Holiday Shopping Special

The holidays are are a wonderful time of year.  Filled with family, friends, traditions... and stress.  The pressure of buying the perfect gift and looking amazing for all those holiday parties can build up and take the fun out of the true meaning of the celebration.  I can help.

My name is Chelsea K. Ray and I'm a Fashion Consultant.  I specialize in Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Organization.  With a Degree in Fashion from USC and over ten years experience helping Clients, family and friends with their shopping and styling needs, I can help.  There are a few variations of Personal Shopping services I offer, along with a holiday special that you may not know even know existed.

Wracking your brain, thinking of the perfect gift for that special someone?  Consider giving (or asking for) the gift of Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Organization to a friend or family member this Holiday Season.  The first hour is always FREE and Gift Certificates can be sent to you or directly to the person receiving.

Personal Shopping Services*:

*All Personal Shopping services begin with a FREE Client Consultation to determine Client's needs, budget and goals.  The Client can decide whether they would like to purge items at that time, or schedule another time to organize wardrobe.

Option 1:  Client hires Personal Shopper to assist in shopping.  Sticking to budget and previously discussed goals, Personal Shopper will help Client achieve a more fashionable wardrobe, while teaching techniques in efficient shopping and methods to flatter Client's body-type.

*This option requires Client to be present in the shopping process.  Client will need to try clothing on in store.

Option 2:  Client hires Personal Shopper to purchase pieces for them.  Sticking to budget and previously discussed goals, Personal Shopper will select pieces and present them to Client in the comfort of home or office.  Client purchases pieces they want to keep and Personal Shopper returns any pieces the Client does not want or does not fit.

Special Occasion Shopping:  Client hires Personal Shopper to purchase a full look for a special occasion.  The Client can decide whether they would like to use option 1 or option 2 for this process. 

Holiday Personal Shopping Special:  Client hires Personal Shopper to purchase gifts for them.   Sticking to budget and items listed, Personal Shopper will select gifts and present them to Client in the comfort of home or office.  This process saves Client time, frustration of lines, parking and stress.  Personal Shopper will also beautifully wrap presents, upon request.

If you're interested in hiring a Personal Shopper, please give me a call or e-mail.  In the meantime, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest for weekly fashion Blog posts that specialize in affordable and accessible fashion.

Chelsea K. Ray

Fashion Consultant & Blogger

Http://chelseakray.com

207.615.4028

chelseakray@gmail.com

Business Hours:

Monday-Friday  8am-5pm

Follow me on Social Media:
-Facebook
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-A special thanks to my stunning Model and friend, Zephila McDonough.

Bodysuit

The topic of bodysuits is very personal to me.  Growing up, I was insecure about my height and weight.  See, in sixth grade I was six feet tall.  In the process of growing a foot in six months, I never gained a pound.  I had no hips, no boobs and if pants fit my waist, they were way too short.  I like to call it my "awkward years" and the result was a young girl who became very self-conscious.  Sad story.  I know.  It gets better, I promise.

Half way through sixth grade, my mom could tell I was struggling with my appearance and took me shopping.  She took me to my favorite store, KMart (I still love KMart, by the way).  Ironically, what was in style then, is almost parallel to what's in now.  Bodysuits were all the rage and I discovered that boy's pants come in different inseams (what?!).  It was my uniform.  Boys colored jeans, super tight bodysuits, a pair of chucks and a choker... and my first fashion compliment.  Not only was it my first fashion compliment, but it was from a boy.  A boy I liked.

I want to thank that boy for that moment that changed my life.  It may sound dramatic, but at that moment in sixth grade... I realized the purpose of fashion.  When you look good, you feel good and dressing your body to compliment what your mama gave you is what it's all about.  Knowledge is power and fashion works exactly that way.  Luckily for me, the boys eventually caught up with my height and I finally got some boobies and hips.  It took a few years, but my awkward body balanced out and my love for fashion grew.

Back to the topic at hand, bodysuits.  They're totally back in style from the 90's and you'd think I'd be sporting them daily.  Ironically, I only own one because my body now is completely different from my sixth grade body.  See bodysuits are designed for girls with exact opposite body type as mine.  I'm an apple.  Thin arms, thin legs and a thick waist.  Not exactly a flattering garment with a fitted bodice and predetermined length.  A bodysuit should be paired with a bottom that is either high-waisted or loose-fitting for balance.  I did find one bodysuit that fits perfectly once matched with a fit and flare faux leather skirt.

If you do have a slim waist and a normal length torso, bodysuits are great for you.  If you have large breasts, a long torso or a fuller waist, I highly suggest to avoid this trend.  I will give bodysuits credit that they were the start of my love for fashion, but as I get older, knowing what works and what doesn't, you probably won't see me in many.  The snappy crotch, the breast flattening aspect... I'm good.  The bodysuit has a much more powerful meaning to me, than fashionable purpose.

My bodysuit is from Target.  

The skirt is from TJMaxx.  

The boots are Aldo 

The black choker is Forever21.









Ryka Boots

Prime example of what I've been telling y'all for years... "Read fashion magazines for inspiration, (beyond my fabulous blog)".  I subscribe to three major fashion magazines (InStyle, People- Style Watch and Glamour).  None of which are known for high-end brands and all are known for featuring high-end... for less.  As much as I love Chanel, it's just not in my budget to bathe myself in it.  So in the meantime, I look for practical and unique pieces that I can actually afford.  

I wish I could take the credit, but Style Watch featured these Ryka: Microfiber and rubber boots in their November 2016 Issue (pictured above).  I instantly fell in love and ordered them in navy.  I knew they were going to be comfortable, but these boots are beyond.  The sole of them is made of a light rubber material, sort of like Crocs.  The microfiber top part is waterproof and you can lace them up to keep snow and rain out.  At $70 ($60 if you sign up to receive their e-mails), these boots are an amazing deal and incredible quality.

A few things to keep in mind when ordering these Ryka boots: They come with a second color of laces, so you can change the look of them depending on your outfit.  They run true to size, or maybe a half size big, but in the winter that just means you can layer an extra pair of socks under them for an extra cozy look.  They're super light and a cross-over from a sneaker to a boot, so expect to run, jump and take the stairs in them.  I'm completely in love and I've already fair-warned my husband that I'm ordering another pair in black.  A girl has to have options.

Winter is fast approaching.  Make sure you're ready with some fashion meets function Ryka boots.  Click HERE to shop all the amazing colors and sizes Ryka offers.

Shop Toko Indo

Although staying in line with "what's on trend" is something I find important in my line of work, wearing fashion that is different from what everyone else is wearing is equally important.  I'm always on the search for pieces you won't find anywhere else, and they have to be affordable.  What trumps (excuse the ironically political pun) all fashion rules, is comfort.  I refuse to wear something that pinches, bunches, squeezes, rolls, etc.  Life is too short to be uncomfortable and your clothing's lifespan is too short to pay a lot.

I love shopping locally.  My husband and I own a local business and we are big advocates of supporting Portland, Maine's economy.  Before I hit the Mall looking for fashion, I always sweep the local boutiques.  Toko Indo is a boutique on Exchange Street that has an incredible selection of hand crafted jewelry, accessories and gifts.  But what I'm in love with, is their line of clothing.  The pieces remind me of Free People.  A very boho vibe, trendy and the best part is, it's super affordable.  No need to go to the Mall and overspend.  Toko Indos got it, plus it's a local business and a portion of their proceeds benefit charities in the area.

Don't live in Portland, Maine?  Toko Indo has six locations all down the East coast.  Each location has different pieces specific to their region.  I always like to pop in when I'm looking for a unique gift idea for a friend.  Their selection of beaded and silver jewelry has something everyone will like.  Looking for a cozy winter hat and scarf?  I'm loving their knitted accessories.  Especially the beanies with a big flower or pom pom.  My favorite clothing items at Toko Indo usually have a hippy vibe with unique prints like paisley or floral.  

The long sleeve white knit top and knit gray flare pants (pictured above) are both from Toko Indo and were under $50 for the entire look.  It's something that I'll wear all Fall and into winter (until the snow comes).  I usually suggest a look to have contrasting fits.  For example, if you're wearing a loose top, pair it with some skinny pants and vise versa with a more flowy bottom.  But, this look works for a couple reasons: 1.) The pants are tight from the waist to the knees, so I treated them like a pair of leggings, and 2.) The top is asymmetrical, so I paired the flare pants to work with the shortest length of the top.  Balance is key and this casual look has just enough.  

I'm a huge advocate of Toko Indo and will continue to shop there regularly.  Unfortunately, if you don't live around one of their six locations, they do not sell their merchandise online.  No one piece is uniform, because it's handmade.  You'll just have to visit Portland, Ogunquit, Provincetown, Portsmouth or Key West to get their unique and stylish pieces!  

Happy Birthday to ME!

When did it become socially unacceptable for an adult to celebrate their birthday?  There's such a stigma with getting older that we've started hiding the day that represents it.  Almost like, if no one knows you're a year older then it might actually not happen?  It's just a number, people.  Today, my number is 35.  I'm okay with it.  I've accomplished many of my life goals and haven't totally fallen apart doing it.  35 is the new 25, right?

This birthday, I'm going to throw myself a party, dance like a teenager (minus the grinding) and wear a birthday crown so everyone knows who the birthday girl is.  It's one day.  My day!  So wish me, "Happy Birthday".  Of course, I have to have the perfect outfit for my party.  Something that says, "I'm a grown up, but I'm not old yet!"  Something that is sexy, but not too revealing.  Something that is fashionable, but I can still dance the night away in.  I got this.  Over the knee, block heel boots paired with a fit and flare dress that has an inverted triangle cut out at the rib cage.  Check.

This look didn't just come to me in my birthday dreams.  I shopped long and hard for it and lucked out at one of my favorite local boutiques, Expressly Trends.  I've shopped there for years.  They used to be located in the basement of another boutique on Fore Street in Portland, ME.  You almost had to go searching for all their amazing pieces.  Now, they have one of the most prime locations (street level) on Exchange Street and it's always the first place I pop into when I'm looking for something "on trend" that I can actually afford.  Thank you Expressly Trends for my "birthday suit".

It's not the end of the world.  It's my birthday.  I look forward to celebrating with my friends and family, in style.  I hope you do the same on your big day!

Mommin' Aint Easy

Someone (who hadn't seen me in a long time) told me I looked great after just having a baby.  I smiled and reminded them that my son was seven, but thank you.  I believe the last time this particular person saw me, my son was less than a year old.  A time when all of my being was put into caring for a tiny person that couldn't care for himself and my appearance was the least of my priorities.  So, how the heck does Teresa (pictured above with her one year old daughter Cecilia) always look so darn good?  I mean, matching flamingo outfits?  Stop.  Just stop and look.

I feel as though some moms make this "mom thing" look so effortless and Teresa is definitely one.  So give me your infinite wisdom, Girl.  Tell me how you manage to put on lipstick while your toddler is tearing every single one of your pots and pans out of your cupboards.  What it comes down to is time management and the fact that Teresa has always had an incredible sense of style.  Just because she had a baby, doesn't mean she's dead.  She's just learning to shift priorities and still look bomb while doing it all.

 

 

Teresa makes this mommin' thing look easy, but again, it's because she's strategic.  When I asked to come over and snap a few pics of she and CiCi, she was smart and worked around her nap schedule.  When your baby sleeps, your productivity level goes up 100%.  Also, Teresa wears fashionable pieces that also are functional.  Ever worn a pair of pants that you constantly have to adjust?  Or a pair of shoes that you just can't walk fast in?  That stuff gets packed away and replaced with stretch pants and sneakers, once your kids are mobile.  Practicality is essential when you're chasing a tiny person in diapers.  They're deceivingly fast.

 

If you are a mom and you're anything like me, just taking a shower when caring for a baby or two is a huge accomplishment.  If  you're like Teresa and make this "mom thing" look good, here are a few tips to surviving motherhood, while being stylish and functional:

• Your body will continue to change.  I put on 50 lbs. when I was pregnant with my son.  It took a full year for my body to resemble it's original form and two years for my weight to go back to where I felt comfortable.  Buy pieces with some stretch to accommodate your changing body.
• Wear flats, small wedges or a block heel if you're carrying your baby.  My worst mommy moment was when I twisted my ankle in 4" heels while carrying my one year old.  We were both okay, but I didn't wear heels for a long time after that.
• You are tired.  It's okay.  People understand if your make-up and hair isn't perfect.  Find a cut that's easy to "wash and wear" and a make-up routine that takes less than 2 minutes.  If your toddler is being quiet and you can't see them, they're probably coloring on the walls or climbing up on the fridge. 
• Lastly, an outfit that matches your baby or toddler gets you extra bonus points.  Check out how precious Teresa and Cecilia look in their matching flamingo looks.  Matching print or color theme will give the illusion that you put a lot of thought into your outfits. 







Sweatpants

Sweatpants.  To wear them or not?  That is the question.  I feel like sweatpants got a bad rep.  It's like a few lazy people ruined it for all of us.  You see that one guy who thought no one would notice he's wearing sweatpants to Church.  Or your cousin that always shows up to Easter dinner in her yoga pants.  These sweatpant villains blurred the sweatpant lines and made it so people won't even walk out of the house in them.  I'm here to tell you, sweatpants are not jammies and they are appropriate in certain situations. 

The gym, for example.  If you're working out, sweatpants are totally fine.  Going to or from the gym?  Yes, your sweatpants are still okay.  A lazy Sunday?  Yes, sweatpants required.  I'll even run to the grocery store on that lazy Sunday to pick up what I need to make chili, in sweatpants.  Not feeling well and took the day off from work, appointments, etc?  Sport those sweatpants.  Going to your kid's sporting event early Saturday morning?  Some people may not agree, but I say wear sweatpants... then make sure you go home and shower and put on jeans before you proceed with your day.  Going shopping and having lunch with your girlfriends?  Don't you dare.

I struggle everyday with wanting to wear sweatpants.  I know it's not right, but the comfort temptation is there.  And now that I've found a style of sweatpants that are adorably flattering and finally long enough, the temptation is even stronger.  I mean, these sweatpants look better on me than some of my jeans.  So why don't I wear them for everything?  Because we just went over that!  Sweatpants are only for the most casual of situations. 

If you are going to wear sweatpants, and you aren't sick, I suggest making your look more interesting with a top that contrasts your sweatpants.  Above, I paired my flare sweatpants from Victoria's Secret with a lace bralette under a long sleeve burgundy top and matching Kangaroo sneakers.  The top has cut outs in the back that give the look some interest.  Don't like the peak-a-boo look?  Keep your top more fitted to contrast a more loose fitting pair of sweatpants.  Do love the cut outs in my top?  It's from Forever 21's active wear line.

Sweatpants will continue to be abused by unknowing fashion villains.  Don't be one of them.  There are plenty of places you CAN wear your sweatpants, but make sure that it's a very casual situation.  Try to pair your sweatpants with a fitted top for balance and definitely check out Victoria's Secret for a huge selection of sweatpants for all shapes and sizes.  I will be wearing sweatpants for the coming cooler months, but I promise to resist the temptation to wear them daily.  Fashion restraint is always necessary.