Chucktown Chic.

(Jeans, DL1961 (now on sale!); Top, J.Crew; Boots, J.Crew; Cape, Madewell (similar here))

This past weekend, Tommy and I were in Charleston. A few years back were in Chucktown for a full week. It's kind of funny though - how when you only have a couple of days somewhere, you somehow seem to pack it all in, see the sights, more so than when you have a lot of time. Similar goes for me in life - whenever I'm really busy, I tend to get so much done as opposed to times when I'm not as busy where it can take me forever to do one task.  

We stayed along King Street, which is the main street in Charleston with tons of shopping (which I fully took advantage of and actually needed to check a bag on the way back - haven't needed to do this since I studied abroad 6 years ago). Where we stayed and even the wedding we attended really gave us the Charleston experience in the few days we were there. The wedding was at the historic William Aiken House on King Street and the guests were picked up for the ceremony in rickshaws - how fun!?

Brunch is my favorite meal so we managed to get two brunches in while in Charleston. One was at Husk and the other was at Lowcountry Bistro - two places we hadn't been to during our previous visit. Husk has a small menu, so you know whatever is on it will be good and they change their menu twice a day, which is pretty impressive.  Another great place I loved for coffee and juices was Whisk. It is in a key location so you can grab a coffee or juice and take it for a walk along the water. I also loved the ambiance - very cozy with friendly service - something I noticed each day I was in Charleston - the people are so friendly! 

Photography: J. Michael Walker

Holiday Gifting for Holiday Parties.

(Socks, J.Crew; Tray, J.Crew; Bottle Opener, Two's Company; Wine Stopper, Williams-Sonoma; Mug, Pendleton; Graphic Tee, J.Crew; Heel Stud Earrings, Kate Spade; Scarf, Cheap Monday; Hard Cover Table Book, via Target; Gloves, J.Crew; Necklace, Madewell; Bracelet, Madewell; iPhone 5 case, Kate Spade; Key Chain, Madewell; Circle Scarf, Lulu via Nordstrom; Hat, J.Crew; Vase, smilar here by abibas; Card Game, Cards Against Humanity; Handmade Candle, Rewined)

My friends and are getting together for a Secret Santa this year and I thought it would be fun to pull together some gifts that are within that "$30 or under" range that lends itself to these holiday shindigs. 

A couple of things on the pieces I picked: 

J.Crew Socks. Everyone can always use a cute pair of new socks! Pair a couple together as a practical and useful gift. Looking for a fun way to show them off? Pair with casual jeans rolled up and oxford shoes. (30% off entire J.Crew purchase through 12/1)

Stag Wine Stopper and Bottle Opener. I'm thinking pairing one of these with a bottle of red could be a great gift too! Great for someone who has a designated bar area or bar cart in their home or apartment. 

Plaid Mug. I LOVE these. Made by Pendleton, whose name you may recognize from their jackets and vests, has created a set of four tartan mugs perfect for sipping hot chocolate in. Since they come in a set of 4 for $58, keep two and give the other two to your friend (making it a gift for you + 1 and still under $30 each!)

Hardcover Table Book. For the one who is enthralled by fashion. A look into 50 dresses that shaped fashion history along with the famous people who wore them.

Kate Spade iPhone Case. Shifting graphics like a hologram, this case makes you want to do dance!

Cards Against Humanity. If your gift exchange is at a house or apartment, this could be a fun gift to put to use right away. Best way to describe it: Raunchier play on the classic Apples to Apples game. 

Rewined Candle. These candles smell so good. I hate when I buy a candle and can hardly smell it. Their exterior is made of recycled wine bottles and they are also handmade in Charleston, SC - I love that city!

Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Festive Feet.

(Clockwise from top right: Slippers, J.Crew ($55); Oxfords, ASOS ($80); Pumps, Halogen ($100); Flats, Express ($40); Blue Suede Flats, Louise Et Cie ($100); Glitz Loafers, Anthropologie ($80); Bergundy Haircalf Loafers, Sam Edelman (were originally $150!); Pump, Banana Republic ($98 using code MERRY through 11/19))

The holidays are right around the corner. Although Christmas music has been echoing through department stores since the day after Halloween, I think now I'm really starting to feel it. Holiday get-togethers with friends and family are quickly filling up my calendar and while I brainstorm ideas for gift giving, I couldn't resist pulling together some awesomely festive shoes to wear to your next office party, friendsgiving or date with your couch and some holiday movies. And the best part? They are all $100 or less!

*Update: Noticed Sam Edelman and BR's are now sold out but you can find Sam Edelman here for just over $100 :)

Bring it On.

Last night I set my alarm with all intentions of waking up and starting my day off with an early gym sesh. I even had a wake up call from Sam as she passed my apartment wondering if I too had ripped myself away from my cozy, warm bed to face the morning chill for a workout. With lack of motivation, I answered the phone, wished her godspeed and reset my alarm to stay underneath the covers for another hour or so.

This is so much easier in the summer. 

How would you describe yourself getting up in the morning as the weather gets colder? Ready to take on the day? Crippled with intimidation? As opposed to hitting snooze I'm going to attempt to reset my outlook as the cold front moves in. Let's take this as an opportunity to experiment with layers, eclectic accessories and this season's textured sweaters.

I'm currently crushing on all things oxblood and love these if you're shoe repertoire is in need of an update. 

(Shirt, Hobbs (another fun print here and here); Sweater, rag & bone; Pants, Citizens of Humanity; Hat, rag & bone; Boots, Zara; Sunnies, Randolph Engineering)

Top Five: SHOPBOP Fall Sale.

One of my favorite shopping sites, SHOPBOP currently has 30% off all select fall items (through 11/7!). Most of their selection is on the pricier side so it's always nice to get some staple designer pieces for less. Here are my top 5 wardrobe staples from the sale, which includes Equipment's signature blouse that is hardly ever on sale!

1. Equipment, Signature Blouse in Peacoat

2. Marais USA, Slipper Flats in Oxblood

3. Tory Burch, Cosmetic Case 

4. Myne, Sweatshirt with Faux Leather 

5. Blaque Label, Sleeveless Jumpsuit

Top Five: SHOPBOP Fall Sale by chelsbop.

Fall Foliage.

(Shirt, J.Crew (love this one too!); Sweater, Boast (similar version here); Jeans, J.Crew; Backpack, Madewell; Shoes, Vince Camuto; Cap, J.Crew)

Pumpkin patches, apple picking, wine tours and (insert here)fests. Day trips during the fall are the best to take in the crisp weather and colorful foliage. The key to being prepared is wearing layers, comfortable shoes and bag large enough to carry anything else you might need. Village Tannery has me on a backpack kick lately and they are also more practical for traveling with than a large tote.

Bodysuit Babe.

bodysuit babe by chelsbop
(Left to Right: Bodysuit, Alice & Olivia. Outfit 1. Jacket, Madewell; Denim, DL1961, Purse, Tory Burch; Shoes, Chanel, similar and cheaper! version here. Outfit 2. Skirt, Similar Here; Sunnies, Ray-Ban; Jewelry, Kate Spade, on sale here!; Shoes, Sam Edelman. Outfit 3. Shorts, Malene Birger; Jacket, Helmut Lang; Shoes, Kenneth Cole)

Gearing up for my trip to Charleston that is at the beginning of May and I pulled some vacay outfits together that all would work fantastically with this Alice & Olivia bodysuit that is currently on sale. 

The first outfit to the left works great for sightseeing and walking along King Street. Comfortable shoes are always a must and while I love these Chanel espadrilles, Tory Burch has a similar pair that are less expensive and I love just as much (see link in the caption!)

The nautical maxi and bright Ray-Bans over on the right are perfect for a beach stroll. The bodysuit could totally double as a swimsuit.- Strictly for bathing purposes!

For a night out in Lowcountry, I'm sure I'll still want to dress it up a bit with some heels, but a pair of none denim shorts can keep it casual and still appropriate for night. I'm really into these sandal booties right now (you can find a similar pair here)!

P.S. The back of the bodysuit is fully open! ;)