the rachel ross blog – The Rachel Whatever…

March 22, 2018March 22, 2018

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?

March 1, 2018March 1, 2018

Leg Day, Bro.

I MISS LAST WEEK WHEN THE WEATHER FELT LIKE SUMMER! Remember when we didn’t all have seasonal depression for two days? Remember when we went out wearing dresses without tights or coats because it was legitimately 80 degrees? MAN. Those were the days.

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DRESS || SIMILAR FLANNEL || SHADES || SNEAKERS || NECKLACE || RINGS

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This is how all outfits should look; no layers! Well, I mean, technically the flannel was a layer BUT I didn’t even have to wear it because it was no joke 80 degrees. In February. It’s kind of exciting but as I was literally laying out on my back deck in a bikini I couldn’t help but think… ok yes the Earth is definitely in trouble. Also worth mentioning about this dress, I’m wearing a medium. It runs a little on the smaller side and I was way worried about it shrinking the first time I washed it.

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My brother turned 32 last week (I think he’s 32….? Yes I’m 30 so that must be it) anyway… we went out for a quick drink at our local dive bar which apparently turns into a friggen college club now on Tuesday’s. It actually hurts my heart. I spent my 21st birthday at this sports bar and now there’s a DJ, fist pumpers, girls dancing on the bar in items that I wouldn’t even classify as clothes, napkins being thrown in the air. It’s ABSURD. AH. I digress. The point of that story was that this is what I wore that day and night. I ran out of the house with a coat on because I expected it to be freezing and the air was still warm. It made me so so so so happy, for two days, and now it’s back to big puffy winter coats and boots. BLEH.

So on my instagram this week I went on a little rant about body image, and what I decided was that I am going to stop tweaking my photos to make myself appear to be physically different. I’ve only ever done this to my hips and butt area, really, (maybe a little smoothing of the skin up close) but it’s got to stop. I’ve been working very hard on my body in the gym and while I have a long journey ahead of me before I feel like I’ll be completely happy with my body, if that ever happens, I am so happy with where I’m at today. It is SO EASY to beat yourself up and compare yourself to others, ESPECIALLY if you are a blogger. It used to be oh she has more followers than me, she gets more likes than me… and then it snowballs into her boobs are bigger, her legs are longer, she has a thigh gap, her hair is perfect, she’s also had two kids and she doesn’t have any stretch marks or that extra saggy skin around her mid section that won’t. fucking. go away. It started to drive me insane. I became so fixated on how I don’t look that I wasn’t appreciating how I do look. I shit you not, it was one of the biggest factors in why I stopped blogging in October. The pressure of comparing myself to others became way too much for me. I took a little step back from social media and blogging and started working on myself. Not only physically but mentally as well, really accepting who I am and what I bring to the table. I’ve had two kids… and sometimes I’m like well jesus Kennedy is almost 4 there’s no excuse to still look like this! But then I’m like jesus Kennedy is only almost 4 and I’ve come a long way from where I was! I can’t compare my body now to the body I had when I was in college. I can’t compare the body I have now to someone else’s body who may or may not have had kids, who may work harder than me on getting the body they have, who may eat all the right things and never touch a doughnut. I am who I am and I’m working with what I got but I am going to try my absolute hardest to keep it 100% authentic moving forward. No more making my ass look thinner in my photos. What you see is what you get from now on!

February 26, 2018February 26, 2018

Dead or Alive

You ever have one of those treat yo’self moments? Well duh, of course you have. Mine usually come when I’m buying donuts, to be quite honest, but every once in a while I like to treat mahself to something I feel like I might live in. This Skull Cashmere sweater was definitely one of those things.

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SWEATER || LEATHER LEGGINGS || SIMILAR SHADES || SIMILAR HAT || BOOTIES similar here, here (also OBSESSED with these!)

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I purchased this sweater between my birthday and Christmas and really had no where to wear it for a while. I begged people to take me out so I had an excuse, LOL. Now I pretty much wear it once a week. I throw it on with these leather leggings or black skinny jeans. When the weather starts to get a little warmer I foresee myself wearing it tucked into a black mini-skirt with my over the knee boots. Soon guys! So soon. (we hope!) It’s cashmere, so it’s obviously soft AF. I bought a size medium so it hangs a little loose. There is nothing I hate more than a tight uncomfortable sweater and I like the way the baggy tops look paired with leather leggings.

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February 23, 2018February 23, 2018

Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY! We made it! Give yourself a pat on the back for making it through the week. Gold star for you! I used to do this thing on the blog called ‘Wednesday Worst’ and ‘Friday Favorites.’ This was waaaaay before I blogged my own personal style.. I used to follow red carpet trends and post my least favorite celeb looks and then looks I loved. It was exhausting, haha. I’m still going to post my Wednesday Worsts and my Friday Favorites, but now I’m going to focus more on fashion and beauty related items that I have personal experience with. STARTING WITH…

viicode-o2m-oxygen-eye-mask

VII code oxygen under eye masks. GUYS. This is the stuff dreams are made of. I promise you the skin under my eyes has never felt softer or looked more energized. I’m a shit sleeper. I work until 3am sometimes and wake up at the butt crack of dawn with the girls, and when I’m not working until 3am I’m still awake until at least after midnight every single night. By law, my under eye circles should be out of control, however, I’ve been using these beauties recently and the difference is noticeable. I felt softer skin immediately after the first use and I can see the skin under my eyes brightening after 5 uses. I have 3 sets left and I’m torn between wanting to use them all the next 3 nights or space it out and save them so they last, hah. These are great because they are made to be slept in. You stick them right under your eyes, push a little bit to keep them in place, and slumber away. I will say the first time I used these I woke up and one was missing. I have no idea how long it stayed in place for, but my under eye did feel soft and smooth, so long enough I suppose. It does not say on the package how often to use these, but after a little searching on the website I found it says to use them 2 to 3 times a week. So one box of 8 should last you at least a month. OH MY GOD I just realized I only have one set left while counting how many came in a box!!! Oh man… this is sad news guys. SAD SAD news. Click the link above to get more details on these little life changers and of course, to buy a box of your own. You will love the results! Image-1 (2)

February 21, 2018February 21, 2018

Walk in the Sunshine

We have had two freak days of very spring-like, damn near summer weather this week. It gave me the itch to grab some things to throw in my closet for when the weather really warms up so I’m not unprepared when it happens! Also I couldn’t resist wearing them immediately… I’m weak!

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TOP || JEANS || HEELS || BAG || SHADES || RING

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I follow The Salty Blonde on Instagram and she is my life inspiration. She is always in a bikini, or crop top and wide leg pants, big hat, basking in the sun in Hawaii. Who wouldn’t want this girl’s life? I’m also obsessed with her style, and I’m finding myself going more out of my comfort zones lately… as this is not exactly something I would typically wear, but something she might be found in on the reg. When I see things like this on other girls my first thought is usually… wow I love that but I could never wear it. No more! I’m wearing whatever I want now. Trying to make the Salty Blonde herself proud.

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Not gonna lie… I’ll probably wear this exact same outfit today. I’m really feelin it. It felt SO GOOD to step outside without a coat on, bare toes… sunshine on my face. I might shed actual tears when the temperatures drop again this week. However I am looking forward to doing a little spring shopping the next month or so. I need new shoes. I am OBSESSED with these pink heels from Old Navy. They will most likely be my next purchase. I also need a new bag. I buy like one a season and I can’t remember the last time I purchased one. Someone send me some suggestions for a cute springy bag, please and thank you!

October 6, 2017October 6, 2017

The Giving Keys

I want to start out by saying this is not a sponsored post. Sometimes us bloggers really do just post about things we like and want to share with you without getting paid to do so. Say whaaaaaaa? True story.

FOREVER21 SWEATER || PRIMARK JEANS (similar) || FOREVER21 BOOTIES || THE GIVING KEYS NECKLACE || LINEA PELLE BACKPACK || RETRO SUPER FUTURE SHADES

Fun fact… it was a million degrees when we took these pictures and I was DYING! I mean I’m trying to stay relevant with the fall outfits since it’s October and all… but it has been damn near 90 degrees. Can you see me sweating in the close-ups? It was awful! I do love this sweater though. It’s somewhat on the lighter side (but not for 90 degrees) and the detail on the back is a fun and unexpected twist.

So! Now for the gushing. These necklaces by The Giving Keys are pretty amazing. I stumbled upon their website completely by accident last year and fell in love with their mission. Essentially, they create pieces of jewelry featuring a lock or key of different sizes and colors, (I chose the black matte because it goes with pretty much everything I own) with a different message on each one, like breathe, inspire, courage, create. You pick one and wear it until you feel it has fulfilled you, then you pass it on to someone else who you think might need a little encouragement. For example… I chose Let Go. I had been going through a pretty challenging time in my life and while I do my best to keep a pretty icy exterior, tough times take a toll on anyone. I chose Let Go because I genuinely felt like I needed to let go of certain things that were holding me down or just adding a little extra sadness to my days, you know? As you can see… I’m still wearing the necklace so I haven’t really let go of shit yet. LOL jk. Not really. But also I don’t want to pass it on to anyone yet because I really love the actual necklace. However, once I feel good about my life and where I’ve come and that I’ve left the past where it needs to be, I’ll pass this necklace along to someone else who might be struggling as well. Pay it forward. ALSO! The best part of this companyyyyyyy though?? While some of their pieces might look like they come with a higher price tag, they are doing UH-MAZING things. Every time you purchase an item from The Giving Keys, it supports job creation for people transitioning out of homelessness. Like I said… amazing!!! There are so many things to love about this company. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, please do, and help someone in need. Even if that person is you. ;]

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October 2, 2017October 2, 2017

Just a Casual Monday Look

I was showing these pictures to a girlfriend of mine last week and our exact conversation went; “is that a body suit?” “Yup. And leather shorts.” “Oh. Casual.” “Just a typical look to run errands with the girls in.” And then we laaaaaughed and laughed.

SHEIN BUTTON DOWN (similar here, here, here) || AMERICAN APPAREL BODY SUIT || H&M LEATHER SHORTS (similar here, here) || TARGET HEELS || QUAY SHADES

Obviously I’m not taking my kids to school dressed like this. There aren’t many places I would go in this, really. However, every once in a blue moon I do enjoy a good night out that’s not at a local dive bar and this is most likely what you’ll find me wearing. Bodysuits have become my absolute favorite item of clothing. I legitimately cannot stop buying them. I think it’s becoming a problem. BUT GUYS. They’re the best! They make bodysuits that look like t-shirts now so they don’t have to be all fancy and flirty but you can get the t-shirt look without worrying if your crack is hanging out every time you bend or sit down and I LOVE THAT. Peace of mind.. that’s what I look for when I’m buying new clothes. God bless you, bodysuit trend. God bless you.

So it officially felt like fall this weekend and I think my days without pants and jackets are numbered. I realized over the past few weeks that summer really is my favorite season. I LOVE being able to wake up, throw on a bralette and little sun dress, flip flops and go about my day. Having to put thought and energy into my outfits regularly is exhausting. Anyway. Have a good week, babes!

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September 18, 2017September 18, 2017

Young, Fabulous, & Broke

If you don’t know by now… I’m pretty much always looking for the easy way out when it comes to my wardrobe. I’m the laziest fashion blogger this side of the Mississippi, for real (how I still even have this blog is beyond me, lolz). That is why I am beyond obsessed with the line Young, Fabulous, & Broke. They make insanely comfortable clothes that are super flattering.

YOUNG, FABULOUS & BROKE JUMPSUIT (similar here, here, here, here) || ZARA SHADES (similar) || FREE PEOPLE NECKLACE || REBECCA MINKOFF BAG (similar)

I have worn this jumpsuit an embarrassing amount of times this summer. It’s actually a hand me down. shhh!! When I put it on for the first time I think I took about 18-25 mirror selfies. It makes my butt look uh-mazing! It’s so comfortable too. The jersey material is the kind of material you want everything you own to be made out of. Dress it up with a fancy statement neck and block heels for a date night, or dress it down with zero accessories (and zero shoes) to run some errands with your little ones.

I wish I could say I chose to shoot this jumpsuit in a real casual way, hence the lack of shoes… but honestly I had a total mom moment and ran out of the house with like 10 minutes to spare, my two girls in tow, and literally just forgot my shoes for this look. This is real life guys… haha. Funny story; while taking these pictures Kennedy took her shoes off and was running around and when I told her to grab her shoes so we could leave she goes, “ok Mommy! Don’t leave without me… or I’ll be pissed!” She’s been coming up with some zingers lately. Both of my girls are at such amazing ages. Charlotte has always had an old soul, and since she started Kindergarten it’s been so fun to watch her really come into her own. She has a whole new set of best friends, she comes home and reports everything her classmates had for lunch or talked about on the playground, she points out where all of her friends from the bus live. She’s literally going to be the old lady who sits on her front porch and gossips about the neighborhood later on in life. Kennedy on the other hand.. oh Kennedy. She is still my hot mess in a dress. If she isn’t wearing a dress she doesn’t consider herself a princess so her day is ruined if you make her wear pants. She is always sweaty… LOL. She may not look it, because she is always making devious plans and shooting dirty looks, but she is the biggest friggen snuggle bug EVER. She loves to cuddle and give random kisses. It kind of makes my day. Pardon my little side rant about the girls. I realize I hadn’t given any updates on them lately! AND now you’re all caught up!

August 21, 2017August 21, 2017

THE Actual Dress I’ve Worn ALL Summer

If you follow my Instagram then you have probably noticed over the last four months that this dress shows up on my feed at least every other week. This dress, purchased before the summer started, quickly became my go-to item of the season after the very first time I put it on. It’s comfortable, it’s flattering, it’s easy, it goes with flip flops, sneakers, sandals, heels… it’s the perfect dress.

H&M DRESS (similar here, here) || VANS SNEAKERS || SHADES || BACKPACK

So, unfortunately this dress isn’t up on the H&M site anymore because I waited so damn long to actually blog it. Honestly, I never really thought it was “blog worthy” because it was so casual and simple, you know? But as I said, I literally wore it so often this summer it’s showed up on my Instagram like 30 times so I figured why not? I’m sure you can still find it in stores in their basic section, and it’ll be a great dress to take you through the rest of August and September. Throw it on with a black blazer or leather jacket and booties and it’s the perfect fall look. For me, so far, I’ve been wearing it with these vans, or my black high tops, and my slouchy black knit cardigan from Urban. You could call it a uniform of sorts.

July 28, 2017

Black Tie-Up

Ok guys, here is an honest statement: I have worn this dress so many times I have a friend who is pretty sure this is the only dress I actually own. LOLz. I figured it was high time I threw this beauty on the blog, even though I’m pretty sure the dress isn’t even available anymore and it’s almost fall, but whatever. Here it is!

ZARA DRESS || OLD NAVY SANDALS || REBECCA MINKOFF BAG (same color here) || RAY-BAN SHADES

This dress is so comfortable and wearable! I love how I can throw on a pair of flip flops for running errands with the girls and then swap them out for these block heel sandals for dinner with the boy. Unfortunately I cannot seem to find this dress on the Zara website, but if you have a few hours you might be able to find it in your local store with a little digging. You know, cause the store is friggen HUGE and there’s a million and one things to look through. On another note, these are the Old Navy heels I’ve talked about in previous posts. They are AMAZING. Bold. All caps. Underlined. (or just imagine it’s underlined because apparently I can’t do that). These block heels are beyond comfortable. I could wear them to and from work, hike from Penn Station to the office in these babies, wear them the whole work day, and hike back to Penn, and my feet would never hurt. The chunky heel is on the shorter side (without being a kitten heel) and the brown color will take you all the way through fall. They are less than $35 with an ADDITIONAL 30% at checkout so you should reaaallllyyyyy get yourself a pair! I swear this isn’t an ad either, I just really love these heels.

We’ve had a few days of very fall-like weather this past week and I’m having some serious mixed emotions about it. We spent the past few nights with the AC turned off and opened the windows, and few things in this world make me happier than sleeping with the windows open soaking in the fresh air. I’m also excited for boots and dark lipsticks… BUT at the same time I’m like wait a minute… I have done like zero percent summer stuff so far and I need to get on that, ya know? I went to the beach once this summer and I have not spent nearly enough time out by the pool considering I have one in my back yard. UGH, I miss the days when I would wake up around 11 and meet my friends on the beach… casually stroll home when I’d had enough of the sun. TAKE ME BACK!