-OFFS (UNDER $100) | WHITE ESPADRILLE SNEAKERS (UNDER $50) | BLUE REFLECTOR SUNGLASSES

Anyone else having one of those ‘Not Getting Ready Today’ mornings? We also just added some summer staples to ILY and I’m so excited to share! Everything in my outfit is under $100, including these cut-offs. I’m obsessed with the wash and love the distressed hem. I wore them 24/7 on our last trip. I’ve gotten a hundred questions about my sunglasses recently. They also come in pink and black – they have all been in constant rotation (no surprise – you guys know how much I live in my sunglasses lol). I love the reflective lenses and the clear frames – so good!

Hope you guys are having the best week!

XX, Christine

xo, Christine

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CASUAL FASHION ILY COUTURE MY STYLE Shorts SUMMER UNDER 100

4 Looks You’ll Wear In And Out of the Office

Love the scalloped edge on these red pants!

‘

LOOK 1: STRIPED OFF-THE-SHOULDER TOP | RED SCALLOPED PANT | BLACK LACE-UP SANDALS | BLACK BAG | GOLD LAYERED NECKLACE (UNDER $50)

CODY: PLAID SHIRT | NAVY CHINO PANTS (UNDER $100) | LEATHER BELT | LEATHER OXFORDS

I can never say no to a bold hue! Color is the quickest way to instantly transform your look and the best mid-week pick me up. Keep the rest of your look understated with neutrals or a versatile print. How cute are these scallop-trim Avery pans? I love the straight fit with the feminine scallop-trim. Pair with an off-the-shoulder top, statement necklace, and lace-up heel for the perfect date-night look.

Obsessed with the ties on this top under $100!

LOOK 2: DENIM COLD SHOULDER TOP (UNDER $100) | BLACK AND WHITE PRINT PANTS (UNDER $100) | NUDE SANDAL | BLACK WOVEN CLUTCH (UNDER $100)

CODY: RED PULLOVER SWEATER (UNDER $100) | OLIVE SHORTS (UNDER $100) | LEATHER OXFORDS

Who doesn’t love floral for summer? The modern tailored Ryan fit in a neutral black-and-white combo offers a more sophisticated take on the print of the season. The sateen fabric elevates the pants to dress up any look. If color isn’t your thing, bringing this versatile print into your wardrobe rotation is an easy middle ground. Also OBSESSED with this denim cold shoulder top (under $100).

LOOK 3: WHITE TIE APRON TOP (UNDER $100) | STRIPED LINEN PANTS (UNDER $100) | PINK SANDALS | METALLIC CROSSBODY | SUNGLASSES

CODY: NAVY POLO (UNDER $100) | PLAID SHORTS (UNDER $100) | SLIP-ON SNEAKERS (UNDER $100) | NAVY COAT

Linen is my wardrobe staple for spring and summer. It’s lightweight and breathable but still office-appropriate so your pieces will do double duty for work and weekend. I love this striped cropped Logan pant. It’s the perfect balance of menswear-inspiration with a flattering feminine fit. I paired them with the linen apron top for an effortlessly elegant look. And these shoes!!! 😍 Add a pretty pink sandal and a statement bag for a date-night ready look.

CODY: NAVY SUIT COAT | BLUE PLAID BUTTON DOWN (UNDER $100) | WHITE CHINOS (UNDER $100) | LEATHER BELT | LEATHER OXFORDS

Whenever I’m looking for pieces that are versatile enough to work for multiple occasions, it’s all about structure and comfort. You need something that can hold up after a busy day and still look just as fresh and polished as it did when you first put it on. I’m obsessed with the stretch fabrication of this polka dot Sloan pant. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day, but remain sleek, structured, and wrinkle-free.

Also how good is this denim jacket – it’s the perfect wash! I love how the relaxed fit adds a casual vibe to your outfit. It’s an easy layer to transition from the office to meeting your S/O or friends for lunch or dinner and drinks after work.

When you start with great, quality staples, you can mix and match for an endless number of outfits perfect for any occasion. Below are a few more great essentials from Banana Republic.

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with Banana Republic.

xo, Christine

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