WHAT DO YOU DO
I am first and foremost a momma to my two-year-old daughter, Sloane Betty. She and I spend our days dancing, singing, cooking, reading and playing dress up. She has an incredible smile and demeanor that lights up our (my husband and me) lives. I am also preparing for that role to expand as I am expecting TWINS in January. This is going to be quite the adventure, but one we will be ready for (I HOPE)!

In addition to my role as a mama, I still enjoy my previous life working as a Sales Consultant for a Women's Ready-to-Wear multi-line showroom called Fashionhaus. I worked in the fashion industry for six years while we lived in NYC and still was lucky enough to stay on and help support Fashionhaus while living in Des Moines (remotely or travel to NYC for Fashion Week in September and February) -- all of this around delivering babies and being largely pregnant :)

BEAUTY
I am all about skincare, do not care much for makeup and I wash my hair every four days -- for me, it’s about ease and being natural. For skincare, I am firmly addicted to this French brand called Biologique Recherche. I have tried a few of their products, but my favorites are the Creme VIP O2 moisturizer and the Lotion P50. Their products are not easy to find, I mainly buy them online or when I travel abroad. For makeup -- I curl my eyelashes using my Shu Uemura curler (have used it forever) and put on mascara. I like to layer L’Oreal Voluminous and Chantecaille. If it’s a fun night out, I like a pop of lipstick and I am out the door. As for my hair -- bed head is my favorite, but to add some volume I swear by Oribe Dry Texturizing spray and/or good old baby powder!

HOME
We just moved in the last few months -- and are loving it! Admittedly it’s a bit of an undertaking (pool, big yard, old home), but we are taking it all in stride. I am working with an interior designer friend to put my own touches on it -- I love to combine vintage and modern pieces -- in both my home and wardrobe! Thankfully we have all this space because it will be filling quickly come January.

CLOSET
Where to start?! I have collected pieces from well-known designers and those I have worked for over the years -- both new and vintage. I re-wear them all the time and I am also secretly hoping Sloane will want them one day -- although she will likely say “No way mom!” I have a pretty solid collection of vintage clothing and was thrilled when Nicole opened Preservation in DSM. What I love about vintage clothes is the fit -- I find that for my frame, the cut of vintage finds is like no other. I always shop vintage when I travel -- it is one of my favorite things to do (I do this while Jon, my husband, naps :)) I am also admittedly a shoe addict -- more in the way of sneakers these days chasing after Sloane. I think regardless of style, it is all about staying true to yourself!

- As told to Preservation

Chelsea Swanson photographed at her home in Des Moines, Iowa by Nicole Lorenson