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.

Chels Wears: Winter Layers

Belt & Cardigan: Target | Hat: Charlotte Russe | Chambray, Jeans & Scarf: WalMart
Ring: Old Navy | Flannel Shirt: thrifted | Leg Warmers: WalMart

Well, if you were here yesterday, then you know last night we hosted Thanksgiving dinner at one of Eric's churches for some people in need. And it went great! I'm so proud haha I was really nervous that there wouldn't be enough food and that the turkey would be awful, but everyone was fed and loved it! This was the first time I ever cooked Thanksgiving dinner and figuring out how to cook a turkey was a learning experience, to say the least. Now I feel like a real grown up.

These pictures were taken at a nearby park while I was waiting for the turkey to finish up. This was also the quickest photo session that Eric and I have ever done because it was freeeeezing outside. I'm not excited about winter officially being in Erie, but snow makes for some pretty pictures and I do love layering! But so commences the quick photo session season. Hopefully we'll get good photos on the first try like we did with these ones. Not to shabby for (literally) the only photos we took.

Fashion Week: Meet Danielle of Goodwillista!

We're halfway through Fashion Week! I hope you are all enjoying it so fair and are being inspired to refresh your wardrobe through these lovely ladies and our giveaway! Today's featured fashion blogger is Danielle of Goodwillista!

I'm so excited to have Danielle on my blog today because she is just a little ray of sunshine! Every time I visit her blog, I am so inspired but her outfits and her positive outlook on life. I feel like I've been following along with her blog from the day she started it and it has been a joy to see her blog grow because if anyone deserves some recognition, it's this girl! Danielle is a southern girl and that charm just shines through her writing and (more obviously) her great smile. And she is also one of the thriftiest ladies I know, hence her blog name. I'm always so impressed by how little she spends on an outfit but how fabulous she always looks. She was even super thrifty with her wedding and all the details of it blow my mind. Luckily for us, she always shares some great thrifting tips too! Enjoy!

All photos provided by Danielle.

How would you define your style?

I always struggle with this question! I would say that I'm a touch of girly mixed with simplicity.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Goodwill, Plato's Closet, Old Navy, and Kohl's

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

My lace blouse, coral blazer, lace dress, cognac boots, and my newest love, my fur vest. 

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

Most of the time I just wear what I like and feel good in, but I definitely get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other bloggers. When I'm feeling stumped on a new way to wear something, I'll go to Pinterest and search the item I want to wear or I'll go stalk a blogger who I know has a similar item!

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

Dress in way that makes you feel confident in your own skin! You can try wearing all the trends in the world, but if you don't feel comfortable in them, they're pointless! My best days are days when I'm wearing an outfit that I am completely in love with. If you don't feel like you in something, I say get rid of it.

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started blogging the summer of 2012 after realizing a trend going on… Someone would tell me that they loved my shirt/pants/scarf/etc., and naturally I’m one of those people who has to tell you where I got it, so I’d tell them, “Goodwill!” and they were always in shock! So, I decided to start a blog to inspire others that you can still look great without spending a fortune!

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

I'm definitely more aware of trends now. I also learned the power of remixing my closet. I now try to find many different ways to wear different pieces in my closet! (I have a link up each month called Many Days, Many Ways ... come check it out!)

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Just be yourself! Don't worry about what other's may think about your writing, iphone pictures, or wrinkly shirt. I've figured out that most people don't even notice, and readers will stick around simply for YOU.

Goodwillista | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

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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: Lips & Love

Sweater: Old Navy | Blazer: Boscov's | Lips Scarf & Black Skinny Jeans: WalMart

Red Heels: Wet Seal | Bow Ring: Charlotte Russe

Guys, I cannot pay attention about what to write because I keep staring back at the TV because of the Olympics. They make snow look cool and fun to play in! Except then I go out and realize that they must be freezing over in Sochi. Anyway, I think I like the winter games more because I actually watch more of the events, but that is the only reason I like winter haha

This outfit is, quite obviously, Valentine's Day inspired. And yes, there are shoulder pads in this blazer, because I don't mind a strong looking shoulder. Thank you Lady Gaga for bringing back the large shoulder look. Also, I bought these heels in Georgia in 2009 during a Habitat for Humanity trip. What? Yeah that happened, and I love them. Also, lips on my scarf? Yes, please - how could I not make this Valentine's outfit with great love-based items like these in my closet? How are you all dressing for the season?

Chels Wears: Houndstooth With Love

Sweater: Old Navy | Dress Shirt: Macy's | Skirt & Tights: WalMart | Boots : Payless | Purse: mark.

Necklace: Boutique la Passerelle | Ring: Old Navy

I have a confession. I hate houndstooth. I'll give you a minute to take that in. Okay, so I know that making that bold statement means that I should probably turn in my "fashion blogger" badge now, but I just cannot look at this print and not think grandma's skirt suit, which isn't what I'm really going for when getting dressed as a 24 year old. My friend Hannah (hey, girl!) and I have discussions about our different views on what is classic and fashionable...A LOT....and she has always been a stickler for the houndstooth, so I'm sure she's proud of this outfit.

To be honest, two things made me rethink this print. Project Runway and the Kardashians. Project Runway season 11 had a duct tape prom dress challenge and the duo of (winner) Michelle and Amanda made this awesome dress with an exaggerated houndstooth print, which made me rethink it because it looks bold and young in my mind. And the Kardashian Kollection at Sears has this cute little summer dress with the print super tiny, which I also think makes it look younger. As a side note, I would have worn houndstooth earlier in my life, had that Kardashian dress not been totally see-through, where there was no way to save yourself from flashing everyone without buying all kinds of other under garments that I wasn't really in the mood for looking for when I originally thought of getting it.

Left: Project Runway Season 11 duct tape prom dress challenge | Right: Kardashian Kollection dress

Moving on, when I saw this skirt at WalMart, I appreciated that it had the tiny houndstooth print and I could instantly envision this outfit. Winner. Also, these pictures were taken about a week ago during the "first real snow of the season" which I thought would make for pretty pictures, but I didn't think the whole process through, obviously. You should probably know that as a life-long Western Pa dweller, I hate snow. Yes, more than I hate houndstooth. I think it is pretty while falling and before it turns into slushy messes piled up in parking lots and along the roads, but otherwise, I can live without it. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of realizing that a giant pile of snow is covering the only should-be parking spot left in the lot, feel blessed.

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Jodi!

What would you do without fantastic friends? Well. I wouldn't have had a fashionista for Fashion Forward Fridays to share with you today without this friend. Knowing that I would be moving and not really have time during the week, and especially not today, to find someone to feature, I called upon my trusty friend Jodi to send in to be a reader submitted fashionista. Jodi was one of my first friends I met when I moved into downtown and I love this cute and simple, kinda hipster, look she's got going on.

I emailed Jodi the questions I usually ask people on the street and since she's a writer herself and she has so much personality in her responses, I'll just let her explain her style in her own words...

Clutch made by another friend, Laura Greenawalt.

What do you consider your style to be?
I think my style is pretty relaxed. Jeans and tees have always been my go to. The kid in me will always love a good graphic tee and I also love color, so I try my best to have at least one colorful piece in my outfit.

Where are your favorite places to shop?Target. I LOVE Target..it's kind of ridiculous. I also shop at Old Navy and some online shops like ModCloth and Threadless.

Politically Fashionable

If you are reading this in America, after doing so, if you have not already, you should go vote for our next President, and for your own local and state officials. If you are reading this in another country, you're welcome to just focus on the fashion.

Today was a big day. I say this before the election results are announced because I'm talking about me personally. Today was the first time I (and my brother) were able to vote....in person. In the last election, we were away at different colleges, Seton Hill and Mount Union, without a way to get back home to vote where we were registered so the absentee was all we could do. But now, both of us are in Pittsburgh earning our masters degrees and our small home town of Ellwood City is just a little skip (or about an hour drive) north of the city. We also knew we would be bought lunch at a favorite local diner by our dad if we went to vote with him. (Thanks, Father!) And it's always nice to take a break from the city, even if it's just a couple hours.

Here's the real reason for posting. My outfit. For awhile now I have to pining over the thought of being strictly a fashion blogger and with the encouragement from some friends, I think I'm going to add more of my fashion in to Chels & the City, but I could never take out "the City" part of my blog. But here goes on my first outfit post. It was very election-inspired. I had first planned to wear my red jeans, but them just seemed too loud to be wearing around the baby city of Ellwood that I was walking around in.

Outside "my polling place."  Plaid Blazer: Target | Dark wash skinny jeans: New York & Company | Boots: Voltage 

 

 

 

Mix of bracelets. Top two bracelets: Burlington Coat Factory | Hope bracelet: Maurices

I voted sticker! Necklace: Boutique la Passerelle |  Puppy Shirt: Old Navy | Belt: Unknown

And again, I hope you did vote because it's not your American right, it's your duty. People fought long and hard for us to be allowed to speak our minds and have our votes count. Being an American is a privilege. Remember that when you think you're making a statement or personal protest by not voting.

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!