Festival Smart

Festival season is amongst us, and I couldn't be more excited.  The music, the food, the fun... It's all good.  I've learned a lot over the years on how to enjoy festivals.  Believe it or not, the right look has a lot to do with it.  You're probably thinking, how does your look impact how much you can enjoy a festival?  A lot more than  you think.  There are two factors that effect how long you can stay and celebrate: 

1.) Comfortable shoes are everything.  I've made the mistake over and over.  I believe I spent my entire 20's making this mistake.  Between heels falling through grass or dirt, giving me blisters or sandal straps cutting into my feet, practical shoes are essential.  A sandal that you've worn before is a smart way to avoid blisters and cuts.  It doesn't matter how much fun you are having... if you're feet are bleeding, it's time to go.  Wear flats, wedges or a block heel.  Your stems sinking in the grass is never fun and will ruin your heels for good.

2.) Dress appropriately.  I'm not talking about revealing, heavy, or brightly colored clothing.  I'm talking about dressing appropriately for the venue and crowd.  I learned a lot going to the Tortuga Festival in Fort Lauderdale this year.  It was a Country Music Festival on the beach and in a tank top and denim cut-offs, I was way overdressed.  Like, every girl (whether it looked good or not), was in a thong bikini.  I guess a cheeky doesn't cut it anymore.  Next year, I know two things: a.) Wear a thong, b.) No, I'm just kidding, really just give my tickets to my college-age step-sons.  I'm too lame for Tortuga.  You'll feel much more comfortable if you go with the flow and wear something along the lines with the rest of the crowd.

 

Okay, so festival smart this season.  Wear fun, comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the type of occasion.  A City Festival?  Wear your street gear.  A beach concert?  Wear your bathing suit (cover-up optional).  An outdoor evening concert?  Go for a casual dinner look, with an extra layer to stay warm when the sun sets.  My favorite festival wear has a boho vibe with a cross body bag (so you can be hands-free), a lacy pair of shorts or a skirt and a pair of gladiator sandals that I can walk in all day.  This look can go from day to night and easily be interchanged with a silk button down for dinner. 

 

My festival look is smart and inexpensive.  It will carry through Spring and all I have to do is exchange the long sleeve cold shoulder top for a tank in the Summer.  Wanna know where to get some amazing festival pieces at affordable prices?  My lace shorts and fringe bag are from Aspira Clothing.  Check out all their amazing and smart festival pieces from rompers to sunglasses.  My boho cold shoulder top is from H&M.  You have to check out their entire line of clothing inspired by Cochella.  My block heel lace-up sandals are Steve Madden.  Festival smart.  Festival on.

 





Wedding Season with Cocomelody

 

It's wedding season!  One of my favorite times of the year.  The invitations start pouring in and as a Personal Shopper, I get a lot of calls from Brides looking for help finding the perfect dress.  I used to drag Brides all over the state looking for their perfect dress.  Unfortunately, the selection around here is sub-par and driving to New York City is usually the exhausting outcome.  I always say, "there's got to be an easier way to get a contemporary selection of affordable wedding dresses".

 

That day has come and the wedding dress shopping struggle is now over.  Cocomelody offers stunning wedding dresses for every Bride's taste and budget.  Love the backless trend?  They've got it covered.  More of a mermaid girl?  Cocomelody has a huge selection of mermaid and trumpet.  Personally, I like a more unique silhouette (like the one above).  I swear I've been looking for this hi-lo ruffled style dress forever and I'm shocked to find it for less than I paid for my wedding dress almost ten years ago.  At this price, a Bride can walk down the isle in one style dress and afford to change into a reception dress for the price of what she would normally spend on one.

 

 

Cocomelody offers several lines of designer wedding dresses.  Everything from LB Studio, Lily White and even Ida Torez.  Check out their entire line of wedding dresses 2016.  Even if the hundreds of wedding dress options at Cocomelody aren't exactly what you want, they have their own custom designers that will make all your dreams come true.  You can design your very own dream dress, and be sure no one will ever have the exact same one.  Usually only celebrities get that kind of personal treatment.

 

 

I know I'll be guiding my Bride-to-Be Clients to Cocomelody this Spring.  If you order a dress over $300 you get free shipping, which is huge with such a large order.  When it's time for my husband and I to renew our vows (next summer), I'll be ordering a ceremony AND reception dress from Cocomelody.  Take my advice, buy two dresses for the price of one so you can focus on your special day and not be tugging and lifting your crystal bodice.  Happy wedding dress shopping, my Loves.









Summer Vacation: Style & Beauty

Summer is almost here, which means only one thing – vacation time! If you are looking forward to it – welcome to the club! No matter what is your destination of choice, there are some must-haves you simply need wherever you go, so check out our list and make sure that you have packed everything.

1.       Makeup on Point

 Even though many girls stack their makeup bags with a bunch of different eye shadows, lipsticks, blushes, and eyeliners, the truth is that you won’t need that many products. Your summer makeup should be as light as possible, in order for your face not to melt down as soon as you get outside. For this reason, you should bring just the essentials such as tinted moisturiser (instead of foundation which will make your face look too cakey), bronzer for sun-kissed skin, black mascara, and your favourite lip gloss or lipstick in bright colour such as coral red or orange. That’s all!

      2.       Don’t Forget Sunscreen

 



 

Needless to say, sunscreen is a huge must-have when it comes to summer vacation, which is why you should slather on it before heading straight to the beach. Products with SPF 30 or higher are recommended, and make sure that they have both UVA and UVB protection. If you are still not convinced of their usefulness, we will just say that these precious creams prevent your skin from premature aging and skin cancer, as well as keep its elasticity and texture. If you haven’t used them yet, it’s high time you started!

 

        3.       Protect Your Hair
 

Your hair, as well as your skin, needs specific protection during hot summer days, particularly because sun rays can damage your dyed hair. UV protectant spray is a must, as well as sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner which don’t contain colour-stripping detergents that are found in other similar products. You should also know that humidity causes frizz in your hair, so be prepared for that, too. There are numerous sprays that are meant for heat-styling which will protect your hair colour from going dull, so make sure that you have them in your beauty arsenal this summer.

         

        4.       Fashion Essentials

 

When it comes to fashion essentials, the situation is pretty clear this summer – maxi dresses and leather gladiator sandals will once again be huge hits on streets all over the globe. A black dress made of lightweight material can really do wonders, especially when combined with layers of gold or silver long necklaces that bring an amazing contrast. Besides that, floral print will once again be very popular among the girls, since it provides the most feminine vibes ever, no matter on which piece you find it. Denim shorts and button downs in some bright colours can be your go-to choices when it comes to evening walks, and such a combo will be easily transformed into a perfect outfit for a crazy night out by adding chunky bracelets and statement necklaces. When it comes to packing, don’t forget to find a perfect luggage or a travel bag. My recommendation is always Antler travel bags. Practical yet stylish!

 

        
        5.       Fabulous Swimwear

 The last and the most important part of your summer vacation is definitely your swimwear, so make sure that you have chosen a bikini that fits your body type in the best possible way. A black one will always do the trick – such a piece is timeless and always trendy. On the other hand, one-piece is making a huge comeback this year, and we can see so many different models – from monochromatic ones, to those with sexy cutouts in vibrant colours. Just don’t forget to pair it up with big floppy hat and funky flip-flops, and you will be good to go! Going through latest swimwear trends is a must when it comes to finding a perfect trendy beach look!

 As you can see, summer is just around the corner and you will have to pack your bags and head straight to some exotic destination with the most fabulous beaches ever. Just try to stick with our vacation guide and you will do just fine – you will inevitably have the time of your life!



 







 

 

 

 

Free People

It all began with a poker game.  It was a warm Spring day in Maine in 2005.  I was on my lunch break at my favorite local Pub on Commercial Street and I had been roped into playing a quick game of poker with my then boyfriend's (now my husband's) friends.  I can't remember the details, but I do remember smoking a bunch of "Old Boys" at their own game and walking away with $200.  My first instinct was to walk across the street and put the money in the bank, but that day I went with my first impulse.  I walked straight up to my favorite boutique, Club 21 and shopped my little heart out.

 

I spent the entire $200 on a new line they carried called, Free People.  In 2005 in Maine, Free People was basically unheard of.  Bohemian had just made it's comeback since the 70's and it embodied everything I loved about fashion.  See, my parents were Hippies and I consider myself a "Free Spirit" (a.k.a. modern day hippie), so boho is a natural style I gravitate towards.  That day, I bought a Free People: dress, jeans, leg warmers and a gauzy top with my poker winnings... which turned into a love affair that will probably last a lifetime.

 

 

Now, Free People is killing it.  Although Club 21 closed shortly after my shopping spree, you can find Free People at most department stores (Macy's, BonTon, Nordstrom, etc.).  With the Bohemian trend going strong, Free people balances comfort with style.  They specialize in pieces that are interchangeable and made for layering until your hearts desire.  They offer a full line of clothing all the way from undergarments to outerwear.  Their clothing is moderately (in my opinion) priced, but if you shop smart, you can hit a sale and get your pieces up to 50% off.

 

 

If you don't already own a million pieces by Free People, you soon will.  I don't see the boho trend going anywhere.  Actually, I see it staying strong for a long time, which means stock up on all the Free People you can.  It's comfortable, high quality clothing that you can pass down to your kids (because we all know that the boho trend will be back).  My Free People denim mini dress can be worn with a pair of tights or leggings in the Fall, a pair of wedge sandals in the summer and I paired it perfectly for Spring with my Chelsea Booties.  It's incredibly versatile and I did score it at a fraction of the original retail price through multiple discounts at Macy's.







Weekend Boss

I've come to terms with the fact that my seven year old is more "Boss" than I am.  Of course I tell him when it's time to go to bed, when he has to do his homework and to scrub behind his ears better in the tub, but it never fails, going outside and playing basketball always trumps a load of laundry.  He wins every time!  We go to Target and I have a list of ten things I need.  We spend five minutes running through the store grabbing the things I need, then spend 30 minutes in the toy isle.  He's just Boss.

To keep up with the Boss, I tend to keep my weekend attire comfortable and casual.  Sneakers are almost essential in keeping up with an active seven year old boy.  He's so fast.  Like, super fast.  He wants to play basketball, then he wants to ride bikes, then he wants to go to the playground and play with friends, etc.  All of this happens before 10am, mind you.  If I was wearing heels, I'd never be able to do all those things.  I can be active and comfortable in sneakers. 



Skinny jeans aren't for everyone, and I get that.  I wear all styles, but I can be my most active and comfortable in my super soft jeggings.  Jeans will never go out of style, as long as you follow the jean-paring-number-one-rule: Balance.  When I wear skinny jeans, I balance my form fitting bottom with a more loose top.  A tight, revealing top with super skinny jeans is out of style.  To compliment a wide-leg or flare jean, a more fitted top or a top with a revealing accent (such as cold shoulders, low cut tops, sheer accents, cropped tops, etc.) is the perfect compliment for a balanced look.



And of course my weekend look isn't complete without my (hat) "reminder to self", who the BOSS really is...  Mike.  Yup, he's still Boss.  Whether you have kids or not, remember to keep your weekend look functional, comfortable and casual.  Your productivity rate goes up when you look and feel good.  Have a great day!

Hat: Some shop in MIAMI
Top: Boutique of Molly
Jeggings: Express
Sneakers: Nike



A Method to the Shopping Madness

You walk into a store for one of two reasons: 1) The name of the store is something you like/recognize, or 2) You like what you see.  I have walked into countless stores that have displays that are inconsistent with their merchandise available.  It's a bit of false advertising if you ask me.  That's why I like to stick to retailers that give you exactly what you see. 

Take this display (above) at H&M, for example.  Even seen from outside the store, front and center are three mannequins tastefully wearing their featured Spring pieces.  If these looks don't make you want to shop at H&M, then nothing will.  They're also smart that they display this line of Spring fashion and then directly behind the display is the merchandise available for sale all on one or two racks.  There's no guessing game.  You like the blouse with the shorts, they're right there... on the same rack.  There is a method to retailers madness.

Not all retailers are as dialed in as H&M, but most of them do have sales associates that can help you find the displayed merchandise you're looking for.  Actually, that's usually why a sales associate is working in retail.  They enjoy helping customers put looks together.  You won't get the personal attention or knowledge of a Personal Shopper, but they will have knowledge of what's in stock and where it's located.

 

Despite the feeling of defeat when you walk out of a store empty handed, the retailer did not intend that.  I always encourage Clients to look up.  Look at the mannequins, look at the merchandise hanging on the walls, look at one section at a time.  The front of the store is going to have the newest featured items.  If there are multiple rooms to the store, each room usually has a fashion theme.  One room will feature contemporary clothing, one room will have casual and the sale or clearance items are usually in the back. 

 

Focus on a room or rack that speaks to you.  When I walk into H&M, I scroll through the front, but usually walk pretty quickly to the back room to their DIVIDED collection.  I would describe it as their "juniors" department, but what it really is, is their more trendy pieces for a fraction of the price of all the featured pieces in the front.  Just a little secret to my followers.  You're welcome.

 

Don't fight the mannequins in stores.  They're just trying to tell you what is new and available inside.  If they speak to you (figuratively I mean.  If they're speaking to you literally, then you're reading the wrong blog), check out the racks around the display.  You may just find an entire adorable outfit all on one rack!  That's shopping success.  If you feel overwhelmed just thinking about it, call me and I'm happy to help you through the shopping madness.  





Nobody's Business Romper

 

It's no secret that I LOVE rompers.  I wear them for almost everything.  High school reunions, weddings, a night out on the town, lunch with the girls... You name it and I've probably done it in a romper.  I mean, let's get real.  Rompers are kind of like a dress, but better.  I love the idea of going into your closet, pulling one piece out and knowing that there's no confusion of whether your pieces coordinate.  I also love that you can run, jump, swing and do a cartwheel in a romper.  You can't do that in a dress.

 

Until now, I would have said that rompers are too playful for work.  A work picnic, maybe, but to actually have a business meeting in a romper?  Traditionally, I would say no.  Well people, I have made a fashion discovery that will change romper limits forever.  It took a boutique called Stay Fierce to show me the error in my ways.  This romper is all business and I felt confident wearing it to a meeting with an executive.

 



 

A few things to keep in mind when shopping for a business romper.  1.) The hem length should be appropriate for an office.  To be honest, the length of the shorts on this romper appear to be a bit short on me, but it's only an optical illusion.  The inseam is at least three inches, but my insanely long legs make it appear to be on the short side.  2.) Your romper should have at least 3/4 sleeves.  If your business romper is sleeveless or short sleeved, wear a blazer or cardigan to cover your shoulders and arms.  3.) Lastly, steer clear of floral print, ruffles or an obnoxious color like bright yellow on a business romper.  Which ironically, is exactly what you SHOULD look for in a weekend romper.

 

For more on rompers, read any of these previous posts (yes, I have seriously blogged about rompers this many times in the past six months):

Is Romper Season Over?

Lace Romper

Evening Romper Look

Reunion Romper

Romper Season

 

A huge thank you to Stay Fierce Boutique for breaking my glass ceiling romper boundaries.  Check out all their amazing pieces at affordable prices HERE.  Use promo code: CHELSEAKRAY for 15% OFF your entire order!  I look forward to many more business and non-business meetings in this awesome romper.

 

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Romper: Stay Fierce Boutique

Heels: Nine West