dress

behind the blog

how it all began

It all started around 2010. I was sitting behind my computer at a corporate financial firm, feeling completely uninspired and knowing deep down that something was missing. I just couldn’t figure out what it was… until one day I stumbled across a little blog called Cupcakes and Cashmere.

I remember thinking, wait… this exists? A place where you can share creativity, ideas, and everyday life in a beautiful way? I was instantly hooked. That was the moment I knew I wanted to create something of my own.

I launched my first blog not long after and poured my heart into it for a few years. Then life happened. I got engaged, graduated from college, and started building my career in marketing. But that creative itch never really went away. A few years later, I felt the pull to start again—but this time, I wanted something that truly reflected me and the direction my life was going.

That’s when I Dream in Chic was born in April 2015.

The name is a little play on words. You know how some people say they dream in color? I like to think I dream in chic. To me, chic isn’t about labels or status. It’s about how you feel. It’s about creating a life you love, elevating the everyday, and finding confidence in your own version of beautiful.

My hope is that when you spend time here, you leave feeling inspired, encouraged, and reminded that you don’t need a perfect life to create a beautiful one. I’m so glad you’re here and following along.

About Me

hey, i’m marie

I’m a wife, mom, lifestyle blogger, content creator, podcaster, and marketing strategist who believes everyday life should feel beautiful, intentional, and just a little bit chic. I created I Dream in Chic as a space to share the things that inspire me and the small ways I try to elevate everyday moments—from hosting gatherings and decorating my home to beauty, wellness, travel, and motherhood.

Much of what I share is rooted in real life. As a busy mom balancing family, work, and creative passions, I believe you don’t need a perfect life to create a beautiful one. Whether I’m setting a table for friends, planning a trip, trying a new recipe, or simply enjoying the small rituals of the day, I love sharing ideas that feel both elevated and approachable.

Through my blog, podcast, and social channels, I share inspiration for hosting and entertaining, home décor, style, beauty, wellness, motherhood, and the behind-the-scenes of building a creative life.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief: living chic isn’t about perfection or luxury for its own sake. It’s about creating beauty in the everyday, embracing the season of life you’re in, and finding joy in the details.
I’m so glad you’re here.

Featured in

my current faves.

coffee order

iced vanilla latte

favorite destination

Tulum

Star sign

virgo

Sneakers or Sandals?

sneakers always!

Can’t live without…

a good book to read

Guilty pleasure

sour candy

On my bucket list

St. Tropez

currently binging

Bridgerton

explore the blog

must-read

frequently asked q’s

From blogging logistics to content creation and collaborations, these are some of the questions I’m asked most often. Think of this as a behind-the-scenes peek at how I built this space and continue to grow it.

I started I Dream in Chic in 2015 as a creative outlet, and over time it’s grown into a full lifestyle brand across my blog, podcast, and social platforms. What began as a hobby has evolved into a business and creative space far beyond what I imagined — and I’m just getting started.

For my website, I use self-hosted WordPress.
For design and content creation, I regularly use Canva, Photoshop, Lightroom, and CapCut.
For podcast recording, I use Riverside.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best tools are the ones that help you create consistently — not necessarily the most complicated ones.

It can — but it doesn’t have to.

If you’re just testing the waters, there are plenty of free platforms that let you start without a big investment. But if you’re thinking long-term and want something you truly own, investing in hosting and your own domain is usually worth it.

My honest advice? Don’t overcomplicate it at the beginning. Start creating. Make sure you genuinely enjoy the process before you start spending money on all the extras.

I’ve used a DSLR in the past, but these days most of my content is shot on my iPhone. The camera quality is incredible, it’s easy, and it allows me to create wherever I am — which, as a busy mom and business owner, matters.

You really don’t need the fanciest equipment to create beautiful content. You just need to start.

From concept to publish, usually around 6–7 hours — and that includes shooting, editing, writing, SEO, and promotion.

I rarely do it all in one sitting. I batch photos one day, edit another, and write throughout the week. Breaking it up keeps the quality high and the process manageable.

Oh, absolutely. Especially in the beginning.

But I promise, it gets easier. Most people are either curious or genuinely supportive. Confidence really does come from repetition. If you’re just starting out, pick quieter locations and ease into it. You’ll build your comfort level faster than you think.

Yes. I partner with brands across home, lifestyle, travel, beauty, and hospitality on collaborations that feel intentional and aligned with my audience.

Partnerships may include blog features, social campaigns, UGC, affiliate collaborations, podcast sponsorships, and long-term brand relationships. With a background in digital marketing, I approach every campaign with both creativity and strategy in mind.

I also enjoy collaborating with fellow creators through podcast conversations and creative projects.

If you’re interested in working together, you can learn more on my Work With Me page or reach out directly.

I’m pretty much always sharing something somewhere. You’ll find daily lifestyle moments on Instagram and TikTok, curated inspiration on Pinterest, and long-form posts here on the blog.

If you love the deeper, more personal side of things — creativity, entrepreneurship, and behind-the-scenes notes — my Substack newsletter is where I share those thoughts in real time. And for candid conversations, tune into Chic & Unfiltered.

However you choose to follow along, I’m just happy you’re here.

let’s be friends!

Sign up to receive new posts, sale alerts, and exclusive giveaways in your inbox.