Furry Booties or Slippers?

 



It's a rare moment when a Fashion Blogger asks for fashion help.  Usually I have confidence in my ability to walk out of the house knowing my look is on point.  Yesterday, I couldn't decide.  I needed some warm, black, flat booties.  I've been looking everywhere and was impressed to see Target's selection.  They had Ugg-Style boots, designer-looking rain boots, lumberjack boots, booties, fringe boots, leather boots... I could go on, but I'll stop.  You get it.  I instantly fell in love with these black furry booties for less than $35.

 

 

They're adorable, right?  It was a frigid day, so I knew layers were essential.  I layered leggings, a fitted, brightly colored tunic and a drapy hi-lo sweater.  I thought the booties worked perfectly, until I walked out the door and sort of felt like they looked like slippers.  This could be because they are so darn comfortable.  It could have been because they're completely flat.  It could have been the folded down fur.  Honestly, I don't know what it is.  A feeling I guess?

 

 

Here's where I could use your help.  I can't decide if I need to retire my furry booties to inside the house only or if they're appropriate enough for casual daytime looks?  I know what I want to hear, but I'm smart enough to trust that I've educated my followers to give me the right advice.  I'm too biased.  I love them too much to decide on my own.  Comment, text, call.  Let me know if these are furry booties or furry slippers?  Thank you!

 







Suede Vest

 

There's always at least one seasonal trend that I don't initially like and swear that I'm not going to sell out on just because it's popular.  Like gladiator sandals.  Two summers ago, they were all over the scene.  I swore I would stand true to myself and never buy a pair, no matter how popular they got.  Ugggghhhhh... I now have two pair.  One black, one olive.  Crap!

 

In High School, puffer vests (down) were all the rage.  They were so hot that when my parents made me decide if I wanted a vest or a jacket for winter (because they weren't buying both), I struggled through the entire winter... in a vest.  After that ridiculous winter, I swore off vests FOREVER!

 

Until now.  Crap, crap, crap!  I'm a sell out.  But when I really think about it.  Who am I selling out to?  My teenage self?  Let's get real and talk about this incredible suede vest I got from Shop Priceless.  I really wasn't wild about this style of vests when they first came on the scene.  Probably because of my preconceived notions of vests in general.  But when I saw this one, I had to have it.

 

 

I've only had this incredible suede vest for a couple weeks and I've worn it a million times.  It's a light tan suede on the outside and a white faux fur on the inside.  There's no closures, so it drapes in the front and is incredibly warm.  Talk bout an upgrade to the black down puffer I wore for the entire winter in High School.  The vest has a bit of a casual feel, so I pair it with my distressed denim and suede booties.  I let the vest be the star of the fashion show by pairing it with a plain white long sleeve tee underneath. 

 

I love my new suede vest and don't feel like a sell out wearing it.  I actually feel very fashionable and warm.  Warm is key.  If you like this style of vest, I highly suggest you check out Shop Priceless.  I got both my jeans and vest from their online boutique and they always send a free accessory with your order.  This time I got a pair of front-back pearl earrings that I absolutely love. 

 

I will probably continue to dislike certain fashion trends and then eventually love them.  It's part of the fashion evolution.  I'm constantly progressing towards the ultimate fashion goal: to look and feel amazing.  This suede vest was a fashion risk I'm happy I took.  I'll be wearing it all Fall, Winter and Spring.  Break down preconceived notions, open your mind and for gosh sakes, get yourself a suede vest.



Instant Wardrobe Update: The Belt Wrap

People!  You need a belt.  You probably need a few.  I've never seen more people come to me with a garment and not know why it doesn't look good.  Nine times out of ten, it's because your look needs a belt.  Gone are the days of belts being for function rather than fashion.  Now belts are one of the hottest and most flattering accessories out there.

Belts can cinch your waist, make the appearance of your hips smaller and instantly update your look.  In the early 2000's, wide belts were everything.  They had big embellishments and were usually worn either tightly around your waist or slung low on your hips.  Fast forward about eight years and the skinny, brightly colored belt was all the rage.  These days, it's all about the 1 inch.  Sort of a hybrid of the wide and skinny.

The 1 inch has some fashion rules.  The movement is a waist cincher, buckled, then wrapped (as seen above), over all your layers.  That's right.  No belt loops required.  Once you put on your blouse, your sweater, your pants/skirt... layer that belt right on top of it all.  All those layers can sometimes make your look bulky and the smallest part of your body (usually a person's waist) is lost.  Cinch it all in with a brightly colored belt and your look is instantly current.  You can even layer your belt over your coat, if you're feeling extra fashionably forward.

A little tip to those of you who aren't exactly sure where the correct placement of your belt should be... throw on a pain shift or A-line dress (something that falls straight from your underarms).  Try your belt on at the waist, then try it down on your hips.  Depending on your body type, you'll immediately see which placement is right for you.  I have a thicker waist and more narrow hips, so a belt is actually more flattering on my hips.  Most women's waist is the most narrow part of their body, so their belt should be worn just below the ribcage. 

Next time you're in the mirror and you feel like your garment is lacking something (it's usually shape), buckle and wrap a belt around that waist.  Nine times out of ten, it's exactly what you needed.



Fall Obsession: Ribbed Flare Pants

 

 

Let's get real here.  Comfort plays a role in everyday attire.  I'll attempt almost every fashion trend, at least once.  The chances that I'll wear it again depend on three important factors: (1) How many compliments I get, (2) If it was conducive to my lifestyle and (3) If it's comfortable enough to wear all day.  My ribbed flare pants (which are totally on point for Fall) exceeded all of those factors.  So you'll probably see me wearing them A LOT.

 

I saw these pants all through my fashion magazines last spring.  I remember thinking, "I need a pair of those", but I could only find them for well over $200, and that's not fashion on a budget.  I will spend that on a timeless piece that I know I'll wear for years, but on a trend that I'm not totally committed to... Nah.  Well, low and behold, as I'm shopping at the Mall for a Client, I come across these pants (pictured).  Shut up! There they are.  For how much?  Yup, that's right.  Forever 21 had them for under $30.  Now that's fashion on a budget.

 



 

They fit perfectly, and depending on where I wear them on my hips, they can be paired with casual canvas sneakers or dressed up with a pair of wedges.  I LOVE them.  The comfort level was a 10, but the compliments were a 12.  When I can't walk down the street without being stopped constantly to receive a compliment or be asked where I got them, you know you hit the fashion jackpot.

 

One day I wore them with black wedges and black chunky sweater.  The next day I wore them with my favorite Nike sneakers and a graphic t-shirt.  Pictured here, a white t-shirt, canvas sneakers and a sheer cardigan was all I needed.  There are some rules to wearing this kind of pant style.  Make sure that your hem line skims the ground.  Too long and you'll not only trip over them, but you'll step all over the hem and ruin them in one wear.  The hips and waist of these pants fit a lot like leggings, so treat them like leggings.  Cover your butt, with a looser and longer fit top.

 

 

I predict I'll be wearing these pants for all seasons, although taking a break in the super slushy months, to avoid wet ankles.  If you live in a colder winter climate, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  They're officially my favorite pants and I have invested in a black pair as well.  Fall just got a little more comfortable with my new obsession: ribbed flare pants.

 

Pants & necklaces: Forever 21

Canvas sneakers: Target

T-Shirt: H&M

Sheer cardigan: Urban Outfitters





The Universally Flattering Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits, although totally on trend, can sometimes be difficult to wear.  I know, all you shorties have the same defense, "Of course it looks good on you.  You're tall.  I can't wear that because I'm short."  Lame.  Lame excuse for not trying a jumpsuit.  Lame excuse for not trying anything!  Jumpsuits can look just as good on me as on any body type.  You just need to find a style that compliments your body type.  What's that?  I have done the work for you?  Say thank you and keep on reading...

You actually may have seen this style jumpsuit on me before.

Like HERE:

 

Or how about THIS ONE:

 

Before, I thought I had to go to Miami, FL to get this amazingly flattering jumpsuit.  Now, I found it on one of my favorite sites T Marie's Online Boutique.  They have an incredible selection of apparel, accessories and gifts at prices that won't break the bank.  Now I don't have to travel to Miami to get anything but a sweet tan and eye candy.

 

There's a few reasons why this style jumpsuit looks so good on everyone.  First, the wide leg pant style is roomie enough to conceal even the widest hips.  The waist has a drawstring, which allows you to adjust the length of the inseam and also, cinch your waist at the smallest part that's right for you.  I have long legs and a thicker waist, so cinching at my hips works perfect.  If you have a small waist and shorter legs, cinch just below your rib cage to elongate the appearance of those legs.  Lastly, the shoulder straps are also adjustable.  Have a short waist?  No problem.  Just adjust the straps a bit tighter.  A long torso?  Let the shoulder straps out a little.  The material feels almost like silk (but isn't, so it doesn't wrinkle).  It's the ultimate packable piece for any occasion.

 

You can wear a jumpsuit.  You should wear a jumpsuit. If we know anything about the 70's, they won't be around forever.  Don't break the bank on this trendy item.  Order one from T Marie's Online Boutique.  This universally flattering style will work on any body type... including you! 

 

 

A message from T Marie's Online Boutique:





We offer an interest and penalty free Buyers Layaway program to our customers that are on a budget. With our Online Boutiques In Store Concierge customers are able to chat live with an in store sales woman in regards to any questions in size, fit, material, shipping, layaway, payment, or inventory etc. Every Friday we have our Retail Therapy Fridays where we have featured merchandise on sale for 40%-50% off, new featured items are posted every Friday and the deals last all week long. You can learn more about our amazing features at our website. 

 







It's My Birthday, and I'll Dress Like a Lumberjack If I Want To

The "lumberjack" is SO not my look.  I'm girly.  I like lace, ruffles, pink, ya know... Girly.  But, who says that I always have to dress girly?  Something about Fall makes me want to wear rugged boots and a flannel.  And gosh darn it, I'm going to.  It just feels right.  Today, on my 34th birthday, I'm going to dress like a lumberjack.

When I turned 30, I jokingly told everyone I was tired of getting older and I was going to start counting backwards each additional year.  So, that would make me 26 today.  That was seriously a good idea.  But really, 34 isn't that old and every year that I do get older, I actually feel younger.  Let me explain.  When I was a little girl, if you would have asked me if 34 was old, I would have said, "yes".  If you would have asked me as a teenager is 34 is old, I would have said, "I'll probably be married with kids at 34, so yes, that's old".  At 21, my response would have been, "at least it's not 40.  Now that's old!"  Now, at the real 34, I feel like I'm 26.

I've heard that for women, your 30's are some of your best years.  You know who you are, you have developed a sense of your style and as long as you work at it, your metabolism hasn't completely dropped off the planet.  One of the best parts of being in my 30's is that I have built an awesome wardrobe.  I saved all the quality pieces that fit well from years past, invested in pieces that I couldn't afford in my 20's and truly have a sense of what compliments my body.  If you're in your 30's and haven't quite built the wardrobe of your dreams, call me.  It's what I do.

That's right.  It's my birthday and I'll dress like a lumberjack if I want to.  I'll wear a tiara to dinner and I'll tell everyone I'm 26.  It's my day!  And people, at 34, I'm just getting started.

 





Boots are new from Target.
Jeans and T-shirt are also from Target.
Flannel shirt is from Forever21.



Anne's Incredible Dress

Last weekend, my husband and I went to an absolutely gorgeous wedding.  The ceremony took place outside, by the sea and the reception was in a spectacularly redesigned Church.  The Bride's mother and father were there, and had both been remarried.  As a Step-Mother, I was really touched when an announcement was made, that credited the Step-Parents for all their contribution.  Not being the Mother-of-the-Bride, her Step-Mother, Anne played her role beautifully.

I was so impressed with Anne's entire look.  It was perfect, and as I was gushing over her dress, she revealed that she it was from an online consignment boutique.  I almost fell to the floor.  The dress looked brand new, was definitely designer, fit her perfectly and even coordinated with the wedding colors.  I had to find out immediately what site she got it off.  She was kind enough to let me share her secret with my followers...

I had heard of ThredUp before, but had never actually been on their site.  Well, shame on you, Anne Mazer.  Now I can't get off it!  Fashion pieces that you won't find anywhere else for prices you can't beat.  Some of the designer pieces have tags still on them!  If you're not familiar with how consignment works, I'll give you a very brief rundown.  A consignment boutique buys and sells gently used (sometimes brand new) items for a reduced price.  The best part of ThredUp is that they have an excellent return policy, which is so necessary when buying online.

Anne, you never surprise me with your incredible fashion sense, but you definitely impressed me with your budget savvy shopping.  You have opened a whole new world to me (and my followers) with ThredUp.  Thank you for letting me feature you on my blog.  You are officially a contributor to Everyday Fashion on a Budget!



Mirina Collections

When my Mirina Collections statement necklace came in the mail, I was like a little kid on her birthday, opening the beautifully wrapped package.  I had been anxiously awaiting it's arrival, and although it was almost a three week production process... It was well worth the wait.  We're talking twice as stunning as I was expecting.  Pictures can't do it justice.  It's like nothing I have ever seen before.  And it's all mine!  I was also extremely surprised to see I received a FREE pair of front-back pearl earrings with my package.  They too are gorgeous.



As soon as I got it, I showed some of my girlfriends and their immediate response was, "I want one".  Of course you do.  Who wouldn't?  A statement necklace can elevate any look from everyday to amazing.  All the Mirina pieces are handmade, so it takes a few weeks for your order to come in the mail.  If you're ordering one for a Christmas gift, I suggest ordering soon. You, your wife/girlfriend, your bestfriend will absolutely love it, I promise.  As a bonus to all my followers, I'm extending my discount on all Mirina Collections statement necklaces.  Just use coupon code: chelseak20 at checkout for 20% OFF your order.

Click HERE to see all the beautiful Mirina Collections.

 

Use coupon code: chelseak20 at checkout to get 20% OFF





In Love with T Marie's Online Boutique

I'm in love with, not only this amazing peekaboo fall top, but also the online boutique it came from.  T Marie's Online Boutique has everything I love, at the prices that my Blog promises.  I ordered this casual blue cold shoulder top, not even realizing that it has breakaway sides too.  Talk about a pleasant surprise!  Cold shoulder tops are totally hot in fashion right now, but I haven't seen a unique touch of the peekaboo sides on anything around.  Totally unique, totally amazing.  I always love a piece of fashion that is elevated in some way.  With amazing quality, fit and comfort, I'll be wearing this top from T Marie's Online Boutique all year long.

 

I'm a total sucker for added value.  T Marie's Online Boutique get's that.  My package came in the mail very quickly (less than a week), and was wrapped beautifully.  The two items I ordered were wrapped in tissue paper, which is awesome because there's no ironing required, which means that I can put it right on!  But the most exciting part is that they included a beautiful canvas tote, free of charge.  They really know what makes fashionistas happy and cater to that.  I couldn't be more satisfied with the quality, price and customer service that T Marie's Online Boutique provide.  I highly suggest my followers check out their site for an incredible selection of apparel and gifts.

 

Stay tuned to my blog to see (in the next upcoming weeks) the second piece I ordered (my absolute favorite jumpsuit of all time) from T Marie's.

 

A note from T Marie's Online Boutique:

We offer an interest and penalty free Buyers Layaway program to our customers that are on a budget. With our Online Boutiques In Store Concierge customers are able to chat live with an in store sales woman in regards to any questions in size, fit, material, shipping, layaway, payment, or inventory etc. Every Friday we have our Retail Therapy Fridays where we have featured merchandise on sale for 40%-50% off, new featured items are posted every Friday and the deals last all week long. You can learn more about our amazing features at our website.

 





Guest Post: Western-Inspired Fashion Trends

Today I'm featuring a Guest piece that was sent to me by Brian Kearney, with Blue Fountain Media.  The piece was featured on EQL by Hannah Madsen, their Editor-in-Chief.  It's all about western-inspired fashion trends, which are everything for Fall.  Enjoy!

Western fashion isn’t just for cowgirls and cattle-wranglers. Many of today’s hot fashion trends happen to be western-inspired. EQL, an online destination for fans of authentic equestrian apparel and lifestyle, has put together a list of some clothing and accessories that have ties to the Wild Wild West. 

Turquoise
Named one of the four pieces you should definitely have this summer by WhoWhatWear, turquoise is found in regions with little rain where water seeps through natural rock and interacts with copper deposits, so it’s no surprise there’s plenty of it in the West. Native Americans were the first to discover turquoise and craft it into jewelry. 

Fringe Fringes are being seen on everything from shoes to jackets, and Refinery29 is embracing it to the fullest, and urging everyone else to have some fun with it, too. Native Americans in the West created garments with fringe to serve as a type of gutter that repelled rainwater. Fringe was a border or edge of hanging threads, cords, or strips, and was often found on garments made from suede, leather, and buckskin.



Denim
There’s nothing like a good pair of jeans, and we’re seeing more and more celebrities and tastemakers double up on his or her denim, and GLAMOUR approves.  Denim dates back to the 1800s when gold miners wanted clothes that were strong and did not tear. A man called Leob Strauss partnered with a Nevada tailor to patent an idea for putting rivets on stress points of workman’s waist high overalls, known now as jeans. 

Western-inspired fashion is not leaving anytime soon. In July 2015 Tom Ford debuted a chic, Western-inspired fall 2015 ad campaign that includes plenty of patchwork, denim, suede, fur, fringe and leather. 



Trending for Fall

Thumbing through my fall fashion magazines, I can't help but notice a couple trends that I must share.  The look above embodies what's trending for Fall:  light layers which include fringe (don't forget to read my post about fringe & distressed denim), a button down A-line mini, boots (knee high if you're pairing with a mini) and a light sweater.  The perfect Fall recipe for success.

There can be lots of substitutions made to this look.  Personally, I love skirts but if you don't, keep the material (suede is everything for Fall) the same and wear a pair of suede trousers.  I remember owning about five of those ribbed sweaters in different colors in the 90's.  Fashion never ceases to amaze me on bringing trends back from the dead.  If you're not feeling the ribbed, fitted sweater, a crisp white button down or cardigan can easily be substituted. 

 

Another Fall trends that I'm totally crushing on are Chelsea Boots!  That's right.  My name is so awesome that they named a boot style after me.  There are several great things about Chelsea boots, but my favorite is that it's the perfect piece for work and casual wear.  Pair them with a tailored suit and you'll be stylish and comfortable all day at the office.  Pair them with leather pants and a structured top and you're set for the weekend.  Chelsea boots are incredibly versatile and great for someone on the go that doesn't want to be in high heels all day. 

 

Fall is the perfect time to start building your winter wardrobe.  Invest in pieces that are versatile, true to your own style and can be layered in different ways.  If you only have one use for a wardrobe piece, then it's probably not a good investment.  Light sweaters, A-line minis, fringe and Chelsea boots are all Fall pieces you'll  wear over and over again.