juxtapositional

I'm a girl who loves juxtaposition. I prefer my tough with some precious, sultry with some tame, salty with my sweet, and some florals with my stripes.

Truth be told, this outfit was actually something from last month's archives. I've spent most of my time recently posting about anything but my outfits. Sometimes a little change is good but I'm pinky swearing to get back on schedule about everything. Next week...

Taking snaps this day made me feel like I had my own wind machine following me around. Perfect for hair whipping moments.

And a few pretty hilarious out-takes as well.  I'll have to save those for another day. Perhaps an out-takes post. Just so things never manage to get too serious around here!

What's your favorite juxtaposition?

XO,

Chelsea

wardrobe wednesday - going tribal

A jam packed weekend, a work week that started with a sick day (curse you neckache and migraine!) and a busier than usual schedule at work have sapped me of my ability to really post anything this week. Ooops. I'm sure you'll all live though...

A recently acquired tribal meets 80s geometric print romper has me noticing the tribal trend everywhere.Its a fun summery option that is easy to incorporate into your basics wardrobe. I'm loving the juxtaposition of it mixed with some of the military styles that are out there right now too.

I'm absolutely in love with this dress from Ruche. And thrilled they finally got it back in stock in my size!

Thinking its the perfect thing for my upcoming Norwegian holiday...

I am totally in love with these shoes and wondering if they might be just the ticket to cash in my Mother's Day gift from my sweet little family. So cute with anything!!

Although...these embroidered wedges from Anthropologie kinda rock my world too

And since we're already talking about Anthro, I might as well go ahead and mention this bag

And I'm in love with this bright scarf for dressing up any LBD

And a little something to make you feel like a modern-day Pocahontas

Now, quick, hide my wallet! 

What are you craving for summer?

XO,

Chelsea

Welcome to Miami

Its good to be back! I had no idea that I would miss blogging so much and now I feel like I have lots of catching up to do. Bear with me while I inundate you with photos from our amazing cruise adventure!!

Vacation is always good, and I think its even better when its full of trying out new things. I'd never spent much time in Miami and I'd never been on a cruise, so I was super excited this adventure! Our schedule worked out great because we wound up with 24 hours in Miami before we were set to board the ship. It left plenty of time for exploration, something we both love. There's definitely a thrill in setting out in a new city with no itinerary, no idea where you're headed and someone to share the experience with. Armed with very little assistance from the hotel staff, an eye on getting some delicious food and a monorail to board, we were set for discovery!

Miami is definitely colorful! 

The hotels and high-rise apartment buildings in Downtown Miami were full of bright and saturated hues.

Integrating with the art

Jaywalking the bay

And finally, after a good amount of wandering and wondering where all the restaurants were, we happened upon a great little Italian cafe. It was a perfectly balmy evening for enjoying a sidewalk meal.

Riding the monorail back to the hotel and prepping for a night in South Beach!

We figured out pretty quickly that even though our hotel was conveniently located near the Port for the next day's departure, if we wanted to experience Miami nightlife, we'd have to head to South Beach. So that's precisely what we did...its an interesting place to say the least.

More Miami and cruisin adventures to come this week!

Happy Wardrobe Wednesday everyone!!

XO,

Chelsea

patchwork

This is actually an outfit and shots from last week. It was a really fun little photo shoot with the kids there to play, keep me smiling and of course, get their own photos taken too. This week's rain sort of eradicated any hopes of beautiful outdoor shots - seems to be sort of a theme around here. Spring rain on Tuesdays. In any case, I do truly love the rainy days and the extra injection of color that results from it.

I definitely felt the restlessness of Summer when I wore this dress last week. The chill in the air forced me to throw on a sweater, but I was still feeling the boho summertime vibe of the patchwork dress. And probably a premature anxiousness to get on vacation already! 6 days, 19 hours and 10 minutes until we are on a plane heading for more tropical climes. But who's counting??

Wearing my beautiful new ring from KDikio Vintage. I found her when JenLovesKev offered a giveaway, went on the site and couldn't resist this beauty. If you get a chance to check out KDikio - she's got a great eye and lots of amazing pieces!

Outfit details

Dress: F21 - old

Swing sweater - Banana Republic - hand-me-up from friend

wedges - Steve Madden - old

Sunnies - thrifted

Ring - KDikio Vintage - check her out!!

Of course the photo snapping wouldn't be complete if these two didn't get in on the fun

Little Miss Harper Lee, painted face and all, being Sleeping Beauty. I must have about 20 shots of her laying down like this. "My turn, my turn!!"

I would also now like to announce that I'm quitting my job to become a stage mom for this little ham. Seriously, where did he get this from?? He jumped up on those stairs and struck that pose. Way to work it little guy! Maybe Merl's Manfriend and Sutter can get their own Pouty Model Pose workshop together?

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Chelsea

old faithful

This outfit is my standby.
Something I know always looks good.
The dress and ankle boots combo is one of my favorites and it never fails to make me feel great all day.
Sunshine and blue skies doesn't hurt either.

Funny things happen when you are running around taking pictures. A guy walked by when I was out in this field and asked if I was taking self-portraits. I lied and said I was testing camera settings. Then he asked if I had any tips for shooting into the sun. Um, no. Clearly, I barely know how to use the thing myself.

Another beautiful week and the first day back to my workouts after the detoxification last week. Tomorrow will be the first run in over a week. Fingers crossed that its an easy transition back because I've got to start training for the Nike Women's Half in San Fran. So excited for that race!!

Happy Hump Day!

How is your Wednesday?

XO,

Chelsea

lilac and wisteria

Southern Cali weather in the springtime has a tendency to be somewhat bipolar. A predicted 50% chance of rain will result in sunshine. No reports of rain and it will suddenly begin to pour, only to go back to sunshine plus wind that same afternoon. Case in point: Monday morning was raining and I wore jeggings, boots and a big sweater. Fast forward to Monday afternoon and its warm and windy. Hmmm.

But today was sunny as expected and I took full advantage of popping on a spring skirt and sandals. I took to the flowers for further inspiration. One of my favorite things about spring are the lilacs and wisterias. Both are short-lived and both are heady with perfume and saturated with color. I love driving around town and seeing the sudden purple bursts of wisteria draping down a wall or archway.

What are your favorite flowers this time of year?

XO,

Chelsea

rainy day

Its a blustery, rainy, wet Wednesday so luckily I've got a backup outfit post.

We've had absolutely gorgeous weather, so I'm not minding the rain so much. Although I will say I hit the snooze on my iPhone alarm about 10 times this morning. My honey has the day off and it was oh-so-tempting to just want to have a rainy day at home. But no. Renewable Energy work calls my name. Up and at 'em...

I've mentioned before that I have a bit of a stripes addiction. This dress was no exception. Its the perfect throw-it-on piece that can be casual or dressed up with accessories. I took the casual approach...

my absolute favorite earrings. birthday gift from Carl last year. he went in to the shop/museum looking for a gift for me and when he wasn't sure what to pick, they asked him to bring in a picture of me so they could find just the right thing.  handmade in Norway and absolutely perfect for me.

What is the most perfect birthday gift you've received?

 XO,

Chelsea

geranium

Ahhh Spring! 

I can't stop mentioning how much I love this season. We're blessed in Southern California in that we don't really even have "seasons" per se. But I can't help but feel the change in mood when the days are longer, more consistently warm and that big yellow ball is shining day in and day out.

I picked this little nook yesterday to shoot in and I realized that I just so happened to match the newly blossomed geranium in our side yard.

I'm a huge fan of bright colors and I think more is definitely more! I got lots of comments on how bright this outfit is. I'm taking that as a compliment ;)

I love this. 

Here I am trying to give my best "fierce" face and out darts my little man. Sutter, your timing is impecable!!

What makes you feel like Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods?

XO,

Chelsea

concrete and sunshine

The warmer days of Southern California have drawn my eyes to a wardrobe of a sunnier variety. 75 degrees in the middle of March, thank you very much.

One of my favorite color combos is yellow and gray - gray being the perfect bridge between somber winter and sunny spring. They are also the color of my new peep-toe booties that I just couldn't wait to wear.

Icelandic opal. My beautiful Christmas gift this year. Direct from Iceland.

someone needs a pedicure. though they never last long when I'm running constantly. just focus on the gorgeous new shoes instead!!

What colors does Spring make you crave?

XO,

Chelsea

wardrobe wednesday - head in the clouds

this shot pretty much sums things up pretty good. my feet may be grounded in the earth, but my head is in an ethereal cloud.

nothing that can't be solved with an evening of watching Coraline with the kiddos, making homemade pizza and then starting a new craft project.


speaking of feet - I'm crushing on just about every pair of shoes Anthro is currently peddling...ahh, a girl can dream right?

some flats even I could love 

 with pretty socks, these are the bees knees

the detailing is amazing

where do I begin??? love, love, love

 I have two pairs of almost these exact shoes from old navy from years ago. suddenly inspired to remake them to match any and all of my spring/summer outfits

my stripes addiction is no secret. please come home with me stripey booties!?

Not that I need more shoes. Our over the door shoe rack breaks daily from being overstressed...

What's your shoe addiction??

XO,

Chelsea