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Around Old Downtown

09.15.12

The other day it hit me that Scott and I haven’t really spent as much time as we usually do in downtown Mesa. An old favorite, this downtown space holds so many fun memories for the two of us, including Friday art walks, time spent wandering around the Mesa Arts Center, having a birds eye view while seeing The Decemberists at the arts center, taking more outfit photos in our favorite locations than I can even remember, spending so many hours antiquing at the best antique shop in the area, and also having delicious coffee at the best downtown Mesa coffee shop, Lo-Fi! Old downtown Mesa truly is a gem of an area!

I was recently sent these darling shades from Tortoise & Blonde and have been loving them lately. Tortoise & Blonde sells women’s and men’s glasses and sunglasses at inexpensive prices, and offer a 10-day home try-on so that you can get comfortable with your new glasses/shades before you order them. The company is also all for social responsibility, and has worked closely with a charitable organization to provide glasses, and also educate to lower income families on how to best care for their child’s vision. Right now their new campaign features the slogan “Sit On Your Face,” and I couldn’t think of a better eyewear company to support!

Lately I’ve really been loving these Gap skinny jeans I picked up at Runway Fashion Exchange. As many of you may know, I am a Levi’s girl for life, but these Gap jeans are giving my Levi’s a real run for their money (it also doesn’t hurt that they were only $12!).
This picture just makes me giggle so hard! I was actually looking into the camera lens (as I sometimes I do to adjust my hair or necklace) and Scott snapped this silly photo of me. He really is quite good at capturing those candid (and sometimes embarrassing) moments!
Outfit details:
Collins Shades in True Tortoise c/o Tortoise & Blonde
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Gap skinny jeans: c/o Runway Fashion Exchange
Lucky brand flats: c/o Marshalls
Today I’m camped out at a local coffee shop trying to finish up some grad homework, and start to figure out my plan of attack for three lengthy essays I have coming up! I’m hoping to get some serious work done today (crosses fingers!).
What are you up to today? Have any fun plans?
-Chelsea xo
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Marshalls Fall Fashion Challenge

09.14.12

I was recently contacted by Marshalls to see if I would like to participate in a Fall Fashion Challenge (and boy was I ever!). The challenge at hand was that I had to create a whole look for under $100, and was encouraged to create a look inspired by one of fall’s top trends: color, prints, and ladylike with an edge. Well, I jumped at this amazing opportunity and had such a great time shopping around Marshalls, checking out all of the great fall pieces they have in right now!

I took my time looking from rack to rack for items that I thought would all fit into one of the fall trends, but once I got into the dressing room I realized that each piece that I picked out and loved seemed to fall into a different trend. The coraly-red cardigan was just that pop of color I was searching for, the mixed print dress was spot on, the gold sequin clutch (which actually may be an iPad case) was very ladylike and the patent leather flats were just that bit of edginess I was looking for. I absolutely love how each trend compliments one another in a unique way, and also love that I can rock each of these pieces separately and still be on-trend with this year’s fall fashion trends.
I feel like I should also profess to you my love of this Nine West sequin clutch I spotted in the purse section (they had rose gold colored ones too!). I haven’t been much into sequins since my high school days, but absolutely love how elegant and classic this clutch is. I’ve been feeling my fashion comfort box inching wider, and wider these past few weeks, and this clutch has definitely given me that extra push I needed to bring out my inner sequin-loving self. It really is a beauty!
Marshalls also asked me to share with you, my sweet readers, the secret behind their ability to score on-trend designer pieces for great prices-their buyers! They send their treasure hunting buyers all over the world to find great deals on the hottest items, so that they can have new pieces in their stores each week. I can imagine it would be an amazing job to work as a buyer for Marshalls, as I’m always on the hunt for the perfect garment at the best price!
Outfit details (all c/0 Marshalls):
Cardigan: $16.99
Dress: $19.99
Clutch: $14.99
Flats: $29.99
Grand total: $89.58
I really had a great hunting for the perfect pieces for this fall fashion challenge, and really love everything I found. I think the best part of this whole challenge, though, is that I get to give away a $100 gift card to Marshalls to one lucky reader so they can go on their own fall fashion shopping spree! Keeps your eyes peeled, you just may see the giveaway go up this weekend!
What fall trend are you loving right now?
-Chelsea xo
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Heat Wave

09.13.12
Last Thursday was a big day for me, I bought my vey first lipstick. After months, and months of watching YouTube videos and reading beauty blogs, I finally felt I had a fair understanding of lipsticks (why do they seem so complicated?) and which ones I thought might work best for me. So after thinking it over, and over again (see, complicated!) I finally took the plunge and bought my very first lipstick, Nars’ Heat Wave.
To me, Heat Wave (even with its bold color) seemed like a safe bet. The following behind this cult classic lipstick made me believe that if so many other women loved it and rocked it often, that I could too. Seeing it on my friend, Courtney, also gave me that extra shove I needed to give it a go. I’m already excited to give a few other lipsticks a try and would love to hear what your favorites are!

And because I was feeling a little adventurous with my new lipstick, I though it would be fun to step out of my fashion comfort zone once again with this hip-hugging pencil skirt. Usually, I’m always one for a flowy waistline, but the black and white print on this LuLu*s pencil skirt was too amazing to pass up. I LOVE the stretchy knit fabric, the high waist and how polished it made me feel. I may just have to pick up a few more pencil skirts for fall (think plum, burgundy, and mustard yellow!).

Outfit details:
Top: Madewell
Lucky Brand flats: c/o Marshalls
Lipstick: Nars Heat Wave
Today I’m headed to class and will probably stop for a coffee and a sweet treat along the way (because that makes going to class that much more better!). I’m also feeling pretty on top of my school work, and think I’m going to take some time and finally finish the book, The Happiness Project, I started way back at the beginning of summer (I’m already excited about her new book!). The LuLu*s Style Studio event is also on my mind and I’m wanting to know how many of you local ladies are coming! Leave me a comment and let me know if you can make it! Ok, have a wonderful day everyone!
-Chelsea xo
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LuLu*s Style Studio

09.12.12

I am SO excited to share that the LuLu*s Style Studio is coming to Phoenix! Please join LuLu*s and the ladies and gent of the Phoenix Style Collective at the MonOrchid Gallery on Friday, September 28th for an evening full of fashion and so much fun, hosted by LuLu*s. I am so, so excited about this event and really to hope to see so many of you there (psst, it’s free)!
Here is the official details from Lulu*s: LuLu*s is throwing a fashion event for bloggers and friends! Join us at Monorchid in Phoenix on September 28th for tons of fashion and beauty giveaways, guest appearances from some of your favorite fashion bloggers and a pop up shop featuring LuLu*s best Fall pieces!! This will be an evening of fashion and fun! Food, drinks and freebies! Click here to register, for free!

Ready for an evening full of fashion, friends, and LuLu*s love? Register now and let us know you’re coming!
-Chelsea xo
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A Backpack Fit For Grad School

09.11.12

During my final year of Graduate School I decided I really wanted a backpack. Never in my six years of attending college (yep, you heard me right, six!) have I ever wanted and/or carried a backpack. I was always the kind of gal that wanted a large book bag that I could use as purse and also store my books/lunch/water bottle/coffee cup in. Looking back, I probably did awful things to my shoulders and back by letting all of the massive weight of my “school supplies” sit on one side of my shoulders, but back then backpacks really didn’t seem “cool” to me.

Fast forward to about a month ago and I find myself in a tiny mountain store in Crested Butte, Colorado, eyeing this pretty yellow, and very lightweight backpack. The idea of having a backpack this year had been swirling around in my mind for a few weeks now, and it dawned on me that this one would be perfect for my backpack needs (not heavy, a nice solid color, and flexible i.e. I could stuff whatever I needed to inside of it).
Outfit details:
Top: Levi’s
Sunglasses: Ray Bans
Backpack: Mont Bell
Jeans: Levi’s
Moccasins: Minnetonka Moccasins
Well, the verdict is out and I LOVE this backpack. It fits everything I need on a daily basis for an afternoon at school, doesn’t hurt my shoulders/back, and leaves me hands free (now I can carry my coffee without worrying about spilling it). I still find it so funny that I am finally a backpack girl (and in my last year of school too), but I’m happy that I found something that works for me and plan on using it every school day from here on out.
Are you into backpacks, or were you when you were attending school? What are you up to today?
-Chelsea xo
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September Lately

09.10.12

Life lately has looked a little something like this. Lots iced coffee, an occasional sweet treat, and lots of time spent with my Charlie Brown Moleskine planner. I’m still looking to find that perfect balance with my studies (I think I’m finally getting better at it), and also starting to plan out the fall season. I’m really looking forward to cozy outfits, pumpkin flavored everything, fall nail polishes, seeing Perks of Being a Wallflower, and that nostalgia feeling that comes along with fall. Earlier last week Scott and I had our first pumpkin spice latte of the season, and we’ve been on the hunt for those candy corn oreos everyone has been going on about ever since (seriously, where can I find those in Phoenix?).
What has your days looked like lately?
-Chelsea xo
PS Today is my dad’s birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad!
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Lucky Community

09.09.12

I just wanted to stop in to tell you all how excited I am to be contributing to the Lucky Community website! Here you can find style tips, outfits, and advice from style enthusiast all around the world. If you’re interested in being apart of this awesome community, you can sign up right here and have the chance to have your posts featured on the Lucky Community website! I’ve been having a lot of finding new blogs, and also contributing myself (you can check out my page right here!).
Have you checked out the Lucky Community website yet?
-Chelsea xo
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Giant Coffee Tasting

09.07.12

A few weeks back Scott and I attending a coffee tasting at Giant Coffee in downtown Phoenix. Awhile back a friend gave us a private coffee tasting at the coffee shop he worked at then (Cartel Coffee Lab) and we absolutely loved the experience, so we were really excited to hear Giant would be doing a public coffee tasting (and just in time for fall, the best coffee weather!).

The evening started off with a discussion about the roaster, Four Barrel, that Giant Coffee uses, and why it’s important to them to use the beans and milk that they do. I really enjoyed their mini lecture, and was so excited to try the coffee that we watched the two baristas brewed as the lecture went on.
Since we knew we would be consuming so much coffee, we figured we probably needed to get a sweet treat to help even out the caffeine. We got a plum crumble and it was SO good!

After the lecture Scott and I talked with one of the baristas about proper brewing methods, types of coffee, and the proper way to grind beans. Although Scott and I don’t have a hand crank grinder, we do have a 50-year-old Chemex (I found it in an antique shop in Colorado and gave it to Scott for his birthday a few years ago) and really enjoy using it along with our french press and pour overs.
If you ever have a chance to attend a coffee tasting, I would highly suggest doing so. I think it’s so interesting to learn about where your coffee beans are coming from, and also about proper brewing methods. I know most days it seems impractical to whip out a Chemex or french press, but when you have extra time to do so, it really make such a different in the way your coffee is going to taste! Also, if you have a friend that is a barista, see if they’re up for giving you a tasting at their work. Coffee shops love teaching other coffee enthusiasts, and really appreciate when they see someone having an interest in learning more about their coffee.
It’s pouring down rain outside and it really feels like fall this morning! Have any plans for the weekend?
-Chelsea xo
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Runway Fashion Exchange

09.05.12

I recently was invited to check out the Chandler Runway Fashion Exchange. The store is fairly new (opened back in April), and specializes in selling and buying new and gently used teen and young adult clothing. All of the garments in their shop are sold for 50-70% off the original price, and because keeping within my budget is important to me, I thought it would be fun to see what kind of deals I could find there.

The shop itself is very clean, and has rows, upon rows of women’s and men’s clothing. While browsing through the racks I spotted all kinds of brands, from Forever 21 to Marc Jacobs, and was really impressed with the selection of brands and styles of clothing that they had (I really think here is something for everyone in this store!).
Like the minty trend I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been eyeing the peplum style tops that have been popping up in stores lately. I spotted this pretty black and gold metal dot peplum style top while browsing through the women’s shirts and instantly new it had to be mine. The price was really fair ($10), and I love the idea that I can wear the top alone during the next couple warm months we’re going to have here in Phoenix, and then layer it up when the cooler weather finally decides to show up.
While at Runway Fashion Exchange I also spotted these brand new Aldo flats. I was SO excited when I found these in my size, as I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of every day flats for months now. I love the patent toe, and the mix of nude and black. I already know that these will do me well through the coming fall and winter months (and again, they were only around $10!).
Outfit details:
Peplum top: c/o Runway Fashion Exchange
Pants: Levi’s
Aldo flats: c/o Runway Fashion Exchange
Overall, I’m really impressed with Runway Fashion Exchange and I’m excited to share a few more pieces that I picked up during my visit there. If you’re local, you should definitely check out the shop (3431 W. Frye Rd., located right behind Chandler Mall). The staff there is extra friendly, and they really have some nice pieces in the store right now.
Have you checked out the Chandler Runway Fashion Exchange yet? If so, what did you think of the shop?
-Chelsea xo
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Minty

09.04.12

The color mint has been quite on trend for some time now, but only recently did I give it a chance in my own wardrobe. I found this top in a tiny sporting goods store in Vernal, Utah, and thought the dainty lacy detailing and the sweater like material were right up my alley. And now that it’s “unofficially” fall, I feel like wearing sweaters like this is absolutely appropriate in the valley (even if it is still in the 100’s!).

This weekend Scott and I escaped the heat and headed up to Flagstaff, Arizona, about 3’ish hours north of Phoenix. The temperatures were in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s throughout the four days we were there, and the coolness of the city, plus all of the amazing foliage (pine trees everywhere!) really put us in the mood for the fall season. I know that while we were away pumpkin spice lattes officially hit the Starbucks stores, so I’m thinking that today is the day I need to make my way down to an Sbux and really start off the fall season the right way (because PSL’s mean fall, right?). I know now everyone is a fan of this special fall drink, but in a city where it REALLY doesn’t feel like fall until November or December, I’ll take anything I can get to celebrate my most favorite season!
Outfit details:
Top: Blu Pepper
Jeans: Levi’s
Purse: Fossil
Moccs: Minnetonka Moccasins
This morning I’m off for some coffee, and then on my way to class. Afterward I’m thinking about heading to my local Ulta to pick up some new hair care products (looking to hydrate, and detangle the best I can!), and also maybe check out the new(ish) Urban Decay Smoked pallet that I’ve been hearing so many good things about! What are you up to today? Do anything fun over the holiday weekend?
-Chelsea xo

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