Chels Wears: Winter Romper

Scarf & Leg Warmers: WalMart | Cardigan: Old Navy | Boots: UrbanOG | Romper: Forever 21 | Tights: Target

I have been on the hunt for a romper for what feels like forever. It's not an easy thing to come by when I'm slightly taller than the average female and have curves for days. My friend Theresa (Hi, Tiny T!) has the perfect frame for rompers and I always get so jealous around spring/summer time when I see her in one. They just seem so care free and can easily be casual or dressy that I have wanted one forever.

Then, without warning, here comes Forever 21 Plus to the rescue. I honestly should have known better and looked here first but just recently found this little number at the Millcreek Mall and am so excited. Obviously, too excited to wait until spring to wear it, so thank you, tights and leg warmers! I probably should have gone a size down because the top half is too big (like show everyone my goods, too big) but nothing a safety pin can't fix, and wearing a scarf over it all day helped keep everything in check. And I'm certain that my butt will always be too big to properly fit into any kind of shorts, so the fact that I actually stayed covered in this is a win for me. 

Also, for anyone wondering what is going on with this hat...it's actually Eric's. Which means it's much too big and the wind wasn't helping. Needless to say, I did not end up wearing the hat all day even though I love it so much. I was handmade by my friend Kait. And these pictures were taken a week ago, so by now we have about twice as much snow...joy.

Fashion Week: Meet Meagan of Because of Jackie!

Happy Friday! I hope you all have enjoyed Fashion Week and are entering the giveaway so you can get a jump start on your new spring wardrobe! Today's featured fashion blogger is Meagan from Because of Jackie. 

I've been following Meagan's blog for about a year or so now and have been boundlessly inspired by her blogging and fashion advice, and how she is able to be such a great mom to her two littles while taking her blogging further and further as a business. She's super serious about blogging and I love that she shares that passion and professionalism on her blog and really, I think, inspires the rest of us to take it to the next level. I also love that Meagan is not afraid to mix it up with different colors and patterns and doesn't limit herself to one style. She's bohemian one day and rocker the next, and she looks awesome in it all. Hope you enjoy her interview today and her fun style!

All photos provided by Meagan.

How would you define your style? 

I like an edge to what I wear, but with some feminine touches as well. I love studs, fringe, black and gray, but also enjoy floral headbands and a boho sensibility. I feel my best in those two styles and I sometimes mix the two as well.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

I love Target for the price point and the constant new styles, I also really enjoy browsing Asos and Forever 21 online.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet? 

I love Target's boyfriend tee's. I buy an XL for the slouch factor and constantly buy the white, black and grey versions when my old ones get worn out. I also have a pair of black, buckled ankle boots from Target that literally go with everything. 

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

I like to browse Pinterest for different looks to try, and often recreate a theme or look I find on there. A lot of times I find when I am in a rush I pick some fun looks because I don't have time to edit or second guess myself. This can either go really well or terribly wrong;)

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them? 

I think the best advice is to dress in a way that makes YOU happy. Don't worry about what other people will think, just wear things that put a bounce in your step and smile on your face.

When and why did you start fashion blogging? 

I started three years ago after finding a popular fashion blogger on Pinterest and was so intrigued! It has been a great journey of experimentation for me and finding myself after haven two kids back to back.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging? 

I think I am more fearless in trying new styles and looks. I don't care as much about my "fails," because I just don't take it all that seriously. I also try not to get sucked into the trend game, I dress for me and like to let me own personality show and no one else's.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out? 

I think new bloggers should work on their photography and layout skills. Please! No inside photos, or photos in your front entry (I've done both!) Location and posing is more important than you think. As is photo quality, size, and your blog design and layout.

Anything else you'd like to add…

Every blogger starts out with 1 follower and awful photos (I sure did.) The main point is to grow and learn from your mistakes and take it one day at a time!

Because of Jackie | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Instagram

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Fashion Week: Meet Toni of The Love Hanger!

Moving right along...I hope you all are excited about Fashion Week and are so far enjoying the opportunity to meet some new bloggers! (And win a gift card to update your wardrobe doesn't hurt either!)

Today's featured fashion blogger is Toni of The Love Hanger! Since I started Chels & the City, I don't remember a time when I was not following along with Toni's blog. She's one of the main reasons I decided to start doing more fashion posts too because she makes high fashion looks seem so effortless and affordable. Toni is a super thrifter and is able to look expensive while staying on a budget. She recently moved to Portland and it has been fun to see her keep up with the changing seasons while remaining fashionable. Not to mention, she's a mommy to a cute little guy and loves to show him off sometimes too, but who could blame her! I honestly cannot talk enough about how great I think she is so I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I enjoy having her here today!

All photos provided by Toni.

How would you define your style?

I would describe my style as feminine and trendy mixed with a little bit of vintage.  I love a flirty and girly silhouette and I love textured fabrics like lace and tweed.  I also like to incorporate a lot of bright colors and fun prints in my looks.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I'm a bargain shopper at heart, so I love stores like Target, H&M, and Forever 21 for trendy items.  I find my unique pieces at thrift stores and recycled clothing stores like Crossroads Trading Co.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet?

When I can't decide what I want to wear, I always pull something girly from my closet.  I feel most confident in feminine pieces, so an easy outfit for me is a skirt and silky blouse or a vintage dress with a tall pair of heels.

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

My biggest source of inspiration is other bloggers.  I especially love reading blogs of other women whose style is totally different than mine.  I know what works for my body type, but admiring other styles that I don't normally wear give me ideas for how to incorporate bits and pieces of it into my wardrobe.

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

My biggest piece of advice would be to embrace your body type.  Don't let other people tell you what you can and can't wear.  There are so many "rules" for petite women, tall women, thin women, and curvy women.  Knowing what looks best for your figure and feeling confident in it is what creates personal style.

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started The Love Hanger in October of 2011.  I had a personal style blog in 2009 before blogging had really taken off, and then I took a break when I had my son.  Once I felt confident in my skin again, I began the blog I have now.  I've never had a lot of girlfriends to talk fashion with or go shopping with.  Blogging allows me to become friends with other women who love clothing and accessories as much as I do.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

As I've gotten older, I've really figured out what I love to wear and what looks best on my body.  In high school, I used to raid my dad's closet for his cool geometric looking polo shirts, and 70s style leather belts.  I've taken my love for vintage and retro clothing and have mixed it with more modern, feminine pieces and have created my own style that I feel confident in.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Having an organized and visually appealing blog layout is key!  Make your blog user friendly and accessible and I guarantee readers will come back.  Photography is also huge.  Brush up on photography basics like lighting and depth of field, and if possible, invest in an SLR camera.  It makes a huge difference!

Anything else you'd like to add...

With so many people starting fashion blogs out there, it can be hard to get noticed.  Just remember to stay true to yourself and don't worry about keeping up with the other blogs.  Be unique, produce great content, and network in a friendly way.  Soon, you'll be an inspiration for many!

The Love Hanger | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Instagram | Tumblr 

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Fashion Week: Meet Sara of Sincerely, Sara!

Let's get it started! I'm so excited to bring you the 2nd Annual Chels & the City Fashion Week! In honor of two years of Fashion Forward Fridays, there are some fabulous ladies lined up to be featured this week and I hope you come back every day to meet them! Along with meeting some fabulous ladies, you have the opportunity to win a $50 Target gift card, so that you can get a jump start on your spring wardrobe - after being inspired with this week of fashionistas I'm sure you won't have a hard time spending it. So sit back, grab some coffee, enter the giveaway and enjoy meeting some great bloggers!

To start us off is Sara of Sincerely, Sara. I've been following Sara's blog for a little over a year and love her comfy-chic style. She always makes fabulous inspiration boards of outfits based on popular books and movies and is such a down to earth lady, you cannot help but want to follow along with her blog. Every time I visit her page I feel like I'm sitting down for a coffee date with a friend. I really value her opinion when she does product reviews because she seems so honest and up front with her readers. And she's also in the process of writing a novel (or two, or three) so you know her writing is fun to read too! Enjoy!

All photos provided by Sara.

How would you define your style?

It’s so hard to put into words what my style is even though I know it so well! I would say that it’s colorful, comfortable, simple, and has a dash of nerdy chic! I do mix it up sometimes and can lean towards feminine, boho, and urban styles, but in a way that’s me.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Since I just graduated from grad school and only work part-time at the moment, I don’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes, so my favorite places to shop are Target, Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, American Eagle, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall's. But even if I made a million dollars I would still shop at these stores.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet?

I seem to have an endless amount of cardigans in various colors! An endless amount of something is probably too many! When I don’t know what to wear, my go-to outfit is a cardigan, blouse, jeans, and flats. For me, it works every time and never fails to make me feel put together.

My other go-to pieces are scoop neck tees, dark wash jeans, blue dresses, and flats.

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

I generally get outfit ideas from other bloggers because these girls are just so chic! If it’s not from bloggers, then it’s from what I find on Pinterest, or in magazines, or just out and about in the world. I also love finding inspiration from the characters I see on TV or in movies because they’re styled so well (Jess from New Girl and Mindy from The Mindy Project for instance).

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

Be true to yourself and what you like! When I was in high school, I didn’t branch out and try new styles because I was afraid of what people would think. I thought that they would believe that I was being fake by not wearing what I normally wore, so I wish I’d had more fun with my clothes then. Fashion is supposed to be fun and make you feel good, so wear what makes you feel like you!

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started blogging in November of 2011 initially because everyone kept telling me I should do it because I’m a writer and writers are supposed to have blogs. Well, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to blog about at first, but then after a few months I decided to blog about the things that I really love, so now I write about fashion, books, inspiration, and sometimes my thoughts.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

I don’t think my style has changed all that much since I started blogging, but I would say that I’m more willing to take some fashion risks and try new things now. I’ve also learned the importance of accessories (scarves, necklaces, bracelets, belts). They really do finish an outfit and make it look more put together.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Make a list of the things that you love and would be happy to talk about endlessly. The top 3-5 things are what you should blog about, whether it’s architecture, shoes, beauty, science, or all of the above. When you love something people respond to that; we all just wanted to find like-minded people. There’s a big chance that someone else loves the same thing you do, and would be more than happy to have the chance to talk to you about it. What I’m really saying is: be you because you’re awesome and other awesome people want to be your friend!

Sincerely, Sara | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Instagram

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Chels Wears: Hopes for Spring!

Jeans: Target | Chambray: WalMart | T-Shirt: JCPenney | Boots: URBANOG | Scarf: Forever 21

I told you guys this outfit was coming. Since it was so warm outside on Tuesday (like 35 degrees) I thought it was okay to break out the peach pants, but since there's still snow on the ground, the boots were necessary. Especially since I got these boots, I have been obsessed with them. If you have seen me off of the Internet, you've probably seen these boots. Hope you like them, because I'm in love. Okay, so here's some truth, I've really got nothing else to say. So...do you like this outfit?

Chels Wears: Dressy Black & Gold

Rooney's Shirt: Grand Scheme PGH | Skirt: Vera Wang | Vest: New York & Co.

Booties: Target | Mixed Bracelets: Charlotte Russe & Walmart | Metallic Purse: Wet Seal | Necklace: Forever 21

If you read my most recent post for On Her Game this week then you know that I missed the Monday night full of Pittsburgh sports (the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates all had games) because I had to work. This outfit was my way of showing my Pittsburgh sports pride while still being work-appropriate.

Over the summer, I saw a lot of fashion bloggers dressing up the graphic tee and I thought this would be the perfect outfit to test this trend out for and I have to say I love it! I also love that the high school football field is so close to my house because it made getting these pictures before running to work super convenient too! But note to self, do not wear heels in the grass again. I should have known better. Also, if you remember, this is the Vera Wang skirt that I got at Goodwill and this is the shirt I was wearing when I met Franco Harris.... double holler!

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Autumn!

It's always have stylish friends, and today for Fashion Forward Fridays, you're meeting one of them! I met Autumn while we worked at Victoria's Secret together and was always so jealous of how she was able to make our dress code of 90% black 10% white attire look amazing time and time again. And if you follow her style board on Pinterest, you'll easily see that she has impeccable taste, so I knew she'd be the perfect person to ask to be today's fashionista! Trust me, you'll be jealous of her too after reading her interview. She's the total package of beauty, brains (she's currently a law student), and style. After all, I only pick the best for these things, enjoy!

All photos provided by Autumn.

How would you define your style? 
Classic with a touch of glam. I usually stick to clean lines and neutrals (black, white, gray, navy, cream) and add some flair with a little bit of sparkle or unexpected color (like neon).

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
Because I am a law student, I have to spend most of my money on school instead of my wardrobe. My goal is to look expensive without actually being expensive. H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 are places to go for trendy fun pieces that aren’t very expensive. Express, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Limited are my go to’s for classic pieces and work staples. 

Where did you get the pieces you are wearing in your pictures? 
High waisted vintage inspired shorts – Urban Outfitters
Chiffon shirt – Urban Outfitters 
Wedges – Target 
Earrings & ring – Forever 21
Handbag – Louis Vuitton 

Close up photos of Autumn's ring and earrings from Forever 21.

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?
Invest money on key timeless pieces like a beautiful wool coat, a pair of stilettos, or a designer handbag. These kinds of wardrobe staples never go out of style, so you won’t feel like you wasted your money.

GQ named Pittsburgh the 3rd worst dressed city - do you agree/disagree and why/why not? 
I would have to say that Pittsburghers are certainly more comfortable in a Crosby jersey as opposed to Prada, but that laid back take on fashion is exactly what makes Pittsburgh so wonderful. The unassuming casualness that people may mistake as sloppy is really just iconic Pittsburgh approachableness. 

Keep it fashionable, Pittsburgh! Happy Weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Rachel!

Happy Friday, everyone! I have to say that I am really loving being able to feature so many readers during my time outside of city life. You guys are so awesome, thanks for helping me to carry on with Fashion Forward Fridays. Today's fashionista is Rachel, who you all should still be jealous of because she was the winner of the ModCloth and Heinz History Center giveaway back in April when Fashion Forward Fridays had it's one year anniversary and Fashion Week. I'm excited to bring you her look because I think it's so unique and I love all of the vintage and upcycled pieces. So without further ado...here's Rachel!

Close up of Rachel's bracelet and ring, from two different family members.

How would you define your style? 
My style is eclectic--- pairing classic pieces with unique, one of a kind finds. Looking like everyone else is boring! You're most likely to find me in a skirt paired with some type of fabulous accessory. Fashion should always be fun.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
I have been patronizing flea markets, thrift stores and consignment stores with my mom forever. These are the best places to score one of a kind items at affordable prices. That being said, my favorite places in Pittsburgh are Avalon, Designer Days Boutique & Ambiance. You can even score some pretty awesome deals at Plato's Closet and Goodwill. T.J. Maxx and Marshall's are also staples.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Ericka!

It has been beautiful in Pittsburgh this week! And beautiful weather means obviously cute outfits. I have been seeing a lot of maxi dresses with jean vests recently and have decided that it's my new favorite thing. So when I saw Ericka, I thought she would be perfect for Fashion Forward Fridays today.

Ericka in her cute look for summer in the city!

Ericka said that she thinks her style is low-key and that she just goes with the flow and whatever is appropriate for the weather and the day she has planned. She likes stores like Forever 21, Rainbow, Macy's, H&M, and Dots. And she suggests that everyone should dress for their body type, that everyone looks best in what actually fits their body. She also said that she disagrees with the third-worst-dressed listing that GQ gave to Pittsburgh because she is from Pittsburgh and sees all kinds of great fashions from different people. So, if you see me, you'll probably soon see me copying a look like this from Ericka and I hope that all of you have a fantastic weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Shannon!

Hello fashion lovers! For today's Fashion Forward Fridays, you're in for a treat. I love this girl's style and how she pushes the envelope (who even knows what that means) on work attire. Shannon shows that you can be classy and still have fun with your office-wear. And come on who doesn't love that?

Bold style: These rings from Forever21 add just the right amount of edge.

Fashion Forward Fridays Submission: Meet Mae!

You're in for a treat fashion-lovers. For Fashion Forward Fridays today, not only is a great outfit being shown on a beautiful reader who submitted her photos to me, but this reader also happens to be a friend of mine, and a ModCloth employee. Say what, karaoke? All of you are already hooked, I know it. Mae is so obviously a ModCloth girl too. She always has a great look and is so on trend with a vintage feel. She's that girl who is setting the bar with her style and puts pieces together that you probably never would have thought of otherwise and makes you want to dress better yourself. An inspirational fashionista if you will...

Mae, who is my friend and who works at ModCloth is today's reader submitted fashionista!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Christy!

Last semester, when I met Christy for the first time, I was so jealous of how effortlessly she was able to pull different pieces together to create such classic looks. We had a design class together and she was fabulous at creating projects and fabulous looking, even if she showed up in sweats. I hate girls like that, but it's hard not to like Christy because she's so personable and expressive. So when I walked into night class on Thursday for the first time this semester for another design class, I was so excited to see a familiar face and that face be hers. I also was so relieved to see that she was, of course, dressed in a simple yet classy outfit so I could feature her for Fashion Forward Fridays.

Christy in the lobby of Academic Hall at Point Park University.

Fashion Forward Fridays Submission: Meet Richelle!

Hello friends & fashion lovers! As promised in two previous posts, I have brought to you a reader submission for Fashion Forward Fridays! This week worked out perfectly for the submission because like I've mentioned in my Christmas post, I am at my parents house back in little ol' Ellwood City. Where the fashionable are few and far between, so like I said, submission equals perfection. Especially when that submission comes from a little Point Park senior (and cutie) Richelle.

Richelle's quirky & classic combo.

I am always infatuated with Richelle's outfits when I see her around campus, so naturally wanted her to be my first reader submission post. When she texted me Thursday afternoon asking "How do you feel about printed pants?" before sending in her submission, I knew we would be in for a treat. Richelle is quite possibly the only person I know who can pull off anything. Literally. This girl wears a hoodie and it looks fashionable. Alright. Let's move on before I get too far into sounding like a I have a major girl crush. Although I might. haha

Anyway, Richelle likes to shop at H&M, ModCloth, Madewell, Forever 21, Francesca's, and of course like any fashion connoisseur at vintage and thrift stores as well. Admittedly, she says her closet is "quirky" and made up of a lot of different kind of pieces. By seeing her on a daily basis, you would be able to tell that she knows how to make the funky look great by pairing it with classic pieces. Richelle says, "I like bright colors, but I also love black and white. Basically, I'm pretty much all over the place, but I find a way to make it all me."

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Erin!

My favorite thing about fall is the great fashion that it inspires. While Hurricane Sandy has made it very chilly here in Pittsburgh, with her (pretty much) week long spout of rain, thankfully, she did not leave any snow on our city streets. But I feel like in fall, everyone's fashion is comfy and warm. I like that. Nothing better than something that makes you look you're ready for the weather, but still cute as can be.

I thought this elevator shot would be so super cool....it's alright haha

I think that's why I really enjoy Erin's outfit. I love her obviously cozy-fall look, but love that it's still super cute! Erin said that she would describe her style as half girly (read as sorority girl) and half bohemian. For work, she said that she's more likely to dress like Elle Woods with her cardigan and pearls but more boho-chic when it comes to going out or to class. She also said something that seems like a sin to me...she never likes to wear heels. GASP. But I'll forgive her, and other girls like her, as long as they are wearing cute boots or flats, which Erin is obviously doing!

Erin's favorite stores are Old Navy and Forever 21+ but says that she also likes to go to New York & Company for work attire and discount stores like Ross and Gabriel Brothers for those good, yet more affordable finds. But she's not one to turn down any store with something that is cute, fits into her style and is a good buy - like any smart shopping college student!

Love these owl accessories and nail polish on Erin.

Her advice to others who want to amp-up their style or become more of a fashionista/o would be to figure out what your favorite clothing to wear is and have fun with it. Since you are the one who has to wear it, you should like what you have on, not just wear what people say you should wear. Erin also said that since she has worked in retail before, she knows that a lot of people just walk in and ask where they can get the pieces that are on the mannequins, and she (thankfully) said she hated when people do that! When I worked in retail that was my biggest pet peeve. Anyway, she said to be bold and do not be afraid to mix and match and only use the displays as inspiration and then create your own outfits from there. And especially do not be afraid to mix and match things that do not necessarily match but simply go together. (For instance: wearing more than one pattern at a time.)

However, when it comes to Pittsburgh being named the third-worst dressed city by GQ, Erin said that she somewhat agrees with them because of one major flaw in the Pittsburghers wardrobe...our jerseys. For Erin (and myself) it's okay to wear your jersey and team apparel on game days, but otherwise you should really do without and take pride in your clothes, rather than just your team. Amen, sister! So Pittsburgh, as always, cheer on those black & gold boys until you're blue in the face, but at least dress nicely on non-game days! And as always, stay classy and fashionable - happy weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Norma!

Alright, over the summer hiatus, I know that my loyal readers missed Fashion Forward Fridays the most, so I found a fashionista today that is sure to not disappoint. I met Norma while crossing the street downtown and probably took her off guard more than I did for anyone else I'm sure. Although living downtown I know it's easy to meet a weirdo wanting to ask you questions, it's probably just as weird having someone want to take your picture and post them online. So thanks to Norma and all my other fashionista's from previous weeks for being so kind and not thinking I'm too weird. I appreciate your love of fashion and willingness to let me post you online!

I am just in love with these pastel pink jeans!

Miss Norma says that she loves to mix pieces from all over. While she listed, ModCloth, Target, Forever 21 and J.Crew as some of her favorite places to shop, she also said that really anywhere along Walnut Street in Shadyside, which if you haven't been to the area, I suggest you give yourself at least a day to see everything. I liked Norma's style because it was simple and still chic. She told me that today she "didn't even try too hard," so I found that interesting because sometimes I think we over-think our wardrobe before getting ready each day and usually it is the simple outfits that make a bigger statement.

However, Norma said that to make your outfits stand out to make that statement is to let your accessories do the talking. She called her personal style, eclectic because she likes to mix all kinds of things together and thinks accessories are what makes her outfits exciting. I couldn't agree more with her, based on what she was wearing today. Although I first saw her pastel jeans, her accessories did bring the whole look together. The beautiful floral scarf she was wearing really made the outfit and boosted the use of a colorful denim.

Close up of Miss Norma and that beautiful scarf!

And like me, Norma didn't agree that Pittsburgh should be ranked third-worst dressed like GQ said we were because she thinks you tell a Pittsburgher wherever they go based on how they usually match most of their clothes and that this area does not have a real specific set style. I agree with that, Pittsburghers do seem to match most of what they wear, the trend of mixing patterns and colors hasn't caught on too much here, but I also think the style of Pittsburgers is always evolving and is based on where in the city the person is located. Each different area of this city has a unique look to it in the clothing options the residents of that area actually wear. Downtown is more business, while Lawrenceville is more hipster and of course the North Shore is covered in black and gold gear.

So, Pittsburghers, be sure to keep mixing it up and looking your best. Take some advice from Norma and mix your old and new pieces through using your accessories wisely and keep making Pittsburgh beautiful! Happy weekend and here we go Steelers, make sure you are keeping up with my overview of the season on Her Game Life!