About Emily Fanning

California Road Trip Packing List

February 23, 2018 by Emily 2 Comments

Boston gave us the most beautiful ~~excuse to drink outside~~ heat wave this week. So spirit lifting that I didn’t even complain about ~~my raging hangover~~ the snow today. Alas, it lasted about as long as a Bachelor winner relationship, so we’re still peacing out of here in a week. We need this vacation like woah, so much that even the hellish task of packing for like three different climates excites me.

There’s no guess work involved when I tell you I’m going to be cold in NorCal. I’m barely even trying to get it right. TGF husbands readily available to loan you their jackets.

Nah my focus is on sunny shoulders and open toe. Because life’s too short for sweaters, ya know?

Here’s my California road trip packing list:

{Shopping guide may not be visible on mobile or in email; please view in web browser for optimal experience!}

ps. Anyone still here? I want to hear your Pacific Coast Highway suggestions!

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California Here We Come

February 15, 2018 by Emily 3 Comments

*via

Current status: In a winter slump and ready to GTFO of New England for a second.

We ~~spontaneously~~ ok still gave ourselves a month’s notice booked a flight to SFO and are buckling up to do the Pacific Coast Highway. Pulling over for nights in Carmel, Santa Barbara, and LA, plus a little jaunt west to Palm Springs.

What TF should we do along the way?! Give me your best California road trip recs: Leave me a note in the comments or shoot me an e at shellchicd{at}gmail{dot}com! ~~I’ll give you a shoutout if we stop there~~ lol like you care.

Thanks oodles!

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It’s the Cupid Truffle

February 9, 2018 by Emily 3 Comments

I don’t care how much of a progressive feminist I am. I am still perfectly happy being wooed with flowers and chocolates by my man on Valentine’s Day. And anyone who says they can’t be won over by such is ~~in denial~~ missing out, especially if they’re Lindt Chocolates.

Jenna’s party reminded me that your girls deserve V-Day love just as much as your bae, so in true Leslie Knope fashion, I swooped down to the Lindt Chocolate Shop at the Wrentham Premium Outlets last weekend to collect some supplies for a few Galentine’s Day gifts.

This was a pretty easy peasy DIY for looking majestic AF, if I do say so myself. I filled gold & white gift boxes with crinkle paper, then used ribbon to divide them into four sections. Popped some mini pink champagne in one, a small arrangement of fresh blooms in another, and filled the two remaining with—duh— Lindt LINDOR Truffles.

Because life with my girls is a box of chocolates, ya know?

I’m an Almond and Cappuccino girl through and through, but the special edition Valentine flavors are ~~better for Pinterest~~ hard to resist: Red Velvet and a milk-shell-white-truffle-filling Valentine special, plus a new melt-in-your-mouth 70% Extra Dark. I customized my own selection at the store, because that’s kiiiind of the ~~point~~ most fun part ever, but for you indecisive souls, the Lindt Master Chocolatiers have created pre-selected gift boxes. Other pretty in pink flavors:: Irish Cream, Raspberry, Strawberries & Cream.

Jesse at the Wrentham shop also gave me the best idea for a girls’ night:: The EXCELLENCE Bars + wine are a match made in heaven. Pair the Chile with reds, and any of the fruit flavors—Raspberry, Acai, Orange—go swimmingly with whites. And the 70% Cocoa Bar? Hit it with anything.

Chocolate hangover, amirite?

It’s pretty easy to find Lindt Chocolate products around the block, I know, I get it. But there’s something special about shopping at a Lindt Chocolate Shop. The smell, the samples, the colorful displays, the Pick & Mix options. Wrentham’s location is one of just 65 nationwide, and they are constantly changing with each season and holiday.

Here’s a snippet of what’s in store right now::

Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day gifts, my peeps at Lindt have got ya covered. Click here to find one near you!

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Full disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Lindt.
Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!

No Shop February & A Six-Week Capsule Wardrobe

February 6, 2018 by Emily 9 Comments

White Peplum Top | Velvet Hair Bow | Sugarfix Ball Drop Earrings c/o

Thanks to my very ambitious friend Danielle, I’m about six days into ~~my personal hell~~ a No Shop February challenge.

It is PUH-thetic how hard this is going to be, and I’m pretty mortified and alarmed by that. My major hope here is that it kills my impulsive online shopping habit beyond the month. For 28 days ~~lol she picked the shortest month~~ it’s no buying clothes, shoes, accessories, unnecessary home goods, beauty products, frivolous coffee table books {weakness}, $15 notepads, oh-but-it’s-on-sale dinnerware, and ESPECIALLY no Amazon or Target purchases. A lot of the ladies participating are cutting out coffee and takeout as well, but I ~~am a monster without my Dunks~~ love and rely on my morning routine too much. More power to them though, eh? Maybe I’ll try giving up lunch delivery ~~for more than 3 days~~ next.

And I’ll be real up front:: I’m giving myself ONE cheat item, because ~~President’s Day Sales~~ I know it will come up and I’d rather not ~~resist~~ lie to you.

Phase 2:: I’m also using this as an opportunity to try out, yet again, a capsule wardrobe. Six weeks, 21 pieces of clothing and shoes. Sounds like plenty until you try it. Accessories and jewelry are fair game, and I’m not counting snow boots, coats, or my birthday outfit. Far too much color required.

God am I even doing this challenge?

W/E, I’m going to try. Why? ~~Idk Danielle made me~~ I want to give this whole minimalism thing a chance and see if I can do it. Here’s a snippet of the 21 pieces I pulled out for my mid-winter capsule wardrobe and ~~God willing~~ will carry me through until March!

{Products may not be visible on mobile; please visit desktop site for full shopping experience!}

Over under on how long I last?

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PS. If you want in on #NoShopFeb, LMK!

Doors of Paris

January 29, 2018 by Emily 3 Comments

A few weeks ago, I went to a new dentist who, so kindly, asked me about myself and what I like to do in my free time. Pretty sure no one has asked me that since ~~my last awkward pre-Tinder date~~ 2012, so I panicked, first almost blurting out that I dance, only to remember that me and my aching body closed that book back ~~before the country went to shit~~ when we still had Barack and Roll in office.

Then I thought, read, but any normal person is going to follow up with “what are you reading now” and I didn’t want to have to tell him The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo.

Next, blog, but I prefer my dentist not find out about the chocolate and cocktails diet shell chicd dot com fails to hide.

15 awkward seconds later my hobby of door hunting finally came to mind. I tried to cover it up by telling him “photography,” but the chatty bastard did in fact go on to ask what kind. And now my new dentist office will be warning all patients with colored and/or interesting front doors and houses to set up additional security.

FORTUNATELY my creepy love for photographing architecture is not frowned upon in Europe, or at least no more than any other American tourist act. Here are just a handful of my favorite doors of Paris.

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Jardin des Tuileries et Musée de l’Orangerie

January 22, 2018 by Emily 2 Comments

I get period-level emotional thinking about Paris. Like, ~~I just have something in my eye~~ severely miss it. I know I know, more cliché please. Probably why it took me three months to even look at the photos being held hostage on my SD card.

These were taken on one of our warmest days of that sweet, sweet October jaunt to watch two of my dearest dears tie the knot. We agreed to skip museums and just BE here this time around, but once we stumbled into the Tuileries, I couldn’t walk by Musée de l’Orangerie without ~~popping in~~ an hour and a half stop.

Oh, haha, just remembered I also full on cried in this museum too. My grandparents had a Water Lilies print in their home when I was growing up, yet how were the poor spectating tourists wondering why the American girl was having a minor meltdown in an entirely silent room supposed to know that?

And because a flutter tee + ruffle skirt combo are exactly what you need to be seeing for some outfit inspiration in January, here you are. Ignore knobby knees, unbrushed hair, bandaids, and ~~all dogs in background~~ never mind, they’re the real reason you’re still here.

I’ll be back with ~~a shootload of door photos~~ more shots of the city soon!

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Darling Weekend

January 5, 2018 by Emily 2 Comments

SNOMG!

~~How great is this~~ I’m super over winter already. It’s all fun and games until ~~the wine runs out~~ you’re back to a joyous morning commute on the M B T frickin’ A. Thanks v much for your service Larry & Dan, but don’t think that windshield wiper is going to help the iced over Green Line tracks that haven’t received any maintenance since Roosevelt was in office. The first one.

Anywho, here are some links & reads – perfect for all you snow bunnies who get to start the weekend early!

– – – – – – – – – –

Organizing // I am a paper planner person through and through. I can have multiple Google Cal reminders set up, but if it’s not handwritten on my calendar, It’s not going to sink in. I stumbled across this case for paper planners which proves there’s a reason behind my madness – guess I’m not the only one who uses them as makeshift scrapbooks either! My 2018 gem is unfortunately sold out, but Paper Source has a ton of cute inventory, and all on sale through January 8.
{Anyone else also HATE 17-monthers? I can’t stand wasting that many pages #boycott}

Shopping // The bi-annual Lilly Pulitzer ~~Hunger Games~~ After Party Sale may be over, but ~~the grim reaper of retail~~ Amazon and Saks are still honoring some GR8 prices. Calling all sorority girls with Daddy’s plastic.

Fuming // All y’all who think global warming must be BS because we’re in the middle of a snow hurricane: You’re BS. Climate change is very real and very scary, and the bomb cyclone 2018 is a perfectly unfortunately example of such. Get. Educated. Now.

Envying // During our #Texmas road trip last week, I convinced the men in my life to make a quick pit stop in Waco for, you guessed it, Chip & Jojo. Magnolia Market was downright magical, but the crowds were not. Good thing their latest Hearth & Hand collection just landed at Tar-jet. And a new baby on the way and just oh my goodness are these two perfect or what?

Treasure Hunting // Etsy finds of the week: This & this & lol this.

Stay v. safe and v. warm out there!

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Winter Fashion with Assembly Row

December 29, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

Goodness gracious it is feeling like Russia up in hurr. WHAT happened to mild Decembers mama nature?! I have had to pull the wool sweaters and heavy coats out far earlier this year, but that doesn’t mean I’m not keeping my eternal summer attitude in check. Winter white season is here peeps. #cueTidetoGo

Contrary to all things practical, I don’t invest in my winter wardrobe like I do my summer. Or rather, I don’t splurge on it. That’s why I’m so reliant on Assembly Row‘s supah dupah reasonable prices. This sweater from the Ann Taylor Factory Store? $24. This J.Crew Factory City Coat? I got it for $99 in the store. Oof, compare that to the original. It comes in so many colors too—I’ve been lusting over the lavender for months.

And these white jeans!! The LOFT Outlet knocked it out of the park with these $19 babies—such a soft fabric that makes them feel way more appropriate for January, despite #rules.

Plus, Assembly Row’s post-Christmas sales are SO. GOOD. right now. And ’tis finally the season to shop for yourself without the Catholic guilt. I’m going back for this Ruffle-Sleeve Stripe Top, and how cute is this striped flounce dress?

Somerville’s Assembly Row is now so easy to get to thanks to the new Orange Line stop ~~the MBTA finally did something right~~, so make a day out of it. We love ducking in Paul to warm up, and Earls is always a fun experience. HMU if you need any other recs! xx

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Full disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Assembly Row. Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!

Midnight or Bust

December 21, 2017 by Emily Leave a Comment

image via

Now that you’ve survived your office Christmas party and your final Amazon Prime packages have been secured, it’s time to start thinking about December 31st. No matter what your friends are dragging you to this year, here are New Year’s Eve outfit ideas ideas for every kind of plan::

Overpriced Light Appetizers + 2 Drink Tickets Bar Bash
via Cupcakes & Cashmere

The House Party You Were Told Not to Dress Up For
via Brighton the Day

“It Won’t Be Weird if We All Dress Up”
via Palm Beach Lately

Black Tie Wedding That Ends at 12:15
via Life to Lauren

Auld lang syne, y’all.

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Love You, Boston

December 15, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

’tis the season for SO.MUCH. to be going on in the Bean, so I’m excited to introduce a mini series highlighting new restaurant openings, stores and events, and other merriment gracing the city.

Want to submit something? LMK! shellchicd{at}gmail{dot}com.

Earls Prudential Center // 800 Boyston Street
Coolest new bar in Boston, no doubt about it, and the $5 drink of the month(s) is the ~~cherry~~ pinecone on top. TONIGHT {12.15} from 5pm on, they’re hosting a free Ugly Sweater Party:: DJs, drinks, bad decisions.

Avanti Pop-Up Salon // 24 Newbury Street
Truth be told, this place seems too good to be true, but I tried it out last month and found that magic does exist. Avanti Salon has opened a pop-up blow dry bar on the first floor of their Newbury Street locations. They take appointments and walk-ins, and blowouts are an easy $50. #newprofpic

Luke’s Lobster // 23-55 Northern Ave
First of all, if your man’s name is Luke, get him down to a Luke’s Lobster location ASAP for a free roll today {12.15} in honor of the newest Star Wars release!
And if it’s not, ~~get out your wallet~~ you can still enjoy the chain’s newest location on Northern Ave in Seaport. I have the same feelings toward lobster as I do toward white jeans and rosé:: there’s no stoppin’ me post-Labor Day.

Miracle Christmas Bar // 25 Edwin H Land Boulevard {Cambridge}
Cambridge’s Kimpton Marlowe Hotel has transformed their lobby bar into a winter wonderland. Until December 24th, cozy up in their pop-up Christmas Bar, complete with ugly sweaters and naughty or nice shots. Another Chrismapolitan, please!

Tea Forté // 177 Newbury Street
If we’re being honest, I wasn’t exactly counting down the minutes until I got to check out a new tea shop pop-up. Yet now that I have, I am so. darn. impressed. and haven’t stopped drinking tea since ~~says the coffee addict~~. This is more of an experience than a shop that sells tea, and watching the colorful blends steep is half of the fun. Definitely picking up a gift or two here.

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California Road Trip Packing List

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California Here We Come

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It’s the Cupid Truffle

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No Shop February & A Six-Week Capsule Wardrobe

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Doors of Paris

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Jardin des Tuileries et Musée de l’Orangerie

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Darling Weekend

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Winter Fashion with Assembly Row

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Midnight or Bust

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Love You, Boston

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