Plaid love

There are some patterns that just scream cozy to me. Plaid is one of those. I love these looks:

source: theirishrosebud.blogspot.com

source: rstyle.me

source: thatstylishgirl.com

source: afabulousfeteblog.com

Do you break out your plaid in the fall, or wear it year-round?

xx,

Rachel

Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Budget

Wedding season is officially upon us, and it seems like most mailboxes are overflowing with invites. As a wedding guest, you want to your dress to be:
1. Appropriate for the event
2. Comfortable enough for all the dancing!
3. Future Facebook profile picture worthy

With so many weddings popping up every summer, you might be shopping within some financial limitations. Here are my picks for wedding guest dresses for any budget:

Steal

{H&M // $18}  {bebe // $98}  {Jessica Simpson // $98}

Save

{Anthropologie // $198}  {Maggy London // $148}  {Banana Republic // $150}

Splurge

 {Tory Burch // $395}  {Kate Spade // $598}  {BCBGMAXAZRIA // $298}

Are you attending weddings this spring/summer? Where is your favorite place to find a dress?

xx,

Rachel

Monday Meetup: Dana from Inspired

Need some outfit inspiration this Monday? Dana Dimitras from Inspired is a source of fresh, fun personal style. She has been blogging for nearly two years, and Inspired has no shortage of beautifully unique looks for you to browse. I was lucky enough to get to chat with this gorgeous (and super sweet!) lady and get her perspective on personal style:

Location: Italy

How would you describe your personal style?

I enjoy the colours and experimenting with new looks. I think my style has changed during the time and is continuing to evolve.

What is something on your bucket list?

Visit a city I have never been to before.

What inspired your love of fashion?

It was during the adolescence that I have noticed this attraction for fashion, it has been something natural. Since then I started to pay particular attention on what I was wearing.

Who influences or inspires your style?

Inspiration is everywhere, from fashion bloggers and street style to celebrities. However, when it comes to my outfits I tend to build them according to my personal taste and my mood, trying to be original as much as possible.

What are you most looking forward to wearing this season?

This season I would like to wear crop tops and culottes, likely in white.

Where is your favorite place to shop?

I do not have one favourite place to shop. I usually buy things online. I keep in mind what I am looking for then I surf different online shops until I find what I need.

What’s up next for Inspired?

I am expecting Inspired to grow in quality and continue to offer readers a pleasant space to find inspiration and creative content.

xx,

Rachel

(P.S. Let me know in the comments if there's a blogger that you want to see featured in the next Monday Meetup!)

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

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

Monday Meetup: History in High Heels

What's better than a lovely blogger with style? A lovely, smart blogger with style. I've been reading History in High Heels since its very beginning, and Ashley couldn't be any sweeter. One thing that stands out about her blog is her Preppy Printshop. Ashley designs fun, colorful prints and provides a selection of free printables to her readers. She also has an Etsy shop for prints and pillows. 

Current location

Tampa, Florida

Occupation

 PhD History Student (during the academic year) and Associate Director for a Study Abroad Program (in the summer)

How would you describe your personal style, in both fashion and design?

I think my style is classic with a twist. I love classic shapes and clean lines, but in bright colors and bold patterns! I am also a sucker for cheeky themed items, á la kate spade.

 What is one item you’re saving up for?

Right now I am saving up for my summer travels. I promise myself I will visit one new European city each year! This year it’s going to be Berlin. There are also certain things I love to buy when I am in Italy - sandals in Capri and Ferragamo in Florence.

 What is something on your bucket list (or 101 in 1001 list!)?

Climbing the Great Wall of China!

Have you always been drawn to art?

Yes! I loved to draw as a child and was placed into advanced art classes fairly early in school. I almost went to art school, but I never really felt like I “fit in” with other art students. While I love art and being creative, I never wanted it to define me. Ultimately, I decided to attend a liberal arts college so I could pursue other interests (like history).

What is your design process like, from start to finish?

I look for inspiration everywhere and I am constantly taking pictures. I usually have bouts of creativity and once I start a design I have to finish it. I draw everything by hand in photoshop.

 What is your favorite print?

Right now my favorite print (and pillow) is my Kate Spade inspired “Ciao Bella.” But this changes all the time! I promised myself I would only create and sell things that I love, so this is a really tough question!

 What’s up next for History in High Heels and the Preppy Printshop?

Oh gosh who knows! I hope to keep pushing my creativity and coming up with new ideas. I would love to add mugs and stationary. As for the blog, I feel really lucky that people are reading it and enjoying it! Hopefully I can continue to provide entertaining, relatable, and meaningful content.

Here are some of my own favorite designs from History in High Heels:

 

 

1 // 2 // 3 

Thanks Ashley!

xx,

Rachel

(P.S. If you know a blogger that you'd like to see on Monday Meetup, leave your recommendation in the comments, or send me an email at rachel.e.medlock@gmail.com!)

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

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.

I Must Have Flowers

"I must have flowers, always, and always." - Claude Monet

Today, I picked up these beauties for a sunny start to my weekend....

Decided I need to smell like a flower with this Tory Burch perfume, featuring notes of peony and tuberose...

Explored Pinterest for stripe + floral outfit inspiration....

Do you sense a theme? I'm so very ready for springtime!  Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

xx,

Rachel

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

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Holiday themed everything is creeping into my life, and I love it. The holiday season is my absolute favorite, and I like to celebrate as long as possible. This BCBGMAXAZRIA dress makes it all the more fun:

I love cozy weekends in parks and coffee shops. What are you up to this weekend?

xo,

Rachel

Style Inspiration: Jessica Alba

Can we just take a moment to recognize the perfection here?

I love the Old Hollywood glam vibe with this outfit. I don't normally run around the city in a pink tulle midi skirt, but it looks dramatic and gorgeous on her. Add Brigitte Bardot hair, a structured bag, and delicate heels for extra sophistication. (By the way, everything she's wearing is Ralph Lauren)

xo,

Rachel

Yoga to Brunch

I have become addicted to yoga classes, especially on the weekends. There is no better way to end a busy week than with an amazing and challenging class. I'm even working towards my goal of mastering a handstand! Obviously, there are other weekend activities I love as well - primarily brunch and shopping. Inspired by Styled Snapshots, I created this fall-appropriate transition look to go from yoga class to brunch in just a few minutes.

I am loving Essie's "miss fancy pants" on my nails lately. It's edgy and versatile without being super dark and dramatic. I think lululemon offers the best fabrics and styles for yoga wear, especially this Ebb to Street bra. It's totally seamless and made of moisture-wicking fabric. I don't normally wear TOMS, but I swear every girl in yoga class comes to the studio in these. I might have to get a pair!

For the brunch look, I love this sweater from J. Crew. It's a little longer in the back, so if you aren't into wearing yoga pants out in public, it has got you covered. Add some Tory Burch riding boots and jewelry from C. Wonder and Kate Spade and you're ready to go. Happy brunching/shopping/sweating!

xo,

Rachel