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The Blue Balloon Necklace Giveaway

11.04.10
Today we have a wonderful giveaway from Marie of the The Blue Balloon. Marie has a gorgeous Etsy shop full of pretty necklaces and rings.
I recently asked Marie about herself and this is what she said:
“My name is Marie. I am the mama of the most curious baby boy, Ephraim. He was due on Christmas Eve, and was born on New Year’s Day, so the holidays last year were interesting. I am a full time mama, and also wife to a busy, often touring drummer boy. We live in our cozy home in Milwaukee, a few blocks from Lake Michigan. I’m still adapting to the stay at home life, but am enjoying being fortunate enough to spend so much time with my baby, and in between, time to work on my shop. Besides crafting, I also play the violin, get excited about coffee and love books.”
I also spotted this on her Etsy profile and just had to included it:
“…A common recurring adjective I hear regarding my pieces and my shop is nostalgic; I love that, and take it as a compliment.”
Marie was kind enough to offer the “Whisky and Brass” necklace from her shop to one lucky Tea Talk reader. This necklace is seriously gorgeous, and would be a great accessory to any fall or winter outfit.



All you have to do to enter is visit The Blue Balloon Etsy shop, and leave a comment telling me which is your piece (leaving your email address would be great too). If you would like to earn an extra entry you can tweet or blog about this giveaway, but be sure to leave another comment with the link to so show me that you did so.
The giveaway will run from today, until Thursday November, 11th.
Good luck to everyone!
-Chelsea
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Finally Feeling like Fall

11.03.10
The weather in Phoenix has finally started to cool down (although I heard tomorrow is going to be unseasonably warm). This past weekend I was overwhelmingly excited when I located my misplaced favorite brown boots, and immediately felt the need to style them and go on a little adventure.
Not too far from my home is a wonderful historic neighborhood called Maple/Ash. Here they have the most wonderful old homes, pretty trees, and of course lots of college students (it’s right across the street from the ASU main campus). Scott and I usually go on a walk through the neighborhood around this time of year when the weather starts to cool, and walks outside become bearable.
Knit sweater: Nordstroms Rack (two or more years ago)
Shirt: Off brand (found this summer while in Colorado)
Key necklace: Dolly and Boy
Leather purse: Vintage
Jeans: Levi’s
Boots: Steve Madden
Button up: Levi’s
Cargo pants: Levi’s
Watch: Fossil
Shoes: Bass
I received my beloved Steve Madden booth as a Christmas present last December, and have adored them ever since. I feel a nice pair of boots can add a little bit of polish to any outfit.
Scott made me the leather bracelet I’m wearing back in August, and the vintage purse I found at a local Saver’s a few years back.

Scott’s watch, as mentioned before, was an anniversary gift this year. I am proud to say that he has worn it every day since I gave it to him.
(I really think it suits him well, and the bands are interchangeable.)
Is fall in full force where you live, or is just starting to cool down?
-Chelsea
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Halloween 2010

11.03.10
Halloween seem to come and go very quickly around here. The weather was warm, and cute costumes were out in full force. On Friday, Scott and I celebrated by going out to a Halloween party in downtown Phoenix with our friends Courtney and Sanford. Scott and I decided to be lumberjacks for Halloween and found items to wear for our “costumes” in our closets.
While waiting for Courtney and Sanford, Scott and I walked to the Phoenix Public Market to pick up some mini pumpkins for our pumpkin carving party later that night, and also to snap a few photos in front of the Westward Ho. The Westward was once a popular hotel, and was even shown in the opening scenes of the cult classic Psycho.
After making our way down to Heritage Square, a historic area in downtown, we spotted numerous people dressed in their zombie best and I felt a million chills creeping through my spine. After realizing that we got to the festival at the tail end of the zombie walk I felt a little better (zombies really creep me out).
The highlight of the festival was a candlelight tour through the Rosson Mansion, but with a long, slowly moving line, we decided to just opt for photos in front of the outside instead.

A bit blurry, but Courtney was a darling Betty Boop, and Sanford was Bret Michaels. During our time at the festival Sanford was called Bret numerous times, and Courtney was asked to take a photo with a few people. I loved their costumes!
Did I mention that our local ghostbusters were at the festival? Car and all! I heard they were the ones that guided the zombie walk.
After walking through the square for a bit, Scott and I headed to my friend (and editor) Jessica’s apartment for a little pumpkin carving time.
Scott and I had big pumpkins at home, but forget to grab them before we left for the festival, so thats were the PHX public market came into play. I really loved the mini pumpkins we ended up getting, and the fact that they were super easy to carve.
A key, and a mustache man!
Here is Jessica and I. She was still in the middle of carving her pumpkin, and decided to take a photo with a piece of pumpkin that she had carved out.

On a side note, Scott also had made me a mustache to wear with my costume, but I pretty much forgot to wear it the whole night.
Here is Scott wearing it at Jessica’s house:

And here’s me wearing it earlier in the day:
On Sunday Scott and I spent time at Courtney and Sanford’s apartment where we watched both Adam’s Family movies, ate yummy pasta and candy, and passed out candy to trick or treaters.
Halloween was a lot of fun, and I’m a little sad that it’s already over. There’s always next year though!
What did you do for Halloween? Did you dress up? If so, what were you?
-Chelsea
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An Interview with Kate of Postcards From

11.02.10

Today I have a lovely interview with Kate of Postcards From for all of you Tea Talk readers. Kate has a wonderful blog that showcases her daily outfits, and also little glimpses into her life. Kate was kind enough to do an interview with me and talk about her life, personal style, and blogging.



1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Kate, im 22 and I live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world – Australia! Though I am originally from Canada, and a Canadian at heart, I have lived here for the past few years. I work as a full time volunteer at a non profit missionary organization – and love my life!


2. How did you get interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?

I first got interested in blogs when I was still in Highschool. I remember being so excited to come home from class and go online to see my favorite fashion bloggers. I was always so jealous of the girls because they had time to take photos and write post’s when I was always stuck doing homework! Last year around this time I was sitting with a couple friends and they told me that I should just try to start one. I thought it was a bit of a silly idea – seeing as I dont make any money at my job and dont have new clothes all the time – but I have absolutely loved it. Its so much more than just the fashion to me, its truly such a personal outlet and encouragement – both to myself and other people. I like to be able to inspire people that come to my blog, and I love being inspired by others aswell!



3. You have great style! Can you tell us a little bit about your personal style?

Thankyou so much! My style is all over the place. It changes alot in some ways, but in other ways I have always stuck to my roots of floral, lace, and wacky things. When I wake up every morning I dont take much time to think about what I would like to wear for the day – I just throw things together, and some how it works! I used to wear only vintage clothing, and I am finding myself missing those days alot. I have been trying to add more thrifted items into my wardrobe lately – I love have unique one of a kind items!


4. What does you daily routine look like?

I wake up to the sound of my room mates alarm clock (that she never hears but I always do!) and get ready for my day by driving Nathan to work and preparing a hot cup of tea. I come to work and make beds and do laundry and go grocery shopping for guests that are staying at the organization. I try to end the day by getting some blog photos but sometimes Im so busy that it doesnt turn out that way!



5. Do you think your move back to Canada will influence your style much?

I am so so excited to move back to Canada – and one of the main reasons is for the clothing! I miss the days when I could just wear a sweater over a dress with some tights and boots and a big jacket. I havent seen snow in 3 years so I am very excited to explore new styles when I go back to Canada! Im really wanting to get a good cape, fur hat, and lots and lots of socks.


6. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love the community. I love the fact that girls of all ages, sizes, nationalities can come online to a place where they feel safe to express themselves, and not get crap for it. I love how encouraging everyone in the blogging community is, and how inspiring everyone is aswell! I used to get so much inspiration from magazines, and though I still love reading them, I love reading blogs so much more because of the realness of everyone. I love that there is no dramatic touch ups, air brushing – what you see is what you get, and they all look so good!



7. What are your favorite fashion trends for fall?

Ooo..I love fall fashion! My favorites would have to be vintage dresses and lace up boots, lots of tights, leather bombers and fur collars, pastel nail polish and floral head wreaths!


8. When you’re not blogging, what other things can you be found doing?

Im a pretty laid back person! I love reading, journalling, going on adventures with my lovely boyfriend – and photoshoots with friends..I do that alot!



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

Good question! I think I would have to go with black high waisted jeans, oxfords, cute blouse with a pretty collar, and a fur jacket. That is just the perfect outfit in my mind!


10. Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion bloggers? What about for someone who is searching to find their true personal style?

I think the best advice that I can give for fashion bloggers that are just starting out, is to never do it for anyone but yourself. If you get to a point where you arent having fun with your blog anymore – then its not worth it! You need to love doing it for ‘you’ and noone else. Dont worry about the traffic on your site, or how many comments or followers you have, because it doesnt matter! You just need to have fun. When doing posts, explore new places and take your readers there with you. I love making my readers feel apart of what I am doing..so if you have a favorite park, or a trail, or beach – take photos there and talk about it in your blog. Make it new and exciting – and remember to get close ups of your outfit! For people searching for your own personal style…I challenge you to sit down and think about the things that you love in others styles. It could be certain colors, textures, patterns – and start thinking of ways that you could incorporate that to make it your own. I went through Highschool wearing thrift store dresses when everyone else was wearing Abercrombie and Fitch, but its what I knew I loved so I stuck to it. Dont care what people think – just go for it! If you digg it, wear it!



Thanks so much Kate for doing this interview with me! Don’t forget to check out Kate’s lovely blog, Postcards From, for your daily dose of fashion inspiration!

-Chelsea
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Fall in the Orchards

11.01.10
Even though we are technically well into the fall season, the city of Phoenix (and surrounding areas) seem to think it’s still summer. Lately I’ve been seeing so many beautiful scenic photos of fall leaves and dreary weather. Well, I figured since I can’t join all of these wonderful fashion bloggers in the fall photo magic I would show off what I do have-bright sunshine and pretty green trees.
Outfit:
Flower headband: Forever 21
Top: via Last Chance AZ
Belt: Forever 21
Jeans: Levi’s
Socks: c/o We Love Colors
Boots: Steve Madden
Outfit:
Shirt: Aeropostale (shh, it was for his Halloween costume and was the only buffalo plaid shirt we could find. it is flannel and was very inexpensive though.)
Suspenders: via Last Chance AZ
Jeans: Levi’s
Shoes: Simple
Around the area that I grew up in we have rows and rows of orange, and lemon orchards. Growing up I always thought these orchards were so beautiful, and held some sort of magic. I used to love picking oranges from the trees that lined my junior high school.
Scott grew up on the other side of town, so he didn’t really get to experience seeing the orchards like I did every day. It was nice to be able to finally share this with him.
While out we spotted one lone leaf on the ground that screamed fall. I’ll take it as a sign that the fall weather is on its way very soon.

At the moment, all of the lemons are still very new and green. Scott found one dropped on the ground and found it to be a fun prop.
(he says he once had a flat spot on his head, but couldn’t find it while trying to make the unripe lemon stay)
Awhile back We Love Colors sent me the most wonderful package of tights and socks. I thought the pair of maize socks I received would look great with my new favorite lace-up boots.

Lately Scott has been rocking his new brown Levi’s belt (birthday present) and his new Fossil interchangeable watch (anniversary gift).

Roaming around the lemon orchard was a nice breathe of fresh air compared to my usual downtown stomps. I have plans to go back there during winter when the scenery will be a little bit more dreary.

Do you have orchards in your area? What is your favorite places to shoot photos at?

-Chelsea
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The Pumpkin Scarecrow

10.31.10
Happy Halloween!
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I tend to start getting in the spirit come September. I am not the type of person that likes really scary things, and tend to gravitate more toward the spooky and fall fun aspect of Halloween. Ever once in a while something a little scary can be fun though, like walking through a crowd of zombies (more about that in a later post).
The other day while on my lunch break Scott and I took a walk around downtown. I was on a mission to get an outside photo of Butter Toast Boutique for my ASU blog, Downtown Dispatch. While on our way to the boutique we spotted this pumpkin scarecrow in front of our local grow-op.
Sunglasses: Ray Bans
Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Levi’s
Boots: Steve Madden
School bag: Orla Kiely
From time to time Scott will now be featured in my daily outfit posts. He definitely has his own personal style and enjoys looking his best.
(sorry for the far away shot)
Button up shirt: vintage
Jeans: Levi’s
Leather watch: Fossil
Cordones: TOMS

I feel pretty lucky to attend school in such a great town. Phoenix has a lot of culture in it, and there is also something new going on. The town has grown so much in recent years, not just with new new buildings, but with new boutiques and restaurants that are making Phoenix more of a destination place.

Tonight Scott and I have plans to hang out with our friends Courtney and Sanford. I believe watching PG Halloween movies and passing out candy is in order. We even might dress up a little just for fun!

Do you have any plans for tonight?
-Chelsea
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Birthday Dinner Date

10.30.10
Thursday was Scott’s 22nd birthday and to celebrate we went out to one of our favorite pizza places and took a walk around Cityscape in downtown Phoenix.

We went to Cibo in downtown were they have the best non-traditional pizza. For dinner we had a pesto salad, complete with greens, pine nuts, potatoes, and pesto sauce, and we also shared the special pizza of the night, which had mushrooms, truffle oil, no sauce, and a cheese that I can’t recall now.


Our meal was excellent, and it was great to celebrate Scott’s birthday there. Back in May we had my birthday dinner there as well. I feel a tradition coming on!
After dinner we decided to check out the Lucky Strikes bowling alley that just opened a few weeks ago at Cityscape, a newly built shopping center, in downtown. After roaming around for a bit we found the upstairs entrance and took a look around. The wait for a lane was about 30 minutes (they only have about 10 lanes) and since it was closing in on nine ‘o’clock and somebody (ME!) forget her entire wallet with her ID in it, they would have to kick me out soon because I couldn’t prove I was over 21 (I really don’t think the doorman believed when I said I’m 22). In the end we decided not to wait for a lane and come back another evening where we could stay as late as we want. I feel pretty silly for having forgotten my wallet, since it is something I never ever leave home without.


In a few short days they are opening an Urban Outfitters in downtown. I am thrilled that I am now going to have one so close to me (I can walk there in a few short minutes from my school), but I’m worried that having it so close will do some serious damage to my wallet. The building they are putting it in is brand new and has the most lovely light display in their window.
Overall, I believe Scott had a pretty great birthday, and I’m so happy that I was able to make it special for him. He always does so many nice things for me, and it felt so good to be able to do something nice for him.

What do you usually do on your birthday? Do you have a certain restaurant that you like to go to every year?
-Chelsea
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One Last Anni. Post // About My Ring

10.30.10
For Scott and I’s anniversary this year he gave me the most beautiful anniversary band. I have been asked about it so I thought I would post a photo and tell the story behind it.

For a few months now I’ve been hinting (more like blatantly saying) that I would love a new ring (I am ring obsessed if you didn’t know). A little under three years ago Scott gave me a beautiful white gold and diamond promise ring. Since the day he gave it to me I have not let it leave my left ring finger. With this said, I thought it would be nice to have a new ring to either wear with my promise ring, or wear separately on my right hand.
Well, Scott surprised me a few days before our anniversary with a trip to a lovely jewelry store where he bought me the most beautiful white gold and inlaid diamond anniversary band I have ever seen. Him doing this for me was honestly the most amazing thing, and I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful person want to do something so heartfelt, and meaningful for me.
I now have an anniversary band and will cherish it for the rest of my life.
-Chelsea
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Anniversary Dinner Date

10.29.10

Here is my last, and final anniversary blog post. This one is about the lovely dinner date we went on to a restaurant called St. Francis in Phoenix.

Scott and I decided to both dress on the grey scale (as we commonly due) and found ourself to be a matching couple. When we were younger we used to match, A LOT, sometimes on purpose, but most of the time not. Our outfits for the evening were just a little extra reminder of how close and similar we really are.

Cardigan: Gift from my mom
Dress: Target (it was pretty wrinkled unfortunately at this point in the evening)
Charcoal tights: c/o We Love Colors
Flats: Ruby and Bloom

Jacket: Banana Republic (the lighting was so awkward at this point, so it’s hard to see the detail in the jacket)
Shirt: Hanes possibly?
Jeans: Quicksilver
Dress shoes: thrifted

The dress I was wearing had a really lovely ruffle on the front. The ruffle is what sold me on the dress. It was also pretty chilly that evening so I felt a cardigan was a must if we were sitting outside (which we did).

The building we took photos in front of houses an amazing vintage furniture, as well as small vintage clothing store. The building has these lovely circle frames that I felt needed to be photographed. Too bad the light was a little off, and the frame moved when I leaned on it (eck!).

This was our first time at St. Francis. The restaurant is situated in a very unique and modern building that has a good amount of outdoor seating (covered by pretty lights and canopies of course), and also a cozy indoor space (downstairs and upstairs).

For dinner we shared a corn flatbread pizza, and each had our own butternut squash soup.

Our dinner was lovely and I feel blessed to be able to have such a great anniversary (and guy of course).

Do you and your sweetie prefer going out to eat for special occasions, or making dinner together at home?
-Chelsea

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LuLu*s Discount Code for Tea Talk Readers

10.29.10

LuLu*s, an online clothing store for women, has graciously offered the readers of Tea Talk a 15% off discount code to be used on their next purchase from their store.

LuLu*s offers designer dresses, tops, sweaters, handbags, shoes, etc., all at great prices.


(all photos taken from the LuLu*s website)

I feel that LuLu*s really sells a great variety of clothing and accessories. There is definitely something for everyone in their store.

I hope some of you Tea Talk readers get the chance to use this fabulous discount! Let me know if you do so!

This discount expires on November 4th, 2010.

-Chelsea

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