paintballin'

I have become rather obsessed lately with wearing skater dresses. I love the twirl and the flippy skirt. Something about it makes me feel like a kid again. 

Perhaps I'm channeling my inner school-girl since my little guy started Kindergarten this week. I can't believe I am typing those words. It seems like just yesterday that he was a tiny little baby in my arms. I sure do miss his days as my sweet baby, but there is nothing more amazing than getting to know the super sweet and thoughtful, imaginative little person he is becoming. 

And he's becoming quite the blossoming photographer. Carl and I have decided its definitely something we want to foster.

Sutter took all these shots, directed me like I was a real model - and then quickly got distracted and starting snapping shots of the sky... 

These shoes have become a serious wardrobe staple as of late. A $4 thrift store score and I can't think of anything I don't want to wear them with. The soft, off-white linen is just getting better looking every time I wear them. For a self-professed heel addict, this is quite a leap. 

Going full force with the schoolgirl look, I also went for two french braids. Eventually, I started making hash marks on a sheet of paper each time someone called me Heidi or Pippi Longstalking. 

I only wish I could show you the bottom of this picture because my skirt is twirling so pretty and ruffling along the edges. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately for everyone), I'd have to stick a big black bar across the pic though. Nothing says classy like twirling along in a parking lot and later uploading pictures a getting a giant surprise when you spy your bum sticking out.

On that note...I've got a pillow calling my name. Not my bed though - a dahlia petaled number I've been working on for way too long. Its my first real sewing job from a pattern and boy do I know how to pick 'em! Lots of small pieces. But I'm super excited to finish it and I promise to post it soon. 

Good night!

XO,

Chelsea

finders keepers

Ever have those thrifting days when everything seems to be going your way? Last Friday was that day for me! I scored 4 amazing dresses, 2 maxi skirts, a fabulously colorful guatemalan belt, an electric blue silk scarf and a sweet little woven owl bowl. S C O R E! My favorite of the dresses has to be a sweet yellow eyelet shirt dress from Paris. Fits me like a dream...but you'll have to stick around to see me style that one up.

Ever since I saw this outfit on Refinery29, I've been craving some brown ankle boots. I'd seen some other cute versions around the bloggy world, but this was the first look that put these on my mental thrift list.

Fast forward a few weeks and seriously only one thrifting trip later and I found the beauties I was after.

Perfectly scuffed, soft, worn rich brown leather. I spent a nice little chunk of time last night playing in my closet and putting together lots of cute little looks with these. I'm already envisioning myself strolling down international sidewalks sporting these on my feet! Thank you to whoever decided these no longer had a home in their closet. Score one for me.

What are you on the hunt for these days?

XO,

Chelsea

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes

I finally cashed in my Mother's Day new pair of shoes coupon.

When my grandmother was in town a few weeks ago, we took a little trek downtown with the kiddos and I picked out these beauties. I must've tried on at least 10 pairs - which was a slow process considering they'll only allow you to have 2 pairs at a time to try on. Really?!?! Where have I been that I didn't know this was a rule? I guess its been quite a while since I tried on multiple pairs. I usually have my sights on something and just make a beeline. What made it really interesting was that some salespeople (ahem, the menfolk) were sticklers with the rule and then another would shuffle over to help me and she'd keep piling up the shoes. She knew there was a coupon for shoes burning a hole in my pocket that just couldn't wait. Do not get in the way of a woman on her way to buy shoes. It could be deadly.

You can tell I'm smitten by the way I'm adoringly checking them out.

That weekend's visit from my grandma was super special. I grew up spending most weekends and almost all summer long with my grandparents and my grandma has always been one of my favorite persons in the whole wide world. Except perhaps the time she puked all over my lap on a tour bus in New York City. Other than that, I just love her to pieces. She's crafty, a world traveller, good at games and has a keen eye for antiques. Its pretty safe to say, she's awesome.

Its been a pretty hectic week and shaping up to be just as busy of a weekend. I'm off to catch up on sleep and wish on shooting stars...

Happy weekending!!

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