shell chic'd

Trench Coat Season

March 30, 2016 by Emily 6 Comments

Another day, another pastel coat. One that I purchased after overhearing a fellow customer Regina George-that-is-the-ugliest-effing-coat-I-have-ever-seen it, which only made me want it a little more. It served me well on our trip to NorCal, with the 80%-chance-of-rain forecast that Mama Nature promised and followed through on, and I don’t doubt that it’ll continue to get a workout back here on the dreary East coast.

Now I don’t claim to be someone who can pull off the casual chicness that is a Converse + dress duo, but these 30K-step days left me no choice but to attempt it. I won’t even try to hide the bandaged heels you may or may not see here.

I call this one, “Mary Kate Olsen.”

Duncombe Pink Trench Coat | Overcombe Wrap Dress (on serious sale right now!) | Converse Chuck Taylors |Tortoise Sunglasses

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Spring Shopping List

March 25, 2016 by Emily 10 Comments

THIS chick gave up online shopping for 38, going on 40, days.

Fair enough, I did not give up shopping in its entirety. Just implemented a little online shopping ban, as it has always been a vice of mine, and its where I tend to make the most impulse, totally-did-not-need-another-striped-dress purchases. I blame it on bloggers and e-mail campaigns.

I’m going to see how long I can keep this up, but since I’ll technically be allowedddd come Sunday, here are some goodies I’ve been resisting for the last month and some.

Also of note:: Get an extra 25% off all Kate Spade sale items this weekend, 25-40% off everything at GAP, and gifts with purchase at Lilly Pulitzer, or, if you’re local, better be in the pink 🙂

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Four Days By the Bay

March 23, 2016 by Emily 4 Comments

San Francisco was a dream. I don’t think I realized how much of a winter slump I had fallen into until we touched down. Even in the rain [5 straight days of rain in California and you still tell me my bad weather luck is just a coincidence?], it rivaled Paris in colorful corners and photogenicity.

We had the privilege of attending the wedding of two of the kindest humans I’ve ever met, but apart from that, we had next to no plans. WANDERING man. Wandering is good for the soul. The closest thing to a guide we used was Victoria Smith–aka sfgirlbybay‘s See San Francisco book, which gave us the skinny on all of the neighborhoods we had to touch. And your suggestions! Thank you for those; they were worth it as the few places we actually mapped out ahead of time. But boy oh boy did my FitBit have a field day with our exploring. And man oh MAN those hills are not a joke.

So this is less of a travel guide than a photo diary with a few hopefully somewhat accurate points of interest…the downside to making it up as you go is not necessarily remembering where you ended up…!

If you want a true San Francisco travel blog, I suggest trusting Victoria, but I can certainly tell you where to find some prime choices for the following::

artisinal toast:: the mill
brunch:: le zinc
cookies the size of your face:: Sausalito Bakery & Cafe
cruffins, and other sweet things:: Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
[waiting in line isn’t necessary if you’re skipping the ‘ruffins!]
chicken pot pie:: Flour & Co.
fresh florals:: Flowers of the Valley
ice cream sandwiches:: Miette
lattes:: Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters
[the Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper wasn’t what drew me in at all…]
lodging:: Chancellor ($) | Westin St. Francis ($$)
pastel houses:: Russian Hill | North Beach
tacos:: Tacolicious
tapas:: Thirsty Bear
views:: Macondray Lane | Coit Tower | [Cocktails at] Top of the Mark
wine:: Goosecross Vineyard

I get it now. I just really may have left my heart in San Francisco.

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Wine Country

March 18, 2016 by Emily 6 Comments

Unlike, oh, everyone else ever, I was indifferent about taking a trip up to Napa during our trip out to SFO. We’ve got great wineries right here at home! I wanted more time with tourist locales and pastel houses! But all y’all convinced me, and for that I am grateful as a goose.

We drove north without much of a plan, breaking for bubbly at Domaine Chandon, but really nailing it when we stumbled upon Goosecross Winery in Yountville. The view says it all.

Weather hadn’t exactly worked in our favor for, virtually, any of our trip up until this point, but as soon as we hit Yountville, nothin’ but sun and sauv blanc.

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Subway Tile or Bust

March 14, 2016 by Emily 4 Comments

As we near the five-year anniversary of baby blogaroo, I have to stop and laugh at how much can change in half a decade. Seems like just days ago I was showing you my college apartment. Now I’m diving into a bathroom remodel with my husband, in the condo we bought together.

Silly reminiscing aside, I think we’re finally taking the plunge on the watercloset reno. Our apartment being turnkey was such a blessing, but a year and a half in, we are ready to say baiii felicia to the workable, but unfavorable, pink bathroom circa 1972.

We’ve saved [how can you forget our CapOne discussions?], but are still working within a budget. Doesn’t hurt to dream big though right?!

**Buy the Rifle Paper Co wallpaper for yourself!

Thinking that in a perfect world, we’ll end up in some odd mix of fresh, bright, and vintage, with a rustic touch or two thrown in. And clearly, I’m itching for a clawfoot tub and subway tile bathroom.

I’m thinking if these guys can do it, we can too. Colored tile victims unite.

And some fresh accessories for when we seal the deal…!

Have you done a bathroom reno? Do share your tips–we’re more than a little nervous!

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To SFO We Go

March 4, 2016 by Emily 6 Comments

We’re headed off to San Fran in the morning [thank you all so much for your suggestions!], which means I really should be doing the physical packing rather than virtual right now…

Apart from not leaving it until the last minute, the pretty obvious but often overlooked key to being a good packer is planning outfits ahead of time, to get the most use out of every piece you squeeze in there. Here’s a rough idea of what I’m packing for a 4-day trip out west, but could really serve as a [hopefully helpful!] general spring packing list. Four days, just 13 mix-and-match pieces::

for travel // Structured Striped Sweater | White James Jeans | Sketchstripe Scarf | Keds | Thea Crossbody Bag

for sightseeing // Tie-Front Dress | Jean Jacket | Conch Tassel Earrings | Thea Crossbody Bag | Keds

for cocktails // White James Jeans | Navy Shaylyn Top | Conch Tassel Earrings | Scallop Piper Wedge Sandal | Gold Crossbody Bag

for wine tasting // Delany Shirt Dress| Jean Jacket | Keds | Thea Crossbody Bag

for night // Callista High Collar Shift Dress | Scallop Piper Wedge Sandal | Gold Crossbody Bag

Makes me consider a capsule wardrobe project a little more seriously…!

I’m sure I’ll be ‘gramming the heck out of this trip, so please do follow along on Instagram 😉 #jetsetchicd

AND before I go! Three crazy weekend sales:: 25% off Kate Spade Sale [code YESPLEASE] | 25% off Madewell | 30% off J.Crew Sale | and the HUGE ShopBop Sale continues!

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Cloudy with a Chance of Stripes

March 2, 2016 by Emily 3 Comments

This “spring” is like an on-again-off-again boyfriend. Just when you think he’s here to stay, he flakes out. Few days later, he’s blowing up your phone. That poor groundhog was getting some serious mixed signals.

Though I haven’t been able to fully transition my closet for the season yet, I am livin’ on the edge and showing just the tiniest bit of skin whenever the chance presents itself…some slightly cropped jeans here, a peep-toe bootie there…#snowsouttoesout

Only moderately related, I do feel it’s my duty to remind you that Shopbop’s annual Spring Sale is here! If you’re going to treat yourself to any designer pieces you’ve been eyeing, this is the time of year to take the plunge. 15% off $250 // 20% off $500 // 25% off $1,000. Some splurge-worthy favorites::

Use code BIGEVENT16 at checkout!

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February Edit

February 26, 2016 by Emily 4 Comments

For being the shortest month of the year, February 2016 has felt supah dupah long. That’s probably because over the last 25 days I’ve gone from my mid-twenties to my late-twenties, and from a job I’ve been severely comfortable in for five years to something brand-spankin’-new! But another story for another day–here are some February favorites + things on my [exhausted!] mind.

Yoga Reaches Out // One of the most charitable people I know, my fabulous friend Amanda, is participating in this awesome event for the second time this year, and she is rewarding those who donate to the cause hXc, with a number of giveaways–like THIS ONE that involves not only lululemon yoga mats {fabbity on their own} but lululemon yoga mats calligraphy-ed(?) by my EQUALLY fab friend Julie of posh+prep! If you donate just $5–aka a grande latte as I’ve unfortunately come to learn–you’ll be entered to win.

Bar Boulud // I lurve hotel bars. The swankiness is irresistible. Undoubtedly though, they aren’t for the cheap of heart, and it’s always a splurge when I decide to visit one. Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental had me in recently to try their new Bar Bites menu though, and now I’ve seen the light. Served from 4-6pm on weekdays, it’s the perfect happy hour treat, and a great way to get a taste of BB without breaking the bank. Hello, gold-flecked mini s’mores.

Off-the-Shoulder // I can’t say that I saw this trend coming back, but so far, I don’t hate it. There is a fine line between too-tight and too-much when it comes to these dresses and tops though…I have yet to hit the dressing room, but I’ll report back when I do :-* Pictured here:: Amanda Uprichard Kiara Top.

Who What Wear for Target // I’m a little behind here, aren’t I? This collection is cute as ever, and unlike the normal mess of “x for Target,” many pieces from this collab are still available! Pictured above:: Pink Blazer | Boyfriend Denim | Zip Pouch

Athleisure Wear // As I type that, spell check doesn’t even recognize the word “athleisure.” Dat’s about to change kiddos; it’s on the rise. I say this only because I also will be the first to admit that I look at workout clothes the same way I look at kitchenware–the cuter, the more willing I am to cook, or in this case, work out. This ends up being true only about 4% of the time, but ala, it’s the thought that counts. Crane & Lion, [their Lightweight Capri Tight pictured above], is a new Boston brand I’m super excited about [also opening on Nantucket this summer!]. These K.Deer Tribeca leggings and Lilly Luxletic pants have also made me craze exercise for the first time…ever?

Succulents // I don’t even know what the stereotype attached to these is so I’m probably asking for something here, but why I have I not filled my home and life with these before? And this monogram filled with them? Speechless.

Wishing you a sweet weekend full of Hollywood glam and lotsa flicks–if you’re in need of any suggestions for an Oscars party–check out mine here!

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Smells Like Spring

February 24, 2016 by Emily 6 Comments

Two out of three of my spring purchases [this is #3!] seeing daylight for the first time during last weekend’s glorious sixty-degrees-for-the-win high!

Followed by a winter storm warning for this evening.

I can already tell that this English Factory scallop top + skinny jeans combo is going to be a go-to look this summer, paired with a boyfriend blazer only when absolutely necessary. #sunsoutgunsout

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City By the Bay

February 19, 2016 by Emily 7 Comments

*image via

The City by the Bay–aka, #SanFran–has been on my to-see list for ages, and I am counting the days until we FINALLY get to take off for the west coast next month for a SF wedding!

I’ve never been, and MJF has only passed through on a road trip, so we need help! We have some wedding-related activities already laid out for us, so let’s just assume we only have just two empty days:: what must we see and where must we eat? Should we rent a car and make a day out of Napa? Trek down to Big Sur? Stay in the city? Do tell everything! This is the first time in many years of traveling that I’m feeling like a total blank map, so lay it on me.

When the time comes, be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag along via #jetsetchicd! [On that note, where are the most Instagrammable views?!]

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Trench Coat Season

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Spring Shopping List

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Four Days By the Bay

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Wine Country

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Subway Tile or Bust

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To SFO We Go

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Cloudy with a Chance of Stripes

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February Edit

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Smells Like Spring

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City By the Bay

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