Guys: What She REALLY Wants For Christmas...

Years ago, I made THAT mistake.  The one that most new wives make, thinking selflessness will lead to generous spontaneity.  I remember my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas, and I foolishly said, "nothing, Dear", thinking he would WOW me with something.  It only took one Christmas with "nothing" under the tree to learn that honesty is the best policy.  What I REALLY want for Christmas is something luxurious and thoughtful. 

Your girl wants to know that you still think of her as sexy, beautiful and cute, like you did the day you fell in love with her.  She wants to be warm, but also have something she can show off.  Luckily, she's not asking for something expensive, she wants something you picked out just for her.

Here's what she really wants.  A sparkly piece of jewelry and some faux fur (real if that's what she likes and is in your budget).  Unless she asks for something specific (in that case, thank your lucky stars), jewels and fur are the perfect combination of what she really wants for Christmas.  Below, are a few suggestions and direct links to sites that will have exactly what you're looking for.  What you decide is the right style for her, makes it perfect.

The Statement Necklace

Whether she's wearing a cocktail dress, a white button down shirt or nothing at all, the perfect statement piece for any occasion is a MIRINA COLLECTION statement piece.  All their pieces are handmade and completely unique.  You can choose from gold, silver or pewter.  Statement necklaces are all the rage right now and you'll definitely wow her with any MIRINA COLLECTION statement piece.  Each piece ranges from $50-$200 and lucky for you, I'm an Mirina Ambassador so I can offer my 20% OFF discount to you.  Just type in: Chelseak20 at checkout.  Click HERE to see Mirina's entire collection of statement necklaces.

 

(Faux) Fur



 

I own at least three faux fur coats.  And in the winter, I wear them all the time.  Not one person has ever asked me if it's real.  Don't get me wrong.  If my husband came home with a beautiful REAL fur coat, I would be thrilled.  It's not about the animal, it's just that they're outrageously expensive.  My absolute favorite faux fur coat is the one pictured above.  It hits right at my hips and is the warmest thing I own.  I got it at H&M for around $40.  I got it years ago, but was able to find one similar that I know she will love from Forever21.  Just click HERE to see their entire selection of faux fur coats (many under $50).

 

Okay Gentleman.  Now you know exactly what to get her for Christmas.  If you still can't decide, I'm a Personal Shopper and would happy to take you to the Mall and show you incredible options and help you find the perfect fit for her.  I don't put a personal guarantee on much, but a statement necklace and a faux fur coat will definitely be something she'll smile about every time she puts it on.  Not to mention both items have major bragging qualities, so all her friends will think you're the BEST boyfriend/husband on earth.  Merry Christmas!

 

 



Thanksgiving Attire

Happy Thanksgiving!  Who doesn't love a holiday that's based on getting together with everyone you love and eating a delicious meal?  This year, I'm taking some advice from one of my fashion magazines and keeping my Thanksgiving attire, casual.  People: Style Watch focuses on celebrity fashion that's affordable and accessible to everyone.  Which is SO in line with my Blog.  I was inspired by a spread they did in their recent Holiday Edition.  It encouraged a casual and comfortable style for the holidays.  Honestly, I love it.

Of course it's extremely important that I point out that casual Thanksgiving attire is only appropriate if you are celebrating in a casual way.  Going to your boyfriend's parent's house?  I'd think more along the lines of "dress to impress".  Going to a restaurant to celebrate?  Wear something you would to any other nice dinner out.  But if you're lucky enough to be celebrating thanksgiving at home with your closest family and friends (like I am), then being comfortable and looking cute IS possible. 

I grew up in a home where you always wore your Sunday best to holiday parties and I still keep that mentality.  Holidays only come once a year and it's respectful to dress up.  This year, my parents are in the Dominican Republic, so I'm doing Thanksgiving my own way.  Wearing jammies to Thanksgiving dinner, although sounds amazing is just something I can't do.  But wearing some jogger pants, my favorite kicks and a cozy fur vest over a tee sounds just about right.

Thanksgiving is a time to be with the ones you love.  If you can't be with everyone (which seems to happen more and more as our family grows older and older), appreciate the ones you can be with.  Make sure what you wear is in line with the venue and crowd.  A little luxurious comfort goes a long way.  Layer a little sparkle or fur on your cozy separates.  Wear a cashmere beanie.  Wear wedge sneakers.  Wear a fit n' flare skirt with an embellished sweatshirt.  If your Thanksgiving party is casual, take full advantage of it.  Lots of uncomfortable holiday parties are on their way!



Layering Up For Winter

I'm beyond sad to announce that winter IS coming this year.  I was hoping to pretty much avoid it like I have in past years and just escape to Florida, but with my youngest son in Kindergarten, it was suggested to me that we stick around if he wants to proceed to first grade next year.  Darn it.  Reality has hit me and as it gets colder and colder... it hits me harder and harder.  Some of you may think I'm being a bit dramatic.  I mean it's just one season, right?  Well, you must not live in Maine.  We're talking a full six months of frigid temperatures, obscene amounts of snow and gray skies. 

Most Mainers live here full time for two reasons.  One, they enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc.  The reason why I'm here is because one of Maine's biggest natural resources (lobster) is our number one source of income.  Looks like I need to just suck it up and endure a long Maine winter.  Luckily, I WAS born here and have learned that warmth trumps fashion.  This picture is probably the last time I'll be able to go out without boots and a coat.



From now on, two pairs of socks will be layered underneath all my stacked heel boots.  Stems do not work in snow.  A down jacket will always be layered over any outfit.  A down jacket with a hood that is long enough to cover my bottom.  Skinny style pants will exclusively be worn, so I can tuck them into my stacked heel boots.  Otherwise that hem drags through the snow and becomes frozen pants.  Now, since I'll be wearing skinny style pants all winter, I need to find pieces that I can layer on top.

Layering is all about proportions.  If your top is fitted, wear a flared skirt/pant or wide leg pant.  Same thing goes for if your pants are a skinny style or you're wearing a fitted skirt, your top should have some flow and some layers.  I describe my body type as an apple.  The middle part of my body is the biggest and the part that I want to conceal.  In the picture above, I do just that.  My fitted flare pants are tight around my thighs and hips, my cropped sweater is fitted around my ribcage and shoulders and my middle is concealed by a loose fitting hi-lo t-shirt.

Winter is coming fast and furious and layers are essential.  Don't sacrifice fashion for warmth.  It's not worth it.  You'll look ridiculous and freeze your bottom off.  Double up on socks.  Invest in a down jacket.  Embrace yourself.  Layer up.  Say hello to winter.

Canvas Sneakers: Target
Flare Pants: Forever21
Hi-Lo T: H&M
Cropped Sweater: Urban Outfitters
Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters



Stunning Wedding Dresses Under $500

Honestly, I didn't believe it until I saw it.  My wedding dress was well over $1,000 and that was almost ten years ago.  A site that has every style wedding dress you can imagine ranging from $200 to $500.  What?!  That's impossible, right.  Nope.  BeFormal has hundreds of stunning wedding dresses, at prices you won't find at any of your local bridal boutiques.  They carry every style you could imagine, even the most popular, mermaid.

 

Like lace?  They have it.  Like beading?  Yup, BeFormal has it.  Like feathers?  Or how about a backless wedding dress?  You can get every style and size from BeFormal. 

 

I absolutely love weddings.  My husband and I went to three weddings just this Fall.  The brides looked stunning in each of them, but I bet they wished they had known about BeFormal before they spent thousands on those gorgeous wedding gowns.   

 

 

Looking for something a little more understated?  BeFormal has simple lace or satin dresses that will make his jaw drop.  Need plus size?  No worries.  BeFormal Plus has a size to fit every bride.  Not getting married, but need a formal dress?  BeFormal has formal gowns for any occasion.  Prom, holiday, bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride, all dresses, all sizes for prices you can't believe.  Visit BeFormal for all things formal at prices so good, you can even make a dress change for your event.

 





 



Bold Accessories

I love making a statement.  Whether it's with my quick tongue or with my fashion sense, being bold is just who I am.  I don't mind standing out from a crowd, and to be honest, not being part of a crowd sounds way better to me, than fitting in.  If everyone is doing it, I'm probably in the corner doing something else.  Call me a rebel without a cause, but I kinda like having my own sense of style.

One of my boldest statements I've been making lately is with accessories.  Usually, fashion rules say limit your look to one statement piece.  But the rebel inside of me says, "Self.  Heck with fashion rules.  Let's break them and wear as many bold accessories as my little heart desires."  The result: A retro style black hat from The Flowerman and a statement necklace from Mirina Collections.

 

If you haven't yet checked out The Flowerman Online Boutique, you absolutely must.  It's filled with bold accessories and fashionable clothing items at prices that you won't see at any of your local boutiques.  On top of their amazing prices, The Flowerman is offering my followers 10% OFF your entire order.  Just enter code: INSTA15 at checkout. 

 

I've been getting compliments galore on this bold statement necklace.  You may remember it from a post I did a couple months ago, titled Mirina Collections.  My necklaces I've been wearing by Mirina have gotten so much attention, they've titled me Brand Ambassador, which allows me to extend my discount to my followers for 20% OFF your entire order!  Just enter code: CHELSEAK20 at checkout.

 

Bold accessories are definitely in style and in my opinion, be brave and wear more than one at a time.  Stand out from the crowd, make a statement and love your unique look.  If you're not sure if a combination works, you can always e-mail a picture at chelseakray@hotmail.com and I'll reply within the hour.   

 



Trending Now: The Lumbersexual Look

I wish I could take credit for this amazingly well written piece on The Lumbersexual Look, but all the credit goes to Peter Minkoff, Editor of High Style Life.  I absolutely love this men's look and I hope it doesn't go anywhere.  It's about time  men put in as much to their look as women!  Enjoy.

We all know real men wear beard, right? Hence, the only logical way to live a respectful life (if you are a man OR Conchita Wurst, no disrespect) is to grow one and stay in grace and the image of your Creator.  Just kidding.  It is a thought-provoking parallel though, you’ll admit!

It appears that the trend of bearded men has overtaken the planet and things may just be getting out of hand. Why? While the trend of long beards was at first pretty interesting, hot, sensual and exotic it may seem like some guys have taken it to another level. But hey – different people, different likes – and who are we to judge!

The lumbersexual look is trending for some time now, with so many guys adopting the style, upgrading it with their sartorial sense of harmony and masculinity. These boys and wannabe lumberjacks, with their impeccable killer sense of style are dreamy in their own right; their rough handsomeness and captivating charm are probably the reason why we collectively can’t get enough!

If you are not sure how to spot a lumbersexual, here are some pointers that will make things clear:
 

1. Plaid shirts are their bible

 

One simply cannot be lumbersexual if he’s not sporting a plaid shirt in as many occasions as possible. These guys have closets full of plaid shirts in variety of colors and are more than happy to flaunt them around. And, for some reason – this wannabe Canadian lumberjack wrapped in a sensitive, somewhat opinionated but mostly creative and dreamy shell – is surprisingly chic, despite the repetition of patterns he wears.

 

 

2.  Their hair is slick back, the beard long- and they're not afraid to show it

 

 

Nothing says lumbersexual like a long, well groomed, and in-all-the-right-places-trimmed-beard. If you can’t grow a beard, you can’t go lumber, sorry! For their beards to stay bushy and healthy enough, they use a beard comb; beard oil and variety of products that keep it looking awesome are also a party of their beauty routine.

By the by, unlike a lumberjack who’ll be spotted deep in the forest, chopping woods and heavily sweating, a lumbersexual will be spotted sitting in the corner of the hip (and probably hipster) café, scrolling through his iPhone or simply thinking about the meaning of life… pardon, Instagram. Oh well! A lumbersexual will also never let his body parts (yes, all of them) stay unattended in terms of the grooming routine – you gotta keep those hairs in check!

 

3. They are a bit narcissistic

 

 

It doesn’t really come as a surprise that these men are self-obsessed. Committing to a particular style and this hard – definitely screams narcissism! This fixation  on looking spectacular at all times comes with a pressure, though – lumbersexuals will undergo non surgical nose jobs or even laser treatment for freckles to even out everything that may stand out in the context of the expected lumbersexual look! Oh, well!

 

 

4. They love to accessorize

Where would a lumbersexual be without his glasses (most likely Clark Kent ones), a fedora, a backpack and a camera around his neck! I mean… all those wonderful photos of croissants and streets filtered through the latest analogue filter won’t find their way to the latest photo blog themselves, will they?

Oh and – let’s not forget about one of their favorite accessorize - all the highbrow tattoos!

 

 

5. They are very particular about their shoes

 

Cold times ask for Canadians, hiking boots or (fringe) boots while warmer days ask for something lighter, like flip flops or loafers. Simple, almost a no-brainer!

Stylists have agreed that the lumbersexual of today resembles the every other north-Minnesota-born-and-raised-guy. In recent take on lumber fashion explored in CityPages, we get to enjoy Minesota-born Andrea Sega’s (the century-old maker of rucksacks and luggage) awesome point:

"I guess stereotypical of what most people would say of our guys would be like a classic wool or plaid shirt, some boots, rolled-up jeans, probably rocking a good mustache or a beard, combed-back hair, and I could see some kind of urban-looking glasses!"

Anything to add? Not really!





 









 



 



The Flowerman Leggings

I'm totally digging on a site that I recently found.  It truly embodies everyday fashion on a budget.  It's called The Flowerman and they have an incredible selection of apparel and accessories at prices you won't find at any of your local boutiques.

I've been longing for a pair of (I call them) "Beetlejuice leggings".  They're really hot for winter and as we all know, vertical stripes elongate your legs.  You can usually find leggings like these for anywhere between $30 to $100.  I just can't justify buying leggings for that.  That's why when I saw The Flowerman had them for $10, it was meant to be.



I placed my order and expected it to take at least two weeks.  Usually orders that come from China can take up to a month to receive.  I was pleasantly surprised when my leggings arrived in one week!  I put them on immediately and they fit perfectly.  Long enough to wear with my favorite black booties and short enough to let a little ankle show with my favorite sneakers.  So versatile, I love it. 

Of course, leggings aren't all you can get from The Flowerman for an incredible price.  Right now, they have an incredible selection of winter coats, trousers, boots, bags, sweaters, dresses... you name it.  The cherry on top, is that The Flowerman is offering all apparel and accessories (on top of their incredible prices for 10% OFF!  Just enter code: "insta15" at checkout.

The Most Versatile Dress, Ever

I have found the most versatile dress and I'm beyond excited to share with my followers.  I won't keep you in suspense.  The dress is from TJMaxx, and it was $14.99.  I got it recently, so if you totally love it, you can probably find it still on the rack at that price.  I don't think they'll last long though, so scoop one up soon. 

There are a few reasons why this dress is so amazing.  First of all, the length on the hem and the sleeves are perfect.  Short enough to show some leg on the hem, but long enough to not show more than "some" leg.  The sleeves are the perfect length to lend a bit of bunching at the cuff.  I love that look on sleeve cuffs and skinny pants at the ankle.  The heathered blue color gives the dress a bit of a casual feel, which gives you the ability to dress it up or down as much as you want. 

 

I did a lot in this dress yesterday.  It all started with a trip to the nail salon.  We're headed to Vegas for a wedding and beauty prep is essential.  I then went grocery shopping, had lunch with my husband, got my little guy some new sneakers, picked him up from school and ended the evening by going to dinner after we shook hands for our friend running for City Council.  I was comfortable, confident and never once needed an outfit change.

 

I styed this dress yesterday with my favorite Chelsea Booties and my suede vest that I can't stop wearing.  It was warm enough to go without tights or leggings yesterday, but in the future, you'll probably see me layering either underneath the dress.  Tights with black booties and a leather jacket and it's a perfect nighttime look.  Leggings, sneakers and a cardigan and I could wear it all weekend.  I'll actually probably wear it on the plane trip to Vegas.  It's so versatile, I'll style it casual for the plane and then layer necklaces and heels with it for evening.

 

 

You get a lot of bang for your buck with versatile pieces.  Once you find one that works several ways, you'll wear it all the time.  The best part is, if you style it in different ways, each time you wear it, no one will notice you wore it a couple days ago.  I wish I had found this dress in a couple more colors.  I really love it and I think you'll love it too.  Enjoy!

 





On Halloween: Oh Yes I Did!

Halloween is over, but I want to remind everyone that it's only one night a year that you can dress up as ridiculous as you want.  Take advantage of it, people!  This year, I was Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony.  I was warm, I was bright and the kids loved it.  Actually, I'm pretty sure my Rainbow Dash costume will have lending requests next year.  Hope everyone's Halloween was as fun as ours and make sure you dress up next year.  You know who you are!