Fashion Forward Fridays: Super Bowl Attire

I don't know if you guys have noticed, but I LOVE football. Specifically, Steelers football, but since my boys didn't do their best this season, this Superbowl means nothing to me. However, Fashion Forward Fridays must go on and today's post is for those of you who are either hosting or going to a Superbowl party! These outfits are for those of you, like me, who are not actually fans of either team, so you might not have any of their merchandise but you don't want to completely miss out on the vibe of the evening, so pick which team you like best and let these outfit inspirations guide you!

This first outfit is for the team I will be cheering for Sunday night, the Seattle Seahawks. Eric likes to call Seattle the Pittsburgh of the West coast, and I wouldn't mind actually living there one day, sounds good to me! And of course, I like their team colors best so, let's go Seahawks! This look would be easy to put together because who doesn't have something green and navy blue in their closet?

The Denver Broncos are slightly harder to cheer for if you don't follow this team, because their specific shade of orange isn't the most popular color so it might be harder for you to mimic. However, as long as something orange is on you, I think the true Broncos fans at your party will let it pass. Also, navy blue will be easy enough to make up for it.

Whichever route you decide to go, or if you actually follow either of these teams, just have fun! Also, be sure to keep your look casual, because this is football, not the prom, no need to go all out with your wardrobe on a night like this. Above all, enjoy the company, allow yourself to pig out a bit, swoon over Bruno Mars during halftime, and of course laugh and cry during the best commercials of the year. Have a great weekend!

Chels Wears: Flannel & Lace

Lace Tank: American Eagle | Lace Scarf & Belt: Unknown | Ring, Bracelets & Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Flannel: WalMart | Jeans & Cardigan: JCPenney | Boots: Payless

Oh hey, -12, but feels like, -29 degree weather! I hate your stinkin' guts. Seriously though, how are some of you ladies going outside and standing out there until you get pictures that are worthy of putting on your blog? Not so much over here, especially since I have to convince my photographer (aka: my brother) to go outside with me. But, plus side of living with your brother, who is a pastor...living in a house that is connected to a church that has a lot of little spaces to take pictures in. Like this cute little library! The library in this church is actually quite extensive, which is impressive to me. It's actually divided up by sections of genre and people from the church donate books to be checked out there. Does anyone else have a library like this in their church because it seems like an amazing idea to me.

In other news, my brother would also like for me to tell all of you that this flannel shirt is his. So, hey everyone, this is Eric's shirt. To be fair, I bought it for him for his birthday and I asked permission before stealing it for the day. I just have a beef with women's flannels because most of the ones that I have and see in stores are not real flannel. They are really just plaid and are not of the flannel material that actually keeps you warm. Ain't nobody got time for that! It feels like -29 degrees outside, I need a real flannel!

Hope you all are staying warm! 

Completely Polished: A New Generation of Nail Salons

Left: Owner, Jen, braving the cold for this picture. | Right: The pedicure bar.

The finished product - these look more gold in person.

Last week I was invited to check out the newest nail salon in the Pittsburgh area, just opened in November. And since I was already heading towards the city to visit MJ and go to his friend's wedding, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get my nails done.

In the past, I have not always had the greatest experiences with nail salons, and because of that I tend to shy away from going unless it's for a special occasion. But honestly, my experience with Completely Polished has changed my opinion on what a nail salon experience should be like. All of the salons I have gone to in the past were because of their convenient location or their cheap prices on my college kid budget. I never liked any based on atmosphere and the only salon that I actually liked based on the service was in a WalMart, not the best of experiences, am I right? So when I got this invite from Jen, the owner of Completely Polished, I was a bit hesitant until I arrived.

Completely Polished is located in the heart of Cranberry, and is the cleanest salon I have ever been to. It didn't have that, "I just walked into a nail place and now can't breathe" scent to it, probably because they use natural polishes and do not offer acrylics and it just felt different from any place I've been before. Which is really important to me so I don't feel like I'm breathing in harmful chemicals and slowly hurting my lungs just by getting my nails done. While I was there for the "Completely Polished Manicure" they have multiple manicure, pedicure, and waxing services available, as well as, combo specials and private party options. I could not recommend Completely Polished enough. I loved the style and feel of the salon, the all female owned and operated staff were talented and friendly, and I just loved that everything was actually clean and made me feel beautiful and welcomed, just from walking in the door. There's also complementary wine and coffee! Who wouldn't want that kind of experience in a nail salon? I highly suggest that if you are close enough to make it to Cranberry, then make an appointment at Completely Polished as soon as possible.

Completely Polished

20325 Route 19

Cranberry Township, Pa 16066

(Next to Monte Cello's)

724.591.5818

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 10AM-8PM

Sunday NOON-6PM

Facebook | Twitter

This is a sponsored post, I received a free manicure, but as always all opinions are my own.

Chels Wears: Presents from MJ

Dress & Coat: WalMart | Shoes: Charlotte Russe | Clutch: Thrifted

You know how people say that you shouldn't let your man tell you how to dress? Well, those people don't have boyfriends like MJ. Honestly, there is not a piece of this look that I don't love. Although my coat is a gift from my mom, I can only personally take credit for my clutch (which was thrifted) and these heels, that I bought while shopping with MJ. What can I say, he's my part-time stylist! He gave me this dress for Christmas (along with a stunning bag that is not pictured) and this necklace I'm sporting. I cannot tell you where the beautiful ring or necklace came from, since MJ has his lips sealed about that. All I know is that the ring was a gift for my Master's graduation and has Swarovski crystals and the necklace was made by a friend of his just for me for Christmas. He's the best!

MJ and I went to a wedding on Saturday for a friend of his from high school and this was what I wore. These pictures aren't the greatest because they were taken on his iPhone while we were waiting for a serious white-out to pass so we could make it to the reception safely. We did, by the way.

So here's the real question...would you let your man be your part-time stylist? haha

Also, today is the LAST DAY to enter the writtenforyou giveaway!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Pantone Color of the Year

I know as a "fashion blogger" I am behind the times on posting about the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014, but, to be honest, it's because I haven't really decided if I like this color or not. I can honestly only think of one item in my closet that would be considered "Radiant Orchid" which is my beloved puppy skirt, but besides that I don't know if I would buy something in this color. I guess stores are just going to have to work harder to get me to buy from them...at least something in Radiant Orchid. To make me start to accept this color and possibly incorporate it into my wardrobe, here is a Fashion Forward Fridays look at the 2014 color of the year: Radiant Orchid!

I made this first look based around a totally different dress at first and then when I was all finished, I realized that dress was really just purple. If you follow me on Polyvore, you would have seen a sexier work look for about an hour, which was promptly edited to this set. The only thing that stayed the same between the two sets was that watch, because who wouldn't like to have that beauty?

This casual look is my favorite. To the point that I wish I was wearing this exact outfit right now. A girl can dream, right!? I think that colored denim will be the easiest way for me to accept this color, because I am all about colored pants. And this just looks so cozy and on trend. This might even be my favorite set I ever made on Polyvore, with a close second being my Everyday Leather look.

Finally, I wanted to mix it up a bit by creating a flirty night out look. And with this one, I was okay with the dress not being all Radiant Orchid, because I just love how this dress is just about every shade of purple. I also like the mixture of hard and soft elements, so I let the various shades of purple be the soft and feminine bit of this outfit and the jacket and accessories created the hard side. I would just suggest wearing some nude tights with this one if you were to copy it and actually go out, because let's be serious, Radiant Orchid is really a spring color and it is certainly not feeling like spring anywhere around here.

How do you feel about the Pantone color choice for this year? Are you still on the fence, like me, or are you sold on Radiant Orchid?

Also, don't forget that the $25 writtenforyou store credit is still up for grabs! Get entered in this giveaway!

Seek Love: Wine Cork Art

I think that the original pin for this project was one of the first pins I ever saw on Pinterest, but just recently did I realize that the link led to nothing. So to right that wrong and use up some wine corks that I've been hoarding, here's a DIY of making art out of some simple materials! Feel free to pin this one, so you actually have the steps for later!

First things first, you need to get all of your materials. Except for the wine corks (obviously) I got all of my materials from WalMart, but I'm sure that they are readily available at any craft store as well. Also, you'll have to save up corks, there are places online that sell them as "supplies" but where's the fun in that? What you'll need: corks, paint, brushes, water cup, pater towels, newspaper, pencil, piece of wood, glue, stencil letters, and something to mix your paints in that you don't mind ruining. I also encourage you to put on your favorite Pandora station because this project does take a while. I highly discourage you allowing your curious kitten to "help" with this, though.

The first step is to paint your board. I originally thought I'd just use a canvas but, didn't think it'd be sturdy enough to hold up - use your discretion on that one. Also, if your board doesn't have a hook on the back, this is the prime time to add that on as well. Let this fully dry before going to the next step. During this time, I went out for dinner, but that's certainly not required.

Step two: Lay out the letters you want on your painted board and paint them in. Or just freehand this - I never trust myself fully to freehand everything, so I outlined my letters. Step three: you'll want to arrange the corks in the shape you'd like. I went with a heart because of the phrase that I put on it and because, Valentine's day is coming up and sometimes I pretend to like that frilly holiday haha

Once you know where you want your corks to go, either mark their places on the painted board, or leave them and work on this step as you go along. Paint just the top of the cork and glue the opposite end to the painted board. For this I used Krazy Glue because it works really well and dries fast. I also painted my heart in an ombre effect to give it some interest.

To finish off your piece of art, make any touch ups that you want and let everything dry overnight before hanging it up. If you'd like, you could also coat your whole piece in a sealer, I personally didn't want to because I don't mind getting an aged look over time.

Check out what other fabulous bloggers are pinning and doing with the H&K Style Journey link-up! 

And don't forget about the giveaway currently going on, hosted by writtenforyou!

Chels Wears: 50 Shades of Pink!

Shirt & shoes: Kmart | Pants & Scarf: Walmart | Purse: Target | Jacket: Boscov's

Welcome back to tundra, folks! There is a high of 9 degrees up here today. These pictures were taken on Sunday when the high was about 4 degrees so I guess I cannot complain. I have to say that I don't really think this outfit "goes" together, but I love each of the pieces. This shirt has become one of my all time favorites, because it feels so feminine and goes with everything, and you guys should just expect to see these shoes more often than not. I'm obsessed. Any pieces you're absolutely loving recently?

Don't forget that you can enter to win $25 worth of store credit from 

writtenforyou in the giveaway going on this week! Good luck!

Writtenforyou Giveaway!

So...I am obnoxiously excited to bring this giveaway to you all today! Writtenforyou is a small business that offers an extensive line of products with handwritten cursive typography on each piece, and is owned by my dear friend Rachel. And (honestly) while I was browsing her etsy page and thinking, "We should pair up for a giveaway," she sent me a Facebook message about doing that very thing. So here you have it! 

Rachel and I used to be camp counselors together so I'm fairly certain we have an unbreakable bond of sorts and I am so happy to be hosting this giveaway with her and showcasing her products for you guys! I love her products and think her handwritten designs are so refreshing and beautiful. Here's a brief interview with her so you can learn more about writtenforyou!

When/why did you start writtenforyou?
Writtenforyou was officially created in November of 2011, but the ideas and passion started a few years ago while I was still in school. Thanks to some great friends, I had some opportunities to work on custom projects, which inspired me to sketch more and seek out other project opportunities. I quickly learned that I love sketching and writing in cursive. Eventually I realized that this wasn't just a hobby but what I really wanted to invest my time into. I have always believed that we need daily reminders of love and friendship through written words and writtenforyou has given me the chance to give these reminders to others.

What kind of ink & paper do you use?
My favorite type of paper is linen card stock and classic crest 110# card stock. I use pigma micron drawing pens, which are my absolute favorite.

Are any pieces you sell not handmade?
The only thing I do not do by hand is the screen printing of my cell phone cases and tote bags. I am a one woman operation and work out of a very small one bedroom, so I don’t have the resources or time to do my own screen printing. I work with a great company that does really quality work.

What are your goals for writtenforyou?
My dream is to open a paper and home goods boutique with the very talented Lisa Moore (https://www.etsy.com/shop/youandmepaperie), as well as go full-time with my shop. I’d love to expand to letterpress, screen printing, and create more designs and products for weddings. But at the end of the day, as long as I’m creating, that’s really all that matters.

Anything else you'd like to add...
I love what I do and am so thankful for what it has grown into. This shop changed my life in such a wonderful way and I am so excited to see where it takes me in the future.

Now here's your chance to get your hands on some writtenforyou products! 

Contest ends Tuesday, January 28th - be sure to enter daily for the greatest chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post, I received a free matte, but all opinions, as always, are my own.

Fine print: Winner is not allowed to use winnings towards a custom order or THIS piece, let's not kill Rachel's hand!

Living A Dream

December 2010

To be honest, I shouldn't have to write this post. But recently, I have read and listened to too much garbage on the Internet about interracial relationships. To the point where I literally had to remind myself that, yes, this is 2014. And that yes, being in an interracial relationship has been legal for the past 47 years. 

I also know that there are couples who are not surrounded by love and support like MJ and I are, and I want each of them to know, we support you. I feel very blessed that the usually brief encounters of hate that MJ and I experienced together, are rare, and more recently, have been fewer and farther between. But the Internet loves to hate. And we have still experienced that hate in our real lives, from all angels. Why is there still hate in this world? Why does it matter if our skin is not the same?

MJ is the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. I am blessed to be his and call him mine. We aren't in this relationship to make a political statement or because we are "using" the other one for something. We are in this for love. We've been in it for love, and only love, for over four years.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today."

Mr. King, today and everyday, I thank you, and your followers, for paving a path for MJ and I to walk on with pride and hope for an even better tomorrow. But it hurts me to report, that we still haven't full-filled your dreams. And world, I have a dream that the beautiful children MJ and I will create one day, will not be judged by the color of the skin, but by the content of their character. Let's keep working, our job isn't finished until hate has vanished and everyone is truly equal.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Wearing the Mocking Jay

So since wearing my Mocking Jay & Pop of Red outfit, I've become obsessed with styling other outfits around the mocking jay pin. It just so easily brings an outfit together and adds just enough of that special something to each look. Here are three looks I created in Polyvore for how you could style the mocking jay pin. And whether you're a die-hard Hunger Games fan, or just like the look of this pin (like me), I'm sure you can appreciate how this little piece can bring an outfit to life.

This first look, the Casual Mocking Jay, is probably the one that someone would most likely wear. With this look you could either put the pin on a top layer of your scarf or near your shoulder on you actual sweater. With this look, while it is simple, I think the pin brings just the right amount of bling to an otherwise jewel-less outfit.

The Dressy Mocking Jay look is very minimalistic so that the pin could be a center piece so to speak. I love when I see women in just a plain dress and let their accessories do the talking, and this is what I wanted to accomplish with designing this dressy look. I love the way that pin is out on display and really, no other jewelry is needed to complete this outfit.

The final look, my Capitol Inspired look, is probably not likely to be seen in an everyday occurrence. But I love color and couldn't keep myself from creating a look inspired by the fabulous fashion from the movies. While I went without a headpiece, (which seems to be a priority for the women in the movies) I looked for one that wouldn't look too weird, it just didn't happen. Instead, I went with interestingly structured pieces with bold colors. I actually really love this look and just wish I had something fun to wear it to without looking too fashion forward.

Which is your favorite mocking jay pin look? How would you style this versatile pin?

Chels Wears: Winter Maxi

Chambray: WalMart | White Shirt: JCPenney | Maxi: DIY | Flats: Urban Outfitters

To those of you who are also fashion bloggers, props to you if it is freezing outside while you take your pictures. I took these in about two seconds because it was so cold outside and all I wanted to do was go back into the house. Along with that, the only sensible way to wear a maxi in the colder temps is with leggings underneath. Thank God for the unseen leggings in these pictures.

I wore this look to church and then to work on Sunday and have to say that it was just dressy enough while still being super comfortable that I could wear it all day. And honestly, since moving to the tundra, comfort and "dressy enough" has pretty much been how you could describe all of my outfits. But maybe with this little warm spell we're supposed to get this weekend I'll be able to step it up again!