RVCA Women’s Swim 2013

mix and match pieces for RVCA Swim 2013

Sleek lines, tribal prints and punchy colors, RVCA’s first ever women’s swim line is the true beach-lover’s dream wardrobe. I could totally see myself wearing these on and off the beach, layering the tops under loose dresses and tanks.

RVCA’s women’s collections are for a girl that is slightly edgy, has just as many guy friends as girlfriends and is confident in her own skin. I love that their minimalistic silhouettes let a figure speak for itself. My favorite pieces above (especially that t-strap top) start at about $32 each which are quite affordable considering other surf lines. Since the whole collection goes together you could possibly wear every single piece with another piece in the collection! This a HUGE perk for indecisive and lazy-to-do-laundry chicks like myself. Check out the rest of the collection and the FRESH lookbook photos.

Western Spring

I woke up to a cold snap of blustery arctic weather but I can’t help but dream of spring style. All my favorite shops are starting to fill their shelves and racks with silky dresses, flowing blouses and light layers– a breath of fresh air from the stale sweaters and tall boots of winter.

One trend I cannot wait to debut this spring is the maxi dress, with slits. I never caught on to the maxi dress trend because I like my legs. If I’m wearing a dress I don’t want to cover them up but long dresses evoke elegance while a shorter dress is cute and fun. A maxi dress with slits retains elegance but also makes the silhouette younger, modern and a tad sexy. Ok, those slits go pretty high. Real sexy.

I love this Stone_Cold_Fox silk gown. The floral pattern reminds me of a prairie dress (but obviously much more chic) so I chose western-inspired jewelry and accessories. Wide-brimmed felt hats are all the rage for spring 2013, btw. What spring style trends are you looking forward to?

Western Spring by devonhaley featuring a bangle bracelet

Stone_Cold_Fox Silk gown, $330 / H&M denim shirt, $32 / Mink Pink fringe shoulder bag, $83 / Alex and Ani bangle bracelet / Alex and Ani feather jewelry / Free People turquoise ring / Free People engraved jewelry / Free People gypsy jewelry / Free People brimmed hat / Fossil Valerie Bootie

Blinded by the light

1. Charlotte – Fossil 2. Potion- Electric

3.Breslin- Raen 4. Bikini Kills- Sabre

The whole time I was in Key West I was on the search for a new pair of shades. I ended up talking myself out of every pair of sunglasses I tried on. With Boston’s gray, gray, gray winters who needs sunglasses? Well luck would have it that this past week in New England the sun shined bright every. single. day. I am not complaining, trust me. But I need some sunglasses! Sun + snow= blinding light

PS. Yes, I have a pair of hot red Ray Bans but, you know, those clash with my olive green parka.

PPS. Which ones should I consider?

Stylin’ and Cyclin’

The mood of Free People’s January catalog really hooked me. The scenes remind me of spring or early fall bike rides, when the air is a tad chilly but the sun is strong and all I want to do is hop on a beach cruiser for a jaunt around town. Practicality aside (bike riding in long skirts? Portlandia Birthday Bike Ride. That’s all I’m going to say) I’m in love with that ombre dress and the blue bali print pants. I want to join the carefree biking girls adorned in whimsical clothing, flower-printed skirts trailing in the wind.

See more of the catalog at Free People.

Slowing down in the Keys

Although I had intended to do a complete two-week tech detox, yes that is an actual thing nowadays, I cheated and only used my phone which probably does just as much as my laptop. Anyway I did try to curb technology use and slow down my pace to the Keys. People walk slower, are hardly on time and if it doesn’t happen today, oh well. Coming from a northeast city it can be a bit of a culture shock.

By eliminating checking my cell phone every few minutes or being logged onto my laptop I was able to free up my mind, create some space for new ideas and absorb what was going on around me– beautiful sunsets, vibrant flowers and pesky animals (geckos, iguanas, roosters and cats, oh my!).

Christmas day at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Not sure what type of butterfly this is…any ideas?

First sunset on 2013 on a boat right off Key West, not a bad way to start the year!

For my ‘local’ expertise on Key West check out my post on must-go and see spots on the island.

Holiday lights in Key West

2 weeks in sunshine and I’m back!

I was fortune to spend the holidays in Key West, Florida with my family. Key West loves any excuse for a party. The houses all over the island were decorated with lights, even bikes (a local’s main mode of transportation) were wrapped in lights and garland. On Christmas Eve my family walked around the island looking at all the houses. Lots of other people had the same idea and there was even a bike parade going down our street.

This little house looks magical with the lights. The photos below are of the second place winner of Key West Holiday Lights Contest. Who won first place?! I never found the house but I’m very curious. Just look at the 2nd place winner. Can you imagine what 1st place must look like?

My dad spotted this house on one of his walks. The creative decorator used Skol vodka bottles to adorn his bungalow with some holiday cheer. How many bottles do you think he used?

Haley ladies on Christmas Eve.
decorated christmas bike

I hope everyone had wonderful holidays, got some time to rest and rejuvenate! I’ll try not to bombard you with too many Key West posts but I do have a lot of gorgeous photos from my trip. Happy Monday! (ugh)

BeachyBrunette

Ocean-minded living