Have you ever found yourself wondering why it is that your friend that normally lives in sneakers, all of the sudden opts for 5-inch stiletto heels on her wedding day? Or the girl that you've never seen wear her hair up chooses a classic French twist rather than letting her wavy hair run wild.

I, personally, think it's because so many women feel there is an expectation on them to transform into "the perfect bride" from the minute they get engaged. And, in doing so, sometimes they lose touch with that special personal style that makes them so unique to begin with. There’s nothing wrong with letting your own quirky style peek through in your day-of wedding attire, as well as throughout all of the wonderful outfit opportunities leading up to the big event. Especially if you’re usually more bohemian casual than glam queen, like me.

To demonstrate how cool it can be to incorporate elements of your daily style into your pre-wedding looks, I've chosen this dress from David's Bridal and styled it for three different events in ways that playfully reflect my own everyday style. I've taken my casual bohemian wedding theme and translated it directly to each of these outfits.

P.S. you are totally allowed to use the same dress for all three of these events. There are no rules, just find fun accessories to jazz each look up!

This budget-friendly dress is a soft floral lace sheath gown with a blush lining beautifully done by David's Bridal. I love how soft and effortless it is while still feeling fresh and fashion-forward.

Look 1: Engagement Party

I love the playfulness of this look. Engagement parties are a time for celebration, without the stress and pressure of the big day. Why take yourself, or your look, too seriously? I loved the juxtaposition of a ripped denim jacket contrasting the tiara. The jacket screams "cool girl casual" while the tiara says "I'm playing princess for the day!"

Look 2: Engagement Photoshoot

For the engagement shoot, I wanted to incorporate something from my everyday wardrobe to keep the full length lace dress feeling more relaxed and more "me". So,I chose a cream fedora from my Lack of Color hat collection. Pro tip: I used this beautiful David's bridal headband as a hatband to add a little touch of sparkle. My amazing fringe sneakers are from Emonk Ibiza and added just the right amount of bohemian casual, and editorial edge, to finish this look off.

Look 3: Rehearsal Dinner 

One thing some brides forget to include in their wedding budget are all the pre-wedding outfits, including the rehearsal dinner dress. Why not buy one amazing dress for both your engagement party, shoot, and rehearsal dinner? It was so easy for me to completely transform the vibe of this dress from bohemian casual to rustically ethereal by quickly simplifying my look. Goodbye wool hat, hello sparkling headband. Wear those awesome sneakers again and save the teetering heels - and your sore feet- for the big day.

Shopping guide:

Thank you to David’s Bridal for sponsoring this post. I truly loved this dress! To check out more of their little white dresses click here. To find a location near you, click here! Most importantly, know that you are an incredible human being and there’s a reason he/she put a ring on it. Let that inner beauty shine and have fun being YOU on your big day.

With love, Chantelle

Photography by: Holly Dyche and Rachel Brooks

Floral arrangement by: Bloom Equation

Art Direction by: Rachel Brooks

Hair & Make-up by: Moni Sebestyan 

Accidentally twinning with my bff!

Might I add she's pregnant and STILL more fashionable than I am. Ladies (and gents) meet my BFF, Rachel aka 5oclocksunday, and her little baby girl bump! These pictures were taken as we headed out for our afternoon coffee and lunch date. It's normal to eat lunch at 4pm right? Glad I found a friend whose eating habits are as often and sporadic as my own.

Now onto the clothes! Rachel showed up in a pleated black dress from H&M and these white platform sneakers. I have a similar pair -my favorites- from Grates. Meanwhile, I am absolutely loving this flowy white top by I.Am.Gia (similar here). The movement in the arms make me smile and all I kept thinking while wearing this was, "Where's my Beyonce wind at?" I chose to pair it with a high-waisted XIX palms skirt - you may remember the brand from my last post. Finally, I had to throw in my new favorite winter trend: metallic rose gold shoes. These particular mules are from Boohoo and so affordable.  Note: I'm currently screaming #ICan'tEven! I topped the look off with my two most important coffee date accessories: Rach & the bump.

Look 1: Chantelle

Featured piece: Cropped blouse by I.AM.GIA

Paired it with: A high waisted black skirt and metallic mules

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Rachel's Look

Featured pieces: Pleated Dress by H&M

Paired it with: White platform sneakers and oversized plastic headband

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What about you guys? Do you like to twin with your bestie? Comment below and send us photos of you and your best friend's fashionable twin moments.

With love, Chantelle

Worn two ways: Oversized Striped Sweater by The Knot Sisters

I've been following The Knot Sisters on Instagram for a while now, and have gotten their incredible clothes from various boutiques in the past. I love the brand's laid back style/aesthetic and the fact that they were founded in Orange County (basically my second home) and that their "casual cool girl" style reflects that. All that being said, when I got invited to their holiday party at their pop-up shop this winter I had to make the trip down to meet the founders in person! I dragged my sisters, Savannah LaBrant, and bestie, Rachel Richardson, with me as well.... OF COURSE! The Knot Sisters owners, Cheryl and Jamie, are incredible boss babes that have been friends for years, might I also throw in that they have amazing personal style themselves. These besties were constantly mistaken as sisters, so when they started their own business and it came time to name it, it only made sense to let people know that they were kNOT SISTERS. 

One of the favorite pieces that I took home was this striped sweater so I decided to show you how to wear it two different ways. 

Look 1: Bundled up and casual

Featured pieces: Oversized striped sweater by Knot Sisters

Paired it with: A pink shearling coat, light denim jeans and bohemian accessories

Photography by 5oclocksunday

For the first look, I paired the sweater with DSTLD jeans, Nena & Co purse, Artemis sliders, and a shearling Guess Jacket. 

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Look 2: Unexpectedly dressed down with a sneaker.

Featured pieces: Oversized striped sweater by Knot Sisters

Paired it with: Printed knot sisters skirt, a Motif necklace, and custom sneakers by Shoes of Prey.

This second look is my slightly dressy, yet still casual, alternative. I loved pairing the sweater with a midi skirt, and dressing it down even more with a sneaker (similar item here). I have genuinely LIVED in this sweater since I got back to cold SF after my Hawaiian getaway. It's a go to piece for me currently, and I'm obessed with how cozy it is and how easy it is to style. 

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What do you guys think? Which look better suits your style? Let me know your favorites in the comments below. 

With love, Chantelle

Worn two ways: Dressy Tank

Look 1: Girl's Night Out

Featured pieces: Dressy Tank

Paired it with: Velvet Suit

Photography by Breana Taylor of Brilliantly Bre

I'm all about finding versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. That's why this sea foam mesh tank top was so appealing to me. Here I've shown two ways to wear it and transition this top from day to night. 

For the first look, I paired it with this amazing pink velvet suit from Shop Resurrection. If you are worried about what to wear underneath note that I wore a matching skin tone bralette that practically disappeared under this layered look. This outfit is perfect for a night out with the girls or a funky art show opening. This is something I'd usually wear if I wanted to be a bit more adventurous yet still keep the outfit more playful than sexy. 

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LooK 2: Girl's Night Out

Featured pieces: Dressy Tank

Paired it with: White Crop Top and Embroidered Denim

This second look is my casual alternative. I took a note from the 90s here by layering this top with a cropped white tee. As an added benefit it gave me a bit more coverage. Lately, I've had a thing for this embroidered denim trend and it added an unexpected twist to a dressier top. These Two Bandits earrings add a bit of art school credibility to any denim ensemble. This is such an eclectic outfit that I figured adding a punch of color with my new Zaful shoes was only fitting. Use CODE: FASHION for a discount + free shipping on these amazing fringed heels.  

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Alright, I know you were all checking out this amazing birthday cake latte more than my outfit so go stop by Home in the Outer Sunset to taste all their colorful creations. Also, check this out for alternative looks with these embroidered jeans? 

With love, Chantelle