Over Winter Weather, Faux Real.

It’s the first week of spring and how are we celebrating? With a snow storm! COME ON MAN. I am not usually one to complain about weather but this year threw me for a damn loop. We had a very mild winter. December and January were hardly even considered winter. There was a week in February I spent in a bikini on my back deck. And now March? Snow storms galore! I took advantage of one day in between freezing cold weather and snow to snap a quick set of photos of this very 70’s inspired look I’ve been loving lately.

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CROPPED FAUX FUR JACKET (similar here, here, here), T-SHIRT, SIMILAR JEANS, SIMILAR BOOTIES, SIMILAR SHADES 

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I’ve had 90% of this outfit for over 3 years now. Basically the t-shirt is the only new thing… whoops. This cropped faux fur jacket my x-husband bought me for my 22nd birthday maybe? Or 23rd? Jesus that was so long ago! I only break it out for special occasions, typically, which is how it’s been kept in such good condition all this time. These Tory Burch sunglasses I’ve had for just about as long, really. Basically everything I’ve linked to above is a similar style as these exact items are no longer available.

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I’ve been big into my bandannas lately… they’re usually something I wear throughout the summer but I have been styling them in different ways, as shown in a recent post which you can check out here. I wore this outfit to work the other night, minus the fur and swapped out the flares & booties for skinny jeans and sneakers, and a co-worker of mine walked in wearing a bandanna tied in the exact same way! We were twinning and it was adorable. One of my favorite ways to style these is folded and wrapped like a choker, with a necklaces hanging slightly below it, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be wearing these in a variety of ways for the foreseeable future. I mean, they’re less than $2.50 at a craft store.. how can you beat that?

Like a Rolling Stone

Fun fact.. most of my blog pictures are taken in an alley behind my mom’s office because she takes most of my pictures when we have about 10-15 minutes to spare while she’s at work, hah. Other times, we hop out of the car in other random alleys on the way to dinner to take pictures. That happens to be the case here. Alleys apparently make for some pretty backdrops.

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FOREVER21 TANK (old, similar here) || BB DAKOTA SKIRT, C/O SOUTH MOON UNDER (similar) || CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN HEELS || LINEA PELLE BAG C/O || FOREVER21 SHADES

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This is one of my favorite skirts and I only got to wear it twice before it disappeared for over a year! Luckily, Matt found it in a long lost dry cleaning bag and returned it to me, haha. I’ll never let it out of my sight again! This skirt is perfection. The pleats and the midi length are a far cry from what I can usually be found wearing, but I love that it pairs perfectly with just about anything. So versatile.

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I wore this ensemble into the city for a meeting last week, and this must be my lucky #ootd because it landed me a brand spankin new job! HOORAY! I’m so excited to be back in the city, aaaaand lucky for me, it’s only 3 days a week so I still get to spend a lot of time with Charlotte and Kennedy. Actually, my new job is with a company I’ve been working with for about 3 years now in another role, so yeah… hah. But doesn’t it show how friggen cool this company is that you can show up for an interview in a Rolling Stones tank top and they love it? ;]

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Printed Bells

So I’ve had these bells for over a year now and I’ve only worn them a handful of times. I bought them at the beginning of last summer, but they were one of those things that I couldn’t figure out what to pair with them, so I didn’t really wear them that often. However, this summer I just decided to say F it, and throw on little crop tops (shocking, I know) and call it a day.

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HOLLISTER PANTS & TOP (old, similar here, here) || CHARLOTTE RUSSE SANDALS || LINEA PELLE BACKPACK || FOREVER21 CHOKER

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This crop top, on the other hand, I wear quite often! It’s one of my favorites to throw on with pretty much everything from bells, to skirts, to my trusty overalls! It’s comfortable and to be honest, anything I don’t have to wear a bra with gets extra gold stars in my book. Comfort is key in the summer.

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Side note: this is the first time I’ve actually shown my belly button on my blog, hah. It’s become one of those body parts that I spend an unusual amount of energy trying to cover up and hide all the time. It’s become way too exhausting trying to conceal it constantly, and ya know what, I’ve had two babies. This is what my body looks like. My belly button may not be my favorite part of myself anymore, but it’s mine so whatever, here it is world! Deal with it. ;] Anyway. These bells are amazingly comfortable, AND they’re still available, AND on major sale. YAY! Go, go, go!

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In the Trenches

I love the versatility of a sleeveless trench. They were all over the place last year and now I have a better understanding of why; you can pretty much wear them with anything! Last time I threw it on over a little black dress but this time around I’m going for much more casual vibes.

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SHEIN SLEEVELESS TRENCH â„… (similar) || FOREVER21 TANK & JEANS || STEVE MADDEN SHOES || LINEA PELLE BAG || RAY BANS SHADES || JORD WATCH â„… || ROMAN LUXE RINGS â„…

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Can we take a minute to celebrate this weather we’ve been having? I know it’s temporary right now, but I’m ok with that. As long as the temperatures don’t plummet again I’m content. I’m SO beyond over layering up. I’ve had about enough of it.

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Also worth mentioning, I ripped these jeans even more than they’re already ripped, hah! It looks a little absurd now… I’m debating sewing one little section back together… is that weird? Or maybe I could just find a new favorite pair of jeans. I have some serious decisions to make, guys!

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Galentine’s Day Style

I think the idea of a Galentine’s Day celebration is the cutest idea ever! So fun and honestly, I always have the most fun with my girlfriends! Surprisingly, none of them are single this year, so I guess it’s not even an option, haha, but a great idea none the less! My best friend’s birthday is the day before Valentine’s Day sooo we could just combine the two? Anyway! Galentine’s Day is all about dressing up and feeling good about yourself, and if you want to wear all black, (as I usually do!) this is one holiday I don’t think anyone would mind.

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JUNO BOUTIQUE TOP â„… || LOOKBOOK STORE LEGGINGS â„… || VALENTINO HEELS || DOR L’DOR CLUTCH (similar) || ROMAN LUXE EARRINGS & RING â„…

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As soon as I tried this top on I knew I had to have it. The shoulder cutouts are a big thing this year and I really dig that style. The tunic length with these textured leggings and pink rock stud heels screams ready for cocktails with the girls! How will you be celebrating this weekend? Don’t forget to stop by Juno, if you’re in the area, and browse their amazing selection of outfits. And when you’re done picking out something to wear this Sunday, head to their upstairs and pick out what you’ll be wearing underneath!

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Monochrome

I’m back to my typical color palate now… lots of black, white, and grey. Pops of color can be sooo overrated. (notice how my views on the matter change? I’m so fickle!)

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LOOKBOOK CO. COAT, SWEATER, SNAKESKIN LEGGINGS â„… || FOREVER21 HEELS || LINEA PELLE X NICKY HILTON BACKPACK || URBAN OUTFITTERS SHADES || ROMAN LUXE RING â„…

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This was supposed to be the year of outerwear. I was going to stock up on really cute coats and jackets and all things of that nature and keep things fresh and new on the blog this winter. HOWEVER, the weather has not been outerwear friendly thus far so this is really the first you’re seeing of a coat, save for my fabulous fur last week. I really, really dig this coat. The length is perfect, it keeps your butt warm when you sit on cold seats, and the leather sleeves are a bold addition to an otherwise traditional trench.

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Do you not LOVE this backpack? I needed something like this so bad. I was growing tired of my usual totes or cross-bodies, and I’m not a huge fan of bucket bags, so a backpack it was! Matt got this for me for my birthday. I would say the boy did good, but I e-mailed him links to a few different Linea Pelle bags I was obsessing over at the time, haha! Takes all the stress out of picking out a gift for me. No matter which one he got me, I would have been in love! IMG_0825IMG_0822IMG_0824IMG_0819IMG_0823IMG_0820

It’s hard to tell from the photos but these are not just normal faux leather leggings, they are snakeskin. I picked these out because I think I have to officially retire my favorite BEBE leather leggings due to the fact that I have to constantly pull them up every 5 minutes. These fit perfectly and they add so much edge to your look. I am a big fan of leather leggings! They’re comfortable but pull a look together instantly, so you no longer have to fear the “oh man, I’m going out wearing leggings” stigma. Which, I don’t even know why people get all hot and bothered if a girl chooses to wear leggings. They’re comfortable, and if you’re comfy and feel good in what you’re wearing then everyone else can piss off. 🙂 On another note, hope you all had a GREAT Christmas holiday! Anyone doing anything super exciting for New Year’s Eve this year?

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The Fine Print

This is the first of my posts sans baby bump. Kind of bitter sweet, isn’t it? I’m on my way to getting my post baby body back! I have about 8 pounds to go until I hit the weight I was before I got pregnant. Doesn’t sound like a lot, I know, but it’s not coming off easy! I have plateaued already, womp womp!

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DRESS: TARGET (similar here) || VEST: TARGET || SHADES: RAY BANS || BRACELETS: ALEX & ANI, DAVID YURMAN || NECKLACES: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, H&M (similar here) ||  BAG: H&M (similar here, and here)

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Having two kids now I rarely ever have time to do my own hair, and do it well. It’s late night showers, letting it air dry, waking up with an afro kind of routine now. Wearing my hair naturally isn’t always the worst thing, but on humid days it’s an absolute nightmare. Throwing it up in a modified sock bun works wonders for me on days like that!
IMG_5592I am super into this maxi dress. It’s light weight and the print is fun, kind of aztec-y, ya know? That’s a thing, right? There’s also a saucy little slip up the one leg, which I love.

IMG_5589 IMG_5590I can’t say it enough how much I really love this weather! It’s been beyond perfect. A maxi dress is sufficient for days like we’ve been having! Oh and have you caught on to my obsession with reflective shades yet? I can’t stop buying Ray Ban aviators, this is my 4th pair, and now I’m obsessed with the mirrored lenses. My husband thinks I have a problem…… he may be right.

ALSO! Side note: my blog was voted the Most Badass Beauty & Style Blog of 2014! Thank you SO much to all of my readers. I just celebrated my 3 year blogversary and I couldn’t be more proud of how far I’ve come and how far my little blog has come, and I couldn’t feel this way without you guys. You’re all the very best! Love you. :]

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Wanderlust.

Do you ever go on vacation, even if it’s a small one somewhere not too far away, and think “this is the best place I’ve ever been. I want to move here.” Every. Single. Time. There’s something about being somewhere where no one knows you, where you know nothing, that is so attractive. Everywhere I’ve ever been I felt I could see myself there. Maybe not for the long haul, but for a little white at least. I hate vacations, it’s so sad coming home.

IMG_1244 IMG_1242I would move here. In a heartbeat. Good thing we just bought our dream house, right? haha, womp womp! Some day when we win the mega millions we’re going to have vacation homes all over the world! Promise. By the way! I feel it’s worth mentioning that the coffee at the Starbucks in Newport, RI is the best coffee I have ever had, anywhere, at any time. And my husband agreed. They brew it with love I tell you! If you’re ever there, stop by, you won’t be disappointed! And this is also the only time you’ll see me with a hot coffee for a long time! I drink iced coffee until I pretty much need gloves to hold the cup.

DSC_5015DSC_5019 DSC_5020 DSC_5021I was having a major red moment this entire leg of the vacation. For whatever reason everything I set my eyes on was in some shade of red. Even my lips. I just couldn’t get away from it. But whatever, I love red. I think it’s universally flattering.

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DRESS: URBAN OUTFITTERS (on sale now) || JACKET: H&M || SHOES: TARGET || BAG: REBECCA MINKOFF || SHADES: RAY BANS || LIPS: NARS ‘HEAT WAVE’

I really liked this dress because it is really something I’ve never worn before. It’s not my typical go-to. I generally prefer dresses with more shape, this was the exact opposite. I wanted to find something that was comfortable for walking around and sight-seeing. This was perfect. HOWEVER… I was totally unprepared for how windy it was going to be. I had quite a few Marilyn Monroe moments… ha.

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WATCH: MICHAEL KORS || BRACELETS: SKULL > ARUBA FLEE MARKET, ALEX & ANI

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A rare occurrence of THE Matt Ross in front of the camera! haha isn’t he cute? :]

DSC_5054 DSC_5057The view from our hotel was unreal. I have never seen anything like it before! Rhode Island is a lovely little state. Our hotel was smack dab in the middle of its own island, seriously. It took up the whole thing, hah. Anyway, definitely a place I’ll be revisiting. Well until next time, kisses!

Are you following me? Twitter: @The_RachelRoss || Instagram: therachelross 

Make sure you’re following me next week for behind the scenes shots straight from NY Fashion Week!

Let’s Have a Romp!

I love rompers. I always have. I don’t think I ever grew out of that phase, you know? I love putting Charlotte in them, too. I think they’re just so damn adorable. I recently grabbed a romper from Forever 21 that I love for one very important reason; it is the perfect day-to-night look. Yes, I said perfect, and I stand by that!

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This is my daytime look… hence the relaxi-hat! [haha]. This romper is super comfortable and it’s solid black which can easily be dressed up or down. For my day-time look I paired it with my fedora and some cute sandals. I like these because they’re a step up from regular ol’ flip flops, but not too dressy, ya know? And they have animal print with studded detail! It’s like they were made for me. The romper falls a little low in the chest area, so for the day time look I wear a lacy bralette underneath. Don’t wanna show too much! A few pictures of some close up outfit details are below.

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ROMPER: FOREVER 21 || HAT: TARGET || SANDALS: || TARGET || NECKLACES: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS // GALLERIA GOLD COMPANY || BRACELET: ARUBA FLEE MARKET FIND. || LIPSTICK: MAC HEAT WAVE

The night time look is only a little different. I swap out flip flops for heels. They’re not pictured below, but my favorites to wear with this look are my black ankle strap heels from Cosmopolitan for JC Penny [no longer available]. They looks SUPER amazeballs with this outfit.

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Like I said, it tends to be a little low-cut so for the night time look I wear one of my regular black bras with a little more support. I slap on a few extra accessories like my favorite neon hardware necklace from H&M and matching pink bangles and bracelets. I love layering with this look. I also put on a fresh layer of hot pink lipstick, which is my favorite thing in the world. Seriously, it is. Red lips have become so basic that I feel like they work for day time just as easily as night. I wear this pink lip a lot too, but to me it stands out more at night. Adding a thin belt around the waist would look super cute too.

NECKLACES: H&M // VAN CLEEF & ARPELS // GALLERIA GOLD COMPANY || SANDALS: TARGET || LIPSTICK: MAC SCHIAP || SHADES: CHANEL || BRACELETS: ALDO

And there you have it! The purrrrrrrrrfect day-to-night romper with the change of only a few key accessories.

Until next time, kisses!

She bangs, she bangs!

Oh baby! Now, when you read that, do you hear Ricky Martin or William Hung? That’s his name right? In my mind it flip flops back and forth. But that’s neither here nor there. As you read in my last post, I did my own ombre and now that I had time to blow dry I am swooning over the final look! It’s amazeballs. I gotta be honest, I did a pretty damn good job! My hair didn’t break off and it actually looks pretty healthy. So, um, go me! And while that was a pretty big change from being root-to-tip brunette, I still wanted to go one step further. So I cut my own bangs too!

DSC_3655 DSC_3656I’m juuuuust kidding, they’re fake! Can’t even tell, can you? So dope. I have always wanted to be the girl that can rock bangs, but that’s never been me. I have naturally curly hair so my bangs would be a little absurd looking if I didn’t touch them up with a flatiron every 20 minutes. So these clip-in bangs are perfect for girls like me! They’re also perfect for the girl who is super fickle when it comes to picking a hair style, wanting the bangs but not the commitment. My mom & husband loved the look so much I was tempted to actually call up my hair stylist and go for it, but then my mom was like, why? Just wear them when you’re in the mood for them, and take them off when you’re not. She’s like a little Yoda, she knows me so well!

So if you want the look without the commitment, you little commitment-phobe, you!, buy yourself a pair of clip-in’s! I trimmed mine a little bit to make them more straight across. They were originally the side-swoopy bangs. Now that I know I like them I’ll have to trim a little more off the sides to blend them better, but there you have it! All the style without all the upkeep. ;] Until next time, kisses!

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