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Denim Forever + Madewell Event

08.28.13

It’s probably no surprise that I could wear denim every day of my life and be completely happy (ok, well maybe not every day – I don’t plan on wearing denim for my wedding!), so I was really excited to hear that Madewell was releasing a new line of denim this fall. I’m already a fan of their denim, so I have a feeling that I’m only going to love these new styles that much more.

To celebrate the launch of the new Madewell denim line, next Saturday, September 7th from noon to 2 p.m. I’ll be hosting a private shopping party/denim event at the Scottsdale Madewell at Fashion Square Mall. The Coffee Chop, a local mobile coffee cart, will be slinging some delicious coffee, and we’ll have the most delicious macarons from Essence Bakery to snack on while our guests explore the new fall styles, try out the new denim line, and take goofy photos with me (a must, please!). I am so excited about this event and would love to see so many of you there! Please leave a comment below if you plan on coming!

This sweet guy of mine has been busy, busy working on orders for his Etsy shop, Citizen Home Decor, and being my biggest supporter when it comes to continually working to get in my new work/daily life groove. While work is going great, I’m still trying to get a handle on balancing all of my responsibilities, but I know that I’m making progress and can’t wait to see what the next few months hold (other than the best season ever!).

Outfit details:
Scarf: Madewell
Sweater: Last Chance
Top: Ann Taylor
Tote: Madewell
Jeans: Levi’s
Shoes: Sperry

Today is my Thursday because I’m taking Friday off to head up north with my love. We’ll be staying in the Flagstaff area and exploring a county park that has some of the most glorious pine trees I’ve ever seen. After work today I also plan on tracking down a pumpkin spice latte! Scott sent me a picture earlier of a Starbucks sign that announced that PSLs were back early – oh, you have no idea how happy my heart is! Who’s up for having a PSL with me?
-Chelsea xo

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Mextures: A Truly Unique Photo Editing App

08.26.13

I’ve recently become quite fond of an iPhone photo editing app, Mextures. Created by a Phoenix local, Merek Davis, this editing app allows you to create edits exactly to your liking with over 70 original textures, gradients and lightleaks that are blendable, rotatable, and able to layer with a tap (according to their awesome intro video on their website). I’ve spent some time over the past few weeks creating and saving my own custom formulas and learning more about the app as I go.

So far I’ve taken a very light hand to my edits, but I do appreciate the opportunity to layer and create more in-depth edits. As of now, I have saved a Fall Vibes formula (featured on the wood photo above), a Citrus formula (featured on the orange mural above), and a Twilight formula (featured on the sunset below). I love the challenge that this app creates that pushes me create and think beyond my usual simple photo edits (and also how good it feels to save a formula for later use).

When it comes to photo editing apps, Mextures gets an A+ in my book – locally based, refreshing, customizable content, and downright inspiring to create a photo style that is truly unique and my own.

Have you check out Mextures yet? It’s only $1.99 and well worth it! Let me know what you think!
-Chelsea xo

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Sporty

08.23.13

Sneakers are not something I’m not entirely accustomed to wearing. Growing up I went back and forth through phases where I would only wear sandals (hello freezing cold toes in December – not the best idea!), and then where I was obsessed with sneakers (during my senior year in high school I worked at a Vans shoe store and spent almost all of the money I earned on shoes). Today, not many pairs of sneakers are left in my closet (old pairs of vans and classic Converse sneakers mostly) but my Nylites do see some weekly wear. Everyone needs a solid pair of sneaks, right?

Outfit details:
Vest: Target
Shirt: Target
Watch: Fossil
Bag: Louis Vuitton
Jeans: Levi’s
Nylites sneakers: c/o Tretorn

It’s Friday! My work week was jammed pack, and I’m super excited for a relaxing weekend. I plan on spending time cuddling my puppies and working on some blog posts. What are you up to this weekend? Are you a fan of sneakers? If so, what’s your favorite style?
-Chelsea xo

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UnLIMITED + Giveaway

08.20.13

If I’m being honest, I’m confident in saying that most pieces in my wardrobe are “work appropriate” for my work environment. However, I do enjoy having pieces that I can either dress up or dress down, depending on what I have going on that day. This blouse, that I picked up from the new The Limited store at the Biltmore Fashion Park, definitely meets my standards for being able to mix and mingle with the most simple accessories (like here), to a more layered look for afternoon meetings and a lunch date. Not to be cheesy, but I’m going to say that this blouse has unLIMITED opportunities for styling!

Outfit details:
Blouse: c/o The Limited
Bloom necklace: c/o Shore Handmade Jewelry
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Jeans: Gap
Moccasins: c/o Minnetonka Moccasins 

The Limited was kind enough to offer one lucky Tea Talk reader a $50 gift card!

 To enter you must:
1. Follow the Tea Talk blog via GFC, Bloglovin or email!
2. Leave a comment telling me if you would choose one or two items that have endless opportunities, or pick one strong statement piece.
This giveaway is open to U.S. readers only.

Entries will be accepted until Thursday, August 22nd at 11:59 am MST, and the winner will be announced the next day.
-Chelsea xo
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Workshopin’

08.17.13

I’m off to teach a Blogging 101 Workshop at the Frances Vintage office this afternoon. If you’re still interested in attending, we would love to have you! Tweet at me @chelseabird or @francesvintage to let us know – the workshop starts at 1pm!

I’m off to pick up a coffee and some lunch before I head down to the studio. Not going to lie – I’m slightly nervous, but I’m sure it will go over well and will be lots of fun!

What are you up to today?
-Chelsea xo

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Blogging 101 Workshop Giveaway! -Closed

08.15.13

This Saturday, August 17th, I’m co-hosting a Blogging 101 Workshop at the Frances Vintage Studio with Carrie Wheeler, of the Cracking Good blog and formerly of the Arizona Republic. We’ll be teaching tips and tricks on getting your blog started (or working on your current blog), finding inspiration, finding your voice, and building a community around your blog and throughout the blogosphere. This is class is for all stages of bloggers – whether you’ve had a blog for years and are looking to learn a few new tricks, or are just wanting to start – everyone is welcome! 
Carrie and I are SO excited to teach this class together, and we hope to see all of you locals there!
With that said, today we’re giving away one free ticket to this Saturday’s workshop!

                                                                   To enter you must:
1. Follow the Tea Talk blog via GFC, Bloglovin or email!
2. Leave a comment with what you would like to learn more about when it comes to blogging!
Bonus entries!
(Please leave an additional comment for the bonus entry.)
This giveaway is open to local, Phoenix Metropolitan area readers only. 
Also, please be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you if you’ve won.
Entries will be accepted until Friday, August 15th at 11:59 am MST, and the winner will be announced that day.
 Also, for those just wanting to sign up, the class is $30 and will be held from 1pm to 4pm. To sign up (spaces are limited so don’t wait!) you can call Frances at 602-279-5467, or stop by the shop!
-Chelsea xo

EDIT: Congrats, Aly!

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Loyal To The Soil

08.13.13

I borrowed today’s title from a cute print that a local couple recently put up in their Etsy shop (check it out!), and truly love how awesome the saying is. I consider myself a tried and true Arizonian (with Colorado tendencies), and can’t imagine living in another city. Phoenix truly has my heart, and I love the local art community that I’ve been able to witness grow and succeed in this desert land over the past few years. This Saturday I’m doing my part to contribute to this ever growing, art focused community by co-teaching a Blogging 101 Workshop at the Frances studio. We still have some spots open and I would love to see so many of you local gals there! You can find all of the info right here, and it’s sure to be a great time!

Outfit details:
Scarf: Madewell
Shirt: Last Chance
Bracelet: Vintage
Jeans: Gap
Tacita wedges (half price right now!): c/o Blowfish Shoes

My outfits have been all about simplicity as I’ve been running out the door, coffee in hand, making my way to work every morning. I still feel like I’m adjusting to my new schedule, but I know everything comes with time. Tonight I’m spending some time with one of my favorite gals (Hi, Kara!), and probably going to pick up a treat from AJ’s sometime before or after (it’s a must when I’m close to an AJ’s location – which isn’t too often!).

What do you love most about your city? What are you up to today?
-Chelsea xo

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August: Currently

08.10.13

Feeling inspired by Elise Blaha Cripe, I thought I would share my own currently list.
watching lots of Say Yes to the Dress.
drinking an iced from The Coffee Shop in Gilbert.
learning more about my job and how to perfect my work flow.
wearing sweaters and scarves – I’m ready for fall!
eating a cinnamon raisin bagel and peanut butter – something I’ve had a major craving for lately.
enjoying monsoon season and the cooler weather we’ve been having in Phoenix.
thrilled that I get to see my parents and pups at the end of this month.
listening to Pandora every day at work – helps me to get into my zone.
excited about wedding planning – I promise to share more soon!
reading more social media based articles lately – brushing up for work.
laughing with my sweet friends who have welcomed Scott and I into their group with loving arms.
feeling toasty – currently defrosting outside after sitting in a cold coffee shop (oh, Arizona in the summer).
believing August is going to be a great month.
loving that sweet fiancé of mine.

What does your currently list look like?
-Chelsea xo

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Sophisticated Minnie

08.07.13

I literally couldn’t resist the title of this post, because this is exactly how this darling outfit made me feel! When The Limited reached out to me about celebrating their 50th anniversary with them, I was thrilled at the thought (especially since I’m new to the professional world!). During their celebration The Limited will also be launching a special campaign to support Dress For Success, a national nonprofit organization with a large Phoenix presence that offers professional apparel, a network of support, and career development tools to women who are entering or re-entering the work force. I’m very excited to be a part of this celebration, and had a great time checking out their newly opened store at The Biltmore Fashion Park.

This top was one of three that I picked up for under a $100. I love the cut, the pattern, and how it’s work appropriate. As mentioned, I also felt a little like Minnie Mouse in this blouse, but in the best, most professional way. Who doesn’t love a good Mickey/Minnie Mouse reference?

Outfit details:
Blouse: c/o The Limited
Jeans: Levi’s
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Nakato flats (on super sale right now!): c/o Blowfish Shoes

I’ve been busy, busy at my day job (writing this on my lunch break!), and I’m excited to do a little bit of wedding planning with my sweet fiance tonight. We’re going to look at a venue that could work perfectly for us, and I can’t wait to check it out. I’m currently sipping on hot tea and dreaming of cooler weather!

Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway from The Limited!

Have you shopped at The Limited before? What does your work style look like?
-Chelsea xo

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Citizen Home Decor

08.07.13

I have some very exciting news! After years of encouragement and creating handmade pieces in his spare time, my sweet fiancé, Scott, has officially opened up an Etsy shop – Citizen Home Decor! Right now he is focusing on making Arizona plaques out of wood and vinyl records, but he is also open to making custom pieces of any states (and other shapes as well, per request) that you may have in mind! A few of his Arizona plaques are currently on sale at Frances Vintage in downtown Phoenix, and more will be making their way to their cute shop soon. He’s very excited about this new endeavor, and we both really appreciate all of the support he’s received online! Check out Citizen Home Decor – it would make our day!

What shape would you like to see carved out of wood or vinyl?
-Chelsea (and Scott!) xo