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An interview with Eleanor of Bonjour, Bbydoll

01.25.11

Today I have a lovely interview with Eleanor of Bonjour, Bbydoll. Eleanor has the sweetest style, and is a New Zealand citizen. Right now she’s in the summer months, and I love having a peek into her life to see all the summer fun she is currently having (along with summer outfits of course).

Meet Eleanor:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

-My name is Eleanor, I’m a 19 year old university student and style blogger living in New Zealand!



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

-In early 2010 I was already following some food and lifestyle blogs, but didn’t become interested in blogging myself until I came across personal style blogs! I was so happy to see young women like me, with real budgets like mine, dressing amazingly and sharing it with the world in their outfit posts. I thought it looked like a lot of fun and decided to give it a go! I started Bonjour, Bbydoll in May of last year so have been blogging for around 8 months now.

3. Can you tell us about your style?

-My style is pretty simple, but I would definitely describe it as girly with a twist.

4. You seem to have a great love for floral pieces and feminine wear. What seems to draw you to these pieces?

-I do love floral, particularly floral dresses, and I love clothes with a feminine silhouette. As for what draws me to these pieces – I’m not really sure! I guess I’ve found what works for me and I know what I love so I’m sticking to it!

5. What are your favorite trends for summer (ya know, because it’s summer in New Zealand currently)?

-At the moment I really love the summery nautical look and I’ve tried to embrace that by adding more stripes to my wardrobe! I also love all the pretty antique lace/crochet details that have been showing up on so many clothes here in New Zealand.

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

-When I’m not blogging, I’m most likely baking, spending time with my boyfriend, riding my bike or reading! I’m a complete homebody but I do love going out to cafes or to see a movie. I’m on summer break at the moment but when I’m back at university in the autumn/winter months, most of my time is taken up with classes and a lot of reading for my English major!

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

-Most of my inspiration these days comes from style bloggers (of course), but I often look to magazines like Frankie and Nylon for general style inspiration. I’m also inspired by amazingly dressed girls I see in real life in the street!

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

-Oh, that’s easy! A floral dress (obviously), tights and a chunky knit cardigan, and lace up boots!

9. I’ve read about you purchasing many items online from US and UK stores. Is this where you purchase most of your clothing, or are there stores in your area that you like to buy from?

-I would say I purchase nearly half of my clothes online. I love the convenience of online shopping and the wider range of clothes available in the US and UK, particularly from stores like Topshop and Urban Outfitters. (Getting parcels in the mail is really fun, too!) That said, there are certainly stores that I love shopping in here in New Zealand! My favourite places to shop here are Wild Pair and Country Road, and my town has a few really cute independent boutiques I love to buy from too.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion bloggers? What about someone that is new to blogging?

-For people new to blogging, or all aspiring fashion bloggers for that matter, the best advice I have is to just get involved in the blogging community! Comment on other peoples blogs, put yourself out there – and if you really love somebody’s blog, email them and tell them! This is how I made some of my best friends in blogging. It’s also important to blog because you love it not for a huge follower count, or for sponsorships – and to stay true to your style!

Thank you so much for doing the interview with me Eleanor! Don’t forget to check out Bonjor, Bbydoll for some cute outfit inspiration and a glimpse into summer life.

-Chelsea

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Tempe Campus Wanderings

01.24.11
The other day I ventured around the Tempe ASU campus with Scott. We visited the campus bookstore, and went on a little stroll. The Tempe campus is massive in size, and has a completely different vibe than the downtown campus. I am generally not a big fan of the campus, but the beautiful landscape there sure does pull on my heart strings-some areas are just so beautiful.
Sunglasses: Ray Bans; Cardigan: Banana Republic; Fuchsia tank top: Gap; “C” initial necklace: Etsy; Twig necklace: Dolly and Boy Jewelry; Bracelet: Kate Spade; Jeans: Levi’s; Boots: Cole Haan; Bag: Coach
The Tempe campus has a great “college” vibe to it. Lots of old buildings, lots of space, lots of bikes, lots of people. The downtown campus on the other hand has new, and very modern buildings, along with not as many people by any means, a lot less bikes, and almost no foliage.

Sometimes I like visiting the Tempe campus, but only for a little while. The amount of people that are usually on campus is overwhelming (for myself at least), but at least I always know that I have my small, downtown based campus community waiting for me when I’m done with my visit. I truly love my school, and feel so lucky to be able to attend such a great establishment/campus.



Recently most of the trees in my area have become confused. They are all currently turning yellow, red, and orange, and then loosing their leaves. It’s always felt so strange to me that fall weather/fall sites comes so late here in Arizona, but I certainly do cherish it when the time finally does come.

Now that the first week of school is officially over, and we’ve started the second, I feel like I’ll begin to get in the swing of things. My schedule is a little strange this semester, as I have one morning class two days a week, and two mid-day and evening class a week, plus one online class, but I know I’ll get used to it soon enough.

Can you see Scott?
What does/did your college campus look like? Is it large and full of trees like Scott’s, or small with a modern city feel like mine?
-Chelsea
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Winter Difference

01.23.11
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that winter in other places doesn’t include 60 degree weather, a shining sun, cloudless sky, and light layers.
The other day I was on the Tempe campus and notice this tree, which was only starting to bare it’s leaves.
At this point my mind went back to just a month earlier in Vail, Colorado where the trees have been bare for months and were lined with icy, beautiful snow.

Here’s to a productive Sunday!
-Chelsea

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Slices: Our Favorite Pizza Place

01.22.11
Once a week or so Scott and I get pizza at our favorite pizza place, Slices. Slices is a local pizzeria that is well known for their amazing pizzas, which usually contain all types of specialty toppings.
This evening that we went Scott and I were both starving, so we each got two slices of pieces (they have a good deal for this if you are an ASU student with ID).

I got a white sauce with tomato slice, and a chicken pesto slice, and Scott got a caesar salad slice (it is literally like a caesar salad on top of a pizza, and a grilled veggie slice.

Slices seems to be our go-to restaurant (or really hole in the wall shop), and I feel lucky to have such a good pizza place so close to home. My other favorite pizzeria, Cibo, is located closer to my school in Phoenix and usually is where Scott and I go for birthdays and special occasions.


What’s your favorite pizza place? What do you usually get?
-Chelsea
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Urban Cookies V 3.0

01.21.11
For weeks now I’ve been craving something sweet from Urban Cookies. The other day I saw a tweet from UC stating that they had lemon/citrus shortbread and right then and there I knew Scott and I had to go asap. Well, since Scott knew how much I wanted to go he asked me on a mini coffee and cookie date in Phoenix (something that majorly brightened my day).

Since the last time we were at UC they have gone under some renovations. The cupcakes are now placed inside a glass case, and the boxes on the wall seemed a little better styled.


Scott and I decided that since we hadn’t been to UC in so long we needed to not only get a cookie (or two) but also a cupcake (or two).

Lemon and Chocolate Velvet.

Citrus shortbread and a mixture of dark chocolate, nuts, oats (?) and other amazing things.

Scott and I definitely shared, and enjoyed the beautiful weather out on the patio.

This cookie was almost as big as my face, almost.

It’s safe to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed ourself. There aren’t many things that make me more happy than a cookie and a cupcake, especially when they are accompanied by my favorite guy.

If you’re ever in Central Phoenix, I highly suggest trying out Urban Cookies.
What’s your favorite cupcake flavor? Cookie?
-Chelsea
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Now accepting sponsor for the month of February

01.20.11

I am pleased to now be offering sponsorship spots for the month of February! If you have a blog, small or large business and are looking for an affordable way to advertise, the Tea Talk blog has got you covered.
To learn more about my readership stats, affordable rates, and other information, please check out my sponsorship page here, or email me at Chelsea@Chelsea-Bird.com.
Thank you again to all my wonderful readers! You guys are the best!
-Chelsea
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An interview with Maria of Lulu Letty

01.20.11

Today I have a lovely interview (on a Thursday? I know, not the norm, but definitely worth it) with Maria of Lulu Letty. Maria blogs about her daily outfits, and life with her husband and cute dogs.

Meet Maria:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

-My name is Maria, I’m 29 years old and live in Michigan with my husband, Cole and two dogs, Wellie and Pip. I blog full time and run a vintage Etsy shop. 



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

-Stumbling upon other fashion blogs really inspired me to start my own style blog. Seeing how much fun they were having and all the amazing support they received pushed me to take the leap. I started my fashion blog in June 2009.



3. Can you tell us about your style?

-My style varies a lot but I would say it’s rooted in a vintage, classic, preppy style. I’m obsessed with plaid, peter pan collars and berets.

4. You seem to have this great balance of feminine and masculine looks in your wardrobe. What has inspired you to combine these two styles?

-Thank you. I think it’s just who I am and what I love that makes me attracted to both feminine and masculine styles. I am both a tomboy and girly girl and always have been. Plus, I think some of the best designs out there are classic menswear pieces.

5. What are your favorite trends for winter?

-Camel, neutral colors and a more 70s vibe. Other than that, I really don’t focus too much on trends, but on what I love and what inspires me.

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

-Blogging takes up so much of my time, but I also love to thrift, draw, sew and take photos. Not to mention read, read and read!

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

-Other people on the street and bloggers are a great inspiration to me. I also love old films and vintage photographs.

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

-It would probably be the school uniform that I wore for twelve years- white blouse, cable knit sweater, plaid skirt, knee socks and loafers but with a great 40s or 60s influence.

9. Your outfits always seem to include some great accessories. What’s currently your favorite piece(s), and why?

-Well, for me it always seems to be a hat. I love hats! In the winter I’m either wearing a beret or my faux fur hat.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion bloggers? What about someone that is new to blogging?

-My advice is to just go for it. Blogging can be very intimidating, but is so rewarding. It takes hard work and patience, but is so worth the effort. I also recommend creating a community around you. Find other blogs that you love and follow and comment. Also, join networking sites like Chictopia, Weardrobe and Lookbook.nu.

Thank you so much for doing this interview Maria! You’re a real doll!

Don’t forget to check out Maria’s blog for some amazing daily outfit inspiration.

-Chelsea

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Smoothie Adventure

01.19.11
Lately I’ve been seeing many delicious sounding smoothie recipes popping up in the blogosphere. Well, the other night Scott and I decided to join in (only because we recently pulled our fancy blender out of hiding).

We made these berry smoothies using a few different things I had in my freezer including ice, frozen blueberries, frozen raspberries, a banana, and some applesauce.


The smoothies were delicious, and now I’m hooked. I have plans for trying out this spinach smoothie I’ve been hearing so much about very soon.
Do you make smoothies? If so, what do you put in them usually?
-Chelsea
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First Day Wears

01.19.11
Yesterday was Scott and I’s first day back at school. The day was bittersweet for me, as it was my last first day as an undergrad, but it was very exciting for Scott (and I) because it was his first day as an ASU student. This is what we wore:

Sunglasses: Ray Bans; Shirt: Eddie Bauer; Skirt: Nordstroms; Mocha microfiber tights: c/o We Love Colors; flats: Ruby and Bloom
Sunglasses: Ray Bans; Shirt: Hanes; Jeans: PacSun; boat shoes: Sperry’s
This semester Scott and I have opposites schedules for the most part, but on Tuesday and Thursdays we both start at 12:55 (at different campuses) so I know we’ll be able to at least have breakfast together a few days a week. I have a feeling we’ll end up eating cinnamon raisin english muffins (Scott’s new favorite thing), cereal, and french press coffee (oh, and maybe orange juice too for good measure & calcium) this particular morning.

From what I can tell so far, I think this semester will be a good one for us. I am hoping for many less stressful days, and many more enjoyable afternoons spent together. It’s so surreal to know that this will be my last semester at the Walter Cronkite School for Journalism and Mass Communication.


Since school is in session again, I feel like I should mention that I am still blogging for student media at ASU and will be maintaining my blog, Downtown Dispatch, throughout the semester. If you’re looking for a good place to eat, shop, or sip coffee in the downtown Phoenix area, my blog has got you covered.

What did you study, or are you studying in college? What do you plan to do after you graduate?

-Chelsea
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First Day Back

01.18.11
Just a few shots from my first morning back at school for the semester.
I left the house at 8 a.m., got to school around 8:30 a.m.

Listened to Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin the whole way.


Picked up a grande iced coffee because it was an early morning and I needed my caffeine.

Today I only had one class, photojournalism one.
My first day went really well, and it was short and sweet. Tomorrow I have a much longer day and it will probably including more SSLYBY, coffee, and many snacks.
What did your day look like today?
-Chelsea
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