While the other parts of the country are enjoying a cool and breezy spring, us Phoenix folks are having what we like to call, “Summer: Part 1.” Throughout my 25 years of living in this state, I’ve learned that the only way to keep cool during our blazing spring and summers is to hide in the shadows of the city streets. On Tuesday, Scott and I spent some time in downtown Phoenix reminiscing about our old stomping grounds, and checking out some of our favorite old buildings that we hadn’t taken a peek at in awhile. This old brown and boarded up hotel is one of them. You may remember it from one of my past outfit posts, but it’s a beautiful piece of Arizona’s 103-year-young history, and from what I hear, it’s being protected by the city from potential buyers who would demolish it and build a set of high-rise condos in its place. It’s a hidden gem in downtown, nestled safely between the ballpark and the basketball arena, and is the perfect place to hang out in front of on a sunny, spring day. Now, where’s the iced coffee? 😉
Outfit details:
Dress: Jcpenney
Bracelets: Kate Spade
Sandals: DSW
POP OF PINK
04.09.14
When the beginning days of spring rolled around I did a massive overhaul on my closet – purging winter items and stowing them away until next autumn/winter, and rounding up my spring and summer pieces that I had hidden away last year. While digging through my closet I realized that I have a serious lack of pink in my wardrobe. Now, this may not surprise you if you’ve been reading my blog for years, or even if you only started reading recently, but for someone who has a passion style and loves matching my outfits to the seasons (a not so guilty pleasure), this seemed a bit shocking. Anyways, I did pick up this pink blouse on a whim about a month or so ago when I had a urge to bring a little more color into my late winter wardrobe. The flowy sleeves are what reeled me in, but other than jeans, I’m not sure how to style it up. Any thoughts?
Scott and I have the whole day off together, so we’ve been brunchin’, sipping on coffee together, and driving around Phoenix on the hunt for the perfect fiberglass chair for my blogging nook. If you live in Phoenix and have seen one recently, let a lady know! 🙂
Outfit details:
Blouse: Nordstroms Rack
Jeans: Gap
Bag: Madewell
Booties: Sam Edelman
NIGHT OUT
04.07.14
Outfit details:
Jacket: Target
Blouse: Ann Taylor
Jeans: American Eagle
Purse: Madewell
Boots: Sam Edelman
Scott and I are firm believers in date nights! A few nights a week we usually find ourselves either headed to our local froyo shop, or hanging out around town with a few of our close friends. Sometimes the work week can be tiring, so it’s always nice to get out in the evening and relax/unplug from the daily grind. Wouldn’t you agree?
Late last night, Scott and I got home from our road trip to Yuma, AZ., and boy let me tell you, today we are TIRED! We both had work bright and early, so tonight we’re actually looking forward to an evening in getting organized, and resting up after our busy trip. I am feeling so thankful to that we were able to make it out to Yuma to spend some quality time with my family and pups, and to get a change of pace into our daily routine. It’s always nice to switch things up, especially when it involves a road trip, giant cinnamon rolls and a photobooth!
Ok, I’m off to drink too many cups of coffee!
How was your weekend?
-Chelsea xo
ROAD TRIP
04.03.14
Outfit details:
Glasses: Oliver Peoples
Purse: Kate Spade
Sweater: Levi’s
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Vans
Whenever I go on a road trip I like to wear something extra comfy that will still look nice when I roll out of the car after either driving many hours, or sleeping the ride off. I also get really cold on long car rides, so wearing shoes and socks, and something cozy is a must. I’m also big on road trip music, and need an amazing playlist or album to keep us going through the drive. In the past, I’ve been a fan of listening to all of the The Strokes, Brand New, and Stars albums during those long, open road drives – just like the one Scott and I had yesterday to Southern Arizona. While this four-day weekend trip is purely family focused, we’re hoping that our next one around will either be to the beach or the mountains – anywhere really to beat the Phoenix heat.
What’s your favorite road trip snack?
-Chelsea xo
Denim & Dots
04.01.14
Good morning, sweet April! The sun is shining and I’ve been up since 5:30am –woof! I had an extra early doctor’s appointment, so here I am, welcoming the new month with a drive into the sunrise and wishful thoughts for an extra good month. April always feels like my own personal limbo, with my birthday coming at the beginning of next month and usually some other life event just on the horizon (last year it was getting engaged (surprise!) and finishing up grad school!). This time around, I’m hoping for a smooth month full of lots of time spent outside before it gets too hot, time with my sweet husband of almost three months, and mentally preparing to turn 26 in one month and one day from today! April, let’s do this right!
Outfit details:
Chambray: Jcrew
Jeans: Gap
Bracelets: Jcrew & Kate Spade
Moccs: c/o Minnetonka Moccasins
What are you most looking forward to this month?
-Chelsea xo
LAST NITE
03.26.14
Some days, weeks, months, I get in a Strokes phase and can’t bear to listen to anything but their entire collection. In high school, my friends and I were obsessed with Julian Casablancas (I know, I’ve admitted this before) and how cute all of the boys in the band were. Years later, I’m still swooning over their witty melodies and up-beat tunes. Not to say that I’m not swooning over how cute they all still are, but that’s another story. Aside from their musical talents, I’ve alway loved their laid back, chic, I don’t care how messy I look because I still look so hip style. Julian Casabalancas has always been known to pull off a leather jacket well, so I have a feeling this outfit would get his stamp of approval – or maybe just a cool head nod, ya know, because that seems more like him.
Outfit details:
Jacket: JCP
Cardigan: Target
Button-up: Levi’s
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Sam Edelman
Today I’ve been a busy bee working up a storm and pondering the reasons why people are drawn to certain indivduals. Growing up with a natural inquisitive disposition, this question has often racked my brain – which may be the reason I studied journalism and communication in college – but really, what draws people to others? Is it their quirky style? Maybe their sense of humor, or their witty personality? Whatever it is, I’m always curious to learn the why in this situation.
What’s on your mind today?
-Chelsea xo
SPARROW GIVEAWAY – CLOSED
03.25.14
Today I’m teaming up with Sparrow for an amazing giveaway! Kristi, the sweet gal behind the online boutique, has challenged me to choose my three most coveted items from her shop. While this might sound like an easy task, let me tell you, it was difficult! Sparrow is chock full of so many versatile and classic pieces (my favorite), with a mixture of trendy styles thrown in good measure (a must in my style book!). It sure took me awhile, but I finally came to the consensus that right now I’m most coveting —
Now that I’ve shared my most coveted pieces, be sure and enter today’s giveaway for a chance to win one of your most coveted piece from Sparrow. Good luck! xo
SPARROW X TEA TALK
03.22.14
Today I have the pleasure of teaming up with Sparrow, an online boutique based out of Michigan that features a mixture of current trends and modern fashion. Sparrow is the brandchild of Kristi, a super sweet gal with an eye for style and a passion for her local community. Kristi challenged me to style up their versatile little black dress three different ways, and I gladly accepted the challenge! I’m all about classic pieces that you can wear over, and over again, so styling up this perfect LBD felt right up my alley. I thought it would be fun to try out a boho look, a date night look, and a laid back style for running errands or hanging out with friends in the summertime. Without further ado —
Target hat, A Lovely, Little Shop necklace, KS Saturday bag, JCP belt, & Sam Edelman boots.
A Lovely, Little Shop necklace, JCP belt, & Julianna Hough for Sole Society heels.
Target scarf, JCP belt, & Low Pro Vans.
Out of the three looks, the boho style is my favorite. I could rock a hat, a cool dress, and booties any day of the week. The Sparrow online shop is full of so many versatile pieces, and they’re having a huge spring cleaning sale right now. I truly enjoyed this challenge, and feel very thankful to be able to partner with such an amazing boutique. Don’t forget to check out Sparrow’s social sites for behind the scene peeks and updates on their shop – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and blog.
How do you like to style up a classic little black dress?
-Chelsea xo
GOODBYE, SWEET WINTER
03.20.14
Outfit details:
Vest: UO
Sweater: Jcpenney
Blouse: Ann Taylor
Watch: Fossil
Purse: Madewell
Jeans: American Eagle
Flats: Madewell
On this first day of spring, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic about the months that have past. December, January, February, and half of March, they were all remarkable months. January, of course, was by far my favorite. I can still feel the excitement and nerves that flooded me when the time came to walk down the aisle. I hope that feeling stays with me forever. Winter 2014, you really treated us well. Spring 2014, I’m looking to you for bright days, positive vibes, and the best 26th birthday a girl can have!
What are you most excited for this spring?
-Chelsea xo
JETSETTER
03.19.14
And my last post was last Monday! Oops! I do have a somewhat good excuse, however. Tuesday night when I would have been working on my next post I was asked last minute to hop on a jet plane the next morning to go on a business trip to Miami! Well, who could say no to that? So I spent the last few hours Tuesday evening shopping like crazy for the perfect dress and shoes for a swanky party I would be attending/working, and then packing until the wee hours of the morning. Miami was beautiful and I feel extremely blessed to have been able to go with my team and gain this new experience. You may have have seen my crystal clear beach photos taking over your Instagram feed (no apologies!), but I promise to share more photos of my trip here soon. Miami, I’m coming back for you someday!
Outfit details:
Sweater: Madewell
Top: Levi’s
Necklace: Gift
Jeans: Levi’s
Boots: Sam Edelman
The past few days Scott and I have been fighting off what we think is either food poisoning (no!), or a stomach bug that my doctor said is going around the Valley. However, I’m happy to say that we’re both on the mend and we’re celebrating our two month anniversary tonight with a romantic dinner of cereal and a night full of laundry. Let’s be honest, I’m just being real!
What have you been up to lately? Have you ever been to Miami before? Have a favorite area?
-Chelsea xo