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March Sponsor Highlight Post

03.19.11

This month I was yet again blessed to have such amazing sponsors, and I would love to introduce them all to you. First though, I would like to say that it is an honor to have them as sponsors, and I really appreciate all their, as well as your support. Meet my sponsors!

We Love Colors – “We Love Colors is a unique clothing company founded in 2003 as a family run business. We offer the best selection of colors in tights, leggings, fishnets, socks and dancewear, and more! Everything is hand dyed in Miami, FL and shipped all over the world! We have items for women, children, and men from kids to plus sizes. We Love Colors is currently offering over 50 solid colors and 13 hand dyed splash colors. We hope you enjoy our colors and find your own unique expression with We Love Colors apparel.”

Blowfish Shoes – “We think personal style is just another form of self-expression…and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cute from the past. There’s something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there’s something unexpected about ever girl who wears them.”

The Dainty Squid – “I’m Kaylah. Queen of thrifting who can usually be found with a camera in her hand and cats on her lap. (…) I live in a small town in Ohio and I run this blog, as well as my business of the same name.”


Dressing on The Side – “Late at night (while you’re snoozing away) we think up our pen and ink designs and early in the morning we silkscreen them on the softest t-shirts known to man (maybe it really doesn’t happen that fast but believe the part about our tees being super soft). We know you don’t want to see yourself coming and going so we limit the amount of designs that get sold. We want to be more than just a t-shirt line–think of us as collectible, limited, and wearable art. Wear your DRESSING oN THE SIDE.”

My Girl Thursday – “My name is Chantilly McKinnon, but you can call me Thursday. In 2005 I began to make new use of my lifelong addiction to thrift by selling on eBay. Second hand shopping gave birth to a new love of crafting and I soon found my way to Etsy.

Over the last several years my girl thursday has become a handmade home to an ever evolving product line. Because I craft with things here, there and everywhere I cannot settle on just one medium. I am creating an diverse collection of personal accessories and home decor.”
As a lifelong thrifter I am inspired by things old and sometimes forgotten. I weave elements of vintage illustration and/or second chance textiles throughout my line of work.”

Hello Vanny – Howdy! My name is Vanessa and I blog over at HelloVanny. I’m a tattooed 21 year old living in Las Vegas while I finish out culinary school for baking and pastry. In my spare time(which, let’s be honest, isn’t much!) I enjoy baking, blogging, learning about the web and taking pictures. Sneak on over to my blog to get a taste of my weekly 8-Bits, my 365 project and I just posted about my experience at the bakery I’m interning at. Dont be shy, let’s be friends!

The Blue Balloon Etsy Shop – “First, I am mama bee (Marie) to a beautiful baby boy, born New Year’s Day 2010. Shortly prior to his birth, I discovered a new found love for creating jewelry and other pretty wearables. I can’t confine myself to just one medium when it comes to my jewelry- I find myself creating pieces using anything from my own tiny photographs to scraps of brass tubing, to natural specimens to pretty beads.”


River Jones Music – “An independent record label based in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 2008 by River Jones. The label is home to Courtney Marie Andrews, Underground Cities, Steff Koeppen and The Articles, Owl & Penny, and many others.

Oh My Deer – Thanks for stopping by my blog! I’m Sarah Glover and I’m a crafter here in Vancouver, WA (USA) I started blogging not to long ago to talk about my random adventures and crafty goodness! I sell my crafts in my Etsy shop Oh My Deer! I make a variety of goodies from felt hair accessories to huge lumberjack men to fun kitschy jewelry made from vintage goods! When i’m not crafting I’m either baking cupcakes or thrifting or hanging out with my boyfriend Jereme and my pets a dog named Molly and a cat named Kitty!

-Chelsea

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Now accepting sponsors for the month of April!

03.19.11

March was a huge month from Tea Talk! Over the past few months I’ve seen my blog grow significantly, and I have to say that my heart is so full right now from everyone’s support! April is going to be an exciting month for myself, as I will be winding down the school year and preparing for graduation, not to mention planning my 23rd birthday on the 2nd of May, and I am so excited to share all my happy times with you guys!
To purchase an ad spot, please check out my sponsor info page and contact me at Chelsea@Chelsea-Bird.com for more details.
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Caramelpalooza 2011

03.19.11
Last Friday Scott and I attending Carmelpalooza in downtown Phoenix.
All you had to do was show up, stand in line, and each booth would give you a piece of the caramel that they had made, letting you know which unique flavors they included in it as well.
Considering the entire event was free, Scott and I felt like we hit the jackpot! We got so many goodies, and had a hard time deciding which piece was our favorite. There were so many different flavors, and some of them were not all to Scott and I’s liking (chili powder, soy sauce, bacon/bbq). Scott is not in any way a fan of soy sauce and this was his face when he tried the soy sauce flavored caramel:
In the end we both picked an orange flavored caramel as our favorite, however the Essence caramel macaroon was a close second for myself. Afterward we slipped our ballots into the glass ballot jar and went into Smeeks for a drink and to look around at all the fun things they have in their shop.
Scott and I shared a clementine soda to tone down all the flavors in our mouths. Smeeks was jam packed so we only stayed for a little bit, admiring their quirky gifts and yummy candies.

Pinwheels!


A little cubby fool of tiny fishes? Why not!


Can you see us?

Pretty bunting!

Can you spot Scott and I in these photobooth pictures?
All in all it was a great night and we had so much fun eating yummy caramels and talking with friends. I just love a fun night out in Phoenix!
Do you like caramel? If so, what’s your favorite kind?
-Chelsea
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Hotel on Central

03.18.11
Yesterday was St. Patty’s Day, and although Scott and I didn’t do anything to celebrate it, I still found it necessary to wear a little green.

Cardigan: Target; Shirt: Eddie Bauer; Bag; vintage Dooney & Borke; leather bracelet: J Crew, gift from Scott; Jeans: Levi’s; Butter Wedges: c/o Blowfish Shoes

Scott and I were in downtown Phoenix so I could work on a few projects for two of my classes. We decided to take a little drive after my work was done, and ended up a few blocks away in front of this old hotel. When Phoenix was in the early stages, the road that this hotel sits off of (Central) was essentially THE street in town where everything happened. To this day the street stands as an important area in town, and some of my very favorite places line it (including my school, Urban Outfitters, Mercantile, etc.).

Since I was taking photos and doing interviews I wanted to keep my outfit pretty casual, but I did spice it up with my pretty Blowfish Shoes wedges and a vintage bag that I picked up at a thrift store in Idaho a few years ago.
Yet another thrifted find (I seem to be pulling out all of those lately). I paid $3 for this lovely little bag in Burley, Idaho a few years ago. The bag itself is way too tiny for every day, but I love sticking my ID, money, keys, and phone in there when a large bag isn’t necessary for the occasion (which is during concerts mostly). I don’t think I will ever get over being a large-sized bag girl.
This morning Scott and I are going on an adventure in Scottsdale, and will also be stopping by The Grow-Op to drop off a few materials that Scott put together for people to use to make mini garden boxes during this weekend’s Art Detour in downtown Phoenix. Scott and I will unfortunately be unable to attend, but if you’re in the area definitely check it out! I hear it’s going to be a lot of fun!
What’s your favorite old building in your town?
-Chelsea
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Spring Vines

03.17.11
I can’t believe it’s already Thursday! My week off from school is almost over! Seems like time has just flown by and I really haven’t done much, well besides eating, window shopping, and working on things for my classes.
The other day Scott and I went to the Tempe ASU campus to get a few things done that we had been meaning to do for awhile, like getting my cap and gown (yay) and making appointments for Scott to work with a laser cutter and see an advisement counselor.
Sailor dress: Levi’s; Bag: Coach; Scarf: Vintage; Shoes: Salt Water Sandals

Button-up: Levi’s; Corduroys: Levi’s; Watch: Fossil; Shoes: Sperry’s

The weather in Phoenix has been ultra warm. It hit 90 degrees yesterday, first time this year! Even though I’m a Arizona girl and have survived 115 degree weather, the heat certainly got to me yesterday. I’m thinking it will be awhile until I get used to these warm temperatures. Until then you can find me inside a cool coffee shop sipping an iced coffee.

Scott and I both scored most of our ensembles for the day on major sale. About once a week or so we go into our local Levi’s store and scourer the sale section to see if anything new has been placed there, or to see if they have a 50 percent off sale item sign hung up. It has gotten to the point that because we go there so often, and have for about two years now, that the staff knows us by name and always lets us know when something new is in the sale section. We saw one of the employees walking a little ways from the store and he said “Here they come.” I kind of love being a regular!



Lately I’ve been obsessing over accessories. I have always been a ring girl, but lately my love for pretty things on my fingers has moved to pretty things around my wrists and I have found myself wanting to mix and match the bracelets I have. The green an silver one I wore this day was a gift from Scott’s mom a few years ago, and the black band is something I bought at Kate Spade.

Since only six of you entered the River Jones Music giveaway you will all be receiving a copy of Courtney Marie Andrew’s cd! I will be emailing you all soon!

How has your week been going so far? What accessory are you obsessing over right now?
-Chelsea

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Tempe Coffee Outing

03.16.11
First off I want to say that all the details for the Arizona Blogger Meet-up that Danielle, Kelsey, and myself are hosting on March 26th have been posted and can be found right here on Danielle’s blog.
Now, I know many of you have already seen parts of this outfit, but I still wanted to share the full ensemble. Scott and I were in downtown Tempe getting some coffee before class and we decided to go for a walk in one of our favorite small neighborhoods, the Maple/Ash neighborhood.
Carribean polarized sunglasses: Ray Bans; Cardigan: Banana Republic; Silk tunic: Lucky Brand; necklace: vintage, gift from Scott; bracelet: Kate Spade; Bag: vintage, purchased at a thrift store in Utah; Jeans: Levi’s; Sandals; Coffee Cozy: gift from Oh, Sweet Joy
On this particular afternoon it was super windy, which is very strange for Phoenix, but I decided to enjoy it to its fullest and wear a silky top that could flow in the wind. My dad actually picked out this shirt for me and gave it to me as a Christmas present two years ago. He definitely has style and taste and always seems to pick out the most funky garment in the store. I love him for that though!
Lately I’ve been rocking these Ray Bans that I picked at Nordstroms Rack last fall. I paid more than half price for them, and the next day Scott and I went to the regular Nordstroms and saw the exact same glasses for full price (retail around $189 since they are polarized). At the time I was so excited about my major score, but decided to set them aside for awhile, as I was too obsessed with my dark colored lenses. I am happy to say that they are out of hiding them and I’m rocking them all of the time. I just love the tortoise print and brown lenses!

This bag is also one of favorite (thrifted) scores. I picked it up at a local thrift store in Logan, Utah about four years ago. I adore the tooled leather, and the size and shape is right up my alley. It holds all of my things, which is very rare for any purse I seem to fall in love with.

Spring break has been off to a good start. So far Scott and I have gone to a spring training game, went to the movies (saw Rango), did a bit of shopping, and went out to dinner a few times. We have also made a few stops back at campus for some holiday school work (don’t you just hate). All in all its been a wonderful week!
Are you on Spring Break right now? Have any plans? If not, are you doing anything fun this week?
-Chelsea
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An interview with Louise of Coffee and a Cardigan

03.15.11

Today we have a lovely interview with Louise of Coffee and a Cardigan. Louise is a stylish momma and wife that resides in the beautiful state of Oregon. She has a great love for color, and is not afraid to mix things up.

Meet Louise:


1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Louise! I’m an avid reader, singer, prankster, coffee-drinker, fashion obsessor, watcher of good and bad television, lover of animals, baker of brownies, wife to Darin, mother to Rowena, thrifter, laugher, and classic film advocate. I recently moved from the metropolis of Portland to a wee Bavarian village nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?

I recently ended a 5 year stint at Gap and I needed a creative outlet, hence Coffee and a Cardigan. I have wanted to start one for so long, but I was too insecure about it. I said to myself, “Lose some weight!” and kept making ridiculous excuses. I finally got over my fear of rejection last August and I am so glad I did! I don’t have a of of real-life friends interested in fashion, so the blogging world has supplied a wonderful community of people with a similar interests!

3. Can you tell us about your style?

I like to dress a little bit vintage, a little bit modern, but always with a sense of humor. I try not to follow fashion “rules.”

4. Since you live in the Northwest, how do you think that affects the way you dress?

Unfortunately for my cold feet, it doesn’t. Ha ha! I wear high shoes constantly, and at the slightest hint of spring I will stop wearing sweaters. I do have the necessary L.L Bean duck boots, though. It gets so wet in wintertime!

5. What are your favorite trends for spring?

Long, full, swishy skirts inspired by the 50s! I also can’t get enough of of the wooden-soled clog trend.

6. When you’re not busy blogging, what can you be found doing?

In my spare time, I crouch down by my heater immersed in L.M. Montgomery novels. If I’m not doing that, I’m thrift shopping, recording music, exercising, or eating Mexican food. I also work at a youth center in the mornings.

7. With regards to fashion, what do you draw inspiration from?

I draw so much inspiration from my fellow bloggers, Black Apple art, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers films, last season’s fashions, and 90s television.

8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?

A polka-dotted day dress with a Peter-Pan collar and cardigan thrown about my shoulders. A pair of red t-strap heels would don my feet, but I’d keep a spare pair of comfy oxfords in my purse.

9. You seem to have a great love for color. What is your favorite color to wear? How do you think color adds to the overall feel of an outfit?

Red is my favorite color to wear. It warms my face right up and lifts my spirits. Red is a little-known great neutral color! Color adds spunk, texture, and personality to an outfit. Unexpected color combos add a sense of fun!

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion bloggers? What about someone interested in wearing in wearing more color, but is slightly afraid to?

Step 1: Start a blog. Don’t wait for the weight-loss or the fancy camera. There’s a community just waiting for you to step in!

Step 2: Be yourself. I am constantly reminding myself of there wise words from Judy Garland: “Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else.”

In regards to color, start with accessories. Purchase some cheap colorful jewelry at Goodwill or Forever 21, and add it to your all black ensemble. Experiment and have fun with it! You might surprise yourself.

Thank you so much for doing this interview Louise! Be sure and check out Louise’s blog for some daily outfit inspiration!

-Chelsea

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Spring is in the air

03.14.11
It’s safe to say that spring has hit Phoenix in full force. The afternoons are warm, and the evenings are just about the same. I can already feel the dreaded heat coming from the concrete, and all the plants and flowers are blooming around me. By the looks of it we’re going to have a hot spring, but I’m crossing my fingers that we get to stay in the 70’s for a little while longer.

Cardigan: J Crew; Tank top: Gap; Skirt: Gap; Jeno Booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes
I wore this outfit during the filming of my “In Bloom: Seven Days of Spring Style” vlog. Not quite sure the exact day yet, but sometime this week my vlog will be posted either on Thursday’s blog, or Maria’s blog. I was so excited when they asked me to be a part of this fun week! I don’t want to give too much away, but lets just say that I take you on a tour of one of my fav local vintage/handmade stores and talk about said items.
I felt super springy in this outfit. For years I have said that I am not a spring person, even though I am technically a spring baby, but this year it feels like the season is starting to grow on me. I’m excited for pretty dresses and sandals.
Remember the last time I wore these sweet Blowfish Booties? I said that the next I wear them I really want to style them with a flowy skirt. Well, I’m happy to say that I was pleased with the outcome of the look. I think the booties toned down the outfit a bit (much to my pleasure) and made for a nice rustic feel.

The plants around the Grow-Op in downtown are blooming like crazy right now. Makes for such pretty scenery in the urban area it sits in.
I think I’ve decided that braids will be my thing this spring. They just add something special to an every day hairstyle.


Has spring sprung in your area? What’s your must have item for spring?
-Chelsea
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Cartel Coffee Lab

03.13.11
It’s no secret, I love coffee. I’m a big fan of speciality coffee and love a good hand-pulled latte complete with foam art.

Scott also feels the same, and occasionally we like to go to Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe for an afternoon pick-me-up.


I love Cartel for many reasons, one of them being for their neat bike tire faux wall.

I also like it when the foam from a good latte gets on your lips.

Good coffee beans also have my heart (Cartel has the best, freshly roasted in the store before your eyes).
I love the community feel you get when you walk into the shop. You’re always bound to see a friend or two.
What do you love about your local coffee shop?
-Chelsea
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Odessa & Tony’s Wedding Part 2

03.12.11
Odessa and Tony’s wedding was full of extra special touches that they both worked so hard to put together. The room was filled with adorable decorations, yummy treats, and lots of love.
I love these champagne glasses that they married couple used on their special day.
The whole bridal party!
Each table had an array of goodies on them, including caramel apples, candy apples, cotton candy, and a carousel picture frame with photos of the happy couple in them (I took the photos!).
The candy bar was a big hit during the reception dinner. Odessa and Tony did a great job of picking out pretty glassware, and yummy candy from Sweeties in Chandler.

Scott and I were both big fans of the blue sixlets.

The red sweethearts were also big hit in my book. I love the little chinese take-out boxes that they had to put your treats in (the perfect to-go party favor).

I also really loved the rock candy, red vines, and red candy sucker. Oh, and if you haven’t already noticed, O and T’s wedding colors were red and blue!

The wedding cake was delicious! There were four different layers of cake, with three different flavors. Scott and I each had red velvet, and marble, and accidentally missed out on the vanilla and raspberry. I really loved the pretty flowers that adorned the top and side of the cake!

The bride and her mom, my Aunt Evelyn, during their mother, daughter dance. They both looked so beautiful up there, and my heart was so full seeing them dance and have such a beautiful moment together.

T and O’s first dance was extra lovely. I was so happy to see them enjoying such a special moment together.

All in all the wedding was beautiful and I’m so happy that I was a part of it. I absolutely love Tony and Odessa, and feel so lucky to have them as my family (and you too Aunt Evelyn :] ).
-Chelsea

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