12 Questions with Chelsea

Since I know some of you are new to Dress to Thrive, I thought it might be nice to take some time to introduce myself and answer a few questions you may have. After all, you're taking the time to visit my blog, so the least I can do is create a hospitable space.

1. When and why did you start Dress to Thrive?

I started my blog in January of 2014 under the name, Elements of Everyday. At the time, it was more of just an online journal of sorts where I occasionally documented what I did over the weekend, favorite San Diego spots, a recipe here and there, that sort of thing. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2016, my blog became the perfect platform to keep friends and family, for lack of a better term, abreast, of everything that was going on. After my cancer journey was over, I transitioned my blog into what I had originally wanted it to be from the get-go, but was too afraid to admit to myself, a fashion and lifestyle blog. Thus, Dress to Thrive was born.

2. What does Dress to Thrive mean?

Well, the word "thrive" was a word that God had put on my heart last August when I was in the depths of chemo. He showed me that not only was I going the survive breast cancer, I was going to thrive in life afterwards. It became My One Word for 2017 and beyond. I connected with it so much that I even had it tattooed on my forearm as a permanent reminder that I was created to thrive. During some of my harder days, I was able to find joy in putting outfits together that made me feel confident and beautiful. Dressing to thrive is simply that: getting up every day and putting on an outfit you feel good in that helps you take on the world.

3. Describe your personal style.

Clean and classic with an understated edge.

4. Everyday uniform?

Striped tee, distressed jeans, wide-brimmed fedora, and a pair of mules.

5. Favorite designers right now?

Oh, gosh, Everlane, Aritzia, Theory, Alice & Olivia, Zimmermann, Chloe, Rag & Bone, seriously, I could go on and one.

6. Who takes your photos and what type of camera do you use?

My husband, David, takes my photos on a Canon 60D, though lately we've been using a friend's Sony A77.

7. Biggest splurge in your closet?

My Gucci Marmont Matelasse bag. It was my gift to myself for finishing treatment.

8. Favorite fashion blogs to follow?

Thrifts and Threads, Take Aim, Truelane, M Loves M, See Anna Jane, Damsel in Dior, Sincerely Jules, Merrick's Art, Sazan, New Darlings, I love so many.

9. Current favorite fashion trends?

Wide-leg pants, denim on denim, neck scarves. There are so many good ones right now!

10. Fashion icons?

Don't even get me started. Jane Birkin, Twiggy, Francoise Hardy, Mia Farrow, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn. The 1960s were a great time for fashion.

11. One thing people don't realize about fashion blogging?

It's so much more than just taking pictures of your clothes. The amount of time, money, and energy that goes into running a successful blog would probably astonish you.

12. Where to splurge and where to save?

I say, splurge on timeless pieces that you can use forever. I personally like to splurge on handbags. You get the most bang for your buck out of them, since you use them everyday. When it comes to saving, I recommend spending less on trendier pieces. I'm all for trying out new trends, but I think it's best not to spend a fortune on something that may only be in style for a season or two.

Any other questions for me? I'd be happy to answer them. You can send me an email or leave a comment below.

Hope you have a great weekend and as always, thanks so much for stopping by.