Why Every Woman Should Have a Suit In Their ClosetI have always believed that success can easily be obtained if you believe in your goals, your possibilities, and most importantly yourself. When you look good, you feel good, and nothing says boss babe than a nice old fashioned suit. Now, sometimes people may assume that suits were only built for men, tailored to bring out the positives in their body. While that may have been the case in the past, now, women can successfully wear their own suits with pride as well. In my profession, I am constantly called to either meet with people, or conduct business propositions, and I always feel like the best version of myself when I bring out my handy dandy suit. I want you all to be successful in whatever path you choose to take therefore I am going to be listing my top tips on how to get the perfect suit for you. Now you may not realize but a lot goes into picking out the proper suit. I am on the shorter side. Therefore, I need a suit that is tailored to my short frame. I want something to make me look powerful, out-spoken, and dominant and the best thing to do that is to make sure I'm not swallowed up in the material. This awesome Grey blazer and pants fit me perfectly and are perfect for women who are around my size 5'5. The choice of material and color are all very important when it comes to picking out the perfect suit. I like to think of colors that complement my skin, hair, and overall personality. We all know that I am a colorful person. However, I try to stay professional with a nice solid grey suit. I can add a bit of fun to the blouse underneath. Which is what I did with this colorful fusion of colors that you can see on my blouse that I got from J. Crew. (Sadly I couldn't find the same shirt but I know you could find something similar on the website). It is also imperative to wear proper accessories when you getting ready to dress to impress. Personally, for this outfit, I kept it simple because my colors were so bold. I paired my shoe matching the shirt and kept that as my sole accessories. If you go for a more classic look a pair of pearls or costume jewelry can always be your best friend. I am going to show below a couple of my favorite suits and they're all under 100.00 at H&m! Let's Take it Back to BasicsEach of these suits listed above is perfect neutral beginning suits. Something that is classic and can be used for interviews, business meetings, or if you're looking to make yourself seem a bit more sophisticated within the office. One of my favorite fictional fashion icons is Olivia Pope, and we all know that women can rock a nice suit. Blazin' in that BlazerThese are my blazin suits meant to add a bit of color to your life. These are perfect when you are stuck in a grey day maybe a bit down and you need to remind yourself of how amazing you are. Or maybe you're like me, and you like to be bold with your outfits, I think these are for you. Now, I'd do the opposite of what I stated before. For these, I'd make the blouse or undershirt more basic keeping it classy with either white or creme underneath. All of these amazing suits are linked and from Express. Thanks so much again for reading everyone! I hope these suits have inspired you to add some more to your closet. You never know when you're going to have to dress to impress! Happy Monday leave a comment below if you have a go-to suit!
xoxo Rachel
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Topshop is On Top!I have always loved Topshop! In fact, I still remember when the first store opened in Chicago. I was in high-school at the time and I remember being enamored with the all the zesty fashion trends that I witnessed inside. From neon pinks, to tangerine orange, to aquamarine, this store reminded me of a exotic rainbow. My first thing that I ever purchased there was a small white cami that had sparkly embellishment on it. It was on the sales rack, and I swear I wore that outfit to the point where people started to get annoyed seeing me in it. The high-school Rachel was a bit much. I remember Topshop being such a huge inspiration on my fashion and I promised myself one day that I would be able to wear it regularly. Now, I do not wear it all the time ( I am not a Rockafella). However, I wanted to show you this awesome sweater that I bought from there. Not only is the fit nice and comfortable but I love how neutral it is. You can wear this color and pair it with any type of bottoms. I decided to make the black leggings the secondary star of this outfit masterpiece. You can also wear white jeans underneath with some tall over the knee boots. Versatility is something I always speak about and luckily this outfit can be worn on many different occasions. This sweater got me excited about Topshop again so I am going to be listing my favorite sweater below, and guess what, they are all under 70! You never know, with that special Galentine's week coming up, these could be the perfect outfit to wear with the girls! All the outfits above are linked so you can take closer looks at each! I hope this spread has given you some awesome ideas and opened your eyes to some cute sweaters! May your weekend be long and your drinks strong!
Until next time, xoxox Rachel The Hat and GlovesI remember being a kid, heading to school, and before my mom would drop me off she would ask "Did you bring your hat and gloves?" Of course, I'd groan and respond with some lie, knowing that I had purposefully left them at home. Something about a hat and gloves as a kid almost seemed 'uncool.' At least, that is what 13 year old me thought. Now, as I have gotten older I not only appreciate my winter accessories but I am not dedicating an entire post to them. For Christmas I was so excited to get this lovely Lauren Conrad matching set that my cousin got me. Not only are they my favorite color but they are warm and so well made. I love the embellishment on the gloves adding that little extra sparkle. I have grown to like hats that have the little fur ball on the top and I cannot get over how cute, comfortable, and warm this set makes me. Trendy Winter JacketNow, the winters in Chicago can be pretty brutal, almost to the point where you don't want to leave your house. We didn't get the nickname 'windy city' for nothing, am I right? Therefore, one of the things you should spend a good amount of money on is a nice winter jacket. Now, when I say spend, I don't mean your entire paycheck. Sometimes, it can feel that way when you're shopping for a jacket that is warm, cute, and something that can last. Those type of jackets can normally cost you $125.00 or more. However, these two coats listed above is found on Shein and they are reasonably priced but are also very cute. You shouldn't have to break your budget to find a coat that will fulfill all your needs. I love the colors of both these jackets as well and the detail in the hoods. These two options are perfect for a nice winter wonderland while keeping you nice and cozy. The Snow BootsDuring the winter and some of the spring Hunter boots are my absolute best friends. I know they can be a bit expensive. However, I have had mine for about 4 years now and they are still in incredible condition. If you keep them cleaned, store them in a great place, and make sure to take care of them they will be your best accessory during these cold months. I love how you can choose so many different colors for them. It's no secret that my favorite color is pink so I had to go for the pink Hunter boots. However, you can choose one to go with your personal style or some that match your jacket and accessories. All in all, I know the winter months can be a bit long. It can feel like it's never ending. However, I hope these little must haves of mine have inspired you in some way! Thanks so much for reading lovelies and happy Monday!
Until next time xoxox Rachel Buffy the Vampire Slayer “I don’t know what’s coming next. But I do know it’s gonna be just like this – hard, painful. But in the end, it’s gonna be us. If we all do our parts, believe it, we’ll be the one’s left standing. Here endeth the lesson.” – Buffy Summers Hey guys thanks so much for checking out my newest blog post which is definitely something different then what I am used to doing. I know you're probably thinking, 'what Rachel? When did this come about'? First, most of you may or may not know but I am an actress. In fact, acting is ultimately why I started this website and blog. I wanted to be able to share my journey, my characters, and my theatrical productions that I am apart of. This year I promised myself that I would start doing "Re-Imaginings" of some of my favorite fictional characters and film my version of them for you. This way, not only am I following my passion for acting, but I also get to geek out a bit to. I have always been the child that would act out scenes from my favorite movies, to the point where it would annoy everyone around me. I remember watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer late at night with my dad. Buffy had a bit of everything, she was popular, beautiful, and a cheerleader who ultimately could kick butt when she needed to. Little bug-eyed me really looked up to her because she was everything that I strived to be. For those of you who don't know her story, here is a quick summary. She is a normal girl who finds out that she's this slayer. She is one of the many long line of women picked to fight evil forces. I mean c'mon, how much more women power can you get? Not only is she agile, wise, and super stealthy but she also is relatable to so many people. She has moments where you forget that she's this chosen hero because ultimately she struggles with her sense of purpose and wants to be like everyone else. We all have those moments in our lives where we just want to fit in. One of the other reasons that I adore Buffy is because she has a killer sense of style. I remember watching the show thinking: I need to have this outfit. One of her most iconic outfits is the black shirt with the leather red pants. I had to recreate this look and what better place to shoot it then a creepy looking forest? I wanted to keep her sassy style but added my own spin to it because I want to show how you can bring a bit of Buffy into your everyday style. The shirt is a black sheer cami that is a one piece. There's a bit of lace towards the top that makes it a bit more fancy, hence, you can wear it out or in the work place with a nice blazer and dress pants. The maroon colored pants are jeggins that are super comfortable! I topped this outfit off with knee high leather black boots, what better shoes to fight evil forces with right? Buffy is notorious for wearing her leather jacket as well so I had to get some shots in a complimentary leather jacket. I did a post recently about this leather jacket, I found it on sale, at Crossroads, and I am so glad because it was such a steal!
I had so much fun creating and doing my own spin on Buffy! It's always fun to put on a persona for a bit and step outside of your comfort zone! Stay tuned because if you follow me on Instagram I will be doing polls on who I should do next. Thank you once again for reading! Make sure to follow the hashtag #RachelReimagines to see future posts! Until next time! xoxox Looking to Munch it's Time for Lunch!Looking for a nice little Chicago find? Yesterday was my friend Rebecca's birthday! Since we both had the afternoon off we thought what better way to celebrate a birthday then some lunch? We wanted something reasonable, cute, and within our price range. Luckily, we decided to go to The Hampton Social. This little gem, located in River North, is the perfect little nautical getaway that you need, especially if you are missing the beach! The decor whisks you away to a beach-side paradise with it's white and navy decor and signature seafood entrees. Not to mention their swoon worthy signature cocktails. One of my favorite parts of this lovely restaurant is that they have a green wall that reads: Rose all Day. It's perfect for bloggers, friends, or couples that want to have a memorable place to take their pictures at! I always look for fancy little walls when I go out. That way I can commemorate the experience so I was pleased to find this one. I opted on ordering the avocado grilled cheese and let me tell you it was so delicious! With just the right amount of food and side dishes it sustained me to the point where I didn't even crave dinner afterwards. The sandwich came with chips and hearty tomato soup that was seasoned to perfection. The experience was elevated with wonderful staff. We had a wonderful waitress who made sure that we were comfortable and taken care of. The Pink Blouse & Mosaic SkirtI wanted to wear something bright to match the neon 'rose all day' sign. Therefore, I opted for this beautiful neon pink blouse (sadly out of stock) that's seriously so silky to the touch. My favorite part about it is the low back and how it ties around the neck. I love this Lily Pulitzer skirt and for some reason it reminds me of seashells so I had to pair it with this nautical themed restaurant. This outfit can be worn for a nice lunch date or for a girl's night out. If you are looking for a fun place to take pictures, have great drinks (I recommend the frose) and eat some delicious seafood I recommend going to the Hampton Social. Thanks for much for taking the time to read! I hope I inspired some lunch plans.
Until next time! xoxoxo Rachel Baby It's Cold OutsideBaby it's cold outside and I don't know about you guys but the weather makes me tired. When it's like this (especially in the 20's and 30's) all I want to do is hide under the covers, binge watch Netflix, and be lazy. The last thing I want to do is get dressed up cute and go outside in the freezing tundra of Chicago. However, there are days when you need to bundle up, get fancy, and put clothes on because you don't want to hide in your home throughout the next couple months (even though we wish we could). Therefore, I am listing my top ways to be cute when it's cold outside. The Big Comfy CardiganYou guys, Chicago can be brutal. Between the cold wind, the icy temps, and the small amount of sunshine; it can make you feel hopeless. Also, I am not a huge pants person. In fact, if I could live in a dress all year round I totally would. Therefore, I am telling you that the big comfy sweater will be your best friend. I got this lovely lilac colored cardigan from Forever 21. It's comfortable, warm, and perfect for an extra layer to a cute bodycon dress. I paired the dress with some leg warmers and some knee high grey boots that I got from Nordstrom. These items complement one another and can give you that extra warmth underneath your coat that you need. The Winter SkirtsNow, you're probably thinking Rachel, c'mon I will not be wearing a skirt in the winter, have you lived in Chicago all your life? The answer is yes, I have, and trust me it can be done. I love these wool and leather skirts because they are a bit heavier than normal summer skirts. Pairing these with a turtle neck and some boots are perfect pinch of glam, class, and of course warmth. Now, if you're like me, and get cold easier than normal, you can go that extra step by putting some fleece leggings or stockings underneath for that extra support. Sweater DressThe sweater dress is your best friend and it will aid you in those dreary winter months. I am obsessed with the sweater dress because not only is it flattering on all body types but it's also super warm. I listed two different type of options because not many people like to wear longer sweater dresses. However, the one linked above is so flattering and the sleeves are to die for. It's perfect for the work day and even a night out on the town. The second, from Lulu's is one you've probably seen before. I love the neutral color and pairing it with knee high tan boots bring it altogether. This can definitely be worn with some cute leggings and a nice scarf and hat set to match. All in all, I know the winter can be a drag. Between the sunlight leaving earlier, and the icy temps, it can be a lot for anyone. You may even feel like staying in more, which is totally fine. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to go out, and want to get dolled up, I hope my tips will aid you. Happy Monday loves, don't let the Monday blues get you down! Thanks for reading!
Until next time. xoxo Rachel It's Time for a Laugh"A day without laughter is a day wasted."- Charlie Chaplin laughter can be the best medicine in fact it's probably one of my favorite calorie burners. I am always down for a good laugh and I was so excited to be invited to attend The Comedy Bar located on LaSalle Drive. I actually haven't been to a comedy show in quite sometime but they're one of my favorite things to do. This place stood out to me because it was conveniently located inside of a Gino's East. I mean c'mon can you think of anything better? You can laugh, get some good drinks, and have some amazing food on top of it. Not only was the food great, we opted on getting some buffalo cheese sticks and pizza mozzarella sticks, but the service was awesome as well. Our waitress was always there to take our orders and even during the show, she'd come around to take care of us, I don't think I had a dry wine glass all night. The show had great hosts both were equally funny and I don't think I stopped laughing the entire night. I know I am no comedic expert, but I feel like all the hilarious people who entertained us that night needed a gold medal. All their topics were relevant, fresh, and honestly sometimes it's nice to pick fun every once in awhile. I recommend going and checking this place out if you're in need of a good life. They had people from out of town, I was surprised to meet people from Australia! They also had some locals and people who continue to come and support. Either way, I'd recommend checking this hilarious comedy bar out! What to Wear?Now if you're going out especially to a comedy bar, you're probably wondering what to wear? You want to be chic yet comfortable. I opted for one of my favorite things to wear around this time, leather! I paired my mini leather skirt with a graphic T that was sent to me by an online boutique Kirbe! This cute polka dot cardigan is from Target! (I couldn't find the exact same one but linking a similar on Poshmark) I normally wear a bunch of colors but for this type of event I would keep it a bit neutral. I have to admit, I was excited to bring out the knee high leather boots, can't wear them often, but when I do they're so much fun! All in all, if you're looking for a fun date night, girls night out, or just some place to come and get a belly full of laughter, I suggest going to The Comedy Bar! Once again thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog! Have a happy Friday!
2019 New Year New YouI cannot believe that the new year is finally here. Even as I write this it's so bizarre to think that 2018 is officially over. Is it just me or does anyone else not know where the time went? A part of me is excited to start this new chapter of my life; leaving the old one behind. 2018 was a tough year, I like to call it, the rising action chapter of my life. It might have been one of the toughest chapters yet. I had a lot of changes happen, from jobs, to friendships, to family but through it all I became stronger and hopefully wiser. It's funny when you read your favorite novels and you see your beloved heroine/hero go through these tough times you can't quite relate until the same things happen to you. I realized that through faith, love, and friendship you can get through anything. That is why I write new years resolutions every year because it allows me to see how far I've come throughout the story of my life. I am so proud of myself that I have continued to write this blog and let my creativity flow in ways I never thought possible. It has always been a dream of mine to write and have people read, hopefully, feeling the passion through my words. 2018 I discovered my voice in my writing and it made me stronger in developing the overall purpose of this wonderful blog. Not only is this blog close to my heart but I got to help people through it. I got to work with Allstate and give a voice to women who have gone through financial and domestic abuse. I got to be featured in Voyage Chicago and got to talk about my passions and aspirations. So, sometimes as you go back and reflect the darkest times of your life you also notice the rainbows. It got me thinking and I decided to dedicate this blog post to New Years resolutions and how you can go about starting your year on a positive note. Risk + Failure = Blessing in DisguiseThere are so many moments where you don't take that chance because you're to afraid of failing. I am notorious for this, in fact, I sometimes think that I am NOT worthy enough of things that I want. There's times where I think, that blogger is better, or she's got more of the 'look' than me. However, in 2019 I am here to tell you that YOU CAN and you WILL. R.J. Smith said "Nothing hurts a failure but a try." So take those leaps of faith, do something you're afraid of, because you'll never know where your blessing begin. I try to tell myself to listen to that small voice inside, the one that requires silence from the bustle around you. The one that sometimes gets overshadowed by the negative one, that is the one that will never lead you astray. How will you know that you can't do a job, or that you can't handle a promotion if you don't try? So take that dusty road, the one that may seem a bit scary, because it could be the yellow brick road you'd been searching for. Live Life in ColorMy motto is to live life and live colorfully. There are so many times where we get caught up in work, stress, and the bustle of living that we don't stop to see the beauty around us. Have you ever just closed yourself off, put some headphones on, and listened, deeply, to your favorite song? You immerse yourself in the lyrics, feel the vibrations of the tunes underneath your skin, and just feel it speak to you. Those infinitesimal moments of color is what make life so beautiful. Chase those moments and never forget them because they will be your comfort in the hardest times. Be Grateful"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust Sometimes it's hard to see the great things happening in your life, especially when there tends to be more tribulations than triumph. For me, 2018 was my tribulations, or what I like to call my uphill battle year. Most characters in stories have this portion in their stories when they're going on a quest and all these obstacles try to deter them from getting further in their story. We all know that feeling. However, in chapters like these, you always have that sidekick, or friend, or talking animal ( if you're a Disney Princess) that you rely on. I had my friends this year. They were always there to comfort me, to praise me, and to make me feel like I am worthy of anything. That is true friendship and to them I am grateful. All of these beautiful, strong women, never let my crown fall but helped me fix it when the burden felt too great. Be grateful of the wonderful people in your life because you too are never alone. 2019: Time to Lean...2019 is the time to lean, on yourself, on your aspirations, and on the realization that you will succeed. Remember, to put your mind to what you want and never stop striving for that goal. This is YOUR year. Your story isn't over it's just beginning. Thank you all for going through my 2018 chapter with me. I cannot wait to write many more! Also, my shirt was from Forever 21 and I loved the metallic look perfect for bringing in the new year! My skirt was burrowed from my lovely friend Natalie, but it's from T + J Design. The silver sequins is so classy and fabulous. I glimmered like a disco ball all night. Until next time loves! Happy New Year!!
xoxox Rachel Pretty in PinkHey loves and happy Friday! I cannot believe that the end of the year is slowly approaching. I still remember writing my new year's resolution at the beginning of 2018. Now, this wonderful roller coaster of a year is coming to an end. As the end of the year approaches you might be attending an extravagant dinner, or show, and I will be writing a blog post on what to wear for that. However, if you're trying to lay low this year, and struggling to find what to wear I am listing my top three glam shirts to wear when you're trying to lay low! Sometimes, you just don't feel like getting dressed into something long or uncomfortable but just want something fancy enough to wear out. This beautiful pink sequin shirt is the perfect match for the end of they year house parties. I love the ribbon tied in the back showing off a bit of skin. It reminded me of Kate Spade which we all know I adore. I paired it with some pale pink jeans and Steve Madden over the knee high grey boots that I am obsessed with. This is the perfect mix of style, sass, and of course glam! It's a Black AffairNow if you want something a bit darker, more modern and sophisticated, you can never go wrong with black. There's something so elegant and chic about these two different shirts and yet they complement nye perfectly. On the left this beautiful backless sequin shirt can be worn with jeans and black boots or with a nice leather shirt. The same goes with the sweater on the right. Both have that extra sparkle without being over bearing or over the top. Both can be dressed up by adding some sparkly jewelry. You can wear some diamond ear rings or a nice sparkly watch to match. The Golden GoddessWhat I love about gold is it looks so amazing on everyone. Whether you're tall, short, fair or tan it can bring out the best in all of us. Besides, what better time to wear gold than starting off the new year? I love the shirt to the left because it's still simple enough to wear with some dark jeans and some black heels. You can even pair it with a nice blazer if you want to class it up a bit more. I personally like tucking in shirts like this especially because I like the illusion of being taller. However, you do what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. The shirt to my right can be worn with some black leggings, and you can get some great ones for under 5.00 at Forever 21! The best part about these two shirts is you can rock the glam messy bun to show off your beautiful jewelry and lavish design. All in all don't stress out if you're worried about looking too fancy at a house party or bar. Chances are people will dress up a bit more on nye because it's a glorious time to celebrate. I hope my little tips gave you some great ideas. However, always remember that the shirt doesn't make you but you make the shirt! Have a happy Friday loves!
xoxo Rachel Enchanting Night of Wizardry & MagicWhen I was younger I used to believe in magic. It was so easy to get swept up in the world of foreign lands, dashing nights, and the whimsical world of Harry Potter. This series is one of my favorites and I recommend everyone reading, you're never too old to discover a great tale of adventure and self-discovery. I was so excited to get invited to the Yule Gala at Hubbard Inn. The entire event was so thrilling everything was decorated to resemble Hogwarts. In fact, they had fun Harry Potter memorabilia adorning the entire upstairs of the Hubbard Inn. One of my favorites was a giant picture of Dumbledore hanging up on the wall, next to him a little treasure box with iridescent candles setting the perfect magical mood. The drinks also had a splash of magic and I have to admit were pretty tasty. Another one of my favorite areas was decorated with letters hanging from the ceiling made to look like the scene where Harry receives his letter to Hogwarts. There's something so magical about that scene and it brought back this childish feeling inside of me. I mean c'mon who wouldn't want to receive that special letter and be whisked away to a world of magic? A Magical Dress: One to ImpressNow, I have to admit it was quite difficult for me to pick the perfect outfit for this event. I knew that I had to wear something formal (cocktail attire) but I wanted to try and tie it to the movies somehow. Then I started thinking about the actual Yule ball scene from Harry Potter and one of my favorite dresses from that night was the silver ballgown on Fleur Delacour. I started from there and knew that I wanted something resembling her dress. That is when I started asking my friends (which I normally do, perks of having lots of girlfriends). My best friend, Natalie, reminded me of this amazing dress that she got for New Years last year. After trying this dress on I felt magical in it. Not only did it slightly resemble the silver dress that Fleur wore but it added that extra dazzling effect that I was hoping for. This beautiful electric dress is from Urban Outfitters from Silence & Noise. I loved how stretchy it was allowing me to move, dance, and sway throughout the dance floor. It's crisp and sleek texture is that perfect amount of bodacious glamour fit for any gala or formal event. I loved the mesh inlays below the bust, down the length of the sides and at the back topping it off with a halter neck and open back. This can also be a perfect New Years Eve outfit if you are going to a fancy hotel or event. The only issue I ran into with the dress is it's designed for taller people. I had to wear about 5 inch heels (I'm 5'5) for it to not drag on the floor. However, if you are looking for something beautiful and glamorous I recommend getting this gorgeous dress, fit for any magical occasion.
Until next time I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Eve! xoxo Rachel |