Casual Friday

I LOVE Friday's! My favorite part is planning out fun activities for the weekend. Recently I've been working every weekend, and although I'm very excited about all of my current projects, I think it's time for a little self-indulgence. So far on my list: Friday night dinner and a movie, Saturday farmers market, hiking in Marin, and relaxing!

Itsola Top, Diesel Jeans, Vintage Bracelets 

Another great thing about Fridays is being able to break away from the typical business attire required during the rest of the work week. Our office is pretty casual, but I tend to notice that Fridays in the city just seem a bit more relaxed than Monday-Thursday.

With every outfit versatility is key, especially in San Francisco where the weather can change at the drop of a hat. This outfit, when paired with a blazer and peep toes is perfect for a day at the office; add a little sparkle and remove the blazer and you're ready for dinner and a night out. One addition is the oversized handbag that carries it all, and ensures that you will be ready for just about anything.

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

xoxo, Chelsea

Leftover Love

A little over two years ago the store Leftovers opened in the neighborhood by my office. Since then I have been a frequent visitor. Leftovers is a fantastic consignment furnishings store filled with endless treasures for your home, office or any space that could use a little TLC. Just last week they moved into the first floor of our office building. I am anticipating that this will be my new lunch spot... less eating, more browsing.

They have just about any type of furnishing you could ask for, from birdcages, to vintage scales, mirrors, vases, couches, tables, artwork, etc. I like to go in with my camera and take pictures for inspiring new furniture arrangements and fun DIY ideas. This particular image reminds me of one of my best friends, Ashley. She loves everything related to birds, and this vintage birdcage would look great in her apartment!

I fell head over heels in love with this chesterfield leather loveseat! Isn't it gorgeous!?

I also have a soft spot for vintage typewriters. They always remind me of my Grandmother, who just recently celebrated her 99th birthday! She still insists on sending notes and letters typed on her old typewriter, which I love and save every single one.

I also LOVE the Louis Ghost Chair and dream of one day having a dining room filled with them.

Tonight, Leftovers is having their grand opening from 5-9 pm on Van Ness in between Pine and Bush. If you live in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking this place out, it's definitely one of my favorites in the city. For those of you not in the area you can check out the online shop here.

Happy hunting!

Blazers, Buttons & BRITEX

For those of you who live in the Bay Area and haven't been to Britex Fabrics, I highly recommend the trip! For any designer, sewer or the DIYer, Britex is FOUR amazing floors of fabrics, buttons, ribbon, lace and more. If you are in search of inspiration for your latest creative project, look no further, Britex has it all! Out-of-towners don't fret, the online store is stocked with more options than you could possible want, and check out their blog for some project tutorials and DIY inspiration!

I was recently there this past weekend on the prowl for buttons to add to a new,  yet slightly warn blazer that I scored at my local consignment shop. The blazer is fabulous, however, the floral buttons it came with... not so much. After further inspection I am 99% sure that these were not the original buttons, so I didn't feel the least bit of guilt when removing them.

I probably could have spent days scouring the third flood of this button-like kingdom for the perfect set of buttons, however, I had a pretty good idea of what I was looking for when I arrived. When I spotted the little gems on the very top shelf I knew it was a match made in heaven.

Now that my project is complete I am super excited to pair my revamped Moschino Cheap and Chic blazer with just about everything!

I've also been searching though my closet in search of other pieces that need some "reworking" or could use a little button makeover. It's definitely cheaper than any other form of retail therapy. What are your favorite DIY projects or ways to spruce up an old fashion favorite?

The Perfect Shade of Green

Although I consider myself a lover of all things fashion related I almost always gravitate towards certain pieces for my closet. These are generally pieces that have a unique or vintage touch, and just a hint of femininity. I have recently become very aware of the fact that this same recipe also applies to the pieces I choose for my apartment. In addition to the quirky classics I live in and among, I am drawn towards shades of green and blue. I can't help but be pulled in by the occasional bright green dress; it's an item constantly on my wish list. SO, as you probably guessed, when I came across this little number, at Anthropologie, I wasn't going to walk away empty handed.

I love the silky flow of this dress and the color is truly amazing! It's another bright spot in the closet.

 Paired with a braided leather belt, brass leaf cuff, and a summery straw hat, this outfit was perfect for a Sunday stroll this past weekend. I also find that bright pops of color added throughout the week tend to make me smile just a little brighter. What styles or colors do you find dominating your closet these days?

Green Anthropologie dress,Linea Pelle belt, Target sun hat, Fancy French Cologne cuff, and vintage rings

Coins n' Coral

I have been living in long skirts this season! I think with a smaller frame this can sometimes be a tricky trend to pull off... let's face it, at 5' 2 3/4'' (every little bit counts) I need all the help I can get. Enter heels, platforms and wedges, the perfect accessory for the long skirt, and every "vertically challenged" girl's best friend!

This particular skirt is my new favorite from America Apparel, seen here. I love the coral color! I think it may very well be the brightest piece of clothing I own. Paired with a simple white tee (from J.Crew) it's the perfect amount of fancy casual for a warm summer day in the city.

American Apparel Skirt & Belt, J.Crew tee, Handmade Jewelry

The jewelry featured here is also new and part of the collection that will soon be featured in a store on this site. This particular piece, of vintage silver coins, is currently one of my favorites. I can't wait to share all of my new creations with everyone!

NOWNESS featuring Elle Fanning: Rodarte's Muse

Elle Fanning: Rodarte's Muse on Nowness.com.

I am loving the cinematography in this film! Ethereal and slightly aged; reminds me of my childhood. If only my childhood involved wearing Rodarte. Ahhh a girl can dream...

Check out more here.

Fancy Flats on State

Every year around the second or third weekend in July there is a HUGE sale on State St. in Madison called Maxwell Street Days. I have participated in this event for several years now and I always walk away with several shopping bags and a smile on my face. Although the heat is usually killer, this year being no different, the deals, the atmosphere and the company always make it worth the trip!

Braving the sale early Friday morning on State Street; before the crowds. 

Sometimes, I try to go into this event with a list of items that I am looking for, but if you have ever been shopping (especially with me) you would know that rarely works. This year I went in search of long skirts, summer dresses, sweaters (for the chilly San Francisco summers) and as always, new shoes. To my amazement I arrived home after a few hours with ALL of these items, and a few others, crossed off my list!

One place I always make sure to stop by when I am home is Bop. The only store and the beginning of Shopbop.com located just off State St. is a must see for any fashion lover. During this particular weekend there may be a line running outside the store, so I'd recommend padding a little extra time into your trip.

I can't wait to share all of my new finds in the weeks to come! In the meantime here is a sneak peek at my two new pair of shoes. 

The search for the perfect pair of black flats has been long, but totally worth it! I am in love with my very sparkly new pair of Kelsi Dagger Luvy ballet flats and I hope you are as shocked as I am when I tell you that this was my most expensive purchase of the day at $52!

Although I didn't find any new heels, I think these are still quite fabulous, and very practical for walking in San Francisco. I am notorious for carrying extra pairs of shoes in my oversized purse for walking around the city.

I scored this amazing pair of Sam Edelman flats for a mere $15 at another one of my favorite stores in Madison, Karen & Co. and Sassafras. You can check them out here.

All in all it was a successful year for Maxwell Street Days!

Cheers to the Millers!

As I previously mentioned, this past weekend I was in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. One of the main reasons for my visit was to attend the wedding of a very dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jessica 'Luetke' Miller. Jessica and I have been friends since elementary school, so you can imagine how touched I was to be a part of this special day. To add to the excitement Jessica asked me to design the jewelry for the big day, to which I responded with an enthusiastic YES!

Having only seen a picture of the dress I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of options for the bride to choose from to complete her look. The end result was a beautiful strand of fresh water pearls and swarovski crystals, with earrings to match. The set complimented the dress perfectly!

These pictures don't do my friend justice; she was absolutely stunning! Cheers to one of my very best friends and her new husband! I wish you a lifetime of health and happiness! 

xoxo, Chels

Just a little sparkle

Handmade jewelry for a very special occasion!

For the last few weeks I have been hard at work in my tiny corner studio working on a very exciting project! I can't wait to share; more to come tomorrow!

The Thief in Heels

My sister is notorious for raiding my closet. I brought this dress home to Madison, and before I knew it, she was wearing it! Although I have to hand it to her, it looks amazing and she has great style!

This Aqua eyelet black dress from Bloomingdales is paired with a purse from T.J. Maxx and vintage bracelets and her own heels. So, does she rock it or what?