Chelsea Lately: So This Is The New Year

I really dropped the ball on blogging in December and I'm trying not to let that roll into the new year, so let's get all caught up! I have a lot of big plans for my business and this blog this year and there is no time like the present, right?

Listening: 1000 forms of fear by Sia on vinyl! Because my brother is awesome and got it for me for Christmas!

Eating: Leftovers. Yuck, I'm over having leftovers from the holidays in our fridge. Someone please come over and eat the rest of this ham.

Wanting to buy: At the moment, I'm all shopped out. Holidays do that to you!

Reading: Nothing at the moment, which is weird, but I've just been in a funk recently with getting into books. Recommend me a good one so I can get back in the grove!

Watching: The Walking Dead. I am obsessed. I said that I would never watch this show because I'm not a fan of zombies but so many friends have talked me into watching it. Around Thanksgiving I started (thanks to Family Video having seasons 1-4 on DVD) and just finished up watching the first half of season five online so I am all caught up and pumped for it to be back on TV in February. I have a total crush on Daryl Dixon (mostly because I love Norman Reedus already) he's such a badass and if he even gets killed off, I quit.

Drinking: No pop! (Or soda for those of you who are reading from somewhere other than Pittsburgh.) Eric and I gave up drinking pop and we've been doing pretty good at it since the beginning of November.

Wearing: Christmas presents! I love getting gift cards for presents. I know a lot of people hate it because they think it's a cop-out gift, but there is no greater gift to me than a shopping trip.

Losing Sleep Over: What my next step needs to be. I've been in Erie for a year now and I feel like it's time to either strive for something really great here or move again (which I actually don't feel like doing just yet). But I've been trying to leave it up to God, not stress about it and just roll with the opportunities in front of me. We'll see what happens!

Loving: Life. Even when it's not ideal.

Excited About: The possibilities that 2015 brings.

Thankful For: Memories of a sweet friend. Wishing she knew how precious she was.

What have you been up to recently?

Fashion Forward Fridays: BLRG Gets Some Roots

You guys! I'm so excited about today's Fashion Forward Fridays post because Sam, from Broke Little Rich Girl, and I have been planning and talking about it all summer and now we've finally brought it together. I am such a proud little friend for Sam and her business that I cannot even wait to see the new addition in person the next time I'm back home.

If you remember a while back, Sam and her BLRG truck were featured on Fashion Forward Fridays and she's been on the rise ever since. Here's an updated interview with her about her next step with her fabulous business.

How did the idea for BLRG gaining a brick and mortar store come about? Was it always a part of the plan?
The original plan was to franchise my truck and I'm still open to that, however the store came about because my customers were always asking if I have a spot where I am most of the time so they can find me more easily to shop. I realized that women weren't just stopping by the truck to shop once in a while - they actually wanted to shop quite often and check out my new styles. I was also turning over inventory in my truck very quickly, which is a great thing, but women wanted new things and more of it so I opened a store! Now I'll have more of what women have come to know and love of Broke Little Rich Girl with even more size options, which was another request I get a lot. 

How does the truck play into this new role for BLRG? Will it still be traveling? 
The truck will absolutely still be out and about! I actually have events already scheduled for the truck after my grand opening day. The truck will continue to do home parties which is something a lot of people don't even realize I offer. I bring the truck to you with wine or cupcakes and the host gets 10% off their purchase at no charge. I have a few scheduled for the Fall. 

Do you see more trucks or buildings in the future of BLRG...or both!?
I would love to franchise the truck in the future and if I ever get to the point where I could open another store I would definitely do it. If the opportunity fits my brand and business and helps me achieve what I'm trying to accomplish then I'll always be open. 

What can we expect from the store that is different than the truck experience?
The style is still the same - very trendy, contemporary styles at an affordable price. That's the base of what my customers love about BLRG so that won't change. I will however have more pieces to share, more size options for my curvy Broke Little Rich Girl's, and the space is just awesome. Its of course filled with pink, black, and white fixtures, but its also very inviting and allows for a great and still intimate shopping experience - similar to the truck. The store will just be at one location at all times so everyone can always find me on 3816 Butler Street! 

So if you're in the Pittsburgh area, be sure to check out Broke Little Rich Girl!

This is a partnered post, I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

I just happen to love Sam's business and stand behind her and BLRG 100%

Chels Wears: Warm Autumn Pattern Mixing

Bag, Jeans, Scarf, Necklace & Ring: WalMart | Top: Peebles | Boots: Urbanog

So recently, it has been pretty warm for fall around here. I don't mind because I heard that this winter is supposed to be the worst ever for this area (trusty Old Farmer's Almanac), and I thought last year was AWFUL. I hate snow and ice. But I really do like fall and the slight crisp feeling in the air, so it can start to ease it's way back in, just not full blown winter yet, please!

I have been in love with this top since I laid eyes on it. I really like the little zippers on the shoulders and the high-low look. Not to mention, it's really easy to do simple pattern mixing because the back has stripes but the front is plain. I'm a big fan. It's one of the only items I've bought from Peebles that I've been overwhelmingly pleased with. Usually I get something from there and, while it will do, it just slightly misses the mark for me. To be frank, I've bought a good bit of times from them, yet can only think of four items I have in my closet and actually love to wear from them. That's actually pretty sad, considering I have more items from the dollar store that I consider to be better clothing. Time to up your game, Peebles.

What favorite pieces have you fallen for recently?

Chels Wears: Big Red

Top: Dollar General | Pants & Bracelet: WalMart | Shoes: UrbanOG | Bag: New York & Co. | Necklace: Handmade

While going through the photos for this post, all that kept running through my mind was the cheer at the beginning of the original Bring It On movie. You know, "I'm sexy, I'm cute, I'm popular to boot...blah blah blah...call me Big Red...blah blah blah...I'm. Still. Big. Red. I sizzle, I scourch, but now I pass the torch..."

You know it and are probably singing along so I won't go on. Any way, I dyed my hair red recently and these are the first outfit photos to show them off, plus the shoes, purse and location, everything kinda screams big red here. I really hope you guys are getting this movie reference, but just incase you aren't here's a clip from Bring It On, because really up to this point if you don't have a clue what I mean, I'm sure you're lost and thinking I'm crazy.

Moving on...for me, this outfit is pretty plain, but sometimes I like to let my accessories do the talking. I just got these shoes after allowing myself to splurge a little since I haven't really shopped since moving to Erie. What!? A couple online purchases here and there, yes, but nothing drastic. I have yet to step foot in the mall, or even a Goodwill up here...who am I? These shoes are my newest loves. They're from UrbanOG, which if you haven't checked out their selection yet, you're missing out. Also, since this is the debut for this bag too, you should know that it was a Christmas gift from MJ. So is the necklace actually, but I've shown it here before. MJ is fabulous and I love that he knows my style so well. He actually took these photos too, also a first. He's really good at the positioning me part when needed, but really needs to work on the standing still until the camera has finished taking the picture thing haha. There were a lot of blurry pictures to sort through on this one, but it was a fun time overall and he'll get better with practice!

Plus Size Swimsuits That Don't Suck

ModCloth: Flamingo | Retro | Chevron | Seagulls

You guys, it's a rough world we live in when it takes (seriously) days to find a good swimsuit for us bigger girls. Here's what I hate most about swimsuit shopping, be it in person or online, some companies like the pretend that chunky ladies don't like the most common of summer activities. Hello, I'm a big girl and I like to swim and get my tan on, just make that cute suit you designed...bigger.

No but really, swimsuit shopping in general bothers me because, 1) no boob support, 2) those little skirt things, 3) tankini tops are weird. Why is it so hard to create a bathing suit with a bra in it? Like women want to be wearing silky nylon fabric without some support...come on now. I know I'm in the very small minority of women who actually like wearing a bra, but let's be real, unless you have real support in your swimsuit, nothing looks good in that area. Slap some under wire in there. Also, I assume that a lot of places think like this when designing for plus size..."oh, put a little skirt on it so she doesn't worry about her thighs showing! Oh, not to long though, still needs to be like the normal swimsuits! There, perfect!" No, no, not perfect, those skirts cut off right at the largest part of my thighs, what was the point of adding it? Nothing is modest or slimming about those poorly cut skirts. The only exception to this is the flamingo suit from ModCloth that is shown above and only because the skirt isn't frilly and I like the illusion sides. Final swimsuit pet peeve, tankini tops. Just because I don't get what the point of wearing a cami top is since they just float up once you're in the water anyway. Why not just wear a regular bikini top? Someone can explain that to me in the comments I guess.

Torrid: Pink | Multi-Color | Swimsuits For All: Black Fringe | Dragonfruit

Anyway! I found some suits I actually like and now I need to figure out which to buy! I need a one piece because I'll be running a camp this summer and the dress code says no two pieces, but I also really love that the high waisted two pieces are back on trend and want one because I plan on spending too much time at Lake Erie this summer, you know, since it's like right here. These are my favorites and while not all of them have as much support in them as I'd prefer, the reviews seemed positive and if worse comes to worse I can just sew an old bra into one. I should probably just sew my own suit altogether.

Torrid: Tie-Dye | Swimsuits For All: Polka Dots | ModCloth: Blue Fringe

All of my current suits are from Victoria's Secret but I see that they are becoming less and less accommodating to the big girls, which is depressing because I love their stuff. But I had some good luck with finding suits at ModCloth, Torrid, and Swimsuits For All. Which of these do you like best? How do you feel about swimsuit shopping?

Fashion Forward Fridays: Rain Boot Styles

Let's start this off right...thank you. You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for the positive response to my post and announcement yesterday! I'm so glad that so many of you are as excited as I am and are ready to go on this journey with me - I'll be sure to keep you updated on all the happenings of Marion Claire Stationery.

Now onto Fashion Forward Fridays! If you remember my post on Wednesday, then you know I need some new rainboots. And since I still have a black and white pair, I want a solid color. I loved the rainboots I wore Wednesday, but I always felt like I had to wear one of the colors in them and that usually felt limiting. So I want a color that I can wear with a lot of outfits and I have narrowed it down to either, pink, green, or yellow. And of course, I made style boards of Polyvore to go with each color.

Which outfit do you like best? And which color should I buy!? Happy Friday!

If I Become A Hipster, Blame My Brother: 2014 Edition

This is what you wear when you wake up at 8am to go buy records.

Little bit chilly while waiting outside of Graham's before it opened!

Inside Graham's - great crowd!

As some of you may or may not know, Saturday was Record Store Day. And although my brother, Eric, and I are currently living near Erie and not the vinyl-loving city of Pittsburgh, we knew we had to still celebrate.

Eric looked up where to find some goods and we took an early morning trip into Erie. This year we were serious, too. We printed out the list of all the exclusive releases, highlighted the ones we wanted and hoped for the best. We went to a family owned place, Graham's Records, first (supporting the local economy is what it's all about, right?), and found a couple things we wanted and then headed to The Exchange in Erie on the way home. Although we both brought home a lot less than last year, it was a good experience for our first time doing Record Store Day outside of Pittsburgh. Graham's had a ton of old stuff that I would love to browse through again soon, like on a day where we're not looking for specific things, and The Exchange had some great new things and surprisingly still had a good bit of Record Store Day exclusives by the time we got there around noon. Although, if you know of any other places around Erie, please let us know! We're always up for exploring music stores and local businesses.

I also realized this weekend that Eric and I have four record players, we each have two. He has an awesome turntable that is in perfect condition from a rummage sale and one from our dad. And I have a cute little green portable one that Eric got for me at that rummage sale and the one I "inherited" from our grandma...aka, the one I stole from our aunt's house during Christmas time because she wasn't using it and said I could take it. Hipsters.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Manner & Mode

Hi, friends! Today I am really excited to introduce to you, Manner & Mode! They sell beautiful accessories and are offering a special discount code to Chels & the City readers! For today's Fashion Forward Fridays I thought it'd be best to show off three of my favorite pieces from Manner & Mode with some outfit inspiration. Enjoy browsing through them and then head over to Manner & Mode to use your discount code (at the end of this post). This company also donates to a different charity next month, so you know that your purchase is going further than just to a store. Through their efforts they are helping to empower women through economic and educational development initiatives. Look good. Feel good. Do good.

This first look is for a casual day out. I love these earrings and all the colors in them and wanted them to inspire this outfit. And how could you not feel happy running around town in such a bright, spring outfit. And I'd imagine wearing this outfit with your hair up so you could really show off these beauties.

Of course, there has to be a work attire look in here somewhere! You all know I love work clothes more than anyone should. So this casual Friday look is perfect and this gorgeous necklace from Manner & Mode gives it just the right amount of sass and class.

Finally, this outfit is my favorite. I love all the bold colors and I love letting this bracelet from Manner & Mode take the lead and draw the most attention. Unfortunately, this bracelet is currently sold out, but I can understand why! It is my absolute, favorite piece from Manner & Mode.

What is your favorite piece from their collection? Go buy it! 

Use discount code chelsea20 for 20% off your order! Happy weekend!

This is a partnered post, but all opinions are my own.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Aw Else Boutique

All photos provided by Aw Else Boutique.

Happy Friday, everyone! I am very excited to introduce Aw Else Boutique to you all today for Fashion Forward Fridays! Aw Else Boutique is located in Greensburg, Pa, but for my readers outside the Pittsburgh area, not to fear, Aw Else has recently launched their online shop and it's sure to please. So everyone, please continue reading for an inside look at this fabulous little boutique!

Danielle Shaffer, who owns Aw Else Boutique, runs the shop Monday through Saturday. The boutique carries Big Buddha Handbags, Cinda B, Sorrelli, John Wind, Lancaster Paris, Chrysalis, Pouchee Purse Organizers, Lolita Wine Glasses, Aroma Decor, and Bridgewater Candle Co. Aw Else's mission is to indulge the women of the community with a relaxing and fulfilling experience. Danielle and her staff invite you into their ladies boutique with an encapsulating, contemporary ambiance, and their goal is for every woman to feel like the "Glitterati." 

Danielle says that, "One heart at a time, we're making a difference in women's lives by bringing a little bit of New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and some international style, right here to Greensburg! We can help you look fabulous for special occasions and everyday wear." Aw Else Boutique, also known as AEB to their loyal fans, is the premier fashion accessories destination in the area. AEB provides personal service to the style-minded woman who is shopping for jewelry, handbags, and accessories to complete her own unique look.

So be sure to indulge yourself in a little shopping (in person if you're near Greensburg) or online for those of you further away! With the fabulous designer fashions and select styles at Aw Else Boutique, you're sure to find something you love and be the "Glitterati" of town!

Aw Else Boutique | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Online Shop

This is a partnered post but all opinions are my own.

Pretty Presents: Small Business Holiday Catalog

1. & 5. Tidal Cool Creations | 2. Vienna Victoria | 3. White Haute Fashions | 4. Cutie Pitutie Bath & Body

So whether you're a very last minute shopper or just ready to look for something for yourself as a treat for getting through the holiday rush, Pretty Living has you covered. With their holiday gift guide, Pretty Presents, you're sure to find something that satisfies your need to shop. And every item included in the guide is from a local small business, which is really a present to this community as well, since your purchases will help those little guys grow and thrive in Pittsburgh, and you can shop easily from home! Win-Win-Win.

Above I've selected just a few of my favorite pieces from the catalog in hopes that you will browse through it for yourself and support these great businesses! The catalog includes items for men and women, so you're sure to find something great for yourself or a friend. 

Wishing you a very happy holiday and happy shopping!

Catalog | Order Form

This is a partnered post, but all opinions are my own.

Fashion Forward Fridays: ecoChic Resale Boutique

Hey everyone! Today I am really excited to bring you an interview from owner Terry Chesky and an inside look of her fabulous resale boutique, ecoChic. This wonderful boutique is located at 401 Home Drive, in front of the Best Buy and Home Depot in Robinson, and hopefully this post encourages you to take a trip there soon! In Terry's interview for Fashion Forward Fridays she explains how ecoChic came to be, how you can become a consignment partner, and how this store is helping transform the fashion scene in Pittsburgh! You guys know that I am all about saving money and still wearing great clothes, thrift shopping is my favorite hobby so you know that I am all about helping out a locally owned consignment shop. Plus, Terry is a great woman who seems really interested in meeting the needs of her shoppers, how could you not want that kind of loyalty to you as the customer while shopping? 

Outside ecoChic in Robinson - all photos provided by Terry.

How did ecoChic get started? My mom and I had been in the consignment business for almost 20 years when we opened ecoChic resale boutique in 2010. We loved second-hand ANYTHING.... antiques, thrift stores, flea markets, and consignment shops. Our first shop, Consignment Cottage, located in Moon Township, is a great store, but off the beaten path. We opened ecoChic with the idea of creating a smaller, boutique resale experience in the heart of the busy Robinson shopping area. We hoped that it would appeal to a greater audience by being in one of the busiest shopping communities.... and it has! 

Guest Post: DuffyDossier

A recent Pittsburgh blogging friend of mine, Alex of DuffyDossier is today's featured guest post as I still get settled into my new job - I'm excited to have her here today to give all of you the ins and outs of great vintage shopping in the 'burgh. Trust me, this girl knows her stuff! Hope you enjoy her post!

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DuffyDossier is Pittsburgh born and raised.

The lovely Miss Alex of DuffyDossier - photo provided by Alex.

Here we go, gals. It’s time to talk about the nitty gritty of Pittsburgh Resale Shops. DuffyDossier is going to get down and dirty with all the epic details. I’ll give you an inside look into which Pittsburgh resale shops to frequent and which ones to stay far away, (and on the other side of the street) from. We’ll cover which shop owners know their way around resale, and which ones don’t. And of course, this post will talk about the tremendous Pittsburgh vintage selection.

Since taking on the responsibility of ‘Miss Vintage Pittsburgh’, I’ve had my fair share of resale/consignment/vintage shopping experiences here in the ‘Burgh. My first rendezvous at a resale shop began one year ago when I stumbled upon The Clothes Horse on Beverly Road.

Miss Judy sitting behind her glass counter full of jewels greeted me with a smile and personal introduction! Immediately, I admitted to her that I’d never been to a resale shop before, and that I was in need of some assistance.

Judy began by showing me around her shop and then she gave me the ins-and-outs of consignment. She explained how she gets her clothes, how often she gets them, her regular consignment junkies, how she prices items, their self life … etc.

Without that initial understanding of the ‘whats, who's, whys, and hows’ of consignment shopping I may never have been able to grasp what it takes to actually be a great resale shop. Since Judy’s consignment finishing school 101, I’ve been able to critique every resale shop in Pittsburgh on this side of the Mon River.

The Pittsburgh South Side

We all know and love the South Side of Pittsburgh, home to many boozy & woozy college kids after hours, but a GREAT location for consignment, and in particular, vintage shopping! 

Stores you NEED to try out in the South Side:

Luxx, Clothing and Hair Salon. First of all, GFs, this shop is both a hair saloon and vintage reseller … can you say #chictodeath? Second of all, the chic in charge knows how to put on a shoe display. Luxx is by far the best consignment shop for vintage shoes! The shoes in this shop are colorful, diverse, name-brand, and mod. The selection Luxx has going on right now is comparative to Steve Madden and Vince Camuot’s 2013 shoe lines.   

The Pittsburgh South Hills

Since I myself, am a PGH south hills resident, I know my way around consigning town. Here are a few shops that are a must-see!

TheSavvy Fox of Mt. Lebanon. And, boy …is she savvy! The shop recently moved its doors to a new location on Greentree road and also has another location in Peters Township. I was able to find some splendid work attire. Profesh & appropriate styles from Asos, various Macy’s brands, and Calvin Klien …just to name a few!

GladRaggs Boutique of Upper Saint Clair. This little shop used to be an old car garage, so it gets drafty in the winter! So, bring your duck-down coat and prepare because you’ll want to stop in no matter the weather. They boast a petite selection worth all your shivers!

Shady Side, Pittsburgh

Shady side has more than just the shops on Walnut Street! It’s one of my favorite little neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

EonsFashion Antique. Down a ways, on Elmsworth Avenue, Eons Fashion antique is stacked with Vintage. (I’m not kidding, they have hat boxes piled so high they reach the ceiling) Eons appropriately dubs themselves, ‘fashion antique’ store for good reason. The entire store boasts clothing from all vintage eras, 90s and beyond. Their selection is stitched to perfection and made the way clothes used to be made  …with careful, nimble fingers.

And now, a little bit about me, Alex Duffy of DuffyDossier. Since agreeing to write for Chelsea’s ‘Chels and the City’ Pittsburgh blog, I had to start asking myself the hard-hitting questions, why do I blog? And, what is my favorite thing about Pittsburgh?

Why do I blog? Hmm… that’s a question with many answers! Since I know you don’t have all day, I will sum it up in a few words… I blog because I am creative. It took me 23 years to realize the depth of my creativity and all of my friends telling me I possessed style. So, I got to thinking, ‘Alex, what can you do that encompasses both your creativity and your style?’ The answer: blog, blog and more blogging! …blogging is always the answer.

What is my favorite thing about Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh people. I travel a lot in my free time. Hoping around from place to place, you begin to realize how valuable a genuine smile and a happy ‘hello!’ from strangers. The people Pittsburgh has are what makes Pittsburgh a happy home for me and my family.

Be sure to check out Alex of DuffyDossier on Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram as well!