Alright, 

New Year, new me. 

Well, kind of.

It's officially the New Year and everyone is talking about health and fitness goals. Now, I've mentioned my love/hate relationship with working out in the past but I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify. There are some work-outs that I can't get enough of -- yoga, pilates, BodyROK to name a few -- and some that are best left to pretty much any one but myself -- cue running, biking, heavy weight lifting. I've learned enough about myself and my body over the years to know that as long as I get in a few days of yoga a week, maintain an active daily routine and eliminate the foods that cause me serious weight gain I can maintain a body I'm happy with. Does that mean that, like very woman, I have things I love and things I'd love to change? Absolutely! But, in general, I try to incorporate eating and lifestyle habits that are sustainable over time rather than follow every fad diet or work-out for as long as I lose interest. Goals aside, stay tuned to know one of my secrets to taking my healthy lifestyle to the next level in 2018.

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2018 Secret: A little extra MOTIVation.

I've been looking for a new fitness tracker for a while, but everything felt so bulky and hard to incorporate into my daily wardrobe. That's when I found the MOTIV ring fitness tracker. You see what I did there? A little extra MOTIVation. I'm in love with it. So much that I got one for Coulter as well and have been recommending them as gifts to my friends. It tracks my steps, heart rate, and sleep, plus did you notice that it doubles as a cute piece of jewelry? 

Shown in this look:

MOTIV Fitness Ring in Rose Gold

LIME & VINE Carah Short Sleeve Tee in Black 

LIME & VINE Selah Legging in Black

ALLBIRDS Wool Tennis Shoes

**Note: Some of these items are sold out so I've included my other favorites from these designers below!

Shop similar items below:

All photography by Rachel Brooks of 5 o'clock Sunday

As for my 2018 health and fitness goals. I'd like to eat healthier during the day and save my indulgences for dinners with my guy. I'm going to try and get back on track for my 2 to 3 day a week yoga habit. And finally, incorporate much more dog walking, slash that, general walking into my every day routine. I do have a wedding to prepare for! Don't forget to head over to www.mymotiv.com to pick up your own fitness ring. Use my CODE: Chantelle20 to get $20 off!

Hey look! I'm running...

Well, actually, walking quickly up the hill on our hike but who is counting... other than my MOTIV of course.

Shown in this look:

Alo Yoga Ideal Long-Sleeve Top • Alo Yoga • $98
Alo Yoga High Rise Moto Leggings • Alo Yoga • $114
ALO YOGA Lark Long Sleeve • Alo Yoga • $74
Wool Loungers • Allbirds • $95

Shop similar items below:

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What about you? What is your health or fitness goal?

Comment below and tell me what you are working on in 2018!

Kisses, Chantelle

What I'm wearing this holiday season!

Party dresses are one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season. Each year, I look forward to having more than one excuse to pull out the heels and get dressed up. This year, I loved my outfit choices so much that I decided to share them with you on a special Holiday Dress-Up post. I've also included some alternative options for each look that almost made the cut. 

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Holiday Party with Friends

All photography by Rachel Brooks of 5 o'clock Sunday

Rock the red

it's the color of the season for a reason ladies. 

I mean, this outfit speaks for itself. The minute I saw it on the rack I knew I had to have it. There is a subtle hint of sexy with the lace bodysuit but it's surprisingly modest when you put it on. I couldn't wait to find a party to wear this little number to. When I saw the red leather jacket to go with it, I was absolutely ecstatic! I paired it with my favorite gold Gorjiana earrings, a simple gold Motif necklace, and my go-to nude Ego stilettos to elongate my short little legs with such a long skirt. Scared of an all red Christmas outfit? Don't be! Nothing is more festive and this is the one time of year that red actually helps you blend in rather than stand out. This is the perfect statement-making look for a holiday party with friends.

Shown in this look:

GUESS Women's Casper Scuba Moto Jacket • GUESS •
GUESS Tony Lace Bodysuit • GUESS •
GUESS Women's Selena Lace Skirt • GUESS •
Cayne Crescent Pendant Necklace • Gorjana •
Sam Edelman Patti Leather Sandals • Sam Edelman •
GUESS by Marciano Women's Jasmeen Lace Maxi Dress •
GUESS by Marciano Women's Aisha Lace Skirt •
Bagatelle Faux Leather Moto Jacket • Bagatelle •
Halogen Horizon Disc Pendant Necklace • Halogen •
Office Hallucinate strappy heels • Office •
Warehouse Vinyl Faux Leather Jacket • Warehouse •
Love...Ady Chemical Lace Midi Slip Dress •
bebe Lace A-Line Dress • Bebe •
NSR Floral Lace Midi Dress • NSR •
BAUBLEBAR Moonstruck Layered Necklace, 18-21" • BaubleBar •
Elise Strappy Point Toe Pumps • French Connection •

Shop similar items below:

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New Year's Eve on Vacation

I’ll be in Hawaii this year for New Years, so I needed something festive but comfortable and not too warm. This dress had all the pizazzyou want when ringing in the New Year. It is also the perfect shape for an event with my in laws (who I will be traveling with). You don't need to add much to make this outfit complete, which is exactly why it was perfect. Add some beachy waves, some fuzzy Ego shoes, a slew of layered necklaces and let those stars do the talking for you. Oh, and I can't forget my favorite Auguste clutch.

Hint: If you are spending your holiday somewhere a bit colder, add a giant fur coat and some sky high booties for an equally perfect pairing. 

Effortless but beaded

didn't think there was such a thing? Meet this simple beaded slip dress. 

Shown in this look:

GUESS Sierna Beaded Star Dress • GUESS •
FOREVER 21 Faux Fur Velvet Strappy Heels • Forever 21 •
Elizabeth and James - Greene Embellished Crepe Mini Dress - Black • Elizabeth and James •
Qupid Combo Lace-Up Sandals • Charlotte Russe •
Haute Hippie Sequin-Embellished Beaded Silk-Chiffon Mini Dress • Haute Hippie •
Charles by Charles David Kandy Block-Heel Pom Pom Sandal • Charles by Charles David •
W118 By Walter Baker Kora Beaded Crepe De Chine Mini Dress •
Loeffler Randall Nicolette Fox Fur Heel • Loeffler Randall •
Joie Sanibel Fringed Beaded Gauze Mini Dress • Joie •
Schutz Lori Suede & Rabbit Fur Heels • Schutz •

Shop similar items below:

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Holiday Party with Family

Hanger appeal vs. Real Life

this dress is exactly why you try things on. It's so flattering!

This dress’ hanger appeal vs. real life appeal was insanely different. I loved it when I saw it but I cannot express how much more I fell in love with it once I put it on. The shape of it, the cut, the neckline - oh my goodness. The waist line hits at the perfect place at my natural waist. A perfectly placed waistline is the key to making you look as trim as possible, and the slit elongates your legs in the best way! I wanted to down play the sparkles making it a bit more subdued. To achieve this look, I added a chunky Gorijana necklace, and my red-hued Auguste clutch.

Plus, I added my favorite part, the velvet mules I designed myself from Shoes of Prey. This company is makes shopping much more fun with anyone with an itch to create that shoe you've been dreaming of but just can't seem to find anywhere. First, you choose a type of shoe and then pick whatever color/colors you’d like it to be. It’s so fun, and they are insanely comfortable and unique shoes. 

Shown in this look:

Red Sequin Wrap Hem Midi Dress • Missguided •
ASOS Petite ASOS PETITE Sequin Cami Wrap Midi Dress • Asos •
boohoo Petite Laura Sequin Wrap Front Midi Dress • boohoo •
Anthropologie Belinda Clutch • Anthropologie •
Sole Society Karen Faux Leather Envelope Clutch - Black • Sole Society •
Sole Society Velvet Foldover Clutch - Red • Sole Society •
Pave Stone Tassel Layering Necklace Set • LOFT •
Crescent Moon Necklace •

Shop similar items:

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Drinks with Friends

This two piece set from Show me Your Mumu is the perfect slightly casual holiday dress. Mumu is one of my favorite brands and they have expanded their style soooo much in the last year. This crop top also has shorts to go with it, if you prefer. I threw on stilettos by ego to dress it up, but my go to probably would have been some open toes booties, depending on the occasion of course! My star necklace from
Gorjiana is a new fav. So simple and gorgeous. I clearly have a crush on that brand as well ;)  

Shop this look:

Barcelona Skirt ~ Risque Rose • MUMU •
Penelope Crop Top ~ Risque Rose • MUMU •
Halogen Horizon Disc Pendant Necklace • Halogen •
Sam Edelman Patti Leather Sandals • Sam Edelman •
Super Slip Dress ~ Risque Rose • MUMU •
Crescent Moon Necklace •
Show Me Your Mumu Super Slip Dress • Show Me Your Mumu •
Cayne Crescent Pendant Necklace • Gorjana •
Tamara Top ~ Risque Rose • MUMU •
Sawyer Short ~ Risque Rose • MUMU •

Shop similar items below:

Happy Holidays!

Kisses, Chantelle

Fall '17 Trends Styled My Way

Here were are, talking about fall trends once again; and today I'm tackling multiple trends in just two looks. I know, I'm a bit of an overachiever. Some of my favorite key items this fall have been statement-making tops, asymmetrical cropped jeans, 70s throwback styles and my absolute favorite fall trend: luxe slippers. Once again, I've tried to make each of these trends my own by adding a bit of color, playfulness and California girl casual.

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Trend 1: Statement Tops and Asymmetrical Cropped Jeans

All photography by Rachel Brooks of 5 o'clock Sunday and Breana Taylor of Brilliantly Bre.

Wear it with

a statement top and luxe slippers. 

This outfit is so versatile which is one of the reasons I wanted to feature it. Not only can it be worn from day to night but it's also a fashionable alternative to my typical jeans and t-shirt casual attire. Now let's talk about these slippers which are so comfortable and have become a surprising staple in my fall wardrobe. I was shocked at how many compliments I've received since I've been wearing them, from men especially. My fiancé absolutely loves them and they add that necessary playfulness to this classic outfit. I also chose to pair these jeans with a statement-making striped shirt with giant bell sleeves. This shirt is such a great find at only $10.99. These cropped denim jeans by AG are so incredibly figure-flattering. Choosing a high-waisted pair denim adds the illusion of an extra few inches of height-- which for those of us under 5' 7" is always accepted without complaint! 

Shown in this look:

Striped Statement Top

Assymetrical Ankle Crop Jeans

Luxe embroidered slippers

Shop similar items below:

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Trend 2: 70s Chic

I love incorporating a good John Lennon inspired pair of sunglasses in my daily rotation for an ode to 70s style. I paired these bright pink Ray Ban shades with a cropped fringe sweater and simple high-waisted skinny jeans. I used a monochromatic color palette to help incorporate my love for color into this throwback look. It's also a fresh take on a classic trend. 

Wear it with

high waisted jeans.

Style Tip: A monochromatic color palette modernizes this look. 

Shop this look:

High-waisted skinny jeans (Currently on sale for $16.25) USE CODE: FASHION for an additional 10% OFF

Cropped and fringed sweater in Pink (Currently on sale for $11.49) USE CODE: FASHION for an additional 10% OFF

Note that I love this fringe sweater so much that I have it two colors. Here is another outfit option with the grey version that you can find here.  

Shop similar items below:

LOVE 21 Distressed Boxy Sweater • LOVE21 • $22.90
Ray-Ban - Round-frame Gold-tone Mirrored Sunglasses • Ray-Ban • $180
Honey Punch Relaxed V-Neck Sweater In Distressed Rib Knit • Honey Punch • $48
Elizabeth and James Women's Mott Round Sunglasses • Elizabeth and James • $79.97
Melissa Mccarthy Seven7 Plus Dark Denim Jeans • Melissa McCarthy • $49

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I always want to give a big thanks to Breana from Brilliantly Bre for helping take some of these photos because blogging is always more fun with buddies. So, what do you guys think about these trends, would you wear them? Which trend was your favorite and which new trend would you like me to try next? Leave your ideas and suggestions in the comments below!

With love, Chantelle

Fall '17 Trends Styled My Way

If you are anything like me, you find runway trends intriguing in concept but hard to pull off once you bring them home from the store. I love playing dress-up, don't get me wrong, but sometimes trying out a new trend feels a little like putting on someone else's costume for the day. It's hard for me to take the risk of looking like someone else, rather than staying true to my own personal style. That's why this season I challenged myself to take some of fall's trickiest trends and style them up so that they could be seamlessly integrated into my day-to-day wardrobe. 

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Trend 1: The Midi Skirt

All photography by Rachel Brooks of 5 o'clock Sunday and Breana Taylor of Brilliantly Bre.

Wear it with

a cropped sweater and wool wide brimmed hat for a touch of California wine country cool. 

I've always found the midi length trend tricky at my height but the key to this look is some heels and a flirty edge. These full skirted midis from Zaful are adorable and shockingly flattering on. The only issue I have is that they tend to make me look shorter than I actually am. That's why I keep them high-waisted and always throw in a good heel. For the first look I took note from Northern California wine country and kept the colors neutral and the accessories a bit rustic. I absolutely loved pairing this modest cut skirt with something a bit sexier like this grey cropped sweater. Just a hint of skin modernized this look and kept it feeling California casual. 

Shown in this look:

Midi skirt

Cropped grey sweater

Wide brimmed hat

Leather gladiator booties

Shop similar items below:

Hello, World!

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Trend 2: Pretty in Plaid + Midi Skirt

It's okay, we have all thought it before, plaid can sometimes make you look at bit like a librarian. Always one to step up to the challenge, I decided to make this trend extra difficult by combining plaid AND midi length. My solution to add some edge to an otherwise conservative look? Layer on the accessories, add a pop of color with a statement shoe and throw in one of my favorite graphic tees. The result? One touch Carrie Bradshaw, one touch Zoe Deschanel and I'm completely into it. 

Wear it with

layers of eclectic jewelry and statement-making heels.

Shown in this look:

Midi skirt

"BASIC" Graphic Tee

Blue Fringed Statement Heels

Fringe Earrings

Shop similar items below:

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Trend 3: Suede Mini Skirt

Wear it with

textured knits.

As you've probably noticed, mini skirts are a staple in my wardrobe. They have become a bit trickier to make seasonally appropriate with my move to Northern California and the much cooler weather. I absolutely love this trend and the lace up details of this sueded skirt and decided to pair it with textured knits to make it more fall weather friendly. 

Shown in this look:

Wide Brimmed Hat

Grey Slouchy Sweater

Sueded Mini Skirt

Slouchy Socks

Booties with Side Detail

Shop similar items:

And that's a wrap...

Stay tuned for Fall Trends "My Way" Part 2 where I tackle nautical stripes, fringed jeans and more.