Black Shorts 3 ways

Black Shorts

Outfit #1:  stripe shirt | Quilted Bag | Sandals

Outfit #2:  Chambray Shirt | belt | wedges | sunglasses 

Outfit #3:  tee | cap toe flats | bracelets

I feel like summer is almost over. Maybe it's because I'm already seeing fall décor ideas on Pinterest, or maybe because most stores are starting to bring in fall pieces here and there.  Either way I know that I only have about a month left of warm sunny weather, so I plan to take advantage of it.  During the summer I live in shorts and a t-shirt and I figured I would share some outfit ideas on how to style this pair I found online at JCrew.  The good news is that most of these items are on sale, so happy shopping!

Thanks for stopping by!

Liebster Award Nomination

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I am so excited to be nominated for a Liebster Award by the fabulous Munachi of A Glamorous Revelation blog.  I have only been blogging for about 7 months, so it is so nice to realize that others have found my blog and like it enough to follow along!

There are a couple of rules for being nominated, like linking back to the nominator (thanks so much Munachi!), answer the questions they gave you, list 11 facts about yourself and your blog, pick 11 small bloggers to nominate, and let them know they've been nominated.  I've included all the information below, so hopefully it gives you some more insight into me and my blog! 

11 Questions for Chic Love Affair's Liebster Award

1) What has been your proudest blogging/blogger moment so far?

     My first comment! At that point it really became real and I quickly realized how great it is to connect with others through blogging. 

2) What is one beauty product that you swear by?
     Mascara in general...I can't leave the house with black curly lashes.  Some of the brands I love are Tarte, Clinique, Dior Show, and CoverGirl. 

3) Instagram or Twitter?
    Instagram for sure! I don't even have a Twitter account yet.  I am a visual person, so I love seeing other people's pictures and love to get inspired by browsing through.  I guess this also explains my obsession with Pinterest. 

4) What is one item on your Rich Girl Wishlist?
    A pair of nude Christian Louboutin heels.  They are so eye catching and I would love to own a pair. 

5) What is your favorite movie, TV show, or song?
    It's so hard to choose, but in general I enjoy romantic comedies/chick flicks.  For TV shows I really like Gossip Girl, Drop Dead Diva, Sons of Anarchy, Burn Notice, and the Walking Dead ( in other words all kinds lol).  As far as music, right now I really like Lana Del Ray's "Summertime Sadness."

6) Curly hair or straight?
    Wavy...it used to be more curly, but over the years it has become more straight.

7) On the beach, in the city, or out in the country?
    How about in the city, looking out on the beach, in a country cottage themed B&B.  In other words I can appreciate a little bit a bout each, but I am a small town girl that loves to visit the city and sit on the beach (I don't like being in water). 

8) What is your favorite perfume/scent?
   Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

9) Who is your celebrity girl crush (I won't judge if it's not Beyonce)?
   It is tough to choose between Kate Middleton, Lauren Conrad, and Olivia Palermo because I love all of their styles.

10) Name one little luxury you love to indulge in (ex. bi-monthly pedicures, Starbucks coffee, an extra half hour for your lunch break on Fridays).
   Home DIY manicure every Sunday.  I carve out some time to treat myself to a little me time. 

11) What is your all time favorite restaurant?
   It's hard to choose again, because I love trying so many different types.  I really love Cheesecake Factory, Corner Bakery, and a local place called Boba Café (soups, sandwiches, and bubble tea). 

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11 Facts About Me and Chic Love Affair Blog

1) I would love to have my own clothing boutique one day.  The idea of selecting the clothes, styling and merchandising them, and being a 'shop girl' would be so much fun.

2) Soup is one of my all time favorite foods.  I typically don't pass up an opportunity to order it when we out at restaurants. 

3) Some of my favorite books are the "Confessions of a Shopaholic" series by Sophie Kinsella.  I can totally relate to the main character and the books are the perfect amount of funny and romantic. 

4) I am a total list maker and find myself making lists for all kinds of things just to keep it all straight.  I love pretty notepads and office supplies to aid in this little quirk of mine.

5) I'm not much of an animal person, but we are considering getting a beagle puppy.  They are just so cute, so we'll see. 

6) My Blog name is made up of my initials CLA and I chose words that I liked in each letter.  So far I love it and I think it really represents me and my blog content so far. 

7) In case you haven't noticed I love shabby chic décor.  I would love to own a quaint little cottage and decorate the place in some of my favorite soft colors. 

8) I work as a full time senior manager of an insurance claims office.  I love my job, but I started my blog as a creative outlet for me outside of work.

9) Traveling is one of my all time favorite things to do.  I love being in airports, hotels, and just exploring somewhere new. 

10) I speak German and would love to learn at least 6 other languages.  Next on my list is either Arabic or Russian. 

11) Next up on my DIY list is a tulle skirt.  I love how feminine they are and I think anyone who wears one would feel like a total princess!

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Questions for Chic Love Affair Nominees

1) What made you decide to start a blog?



2) Favorite color?

3) What do you never leave the house without?

4) Social Media Preference?

5) Favorite type of music?

6) If you won the lottery what would be your first purchase?

7) Dream Vacation?

8) What are some common characteristics of your favorite blogs?

9) Favorite celebrity trendsetter?

10) Magazines or books?

11) Do you prefer online shopping or in store?

Here are my nominees...

Topknots and Pearls

Crafter Thought Blog

Life Love Lauren

Made in the Shade

Bloom

Craving Chic

Glitter and Bow

Serendipity Delight

Essent Jewels

Confetti Darling

Stripes in Bloom


Good luck to everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Organization Tips: Craft Room Closet

 

I recently decided to organize the closet in my craft room.  As you can see from the picture below, it was in some serious need of TLC.  I have a lot of craft supplies from scrap book paper, paints/brushes, ribbons, tissue paper, fabric, and pretty much anything else you can think of.  It got to the point where it was difficult to find things and I could barely open the door without being afraid of the potential avalanche of items.

I decided to begin the daunting task of organizing it and I am so glad I did! It is so much easier to find things as I need them and it even looks pretty.  I don't know about you, but when it definitely inspires me more when things actually look appealing around me.  I decided to compile a couple of tips to help you in case you are faced with the same problem. 

1. Don't be afraid of downsizing- I got rid of a trash bag worth of old supplies.  If you have not used something in over 6 months and don't have plans to do so, then throw it away. You can also donate to a local charity if the items are in good shape.

2. Purchase pretty storage bins- Storage bins can be life savers, but just make sure you aren't transferring the mess from one space to another.  If it helps, you can purchase some labels to help you remember what is inside each one.

3. Make it functional based on your own needs- The top shelves in my closet are pretty high, so I use them for the items that I don't use as often.  Also, I try not to stack boxes too high, so that  the ones in the middle are easy to get to. 

4. Set aside some time and space- Overall this took about 3 hours total (I literally went through everything lol).  I also used all of the available floor space in my craft room to lay everything out and wrap my brain around all of the things I have.

5. Enlist help- This is much more fun done with a buddy, or in my case a boyfriend who is not afraid to tell me I have not used something in years.  Talk about a gut check when contemplating whether or not to get rid of something!

I hope these tips were helpful for you! Have a great weekend!

6 Months In...

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It has been about 6 months since I opened my Etsy shop and it has definitely been so much fun creating pretty things to make your space extra special! I am beyond appreciative to all my loyal customers and appreciate everyone's support. I am wanting to have a re-launch for my shop at the beginning of September, so stay tuned for some new items and a little facelift to my existing Etsy shop.  Some of the new items will include pillows, frames, fabric garlands, confetti, and so much more!

If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fitness Update

 

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It's been a while since I've updated you all on my fitness goals.  I've lost another 5 lbs. and am wanting to lose another 5 by the end of July.  From there I am wanting to lose 15-20 lbs. and tone up.  I have really been focusing on working out and incorporating it into my daily routine.  It's gotten to the point where I no longer dread working out and actually look forward to it, which is a big step for me. 

 

 

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In addition to working out 5-6 times a week I am also focusing on eating better all around.  I have cut down my portion sizes, eating about 1500 calories a day, and am focusing on clean eating.  Avoiding processed foods, fast food, and sweets has really made an impact on my weight loss. 

 

 

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I have been keeping a journal with my daily weight, workout, food, and calorie count.  This has definitely helped with my own personal focus and accountability.  I really like this visual though and am thinking about making something similar, so I'll keep you posted if I do.

 

 

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My ultimate end goal is to gain more confidence and be happy with my body.  I know I have the potential to have a lean, fit, strong, and healthy body...I just need to work for it, but I know it will be worth it when I reach my goals. 

 

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This is so true! I have had a couple of cheat meals here and there, but it's not like I instantly gain a pound from eating bad.  It's really all about healthy habits and if the majority of the food I eat is healthy then my body will start to exhibit those changes. 

 

 

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This makes it all worth it.  I am in the habit of weighing myself each morning and I have to say I love the feeling of working out hard the day before, stepping on the scale and seeing a smaller number than the day before.  1 lb. at a time, but I will get there!

 

 

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Right now I am really into the 21 Day Fix program.  The workouts are only 30 minutes long, so it's easy to get one in before I get ready in the morning, or even before bed.  I also really love Piloxing and Brazilian Butt Lift right now.

 

 

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The best feeling is pulling on a pair of pants with ease, when previously it was a struggle to button them.  I still have a long way to go, but I know I am that much closer because my focus is there and I am fully committed.  I can't wait to show you all some awesome before and after pics!!  

 

Have a happy and healthy weekend!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Red, White, and Blue

 

 

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Happy 4th of July everyone!!

 

These images are from my Pinterest board "Red, White and Blue", which is dedicated to all things patriotic.  Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, so it was fun putting together some creative ways to do so. 

 

Wishing you a great day filled with lots of love, friends and family, and some good food!

 

Thanks for stopping by!