chelsea wears

Bumble and bumble. Classic + Spray de Mode

2013-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hair spray isn't a beauty item that I've tried every brand of and really know my stuff about. What's my hair spray authority resumé? Well, I used to spray my ponytails into shiny, hard helmets on my head every day in middle school, so there's that. For those of you who are actually knowledgeable about hair, feel free to take all of this with a grain of sea salt spray. See what I did there? Hair humor.

[ bumble and bumble. classic + spray de mode ]

I've been using both the Bumble and bumble. Classic and the Spray de Mode for years. I am a huge fan of the Spray de Mode -- it's got memory, give, can be brushed out, and NEVER leaves you with flaky spray bits. I find it's perfect for hair styles worn down and I love the effect in next day hair (ends up being a great texturizing spray!). On the other hand, the Classic is my go to high-hold spray, for all the times I wear my hair pulled back hard and tight. Once again, no flaky bits here and both smell good as far as hair sprays go (a little alcohol-y, but nice).

I'm curious to hear what sprays you love/swear by -- and how they rate next to these? Let me know!

Instagram: ChelseaWears

2013-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

Are we insta-pals?

[ @ChelseaWears ]

Leah Reena Goren Cat Pouch

2013-11-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

A huge score from Renegade SF -- love this as my makeup bag.

[ cat pouch - leah reena goren ]

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser // Rivitalize & Glow Serum

2013-11-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

[ aurelia probiotic skincare miracle cleanser* // sample of revitalize & glow serum* ]

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Skin Cleanser* is a quality makeup removing cleanser which has taken the place of my beloved Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm as I've been feeling a little bored with the same old routine day in and out and was looking to get a little experimental (I've also adopted using Avene Cleanance Gel Cleanser as a second step to mix things up -- watch out for this crazy girl!). The switch up has actually been working out really well, so I'm not running back to my old routine anytime soon.

I apply a good sized dollop of the Miracle Cleanser* to my dry face, enjoy the fresh and natural scent, and work it into my skin. It rubs in very smoothly, despite not being an oil based cleanser, and comes off easily with a quick wipe over with it's accompanied washcloth. I haven't tested it, but I suspect if I did a once over with a cotton pad of Bioderma there would be very little to no makeup left on my skin at all. I have about 3/4 of the tub left, but I suspect I will be purchasing this once it's used up.

I apply the Revitalize & Glow Serum* after a second cleanse, whatever mask and toner I may or may not be using at the moment, and some La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (if it's nighttime). It sinks into my skin within seconds, feels light and airy (not tacky in the slightest), smells nice, and wears very well under makeup. Combine that with some Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream and I'm left with soft, hydrated skin that honestly looks more glowy than it has in ages (thanks to also drinking LOTS (!!!) of water daily). I've been looking for a good anti-aging serum since forever; so, despite the fact it's a tad pricey, I've got plans to buy a replacement once this runs out next week.

I can't really think of any negative things to say; I really love both products and would 100% drop my hard earned money down to buy each of them... and probably some more products I'm curious about from the line... my bank account is super thrilled about that. Not.

*When I was contacted about my potential interest in sampling Aurelia skincare for review I was immediately sold upon reading the word probiotic. I'm a huge fan of probiotics -- I take them multiple times a day orally and credit them with helping quell my crazy chin acne situation. I was not paid to write this post. I accepted these products for review.

What I Wore: 10.20.13

2013-11-08T00:08:00.001-08:00

Sweater: Vince
Top: Topshop
Pants: Topshop

Sandals: Sam & Libby from Target

Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs Purse

Necklace: Minoux

Illesteva Leonard Matte Light Purple Sunglasses

2013-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

I took one look at this picture and HAD TO HAVE THEM.

[ illesteva leonard matte light purple sunglasses ]

Save While Spending: Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

2013-11-06T09:34:00.002-08:00

Yes, yes, yes -- shop the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale now!

What I Wore: 10.15.13

2013-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Bra: Helmut Lang Asymmetrical Bra (and here too)

Tank: Zara
Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Topshop "Leigh"
Sandals: Sam & Libby Keira Tall Gladiator Sandals from Target

What I Wore: 10.12.13

2013-11-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Jacket: Theory "Elenian" Leather Jacket in Military Green (my blog post)

Necklace: Babette on Etsy
Top: Topshop

Jeans: Madewell

Boots: Dolce Vita "Jax"

Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Pale Skin Contour Products - Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow and Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium

2013-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

If you are light skinned, finding a perfect contour can be a challenge... Too dark! Too warm! Too harsh!

Through extensive "research" -- what I prefer to call my sitting in sweatpants watching YouTube videos for 3 years straight -- I have finally narrowed it down to the only two contour products I really need... Illmasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow and Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium. One cream. One powder. Great cheekbones. [ HINT: Apply these all over, instead of a blush, and prepare to be amazed. ]

These really are THE must-have contour products for every self respecting pale makeup lover/hoarder (Let's be real. We, the makeup crazies, all totally fall somewhere on the "hoarders" spectrum. I, for one, am still waiting for the episode where someone is buried in makeup. She's out there. Drowning in MAC lipstick. I can feel it.).

[ illamasqua cream pigment in hollow // kevyn aucoin the sculpting powder in medium ]

L'Oreal EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System - Shampoo + Conditioner

2013-11-03T13:55:00.002-08:00

Heads Up: L'Oreal EverCréme is a cheaper alternative to my beloved (and pricey!) Ojon Damage Reverse.
$7 vs. $24. You do the math.

[ l'oreal evercréme intense nourishing shampoo and conditioner ]

This L'Oreal EverCréme shampoo and conditioner duo performs amazingly well for its price point. $6.99 each?! Yes gawd, girl. My bank account is finally happy with me.

Pros? Sulfate-free, smells nice, and makes my hair feel crazy soft... rivaling the much pricier Ojon set I typically buy.

Cons? They sometimes give my hair too much nourishment. It will feel a bit weighted down and even slightly greasy/sticky from leftover product after showering. Make sure you spend a little more time than usual washing out the conditioner and you'll be fine. Or maybe I'm a just fully grown baby who can't even shower properly. Also, most days it's hit or miss whether this will make my naturally wavy hair texture look nice (AKA non-frizzy -- the holy grail for wavy/curly hair).

Verdict. Despite the great value and performance of this duo, the Ojon Damage Reverse line remains the all around favorite because I pretty much never have to worry about frizzing issues with those. Not everyone can pull off the Grace Coddington look on the daily (especially me, in the SF fog!).

Datter Industries Cat Face Ring

2013-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Picked this bad boy up at Renegade to share with my mom (AKA she bought it, I will borrow).
meow, meow.

[ datter industries cat face ring ]

Atelier Cologne - Vanille Insensée

2013-11-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

An intoxicating, gorgeous, sexy, warm vanilla scent.

[ atelier cologne - vanille insensée cologne absolue ]

Essie - For the Twill of It

2013-10-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for duo-chrome or shimmery nails, but HOT DAMN I love this polish!

[ essie - for the twill of it ]

Ray Ban Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses in Green

2013-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oops, I did it again.

[ ray ban mirrored aviator sunglasses in green ]

HINT: They are in this current ideeli sale for $119!

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

2013-10-29T11:23:00.001-07:00

It's a shit dry shampoo (they boast it's a great alternative to one -- lies!) but a fab 2nd day spray in the lengths.

(After I've used blow pro Faux Dry and Jonathan Green Rootine around my roots, of course.)

[ oribe dry texturizing spray ]

Catbird Tomboy and Classic Hammered Frist Knuckle Rings

2013-10-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Knuckle rings make it hard to open my water bottle, but I'll suffer from dehydration for fashion.

[ tomboy first knuckle ring // classic hammered first knuckle ring ]

I've been dying for some catbird stacking rings for years -- I've drooled at them in the flesh at their Brooklyn shop and spent way too much time pinning them late at night. But alas, I never took the plunge. I've always held back because A. they are pricey and B. I never know what sizes to get for knuckle rings. Problem solved. The rings went on sale recently, a rare occurrence, so I jumped at the opportunity. I threw caution to the wind and guessed at what sizes I would need (I was actually pretty accurate thanks to a googling website that allowed me to measure my Datter Industries knuckle ring for comparison). I ended up with 2 Tomboy First Knuckle Rings and 3 Classic Hammered First Knuckle Rings (plus a free tote!).

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Messenger in Jade

2013-10-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm in love.

[ 3.1 phillip lim pashli messenger in jade ]

See me gush about/review it here.

Protect Ya Neck: Physical Sunscreen

2013-10-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Just because Summer is over doesn't mean you should quit with the SPF.

[ elemental herbs sun screen kids // All Terrain KidSport Spray 30 // La Vanila The Healthy Sun Screen Face Cream ]

I'm all about "physical" sunscreens (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide -- read up on difference from chemical sunscreens here.) These sunscreens are easily found at your local health food store, or even Sephora! I personally love the Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 under makeup, the Lavanila The Healthy Sun Screen Face Cream on my face when I'm not wearing makeup, and will use any of the above creams on my body.

Any other sunscreen recs? I'm all ears!

FACE: Tarte BB Tinted Moisturizer in Agent 00 + Laura Mercier Mineral Powder // YSL Rouge Volupté #2

2013-10-26T14:52:00.001-07:00

To see how I did this makeup and for all product information, watch the video.

What I Wore: 10.8.13

2013-10-25T23:31:00.001-07:00

Top: Zara

Jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters (similar ones here and in black here)

Necklace: Gift from Grandma
Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Boots: Dolce Vita "Jax"

What I Wore: 10.5.13

2013-10-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

To see what I'm wearing, watch the video.

ASOS Petite Exclusive Biker Coat

2013-10-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

The ASOS PETITE Exclusive Biker Coat* is a beauty. Why?

It's a simple formula really... faux leather sleeves + black = love.

Want more proof? Check my previous OOTD video to see it used in an all black everythangg getup.

*ASOS offered me a *free* coat of my choosing as part of their fall #coatenvy campaign, but I would WITHOUT A DOUBT buy this myself in case you're curious! Not a sponsored or required post, I am choosing to share the coat with you!

What I Wore: 10.3.13

2013-10-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Coat: c/o ASOS "PETITE Exclusive Biker Coat"
Sunglasses: Ray Ban Polarized 'Clubmaster' 49mm
Necklace: H&M

Jeans: Topshop "Leigh"
Bag: Topshop

Top: Topshop
Boots: Doc Martens

What I Wore: 9.21.13

2013-10-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dress: Zara

Belt: ASOS

Heels: Messeca "Coraline"