Spring Wedding Style Guide - Part 3: Do's and Don'ts

DO wear a fit and flare lilac number to a spring wedding.  Be appropriate; eyes should be on the bride.

DON'T match the bridesmaids' gowns.  It's never cute when you're matching the bridal party.
DO wear nude lace-up sandals that elongate your legs.  You never know who you could meet at the reception...
DON'T always sacrifice utility for trendiness, because you're likely to do quite a bit of standing and dancing.

Most of all, DO incorporate the warm weather, budding florals and vibrant hues of spring into your wedding look.

I am wearing a Forever 21 dress (similar), Forever 21 necklace, Shoemint shoes (sold out, exact replica), MAC liner in 'Process Magenta' and MAC powdered pigment in 'Magenta Maddness'

XO, In

Spring Wedding Style Guide - Part 2: Floral Maxi

Finally! The snow has melted, the sun is shining, and I have happily broken out my spring wardrobe. So when I was invited to my friend Tara's wedding this past April, I knew I wanted to find something that screamed spring time. When I came across this floral maxi at Fabrik I knew it would be absolutely perfect. Spring weddings are the perfect chance to wear something with light pastels, florals, fluidity, and of course to bare a little more skin!

I am wearing a Fabrik dress (similar here), Zara heels (similar here), Francesca's earrings (similar here)

XO, Rachel

go for the gold

I know I should address this transitional black see-through number, but I want to disclose my well-kept jewelry secret (probably not that groundbreaking) starting with this gold-filled lariat necklace from Etsy.  Many of you are well aware of Etsy and thus it comes as no surprise when I say Etsy is the place to go, especially if you know what you're looking for.  For jewelry fanatics, skip Shopbop and revolve clothing-- they carry incredibly overpriced lower quality accessories by slapping a "designer" label on them.  Many of you, like me, may suffer from metal allergies.  Because of that, I tend to veer away from trendy gold-plated ones (which is what a lot of House of Harlow and Jennifer Zeuner is) and go for the gold (quite literally) by buying handmade items with resilient and higher quality elements. Check out a few of my favorites: ShopKei and MinimalVS.

I am wearing an ASOS crochet dress (sold out, but in white), MinimalVS lariat necklace, Jessica Buurman sandals

XO, In

sequins and boyfriend jeans

Sequins are no longer just for NYE. I know most people instinctively associate sequins and sparkle with fancy and over the top parties. However, sequins can actually be made wearable for any night out on the town when paired with the right bottoms and accessories. The keyword here is simple. The sequin top is the main event so try to keep everything else neutral and toned down. 

I am wearing a Nasty Gal top, thrifted boyfriend jeans (similar here), Zara heels (old, similar here and here)

XO, Rachel

cape town

It's quite depressing that in March, a few days into Spring, there are talks about snow storms.  Not to mention how exasperated I am of talking about the cold and conversing about the weather.  Although these pictures were taken a month ago in February, the climate has not taken a turn for the better, and to be completely frank, I am over wearing clothing made of wool, leather and cashmere.  Bring on the sheer, draped fabrics of silk and cotton and barely there bathing suits.  There is just no more room (both literally and figuratively) for winter attire in my closet.

However, the cape needs to be addressed.  Ever since Lupita Nyong'o rocked a scarlet Ralph Lauren caped dress at this year's Golden Globes, my desire to find the perfect cape quadrupled (before I got a taste of summer in my weekend getaway to Florida).  I knew this cape was the one as I spotted the Stella McCartney-esque pattern and the flattering silhouette.

I am wearing a Nasty Gal cape, H&M pants, Francesca's clutch (similar), Vanessa Mooney choker, Urban Outfitters booties (similar)

XO, In

Winter Wedding Style Guide - Part 3: jewel tones

The first thing to remember about weddings is that it is a joyous occasion.  It is the time to celebrate, and consequently your attire should follow suit.  Pull out the vibrant, jewel toned sheath dress you have been dying to wear, or take those impossibly high heels on a spin.  The colorless nature of winter will make it a perfect backdrop for saturated hues of gold, purple, blue and crimson.

Keep it simple and elegant; do less.  

If you haven't checked out our collaboration with Virginia Bride Magazine, you can do so HERE.

I am wearing an Urban Outfitters dress (old), Forever 21 clutch (similar in blue), DSW heels (similar), Forever 21 earrings (similar) and MAC lipstick in Diva

XO, In

Winter Wedding Style Guide - Part 2: into the blue

When I think of winter weddings I picture guests clothed in deep rich colors, draped in elegant jewels, and wrapped up in fur shawls and coats. Unfortunately I do not own elegant jewels or a fur shawl, however I do happen to have this classic and timeless cobalt blue dress from Cache. 

I think it is incredibly important to remember that while at a wedding one must always dress appropriately, but that does not mean wear a bag dress. That is why this dress is almost too perfect for this type of occasion. It is long enough to be modest, yet still figure hugging enough to show off what ya got. Also remember that with a classic look like this keep the accessories neutral. The bright shade of this dress should remain the focus of the look, while keeping shoes, jewels, and clutches monotone.

I am wearing a Cache dress, South Moon Under clutch (similar), Zara heels (similar)

XO, Rachel

the joys of repurposing

An unexpected side effect of the constant changing of trends is the ability to repurpose previously worn clothing.  Currently, 90's decade repurposing is everywhere: from overalls and shirts tied around waists to high waisted, acid-wash denim.  Repurposing is about revamping the outdated and incorporating the unexplored.  This dress follows suit (yes, it's a dress).  I had worn this dress a year ago for a formal sorority function with lace-up leopard print sandals and a bold red lip.  These ZARA booties, however, provide an additional edge, while the playful pink color palette and cozy sweater dilutes the fanciness that a feathered number is inevitably tied to.

We are also excited to announce a new three part multi-series in collaboration with Virginia Bride magazine!  I know many of you have wondered what is deemed appropriate to wear to a wedding, trust me I have.  Stay tuned for our three-part winter wedding guide styled by yours truly, Rachel and Kendal!

I am wearing a Forever 21 cropped sweater (similar), ASOS feathered dress (skirt option), ZARA ankle boots (similar), MAC lipstick in Heroine

XO, In

70's inspired

Recently I have become really inspired by pieces with a more boho and relaxed feel to them. One of my best friends, Kyley, has an extensive wardrobe full of tons of boho chic shirts, dresses, and flares. She has inspired me to step outside my normal look and try something different. 

I was fortunate enough to snag these Citizens of Humanity flares at Neiman Marcus Last Call for a very reasonable price. The length could stand to be a little bit shorter but I kind of like the way the pants graze the ground. To top off my look I paired the jeans with a simple sweater and an amazing velvet head turban, which honestly I never thought I could pull off until In put it on my head (You can pull it off too!).

I am wearing a Gold Saturn turband, H&M sweater (similar), Citizens of Humanity jeans 

XO, Rachel