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Seeing Emerald

07.16.13

Lately I’ve been seeing emerald, and LOTS of it! Since partnering with Starbucks to showcase how to wear and accessorize with Pantone’s color of the year, Emerald, along with an iced Starbucks beverage, the color emerald and other shades of green have been on my radar. Needless to say, I’ve been enjoying taking in all the different shades of green I’ve found in this desert home of mine (who knew Arizona had so much green to offer!). Over the past few weeks Scott and I spent some time exploring the Desert Botanical Garden (you can see the famous Chihuly glass in background of the top picture), as well as a budding urban garden right in downtown Mesa. Both spaces, being different and unique in their own ways, are equally as beautiful and definitely should not be missed if you’re in the area.

We also recently enjoyed a date night at one of our favorite spots, La Grande Orange, and shared the most delicious green pizza (avocados galore!), and a minty gelato that is made in house. Both were delicious, and really hit the spot on such a warm summer evening. Lately, I’ve been leaning towards sipping on an emerald straw on the daily (the best way to get through the work day!), and also dreaming of cooler weather. Monsoon season has officially started in Arizona and the dark clouds and rain storms we’ve been having really have seem to awoken the whole area (everyone here loves a good rainstorm!).

Have you been toting the emerald straw around lately? What’s your favorite Starbucks drink in the summer?
-Chelsea xo

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InVESTed in Summer

07.15.13

I’ll be the first to admit, summer has never really been my favorite season. However, with a new schedule and deciding to stick around AZ for the summer (first time ever!), I’ve been trying my best to make the most of this season – one iced coffee, trip to the mall to beat the heat, and summer photo shoot with my love at a time.

I picked up this vest before we headed to Kentucky in June and have worn it non-stop since. During my late teen years I had a jean vest that I bought from Urban that I wore all the time – in fact, I still wear it every once and awhile – and this vest feels like version 2.0 of an old favorite.

Outfit details:
Vest: Target
Top: Ann Taylor
Necklace: c/o Black & Bronze
Lipstick: Nars’ Heat Wave
Jeans: Levi’s
Bag: Madewell
Flats: Dolce Vita

This afternoon I’ve got a trip to Starbucks in mind (there’s one fairly close to my new office), and tonight I plan on getting caught up on a few blog related items and maybe working on a few wedding details with my sweet fiancé.

What has been keeping you busy this summer? What are you up to today?
-Chelsea xo

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Black & White & Red All Over

07.12.13

You know that great joke that asks what’s black, white, and red all over? A newspaper! Well, other than being quite funny to this journalist, the joke felt like it pretty much summed up this outfit – black, white, and red all over (my lips!). I wore this outfit to work this week, paired with a cardigan for my chilly office space, of course. My work is pretty laid back when it comes to office attire, but I feel best when in a dark pair of jeans, a nice blouse/top, and a pair of flats, booties, or nice sandals. I’m still working up the nerve to wear bold lipstick all day in the office, but I’m sure getting there (this day I wore a light pink lipstick earlier in the day, and then switched it up with my favorite orangey red)!


I’m still working on getting into a daily routine at work, but I feel like I now have a better handle on it at the end of week 2. I get there a little before 8am, put my lunch away, either grab some coffee from our kitchen (we have the nicest kitchen/eating area) or sip on my iced coffee that I brought for a few minutes while looking at emails – I should call this my “settling in” time. A few minutes later I go and chat with my immediate supervisor, and then head back to my desk to start on my work. I love that during this time the lights in the office are still off (we have tons of natural light, but something about having the lights off feels nice in the morning), and that the office is still very quiet and slow. About an hour later the lights will be on and the office will be buzzing, and I love that time almost just the same. We’ve got a great vibe going on in the office, and I feel so blessed to be a part of something so great. Sappy aside, I truly am so happy for this amazing opportunity and can’t wait to settle more in and continue to grow with my position.

Outfit details:

Top: Ann Taylor
Necklace: c/o Black & Bronze
Bracelets: Kate Spade
Bag: Madewell
Jeans: Levi’s
Gaby booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

This afternoon there will most likely be a coffee run (I’ve been craving a warm latte of sorts – dreaming of pumpkin spice), and this evening Scott and I are hoping to go see a friend (hey, Mandy!) at the improv/comedy club she works at!

What does your work attire usually look like? What’s your daily work routine like?

-Chelsea xo

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Blowfish Shoes Giveaway! – Closed

07.11.13
Today we have an amazing giveaway from Blowfish Shoes! They are offering one lucky Tea Talk reader their choice of a pair of shoes from their online shop (might I recommend anything from their Summer collection – it’s s lovely)!
To enter you must:
1. Be a follower of the Tea Talk blog via GFC, Bloglovin, or email.
2. Leave a comment telling us the pair of shoes you would pick if you won!
Bonus entries!
1. Follow them on Twitter.
2. Like them on Facebook.
3. Follow them on Pinterest.
(Please leave additional comments for each.)
Sorry, this giveaway is open only to U.S. readers.
Entries will be accepted until Thursday, July 18th at 11:59 MST, and the winner will be announced the following day.
Good luck, and a big thank you to Blowfish Shoes for hosting such an amazing giveaway!

-Chelsea xo
EDIT: Congratulations, #75-Grace Mitton! Thank you so much to everyone who entered!

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Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe

07.09.13

Back in June when Scott and I took our trip to Louisville, Kentucky we made it a point to visit as many cute coffee shops that we could while in the area. Well, after taking a few wrong turns on and off the freeway and a few sidestreets (we’re so used to living on a grid and in Louisville the streets are literally a free for all – so confusing) we ended up at Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe. Before our trip we had found this quaint little cafe online and knew it would be somewhere great to check out, and it definitely did not disappoint.

The cafe and bakery was split into two parts – one area being the more grab and go kind of space with coffee and treats, and the other being more of a “sit down and spend a little time with us” kind of area with indoor and outdoor seating.

This little tree right outside of the bakery made my heart swoon and ready for fall the season to begin – only a few more months!

Since we only had a few minutes to spare, we grabbed two iced americanos and the most delicious cookies. We sat outside on a bench and took the moment in together – sipping on our iced americanos on a cool summer’s day in Louisville.

When we got up to start walking to our car a sweet lady approached us and asked if she could take a photo of us for the street style blog she works on, and we were more than flattered.

If you’re ever in the area, Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe is definitely somewhere sweet to check out!
-Chelsea xo

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Staples

07.08.13

It’s a matter of fact that I am a tried and true staples kind of gal when it comes to my wardrobe. I love quality, timeless pieces that I know I can mix and match together well, and keep wearing for years to come. With my new transition into “office wear,” which luckily is very laid-back at my office, I’m finding that pieces I’ve owned and loved for years (as well as a few new pieces from my pre-start day shopping spree) are quickly becoming staples for my weekly 8 to 5 wears. Dark blue jeans will forever be a favorite, and I love that Minnetonka Moccasins are totally work approved.

Outfit details:
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Top: Levi’s
Bracelet: Vintage & Kate Spade
Jeans: Levi’s
Leopard Kilty Mocs: c/o Minnetonka Moccasins

Today starts my first full week in the office, since last week was a holiday and my hours were a little tweaked. I swung by a local coffee shop on the way to work and picked up a large iced coffee to cool me down (it’s already such a hot day!), and I have plans for a walk around downtown on my lunch break. Happy Monday, sweet friends!
-Chelsea xo

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Starting July Off Right

07.05.13

July is here and I’ve had a whirlwind week! I didn’t mean to almost completely disappear from this space of mine, but the week left me quite busy and spending every spare moment I had with my sweet fiancé, parents, and my pups! July 1st was also a HUGE day for me because I had my very first day at my new, full-time job! It went smashingly well and I can’t wait to share more about my new position (and my new desk space that I’ve been obsessing over!).

My little Scout and Piper are growing so big and are as cute and sweet as ever. Scout has almost been with our family for a year now (we brought him home on July 10th of last year), and Piper has been with us since February of this year. Its been so interesting to see the differences in their personalities, and to see how much they love one another. Even though Piper is the youngest, it feels like Scout will always be the baby. He’s calm, laid back, and just wants to be held. She, on the other hand, is feisty, more adventurous, and sometimes like her space. They both are little bundles of joy in my life ( and in my family’s life) and surely make each day brighter.

Ok, I’m off to work a little bit and then catch up with some girlfriends tonight!
What are you up to today? Do you have pets? I would love to hear about them!
-Chelsea

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Ready, Set, Accessorize – Starbucks Giveaway! – Closed

07.05.13

As many of you may already know, I’ve partnered with Starbucks to showcase how to wear and accessorize with Pantone’s color of the year, Emerald, along with an iced Starbucks beverage during the summer months. Well, today I’m so excited to announce an amazing giveaway courtesy of my friends at Starbucks.

In the spirit of summer, iced cold Starbucks drinks, and Pantone’s color of the year, we are official inviting you, my sweet readers, to share your favorite summer looks for a chance to win a $100 Starbucks Card!

To enter you must:
1. Be a follower of the Tea Talk blog via GFC, Bloglovin, or email.
2. Leave a comment with a link to your favorite summer look (posted on your blog, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Sorry, this giveaway is open only to U.S. readers.

Entries will be accepted until Thursday, July 11th at 11:59 MST, and the winner will be announced the following day.
Good luck, and a big thank you to Starbucks for hosting such an amazing giveaway!
-Chelsea xo

EDIT: The winner is #33 Chelsea – Congrats! Thanks to all who entered!

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Hotel Valley Ho

06.27.13


A few weeks back Scott and I took a little trip down to the Hotel Valley Ho, a Mid-Century Modern based hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona that is famous for its amazing digs, hip pool, and historic value. Built in 1956, this the Valley Ho was the sister property to the now defunct Westward Ho in downtown Phoenix (forever one of my favorite buildings). The hotel instantly became known for its distinct design, a combination of modern and Southwest style that had never previously been seen before. Today it’s just as swanky and gorgeous as ever, and is definitely a sight to see.

Scott and I had a nice time wandering around the hotel lobby and through their beautiful garden areas that surround the pool and guest rooms. It was a beautiful day and I felt extra summery in this little blue dress. The pattern reminded me of water waves in a pool, and all I felt like I was missing was a fruity drink with an umbrella in it. Arizona summers really can be quite lovely!

Outfit details:
Dress: Jcpenney
Bracelets: Threads
Cricket Wedges: c/o Blowfish Shoes

I’ve been spending my last few days before I start my full-time career picking up goodies for my new desk, shopping around for work attire, and working on a very special project (wink, wink). I’m off to find some lunch and cool off in some shade – it’s a hot one out today!

What are you up to today? Have you ever visited the Hotel Valley Ho?
-Chelsea xo

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Ready, Set, Accessorize with Starbucks!

06.26.13

Today I have something super exciting to announce!  To showcase how to wear and accessorize with Pantone’s color of the year, Emerald, I’ve partnered with Starbucks to highlight how to rock this hot color, along with an iced Starbucks beverage, during the summer months.

Emerald has always been a color near and dear to my heart, so I was more than excited to pull out my favorite emerald accessories and style up several summery looks, paired with my favorite Starbucks iced coffee, of course. I picked up this vintage emerald and orange scarf at a thrift store in Colorado a few years back, and its been a staple in my wardrobe every since. I love how easy scarves are to wear, especially in the summer when the temperatures are soaring high in Phoenix (hello, 117 degree day on Saturday!).

Anyways, I am beyond excited about this partnership and can’t wait to share more of my emerald inspired looks with you all. I also have an amazing Starbucks giveaway coming up, so keep your eyes peeled!

Outfit details:
Sunnies: Oliver Peoples
Scarf: Vintage
Dress: Levi’s
Drink of choice: Starbucks unsweetened iced coffee with no room

What’s you favorite Starbucks beverage?
-Chelsea xo

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