Rachel & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Scarf

Whoooo, Tuesday! This is a short week for me because I'm headed to Austin for a bachelorette party starting Thursday!!! I've never been to Austin but I've been told I'll love it. Any musts?!

So last night my friend Ali and I went to a rosé tasting class at Lexington's Wine + Market. It was a really nice way to kick off the week and I know so much more about rosés now! Afterwards we snapped a few photos. Isn't this rainbow scarf fun?! I found it for SEVEN DOLLARS at J.Crew on Sunday. I mean, that's what a Chipotle burrito bowl costs. It's sadly no longer available online, but check your stores - I'm sure it's there. I love it because it's every shade of the rainbow so can go with literally anything. In this particular case, I went with all white, because it's definitely still summer and 95 degrees in Lexington.

 scarf (no longer online, but in J.Crew stores!)   |  ring  |  top  |  jeans  |  heels

I love an all white look and adding a pop of color just makes it so fun! 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale + Wishlist

I know, I know. It's not even halfway through July and we still have MONTHS of heat ahead of us. And a couple weeks ago I was sharing my favorite summer clothes. This can't be happening yet! But you know what it's almost time for? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

I think this is the sale that every blogger goes insane for. If you're not familiar, the Anniversary Sale happens every July/August and it's when brand NEW FALL items are way, way marked down. So if you're like me, it's a dream come true because you don't have to wait until the end of the season or Black Friday for deals - you can get your fall wants and needs NOW and have them when the weather comes calling.

I actually think it's a little bit smart to start a fall wishlist in the dead of summer. I'm still loving my summer clothes and fall clothing hasn't hit shelves yet, so I don't get as disillusioned by what I really want and need when I see a million things I love. Here's what I'll be on the hunt for:

everyday purse

fall coat

brown & black leather booties

fall dresses

cozy sweaters

camel wrap

The sale runs officially from July 22 - August 8, but if you sign up for a Nordstrom credit or debit card, you get early access on the 14th. I signed up for the debit card - it's so awesome because I get rewards from purchases I'd be making anyways, and it's linked to my checking account, so the money comes out right away. That way I can't go too crazy! 

Have y'all started thinking about your fall wishlist yet? If you have, what's on it?!

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image 1  | 2

what i'm loving

There is so much cute stuff out right now. Last summer, I felt the opposite. I pretty much hated everything. I don't know what happened this summer but y'all, I seriously have to restrain myself from just going crazy and spending a ton of money without even blinking. Self restraint, Rachel. Self restraint. If I COULD go nuts, below are things I would most certainly scoop right up. I love the tiny scallop detail on the shorts, the peplum top has grosgrain ribbon straps (adore), and something about that orange and blue dress is just speaking to me. Those Fighting Illini roots coming out in me, I guess?!

top: 1  |  2  |  3

middle: 1  |  2  |  3

bottom: 1  |  2  |  3

Look for Less

I love a good look for less, and I also love a good jumpsuit. So bring the two together and it's a perfect blog post! When I saw Liz wearing this Club Monaco jumpsuit, I was in love. First of all, I'm a sucker for anything blue and white these days (if you've followed my recent blog posts, you've probably noticed a trend!) and a jumpsuit is just such an awesome piece of clothing. It's like a dress, but almost chicer and cooler.

I knew I couldn't afford the nearly $300 price tag on it, so luckily I found this $80 version from Loft that is maybe almost even better than Club Monaco's. Where as the Club Monaco one is a little dressier, the Loft version can be dressed up easily with wedges and jewelry, or worn casually with sandals. And well, the price - you really can't beat that.

Loft is currently running 50% off sale prices, which includes this jumpsuit. All sizes are still available, so hurry, hurry! For reference, I sized down from my typical small. 

What I'm Packing: Charleston

In just a few weeks, I'm taking my first just-because vacation in what feels like YEARS! But actually, I don't think I've been on a true vacation for three years. Simon and I are heading to Charleston the week of the Fourth of July and I could not be more excited!!! When I lived in Hilton Head, we would take day trips to Charleston, but I've never spent a prolonged period of time there. Naturally I've been stalking Annie's Charleston posts and Instagram, and searching for every blogger Charleston guide there is. If you have any suggestions on places to eat or things to do, please email or comment!! So far we are planning on going to The Ordinary for those oyster slides, the Gin Joint (on a friend's reco), Sullivan's Island for beach days, and Leon's Oyster Shop.

Besides thinking of things to do while in Charleston, I'm also thinking about what I'm going to pack (obviously). I put together a little mood board - some of these things will actually be in my suitcase, others won't. I'm going for easy and breezy so I stay (somewhat) cool during those hot days! But let's be honest, I'll probably be sweating. a lot. 

Ann Taylor striped shorts  |   I got these on sale and I can't wait to wear them. So comfortable and light weight! And they are on sale right now with an extra 40% off. 

Warby Parker Reilly sunglasses  |   I got these for my birthday in the Whiskey Tortoise color and love them. Warby Parker has so many great sunglasses, it was hard to choose just one pair!

Jack Roger sandals  |   I have the classic Jack Roger sandals, but I just wore these kind the other night and they are SO comfortable. Like, a million times more comfortable than the classic ones with the ouchie wooden heel. 

Straw Clutch  |   Because it goes with everything else blue and white that I'm packing and is under $40. How cute is it for summer?! 

Cupcakes & Cashmere Romper  |   I want this. I need it. Oh baby oh baby! Ha in all seriousness, I really do love this romper and think it would be perfect for the Charleston heat. Gahhh can the money fairy come visit me?!

Club Monaco Crop Top  |   I don't own this, but I would love to. It would go with so much - the Ann Taylor shorts, skirts, high waisted pants... a closet staple, really. And it's on sale. And Club Monaco is one of my favorites. 

Old Navy Panama Hat  |   For when the hair is looking rough. Or when I'm on the beach and my wispys (does anyone else have those hairs that won't go back, no matter how hard you try) are out of control from the wind. 

5 great tassel earrings

Remember when statement necklaces were totally the thing? And we couldn't get enough of arm parties?

Well, I think it's the time of the statement earring.

Don't get me wrong - I still love a good statement necklace every now and then, but earrings are just doing it so much more for me right now. It sounds silly, but I love that I can choose how they make their statement - with my hair pulled back, proudly showing off the earrings, or with my hair down, making them slightly less noticeable. The trend really seems to be some sort of tassel, so I've rounded up five of my favorite tassel earrings under $60.

1. Club Monaco Tassel Earrings (under $20!)

2. Mia Tassel Fan Earring

3. Stella Earrings

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Chain

5. Vanessa Mooney Tassel Earring (comes in 5 colors)

What I Wore vol. 8: Akola Project

Aaaand we're back! This weekend was one of those great weekends where I had plenty to do, but never felt overly busy. Friday night I had a wedding shower/party, went to a yummy brunch Saturday morning, and had friends over for dinner and an old fashioned game night Saturday! And finally, finally (!!!) yesterday was beautiful. Simon and I went to church, laid by the pool, and relaxed. A pretty good weekend, if you ask me! 

So this outfit. Before I moved to KY, my sweet friend Mary Jeanne gave me this Akola Project necklace (in Kentucky blue, of course). I love the necklace itself, but even more I love the mission behind it. The Akola Project employs impoverished and uneducated women in Uganda and Dallas, TX, to make their products. Most of these women have survived HIV/AIDS, been victims of sex trafficking, or formally incarcerated. Akola gives them the opportunity to feel empowered and provide for their families, and 100% of the proceeds are reinvested to the mission. I highly recommend browsing the website - there are so many beautiful colors and jewelry options. 

dress (old, similar, similar)  |  espadrille wedges  |  necklace

Since the necklace is such a statement, I paired it with a simple black dress and espadrille wedges by Dolce Vita - seriously so comfortable that I'm contemplating purchasing other colors! 

Have a great Monday! 

What I Wore vol. 7: all white

I hope everyone had an awesome Memorial Day weekend! Are 3 day weekends not the best? I had such a great weekend at home. The wedding I went to was an absolute blast and it was the best hanging with family and friends by the pool for the rest of it. Now only 3.5 days to go till the weekend again! I could get used to this....

Now that Memorial Day has passed, it's OFFICIALLY acceptable to wear all white outfits. I have mentioned this before, but I don't exactly follow that rule. I think when done correctly, all white outfits are appropriate for any season. I love this top from Ann Taylor - the cut is great and it's so flowy and breezy, so it's perfect for hot summer days. It's also on sale right now with an extra 40% off and comes in 4 different solid colors. How about that for a deal?!

top (same, solid color)  |  jeans  |  bracelet (old, similar, similar) |  necklace

Is this pink house not the cutest little backdrop? I was so excited when I stumbled across it! 

Have a great Tuesday, everyone! 

the best bags for weekend trips

I remember when I got my first Vera Bradley overnight duffel bag. It was for Christmas, and I was SO excited to no longer have to use a Nike athletic bag for overnight trips. I loved the print - a blue and brown floral print - and I even have a cosmetic bag to match. The little things, right? Well, I'm still using that same duffel probably 10 years later and I can say it has seen quite the trips over the years. Props to Vera Bradley too, because that thing has held up very well. After 10 years, though, I think it's time to upgrade to something new, don't you think?!

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend and all the summer travels ahead, I've rounded up some great weekender bags. With whatever I choose, I want it to last as long as my Vera Bradley did. Rather than a bold print, I think I'll go with something neutral and classic. 

Mark & Graham Weekender Bag

Kate Spade Weekender Bag

Lo and Sons Catalina Weekender

what to wear: wedding attire in your late 20's

The past weekend officially kicked off this year's summer weddings. I don't know about you all, but I'm at the point in life where I have LOTS of weddings. Like, 9 this year, with one this weekend!!! With weddings comes shopping for dresses, and I personally have a tough time finding age appropriate dresses. It's the Britney Spears conundrum - I'm not a girl, not yet a woman! Although I guess I am technically a woman, just a young woman. When I'm shopping for dresses now, I want a balance of pretty but chic, appropriate but a little sexy. I don't want something too sweet, and trendy, but rather beautiful and timeless - something I can feel confident wearing year after year. Is this a challenge for anyone else, or just me?!

A few good brands I've found that accomplish that strange, mid-to-late 20's to early 30's gap: Elizabeth & James, Club Monaco, Milly, Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, etc. etc. I've pulled together a few of my favorite options below, and I actually ordered this Club Monaco dress for a wedding in June.

Club Monaco Nimah Dress 

(comes in white, too! and is on sale for under $130!)

Elizabeth & James Phoenix Dress 

(comes in multiple colors, on sale for under $170!)

Milly Modern Camo Dress 

(not as simple, but I think it's fun and could be worn year after year)

Tibi Strapless Dress 

(I think this is GORGEOUS. Also comes in red and is on sale for under $225)

Tibi Amara Dress 

(I think there's something really pretty about this. Comes in black too, would love with gold jewelry!)

What are your go-to places for dresses? I'd love to hear where you all shop!

What I Wore vol. 6: Fringe

Hi everyone! Back to the work week, but who's excited this weekend is a long one?! Only 5 days people. 5 days. We can do it!

So this is one of my favorite settings yet for an outfit shoot. My sweet friend Ali shot these photos near downtown Lexington near the Transylvania campus (it's not a school for vampires, I swear!) It's one of the most picturesque places in Lexington, in my opinion. 

Now to the outfit - I bought this fringe sweater from Ann Taylor about a month ago. I've been loving what they're doing this season, and this top is no exception. I've worn it so much - with white jeans, a white skirt, dark wash jeans, and now this army green skirt! It's so comfortable and the fringe detail is just perfect. It also comes in navy, and it's currently an extra 40% off. Can't get much better.

sweater (on sale with an extra 40% off!)  |   skirt (old, similar, similar)  |   shoes (old, but I like these and these)

Have a great Monday!

currently

I don't know about y'all, but I felt like this week was the LONGEST. Anyone else?! It didn't help that I woke up Tuesday morning very out of it, like thinking it was Sunday... just a litttttle off.  I'm headed to Illinois this weekend for my cousin's wedding - the first wedding of the summer for me! I'm excited to see my family. It's so rare that we all get to be together now! 

I don't know about you all, but I'm loving so many of the summer arrivals. I think there's an ongoing list of 20+ things in my head I'd like to buy right now! This week, in the world of things I'm loving...

CLOTHING  |  Ann Taylor has, in my opinion, just been killing it this season. I love this palm leaf skirt and actually the entire outfit. Speaking of killing it, the old J.Crew looks like it's returning. These ikat pants look so comfortable! And - even better - J.Crew is offering 25% off all items, and Ann Taylor has 40% off skirts, tops, and shorts. I want this top, skirt, dress, and this sweater tank. 

SHOES  |   At work we can only wear sandals that have backs (good thing I didn't buy new Jack Rogers). I love these studded sandals - a perfect heel height!

ACCESSORIES  |   I don't know where I've been, but I recently rediscovered Tuckernuck and I am obsessed with so much of it. How awesome are those red earrings?! I would pair them with a crisp white top and white jeans and feel oh so chic. And the pom pom clutch is just too cute, and under $50! 

HOME  |   The pineapple cheese board is just calling my name. It would be a great wedding shower gift, or honestly just a gift for yourself! And I've been burning the Aloha Orchid candle nonstop - it has such a fresh smell and I love it. 

Have a great weekend! I'll see you back Monday with another outfit post! 

What I Wore Vol. 5: Striped Dress

Monday again! It seems like the weekends just fly by, doesn't it?! I had a fun weekend here in Lexington. Some girlfriends and I went to Middle Fork Kitchen & Bar Friday night, had a few drinks and eventually sang karaoke at a college bar... yes. Yesterday was so productive with church-going, grocery shopping, blog prepping, and lunch making! I just love when I have a productive Sunday.

dress (similar, similar, similar), shoes (old, similar), ring, purse, earrings

So I love this dress. I picked it up at the Gap about a month ago and if Gap's site would actually work, I'd link to it. It's so comfortable and when I'm feeling a little more fancy, I add a brown leather braided belt with it, ground breaking, I know! But I went to church and ran errands yesterday, so no belt it was. Comfort was key. 

And y'all, these booties. I bought them at Target like 2 years ago and I'm still kicking myself for not buying like 10 pairs. I wear them constantly and I'll probably wear them until they fall apart.

I should never be a hand model, they're all wrinkly and I'm blaming it on a lack of sunscreen application on my hands while living in Hilton Head. But let's focus on the ring. Isn't it just the prettiest?! I love Julie Vos' pieces - so unique and timeless. 

This is just fun. See y'all tomorrow! 

what i wore vol. 4: stripe top + white jeans

I realized I never posted these pictures way back in September when I took my blog hiatus. With it being the "official beginning" of white jeans month (although I think any time of the year is appropriate when done correctly), I thought I'd share. Even being almost a year ago, this is still such a go-to look for me. Jeans and a tank with some sort of wedge/heel sandal. I'll wear this from work to happy hour and be as happy as a clam. 

While almost all of these items are no longer available, I've found similar things and linked below. 

striped tank  |  white jeans  |  gold cuff  |  aviators  |  purse  |   knot earrings

look for less: marysia swim

If you follow any 3 bloggers, it's more than likely you've seen the Marysia scalloped bikinis. I personally think the suits are adorable, but I cannot justify the price tag. If you can - more power to you! I'm sure the Marysia quality has to be better, but this girl here is on a budget! Luckily there have been plenty of replicas this year, like the B.P. one from Nordstrom I shared a couple weeks ago, or this Old Navy one. Target even did a version (of course they did, they're Target) that my friend wore on her bachelorette party. So if you want to jump on the trend, there's really no reason why you can't. Even better - Old Navy has 30% off through Thursday, so you can get the look for even LESS! Now how about that for some money saving?!

what to pack: the beach

Y'all, I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for a week from today. You know why?! I'll be heading to the BEACH!!!!!! Cue the excessive exclamation points! My friend Bethany is getting married in June, so we are celebrating her in Hilton Head and I. Can. Not. Wait. First world problems over here, but I haven't been on a beach since October 2014. For the girl who spent vacations going to the beach and three summers lifeguarding on the beach, this feels like an eternity! 

Naturally, this gets me thinking about all the things I need to pack! It's going to be a relaxing, low key weekend, so I really won't need much beyond swimsuits, cover ups, sandals, and a couple easy outfits for when we go to dinner. I picked up a coverup from J.Crew Factory a month back (it's sold out, but I also love this), and ordered this bikini from Nordstrom - it's so similar to the incredibly expensive Marysia ones, I couldn't pass it up! Also, can we talk about why in the world cover ups are so expensive? I tried to link some affordable options below, but it's hard to find! I mean, it's something that gets sandy, sweaty, and grimy. I just don't get it. Anyways.

I've put together a few little shopping widgets with some swimsuits, dresses, coverups, and sandals I'd love to be taking with me for any beach trip. Like the pineapple dress? So freaking cute, but so unfortunately out of my price range. And the seersucker bikini from J.Crew is so cute but also classic. Sandal wise - I picked whatever is easiest to slip on and off my feet so I can get on that beach and my toes in the sand QUICK!  Admittedly, none of these below items will be making the trip to Hilton Head, but I have a couple more trips this summer that may require additional shopping... a girl can dream, right?!

SWIM

DRESSES

SANDALS


COVERUPS

LET'S GET VESTY

photo

Ever since I saw Julia rock this suede vest in Peru (ugh, she's so cool), I've had it on my mind. It would be so great as a layering piece for fall/winter - add it over a chambray shirt, striped tee, sweater, you name it. I found the exact one in the photo above here, but I've also found a few other options that are pretty similar. On a tight budget, I'd go with this one from Target. That price is seriously unbeatable. I also like this one from BB Dakota and this one from Splendid, but I think in the world of trying to save money, I'll go with the Target version.

FALL WISHLIST - THE STAPLES

The weather is getting cooler and the humidity is starting to leave the air (thank goodness) - fall is almost here! I've been taking a little inventory on my current closet and there is a lot I want to purge and kind of, sort of, a lot of staples I want/need to add. My style has definitely evolved over the years to more simple and neutral and I want what I purchase this season to be thoughtful and reflect that. Lots of cozy layers and pieces that can easily transition from work to happy hour to out on the town.

mini skirt // chambray shirt // cognac boots // navy blouse // heather wrap // suede booties // skinny jeans // ruffle dress // bucket bag

IS IT SPRING YET?

I'm sure you all feel the exact same way, but I am so, so incredibly ready for spring and summer. I want to say goodbye to heavy sweaters and boots for 6 months and say hello to sandals, skirts, and tanks!!

I've always thought of myself as a "dress" girl, in that I would typically reach for a dress over pants to wear on a night out or to work. In the past year or so, that has changed, and I have been gravitating much more towards separates (as I think the retail industry as a whole has). This spring I want to add some lightweight pant options to my closet. I have a pair of printed flowy pants from Anthropologie that I purchased years ago and they remain one of my go-to's and favorite pieces in my closet. I will definitely be purchasing this pair from J.Crew (grey and black?!) once Frugal February is over, and I am dying over the Calypso options (1 & 3). Actually, I'll take every single pair above!

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Shop the post: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

FLASH TATTOOS

When I think about temporary tattoos, I'm not thinking of anything cool or chic. In my mind, tattoos are something kids wear that come out of a Cracker Jack box or from a parade. So imagine my amazement when I stumbled across Flash Tattoos - jewelry in temporary tattoo form.

 I will never get a permanent tattoo, but this temporary bracelet tattoos are definitely something I can get behind. If I wasn't in awe already, a woman in my Barre3 class had a few bracelet tattoos on and it looked so. cool. I love the simplicity of the bracelets and rings, and the necklaces are totally unexpected. I didn't go to any music festivals this summer, and I don't have any plans to, but this would be the perfect accessory - you don't have to worry about losing jewelry while still looking like you're wearing it! My favorites are the Lena and Josephine, but there are plenty of other options to choose from as well.

Have you tried Flash Tattoos? What did you think? I'm excited to test them out... I think the Lena is going to be my first pick.