Spring has finally sprung, which means we’ve officially made it through winter, and as our reward, the days are about to get longer, sunnier and warmer. Although California win- ters are nothing like Chicago (I’m such a wuss now!), I’m still feeling oh so ready for the fresh-start mentality of spring.

Regardless of the temperature, spring always tends to mark a shift for me – from sweaters to tanks, from darkness to light, from indoors to outside. It’s about that feeling of accomplishment after a serious closet clean out. It’s lightening up my wardrobe and adding a splash of color. It’s long walks around the city and picnics in the park. It’s a new beginning that offers you a chance to reset and reground yourself – to maximize your own growth and allow yourself to bloom.

San Francisco’s el niño has had us cooped up in the apartment over the past few months – we’ve been feeling a little stir crazy and eager to explore the neighborhoods around our new apartment. Finally with some sunshine after 10 days of rain (seriously, it was the worst), we spent a Sunday wandering, allowing ourselves to take our time and really get to know our new neighborhood.

Hayes Valley has been my favorite area of San Francisco since the very beginning. The charming houses, the endless options for grabbing coffee or a bite to eat, the boutiques and parks… I was smitten from the start. To me it’s the best of both the new and old worlds of San Francisco – it has the charm without the hills and an eclectic mix to it all.

For our very first springtime adventure, I ditched my winter uniform of a sweater and ankle boots and lightened up with a few pieces from H&M. Denim is an everyday staple in my wardrobe and this lighter cropped slim fit option from H&M is both ultra comfortable and flattering with its stretch and slightly higher waist. Switching from a sweater to a tank instantly put a spring in my step and this airy peplum camisole screams spring with its brightly colored woven polka dots and pom-pom trim.

Are you thinking spring yet? 

Disclosure: This posts was sponsored by H&M through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a posts about H&M all opinions are my own