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What I’ve Learned In Grad School So Far

01.24.12
Lately life has been the topic most on my mind. For the most part, the question lingering around is what will I do when I graduate? What do I really want to do? At this point, I’m feeling quite unsure. I have an idealistic career in mind that would involving blogging and doing public relations work for one of my favorite companies, or for a non-profit that is so near and dear to my heart. Most of my peers in grad school are already situated in their careers and are quite established in their lives. Sometimes thinking about this gets me down a bit because I’m definitely not at that point in my life, but I do always try and remember that my time will come and one day all that I’m wondering now will be revealed to me. It’s just, I’m not very good at waiting.
Grad school has certainly been a blessing. It has given me more time to grow and think about my career path. I would be lying if I didn’t say that one of the reasons I initially wanted to go to grad school was to prolong my time in school. When I graduated, I wasn’t ready to face the real world yet, and I’m perfectly ok with that. What I’ve learned since starting grad school is that I truly need this extension of my education. What I’m learning is not something I would have ever seriously thought about in my every day life, but it’s something that I’ve realized I’m totally in to and I’m fascinated by it. Ok, enough rambling. Sometimes I feel like I just need to get my ideas on grad school out before I go insane worrying about it. I know this is where I’m supposed to be, and I can’t wait to see where I go next.

Speaking of grad school (I know, you just might be sick of hearing it by now), this is an outfit I wore to one of my evening classes last week. I usually always go for a comfy, and warm look when picking out something to wear to school (for now at least). Some of the rooms where I have class can get down right chilly sometimes, so I always like to be prepared with extra layers. I also really love wearing comfy shoes, and these Ugglebo Clogs definitely do the trick. I’m actually pretty obsessed with them, and see clogs continuing to be a staple in my wardrobe for seasons to come. What can I say, I love a good staple piece! Also, right now Ugglebo Clogs is having an amazing sale (think half off!). You can check out all the great deals right here.

Today I have a literature review paper to write, which I feel will be taking up most of my time, and I hope to get a few little odds and ends done as well. Oh, and I’m starting to get things ready around the blog for February and still have a few ad spots open! I would absolutely love to have a few of my amazing readers up there (etsy shops, blogs, etc.). You can check out all the details right here, or email me at Chelsea@Chelsea-Bird.com . XO

Outfit details:
Grey sweater: Last Chance
Polka dot sweater: c/o Jcpenney
Satchel: Fossil
Jeans: Levi’s
Clogs: c/o Ugglebo Clogs
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Phoenix Friends

01.23.12

Meeting new friends is so wonderful, and this week I met the sweetest lady! Sarah Rhodes is the mastermind behind Arrow & Apple photography (you may have seen her amazing photographs of Ms. Elsie’s wedding!) and a recent Phoenix transplant. Scott and I met up with her on Friday to get some coffee, and I have to say, I had the most lovely time! I can’t wait to spend more time with Sarah and introduce her to a few of my favorite places in Phoenix.
If you haven’t checked out Arrow & Apple yet, I highly suggest you do so (they are having an amazing giveaway right now)! Also, Sarah has a sweet personal blog too, Apache & Honeysuckle.
Yay for new friends! Happy Sunday!
-Chelsea xo
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Coffee Shop Love

01.21.12
I’m kind of big on coffee shop dates, and this one was too perfect not to share.

The best coffees.
The best date.


The most perfect light.

And the most perfect treats (thank you, Tyler!).

Hope your Saturday is just lovely!
-Chelsea xo
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Vintage & Plaid

01.20.12
It’s Friday morning and I’m taking things slowly. I’ve been sipping my coffee and catching up on all of my favorite blogs. Scott is having a busy morning at his internship, and I’m so happy for him. I know I mentioned awhile back that he was having an internship this semester, but I don’t think I said where. Well, he’s interning with Anthropologie in one of their local visual design departments. I couldn’t be more excited for him, and really hope he enjoys his time there. I can already tell that he’s going to really enjoy doing this (he LOVES designing and creating). I can’t wait to go in soon and see some of his work on display!


The other day I was reading this post on Calivintage talking about her favorite basics in her wardrobe. She mentioned how she really loves this vintage inspired purse that she carries around daily, and that a great alternative to it would be the new (and vintage) Coach classics. Well, being that I have a soft spot for Coach (especially vintage Coach) in my heart, I was inspired to go out on a mini adventure with Scott in search of a vintage Coach bag (Scott gave me one a few years ago that I absolutely cherish!). Well, much to our surprise we were able to score two vintage Coach bags (one in near mint condition) on major sale at a local thrift shop. I’m still kind of astounded at our luck, but I’m so happy and will cherish the bags for ever. I absolutely LOVE classic pieces!

I’m still loving my Jersy boots from Blowfish Shoes. To me, they’re definitely a staple piece (easy to wear and mix with different looks), and right now they’re on sale! If you’re still looking for a great boot for winter, these are definitely the ones for you! I love my pair!
Today I’m hoping to get a few things done before Scott gets done at his internship (like school work and a few blog related things). I’m also hoping to go on a nice long walk today, and maybe even go see a movie. Scott and I both really want to see The Artist! Has anyone seen it yet?
What do you have planned for the weekend? What are your must-have basics in your closet?
Outfit details:
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Button-up: Nordstroms
Jeans: Levi’s
Vintage Coach bag: thrifted
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Evening Class

01.19.12

Oh my, is it really Thursday already? This week feels like it has just flown by! Monday Scott and I had a nice day off, and the rest of the week seem to have just passed by in the blink of an eye. Now that I have evening classes my mornings are spent working on things I would usually do in the evening hours, like blogging and school work. As I mentioned yesterday, I’m still trying to get in a good groove with it all, but I guess there is no better way to work it all out than just jumping into it head first.

I wore this cozy ensemble to one of my recent evening classes. I’ve always been a fan of separates, and love layering similar colors and fun patterns. This skirt was a super score from a few years back (maybe cost me $6?), and has been a favorite piece of mine ever since.
Even though I’m not going to school down the street from Lola Coffee anymore, I still like to include it in my school schedule. Usually Scott and I stop there on the way to my school to pick up iced coffees. At this point in the afternoon I usually need a little pick-me-up, and stopping in there always brightens my spirits. I guess you could say a delicious iced coffee is my reward for going to school and getting my school work done. You can still have rewards in grad school, right?

Have you heard about The Phoenix Style Collective launch party/benefit for The GrowOp? I’ve had so much fun planning it with my fellow PSC members and can’t wait to enjoy the event! If you’re local, we hope you can make it out!
What are you up to today? Do you still reward yourself for little tasks?
Outfit details:
Sweater: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Skirt: Gap
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Boots: BP
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Sponsor Tea Talk in February!

01.18.12

January has been a whirlwind month full of chilly mornings, hot cups of coffee, time spent in downtown Phoenix, and lots of layered outfits. Overall, it has been a lovely month and I just know February is going to be just as great!
If you have a business, etsy shop, or blog and are interested in partnering with Tea Talk, I would love to hear from you! To purchase an ad spot and learn more about my blogging stats, check out my sponsor page, and email me at Chelsea@Chelsea-Bird.com.
-Chelsea XO
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500 Days Of Winter

01.18.12

This past weekend 500 Days of Summer was playing on Bravo and I just couldn’t help but watch it. I don’t often watch movies at home, but I just couldn’t pass up the chance to watch such a darling film. Even though the plot line seems so screwed up, I’m honestly a huge fan. I’ve always been into movies and books where things don’t quite turned out as planned (and had a darker side to them). Maybe all that Sylvia Plath I read during my time as undergraduate had more of an impact on myself that I thought (who am I kidding, of course it did! i will forever be affected by her amazing writing and thoughts).




I’ve really been loving these maryjanes from Blowfish Shoes. In my closet I feel like I lack in shoes that have substance. Ya know, the kind you can wear all day on long outings. Sure, I have moccasins, but my feet get tired from the almost inexistent padding they have. These Explodes on the other hand, have really great padding and I feel like I could wear them all day. In the past few years shoes with support and comfort have been a must for Scott, and I feel like I’m just now jumping on the band wagon. Any suggestions for shoes you love that are extra comfortable?

Today I hope to get a lot accomplish in terms of grad school work. I have a feeling this semester is going to be challenging, but isn’t that what grad school is supposed to be? I feel like I’m still struggling to find my place in the program, and with my unconventional school schedule. I things always seem harder in the beginning, and I’m hoping to get in a good groove with everything soon. Is it weird that I desperately miss getting up really early, driving downtown, and sitting in class with my coffee in hand? Yep, maybe a little.
What are you up to today? Any suggestions for finding a routine that works for you?

Outfit details:

Scarf: vintage
Red cardigan: Target
Tan cardigan: Banana Republic
Shirt: Levi’s
Jeans: Levi’s
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Arizona Winter

01.17.12

Yesterday I was reading a post on Calivintage and she mentioned how calm California winters can be. Well, this of course hit very close to home because I’m experiencing a very mild winter just a state away. Some mornings are bright, sunny, and a little icy, and others are grey, overcast, and slightly warm. I don’t mind the back and forth temperatures, but I would like to feel like I’m getting some good use out of this year’s winter coat (so far, it hasn’t gotten much use).


I wore this outfit on a breakfast date with Scott a few mornings ago. I’ve been really wanting to style this maxi skirt up for a winter look. Since it was a fairly chilly morning I layered it with a thick pair of tights, and a few of my favorite layering pieces (a cardigan, infinity scarf, and a pair of boots). Come spring I think I want to swap the boots and tights for Saltwater sandals and the layered top for a flowy blouse. Ok, that’s enough talk of spring. I’m truly a fall/winter girl (and sometimes never want the two seasons to end).
Today is for: heading back to class after a three-day weekend with Scott, more reading to catch up on for school, lots of coffee and tea, and cleaning up a recent vintage score!
What are your plans for today? Did you do anything fun over the weekend?
Outfit details:
Sunglasses: Classic Raybans
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Scarf: Levi’s
Skirt: Nordstroms Rack
Boots: BP