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The End of Fall

12.03.10
Although fall is on the verge of being over (although it is going to be 75ish degrees today in Phoenix), I am still in love with all the fall colors. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and I’m slightly sad to see it go. However, I feel I still can celebrate it with the use of color, and this dress that I’m wearing just screams fall to me.

Cardigan: Rubbish
Dress: Tucker for Target
Charcoal knee highs: c/o We Love Colors
Oxfords: Steve Madden
I bought this dress on serious sale at Target a few weeks back. When the Tucker line came out I really wanted it, but couldn’t bring myself to pay full price for it (because that’s just how I am). So I waited, and sort of forgot about it, but then I saw it on sale and there was only an extra large left, but I figured I could always belt it.

For awhile now I have kind of been lusting over these knee highs from We Love Colors (who is now one of my sponsors!). I saw them on a few of my favorite fashion blogs, and I just knew that I needed a pair. I really liked the way they look with my oxfords, but definitely want to try them out with boots next time.

Earlier today I had a very rare, out-to-eat breakfast date with Scott. We went to Chompies, a local bakery/restaurant that has been around since the 70’s. I grew up going to Chompies, and locally they are pretty well known. I always remember eating a cookie monster cupcake there when I was young. Oh, and not too long ago they were featured on the Food Network for their “ring around the brisket” eating challenge.

This evening Scott and I are attending Crafeteria! It is a local, indie business festival that is featuring over 40 indie business this year, and 100% handmade goods. Last year Scott and I attended and had such a great time. I’m hoping to pick up a few cute things for friends and myself tonight.
What does your Friday look like?
-Chelsea
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Layers and Brass

12.02.10
I can’t believe it’s been over a week since I last posted an outfit! What with Thanksgiving, Vegas, and school, this girl has been busy. Anyways, I’m back with an outfit that I wore last week that I really loved.
Long sleeve T: Banana Republic
Tank top: Roxy
Necklace: a gift from Marie of The Blue Balloon
Jeggings: Levis
Boots: Steve Madden
Scott also participated this day!
Alpaca scarf: Gift from my mom
Jacket: Banana Republic
Shirt: Banana Republic
Jeans: Levi’s
Boat shoes: Sperry’s
Since it’s been colder out lately I’ve been obsessed with layering. When I initially bought this tank top from Roxy a few months back and I knew than that I would be layering it (because it has an exposed back) in fall/winter, and it’s safe to say that I’m please with the look that it helps to create.
Scott has also been experimenting with layers lately. Living in Phoenix we only get a few months out of the year that we’re actually able to wear more than one layer, so when we get that chance Scott and I both try to embrace it to the fullest.

(these boots are still my favorite.)
My sponsor Marie of The Blue Ballon was kind enough to send me this lovely necklace that I had been lusting over from her shop. It’s the same necklace that she gave away a few weeks ago, and it’s quickly becoming my favorite. I love the length, the simplicity of the brass, and the color of the chandelier piece.
(this shirt seriously won’t unwrinkle :/ )
Today is my second to last day at my internship. I have an interview to do, and two articles to write. Tonight I hope to have a study date with my Mr., as finals are almost upon us.

What do you have planned for today?
Don’t forget to say hello and check out all my lovely sponsors!
-Chelsea
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Featured on Chow Bella

12.01.10
Today I was featured on Chow Bella, the food blog for the Phoenix New Times. I was so honored when Kelly asked me to do a “What are you baking” post, and was really happy with how it turned out.

You can check out the post here!
-Chelsea
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My quick trip to Vegas + welcome sponsors

12.01.10
First off, I want to say welcome to all my new sponsors. All of their blogs and shops are extra lovely, and I hope you will all take the time to check out each and everyone of their pages. Lets share the blog love!
In other news, this past holiday weekend I went on a one-day trip to Las Vegas, Nevada with my parents (who were going for a business convention). I thought I would share with you a few photos from my trip, starting from the evening that we arrived there (this past Saturday).
We stayed at the Paris hotel and had a lovely view of the strip.

(yes, my eyes were super red from being so tired, but maybe not quite that red.)

(the pool that was directly below my room)

Isn’t the Eiffel tower just lovely? About five years ago I went to the very top and looked over the whole city. I remember it being very pretty up there, and also freezing.
This chandelier was in the lobby of my hotel and I thought it was just lovely.
Sunday morning I woke up bright and early (it’s an hour earlier in Vegas than it is in Phoenix). I once again took in the view from our window.

Later that morning I had breakfast in a room on the 31st floor of the hotel. I had yogurt + granola, a chocolate croissant, fruit, and coffee.

After breakfast we headed downstairs to meet up with some of my parents friends. Being downstairs I felt like I was on the streets of Paris, roaming around in search of a coffee and a baguette.

Later on in the afternoon I went roaming around Fashion Show mall. I unfortunately didn’t come home with anything, but really enjoyed look at all of their Christmas decorations.

After looking around the mall for a bit my mom and myself started to walk back toward the Paris.

Before we got to the hotel we made a stop in the famous Serendipity 3 for lunch and their frozzzen hot chocolate.
Inside they had these beautiful lamps that resembled a Tiffany lamp pattern.

I really wanted to go to this restaurant, as I had heard so much about it, but ended up finding the food mediocre, and the service a little poor. However, I did LOVE the frozzzen hot chocolate.

Very rarely do I ever eat hamburgers, but this day I made an exception and ate one with some sweet potato fries (and scoops of frozzzen hot chocolate of course).

The rest of the afternoon and evening I hung out with my mom, and go ready to head back to Phoenix on a 8 ‘oclock flight.

(goodbye Vegas!)
Overall, my trip was short but phone. I am hoping to go back in January, this time with Scott by my side, and I have big plans to finally meet Vanessa.
Did you do anything fun over the holiday weekend? Have you ever been to Vegas before?
-Chelsea
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Cute Custom Headbands by Carly!

11.30.10

I wanted to give a little shout out today to Carly of Tea Cups and Bubble Baths.

Carly is currently selling these super cute headbands/ear warmers that she is making by hand, and I think they would be a great Christmas gift, stocking stuffer, or gift to yourself for the holiday season.

Carly is currently accepting custom orders, and you can learn all about them here.

Don’t forget to browse around Carly’s blog while you’re there! She has a super sweet style!
-Chelsea

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An interview with Jill of Lune Vintage

11.30.10

This week I have a lovely interview with Jill of Lune Vintage. Jill owns an amazing vintage store that is currently in the midst of setting up in a new brick and mortar shop location (don’t worry though, for all your non-Winnipeg dwellers, they have an online store as well). Jill also has an amazing, and unique style (think bohemian chic), and currently has a little one on the way.


Meet Jill:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

-Hi! My name is Jill, I’m 30 years old, have one son and a baby on the way in May. I married my highschool sweetheart in 2001, and I run Lune Vintage. Lune is both a mobile shop run out of a vintage 1976 Boler fiberglass camper trailer, and a local shop – open December 2010 in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.

2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?
-The Lune Blog was established almost 2 1/2 years ago. In the past year, I’ve become more active in curating Lune. I got turned on to blogging by my friend Leigh-Ann of Freckled Nest. Before then, I had read a few fashion and design blogs, but never thought about using it as a business tool. It’s become a lot more than that to me now.



3. Can you tell us a little bit about your style?
-I’m a gypsy at heart, and a born and raised prairie girl. My love is always for the bohemian 1970’s look, with a bit of edge.

4. I know that you’re in the midst of opening a brick and mortar shop for Lune Vintage (so exciting!). Could you tell us a little bit about your new shop and business?
-This is actually the second permanent, independent store for Lune. We’ve operated through co-ops and vintage malls since 2005. In 2009 we opened our first Lune Vintage store for most of that year. This time around, we’re incorporating our mobile trailer shop with our local shop and studio. It will serve as a place for me to create for Lune, as well as display and showcase our vintage collection.


5. What are your favorite trends for winter?
-I love that bohemian styling is in full swing. I’m especially attracted to rich velvets, capes, drippy mountins of candles in old wine bottles, and layers of gold and metals lockets and chains.

6. When you’re not busy working on your shop, what else can you be found doing?
-Spending time with my family of course. My husband Todd and I are old movie lovers so we watch a lot of those. We especially love horror movies – even the bad ones (sometimes especially the bad ones). Well, I guess ‘bad’ is subject to interpretation. I spend a LOT of time thrifting and hunting down stock for the store, it’s pretty much my main hobby too though. We also try to get crafty when we can.


7. With regards to fashion, what do you draw inspiration from?
-If I had the cash, i would probably shop almost exclusively at Free People. I love what they do. I’m also permanently enamored with the classic draped sillouettes by Halson Heritage. Of course, I can always draw inspiration from vintage pieces.

8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?
I live in snug jeans or leggings, blank t’s, and slouchy layers. I feel naked without at least a couple long chains and pendents. Plus, boots get my love all year long.


9. What does your family, and friends think about your blog?
-That’s a good question! I don’t think I’ve been asked that before. At first, I don’t think they understood what I was doing, or why. By now, they’re accepting of it. Most of my friends are very supportive and read the blog. My family kind of still acts like it dosen’t exist. My son wants to be featured on it ALL the time though! My husband – never!

10. Do you have any advice for new bloggers out there? What about aspiring vintage lovers that just don’t know where to start?
-For new bloggers – don’t be intimidated by the fact that when you start blogging, it will seem like NO ONE is reading. It feels like it takes an eternity to get that first 50 or 100 followers, and after so many posts with no one commenting, it can be discouraging. Use this time to find your voice, your blogging style, and making it your own. Pay attention to what your favorite bloggers do to attract new readers, but don’t try replicating their format. Find what makes you different – and let it blossom. Oh yeah, and commenting on others blogs you like and doing ad trades is a good way to get your blog out there for more to see!

-Vintage lovers, it just takes time to know what you like, and what works for you. Don’t spend a lot of money right off the hop. Spend some time at thrift shops, and have fun. When you discover what you love, you’ll be more confidant when purchasing through a vintage dealer or investing in a new piece.

Thank you so much Jill for doing this interview with me! Don’t forget to check out Jill’s blog (for extra inspiration and awesome DIY’s of course) and shop!

-Chelsea

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Little Chelsea

11.30.10
Instead of Vegas photos tonight I give you a photo of myself and my cousin Cammie when I was around the age of one (I’m guessing here).

I super wish I still had that dress today.
Night!
-Chelsea
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Scott’s jar lamps featured on Jackalope Ranch

11.29.10
This morning I was informed from a lovely reader that Scott’s jar lamps were featured in a blog post on Jackalope Ranch (a Phoenix culture blog produced by a local publication, The Phoenix New Times).
I am just so excited about Scott being featured and I just had to share! His lamps were included in a wish list of things that the blogger/publication would go back for.
They said, “2. Mason Jar lights by John Scott Goodson Lights made from mason jars and CFLs. Here’s a bright idea: Purchase these lights for $20-$30.”

Photo by: D’Aundra Wallace

To read the full post just click here.

Also, I have another blog post to come hopefully tonight. With being in Vegas, flying home last night, and sleeping past my alarm this morning I haven’t been able to get everything I want down on paper (or blog), but promise that good posts are on their way!
-Chelsea
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Not knowing is the hardest part

11.27.10

“Someday I’ll be living in a big ole city.”

Sometimes I find it hard to not know exactly what is going to happen in the future, next weekend, tomorrow, or even today. I have such high hopes for my future, and the fact that I don’t know exactly what it will entail almost kills me. I know they say the beauty is in the journey, but I wish I could know now so I could enjoy the beauty, instead of worrying about other things along the way.

Do any of you ever feel this way?

-Chelsea

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Tony & Odessa /// Engagement Photos

11.26.10
Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking engagement photos for my cousin Odessa, and her fiance Tony. Tony and Odessa are planning a vintage carnival themed wedding for February 19th of next year, and I’m super excited to celebrate their special day with them.


Tony and Odessa dated for seven years before getting engaged. Tony asked Odessa to marry him on his birthday this year, a perfect present in my opinion.
The park that we took photos at had a carousel that went along perfect with Tony and Odessa’s wedding theme!
(even though you can’t really see the detail, Odessa’s ring is spectacular (hint, hint Scott!).)
(one of my favorites.)
A little fun with instax:
Tony and Odessa were great sports during this photo shoot, and certainly didn’t let the hot and cold weather get in their way of taking incredibly sweet photos.
I feel like I should ask, do you think Odessa and I look alike? She is my first cousin on my dad’s side, and over the last few months I’ve realized how similar in personality we are (she gets my OCD ways.).

I am honestly so happy for Tony and Odessa, and also for the fact that they asked me to take these special photos for them, photos that they will have to look back on the rest of their life.
Congratulations Tony and Odessa, I love you both very much! Welcome to the family Tony!
-Chelsea