Pajama Pants

Meet my new favorite lounge pants, courtesy of PJ Pan.

As my long-time readers might recall, I have a special love for sleepwear. As much as I enjoy my old sorority sweatshirts, nothing beats slipping into beautiful fabrics with a flawless fit. I love the light, preppy stripes on my pair. I'm also planning on picking up this pair of girly shorts - perfect for summer nights!

All PJ Pan nightwear is manufactured in the UK, and made with high-quality long staple combed cotton and shell buttons.  These pants are a tall girl's dream. There are options for Tall (34" inseam) and Extra Tall (36" inseam)! PJ Pan also offers a bespoke service for special size needs.

What's your favorite source for sleepwear?

xx,

Rachel

Kate Moss for Topshop

Kate Moss's first collection for Topshop in four years launches today, and the fast fashion world is buzzing. This might be the only day I've longed to return to Oxford Circus (if you've visited London, you know what I'm talking about). The collection aims to recreate Kate's most iconic looks and capture her mellow-meets-glam party girl style.

While we'd all love to look as great as the fashion icon in these pieces, the collection is receiving mixed reviews. Alison says we've seen it all before (in the previous 14 collections Kate has done with Topshop) and describes the collection as dated and difficult to wear. While I agree with the critics of the collection on many points, I think the line has easy summertime glamour appeal. Here are the my picks:

Paisley print sundress, £65.00

Jewel bead overlay dress, £600.00

Scallop trim cami, £38.00

Not interested in shopping the collection? Check out these tips for achieving Kate's style without the fast fashion emulation.

What do you think of the collection? Will you be shopping?

xx,

Rachel

Sunday Steals: Seaside Edition

If there's any place that I constantly want to be, it's the beach. Spending time in coastal towns, and indulging in anything to do with the sea, make me the happiest girl in the world.  I found some shopping steals perfect your next getaway:

Michael Kors sunglasses $79.90 (originally $109)

Lilly Pulitzer bikinis $24.90 (originally $68)

Sperry sandals $39.90 (originally $78)

All are available at RueLaLa (here's your invitation). Hurry - they sell out quickly!


And to get you ready for the week ahead, check out this awesome TED Talk playlist about defining success. Have less than 10 minutes? This talk from Richard St. John on the 8 traits of successful people is just 7 minutes long:

xx,

Rachel

April Showers

Spring is definitely underway, complete with lots of rain. I don't mind rainy days. There's something impossibly cozy about spring thunderstorms. They do, however, require some special gear. I love my Hunter boots. I found one of their special edition pairs in the brightest pink. They always perk up my rainy walk, and they're boots of amazing quality.  I'm currently shopping for a new umbrella (thanks a lot, gale-force winds) and I love the classic style of trench coats.

Tory Burch // Target // Saks Fifth Avenue Collection

Burberry  // Henri Bendel //  Hunter

J. Crew // River Island // Burberry

What are your rainy day essentials?

xx,

Rachel

Splurge or Save: Spring Essentials

The arrival of spring definitely calls for a wardrobe refresh, but that doesn't have to mean emptying your bank account. I believe the criteria for an "investment piece" differ for everyone. Finding new pieces doesn't have to be expensive, especially if you know an item won't get lots of love in your wardrobe. Some things (for me, the Tory Burch dress below) are too beautiful to skimp on.

Whether you're looking to splurge or save on some new pieces, here are my spring wardrobe essentials:

 Flowy White Tank

Milly $215 // LuLu's $33

Color Blocked Sandal 

Chloe $695 // Splendid $68

Printed Day Dress

Tory Burch $325 // LuLu's $46

What are your essential pieces for spring?

xx,

Rachel

Friday Five

1. The Many Shoes of Carrie Bradshaw from Pop Chart Lab
I got a surprise in the mail yesterday, in the form of this print! I am (shamelessly) still in love with Sex and the City. The print has 50 pairs of hand-illustrated shoes from all the iconic scenes. I'll be adding it to my gallery wall as a daily reminder that really great shoes can make life just a little more fun.

2. Lonely Lingerie
I stumbled across Lonely Lingerie and love their delicate designs, like this Sabel bra in cobalt.

3. Quote
It's no secret I'm addicted to quotes. This one popped up on Pinterest, and I thought it was a lovely sentiment.

4. Elizabeth Mayville print
Simple, pretty, and bright - this print (available from Design Darling) will be another great addition to my apartment.

5. Kenneth Jay Lane Weave Cuff
This cuff (on sale!) would be a fun addition to spring and summer looks. It strikes the perfect balance of intricacy and simplicity.

What's on your radar this week? Happy Friday!

xx,

Rachel

Three Ways to Wear Distressed Denim

I fell in love with a pair of distressed Joe's Jeans recently, and they've already been shown lots and lots of love in my wardrobe. Here are three ways I've been wearing distressed denim this spring.

1. Boho weekend

{Top: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Similar here}

{Bag: Local boutique find. Similar here and here}

{Wedges: unisa. Similar here and here}

Comfortable enough for errands, dressed up enough for coffee dates and brunch. 

2. Night out

{Jacket: collection. Similar here and here}

{Top: Pleione. Similar here}

{Shoes: BCBGeneration. Similar here} 

Even when the days are gorgeous, the nights get a little chilly. I've been adding a neutral jacket with a fun ruffle detail to stay warm.

3. Super casual

{Shirt: Cincinnati Reds MLB}

{Flats: Tory Burch}

Yesterday was Opening Day, which is basically a holiday in Cincinnati. I'm excited baseball season is back, and these jeans are laid back enough for the stadium. Comfortable flats make walking around the city a breeze! 

How do you style your distressed denim?

xx,

Rachel

Seven Things to Love About Spring

Yesterday (at precisely 12:57 p.m., I'm told) we officially crossed into spring! I was in the best mood all day. It's no secret that this winter has been brutal, and I couldn't be more ready for sunshine and all the wonderful things that the warmer seasons bring. Here are some of my favorite things about spring:

1. Fresh flowers. I love picking up cut blooms for my apartment, passing all the lovely gardens in my neighborhood, and just being surrounded by things more beautiful than bare trees and brown grass. 

2. Bare legs. I'm ready to retire my tights and leggings in favor of shorter hemlines. These J. Crew shorts are a warm weather staple in my wardrobe. 

3. Longer days. More evening sunlight means pleasant evening runs. My neighborhood is full of runners and walkers. It's fun to see the community stop hibernating!

4. Baseball season. Go Reds! 

5. Dining (and drinking) alfresco. Spring begins my mad hunt for the best biergarten. I got a little spoiled in Paris with the adorable cafes with outdoor seating on every block. 

6. Open-toed shoes. I'm ready to retire my boots for a long time. Bring on the sandals and fun pedicures. 

7. Spring cleaning. My apartment could use a top-to-bottom fresh start. It's also a great time to donate wardrobe pieces I no longer love, making room for the new things I'm bound to find. 

What's your favorite part of spring?

xx,

Rachel

White (Night) Out

As much as I love a little black dress, there's something so chic about a night out in all white. I love pairing a statement necklace with these beautiful white cocktail dresses.

  

{left to right}

Saint Laurent dress // BCBG dress // Victoria Beckham dress 

BCBG necklace // Kate Spade necklace // J. Crew necklace

Cincy Chic is hosting Night in White next month - the perfect excuse to wear a LWD.  The event is being held at Obscura, my new favorite cocktail lounge downtown.

Photos courtesy of Obscura Cincinnati

So perfect for a girls night out! Proceeds from the event go to the Eight Days & One Hour Foundation's Stephen Morsch Nursing Scholarship.

Do you have a favorite LWD?

xx,

Rachel

Espresso at Home

Did you know that you can easily (and inexpensively) make espresso at home? Instead of a fancy espresso machine, you just need one of these guys:

I purchased one after enjoying a daily espresso in Europe. While I still enjoy my regular coffee, a stove-top espresso maker is a nice addition to any kitchen, and a great gift for your favorite coffee addict. You just need finely ground coffee, water, and a stove-top! It couldn't be easier. 

 You'll also need espresso cups. The tiny size gives them potential to be the most darling items in your kitchen. Here are my favorites:

{top to bottom}

Pantone // Hotel Collection // Kate Spade // Etsy

The Pantone cups are so fun and colorful, while the Hotel Collection bone china (available at Macy's) is simple and classic. Obviously, I adore the polka dot Kate Spade set. I found the final set on Etsy - each cup depicts a different French street scene. Love!

xx, 

Rachel

Wanderlust Inspired Beachwear

I know it's only March, but with temperatures climbing above 50 degrees (finally!), my mind is on swimsuit season and summer adventures.

I was recently introduced to Maderas Beach Co., a small collection of travel-inspired beachwear. Rebecca, the designer, started the company at just 25 years old after visiting Nicaragua and becoming inspired by her surroundings. The line is perfect for the wanderlust-stricken because all the pieces are functional, versatile, and tough enough to stand up to more than just lying by a pool.

The bikinis are reversible to save you luggage space. They're also - get this - custom made to fit your measurements. Hallelujah. The Papaya Boat Bikini is my favorite:

Maderas Beach Co. also offers bags and wraps. I love this tote for beach days, and the wrap comes in 14 colors! Anyone who has traveled knows how awesome a versatile wrap can be. It becomes your beach towel, picnic blanket, skirt, and instant appropriate coverage when visiting nations with different customs for women baring skin. 

             

I can't wait to make my first purchase and support an awesome twenty-something female entrepreneur!

xx,

Rachel




*The opinions conveyed here are entirely my own. This post was not sponsored by Maderas Beach Co.

Black and White All Over

The color combo of black & white feels so fresh for this long-awaited spring. 

{clockwise from top}

Zara // J. Crew // BCBGMAXAZRIA // Burberry Prorsum // J. Crew

Do you have any black and white pieces on your spring shopping list?

xx,

Rachel

Ciao Bella

On a whim, I ended up taking an Italian night class once a week around this time last year. I was surrounded by people (easily) twice my age, and the instructor was the most adorable picture of elderly Italian perfection. Listening to him recall stories of his hometown in southern Italy, and speaking the language (poorly) myself, I fell in love with the country.

How could you not? On my trip, I was able to see Naples (briefly), the Amalfi coast, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice. I spent some seriously amazing days hiking in the mountains and enjoying the beaches...including the black sand in Minori.

Rome and Venice provided a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with lots of history and great shopping.

Given my obvious ardor for Italy, it should come as no surprise that I love Kate Spade's newest collection, inspired by Capri. Here are my favorite pieces:

            

  

  {from left to right}

             Bella phone  case // Cedar Street Monday handbag // Six  Month dot scarf

 Isola wedges // Capri Espadrille Maise handbag // Owen skirt

What are your must-have pieces from the new arrivals?

xx,

Rachel