fashion

Donuts and Denim Skirts

How many of you are loving this spring denim skirt trend? Back in high school, I was all about a good denim skirt. It was a staple… along with my zip up the back flares! I rocked it in the daytime to school, on Fridays to football games and dressed up for parties at night. Then college came around and they were dead to me. Like I almost forgot they were even a thing.

Then the other day I was shopping at Forever 21. Well, let’s be real, I wasn’t at Forever 21, I was shopping online. And I saw this adorable denim skirt. It’s not just a denim skirt… It is perfectly distressed denim skirt (with stretch!) and has little pearls embellishing it. Now, I don’t actually own a bedazzler, but if I did… this is exactly what my inner child would be making.

So I obviously had to buy it. And while I was browsing for what else I was going to buy to get free shipping (because I absolutely refuse to pay for shipping) I found this amazing donut tee. I know everyone likes donuts, but I really like donuts. So what better way to pay tribute than to proudly wear them around on my shirt?

So, what do you think of the spring denim skirt trend? Are you rocking it this season?

shop the denim and donuts look:

Donut Print Tee / Distressed Embellished Denim Skirt / Levi’s Embellished Black Denim Jacket / Pink Scrunchie

It’s Getting Spooky! Wearable Halloween Trends

It’s officially October, can you believe it? What does October mean to you? To me, it’s about falling leaves, carving pumpkins, eating pumpkin flavored everything and picking out a bomb-ass halloween costume!!

These days, it’s apparent that halloween trends are shifting toward comfort and practicality. There has been a huge resurgence of adult onesies. Dinosaurs, unicorns, penguins, minions, you can seriously find whatever you want these days! And the best part about onesies? They are warm and comfy!

If your halloween day is spent in a more formal environment, a onesie could be totally out of the question. That’s why I pulled together some totally realistic halloween outfits you can wear in the day or night. Some are tees, some are accessories and some are tiny dresses. Lazy or not, there’s an outfit for everyone here! Pick your favorite and rock it this halloween!

shop the wearable halloween trends:

pumpkin beanie ($18) / bat wings headband ($6) / creepin’ it real tee ($13) / cobweb patterned dress ($63) / cobweb slipper flats ($45) / boo! sweatshirt ($45) / dino one-piece ($48) / cobweb printed leggings ($33) / skeleton sweater dress ($63) / pumpkin tee ($29) / cat dress ($45) / skeleton leg leggings ($33)

Count Them! 10 Fall Must Haves | 2015

Are you ready for fall? It kind of snuck up on me! All of the sudden, I realized school is back in session and I’ve barely thought about what fall essentials I need. Boots, coats, jeans, accessories, there’s a ton of new trends out there this season and I’ve pulled together the top ten fall must haves that you’ve gotta have this season!

shop my top ten fall must haves:

1- Dainty Jewelry– Pretty, dainty gold jewelry add elegance and a finishing touch to your fall wardrobe. Try this geometric pedant ($14) or this personalized initial wire bangle ($28) to add a touch of glamour.

2- Blanket Scarf– These oversized wraps are not only on trend, but completely warm and cozy! Use this soft scarf ($39) to layer during the chilled autumn days and to cover up with at night on the couch!

3- Longline Vest– Tailored long vests and blazers are in every store I walk in this month. They add sophistication and clean lines to the bulky layering we usually go to this time of year. Start out simple by trying this black fitted vest ($50) with a basic tee and heels.

4- Ankle Booties– I wear ankle booties nearly every day of Fall. Why you ask? They are warm, comfortable and uber versatile. They go with dresses, jeans, shorts, tights, etc. I have heeled ankle boots and flat ones and I spread the love evenly among them. Try out these zippered booties ($28) for a good deal!

5- Draped Coat– Fall is that awkward time between no coat and full on parka. Beat the chilling temps by trying out one of this seasons draped robe coats ($60). They have a loose closure and a barely there look that’s perfect for this transitional time.

6- Sweater Dress– Pack up the sundresses. The rest of the year is officially about sweater dresses. Choose a long silhouette, cable-knit, turtle neck or marled. It doesn’t matter because sweater dresses are in! I personally love this zippered sweater dress ($58), but I would also love to get my hands on a turtle neck sweater dress!

7- Wool Hat– Yes… I am still obsessed with beanies, but some days I just can’t have my hair sticking to my forehead. That’s where this polished wool fedora ($32) comes in. It will keep you warme while you are braving the elements without messing up your hair.

8- Turtle Neck– Thinking back to my young 90’s self, I really did not think I would squeeze my head through a turtle neck again. They always made my neck too itchy and hot! Now look at me, I want a turtle neck in every silhouette! This fall try a sleeveless turtle neck ($68) to keep you cool, save the sleeves for winter!

9- Bucket Bag– Bucket bags are here to stay this fall. I just love this fun, scrunched shape and the lightly structured silhouette makes it casual enough for everyday use. New to bucket bags? Try out this budget-friendly faux leather bucket bag ($60) first. It’s still good quality, but won’t break the bank.

10- Flare Jeans– Ohh flare jeans… how quickly you come back in style. Guess what? It’s fall and it’s time for you to get a pair of flares in your closet. I suggest some with some length so you can pair them with you favorite pumps or heeled boots. Try the trend out with these flare jeans ($30) or just dig in your closet to find a pair from your last bell-bottom phase!

I hope you are as excited as I am to embrace the season’s trends with these fall must haves!

August Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my August Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my August Birchbox Review:

LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit
RUSK® Volumizing Mousse
Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque for Beautiful Color
dr. brandt® pores no more® cleanser
Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer

Ready to get cheeky? This LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit comes with three colors of creamy crayons that can be used for your cheeks, your lips, or even both! I received the pink, humble brag, color in my august birchbox. I tried it on both my lips and my cheeks and boy, that did not turn out well! While this crayon is just as easy to apply as doodling in my coloring books when I was little, the color is super bright, so proceed with caution! First, I tried it on my cheeks. After a lot of blending, it actually looked really pretty. On the other hand, it did not look so hot on my lips. Somehow, it feels a little waxy and was a bit chalk looking once applied. Although I will continue to use it on my cheeks, I do not suggest even trying it on your lips, unless you plan to ride around in a clown car.

If you remember from my July Birchbox Review, I tried RUSK out for the first time last month with the RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream. This month I received another RUSK product, the RUSK® Volumizing Mousse. I usually try to stay away from mousse since the alcohol in it’s ingredient list tends to dry hair out. But, I made an exception today to try this mousse! This rich, foamy product gave my hair texture and body without adding in crunch. I found my hair to hold it’s style much longer than usual as well. While I don’t often need my hair to be so poised and put together, this mousse will be a good go to for special nights out!

Next, I tried the Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque for Beautiful Color and I loved the whole set! My hair hasn’t looked this good in a long time. I feel like this miraculous formula somehow undid all the coloring, drying, curling, etc. that I’ve put my hair through over the years. It left my hair looking super shiny and feeling silky smooth… no to mention, it smells amazing! I think this shampoo, conditioner and masque set is definitely in the “splurge” price range for me, but it seems like it’s worth the money. Since I no longer color my hair, I don’t think I necessarily need this level of nourishment, but it would be great for someone trying to get their hair back on track! (Or someone who has a large hair budget $$!)

I’ve had a few dr. brandt products in my boxes before. I’ve even tried dr. brandt® pores no more® cleanser in the past. The main reason I like this cleanser is it was developed by an actual dermatologist. It gives me a lot of trust in this product. Not to mention it works! A little goes a long way with this lathering product. It left my skin feeling smooth, hydrated and looking refreshed! I don’t have a big issues with pores, but everyone says it helps dramatically in minimizing pores! If that’s your issue, be sure to check it out.

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer was the final sample in my august birchbox. This moisturizer is the best face moisturizer I’ve tried in a long time. It smells amazing and is cool and refreshing when applied. It seriously rejuvenated my skin and left it immediately feeling hydrated. I tried it on one side of my face and found myself stroking that side of my face over and over! It was just so darn smooth! It will be great for my dry skin in the winter and I can’t wait to buy the full size!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, July Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

August Rocksbox Review| 2015

Would you love getting sparkly jewelry delivered to your doorstep? Yep, thought so! If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to check out Rocksbox! (Use the code chelseabff5 to get your first month free!!)

Returning a set of jewelry is always bittersweet, but I’m always excited to see what I get next from Rocksbox! Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to get a lot of new designers and styles in my boxes that I’ve never tried before and my august rocksbox was no exception! I’ve been getting a ton of use out of every piece. Before I dig into the details, here’s what Rocksbox is all about…

How it works:

1. BECOME A SHINE INSIDER ($19/month)- Take the style survey and add items to your jewelry Wish List.

2. GET 3 PIECES TO WEAR ON LOAN- Each piece is hand-selected for you based on your style and specific requests. Wear your pieces as much as you want!

3. RETURN ANYTIME TO GET 3 NEW PIECES- Return your Rocksbox pieces anytime and as often as you like. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Check out my August Rocksbox:

Perry Street Abby Necklace in Black Crystal (retails at $76, member price is $60)– This black and grey statement necklace is the perfect amount of edgy glam! It adds a sophisticated touch to any outfit and has been my go-to accessory for date night. The soft curves of the gems leave this necklace feeling romantic. And my favorite part is it’s black so it goes with almost every outfit in my closet!

House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Bar Wrap Necklace in Gold (retails at $38, member price is $30)- I love this delicate House of Harlow necklace. The mixture of black and gold is perfect, I find myself layering it with all my work pieces. It’s great layered with any of my delicate gold necklaces and this one is a perfect length, which means it’s great to where as is wrap it and double it up!

Kendra Scott Dee Earrings in Black Opaque Glass (retails at $45, member price is $36)- With my newer short hair, I am loving drop earrings! They are elegant and immediately dress up any look! These black and gold kendra scott beauty’s not only go great with my other rocksbox picks, but they also go with tons of other choices in my jewelry box and closet. They are simple and effortless adding interest to any look!

And that wraps it up for this month’s box! Are you like me and can’t get enough of Rocksbox? Try checking out last month’s set of jewelry, July RocksBox Review.

Still want more? Sounds like you are ready to get your own Rocksbox! Go to Rocksbox and use code chelseabff5 to get your first month FREE! Enjoy! And don’t forget to share your thoughts on my Rocksbox jewels in the comments below!

Fall Forward | The Seventies Trend

I might not have been alive in the seventies, but I definitely know how to appreciate the fashion of that decade! There’s bell bottoms, fringe, suede and beautiful boho florals… what’s not to love? My summer outfits always tend to take a seventies boho vibe. For the summer, I love crochet, florals and fringe. But it’s time to start thinking fall forward and transitioning those boho pieces into perfect fall staples.

What really transitions the seventies trend into fall is texture and color. First of all, suede is essential! I am loving this Suede Lace Up Dress featured below and the Suede Fringe Statement Jacket. The color story is also very important. Think burgundy, mustard, browns and caramels. All of these colors will help you pull together the perfect seventies look. And last, but definitely not least…. Make sure you get some fabulous flares to go with these boho tops! You will get a ton of use out of the this fall! Check out some of my favorite seventies pieces below! My personal favorite is this Suede Sheath Dress… it’s amazing and genuine suede for only $50!

shop the seventies trend:

Suede Fringe Jacket ($55) / Round Sunglasses ($12) / Fringe Sandal ($60) / Off the Shoulder Top ($38) / Chevron Pendant Necklace ($20) / Sleeveless Fringe Dress ($58) / Lace Up Long Sleeve ($33) / Suede Lace Up Dress ($58) / Chiffon Lace Up Top ($37) / Suede Sheath Dress ($50) / Tooled Crossbody ($58)

July Rocksbox Review | 2015

Returning a set of jewelry is always bittersweet, but I’m always excited to see what I get next from Rocksbox! Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to get a lot of new designers and styles in my boxes that I’ve never tried before and my July Rocksbox was no exception! I’ve been getting a ton of use out of every piece. Before I dig into the details, here’s what Rocksbox is all about…

How it works:

1. BECOME A SHINE INSIDER ($19/month)- Take the style survey and add items to your jewelry Wish List.

2. GET 3 PIECES TO WEAR ON LOAN- Each piece is hand-selected for you based on your style and specific requests. Wear your pieces as much as you want!

3. RETURN ANYTIME TO GET 3 NEW PIECES- Return your Rocksbox pieces anytime and as often as you like. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Check out my July Rocksbox:

Melinda Maria Cece Triange Stud Earrings (retails at $68, member price is $54)– These three triangle spiked earrings are the perfect mix of edgy and dainty! I love the small sparkle that fills each triangle and the slight curve of the stacks that give an interesting spin to these long studs. These Melinda Maria studs are amazing quality and add an extra layer of sparkle to your everyday outfit.

Jules Smith Cage Arrow Bracelet in Gold (retails at $38, member price is $30)- although the silver is pictured to the left, I received the gold bracelet in my rocksbox. You all know I love a good arm stack and this dainty gold cuff perfectly complimented almost all the bracelets in my jewelry box. The gold color is soft. I love mixing it with darker golds, my other arrow cuffs and more! The color and sparkle make this cuff super versatile and easy to where!

Urban Gem Paisley Necklace (retails at $64, member price is $51)- Can a girl ever have too many statement necklaces? Never! This intricate, tonal necklace is unlike most in my collection. I tend to go for bright, multi-colored necklaces. So I found this soft, mint, beauty was a breath of fresh air! I tended to let it shine on it’s own by pairing it with a simple white or grey tee. It is a great way to dress up a casual outfit!

And that wraps it up for this month’s box! Are you like me and can’t get enough of Rocksbox? Try checking out last month’s set of jewelry, June RocksBox Review.

Get Smart with High-Tech Workout Gear

Working out is getting cooler than ever. Consumers are taking their fitness obsession to a whole new level. There’s high-tech workout gear that is specifically engineered to keep you cool, dry and odor-free and even technology like Athos, that uses sensors to become your next personal trainer. There’s so much innovation happening in workout gear to make us healthier, safer and stronger. Check out a few of the amazing products I pulled together below… I am especially excited to see this SmartMat Yoga Mat when it launches later this year!

shop high-tech workout gear:

1- Under Armour ArmourVent™ Tee– mesh back panel gives you true breathability while wicking sweat to keep you dry and light

2- adida’s Techfit Climachill Tights– constructed with titanium-infused yarn for a cool feel and a ventilating effect with a strategic techfit® that supports you as you train

3- Asics Gel Quantum 360 Footwear– instead of foam, the soles are filled with gel pockets that cushion your foot and give you stability as you hit the concrete, giving you support exactly where you need it

4- Columbia Freezer Zero™ Arm Sleeves– Omni-Freeze ZERO fabrication lowers the material’s temperature to keep you feeling cooler while providing UPF 50 protection from the sun

5- Mountain Hardwear Chiller™ Ball Cap– Cool.Q™ ZERO (aka little blue circles) use your sweat to lower the temperature of the fabric, providing a cooling sensation while it’s UPF 25 fabric protects you from the sun

6- Zoot Sports Run 101 Shorts– built-in briefs with Icefil® technology in the fabric reflects heat and keep you 5 degrees cooler while giving you protection from the sun (UPF 50+)

7- adidas Climachill Cosmic Boost Shoes– helps keep your feet cool with active 360-degree ventilation and quick-drying, micro-perforated Aerocool fabric

8- lululemon Swiftly Tech Crew– breathable, lightweight and sweat-wicking fabric keeps you cool while Silverescent® technology goes the extra mile and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria

9- Frogg Toggs® Chilly Pad™ Towel– fabric that retains water yet remains dry to the touch, all you need to do is dip it in water, wring it out and the temperature immediately drops 30 degrees

10- fitbit ChargeHR Wristband– tracks continuous heart rate, all-day activities (walking, running, floors climbed, etc.), calculates calories burned, monitors sleep and even includes Caller ID

11- Athos Smart Fitness Apparel– new wearable technology with sensors in the leggings and shirts that measures muscle activity, heart rate, and respiration all in real time

12- SmartMat Yoga Mat (not pictured, launching late 2015)- intelligent yoga mat that detects when you’re out of alignment and gives you real-time feedback on how to correct your pose.

Black Fringe and Bright Tassels

I love this amazing black fringed hem maxi I snagged on sale at Nordstrom. Unfortunately, it’s sold out, but I’ve found a close alternative I’ve listed below. This is seriously a perfect summer dress. The loose shape makes it super comfy to wear and the fringe hem gives this otherwise boring dress some drama!

Going for basic? You could easily wear this fringed maxi over a swimsuit to the pool or to the beach. But it’s so versatile! You could easily dress this look up by pairing this dress with a black leather jacket, wedges and gold accessories for a night out with the girls. Or like I chose today, you can keep it casual, but spice it up with a little color and fun. I paired this simple dress with colorful, bright accessories. I went for my go-to summer pieces stacking on more fringe, tassels, beads and neon colors!

I finished the look with this bright pink lip from stila. This stila liquid lipstick stays on all day and packs huge color! If you don’t have time to do your hair or makeup, just grab this lipstick before you run out the door. It can finish any look and immediately add some polish, perfect for a hot summer day!

shop my black fringe dress look:

fringe hem dress ($40) / bright tassel clutch- similar here ($68) and here ($25) / black sandals ($59) / long turquoise necklace ($125) / neon pink earrings ($28) / bracelets- etsy and nordstrom / sunglasses ($170)

Are you Ready? Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Guess what girls, it’s that time of year again!… The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! The deals are out there to be had, so get shopping!

Some of the best deals I found are in shoes. I love these Sam Edelman leopard pumps ($90) and have had my eye on these Enzo Angiolini Ankle Strap Sandals ($64). Or you could be more practical and go for the Hunter Rain Boots ($170) or the Nike Frees ($82).

In the market for a new handbag or wallet? I am obsessed with this kate spade crossbody ($99) and this everyday bucket bag ($32). Maybe you need to stay organized? Choose this multi-compartment kate spade tote ($220) and pair it with this adorable kate spade bow wallet ($85).

Ready for some jewelry? I have been obsessed with this kate spade watch ($117) forever! Because I mean happy hour is the most important hour right? And this Kendra Scott cuff ($33) is versatile and goes with everything! Lastly, if you need some sparkle in your life (and who doesn’t?) check out these kate spade glitter studs ($25).

I pulled together all the items listed above, plus a few more from the sale in the slideshow below. With brands like kate spade, gorjana, sam edelmand, michael kors and more, it’s hard sale to pass up! Check them out and enjoy shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

my favorites from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

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shop the wearable halloween trends:

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shop my top ten fall must haves:

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Check out my August Birchbox Review:

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How it works:

Check out my August Rocksbox:

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shop the seventies trend:

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How it works:

Check out my July Rocksbox:

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shop high-tech workout gear:

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shop my black fringe dress look:

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my favorites from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

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