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My Gold Heart

11.14.12

I’m sitting here with my morning coffee, registering for my final semester of graduate school and thinking to myself, where has the time gone? It still feels just like yesterday I was in journalism school, writing away on articles about art, events, downtown Phoenix, and the occasional hard news (never really my thing), and now I’m sitting here with my final semester laid out in front of me (expect for that social media class that I was supposed to be taking that isn’t appearing on the schedule, uh oh). Time sure is crazy to think about, especially when you applied for graduate school and felt like it would take forever, and ever to get through (I was so wrong!).

In other news I have been really enjoying this chilly wearing and getting excited for the holidays. On Monday evening Scott and I spent some time with our sweet friends Sarah and Josh. The cold really settled in this night, so we spent some time around their fire pit roasting marshmallows and enjoying each others company. I swear, I’m so thankful for their friendship. I’m also thankful for the fall/winter nostalgia that still hasn’t worn off its charm. Fall and winter really are my two favorite seasons, even if I am a spring baby!

Sarah also got me thinking a lot about holiday decorating and gift giving. This year I’m thinking about putting together a mini-holiday gift guide for the blog, and wanted to know what you guys think. Right now I’m dreaming of a list that includes my favorite ban.do sequin hearts, cute coffee mugs, and handmade scarves!

Outfit details:
Sweater: Caslon
Gold Sequin Heart Pin: c/o ban.do
Jeans: Levi’s
Bracelet: Jcrew
Flats: c/o Blowfish Shoes

Ok, time for another cup of coffee and to get ready for the day!

What are you put to today? Are you getting excited about the holiday season?
-Chelsea xo

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Frances and Friends

11.13.12

On Friday afternoon Scott and I made our way down to the recently opened Union at Biltmore Park. Last year around this time I was hearing about this awesome local co-op that was in the works to open the following year, but I never imagine it would be as amazing as this. The Union is jam packed with so many local shops that sell everything from housewares, bicycles, candy, magazines and more. I was most excited about checking out the three stores that Frances opened within the Union – Frances, Smeeks, and the Frances & Charlie Newsstand- and wanted to share a little bit of the magic from within the stores here today.

But first I just want to say that I am so thankful that I know this amazing lady, Georganne Bryant (owner of the Frances trio featured). She is such an inspiration, and has been a huge supporter of my blog for so many years now. This city is incredibly luck to have her. Congrats on your new space(s), Georganne!

Frances at the Union has this amazing magical quality to it. Every little detail of the shop feels so organic, with a hint of equestrian style and a dash of a warm, and cozy home. It really is so beautiful in there homey space.

The Smeeks shop is equally magical, with their classic, nostalgic candy, and their famous photo booth. This new space is actually now the permanent home of Smeeks, as the Camelback shop has entirely been moved into the Union. Georganne mentioned that many people were asking about her closing the original Frances location, but I was happy to hear that the Camelback Frances will forever stay right in place (where it all began!).

On our way out of the Union we stopped by the latest edition to the Frances family, the Frances & Charlie Newsstand. The shop is split into two little sections, one for the magazines/periodicals, and the other for lovely notebooks and trinkets. I have my eye on a certain night owl notebook (that I’m holding in the photo above) and will have to definitely make my way back there very soon.

If you’re local and haven’t made your way down to the Union yet, I hope you take some time this week to go check out all of the magic they have going on in this lovely new space!

What are you up to today? Time for some coffee, class, and a drive around the city!
-Chelsea xo

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This Desert

11.12.12

Last night Scott and I were supposed to see Daniel Johnston at the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, a show that both of us had been looking forward to for weeks. However, a few hours before showtime Johnston cancelled his performance (something about now wanting to get on an airplane?), but Crescent still pulled through with an awesome (free) show full of so many amazing local musicians.

Before the show Scott and I had dinner with an old friend at Crescent. We both had burritos and steaming hot cups of coffee. Last night was probably the coldest evening so far this fall, and since Crescent leaves their front doors wide open, we definitely needed the warm boost!

The show itself was just magical. Since it was very last minute, not too many people showed up, but I could feel the room buzzing with excitement. My favorite sets of the night were from Reubens Accomplice (they played twice!), and Jim Adkins (of Jimmy Eat World). I’ve seen Jim play solo for many years now, and each time I’m always impressed with the energy that he disperses during his set. I swear, one of these days I’m going to actually see him play with Jimmy Eat World (although, I did hear their set from afar about a month ago).

The past two days it has been downright chilly in Phoenix, so bundling has been a must. My new Kipper Booties from Blowfish Shoes have been keeping me extra cozy during this cold spirt we’re having. I heard that it’s supposed to warm up into the 80’s this week, so I’m trying to soak in every moment of the cold that I can.

Outfit details:
Sweater: Levi’s
Top: Madewell
Peony Lipstick: c/o Radiant Cosmetics
Jeans: Levi’s
Kipper Booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

Today I have some reading to catch up on, and hope to go on a nice, chilly walk (with a hot drink in hand, of course).

Have you been to any great shows lately? What are you up to today?
-Chelsea xo

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Favorite Fall Lipsticks & Blushes

11.10.12

Morning! Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite lipsticks and blushes that I have been loving this fall. Since this summer I have been obsessed with Radiant Cosmetics, so it’s no coincidence that each of my favorite items is from their amazing line. I’m always impressed with quality of their products, and the color payoff with all of their lipsticks and blushes.

My two most worn blushes so far this fall have been Radiant’s Baked Apple (top) and Lotus. I love the bright flush Baked Apple brings to my cheeks (making me feel like Snow White with my already winter paleness), and the pinky, neutral flush Lotus gives me (great for days when I want to play-up my eyes more).

This fall I’ve really found my passion for lipsticks. I think a bold, red lip is the perfect statement piece to add to an outfit, and that a fun shade is good way to bring some temporary change to your everyday look. Right now I’m loving Poppy (left), and Park Avenue from Radiant. Poppy is the perfect bright red, and Park Avenue is a great darker red/berry that makes me feel a little vampy and very fall like (I wore it in this post!). Both lipsticks are from Radiant’s Moisturizing Lipstick line and the name definitely holds through in the product (both are very creamy and hydrating). I also love how both lipsticks leave the lips with a nice stain (after normal eating/drinking and hourly wear).

Radiant also just released their newest collection, The Uganda Collection. This collection is a part of their special biannual Country Collections where they highlight anti-trafficking organizations and a specific women’s group. The Uganda Collection includes handmade makeup bags, feature fabric that is native to Uganda, and a lovely inspired eyeshadow palette. This collection is extra lovely and supports a great cause (and would make a perfect Christmas gift!).

What blushes and/or lipsticks have you been loving this fall? Have you check out Radiant Cosmetics yet? Is there any item that you have you eye on and want to try out? I’ve got my eye on the the Daphne and Reef moisturizing lipsticks!
-Chelsea xo
PS My sequin heart clip is from ban.do!

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Union Opening!

11.09.12

Phoenix friends, today is the day that Union at Biltmore Fashion Park finally opens! I am SO excited to head down there (they’re open from 10-8p.m. today) to check out the Frances, Frances and Charlie, and Smeeks shops! From the pictures I’ve seen so far the space looks like a dream (and with so many more beautiful shops to check out!). So if you have some free time today, definitely head down to the Biltmore and check out the new Union! Maybe I’ll see you there!
-Chelsea xo

photo above from the frances blog!

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Make It Happen

11.09.12

This time of year always reminds me of one of my favorite bands growing up (and still to this day), The Early November. For the past few days all I’ve wanted to listen to is For All Of This, and The Room’s Too Cold – seriously some good Autumn tunes for a grey day.

This Fall I’ve also been really into listening to The Weakerthan’s Reconstruction Site album, Ben Gibbard’s solo album Former Lives, and Ben Kweller’s self-titled album (always reminds me of my first semester of college when Scott and I met). What’s on your Fall playlist?

Outfit details:
Dress: c/o LuLu*s
Bracelet: Jcrew
Tights: We Love Colors
Boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes

This little guy has been extra sweet lately, and is up for any and all chances to snuggle. He loves playing with his spider toy, and gets a pouty face when you stop throwing it for him. He has found his favorite place to take a nap (on the corner of the couch on a comfy pillow), and is a pretty great dancer. This evening he is really making my night by giving me the biggest googley eyes.

What is making your day today?
-Chelsea xo

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Spreading the ban.do love

11.07.12
I am so excited to share that I am now a brand ambassador for ban.do! Ban.do is a lovely accessories company with a beautiful aesthetic and a passion for the sparkly things in life. Many of you may already be familiar with this lovely accessories company, as their signature sequined heart pins have been see all around the interweb for the last four years (rightfully so!).  
Ban.do recently launched their fall/holiday line and I just smitten with it! The glitterati twist scarf (pictured above) is one of my favorite pieces from the line, and I’m thinking the sparkle & shine bobbi set would be perfect for the holiday season! I’m very, very excited about this sparkly opportunity and can’t wait to share with you all more about my now not-so secret love for charming, statement accessories! 
-Chelsea 
PS ban.do has quite the sparkly online presence as well and their Twitter, Pinterest, and blog have quickly become my favorites. 

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Midnight Sun

11.05.12

If you’re a diehard Twilight fan you may recognized my title as the Twilight book that was never finished, but really I just found the title fitting for this post (and I may have been one of those that read the few chapters that were leaked online and still really wish Stephanie Meyers would finish the book). Last night I was up burning the midnight oil to finish a few bits and pieces of homework that I had set aside over the weekend while my family was visiting. Feeling that kind of rush of working so hard into the night to get my work done reminded me of my undergraduate days, and also how I miss the occasional evening where I would drink coffee and stay up way too late, fitting in every last bit of homework I could until I crashed. My undergraduate studies really were the best!

This weekend was full of family time with my immediate family (including Scott and little Scout) and my aunt and uncle visiting from the Northwest. We celebrated my mom’s birthday, drove all around the city (I loved playing tour guide), and also got in our first family photo together since 2008 (when I still had bangs!). I really had a nice weekend and was thankful that my family was able to come down to visit (hopefully next time I’ll be going up there to visit!).

Outfit details:
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Dress: c/o Marshalls
Satchel: Cambridge Satchel Company
Oxfords: Steve Madden

How was your weekend? Do anything exciting? See any movies? I may have saw two movies over the weekend and really enjoyed both (Flight and Argo!).
-Chelsea xo

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November Light

11.03.12

Happy November! October really went by in the blink of an eye and I can hardly believe that my favorite month is over, however, I am ready to take on this month and enjoy every inch of the fall season that I still can. Yesterday I was driving to class and had this overwhelming feeling that the season (and month) had finally changed around here. The light appeared different, and when I got out to stop by my favorite coffee shop everything was all abuzz in their courtyard. November really is a beautiful month!

Yesterday was my mom’s birthday and we celebrated with a BBQ dinner with my family (including relatives from out of town). Today we spent the day driving around the East Valley and picking up coffee and cupcakes at The Coffee Shop. Tonight I think we’re heading to the movie theater to see Flight, and I’m hoping to pick up another coffee along the way (today wore me out!).

Outfit details:
Sweater:  Madewell
Blouse: Banana Republic
Jeans: Madewell
Bracelets: Kate Spade
Flats: Tory Burch

What are you up to today? Have any fun weekend plans?
-Chelsea xo

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Happy Halloween!

10.31.12

Happy Halloween sweet friends! Since today is Scout’s very first Halloween I couldn’t help but dress him up in a homemade costume. Scott made him an adorable “Pup Scout” sash so he could become an honorary Pup/Boy Scout for the day! I also couldn’t help but partake in the fun, and opted to dress up as my all-time favorite Halloween costume growing up, a very non-spooky witch!

Today I’m going to try and soak in every ounce of the Halloween spirit that I can (starting off with a pumpkin bagel this morning!). Tonight Scott and I are going to take his little sister trick or treating and will be dressing up as Wayne and Garth From Wayne’s World together. For years, and years now Scott has been asking me dress up as Wayne and Garth, sort of as “you owe me for making me dress up as Peter Pan and wearing green tights that year,” so we figured this year we would finally pull the costumes together and wear them on our night out on the tricking or treating town! I’m actually really excited to take Scott’s sister around to all of the houses. I always had such a fun time on Halloween growing up, and I truly love partaking in the Halloween spirit!

Also, my thoughts are with you all who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. Please stay and dry!

Are you dressing up for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween day traditions?

-Chelsea xo

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