Overdressed

I really look forward to any event which allows me to dress up, even the littlest bit, so fancy date nights really excite me. Except our favorite “fancy” date night spot is surprisingly casual, so, womp womp. Over the weekend we planned to grab dinner at a cute, “fancy schamncy” place in town, so I dressed right up… but we changed our plans last minute to get dinner with friends instead… at a very casual Mexican restaurant. So needless to say I was absurdly over dressed for the occasion but whatever… that’s just me.

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DRESS | JACKET | BOOTS | HAT | BAG 

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I snagged this dress off of Amazon towards the end of the summer and felt like I didn’t wear it nearly as often as I should have for how cute it was. It had been tucked into the depths of my closet since then, but in searching for something to go with my favorite over the knee boots I wanted to wear a piece I haven’t worn in a while. It may be a heinously inappropriate dress for mid-January but paired with these boots and a warm coat (not the leather one pictured here) it was perfect.

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I had worn the same faux leather jacket from H&M for the last …. 5 years? Through every season; with layers if it was too cold, with barely anything if it was too warm. It was my actual go to. Unfortunately it basically died this year. The risk you take with a faux-leather item from a store like that… it started to peel. I will say it lasted way longer than I ever thought it would, but when I finally had the courage to let it go for good I knew I needed to find something else I would love just as much, if not more, which meant I knew I had to spend a little more money this time around. Cut to Linea Pelle’s Cameron leather jacket. AND SWOON. I had not-so-secretly been lusting after this jacket for, let’s just say, a hot minute. It finally went on sale and I pounced on that “add to cart” button like a hungry jungle cat stalking its prey. Ya feel me? This particular style is sold out (biggest BOOOOOOOO ever) BUT an almost identical version with embellished sleeves is still available, and truly, just as perfect. The fit is more snug than I would like it to be… which means layering will probably not be an option… unless it just needs some time to be broken in. If you want the tighter fit, it’s true to size, if you want a more versatile look and the ability to throw this over literally anything, I suggest ordering a size up (I’m wearing a small).

SIDE NOTE! Don’t forget to enter my #giveaway to win an electronic toothbrush (read: game changer) from Smile Brilliant, happening nowwwww. Enter here/.

Guess Who’s Back? Back Again.

Rachel’s back. Tell a friend! Just kidding… but not really because I am back on the blog after months off and you really should tell a friend to come check it out. :] I’ve taken a few months to myself to basically get my shit in order, for lack of better terms. In every aspect of my life, not just blogging, but including blogging. I had to kind of remove myself from everything to be able to start fresh, and I didn’t have the energy or focus, or passion really, to put into my website anymore. I’m happy to say I am back and feeling recharged and better than ever. So here we are, let’s dive right in!

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ON ME: VARSITY JACKET (similar here, cheaper option here) DRESS, SOCKS, BOOTS, HAT

ON CHARLOTTE: DRESS (similar), JACKET, HAT (similar) 

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My poor little love. She has been sick for weeks now! She is basically fine now, but has one of those coughs that will not go away no matter what. Aren’t those the most frustrating?! She actually came home from school early this day, and you can see it in her eyes. Meanwhile she refuses to sit out of pictures, lol. Please ignore the obvious stains on her dress. She realized she had a dress that matched mine and insisted on wearing it with me, even if she had to take it out of her hamper. Listen guys, if you’re a parent you know, you have to pick your battles. This was one I did not have the energy to fight. So here she is, back on the blog, sick and wearing a dirty dress. But it made her day so what-ev-er!

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I showed this outfit on my Instagam before it landed on the blog and a friend of mine messaged me saying she had a similar jacket forever but never wears it because she was unsure how to style it. Let it be known that any day it’s not absolutely freezing or nasty out I am wearing this jacket. I wear it with little dresses, as shown above, or with black skinny jeans and booties. You’re probably going to see it on the blog a bunch moving forward. Sorry not sorry. Another thing you’re going to see me wear as a repeat offender; this hat! I haven’t taken it off since I bought it. I love it so much I’m considering getting the yellow one for spring.

So I will be doing a few things differently on the blog now. I used to incorporate a lot more content before it became just a personal style blog. I might throw in some more beauty posts, more mom stuff… maybe even some recipes again. We’ll see! If there is anything you guys want to see more of be sure to leave a comment and let me know!

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A Little Rusty

We had a little taste of spring weather over the weekend and I’m not going to lie to you… it made me down right giddy. There was something about walking outside and not immediately wishing you were back indoors that put me in a marvelous mood for 3 days straight, so I threw on this little rust-colored lace up dress to celebrate.

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FOREVER21 DRESS & SOCKS || SOUTH MOON UNDER JACKET & BAG (similar) C/O || RAY-BAN SHADES || STUART WEITZMAN BOOTS || ROMAN & SUNSTONE NECKLACES

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I actually wore this exact outfit to Thanksgiving dinner with my family. It was unseasonably warm for November so I took advantage. I usually opt to wear these over the knee boots as an alternative to pants when it’s not absolutely freezing outside and the extra long over the knee socks added a little warmth as well!

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I feel like we can see the light! The season of bare legs is upon us, guys! And while I love my layers I seriously can’t wait to shed them and start buying nothing but little sun dresses and sandals!

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Laid Back Lace

I’m all about those pieces that can be dressed up or dressed down with just the right accessories and this little lace embellished dress fits the bill.

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SHEIN DRESS C/O || BOOHOO COAT C/O (similar here, here) || STUART WEITZMAN BOOTS || MOLLY & ZOEY BAG || CHANEL SHADES (similar)

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You know nothing John Snow…… Ok sorry just had to get that out. LOL. I always feel like I belong on Game of Thrones when I wear this coat. Drop me off at the Wall for a little while… I wouldn’t be mad at it. Anyway! Back to the dress. If you can’t tell from the close ups, it’s t-shirt material, which is an instant win for me. So it’s super comfortable but the lace detail takes it up a notch in the looks category, which brings me back to my ‘dress it up or down’ point. Here I’ve dressed it up with the boots, but it could easily be worn dressed down with high top sneakers and a baseball hat.

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Do you guys loooooove this bolo? Plot twist: I made it myself! They are so insanely easy to make, and relatively cheap compared to buying one in stores. Perhaps I’ll do a DIY blog post on it sometime soon?img_4221img_4217img_4215img_4214img_4210

I don’t know about y’all but I’m sure over this crappy weather we’ve been having. Although, I can’t really complain because it’s only snowed twice this year, which is pretty wild for New Jersey. HOWEVER. It has been cold and rainy and windy and that kind of weather = NO blog pictures, guys. So yeah, I feel like complaining. On the other hand… February is almost half way over which means March is right around the corner and then it’s April so hello warm weather… almost! ;]

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Post Thanksgiving Baggy Sweater

On Thanksgiving I will only wear a loose fitting dress or leggings… or casual eating pants, as I call them. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year for two reasons: it’s one of the few holidays left where my whole family still gets together, and the FOOD! I could live off of mashed sweet potatoes, for real. Unfortunately, for the few days following the gluttony, it’s hard to shove myself into tight fitting clothes. Enter: high waisted skirts and baggy sweaters.

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H&M SWEATER || SOUTH MOON UNDER SKIRT C/O || FOREVER21 SOCKS || STUART WEITZMAN BOOTS || REBECCA MINKOFF BAG C/O SOUTH MOON UNDER (similar)|| ROMAN LUXE NECKLACE & RING C/O

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Also, can we talk about this bag for a hot minute… I love everything Rebecca Minkoff does. She is actual perfection. This cross body is the perfect size for me, it holds all the necessities; wallet, keys, phone, chapstick, and I love the hardware. It’s my new favorite bag. duh. ALSO! Speaking of Rebecca Minkoff, South Moon Under in the Grove is having a holiday event featuring a RM trunk show! On December 3rd receive 20% off all Rebecca Minkoff items, and enjoy a Winky Lux lip bar, light bites and sweet sips! Just in time for your holiday shopping!! Or ya know, if you want to treat yo’self. ;] (See full event details below).

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These over the knee socks are my new jam. I bought three different pairs from Forever21 and I can’t stop wearing them. I bought a black pair to wear with my taupe Chinese Laundry OTK boots, and this pair, and a deep burgundy color. I love the way they peek out over the top of these boots. So cute! I had another special guest with me on this shoot. I can’t get enough of my little ham!

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December 3rd, South Moon Under in the Grove Shrewsbury || 10am – 6pm || 20% off all Rebecca Minkoff handbags, small leather goods, and shoes.

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If You Love Something…

If you love something… buy it in every color! For the last two years I have been obsessing over my Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots, trying to work them into every outfit during every season. On my last trip to South Moon Under I finally snagged a similar pair by Chinese Laundry in a neutral shade for a quarter of the price. Yahtzee.

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SHEIN DRESS C/O || CHINESE LAUNDRY BOOTS || H&M HAT || ETTIKA BRACELET C/O || SYD & PIA EARRINGS C/O

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This was one of my favorite dresses from the spring! One of my new year’s resolutions for my blog this year (yes I know I’m getting ahead of myself, deal with it) is to re-wear clothes on here more often. My least favorite thing about bloggers is when they are no longer relatable. We can’t all afford to buy a new outfit every time we walk out the door (I certainly cannot!) SO I’m going to wear my favorite things more often just re-worked in different ways. Hope you guys enjoy it!

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GUYS. How amazing are these earringsssssss? I can barely contain my excitement over them! If you haven’t heard of Syd & Pia yet, go look them up ASAP. These hoops in particular are made with semi precious stones and they are like 10000 times more stunning in person! I’m obsessed. Also, get outside today and soak up this amazing weather because apparently come Thanksgiving it’s adios warm weather!

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No Pants No Problem

I’ve said it over and over and over again, these boots give me LIFE. I think they’re probably the best thing Matt’s ever bought for me, and definitely the one gift I’ve actually gotten the most use out of. I did ask for another pair in another color for Christmas but I didn’t get it.. womp womp! HAH. I’ve tried on other over the knee boots but NONE have been as comfortable as these. I’ve walked laps around New York City in these boots, spent long nights at concerts standing and dancing the entire time in these boots, you name it, I’ve done it and I have not felt the need to complain once yet. Splurge on these if you splurge on anything in your life. They are so worth it.

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FOREVER21 SHIRT DRESS || H&M LEATHER JACKET || STUART WEITZMAN BOOTS || REBECCA MINKOFF BAG ℅ SOUTH MOON UNDER || UPHORIA BOUTIQUE HAT ℅ || ROMAN & SUNSTONE LAYERING NECKLACES (here, here) ℅ || ROMAN LUXE BLACK DIAMOND COCKTAIL RING

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I wore this outfit last month when we went into Asbury to see Grace Potter perform at the Paramount Theater. As I said, I was standing and dancing all night in these boots and did not have to limp back to my car after, hah.

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I have so many flannel shirt dresses in my closet now. I love how comfortable and casual they are. They can also be worn open as a vest or buttoned up as a dress, as shown above. When it gets too cold I throw on leather leggings and ankle booties to create a different look that won’t freeze my butt off.

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Bundle Up with Sheinside

Winter happened in one weekend here in New Jersey. In two days we got dumped on with snow complete with high winds and bitter temperature, and then it was gone. Now it’s back to a nice 40-50 degree week. This cozy coat from Sheinside is perfect for these cool, but not frigid, days we’re experiencing.

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SHEINSIDE COAT ℅ || FOREVER21 DRESS || STUART WEITZMAN HIGHLAND BOOTS || CHANEL BAG || H&M NECKLACE (SO old! similar here) || ROMAN LUXE RING

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When the coat itself is worn open and untied, it can be a bit overwhelming with the oversized collar. I liked to keep it tied to add shape to my waist and not get lost in all of the fabric.

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I also love having a statement coat in my closet that isn’t fur. I love my fur coats, DUH, but you have to switch it up sometimes! The red is such a stunning color and I love the way it stands out against a snowy backdrop too! Sheinside has an amazing collection of coats at such amazing prices! I’m linking to some more of my favorite statement coats below!

GREY TWEED COAT || LONG WHITE SHEARLING COAT || BURGUNDY LONG SLEEVE VELVET TRENCH  || CAMEL DOUBLE BREASTED CAPE || MINT GREEN LONG WOOL COAT

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Throwback Thursday: School Girl Style

When I was younger I always kind of fantasized about going to private school and having to wear a uniform every day. I love getting dressed each morning, believe me, but school uniforms just looked so cute, didn’t they? This is my take on channeling my inner private school girl… all grown up. I don’t remember why this outfit never made it to the blog a few months ago but it’s here now!

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FOREVER21 CROPPED SWEATER (similar) || SOUTH MOON UNDER SKIRT ℅ || STUART WEITZMAN HIGHLAND BOOTS || ROMAN LUXE RING ℅ || JUNO BOUTIQUE RING

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This was a fantastic outfit for the fall. I loved wearing this cropped sweater and skirt combo with these boots when it started to get a little cooler but not quite cold enough for outerwear yet. God I miss fall. Although, can we even complain about the winter we’ve been having? It’s been the most mild I’ve ever experienced!

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I hope these button front suede skirts are still in this spring and fall because I am not over them yet. I didn’t get to wear them enough last year, haha. This style reminds me so much of the early 90’s, Clueless-esque fashion. I’ve said it 100 times but I’m so glad the 90’s are coming back in a more refined and chic way my generation gets another stab at it. The 90’s were 10 years of pure awkwardness for me.

The Birthday Suit

Whoops, it’s been a minute! Sometimes, guys, life actually does get in the way of blogging. Last week my children had a terrible stomach bug, and then got it! And then my husband got it… so it was a long, long week of feeling like death and needless to say, little got done, especially blogging. HOWEVER! It’s a new week, and with a new week comes a new outfit. I wore this outfit into the city last month for my birthday on a particularly warm evening!

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URBAN OUTFITTERS ROMPER || H&M LEATHER JACKET & VEST || STUART WEITZMAN BOOTS || LINEA PELLE BACKPACK || UPHORIA BOUTIQUE HAT ℅ || ROMAN LUXE RING ℅   (also love this one!) || URBAN OUTFITTERS NECKLACE

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Fun fact about the coat I’m wearing… it’s not just a coat, ha. When I found this romper I really wanted to wear it with a long black faux fur coat, however, I don’t own one nor could I find one anywhere! It looked weird with just the jacket so I layered on a fur vest to see how it looked and I was pleased. Definitely got the job done, while adding a little bit more warmth, and if you’re an avid reader of my blog you know I obviously love me some versatile pieces.

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My 28th birthday was probably one of my favorite birthdays ever in my adult life, haha. Matt organized the most amazing day in the city, and it was about 60 degrees (on December 15th… in New York, seriously), and then he surprised me with an intimate dinner at my favorite restaurant with my best friends! I’ve never been surprised before, it was so fun! It’s going to be hard to beat next year.

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