note: Whew! We're back from NYC and I've got plans to dive back into blogging with vengeance. Thanks for your patience these last couple of months filled with wanderlust.

There's something freeing about having a uniform...

If you've been reading along for a while you had a front row seat to the weeding out of all the color in my wardrobe over the last couple of years. Something in me finally clicked and I realized that life is so much easier (for me) when my closet consists of mix-n-match staples in neutral colors that I can pair together with little effort. Since I work both from home (freelancing and blogging) and in a sparkly, romantic environment (at Finery), I spend so much time taking in inspiring images and saturated color. The constant influx of color can be overwhelming! I like to keep my wardorbe and my surroundings pretty minimal to give my head a little break. Bear in mind, reaching for a uniform of black staples doesn't have to be boring. I have fun with fashion by injecting little doses of trendiness (off the shoulder tops and western inspired chokers to name a few) and a little bit of attitude.

who what wear x target top | h&m denim | DIY choker | urban outfitters bracelet | boohoo hat | free people rings | target stacked heels

What's pieces are in your fashion uniform?

curved peacock bed | astra chandelier | velvet losange chair
hoop mirror | leather loom chair | moroccan wedding rug
mina sofa | copper floor lamp | elemental layers coffee table
pari rattan chair | handwoven trellis daybed | torchiere lamp set

No matter how hard I try to quit the sometimes-overpriced kitsch and aroma of volcano not-so-subtly wafting through air, there's something about Anthropologie that always draws me back in. Quintessentially aspirational, Anthropologie's goods rarely find themselves into my cart or on their way to my home (because let's be honest, I tend to be on a Target budget... can I get an amen?). Alas, a girl can dream!

What's on your Anthro wishlist?

We're heading out of town... again! As you catch up on this installment of Chelsea Lately (a blog series I just can't seem to retire) we're en route to upstate New York to celebrate my dad's retirement. On the docket are family fire pit hangs, a trip to the outfield to toast my favorite man in style and a full day or two in the city that never sleeps. I'll catch you on the flip side blog-land but in the meantime, check out what I've been up to lately:

wondering how many cool new spots we'll be able to find in NYC 
hoping to get everything at home in order ASAP
marveling at how different life looks since the last 'Chelsea Lately'
needing dinner al fresco under our porch lights
smelling fresh summer air... there's nothing quite like it
wearing neutrals, chokers and everything off the shoulder
following a ton of new model-off-duty girls that I'm obsessed with
noticing how much better I feel with our bed made
knowing it'll just get mussed again in due time (#kanyeshrug)
thinking of trying a few new hobbies... stay tuned
bookmarking design inspiration and outfit ideas, always
opening email after email
giggling at these fun little blurbs... such a good way to check in!

feeling rejuvenated by travel and ready to take on new things
liking this fun mash-up of clean, inspiring images
making a short packing list for NYC this weekend... essentials only!
cooking a lot of avocado toast recently
drinking water, water, water... I'm on a mission to hydrate
reading Grace Coddington's memoir
wanting to finally get some art hung on our walls
looking forward to a few days in the big city with family
playing old school hip hop jams with the windows open
wasting away glued to my screen (working on a big video project)
wishing lorelai was finally home from her Asian vacation
enjoying the quality husband/wife time while she's away
waiting for whatever is around the corner to come to fruition

p.s. Tune in to our trip (in real time) by following along on Instagram and Snapchat @hazelandscout