Instagram Catch Up

It's been a while since my last post, so I thought I'd recap what I've been up to through a collection of my Instagram photos (follow me at chelsea_ray).

*a fun downtown backdrop*

*yesterday's thrifting haul: a 1950's train case/ makeup case 

& a jewel toned bottle and purse*

*perfect flat white from Caffe Luxxe*

*the beginning stages of our upcoming etsy shop*

*looking up at the ornate mayan theater ceiling*


*a new favorite:
green tea boba with a splash of coconut
from Urth Caffe*

House Proud

Nate Berkus has a segment on his show that goes by the same title as this post, and each time I watch I can't help but wish our little apartment had been chosen. So instead of just waiting, I've taken matters into my own hands by showing through pictures some details and nooks of our space. It's still a work in progress, but it's a space that I'm very proud to call our own.

 

How To: Achieve the Madewell Look With Your Existing Wardrobe

While thumbing through the latest Madewell catalog, I loved every piece, every outfit and styling choice. The store sums up my personal style in a nutshell: simple.classic.vintage.chic (at least that's what I strive for). Another thing occurred to me though, I had a lot of very similar pieces in my closet. It was just a matter of piecing them together to create the "madewell look". Here was my process.
 *Sidenote: Most items seen are thrifted and were less than $5, which I couldn't be more proud of.*

Start with pulling out oxford shirts, button-downs, cardigans and sweaters. Move onto bottoms. Pull out khakis, boyfriend and skinny jeans, and jean shorts. Use the catalog as a guide as you sift through your own closet.

 

Madewell has a big selection of silk tops with bright spring colors and patterns. In my own closet, I had collected several while thrifting (all under $5). Remember to cuff up sleeves, tie front knots and make small alterations to keep it on trend and less boxy.

Layer pieces together:

Sweaters over button-ups. Denim shirts over printed dresses.

Tuck bib necklaces under a collar too.

Don't forget the shoes.

Oxfords, Toms, Keds style (thrifted) & patent leather flats

 

Add on finishing touches with printed scarves,

 long pendant necklaces, 

& bib necklaces

Love for Anthro

Today's trip to Anthropologie got me giddy with excitement as I searched through all the home decor and clothing. The appeal to me is the vintage aesthetic that emanates throughout like an ideal flea market of treasures. From the bins of little knobs to a delicately textured pea-coat, I'm in love with it all. The crossover from home to wardrobe is seamless and these items are no exception in their apparent similarities.

Orange blouse & linen wingback chair

Turquoise peep-toes & lace knob

Yellow ascot coat & curtains

Dotted tie blouse & wallpaper

Make-up A Title

I'll admit that my makeup routine tends to stay the same throughout the year. I'm a creature of habit, pulling out the same lip-gloss, pink blush, and neutral eyeshadow quad with slight variations here and there. After doing some prep in my closet, I turned to see if there were any forgotten makeup gems that fell in sync with Fall beauty trends. Among my finds were berry and wine lipsticks, dusky rose blushes, and shadows in metallic silvers, purples and greens.

ripe papaya, rich berry & sugar honey by Estee Lauder

Armani crystal palette, purple/green Revlon quad,
silver metallic Bobbi Brown shade in Rockstar

Mac Powder Blush in Buff & Estee Lauder in Desert

Home Surroundings

Over the weekend, I stayed mainly at home which gave me a chance to admire the little nooks and details around me. I love making simple change-ups on a mantle, setting aside pieces I want to wear during the week, and having my reading books all set by the bed. Enjoy a peek into what surrounds me on a daily basis!

As the Sun Goes Down

For the past week, I've been trying to shift my outfit choices into the Fall season. Since Mother Nature isn't quite cooperating, my only realistic option is throwing on a jacket towards the end of the day as it cools down. With the simplest of outfits, I love to add-on vintage jewels and a unique bag for a little added touch of sparkle and texture.

(thrifted Limited denim jacket, Gap print tie blouse,
F21 khakis, Boutique 9 oxford flats, thrifted bag, &
vintage necklace and bangles, MK gold watch)