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chicago blogger

Fashion

Sonia’s Tips For Shopping On Amazon

Ahhh, Amazon.  When you used to think about the word “Amazon” you probably thought about the rain forest.  Now when you say the word you’ll likely think about the online shopping site. I have been a prime member since it’s inception. I can’t even tell you how much I love Amazon and their 2 day prime shipping!  Hallelujah.

Good Amazon Finds

When I initially joined their website, I was shopping for things like diapers, pacifiers, teething toys etc.  Now I shop for things like kids sports gear, shoes, socks, underwear, household items and more….. you name it and I’ll order it!  While I am certain that my husband doesn’t love all the charges on our credit card bill, I realize that the time I save going to the store has been invaluable.

As a mom, I frequently put my family first.   It wasn’t until recently that I realized that Amazon had an Amazon Fashion Store. As an avid Nordstrom shopper, I was leery about purchasing anything on Amazon. I started my first purchase with an off the shoulder white dress for a boat party that I was hosting. I spent $30 on this beauty and it did not disappoint!  Thank goodness my first purchase was good, it set me on 2 day prime shopping journey that has taught me so many things about how to navigate Amazon fashion that I want to share with you today!

Levis | Slouchy Sweater | Tie Neck | Favorite Lipstick |

Hanogram Phone Case (Use code: RINASONIA for $$ off)

The Tips:

#1. Check if it is a prime item.  For a nominal annual fee ($99) you can become a prime member and it will give you free shipping on anything that comes from Amazon. It saves time and $ depending on how often you plan to use the site for shopping.
#2.  Make sure you look at reviews. Chicksandsalsa is in the top 1% of reviewers on TripAdvisor, so you know we love our reviews!   Shoppers (and ChicksAndSalsa) will help you determine quality, sizing and durability
#3. Know where the items are coming from. Often times I have ordered in haste and not paid attention…items that ship from international locations take much longer than something that is shipping domestic.
#4. In complete honesty, only about 4 of 12 items will be keepers. I have not had full success in my shopping with Amazon. However, with free shipping back, I’m always willing to take a risk in the comfort of my own home to try clothes on and send them back as needed.

The Finds

Here are a few of my favorite Amazon Fashion purchases.

 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 

Did you know that we have a shoppable Amazon store? Check us out here.

I hope you find this helpful, feel free to reach out and ask any questions you might have about the Amazon fashion store.

Your Chick,
Sonia

Fashion, Lifestyle

See How High Waisted Looks Are Giving Me Life

I recently watched an interview with Priyanka Chopra (side note: I’m a HUGE fan).  She was talking about what she was wearing to an upcoming red carpet event. She spoke on how when you wear something that you are comfortable in you will exude confidence.  Duh!  It’s seems so simple, but I know I’ve been guilty of wearing something that might not fit just right and I’m pulling and tugging and it affects the way I carry myself.

Confidence comes in so many forms.  In fashion, it’s truly in how you carry yourself and it starts with wearing something that fits your body type. Fashion is so fun, there is no one size fits all approach.  There are a few things I look out for when shopping for what’s right for me.  Let me start with my body type.  I’m 5’8”, 140lbs and an on again off again gym goer. I don’t have a super models body and have what I would consider to be a curvy build.  As with many women, there are certain parts of my body I am more comfortable with than others.  I don’t love my legs from the knee up so I try to go for midi-length dresses, maxis, capris, jeans or midi skirts. The high waisted trend suits my frame because it gives me the tuck I need while accentuating my waist.

High Waisted Pants
Midi Dresses
Midi Dresses
High Waisted Swim

As women we can often fall prey to what we are “supposed” to look or dress like.  If we let go of the expectations and just dressed and acted in the way that was authentic to ourselves we would not only carry ourselves with confidence, but would also inspire others to do the same.

Here are some of my favorite high waisted looks!  Many of these pieces can still be scooped up at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (which ends August 6th).  Check out what is in our bag here.

Cheers! Your Chick,

Sonia

Chick Picks:
Fashion, Lifestyle

You Can Always Be Better – Summer Reads and Needs

How is it even possible that summer just started and now my trip to Chicago is already almost over!  Time really does fly when you are having fun!  As some of you may know, I am part of a fabulous book club (shout out to the Guilty Wives Club) and as I do every summer I take on a summer reading list with a combination of best sellers, recommendations and this year I have included some self exploration too!  As a woman I constantly second guess myself as an individual, as a wife, and of course as a mother.  I am always wondering if there is a better way to do what I am doing or how I can make sure that I am giving my kids the tools to be amazing individuals and citizens.


This year’s list had a little bit of everything but I wanted to share the life books that I really enjoyed that gave me just enough pep in my step each day to see things differently and offered some new ideas and perspective into my day to day life.

The List

You Are a Badass

Don’t feel bad about pepping yourself up sometimes- isn’t that what power posing is all about?? This book offers hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word to help you stop being self deprecating and change the way you see yourself and your future.

 

 

 

You Do You

With social media shifting our focus to other people all the time, You Do You reminds you to spend just as time and energy on yourself as you do on other people.  If everyone is busy doing ‘their’ thing, shouldn’t you be busy doing yours?? This easy read may be the reminder by your bedside that you need to just do you!

 

 

 

It’s Not About How Good You Are, It’s About How Good You Want To Be

If you are like me and asked yourself if there is more out there for you in this world or this life then author Paul Arden has some words of wisdom for you! He takes on issues as diverse as problem solving, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes and creativity- all things I try to tackle each and every day!

 

 

 

The Little Book Of Life Hacks

Yumi Sakugawa shares a wide range of useful and unexpected tips for looking and feeling better, streamlining and improving your home life.  Everything from creating fun and artsy DIY projects that can brighten your living space. Everything from removing  dark circles from under your eyes, making cold brew iced coffee at home, throwing the perfect party on a budget, working out at home without a gym membership and (my favorite!) taking the perfect afternoon power nap…and more!  You can peek in and out of this book at will and get a whole lot out of it!

 

 

Parenting Recommendations

My next two recommendations are heavy on the parenting side of things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have two daughters, both are amazing yet incredibly different, one is self motivated, one is not, one is independent, the other is not.  I have read both GRIT and The Power of Habit and these books have taught me so much about behaviors that successful people have and where and how they were taught them.  It allows parents the freedom to exercise a little tough love to teach your child a lesson – I find tough love to be so hard sometimes.  I always make excuses for my kids for example, I think that they don’t understand, or that they are too young, but these books have given me the gumption to challenge them.  To my surprise, I have watched the kids step it up.  If you need a scientific perspective with a track record on parenting then check these books out, you won’t regret it!

Well I hoped you enjoyed my book recommendations, what did you read this summer?

Your Chick,

Rina

Fashion

Dare To Bare Your Shoulders This Summer With These Trendy Tops

If you have been following us on Instagram, you know that we are gushing over tops that bare your shoulders – tube tops, one-shoulder tops and open shoulder tops are quickly becoming a favorite! This style makes us feel trendy while feeling practical.

With the long weekend upon us and the summer around the corner I anticipate a lot of family outings and these shirts are casual, cute, and comfortable (the essential three C’s!).

These two from Revolve prove that when it comes to quality clothing, you get what you pay for.  These are not bargain buys per se, but they are extremely well made and have a unique design that I have not been able to find anywhere else. Definitely worth the price.

Shop The Post

This black one shoulder t-shirt fits well along the neck line so that you don’t have to worry about it slipping down your arm. It’s lightweight so it won’t be too hot for the summer and shows just enough to be youthful while still maintaining a certain level of modesty. I am wearing  a size medium in the photograph.

Shop The Post

This mauve colored peek-a-boo shoulder top is comfortable and form fitting. It has a double knit layer that hugs the body perfectly!  With its high neck and long length, I don’t need to worry about showing too much (see my post of bodysuits here).  This one is also a size medium and true to size.

These both can be dressed up or dressed down.  Shop these looks and others on our Like To Know It page.

Thanks for checking in!

Your Chick,

Rina

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