Chelsea's Style Inspiration: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

via

I believe a style icon walks their own path, takes risks and always stays true to them-self. I'm not sure I can think of any two who do this better than Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. They are constantly pushing the envelope and walking that fine trendsetter line. They are both criticized and praised by the media, as most celebrities are, yet it doesn't seem to phase them.

Not only are they always impeccably dressed but they are extremely successful business entrepreneurs at the top of their game.

I'll admit, I wasn't always a fan of the Olsen twins (a.k.a. MKA)... After years of watching their movies over and over again, often three times in a row, on our road trips to Florida thanks to my little sister, HEELS, I grew tired of them.

But my love for these two and their style came back ten fold once they began making their mark in the world of fashion. I can't think of two who better exemplify my pillars of style; confidence, class, comfort and courage. In my opinion they can do no wrong, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two stylish sisters!

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

xx, C

via

via

via

via

via, via

via

via, via

via, via

via

via

via, via

LOAFER LOVE

As much as we LOVE our heels, some days call for a shoe that's a little easier on our tootsies... Enter the lovely loafer! We love all the great colors and patterns these fabulous flats come in, and we're having a hard time deciding just which ones will make the closet cut.

Which ones are your favorite?

 Lines 1 & 2: Charles Philip, Line 3: Gap (1, 2, 3), Line 4, Joie, Dolce Vita, Rebecca Minkoff

Abby's Style Inspiration: Blair Waldorf

via, via

As many of my friends, family, and twitter followers know, I’ve only recently hopped on the Gossip Girl bandwagon. I’m well aware that I’m about four years late on catching up, and the show may have hit its peak somewhere around the middle of season three. But who cares? The most alluring aspect of the show is the fashion, and I think everyone can agree that it gets better with every episode. Can any one guess my favorite prep school fashionista? Probably. The honor goes to the one and only Blair Waldorf.

 via, via 

via, via

Where to begin... the dresses? The shoes? The headbands? In the entire 112 episodes I've never seen her repeat so much as a pair of stockings. I can’t get over how incredible she looks no matter what's on her agenda. Whether it's bed, school, scheming, shopping, or a party, Blair looks fabulous every step of the way.

via, via

via, via

The always exciting fashion in this show has made me long for a style that’s not often seen in the Midwest. Fortunately, I can always tune in to the old Netflix account to get a taste of what I’m missing.

“xoxo”
-A

via, via

A little bit country...

As the rest of the country is rising in temperature, it remains a cool 60 to 70 degrees here in San Francisco, and when that fog rolls in you'd better believe I'm ready. Boots and tights the summer may seem a bit crazy, but trust me, they are necessary for survival in this coastal city by the bay.

Dress: Rag and Bone, Boots: Banana Republic, Tights: Hue

Despite what people might think, growing up in the Midwest (for me anyway) did not mean farm living... This outfit is just about as country as I get. My obsession with boots, and denim and hats aside, I'm a city girl at heart.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

xx, C

Short Story

I'm obsessed with a little known store called Zara, and I can't believe I only just discovered it this Spring in London! Minnesota girls problems I guess...

You can imagine my excitement when Chelsea informed me that Zara is also in San Francisco! Needless to say, we were at the store within minutes; spending money like it was our job.

Shorts: Zara, Jacket: Vince (borrowed from Chels), Top: American Apparel, Shoes: ZigiSoho, Necklace: Francesca's

I found these shorts and fell in love instantly. I've wanted a pair of crochet/lace shorts since last Summer but I was worried that they were a just a little too trendy for me... Well, "go big or go home," I always say. But here's a little trick I've learned, when I'm concerned about not being able to "pull off" that trendy piece, I opt for it in a basic/neutral color. That way it works with almost anything, it's an easier transition and you'll be more likely to wear it if it's not staring at you like a beacon in your closet!

Most importantly, remember that confidence is all you need to pull of a new article from your closet! p.s Check out Zara's summer sale on now!

Happy Shopping!
xx, A

Luci Bell Giveaway Wrap-up + Wednesday's Wishlust!

We can't thank all of you enough for your support and wonderful comments about our new jewelry line! We really wish we could giveaway a piece to each and every one of you, unfortunately that would deplete our inventory...

So on to the winners! We'd like to congratulate Kimberly R. and Hannah Jablonski on winning a piece of Luci Bell Jewelry! We will be contacting you both later today!

Don't forget to check out the rest of our line here, and check back for new designs to come in the next few weeks! And who knows there maybe be a few more giveaways in our future.

Here's this weeks Wish Lust's to spark your stylish side and maybe your shopping list!

1. Alice + Olivia - One Shoulder Flowy Top

2. Topshop - Asymmetric Studded Clutch

3. Tibi - Nicola Asymmetrical Skirt

4. Topshop - Scratchy Abstract Ring

5. BCBG - Avery Asymmetrical Dress

1. Helmut Lang - Lyra Applique Blouse

2.45G Womens Croc Print Clutch

3. Helmut Lang - Slack Asymmetrical Skirt

4. Belle Noel - Asymmetrical Diamond Shape Ring

5. Nasty Gal - Domi Asymmetric Dress

Happy Hump Day, Everyone!

xx, C + A

Summer Sale + Last Chance Giveaway!

I am a sucker for a sale; always have been always will be! So I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all in on a (widely known) fact! There are SUMMER SALES going on everywhere!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces on sale now at Shopbop! Get em' quick before their gone!

1. Milly - Kelsey Leather Mini Bag
2. Jeunesse - Fanny Sleeveless Blouse
3. Parker - Lapel Wrap Dress
4. Pour La Victoire - Fabia X Band Sandals
5. Thakoon Addition - Sport Short
6. Kelly Wearstler - Numa Print Dress

What's better than a sale you ask?! FREE STUFF! and today is the last day of our jewelry giveaway (enter here before midnight PST)! We will be announcing the winners in tomorrows post! So get your entries in ASAP!

Here are the two pieces we will be giving away:

Chevron Crystal Necklace

Chevron Necklace

Good luck to you all and happy shopping!

xx, C

Polk-a-dotted

I've always had a thing for Polk-a-dots, so this dress and I were made to be! I love sheer element in the top and classic pleats in the skirt. I find it to be the perfect combination of femininity and sexiness.

 

Dress: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J. Crew, Heels: Charles Jourdan, Hat: Banana Republic, 

Necklace: Luci Bell Jewelry Designs

I'm also obsessed with the Chevron detailing popping up all over. The design inspired a few of the pieces in our new jewelry line, seen here. Don't forget to enter our giveaway, tomorrow is the last day!

 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

xx, Chelsea 

YIKES STRIPES!

Summer staples for Heels and Sunkissed Curls: White pants, silk stripe tops and (of course) HEELS!

Abby: Jeans - Gap, Top - line & dot*, Heels - Elizabeth and James* (*borrowed from Chelsea)

Check out our striped wall post here and for the DIY we used here! Also, don't forget to enter our jewelry giveaway and check out our store!

Chelsea: Jeans - AG Jeans, Top - The Addison Story, Heels - Charles Jourdan

As much as I love these pics, I'm a little sad to post them... These were the last photos HEELS and I took while she was in San Francisco; it just reminds me how far apart we are...

I think this means a trip to the Twin Cities is in order!

Hope you all had a great week and enjoy the weekend! Happy Friday!

xx, C

Pizza, Sunny Side Up!

I have never considered myself to be a great cook, for a few reasons. First, my patience tends to run thin in the kitchen, and second, I prefer experimenting to recipe following. As a result, for several years I stuck to the basics for meals, but after moving to the city by the bay I became quite the foodie. Let's face it, with the amazing restaurants and local flavors the Bay Area has to offer how could you not. 

via SF Gate

One of my favorite places & dishes to indulge in is Pizzeria Delfina's Purgitorio (not always on the menu, but always available). It boosts a spicy tomato sauce, freshly shaved slices of pecorino-romano cheese, and two farm fresh eggs cracked over the thin pie crust half way through its time in the oven. If you're a local (or visitor) this is a must eat, if you're not, well that sucks... Maybe give this a try.

Since I like to experiment, I decided to try a version of this for myself, and I must say I was very pleased with the end result. 

Here's how things went down:

What I used:

Vicolo Organic Corn Meal Pizza Crust

Trader Joe's Traditional Marinara Sauce

Garlic (optional)

Red pepper flakes

Fresh baby spinach

Fresh mozzarella

Freshly ground pepper

Fresh grated parmesan cheese

Two eggs

1. Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees

2. Sauce on crust

3. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, spinach

4. Thinly slice four pieces of mozzarella and add to crust

5. Add ground pepper & parmesan cheese

6. Crack eggs over pizza

7. Bake for 10 min*

8. Add your choice of spices to taste (i.e. Red pepper flakes, parmesan)

8. Eat, enjoy!

* Egg white should be, well white and yoke will be runny

Although one of the eggs got slightly over cooked it was still delicious, and so simple! Now I'm only a few steps away from some great Yelp reviews!

Happy Thursday, All! 

xx, Chef Chelsea