out with the old...

My 2011 has been a year of great struggle and triumph. Although questions have been left unanswered, the asking of the questions has been the real victory. I have learned to develop confidence in myself as an independent person.

I am whole.

In many ways, I feel that 2011 has served as a stepping stone for 2012. I have practiced and trained, now it is time to run the race. No goals or resolutions will be listed at this time - that practice I save for my birthday (which is a mere twenty days away.) For now, I simply know that in 2012 I want to be myself, believe in my goals, and always remember to immense possibilities of the wonderful and privileged life that I live.

I hope that everyone has a safe, celebratory weekend. Let's remember the good, learn from the bad, and enjoy all the hope that a new beginning brings. See you next year!

the best and worst outfits of 2011

Now that the year is coming to a close, I'm putting together my resolutions for 2012 and re-evaluating my decisions for 2011. One of my biggest questions was whether or not I would consider my blog a success.

When I started outfit posts on this blog, I didn't have terribly high expectations. I saw other bloggers do it and was inspired to finally develop a more satisfying personal style. The desire had always been there, but it's simply cheaper and easier to wear jeans and t-shirts rather than putting careful thought into my appearance. I simply did not have much awareness of fashion early in life. However, as I've settled into my mid-20's, it has become increasingly important to me to express myself through fashion.

Enter the outfit posts. Since pictures are more objective than mirrors, I've learned a bit this year about what does and does not work for me.

Worst Outfits of 2011:

September 7 / October 14 / November 16

Mostly, my least favorite looks result from either being lazy or forcing myself into a style in which I am not comfortable. I guess I'm still finding that line between taking risks and trying to be someone else.

Best Outfits of 2011:

December 12 / November 10 / December 26

It seems that all my favorite outfits have occurred in the past two months! This must mean that my little experiment is finally working. I usually feel best about myself when I wear skirts and dress just slightly fancier than I would like to.

Overall, I'm going to call it a win for 2011! I'm so glad that I started this little experiment, it has opened me up to so many new experiences: fashion, photography, videography, social networking... The confidence that I have developed through knowing who and I am and what I want is the most incredible high.

Here's to the fashion and blogging adventures to come. ♥

it's a wonderful life

Despite being ill for Christmas week, I would be lying if I said that my Christmas 2011 was anything but spectacular. Here are some images from a great season (warning: super image heavy)...
















SPECTACULAR. Looking forward to feeling better and celebrating the New Year.

circle scarf

I got an American Apparel circle scarf from a friend for Christmas. I loved it so much that I made a video!



It's my first real video attempt, so don't laugh. Now that I've updated my OS and figured out some new image/video editing software, I'm ready to get my video on. Yes, that's a real thing. Be prepared for many more Shertown Studios videos in 2012!

outfit: belted shirt

Recognize this skirt? Groupon for the win.





occasion: a day out and about with my honey / shirt: Gap / belt: Banana Republic (came with a dress I got at the outlet store) / skirt: American Apparel / tights: Gap / shoes: DSW (brand unknown) / sunnies: Target / watch: Michael Kors / purse: Michael Kors

Historically, I haven't been big on belts, but in the spirit of expanding my horizons, I tossed this guy on to make a prettier silhouette to go with my new flouncy skirt. I think it was an epic win and have resolved to spend my "Christmas money" on awesome new belts.

On to New Years! Has everyone put together their resolutions yet?

happy holidays

A very merry Christmas to all! xoxo Chelle, Corban, Harley, and Ivy Johnson

sing alongs

While visiting my parents last week, I hopped over to Denison for a night of camp fires and sing alongs with The Myers and Co.








People played guitars and flutes. We sang Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver, and Greensleeves. Ken and I even brought the Cup Song out of retirement. It was so refreshing to carouse with people so full of fun and life, making simple moments into pure enjoyment.

(Plus, I am super envious of their bohemian/controlled chaos home decor.)




Every now and then, it's great to get back to my roots.

P.S. - Two days to Christmas Eve!

merry happy!

Sensible night, appropriate night
Snow on ground, left and right
Round yon purchase of decorative things
Tolerant rewrite of carols to sing
Function with relative ease
Function with relative ease
- Community


T minus three days until Christmas Eve. Let's do this.

outfit: a day in the home town

occasion: hanging out with my parents / tshirt: American Apparel / pants: Gap / boots: DSW, brand unknown / jacket: Levi / scarf: Wal-Mart / watch: Michael Kors / necklace: Dad's metal detecting find

After the semester ended, I spent a few days with my parents to reset and recoup. I usually keep it pretty casual when I visit my folks. There's a lot less concrete where I'm from, so delicate fabrics and dainty shoes tend to become impractical pretty quickly. This evening, the sunset was beautiful and I wanted to take advantage of the fading light. The pictures didn't turn out stellar, and my parents didn't know what the hell I was doing out there circling my tripod like a honeybee, but I really like this outfit. I'm proud of myself that my "day off" outfits consist of stylish boots and snappy t's instead of hole-y tank tops and sweats.

Only four days left until Christmas Eve! Excitement is building in the Johnson household. :)

how i used my groupon

Hey, remember that American Apparel Groupon I used recently? Feast your eyes on the bounty!



I'm super excited to style these items because they are so far removed from anything else in my wardrobe. I know, I know...whoo, skirts, big deal! Well, I am accustomed to hiding my legs far, far away in the winter time, so this is something new for me. Especially that form-fitting black-and-white number. Right now it's sitting in my closet with the tags still on, taunting me like a grade school bully.

I'll show her.

christmas cards and gift wrapping

I absolutely love gift wrapping. When I was around twelve years old, I became the official "Santa's Helper" of my family, which made me feel very grown up. Thirteen years later, gift wrapping still makes me feel like the shiz nit and is a job that I claim with unexpected ferocity.




This year, I've got this whole stamp theme going on (though, to be honest, I'm not that creative - I got the idea from Pinterest (follow me if you dare).) I've been stamping everything from cards to gift wrapping. I even tried to stamp my cats, but they were having none of it. I'm like the Martha freaking Stewart of cheap Christmas projects. The craftiness high is pretty unbelievable.

pear bread

I'm not gonna lie. This bread recipe is kind of a Frankenstein*...I took a recipe for apple muffins, combined it with a recipe for pear bread, made some of my own alterations, and voila! Something edible and possibly delicious.

Pear Bread


1 c applesauce

2/3 c white sugar

½ c brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 ½ c pears, chopped

3 c flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1½  tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Grease an 8x4 loaf pan
3. Combine applesauce, sugars, and eggs; beat well
4. Stir in pears and vanilla
5. Combine flour, powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg
6. Combine wet and dry mixtures
7. Bake 45-60 min, until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean

Be sure to eat this bread within a few days 'cause the pear chunks make it hella soggy after a while. Unless you like that kind of thing, of course.

*No Frankensteins were harmed in the making of this bread.

outfit: don't mess with texas

That's right. Texas - do not mess with it.




occassion: shopping/coffee date / dress: Old Navy / tights: Gap / boots: DSW (brand unknown) / necklace: Kalli Art, Frocks

I have a lot of state pride, so I was over the proverbial moon when the hubbs early-Christmas/just-because gifted me this necklace. Ever since I saw a similar one on Adored Austin, I knew that I must have a piece of Texas-themed jewelry.

This piece was just the right amount of snark to liven up today's otherwise somber ensemble. This wrap dress is usually reserved for funerals and job interviews, but I am feeling the need to change things up a bit lately. It worked out a little too well...I could hear Diane von Furstenberg calling my name...

However, Diane and I exist on significantly different economic planes, so I satisfied myself with spending an entire Groupon on skirts from American Apparel to liven up my pants-heavy winter wardrobe.

It was my first Groupon...
An addict has been born.