Farm Girl

A little over 1 year ago I was asked by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter to produce a 2-minute commercial for their reformulated recipe. The new campaign spokesperson was Megan Mullaly. With limited information and no theme direction (meaning all the license in the world to get creative), I came up with a winning concept. 

My commercial won and aired during the premiere of Season 9 of American Idol! You can see stills here and the video here. 

When I saw this editorial, I was struck and felt so intimately close to it. While my video shoot was filled with cattle, farm life was my stage for a day. The juxtaposition of glamour and what could be really dirty took me to that chilly day when I had on a cowboy hat and fantastic cowboy boots on. 

If I did a shoot on a farm again, it'd be inspired by this genius styling. Hats, furs, volume skirts and drama! 

What's not to love? 

See the rest of the editorial by clicking on the thumbnails. 

Magazine: Elle Brazil Issue: May 2011 Editorial: Dream Farm Model: Thairine Garcia Photographer: Fabio Bartelt
Styling: Susana Barbosa (originally via vogueristaentertainment.com)

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Color Me Wild

...and orange and all those things that could be considered muted yet bold at the same time.

I'm just returning to Atlanta after spending two amazing weeks at home in D.C. Coming back here is always tough for me, especially when I had the best time thrifting, getting together with some darling girlfriends, designing new jewelry with my mami, shopping with super old gift cards (I'm talking Christmas from 2 years ago!) and hitting G'town, where all things great art and shopping kinda come together.

This amazing sleeveless jacket cargo vest was a hidden gem at a large dept. store that I immediately scooped up with one of those gift cards. Not sure if you can see, but the piping has some incredible touches of rouching and the quality of the material is softer than your best lotion. Gasp.

So, on a day I planned for a chic sushi dinner w/one of my most fashion-conscious girlfriends, it decided to pour with a vengeance. I gave the rain some time to pass before I got myself together. A bit of dry land and decided to finally rock my new shoes. I was lucky enough to have my main photog around the corner who offered to come by before I headed into the city.

The shoes are hot and entirely too comfortable for sure. So far my shoe & <3 affair that topples all other purchases, but the fun part of this look are the shorts, which were full out, dorky jeans 15 years ago. I've cut them shorter and shorter each yr. and finally came to this perfect-for-me length. Did you see the waist and those buttons?! Hardest jeans to wear a shirt over, hence the cropped top which I found at an antique store ions ago, too, but I can't get enough of them.

And the sunnies and clutch? I'll talk those up later, but they're my absolute favorite and best buy in my accessory collection.


Shoes: c/o Aldo; Bag: vintage; Top: antique; Vest: Tahari; Shades: vintage Versace; Shorts: vintage Calvin Klein; Lucite cuff: Max Azria; Necklace: H&M; Bracelet & Rings: hodgepodge of designers and F21; Pictures by RH Media Group.


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HOT as Fiyah...

My favorite color is green, but there's something about red that speaks to me. I've done little research to get some insight as to its meaning, but I did read somewhere that it reps power and strength. I guess that's why women in business are encouraged to own a red suit.

I used to have one, too. But my life no longer follows that daily routine of being suited up and running to 10 am hearings. So, my reds are left up to hotter things like shoes and jeans. Especially lipsticks. I love me red lipstick. I'm currently lusting over a glossy and matte red that M.A.C. offers and need to get my lips on them. 

I took this shot a few weeks ago before going to brunch with a girlfriend. Don't you just <3 those moments? I loved the outfit for so many reasons but the set up was a huge fail. I stopped by another girlfriends' art studio (lots of red paint everywhere), and decided it'd be cool to have a few shots with her background. Not so much. Super bright day. Self-timer. Facing the sun. Squinty eyes and and messy hair. 

The jeans are extremely versatile and allow me to show off some color.  They're skinny, but still give a bit and they make a plain outfit pop! But the outfit is really in the bag! I found this Bottega clutch I found on ebay and I can't get enough of it. The weave is in perfect condition with the supple leather so beautifully conditioned. I can't remember how much I paid, but it was a major score! And the shoes of course! Love these double-colored patent peep toes. Gucci had a pink and black version two years ago. The knock-offs ensued but Vincent Camuto did a great job with his. The came in red too which I regret not picking up. These'll do. 

Hot fire red. So sexy. So comfy. And perfect for a chill afternoon.

Next time I wear the striped top, I'll have to show you the back. Lace and embroidered detail. So awesome.

Old Navy jeans; Vince Camuto shoes; vintage Bottega Veneta clutch; vintage lucite cuffs; vintage crystal necklace; assorted rings; Banana Republic tank; striped vest from T.J. Maxx 

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Getting Dolled Up {Every Day}

I love make up. But what girl doesn't? The irony is that my Dr. sister is mentally allergic to it, and my mother has never liked it. It's like fighting pitbulls to get either one of them to put on the most basic of gloss and mascara on.

But then again, I do everything in the complete opposite they do. I work in entertainment while sissy is in scrubs all day and mami keeps up house and spends papi's money. Somehow we all still compliment each other.

For me make up is simply a way to express and exhibit our inner Diva--because no matter what any woman says, we all have "her" inside. Chelsea inhabits that Diva. I'm so okay with her.

When I do my own makeup, I'm whip it up in no more than 10 minutes. Magically, it comes out pretty decent. And, I get a lot of compliments on it. But then when the pro's come out... the whole game and face changes and I love it like no other. Chelsea is out in full effect.

Here's a glimpse of the prods I use, namely M.A.C cosmetics for special but non press events.  Others like Clinique, Revlon and my best mascara, L'Oreal when I get dolled up for special occasions. The version made for France is something serious, gals. It trumps the most expensive designer brand I've used in the States... I picked one up in Monaco for $17 and haven't regretted it at all. Every penny well spent. So good, I put in special orders from friends that live there. So good I'd spend the crazy shipping to get my hands on it. 

I love it all, but I'm always on the hunt for some new lip colors. I found recently went to the M.A.C counter at Nordstrom and found 3 amazing colors I love. Need to just take the plunge and scoop them up. Sexy *ish. 

Sometime soon, I'll show you the stash my 2 make up pro's do for live and TV appearances... beautifulness on a different level!

What's your favorite brand? Mascara?


M.A.C eyeshadows and pigments, Kiehl's lipgloss, Bobbi Brown lipstick for base color, L'Oreal mascara and eyeliner (American and French versions, latter costing 60% more but 100% better!), Brushes from Monaco. Not pictured: Clinique pressed powder, Revlon True Color foundation, M.A.C lipstick and M.A.C. blush.

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A White Date Night

White is tricky but I've committed to wearing a lot this season. I find it all to be so sexy, breezy and clean (though runs to the cleaners will have you rethinking the obsession).  I've picked up a few new pieces but for now am pulling out oldies but goodies.

Surprisingly, this look in all white slimmed me down, at least gave the illusion that I was slim and tall! Could be the uber long legs I have for a 5'1" chica, but I'm tickled at how it hides the few inches I'm desperately trying to shed.

This ensemble came about by accident and in about 10 minutes. Well, except for the makeup, which is clearly pro done because of a photo shoot earlier in the day. I didn't want it to go to waste, so I found an excuse to get dressed up and go out!

I've had these pants for about 12 years and have never worn them. Can you imagine what the waistline is like!? But, I love that they're kinda wide-legged. And the jacket is this fabulous textured piece I found at Loehmann's years ago...I wish you could really see the detail. And it's so versatile.

All white for a date isn't the expected choice which is what made our evening so much sexier, cheeky fun and impromptu.

What's your color obsession this season? (admittedly, I have many.)

Tommy Hilfiger pant; Donna Rae jacket; L.A.M.B. Daryl pump; crystal flower ring; Swarovski chunky crystal ring and earrings  by C.B. Herrera; Onxy & turq necklace by C.B. Herrera; BR braided clutch. 


*Pictures by Will Willis. Make up by Shalawn for Lamik Beauty.


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