My Grown Up Tutu

Look at it.  Just look at it.  The skirt I have been wanting for a lifetime.  I'm not exaggerating either.  When I was a little girl, my mom bought me a tutu to wear around the house.  Little did she know, that I wanted nothing more than to be a ballerina and I would wear my tutu over everything.  Seriously.  To the grocery store, to my older sister's basketball games, to my Brownie meetings.  Fortunately, when you're little you can get away with ridiculous outfits.

I grew out of that tiny tutu, but my passion for wearing one didn't.  Here I am.  33 years old and still wearing a tutu.  That's right, Bitches!  This particular tutu probably cost the same price as my childhood one.  At $34, how can't you take the fashion risk and walk out of the house in a tutu? 

There are some guidelines to making anything (that's considered for a child or a ballerina) look more adult appropriate.  The first guideline is making sure there is a contrast of style.  If you paired a tutu with a flutter sleeve top and ballet flats, you'd look way too over the top.  They key is to keep the rest of the look simple, making the tutu the star.  Second rule, avoid looking like a little girl and wear a pair of heels with your tutu.  They help elongate your legs, which a midi length skirt can shorten your look if you're in flats. 

Next time you see me walking around in my tutu, keep in mind that it's bringing me sheer happiness and reminding me of my childhood.  I may even do a twirl or two.  If you have enough guts to pull off a tutu, you can do it with very little buyers remorse because they're not expensive.  I got this one at JollyChic.com for less than $35!  Twirl girls!



 



Statement Sunnies

I have been wanting these Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses for I don't know how long.  Actually, it's really been about a year since I tried a similar pair on and gasped when I saw they were close to $600.  That's not fashion on a budget... that's highway robbery!  I reluctantly handed the Dolce glasses back and walked away with a feeling of deflation. 

Flash forward to a few weeks ago, I'm on this site called JollyChic.com and I see my floral round sunnies for next to nothing.  Shut up.  I even like them more than the Dolce ones because the flowers make more of a statement and have more color.  Of course I ordered them and instantly loved them.

I wore them for the first time last week downtown and the response was exactly what I predicted.  Compliments galore!  And no one knew or cared that they weren't Dolce & Gabbana.  Especially me.  I mean, unless you're on the red carpet and someone is asking you who you are wearing (or you can just straight out afford designer), wearing knock off fashion is A-OK in my book. 

You must check out JollyChic.com for tons of fashion finds that look designer, but don't have the designer price.  I got these adorable Dolce knock-off statement sunnies for under $10.  Because everyone deserves fashion on a budget.





Guest Blogger: Coral Lawson

I absolutely love to feature up and coming Bloggers.  Meet Coral Lawson and get her take on everyday fashion on a budget.  Oh, and Coral, keep doing what your doing.  That millionaire lover will come along when you least expect it!

Hello! I'm Coral, 20 years old, born and lived in Spain all my life.

My blog is a lifestyle blog, I write whatever comes to my head, and sometimes I write guest posts for people (by the way I'd like to thank Chelsea for this one).

 

I like this look because I like casual.

I only dress up if  I'm going to a five star restaurant with my millionaire lover, which sadly, has never happened.

I find it REALLY hard to walk in heels, like I've said before, they may look nice but make me look like a drunk giraffe on stilts.

I found it really hard to stand still for this photo precisely because of that.

But look at them aren't they gorgeous??

I like big lose tops and skinny jeans so I combine the two often.

Pretty basic really,but that's what I like.

 

Top from Encuentro

Jeans from Stradivarius



Lace Romper

My friend Zephi* looked so good in her lace romper the other day, she was kind enough to model for me and let me blog about it...

There's something so feminine about lace.  I used to think it was just for formal situations, but really, lace has taken over the fashion scene.  One of my favorite new lace trends is going up the seams of your skinny jeans.  The lace adds an incredible new take to your typical jeans.

 

 

Actually, my first blog post was about a lace dress I wore on vacation.  I still have it and still wear it all the time.  Remember this look?

 



 

Lace is sort of timeless and pairing it with a current trend like a romper, is genius.  I try to avoid wearing lace head to toe.  It's like wearing a Victorian wedding dress or polka dots all over.  Too much all at once.  A lace romper, a short lace dress or lace embellishments will keep you looking current.  Zephi's lace romper and pearl necklace is from Francesca's.  Read more about my Zephi and her career with Arbonne below.

 



*Zephila Rossiter is mother of a beautiful 5 year old. In addition to having a full family life with her daughter and husband, she is an entrepreneur who is dedicated to becoming a better version of herself everyday. She loves being of service to women in her community through mentoring. Zephi has an extensive background in the restaurant industry at many capacities. Her love for fashion and beauty brought her to becoming an esthetician and make-up artist in Boston. She is now owner of her future through a network marketing company called Arbonne.

This is where all the pieces fit together, with her love of people and helping women beautify and feel good about themselves. Her business combines these two things perfectly. She found Arbonne 2 years ago and now has a growing business with this health and wellness company that has given her a plan for her families future; and an avenue to help others with their health and wealth. She helps women and men look and feel their best. True beauty and wellness from the inside out. Arbonnne educates people about toxin prevention through pure and safe products. Zephi loves sharing these products and this business opportunity with people hugely because it has changed her life so significantly.

 

 



Summer Maxi Dresses

One trend that has been staying strong are summer maxi dresses.  They add an element of femininity and modesty that appeals to the masses.  I've found the most amazing collection of maxi dresses at Beautiful Halo.  The best part is that the average price of a maxi dress at Beautiful Halo is under $20!  Which leaves lots of room to stock up on several different styles.  Start shopping Beautiful Halo for maxi dresses and much more HERE.



Win This Dress!

I love this white floral maxi from Jolly Chic.  If you love it too and want to win it for FREE or any other piece from Jolly Chic, REGISTER HERE for a chance to win $20 FREE in your account.

I have recently realized that I may have a problem.  It's with flowers.  They're on everything I own!  I need to go one of two ways with this.  Either stop buying fashion pieces with flowers on them... or just bite the bullet and admit that flowers are my thing.  Hello?!  I'm never going to stop buying florals.  Never!  I'm admitting I have a problem and I'm going to embrace it.

I mean really.  Florals add an element of color and femininity to almost any piece.  Take this gorgeous white floral maxi from Jolly Chic.  Without the floral print on the bodice of the dress, it's just a plan white maxi.  Of course I couldn't stop at just he dress.  The floral headband that I usually wear around my forehead, I pinned around my sock bun.  Also, the chandelier earrings have a pink rose set right in the middle of the teardrop rhinestones.  Yup.  Flowers everywhere. 

If you're a flower lover like me, you don't have a problem.  You just need to shop smart.  For the best deals on all floral clothing and accessories, visit Jolly Chic. 





Pregnancy Fashion on a Budget

Glowing is an understatement when you look at my girl, Teresa. This is her first pregnancy and she's absolutely stunning.  She and her husband are welcoming a beautiful baby girl in September and I couldn't be more excited for them both.  Secretly, I'm super excited too.  Shopping for baby girl clothes is so much more fun than boys.

I'm always amazed at how good Teresa looks though her pregnancy.  Like she doesn't even notice that the once smallest part of her body (her waist) is now the biggest.  I remember she asked me, "can't I just wear bigger clothes instead of buying maternity clothes?"  I laughed, said no, and remembered when I attempted that look.  It's not cute.  When you're pregnant, the only thing that significantly grows is your tummy.  You don't want to make everything else look like it's growing too.

Teresa finally broke down and went maternity shopping.  I couldn't be more impressed with how she chose to style her changing body.  Knowing that her legs were going to be the smallest part of her body (for a little while), she chose more fitted pieces to show them off.  I love that she's wearing over the belly (when the waistband goes over your baby bump) leggings.  Women with smaller hips have a hard time keeping pants up without a little over the belly help.  Her top is of perfect proportion.  Covers her booty, hugs her belly and gives a tasteful serving of cleavage.  I also love that she's smart and wears flats.  When all your weight is in the front, your balance is definitely off and the last thing you want to do is put on heels that propel you forward even more!

I asked Teresa what her take on maternity shopping on a budget is like and here's what she had to say:
"With so much going on and planning for the arrival of a first baby it can be hard to find time for shopping for maternity clothes.  I found this cute top and VERY comfortable bottoms at Motherhood Maternity.  I really like this outfit bec I still feel sexy and get to show off my pregnancy curves.  Target also has a great selection of maternity day dresses that fit great and are inexpensive."

 

 

Shopping for fashion on a budget can happen at any time in your life.  The fashion rules stay the same and so should your budget.  

 



Unique Bathing Suits & Cover Ups

One of the biggest trends in bathing suits right now is the itsy bottom.  Not quite a thong, but definitely borderline.  All the butt guys in the world are in total bikini heaven.  I thought the only place you could find a cute itsy bikini bottom is in Miami or from Victorias Secret.  I was wrong.  I found a site called Beautiful Halo and they have a massive selection of all types of bathing suits, from high waist bottoms, itsy bikinis and even cute of one pieces.  I love the unique selection and I definitely bought this sexy bright halter bikini, amongst several others for the summer!

 

I love the idea of a unique cover up.  Don't get me wrong, I have all the typical terry numbers and sheer animal print tops.  But I'm always looking for something that no one else has.  Something completely unique.  Like the blue tunic with magenta pom poms (pictured above) from Beautiful Halo.  It's got the coverage you want for stepping off the beach and having lunch, and you can be sure no one else is going to have the same cover up as you.  Being stylish and unique is how you set your fashionable self apart from the rest. 

 

I'm also loving the unique selection of bathing suits from Beautiful Halo.  This summer at the beach, I saw about a hundred of the exact same Victorias Secret Itsy Bikinis, which are adorable, but who wants to look like everyone else?  This brightly colored halter bikini is only $13 at Beautiful Halo.  That's right.  Almost all their bathing suits are under $20.  Beats any price around town, even H&M.  Check out all the cover ups and bathing suits Beautiful Halo has.  Huge selection at unbeatable prices.  Shipping is FREE on orders over $29 (that's one bathing suit and one cover up) and everything is 30% OFF for your first order.  



Giveaway: Free Clothes!

One of my favorite perks of being a Fashion Blogger is the free clothes!  When I first started blogging, I thought they would just come to me.  I definitely learned the hard way and through hard work, I now work with online retailers all over the world to earn clothes and accessories. 

One of my favorite online stores, JollyChic.com has allowed me to extend $20 worth of free clothes to one of my followers!  Interested?  Visit JollyChic.com and REGISTER to qualify.  I'll choose a winner in a few days.

You're not just limited to free clothes either.  JollyChic.com has shoes, bags, jewelry, even wedding dresses at unbelievable prices.  Register today, and good luck!



Hands Free Summer, Thanks to Estarer

In the summer, I never stop.  The season is so short and I really try to soak up every second of Maine.  People always ask where we vacation in the summer and I always respond, "Portland".  It truly is vacationland and I'd be a fool to go anywhere else. 

Squeezing everything Maine has to offer into a few short months isn't easy and I was so tired of lugging my heavy bags around.  They were slowing me down and limiting my ability to play with my little boy, because I was always one-handed.  I knew I needed a backpack, but last year my cute Target one busted a hole after a week. 



I ordered an incredibly stylish and durable bag on Amazon.com and when this Estarer Backpack came in the mail, I was instantly in love!  The shoulder straps are made of soft leather, so they never dig into my shoulders (no matter how much I have inside).  There are tons of pockets on the outside so I can easily access my cell phone, lip gloss and my little guy's wet wipes.  It's stylish enough that I can wear it with anything, but rugged enough that I can throw it on the beach while I take a dip in the ocean.  I LOVE it.

 

The price on the Estarer Backpack was so affordable, I actually had enough in my budget to also order an Estarer Laptop Case.  With WiFi available almost anywhere, I love being able to throw my laptop in my backpack and blog from the beach, or the lake, or a pool, or a boat... you get the idea.  The Estarer Laptop Case is awesome.  Besides it's fun boho print and lightweight padding, the zipper is gold.  I love gold.  Makes everything look more fancy.

 

 

 

Thanks to Estarer, I'm going to have an awesome hands free summer.  I highly suggest you try out an Estarer Backpack and laptop case.  They are high quality and fashion at a very affordable price.  Oh, and if you haven't vacationed in Maine for the summer, you must.

 

 





Guest Blogger: Heather Noire- Bauchle Fashion

 

 

I'm so excited to feature a Guest Blogger that put her take on everyday fashion on a budget.  Meet Heather Noire and check out her blog at: http://bauchlefashion.com

 

I am a 25-year-old Business Student, Model, and Magazine Blogger. I’m a coffee addict, cocktail drinking, fashion lover, frequent flyer, and lover of all things Parisian. My job is a lot of fun and has been a major benefit for my blogging. You get to know a lot of wonderful people who can defiantly inspire you. My blog Bauchle Fashion is a fashion magazine that incorporates my love of all things, fashion, style, and beauty. If someone didn’t know how to dress or how to wear the latest must have looks, my magazine could be that helpful advice outlet.

My style is retro mixed with an edgy cool girl look. The celebrities that influence me are Keira Knightley and Coco Chanel. Knightley is a great actress with killer fashion sense. She also doesn’t take herself to seriously. When it comes to Chanel, she influences me by how she started out in the business. She made hats then designed her own clothing line. I love when someone can brand themselves with bravery and good taste. My favourite wardrobe piece has got to be my motto leather jacket. Its from Belstaff London and has been my most loved jacket. You can wear it with practically everything. The bohemian chic blue floral dress I’m sporting is from H&M. It was such a steal! What I love most about this dress is you can wear it for a casual day out or an event. Every girl needs a rocking good hat! This lovely hat is from Topshop. My timeless black retro inspired purse is from Steve Madden. Star struck shades are from H&M. If you ever wish to dress up an outfit a hot pair of shades can defiantly do the trick. Written by Heather Lisa Noire     

 

 





The Perfect Summer Dress: 20% OFF

 

 

Still searching for the perfect summer dress?  A spaghetti strap, fitted bodice, pleated skirt with sheer contrasting trim is everything you need to look amazing.  Want to get this dress for 20% OFF?  E-Mail me for a coupon code to receive 20% OFF your entire order at Boutique of Molly.

 

My favorite pieces from Boutique of Molly are photographed below.  All pieces are available for 20% OFF!

 



 





2 Events, 1 Night, 1 Dress

It's pretty rare that I would double book myself on a week night.  It was actually a mistake, but when you don't write things down on your calendar, this is what happens.  A friend running for State Representative was having his Campaign Kickoff Party, which was not to be missed.  And another friend was celebrating his 50th Birthday with a party at his restaurant.  Both starting at 6pm, with totally different vibes.

You ask, how did you do it, Chelsea?  Well, proper attire was the most important obstacle to tackle.  I realized that I would be standing for most of both parties, so comfortable shoes with a doable heel was my first priority.  My Steve Madden platform t-strap sandals did just the trick.  They are pretty easy to walk in, but the best part is that they're really comfortable to stand in.  Embarrassingly, I've been that girl walking down the street at the end of the night with my shoes in my hands and not on my feet.  If your shoes aren't comfortable when you first put them on, they'll be killing you by the end of the night.  I won't make that mistake again.

Next up, a dress.  It was a hot and humid evening, so a dress that doesn't absorb moisture is actually brilliant.  The last thing I need are sweat stains.  I was sweating at one point, but the scuba material of my dark floral drop waist dress didn't reveal a thing.  Also, the dress isn't super tight so after I had a few drinks and a few slices of pizza, my belly paunch was hidden.  You won't even believe it, but that miracle dress was only $7 off the clearance rack at Burlington Coat Factory.  Boom!

I threw my wet hair in a low pony, threw on a gold chain necklace and made it to both parties, in style.  Practicality is extremely important in deciding what to wear.  Think about the day ahead and plan your attire accordingly.  You can make two events in one night in one dress work!





Evening Romper Look

I got this adorable white lace romper in Miami this past winter.  I actually didn't realize it was a romper.  I thought it was a mini dress and when I slid it on, I discovered there was a barrier in between.  Even better.  Now I don't have to worry about keeping my short dress down all night.  The romper takes care of that!  Awesome surprise.

I talk a lot about how weather dictates what's appropriate to wear.  Although it's now July, in Maine the evenings are still cool and require a warm layer.  Luckily, this romper works for dinner with the cropped leather jacket.  There's always a way to turn that daytime romper into an evening romper with accessories and layers.  Throw on a pair of pumps, a statement necklace and a blazer or leather jacket and you're ready to go out on the town.

If you're still hesitant about wearing a romper, the particular style I'm wearing is honestly perfect for any body type.  The high neck keeps it modest and the wide swingy bottom hides any mid-section bulge and makes your legs look long and lean.



Romper: Havanias
Jacket: Target
Heels: DSW