Inspiration Board

Affordable Prom & Formal Event Dresses

March 5, 2013 · By Rachel · 18 Comments

Prom was quite awhile ago for me, but if I could go back, I would have MORE fun with it, both in the dress I chose and not feeling so pressured to be perfect. My parents always instilled the idea of budget, even for big events like prom, so finding prom dresses under $300 that are this beautiful from David’s Bridal is seriously amazing. I remember shopping for dresses and seeing some upwards of $600. For one night it just seems like a lot to spend, no matter how gorgeous the dress is.

I am so excited to share my top 5 picks from David Bridal’s prom collection because I have had the honor of taking my little sister prom dress shopping the past two years. Now that she is in college, I don’t have anyone to take shopping! Also, some of these dresses could work just as well for a formal event. I haven’t had any formal events to attend in my “adult life,” but if I did I would be looking for affordable options like these!

How gorgeous is this gown?! Honestly I can just picture something this beautiful on a celebrity for a movie premiere or awards show. The ombre sequin detail covering the dress and the slit at the bottom keep the dress fun and sexy, while still being completely sophisticated. You can find this dress here.

It’s the Weekend

February 2, 2013 · By Rachel · 31 Comments

I wanted to start doing a weekend post just to wrap up the week and share some of the things I’ve been loving but haven’t shared elsewhere during the week, or at least expand on them more, and as a way to share some of the other things I love aside from clothes and shoes (even though today that is pretty much the focus). Probably will vary from week to week, but I promise I will try to make it fun!

Top Photos: Celebrating my 25th birthday last weekend! I wore a full sequin ensemble (see more here in an outfit post earlier this week) and went out for dinner at Aerzzo Ristorante in Edina (it was SO delicious)!

Bottom photos: What I’ve been wearing this week: Arm party with my new pave link chain bracelet (my friend got it for me and it is a complete knock off of the J.Crew one… I LOVE it). Right photo shows the bow necklace, bracelet and pave link chain bracelet, all gifts for my birthday! You can find me on Instagram here.

How cute is this coat from Forever21?! It is on sale for $25.99, originally $52.80. A cute, stylish way to stay warm for under $30? I would say that’s a steal!

Europe Trip: Street Style

June 28, 2012 · By Rachel · 11 Comments

Seen in London: Street Style

As I said in my first travel post this week, I so badly wanted to take photos of the amazing street style I saw, but 1. sometimes these jaw-dropping looks were already past me before I could even think to grab my camera and 2. How big of an American creep would have I been? Some may have found it flattering, but I was worried most would find me strange. Thus, I relied on my visual memory to write down the looks in my journal later and re-create them on Polyvore. Of course, this doesn’t do these fabulous women justice because their hair, make-up and vibe cannot be displayed through these looks. But here are a few and I will be sharing more with you soon!

A Bouquet of Lilies

March 5, 2012 · By Rachel · 11 Comments

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As I’ve said previously, I draw inspiration from many sources and so far I’ve shown you my celebrity inspirations from Whitney Port and Hilary Duff, but today I am showing you inspiration from what I believe is the most inspirational source out there: nature. From color combinations, to the textures and the way things move, nature, in my opinion, is where all great art comes from. And since fashion is my way of being creative in everyday life, I will always be inspired by nature’s beauty. This look, which is more colorful than many of the outfits I have ever worn (unless if it is already incorporated into a pattern on a dress or blouse) was inspired by the lilies I got from my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. Lilies have always been my favorite flower. I grew up with tiger lilies lining the outside of the house I grew up in and today, lilies are the source of this outfit. Pink, orange and yellow looked so gorgeous together in this bouquet that I just couldn’t help but wonder what an ensemble like this would look like. Here’s the result! I think I am ready for spring!!!!!

Inspired Style: Metallic Skirt – Hilary Duff

February 22, 2012 · By Rachel · 23 Comments

My second inspiration post is from Hilary Duff… who was looking chic in a bandage metallic skirt and oxford pumps. When I first saw this ensemble I thought it was so simple, yet so cute… and a great look to mimic at the office (with a metallic pencil skirt rather than a mini bandage)! I love the simple black “school girl” cardigan, the shimmer of the metallic and the pop of the black and white oxford pump. The only thing I changed was wearing a metallic pencil skirt (that I got on sale at New York & Company after Christmas) to make it office appropriate. My oxford heels are one of my favorite pairs to wear to work because they are super fun with zippers on the back and being open-toed, so I am always looking for new inspiration and new ways to wear them. I also think this outfit is very winterish, with the black and metallic, so for a more colorful spring approach, I might wear a bright orange, purple or pink cardigan or add a pop with a colorful bag!

Inspired Style: Tweed Jacket – Whitney Port

January 24, 2012 · By Rachel · 13 Comments

So I am really excited to start a new section on my blog that will also be featured under “Outfits” called the Inspiration Board. I gather inspiration from many sources, whether it’s from a magazine spread, advertisement, celebrities, celebrity events, looks on the street or other bloggers, I will make sure to explain what it is I love about the style and how I make it my own through specific outfit details! You can also see more of my fashion inspiration on Pinterest… follow me at Rachel’s Lookbook!

Tweed Jacket, Vintage; Bow-tie Blouse, Macy’s; Pleather Leggings, Express; Bracelet, Kohls; Chain-Link Ankle Strap Pumps, Steve Madden Luxe