Wednesday Wants: Rachel Zoe Fall 2016

As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Rachel Zoe. I've watched all of her reality shows and I wonder when and if Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe will back on the air any time soon. I'm also a big fan of her apparel. I own several pieces (seen here/here/here) and would gladly add more to my closet. So when her fall 2016 presentation images were released, I immediately reviewed them and picked all of my favorites.

According to Rachel, this line is very different than anything she's done in the past. As she told InStyle, "The '60s and the '70s—it's my thing, and it's never going to change. Hopefully, people will always come to me for a great flared pant or a great jacket. But I also want to show what else I can do." This collection took inspiration from the 1930s and then traveled back to the 1990s.  "We have menswear tailoring with feminine silk slip dresses, pearl beaded sweaters, velvet pajamas, and super rich fabrics. This girl feels very expensive and glamorous without trying."

What I love about the collection is that there is definitely a nod to past designs with the faux fur, over-sized coats, and sleek blazers. What I especially love this go around is the white! I'm obsessed with all the white. I adore the dramatic look of the long top coat in a mix of black and white. It's definitely a statement making piece. I love the flirty white dress with shaggy black accents on the sleeve and hem. And the grayish metallic suit is fab! Simply put, this collection is gorg!

Now, what would I actually wear from the pieces I've chosen? I would have to say a lot of it. Sure, I'm a work from home mama who doesn't really get that dolled up anymore, but when I do, I would strut it in all of this! The long coat would be amazing with flared jeans. The shaggy black vest could be worn with pretty much anything. All of the white pieces could be mixed and matched with other pieces in my closet. And the suit? Well, I would just find a place to wear it!

One last look that really stood out to me is this.

Would I wear all the pieces together? Probably not. I mean, I'm not Rachel Zoe. But the coat is ridiculous. The cropped top would be flattering with black pants or paired over a black dress to give it a little something extra. The print is amazing. The colors are crazy. And it's signature RZ!

"I like to make clothes that people want to live in and dance in all night," she says. "I want to have fun with fashion." 

I would say everything about this fall collection is just that, fun!

All photos courtesy of Rachel Zoe. 

A Day with McKinley

Poncho: Tahari (cute option/60% off), T-Neck: Kohls; Jeans: Loft (similar); Sneakers: Converse;

Hat: J.Crew; Scarf: My Mom Made; All Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Shanghai Express

Yesterday McKinley and I took total advantage of a January day that reached the upper 50s! We spent four hours at the zoo and enjoyed every minute of it. The animals were out in full force and some were out to play! And it was so quiet. There were several families out, but we never seemed crowded at any of the exhibits. McKinley and I were able to spend time where we wanted, discussed the animals he had questions about, and just spent quality time with one another on a truly beautiful day. It was simply the best day! 

Because the day started out in the low 40s, I went with tons of layers! I am literally wearing three tops! A long sleeved white tee, a cashmere turtleneck, and the wool striped poncho. I added the long scarf at the last minute and so glad I did! I was comfortably warm all day! I love the pop of color with the burgundy hat and sneaker. And let's be honest, just because I was at the zoo doesn't mean I can't be chic, so I added my new chandalier earrings and leather bracelet from the new Stella & Dot spring line. Aren't they fab?

The Sweater: Before and After

   

Happy Friday, Fashionista's! I hope you have a grand weekend planned. See you all back here next week!

Black and White Mixed Prints

Sweater: Piperlime (cute option); Shirt: Land's End; Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (cute option); Earrings: Stella & Dot

 

 I have been on the hunt for the perfect black and white checked flannel shirt for several months, and when I saw it in the Land's End catalog, I immediately earmarked it for a Christmas gift. When I opened one of my gifts on Christmas morning, there it was! And, since wearing it with this sweater and my Leap sweatshirt, I've worn it at least three other times. And, it's only January 6th! That's what I call the perfect black and white checked flannel shirt!

Pairing my new favorite shirt with one of my favorite sweaters only makes sense, right? I wore this for a little post holiday get together. It was a low key evening and I wanted to be comfortable but a little glam. I know, distressed boyfriend jeans paired with a sweater and flannel shirt isn't terribly glam, but I did add a major hint of sparkle with my amazing ear jacket earrings! They are stunners and dress up any look.

The Sweater: Before and After

   

 Seriously, this flannel shirt is so awesome! It's comfortable, fits really well, and can be paired with so many pieces in your closet! I can't wait to show you all the other ways I plan it wear it. If only it would go with my sequin joggers....

My New Year's Eve Sparkled

Blazer: Loft (similar); T-Neck: Macy's (similar); Joggers: Target; Heels: Jimmy Choo (fun option); 

Clutch: My Mom's (cute option); Necklace: Stella & Dot; Rings: Stella & Dot/Alexis Bittar via Box of Style

 

 Guess who wore her sequin joggers on New Year's Eve? To dinner. At a nice restaurant. With her husband and friends. This girl! I am obsessed with them and kind of just want to wear them around the house while cleaning. I won't, because I don't want to ruin them, but I could....

I really love this look. It was perfect for a nice dinner out with my husband and friends. Most everyone came back to our house for drinks and dessert and I was able to see the ball drop in total comfort while still feeling chic! I'm not kidding when I say that this was the best $30 spent!

 

  

I think what helps dress up the look is a little black blazer and heels. And a little sparkle of my jewels didn't hurt.

 

The Pants: Before and After

    

 

I felt stylish all night and I think it's because I loved what I was wearing. I wasn't tugging on an ill fitted dress. Pulling on a skirt that was too short. Or, worrying that my top was too tight. I wore what I loved, what fit my body, and those are the key factors in getting the look right! That is my Styling Tip for the day!

Less is More

Coat: H&M (fun option); T-Neck: Kohls; Jeans: Loft (similar); Boots: Sorel; 

Scarf: Made by my Mom; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; Necklace: Stella & Dot; 

Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

It doesn't take a huge snow storm to get me into my new Sorel's! I've been lusting after these Joan Arctic boots for years and they finally became mine over Christmas! And, we just so happened to get a tiny snow "storm" a couple of days later. It was fate I tell ya! 

After a few days of being cooped up inside, we decided to brave the elements and head over to Chuck E. Cheese for an afternoon of pizza (salad bar for me), games, and family fun. We really do have a great time whenever we go! Just seeing how many tickets we can "win" is worth the trip. Since we would be inside for most of the day, I opted for a lighter weight coat and my new over-sized scarf my mom made me! It's amazing and so warm. I'll be wearing it a lot this winter. A black t-neck and my new rose gold engraved necklace were I needed to complete the look! And the boots of course.

 

The Coat: Before and After

      

 

 

 I love this look! One of my favorites as of late. Just a few little details made it feel super chic and pulled together. Just goes to show that less is more!

How is the first week back going? Getting back in the groove or feeling the need for a little more time off? Whatever it is, I hope you're pulling it off with style!

Leap...

Sweatshirt: Made by Me; Flannel Shirt: Land's End; Leggings: LC Lauren Conrad (under $15);

Heels: Ann Taylor (similar/under $50); All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

It's a New Year, and just like any new year, I always think it's going to be my year. Well this year, I'm saying it out loud (or in writing anyway) that this year is going to be my year! Do you want to know why? Because I took a leap!

I took a leap about a year ago by not going back to work. In October of last year I took another leap by starting my own business as a Stylist for Stella & Dot and I haven't looked back! It's the biggest leap I've taken to date (aside from having a baby) and I've decided it's my moto. "Leap...so she did." And I'm telling you to take one as well! Whatever you've ever thought about doing, do it! Take the leap! It could be totally worth it.

Because I've taken a leap, I decided to put it in glitter. On a sweatshirt. That I'm wearing! It's my prototype, some kinks need to be worked out, but they will be for sale soon on Etsy. But, if you want to get in line for one, email me for all the details. I'm loving it!! 

 

So what does one wear with a glittery white sweatshirt? A plaid flannel button down, faux leather leggings, and animal print heels. And, you add gobs of gold jewels and a bright lip! I'm pretty sure it's glam all the way!

  

What is on your agenda for 2016? Big life goals? Small items that you've wanted to tackle for a while but haven't? Any major leaps you've finally decided to take? Repeat to yourself "Leap....so she did." It has totally worked for me!

Happy 2016 Fashionista's! Let's make this the shiniest year to date! 

XOX!!

Not Over-the-Top

Sweater: H&M (similar); Leggings: INC at Macy's; Boots: Sole Society (c/o) similar;

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; Earrings: Stella & Dot

I snagged this darling sweater at H&M a couple of weeks ago, but it hasn't been nearly cool enough to wear it until now! How crazy that a Midwest December has been in the mid 50s? It hasn't felt like winter at all. And, even though I hate winter, I find it weird to not be wearing my sweaters on repeat these days!

What I love about this one is that it has tiny little silver threads running through out the print which gives it a tiny bit of sparkle. It's so subtle, yet so pretty when it catches the light. It's incredibly comfortable, the length is perfect for leggings and skinny jeans, and it's holiday appropriate without being over-the-top. 

 

    

 

I added splashes of color with a coral handbag and bright red lips! I find that sometimes a black and white look just needs something to make it pop! I can't wait to style this with things other than skinnies and leggings. I'm thinking it will look darling with my feather fringe skirt and tights. I may have to style it up for NYE!

I hope your week is going fashionably well! Can you believe Christmas is three days away? I know I'm ready for some major holiday cheer!

The Piece I Declare You Must Own

  Sweater: RACHEL Rachel Roy; T-Neck: Target; Leggings: INC; Boots: Halogen;

Necklace: Stella & Dot

I met my friend Megan of Chasing Davies for a little photo shoot and collaboration earlier in the week. I think it's destined to rain every time we get together. Remember this day? 

I wanted to be warm and comfortable and that's exactly what I was! I had a meeting later that evening so I needed a look that would literally take me from to day to night. I'm thinking these leggings are the perfect thing to wear when doing that. Just look at the rainy day post above! I now declare leggings the rainy day, comfortable look, day to night piece that every girl must own. However, you must wear them as pants!

 

The Sweater: Before and After

   

 

The week is almost over!! We've all made it, right? It's been a rough one here on the home front, but I think we're on the other side! 

Here's to tomorrow being Friday!