The Uniform

the inspiration: photo credit

Spend less time stressing about what you're going to wear and keep things simple with this go-to fall uniform.  It's just as basic as it looks: a leather timepiece, a dark mauve lip stain, black stilettos, some comfy denim and a soft, relaxed plaid button down.  Stick to this ensemble and you'll find more time to enjoy the season's gifts, such as: visiting an apple orchard, leaf peeping in the park, snuggling on the couch with a good book, catching up with friends after a long summer... 

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers" -Anne of Green Gables

// Shirt //

// Jeans //

// Pumps //

// Lip Stain //

// Watch //

Confidence

Image Source

Kick your worries to the curb.  Remember, worry is interest paid on debt you may never owe.  

Rawr.

2014 Summer Reading List

//To do//
Get out your lawn chair, hammock, blanket or towel
Make yourself a refreshing ice cold drink 
Pull out your most trusted wide-brimmed Sunday hat
Resurrect your neglected bottle of SPF 50+ and apply liberally
Put your feet up and enjoy a first-rate book, would you?

Here's a few on my "must read" list:

The Goldfinch | Donna Tart

The Language of Flowers | Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn

The Vacationers | Emma Straub

#GIRLBOSS | Sophia Amoruso

Me Before You | Jojo Moyes

Ahh, nothing is sweeter than summertime. Soak it up!

Be Better Than Yourself

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Floral Days & Floral Nights

Photo credit

Honest to God, what's more fabulous than floral print? Are you looking to spruce up your professional wardrobe or add a splash of refined color and sophistication to your favorite blue jeans?  Look no further than a structured and playful floral print jacket or coat.  

Where do you turn to find such a coveted treasure?  First, I'd try rumaging around your local thrift store.  You never know what kind of flashy finds you may find secondhand (and, you won't beat the price!)  If you'd rather skip the hunt, go straight to River Island -- they've got three styles that I'm crazy about.

Now, which to choose?
Orange
Yellow
Black

Pair this fancy floral coat with a pair of blue jeans, a cozy v-neck tee, a pair of kick-ass pointy toe heels, and finish the look with some simple stud earrings.  

Flower power!

Orange You Glad You Did?

Source: Inspiration Image

Spring is in full-force. The hot ticket item?  Orange lip color!  This hue is unusual, bold and undoubtedly glamorous. Whether you shop for your cosmetics at the drugstore or the beauty counter, pick up a tube of tangerine goodness to complete your spring look. Tell them Rachel sent you.

You can get the party started here 

From L // R

1. Revlon Colorburst Matte in Audatious

2. MAC 'We're Back' Lipstick in Tangerine Dream

3. Dolce&Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicious 415

When Life Gives You Lemons, Wear Them!

Shirt | Zara
Necklace | BaubleBar
Clutch  | Kate Spade

It's a funny thing, wearing fruit is in!  You may have already noticed, but graphic fruit designs are making their way on the runway, the retail racks and as home accessories. There is something childlike and playful about the whole thing.  And, frankly, I'm digging it.  If you are on the hunt for a statement item to kickoff the season, be inspired by this fruitful look (no pun intended!).  

Do you dig or ditch this trend?

A Pink Jacket

Image Source

As the weather warms, I welcome you to incorporate soft pastels into your wardrobe (hey, you'll match all the Easter decorations, right?). 

Newsflash: pastels are in. Haven't worn pastel pink for a decade?  Me neither. Time to get used to it!  I love that these coats mix menswear with the soft femininity of petal pink.  A wool blend will keep you warm if the winter chill lingers. 

This pink jacket is best paired with: boyfriend jeans, graphic tees, stilettos, understated jewelry and a larger than life tote or clutch.

Why splurge when you can steal?

Get yourself prepped and primed for spring.

Make No Comparisons

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Cherry Picking: Peter Pilotto at Target

Pump the breaks; another Target/designer collaboration is hitting the stores.  This time featuring designers Christopher DeVos and Peter Pilotto.  What started off as a swimwear collection quickly developed into something much greater.  Along with swimwear, this collection includes: beach bags, dresses, sunglasses, towels—all the essentials.

The signature look? Patterns but of course!  Gobs and gobs of fabulous patterns—mixed and matched to perfection, each piece as striking as the next.  Equal parts feminine, equal parts off the wall—the collection hits the mark.  When can you get your hands on it?  The collection will be available in stores and online at Target.com February 9^th (aka, tomorrow).

Favorite picks are pictured above.  Better yet?  Nothing in the collection exceeds $80/item.  As if it hasn't been said a million times before, thank you Target!

Dress, sunnies, beach towel, ... romper (OMG!)

Now, if only the beach bag came with a cabana boy. Sigh.