lucky day

Recently, my motto is 'quality over quantity' (notwithstanding my countless Forever 21 trips... clearly that doesn't count.  I still need trendy pieces I'll probably only wear once).  That motto came into full effect when I saw these pants marked at $140... which is fine, because most basics are worth the splurge.  They were irresistible on the rack and in the fitting room and I knew I had to come to a decision fast during my lunch break (having an Anthropologie and H&M walking distance from my work continuously proves to be detrimental to my bank account... but boy, I never learn).  I thought to myself, why not? These pants possessed a unique luster and were made of the softest wool fabric.  Not to mention the level of stress at work was probably enough justification to spend the entirety of my savings on shoes I could never afford. My mind was made up and I was ready to fork over $140 when they rang up at $40.  It was almost as if the heavens opened up and God himself prevented me from denouncing my bargain shopping ways.  A bit overdramatic, but it was a great day nonetheless.

I am wearing a NastyGal cropped top (on sale!), H&M hat (similar), Anthropologie pants, ZARA satchel (splurge!), and Ray-Ban 4175 in black matte.

XO, In

tuxedo pant

The tuxedo pant has become a recurring trend this season and there are countless variations of style and cut as well as endless ways to work them into your day and night look. This particular wide leg option is from Fabrik, one of my favorite boutiques in Carytown. The high-waisted look creates a very elongating leg and lets be real, who doesn't want that? Not to mention that the pant is extremely versatile. Fancy enough to wear to work, but also sexy enough to wear out on the town.

I am wearing Fabrik tuxedo pants (similar), Nordstrom blouse, Forever 21 earrings (similar)

XO, Rachel

winter crop top

This past summer I became overly obsessed with different variations of crop tops. From lacy tank tops to long sleeve fuzzy sweaters, each and every one I saw I wanted. Now that winter is here and the weather isn't as ideal for teeny tiny tops, I have found other ways to wear crop tops that make more sense for 40 degree weather (kind of). 

Burgundy is one of my absolute favorite fall/winter colors. This particular crop top is from...take a guess...Forever 21! The little rips at the shoulders add a little grungy edge to the look and the length is just long enough to still be modest. Crop tops are no longer just a summer trend, they can now be a staple in your wardrobe year round. 

I am wearing a Forever 21 sweater, Forever 21 leather skirt (similar here), Aldo booties sold out (similar here), MAC lipstick in Diva

XO, Rachel

Coat game

Coats are the new shoes. Take a look at Kim K's newly-formed style attributed solely to her impressive coat game.  I don't know what goes on behind the scenes with her stylist, but it's working.

Which brings me to this American Eagle (yes, the same AE that swept the middle school population by storm, embarrassingly enough) coat I've had since forever.  Military green is a timeless color that meshes impeccably with various colors, patterns and textures, like these plum Isabel Marant-esque suede booties.  If someone were to tell me to style this coat differently, my next choice would be a leopard print.

I am wearing an AE coat (old, similar in navy), Forever 21 leather tank, Abercrombie & Fitch jeans (old, similar), Vanessa Mooney body chain, Shoemint booties (similar)

XO, In

shorts in the winter

I was down in Richmond for the weekend and was faced with alarmingly warm weather.  It was almost jarring, but I welcomed it nonetheless.  The shorts I had absentmindedly packed proved to be surprisingly useful as I was prepared to wear skinnies with this outfit.

For those who are quite like me and refuse to part ways with their denim cutoffs in the winter, look no further.  There are ways to incorporate shorts into your wintery repertoire by layering them over black tights or thick textured socks.  Layer, layer, and continue to layer by adding a chunky wool knit, and you will eventually welcome that cool breeze hitting your legs.  

It is apparent that my infatuation for these boots continue.  The key to pulling off a thigh high boot is ultimately proportion.  Wearing over the knee boots can sometimes overly elongate your look, and adding a loosely fitting blazer or an oversized sweater can create a streamlined balance.

I am wearing an H&M sweater (similar), vintage Levi's 501 high-waisted shorts (similar), Vanessa Mooney body chain, Nordstrom felt hat, DSW boots (similar), MAC lipstick in Diva

XO, In

black out

I used to think wearing all of one color was equivalent to getting dressed with my eyes closed, but these days it is effortlessly chic. My black "leather" (pleather) peplum top, which was given to me as a gift from my one and only fav blogger, In Park, is actually from none other than Charlotte Russe. 

The black skinnies balance out the shape of the peplum and the black patent Jeffrey Campbells elongate the leg. In is responsible for that amazing lip color, which she achieved with MAC lip liner and neon pink pigment. Va va voom.

I am wearing Charlotte Russe peplum top (similar here), Old Navy black skinnies, Jeffrey Campbell city girl pump (sold out, similar suede version), Jumbo ID necklace (similar here)

XO, Rachel

aztec bodycon

I found this midi body con-dress at TJ Maxx and loved the pattern. I wanted a graduation dress that wasn't too fancy but that I could still dress up with a pair of wedged heels. I bought these shoes from Amazon a few months back and I wear them all the time. They're a staple item in my shoe collection and I love to wear them with dresses as well as skinny legged pants. The necklace that I added was something that I would not normally be attracted to but I loved the antique look that it had and it complimented the aztec design of the dress well. This dress can also be toned down with a pair of neutral colored booties for a more casual occasion as well!!

I am wearing a TJ Maxx dress, shoes from Amazon.com (similar), TJ Maxx necklace, David Yurman ring

XO, Kendal