Lace Crop top and high-waisted shorts

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Top, Bottom similar here, F21 Choker, Steve Madden Shoes similar here, Saddle bag similar here, Ray Ban Aviators

Summer has been so fun and busy! I was in California having a great time visiting and spending quality time with family for a week and a half. Work has also kicked into high gear so I came back to several projects that have been keeping me busy. It has been an eventful summer and I'm looking forward to the last few weeks we have here. 

This is an outfit I put together for a Coachella themed birthday party. I love that laid back, artsy Coachella style so I really enjoyed wearing this outfit and seeing my girlfriends get dolled up in Coachella style. It's important to say that no matter what occasion you're dressing for,  enjoy what you're wearing and how it makes you feel. Clothes, shoes and accessories can compliment your self-esteem and if you aren't feeling it, don't settle. 

My favorite piece of this outfit is the lace crop top. The cut is casual and summery but the lace and scalloped trim keeps it romantic and feminine - it is going to get a ton of wear and will easily become a favorite piece. 

What are you wearing this summer? Do you have any favorites pieces to share? Comment below.  

How to Pair Fall Colors in Your Summer Wardrobe: Rust Side-Tie Dress and Black Wedges

I found this dress a few months ago at Proper boutique in Minneapolis off of South Lyndale and was pleasantly surprised it came in XS. Anytime I find something in XS at a boutique, I am ecstatic because these pieces are often hand picked and depending on the manufacturer - some designers do not make their designs in XS anymore; there just isn't enough demand for it. I did assure the shop owner I appreciated it and would be back to shop again (unfortunately for my wallet, I've been back twice).

The good thing (or in my case, the bad) is that it's located right next to Milkjam Creamery - what a convenient stop huh!? Milkjam is owned by Sameh Wadi, Chef/Owner of Saffron and World Street Kitchen (next door also!). Check out what I had while I was there back in April. Pictured is a Glam Doll glazed donut with Arab style ice cream - it's a donut ice cream sandwich. Arab style ice cream is made out of a spice derived from a tree resin called salep. Salep is used in ice cream in areas of the middle east, specifically the "Arab world" where temperatures are much hotter. The "mastic" from salep creates a sticky and elastic texture preventing ice cream from melting too fast. Interesting huh!? To learn more about Milkjam Creamery, go to their website and find out what their seasonal and featured flavors are. 

Heave on earth: Arab style ice cream sandwiched by a warm Glam Doll glazed donut. <3 

Now, back to the reason why I'm writing this blog entry. Back to the dress, back to fashion and clothes. 

I found this dress at Proper back in April so at the time it was still spring. The color threw me off a little bit, it is a shade more suited for fall but to me that meant I could get more use, more wear out of it. The shape and style of the dress is versatile, it's a short sleeved dress and the hemline length is appropriate for both seasons. As seen here, paired with wedges and minimal accessories the dress is very appropriate for a summer wardrobe. For fall, I'm looking forward to pairing this with tights, a scarf and some slouchy boots. Excited already!!  

Thank you for stopping by and reading! Here at ChiChi Made Blog, we are always looking for creative ways to make the most use of our wardrobe. We don't all have days where we need to dress up but there are those days we need to love ourselves just a little bit.  I hope you are feeling inspired wherever you are whether that is physically, emotionally or mentally! Thanks again!! 

Yours Truly,

Audrey Xia

CROCHET SHORTS AND CROPPED TOP

I took a peek at Express's summer line after seeing this outfit on Jean from extrapetite blog. All the crochet and lace caught my eye in this season's collection. I had a chance to do some in-store shopping over Memorial Day weekend and the entire store was 40% off so I picked up a few pieces that I could incorporate with the rest of my summer wardrobe. 

A simple neutral crop top like this can be a closet staple. I have quite a few crop tops in my wardrobe. Because I have a petite frame, I can throw a crop top over high-waisted jeans/shorts/skirts and they can still be very appropriate for more sophisticated and modest occasions. This outfit is more appropriate for a casual afternoon restaurant hopping or having brunch with friends. You can also wear this on a night out in the summer, that would be very appropriate. 

Sweater: Free People Simply Sienna Duster

The weather here in Minnesota in the spring and summer can very unpredictable so it's safe to carry along a light jacket or sweater. I've paired this outfit with a Free People Duster keeping the look casual and covered up. 

 I am loving these shorts and have actually worn them out a few times now. These are size XS and they are a little loose on me but the drawstring helps make them fit more snug, thank you Express for incorporating the drawstring and elastic band.  I love crochet in the summer. I am looking for a crochet skirt and dress to add to my summer wardrobe, it's not easy to find. The crochet can't look tacky or cheap and Express pulled this one off really well. There is a coordinating halter top that I am considering getting, you can see the outfit here on Mary of HappilyGrey blog. 

What are you looking to add to your summer wardrobe? What are some trends you're eyeing? Share in the comments section.

Lastly, our first monthly giveaway will take place at the end of this month. Stay tuned for more information BUT get excited!!! Next week, we'll reveal what the giveaway is. More to come!  

Yours Truly, 

Audrey Xia

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