Be a Light
Monday, April 7th, 2014
I know it’s Monday, but maybe while you’re running on coffee fumes and doing stuffy grown-up things, you should take a moment to look for the way your insurance agent’s eyes light up when you bring up the fact that he’s committed thirty-eight years of his life to his company. He might go on to tell you about the Vietnam war or the gas station he bought just because he didn’t know what to do with his life after college. Bring up Spring Break to your middle aged dentist and listen for his nostalgic tone as he recalls his trip to Padre where he almost died. Go to a local coffee shop and tell cat jokes to the barista. Ask about the baked goods that his aunt makes for the shop. Watch his soft smile catch up to his eyes. Try to imagine how his wife sees him. Look for what she saw when she first knew she loved him. Order a cup of something that sounds exotic. Who cares if the drink tastes good, as long as you love the flavor of the words slipping off your tongue. Compliment a stranger on your way out, and catch the first three seconds you’ll ever see them. These are my favorite seconds. The most genuine ones. Unguarded and pure.
I guess my point is, people only expect you to see the parts of them that they put on display for you: the parts they think you’ll like. But all of these tiny glimpses of their world, the parts we tend to overlook, they’re the only important ones. The increments between seconds are the haunting ones. Humans are so lovely. Try to make each one feel special today. Because they are. You are. Don’t forget that each one of us carries so much more than office jobs or coffee. It’s a wonderful day to be alive. That’s how I feel today. Like I found a fragment of myself in every little thing. Hence the bright blues and polka dots.
I hope you feel the light.
And I hope you spread the light.
And I hope you spread the light.
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Top: Nasty Gal
Shoes: Nasty Gal
Skirt: Mod Cloth (Similar)
Floral
Thursday, April 3rd, 2014
The week is halfway over and the weather is still nice! *knocks on wood* Bet you weren’t expecting florals for spring! HA. This babydoll dress is literally my favorite. It’s so easy and comfy. There are so many different ways you can take it. I’ve been wearing it CONSTANTLY through the warm weather as well as the cold. I can dress it down with a necklace, flats, and a bow for a more girly look or dress it up with tights and a fun leather bomber for a more edgy look. I’ve just been completely obsessing over babydolls and tights since fall, honestly. And my Jeffrey Campbell Litas may look intimidating, but they are seriously the comfiest shoes ever. They go with absolutely everything. What’s better than COMFORTABLE killer heels? I’m so thankful for all of the opportunities and smiles this week has brought me! The fact that anyone takes the time to look at my new little blog amazes me. I hope you know how loved you are. Exciting news coming soon!
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Dress: American Apparel
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Over-the-knee tights: American Apparel
Necklace: (similar)
Ring: (similar)
Harry Potter
Sunday, March 30th, 2014
Things my blog followers probably don’t know about me, because not many people know that outside of taking selfies and shopping I actually have a real life. Well kinda. I’m a straight up nerd. I went to space camp. I read my neuroscience textbooks for fun. I keep boxes of journals under my bed. I love Harry Potter. So I decided it would be kinda fun to bring the characters from one of my favorite series into the modern fashion world. I really love a challenge and I especially love combining all of my peculiar and seemingly irrelevant interests. Of course up first is Harry himself. Harry is one of the easiest to style in my opinion. For some reason I feel like Harry Potter would be modernly grungy. I like the sweater because of the rust red Gryffindor feel, honestly. If you recognize the symbol on my shirt, lets be friends. I have attachment issues with my clothes so when I get bored with them, instead of throwing them out, I start cutting and refashioning them until they’re my favorites again. That’s how these jeans were reborn. Can any of you guess which character is up next?!
PS- my cat is featured in this post because Harry has Hedwig and I have Friskey. (Another thing my blog friends don’t know is I’m a cat lady.)
Have a great weekend, muggles.
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Cardigan: Forever 21
Tank top: Etsy
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (Urban Outfitters)
Jeans: Bullhead jeans that I cut up
Beanie: Urban Outfitters
Dog tag: My step dad’s legit Vietnam tag
Bracelet: Gift from a friend (Similar here)
Hats off to Spring
Friday, March 28th, 2014
Between planning trips, the next school year, and fighting off sickness all week I haven’t felt much like looking like a decent human being. But despite this midwest wind and my lack of effort, spring calls for hats, sunnies, and red lips! This is my favorite lazy-look. All I have to do is swipe on some lipstick, grab my hat and glasses, and I’m out the door! Insta-glam to hide my tired eyes. I won’t let the stress win. I want to have my cake and eat it too! Hats off to the end of the week!
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Dress: (similar)
Hat: Forever 21
Sunnies: Forever 21 (Very similar)
Details
Wednesday, March 26th, 2014
After being home sick for what feels like an eternity, I had so much fun playing with textures today trying to live up to the quote on my newest necklace; “What you have caught on film is captured forever. It remembers little things long after you have forgotten everything.” Made With Love Jewelry does such a good job capturing these little things into jewelry that I took 163 pictures trying to do the details justice. Everyone knows I’m detail oriented and personal touches are everything to me, so when my necklace came in the mail, I was thrilled to see the adorable signature charm right by the clasp! I’ve been wearing this necklace with everything. It’s small enough to go with a multitude of outfits, but big enough to complete them. I’m obsessed with everything in Shana’s Etsy shop! As I mentioned in a previous post, I can’t get over how truly whimsical and romantic her pieces are. Not only can you find this necklace HERE, but you can customize the color of your rose and even the quote. In fact, most of Shana’s pieces are customizable! I’m definitely looking forward to purchasing more! I have her social media links below. Follow for amazing giveaways/discounts and first-looks at everything Made With Love Jewelry has to offer!
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This review is my 100% honest opinion.
xxx,
Chantel
Pale Pink Spring
Saturday, March 22nd, 2014
It’s been a hectic week, but a nice one. Can you believe it’s officially spring?!?! I couldn’t be happier. I love how crisp the colors in this outfit are! I was lucky to find this pale pink blazer for $20 at Maurices. I couldn’t pass it up! I’m also loving my new heels from Nasty Gal’s Shoe Cult collection.
I’m also excited about this collaboration with Made With Love Jewelry! I’ve had my eye on her beautiful creations for awhile now! Everything she makes is so whimsical and romantic. The necklace that I chose says “What you have caught on film is captured forever. It remembers the little things long after you have forgotten everything.” It features a camera charm and a customizable rose charm. It’s absolutely perfect for me! Just my style. She can customize any piece of jewelry just for you. You can tell how much effort and passion she puts into each one. (I have a special blog post just for her coming up this weekend!)
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Blazer: Maurices (On sale!)
Clutch: Maurices
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Nasty Gal
Necklace: Made With Love
St. Patrick’s Day
Tuesday, March 18th, 2014
I didn’t exactly wear green on St. Paddy’s day, please don’t yell at me. Mint and white has been my favorite color combination for the past few weeks! Actually, white and any pastel really. I was really enjoying the playful and carefree vibe of this outfit! It was definitely inspired by my little niece coming to visit me this week. I can’t exactly keep up with her in heels, unfortunately. We celebrated St. Paddy’s accordingly with Lucky Charms and half priced Sonic cheeseburgers. I hope you all had a fantastic start to your week as well!
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Overalls: American Apparel
Top: American Apparel
Shoes: Converse
Seven Days of Hair
Sunday, March 16th, 2014
Day 1: Boho Braids
Simple never looked so romantic. Part your hair down the middle, make two french braids secured with elastics. Loosen, and wrap around like your head like a crown, pinning to opposite sides.
Day 2: Faux Bob
Easy way to change up your long locks without impulsively chopping! It only took me around twenty minutes. The link to the YouTube tutorial I used is below.
Day 3: Bows & Curls
When in doubt, I tend to throw my hair up in a ponytail, curl the ends the same way, brush it through, and add my favorite bow. It’s an easy way to add a feminine element on the go!
Day 4: Relaxed waves
Before I blowdry, I like to use a texturizing mousse because I have very fine hair. Curl hair away from your face in one inch sections, and brush through when cool!
Day 5: Fishtail
There is nothing better on a spring day than a sassy remix of a classic braid. If you don’t know how to fishtail, I have a YouTube link below!
Day 6: Sock Bun
Talk about a Pinterest classic! When I was little my mum always did my hair like this before ballet. In about two minutes, you can have a clean, sophisticated undo. If you haven’t heard about the sock bun, I’ve linked a video tutorial below.
Day 7: Side Twist
I love this hairstyle because you can wear it
casually, or you can dress it up. Part your hair
on the side, and start making a twist. Pin under
the rest of your hair and secure it all with an elastic.
Curl at the ends with a large barrel iron.
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Faux bob tutorial here
Fishtail tutorial here
Sock bun tutorial here
Thrifty Find Friday
Saturday, March 15th, 2014
Spring break is officially here! After a LONG week of stressful tests, it was really nice to run last minute errands and go on a quick coffee date with my mum in an easy-going outfit with a total value of a mere $44. each piece I’m wearing is well under $25!! With a slight chiffon remix of the classic white button up, it’s easy to stay feminine while still maintaining a clean cut look. The funniest thing about this outfit… My little niece stayed over at my house last weekend and left a pair of jeans. They had flowers on them, so of course I tried them on, and they fit! It turned out, they were from the children’s section at Walmart for only $6. Never turn away from the unexpected. Let it embrace you.
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Jeans: Walmart
Flats: Payless
Top: Old (Similar)
Spring Fever
Thursday, March 13th, 2014
I’m loving this weather! It’s time to stop stressing about last minute tests and start celebrating the fact that this is the last week before spring break. Is there a better way of forgetting your troubles than with pastels, circle skirts, and ruffles? I think not. (The Ben & Jerry’s I’m currently eating sure doesn’t hurt either.) I really adore springtime fashion. Carefree EVERYTHING. Maybe it’s just because I’m lazy and can look at least semi put together with very little effort. HA! I hope you’re all enjoying your own prepping for Spring Break! xxx
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Skirt: Forever 21 (Similar)
Top: Forever 21 (Similar)
Earrings: Vintage (Similar)
Shoes: Forever 21 (Smiliar)
Lace bralette: Forever 21
Wondering & Wandering