It's barely even December yet and already I'm past due for getting my holiday party wear in order.  Luckily, I stumbled upon this Vince Camuto dress at Nordstrom and it was a no-brainer for holiday wear.  The fit is perfect (and it is available in petites - high fives all around people!) with just the right amount of festive sparkle.

Vince Camuto is also doing a killer cyber monday deal today (40% off with the code CYBER40)  And this sale including my favorite feather skirt or this festive red midi skirt which would be perfect for a holiday fete.

[anthropologie coat (old, similar here (and under $60!) // vince camuto dress // vince camuto kicks (old, similar here) // baubles (bracelets (here, here, & here), watch, earrings) // clutch // sunnies]

[shirt: jcrew (love this one from this season and this) // skirt: jcrew (love this one from this season , a black and white version here) // kicks: vince camuto (similar) // baubles: michael kors, david yurman, stella & dot // purse: kate spade (another cheeky option)]


It's a conversation that frequently happens in our household, the items and outfits that women wear that men 'don't get' and more to the point don't like.  But being the type of person who dresses for herself rather than anyone else, I rarely heed my husband's occasional running commentary on what I'm wearing.  To be fair, he often surprises me on the outfits which I put together which he doesn't find particularly offensive, but regardless he still chooses to be seen with me so perhaps the outfits where our opinions diverge aren't that bad afterall.  Regardless, one trend that I find befuddles men the most is the premise of pattern mixing.  If you've followed me for awhile, you've probably noted I'm a huge fan of it.  And this outfit was no exception. It's a trend that I'd recommend you give a whirl - you can play it safe and stick with patterns from similar (or the same) color families or go big (I love this skirt with this shirt).

And If you haven't checked out The Man Repeller, I'd recommend that you do too.

[dress: gap (old, but similar and on sale here) // jacket: old (similar) // kicks: vince camuto (similar) // baubles: stella and dot (here, here, and here), michael kors // purse: tory burch // sunnies: rayban]

[jacket: similar (and under $40) // skirt: vince camuto (similar in white) // top: jcrew (similar here & here) // kicks: sam edelman (similar) // baubles: michael kors, jcrew (here, here, and here) // purse: tory burch (similar) // sunnies: rayban]

Over the weekend, we made a quick trip to Raleigh to see the Carolina Ballet perform Swan Lake.  When we lived in Raleigh, we frequented the Carolina Ballet; under the direction of Robert Weiss, they always so a stellar job at their productions.  Swan Lake was no exception to this.  I think that Swan Lake gets a bad rep for being a very long (and boring) ballet; it is traditionally quite long and perhaps not as theatrical as the more-popular Nutcracker.  The Carolina Ballet did a beautiful job at condensing the storyline without losing the traditional pieces of the choreography or story.  If you are in the area, it's completely worth checking out.


Another thing that I love about the ballet is dressing for it.  It's a wonderful opportunity to break out something a little more fancy.  I, being a lover of a good theme, dressed in feathers because when in Rome.

[jacket: cache (similar) // shirt: jcrew // skirt: vince camuto (similar) // kicks: sam edelman // baubles: michael kors, stella & dot, jcrew // sunnies: prada // purse: kate spade (similar)]

I know what you are thinking: Chelsea, I don't go to my closet on a Tuesday and think, 'Feathers, obviously.'.  But hear me out on this, just feather skirts are fun for occasions: girls nights out, date nights, etc., but who says that when paired with some less than dressy kicks and a t-shirt that it can't be more of an everyday look, albeit a little fancier of an everyday look.  But if we are really being honest with ourselves, who doesn't love a little bit of everyday fancy?

To say that Valentine's Day is a big deal in our house is actually downplaying the holiday.  I actually think my love of the holiday started with my mother who always made a big deal of it and has continued my whole life, gaining exponentially through the years.  Basically, it's the best holiday ever. hands down.  So in preparation of this glorious holiday, I'll be sharing several looks for your plans, whether they be a fun night with the girls, friends, or with your loved one.

[skirt: vince camuto // shirt: loft (similar) // blazer: jcrew // tights: DKNY // baubles: michael kors, jcrew (here and here) // kicks: DV (similar) // clutch: kate spade]

This past Friday night, Scott and I braved the cold for a date night which included a leisurely dinner  at BLT Steak (highly recommend) and a show.  It was the perfect opportunity to break out my newly acquired feather skirt, throw on a blazer and hit the town.  I love mixing unexpected pieces like the fun of a feather skirt and the structure of JCrew's Schoolboy Blazer; it's a great juxtaposition.

*Product was provided by Fourth Love, opinions therein are my own**

Let's also take a second to discuss this giraffe bracelet.  I got it from JCrew last year and I simply adore it.  I wish that it had been made available again this season, but alas, it is an under-appreciated piece.  If you are looking for a similar bauble try this (here)