Little White Dress

We've all heard of the little black dress (LBD).  Every woman should own one.  It's their go-to dress when you get that last minute call that your friend needs a plus one... tonight!  You throw it on and know your look is on point.  Personally, I own at least three little black dresses.  All with different variations, depending on the occasion and my mood.  If you don't own at least one little black dress, call me and I'll help you find the perfect one.

Although black is universally flattering, a little white dress is going to turn heads...  And I've found the perfect one.  It's from ASPIRA CLOTHING and it's going to be a staple in my closet this spring and summer.  This dress fit perfectly.  There are two features to this dress that make it completely unique to anything you'll find at your local boutiques.  For starters, the long sleeves give the fitted short dress balance.  Short sleeves or a sleeveless look would make this dress too revealing.  To add an element of fun and excitement, the inverted triangle cut out is everything. 



ASPIRA CLOTHING not only has an incredible selection of fashionable apparel, but they also have a full selection of accessories to complete your look.  The owner got wind that I was a Fashion Blogger and sent a few accessories along with my order (check out those white cat eye sunglasses), all wrapped in beautiful gold packaging.  I will be ordering from ASPIRA CLOTHING regularly, and can't wait to feature each piece as they arrive. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a little white dress.  If it's above the knee, make sure the dress has a sleeve for balance so it's not too revealing.  Make sure the dress is lined (this dress from ASPIRA is made from a high quality material and was lined in all the necessary places).  The last thing you want is any body part, scar, tattoo, etc. peaking through.  Let's keep a little to the imagination.  Lastly, consider an embellishment, a cut out, a ruffle, something to make your little white dress a unique conversation piece.

You're going to turn heads this spring in a little white dress.  Find your perfect style and wear it all season.  Don't forget to check out ASPIRA CLOTHING to score my little white dress and many more fresh styles.



Bag Obsession: STEFKA

I'm rough on bags.  There's no two ways about it.  I'm always on the go and a flimsy purse just won't cut it.  So I'm always looking for something with structure, strength and of course it has to be fashionable.  I have found a line of bags that not only meet all my requirements, they absolutely exceed.  Call it a "Bag Obsession: STEFKA Bags". 

 

STEFKA Bags are designed and handmade in the USA.  To us Americans, that means everything.  STEFKA has cross body bags, hand bags, mini totes, etc. and they're all incredible.  I know I could throw everything I need into a STEFKA Bag and be hands free for the rest of the day.  The quality and design are incredible and every bag transitions perfectly from your day to night look.  I want one in every color and design. 

 

Right now, you can pre-order your STEFKA Bag on their site.  They're affordably priced and in production as we speak right in New York City.  Read more about STEFKA Bags and their designer:

 

Stefka handbags are meticulously designed with attention to every detail. 

Stephanie's inspiration from structure and modern architecture is obvious. 

Our customers are women who appreciate clean, modern lines and a timeless look. 

However each bag features an intricate detail to set Stefka apart from the rest.

Previously hand-making all of her pieces, she decided it was time to take Stefka to 

the next level and set out to find a manufacturer. In keeping a promise to herself she 

wanted to keep manufacturing in America, even better, in NYC.

Stephanie has deep roots in New York City, her grandmother and mother were born and 

raised in Manhattan. Needless to say, a love of fashion, architecture, and design have been 

ever present in her life. Learning to sew at a very young age, watching her mother design 

clothing, drawing, painting and being creative all her life has played a very important part 

in bringing Stefka to be.

Inspiration for the collection comes mostly from a love of structure and organized clean lines. 

Wanting the bags to be timeless and something you can grab from your closet for years and 

years. However Stephanie likes to keep things interesting and more importantly, original by 

adding little details that are unexpected, be it the way the straps are connected or the 

silhouette of the bag itself.

Stefka handbags are made using a heavy weight leather, that will hold up the structure 

commanded by each design. The type of leather used is mostly vegetable tanned leather 

which only gets better with age.

Stefka is a new brand formed from a love of design and well made products. Stephanie's 

mission is to use American manufacturers, and to continue to produce classic pieces 

that can be used everyday, be it the beach, travel, shopping, brunch, date night etc etc.  













YOGA

I've been doing yoga for about 20 years and it's still my favorite form of exercise.  I know what you're thinking, she's been doing yoga for 20 years so she must be really good at it, right?  Nah.  I actually suck at yoga.  No matter how much I practice, my balance and strength suck.  So, I'm still doing my beginner yoga tapes, in hopes that someday I will get better.  I avoid classes, because it's pretty embarrassing when you fall over doing a simple warrior pose (which I do every time).  But just because I suck at yoga doesn't mean I'm going to stop doing it, because you have to admit, yoga pants are so hot right now.



Don't get me wrong.  Lace yoga pants and bralettes are not the only reason I work out.  Yoga and meditation help my body internally as much as externally.  If I didn't take 30-45 minutes a day to clear my mind and get my heart rate up, I'd probably be mentally and physically ill.  All that we put into our body, it's important to focus as much on letting some of it out too.  If I'm not doing yoga, I'm walking.  My favorite route to walk is straight down Congress Street in Portland, Maine.  There's as much mental stimulation as there is physical.  I also love to ride my bicycle (Townie) through the City, although every summer I have an incident of a driver not paying attention and getting almost killed.  Put your cell phones down and pay attention, PEOPLE!!



But let's get to the exciting stuff.  Workout wear.  Honestly, if it were appropriate to wear loungewear 24/7, I probably would.  Maybe it has something to do with playing sports the first 18 years of my life, maybe it's the stretchy material but something about a good pair of yoga pants and a sheer t-shirt makes me feel like I could do anything.  What I SHOULD be doing in that outfit is working out, showering and then putting "real-life" clothes on.  I mean, a lazy Sunday afternoon, running errands in the morning, you get a workout wear pass.  But that's really about it.  Workout wear is for working out. 



Although, that could be motivation to workout more.  Love your new tennis skirt?  Play tennis everyday that week.  Love your new Nike running sneakers?  Run, girl, run!  There are some fashion rules to keep in mind when buying workout wear.  Make sure that your stretchy pieces don't pinch, bunch or roll.  If it does, it's the wrong size/fit.  There's nothing worse than constantly tugging or pulling at your clothes while you're trying to get your sweat on.  Bralettes are for low to no impact.  If you're doing anything that might make your boobs bounce, go for a sports bra with lots of support.  Breathable and absorbable materials will make sweating a lot more attractive.  Keep it tight and wear it right.

Lace Yoga Pants: RoseWe
Olive Bralette: Forever 21



Tried FABLETICS Yet?

I've read a lot about subscription apparel companies.  A lot of good, a lot of bad and very little first hand testimonials.  I first heard of FABLETICS (an activewear subscription line launched by Kate Hudson) a couple years ago.  In the beginning, the reviews weren't great.  The complaints weren't so much with the quality of the activewear as much as the subscription process.  Customers were being charged when they hadn't even purchased anything.

Let me explain a little how their subscription works.  Every month, you select your merchandise and it's shipped to you. The amount you pay is clearly stated and no subscription fee is charged.  BUT, if you forget to select merchandise that month or you forget to "opt out" and a "subscription fee" will be charged.  Disgruntled customers were outraged (and voicing it on social media) that they couldn't get their money back after they had forgotten to "opt out" one month.

I went on the FABLETICS site to see for myself, if there seemed to be any sort of scam or trick.  In my opinion, it's black and white (or at least the big bold text is).  There's no trickery.  No scam.  FABLETICS clearly states that if you do not want to make a purchase that month, just click on one button and you won't pay a cent.  Pretty clear cut if you ask me.  Not to mention that most sports bras are $25 at any athletic apparel store.  FABLETICS is offering you an entire workout/loungewear outfit for that price.  Pretty sweet, if you ask me. 



But don't ask me.  Ask Heather Reed*, a dear friend (check out those guns), who recently subscribed to FABLETICS.  Here's her testimonial and product review below:



Hi! My name is Heather Reed and I am writing to promote the Fabletics Subscription. I first came across Fabletics by scrolling through my Facebook. The advertisement jumped out at me because in bold print I read, "Your first outfit ONLY $25.00." I thought I can't go to the Nike Outlet and buy an athletic top for less than $25.00, it was a steal!

After I created my account a quick survey popped up asking me several questions about the styles I feel most comfortable in. In my opinion that's a great trait for the company because I didn't have to waste my time scrolling through pages of outfits that didn't suit my comfort. Almost right away I found the outfit I knew I'd be happy in! I will say I went out of my comfort zone in choosing my pants, but in my opinion many people go out of their comfort zone everyday when they exercise, so why not look the part too and feel good about it!

From the time I ordered my outfit to the time it came in was about two weeks, which was the time frame they predicted to me. I immediately tried my outfit on when it arrived, not only was I absolutely IN LOVE with the color pattern of the pants and how it matched with the top but with the way the pants hugged my hips, not cut into my hips, and how beyond comfortable the top was.

Yes, fabletics is a subscription and to be honest I have never been apart of a subscription, therefore I don't know much about them. However, what I recently found out was the company allows you to skip months and not be charged. For instance I skipped this month because I really didn't see anything that jumped out at me, but I also I didn't want to cancel my subscription because I don't know what next months line looks like yet. Also, at anytime you no longer feel Fabletics is for you, you can cancel your subscription.

I am thrilled about my outfit and I am very satisfied with the company! I would recommend this line not only to people who exercise, but to people who enjoy being comfortable as well!

*A huge thank you to Heather who modeled her FABLETICS outfit and wrote an honest testimonial for me.  No one was paid in this product review/blog post.

 



Unique Jewelry at CherryPick

I'm always in search of unique jewelry you can't find anywhere else.  I love it when someone asks, "Where did you get that necklace?  It's so different."  In my opinion, different is a compliment.  I'm not the type of person who is shy to divulge all my shopping secrets, so I'm going to share one of my favorite new jewelry sites that has the most amazing selection of unique jewelry.  It's called CHERRYPICK, and I'm in love.

From delicate to statement necklaces, studs, cuffs, stacking rings, you name it.  Their Spring collection is filled with my favorite double sided earrings.  You get as much statement in the front as the back and they're all interchangeable.  You can't get any more unique than making your own earring combination, or stacking bold with delicate bracelets.  One of my favorite ways to make a jewelry statement is just grab two stud earrings that don't match and see how many people notice.

If being bold in your jewelry isn't your thing, CHERRYPICK has an incredible selection of delicate metals with natural stones.  The jewelry trend goes one of two ways right now.  Either extremely bold with large gems and stones and metals or the exact opposite and staying simple and delicate.  When I wear my delicate pieces, layering is everything.  I wear 2, 3, 4 simple chains (all different lengths) layered on top of each other.  A hand full of delicate rings all worn on different fingers in different places is a fun way to dress up naked fingers. 

 

My favorite trend right now in jewelry is the "over the top" statement pieces.  This incredible statement necklace can be worn in a million different ways.  Layered over a cocktail dress, under a collar of your favorite blouse, with a plain white t-shirt.  The possibilities are endless.  It does take a bit of jewelry bravery the first time you wear a piece like this, but once you get endless compliments and everyone wants to know where you got it, you'll want more and more CHERRYPICK pieces just like it.

 

Even better, I'm a CHERRYPICK Ambassador, so I can offer my followers 15% OFF their entire order!  It's pretty amazing that their prices are already incredible, but with the cherry on top of 15% off, you'll want to shop CHERRYPICK over and over.  Just use coupon code CHELSEAK15 to score my discount.  Happy jewelry shopping.









Serene Sky: Pushing Fashion Boundaries

I just told someone the other day, "Fashion rules are meant to be broken".  No white after Labor Day?  That's ridiculous.  My white jeans are perfect for this look.  Not to mention they match the pretty snow background.  Fashion rule #1, broken.  And I won't stop until I break them all. 

I'm always looking for boutiques that like to push fashion boundaries, just like me.  They offer customers what we want, not what fashion dictates.  I love that!  I recently stumbled upon an online Boutique called Serene Sky.  I feel like they get me.  Their style is right in line with mine and their prices and selection are excellent.

 

I was in the market for some delicate jewelry and I found this incredible double infinity necklace on their site.  It's perfect.  Completely unique and I love that you can interpret it's meaning any way your heart desires.  For me, it shows that my love for fashion will go on forever and ever.  This is one of those necklaces that I won't take off.  Alone, it's a simple statement, but layered with more chains over it, and it makes a much bolder one. 

 

 

Serene Sky Boutique offers unique fashion pieces that you can't find anywhere else.  I love that they offer customers what we want.  My double infinity necklace will be a staple on my neck for years to come.  Fashion rules ARE meant to be broken.  Wear white in the winter.  Wear socks with your sandals.  And shop Serene Sky Boutique for unique pieces that push fashion boundaries.

 









It's a Heat Wave!

 

Okay, the snow in this shot doesn't give a completely accurate picture of what we're experiencing in the Northeast region of the US.  Today, in one of the coldest and snowiest states (Maine), it's going to get over 50 degrees.  That's insane.  I remember in December having a conversation with someone from Florida, describing the magnitude of snow and frigid temperatures we endured last winter.  They were blown away.

 

Besides college, I've lived in Maine my whole life and I don't remember a more brutal winter than last.  I remember shoveling the exact walkway I'm standing in (in the picture) and having to hurl the snow over the banks that were taller than my six foot head.  You couldn't see around any corners driving.  You just pulled out on a wing and a prayer.  The temperatures were so cold, it was unbearable to be outside and there was zero snow melting in preparation for the next two feet coming.  Thank goodness Mainers are tough as nails, because it was the worst winter EVER.

 



 

Well, Mother Nature must have felt bad for what she put us through last year, because this winter (knock on wood) has been one for the record books.  Today is February 1st and I'm just about to go for a long walk through the City, without a jacket.  That's unheard of.  Usually the sidewalks, this time of year, are unwalkable, so everyone is walking in the streets.  Usually the temperature is below 20 degrees, so walking outside is impossible.  I'm going to take full advantage of this incredible weather in every way possible.

 

Not only is this heat wave good for morale, but it's great for my fashion blog.  Photo shoots outdoors offer superior lighting.  I rarely need to use filters on a sunny day.  Also, if it's warm enough to get out without boots and a down jacket, it opens up a whole world of fashion possibilities.  I normally would never wear a belly baring top in February, but with the weather the way it is, it was the perfect compliment to my pastel trousers. 

 

 

I'm trying my best not to get too excited for Spring.  I know that in Maine, there's a lot more Winter to come.  BUT, I will enjoy this little heat wave were having and take full fashion advantage of it while it's warm enough.  Get outside while the weather is great and go ahead and give Spring a little sneak peak.  Pastels, crop tops, show it off while you can.  It's a head wave!

 

Crop Sweater: Urban Outfitters

Blue Trousers: TJ Maxx

Lug Loafers: Target

Sunglasses: Sunglass Hut