the rachel ross style – 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 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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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.

March 5, 2017March 6, 2017

Black Tie Optional

I can’t tell you guys how long I have wanted to a tuxedo dress. I first saw blogger Brooklyn Blonde wearing one and I nearly melted. She looked amazing. I quickly reminded myself that not everyone looks as good in certain things as others, and I certainly wouldn’t look as great in anything she wears, the tuxedo dress is a tough trend to pull off as it is… however! I spotted this one from Closet London and threw caution to the wind. Now it’s a part of Closet Rachel (see what I did there? hah!) and I love it! What do you guys think?

CLOSET LONDON DRESS C/O || CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN HEELS || CHANEL BAG & SHADES (similar) || SAKS OFF 5TH CHOKER (similar) || ASOS BELT

I love this dress because you can never have too many LBD’s and but after a while they all kinda look the same. Obvi, as I’ve already said, I’m pretty much in love with the tuxedo-style detailing. It’s Market Week at work (again) and I think I might have to throw this on for the occasion.

I threw the belt on to cinch the waist a little bit and add a bit of color but to be honest it doesn’t necessarily need it. The dress fits like a glove. It may run a tiny bit on the smaller side but not by much… I think going the next size up would be too much room. Just an FYI. :] Hope y’all had a great weekend! Stay warm!

February 27, 2017February 28, 2017

Laced Up

I love wearing bodysuits… and that was not something I ever thought I would say about a year ago. As I’ve mentioned on here before, I was unsure I had the right body-type to wear one, in my opinion. I always thought you had to be rail thin with huge boobs, but here I am. I ordered one online from American Apparel last year without trying it on. I was like screw it, if I try it on in a store I’ll just talk myself out of it. So I bought it, tried it on at home with something high waisted, and fell in love. These days I try on every bodysuit I come across, and this one may be my new favorite.

SOUTH MOON UNDER BODYSUIT (on sale now!) & SKIRT C/O (similar) || H&M LEATHER JACKET || PAYLESS HEELS (similar) || MOLLY & ZOEY BAG || SAKS OFF 5TH CHOKER (similar)

At first glace this top looks like it may be some slinky lingerie, but I promise you, it’s not! hah. What I don’t actually love about this bodysuit is the bottom half… the lace bodice stops about half way and then it turns to a solid piece of fabric. It starts up way too high so it can only be worn with something high waisted… which I guess isn’t terrible, but it is definitely limiting. However, the strappy top and lacy detail make this a perfect bodysuit to layer under something a little more loose fitting for that sought after peek-a-boo look.

I’m still obsessed with this skirt. It will forever be a go-to when the weather starts to warm up. I’ve worn it with everything from chunky sweaters, to crop tops, to band t-shirts, to button-ups. One of the best items I have in my closet for sure. It’s about 2 years old now, so I can’t find the exact style online anymore but I’ve linked to something similar above!

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February 23, 2017

Weekend Hangs with my Little Ones

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own*

This past weekend we had a break in the cold weather for a couple days and I wasn’t the only one beside herself with excitement; my girls wanted to spend as much time outside as possible as well! We hung out at the park, cleaned out my car, had pretend picnics on a blanket in the front yard.. all in all it was a pretty great weekend.

On me: H&M LEATHER JACKET || PAC SUN T-SHIRT & JEANS || ADIDAS SNEAKERS || SAKS OFF 5TH CHOKER || THE GIVING KEY BLACK MATTE NECKLACE || LINEA PELLE BACKPACK || RETRO SUPER FUTURE SHADES

On Charlotte: H&M LEATHER JACKET || OLD NAVY LEGGINGS || ADIDAS SNEAKERS (Halloween costume cat ears)
On Kennedy: OLD NAVY SHIRT & LEGGINGS || ADIDAS SNEAKERS

Ok so full disclosure… while I do love spending time outside when the weather warms up, the thing I really get the urge to do is shop! As soon as it gets even a little bit warm I am overcome with the urge to go spend money… it’s terrible, honestly, but I can’t help it. I just feel like I have to buy a whole new wardrobe in like one day for myself and the girls! With that said… thank goodness for Groupon! I used to only use this site for deals on outings and getaways… I had no idea you could actually find free coupons on there. Yup, you read that right, FREE coupons for shopping! When you have three people to shop for instead of just yourself you could really use all the help you can get. I spend hours browsing this site and hoarding all of the coupons I can find… don’t judge me. You can find steals for stores and websites alike so even if you get the itch go shop on a cold day you don’t have to leave the comfort and warmth of your own home. Win win!

You can find steals for stores like Forever21, Kohls, Macys, Walgreens… all stores that I love to shop at not only for myself but for Char and Kennedy as well, and that’s just to name a few. If you haven’t perused Groupon for coupons yet, do yourself a favor and do so now! You can thank me later. ;]

Admittedly one of my guiltiest pleasures that comes from being a mother of two little girls is matching with them, hah. Charlotte calls us both “fashionistas.” One time she said to me, “Mommy, Kennedy doesn’t care as much about fashion and style as we do. She’s not a fashionista.” I don’t know where she comes up with these lines but she kills me. I can get my girls to wear almost anything if they know I’m wearing a version of it myself. If I asked them to throw on a pair of black sneakers in general they would both throw a fit, but if I’m wearing them they jump at the chance to match their mama… and I love that!

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February 21, 2017February 22, 2017

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.

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

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!

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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January 13, 2017January 13, 2017

Bells and Lace

One of my biggest wardrobe flaws is this: I never ever get anything hemmed. I’ve only ever gotten 3 things hemmed as an adult: two pairs of jeans and one gown I wore to a wedding last year. Honestly, I regret hemming the jeans, it changes the whole shape and look, so I’m really hesitant to ever hem anything. However… these velvet bells… they could stand to see a least a centimeter go I think.

FOREVER21 TOP (old, similar here) || YJL BRALETTE C/O || SOUTH MOON UNDER VELVET FLARES C/O || H&M JACKET || DITTO SHADES || LINEA PELLE BACKPACK

These velvet bells were part of my holiday wardrobe last year, AND this year. I love that they’re still in style. Truth be told, they’re so comfortable and flattering I’d wear them even if they weren’t. Follow your own trends, I say! I wore this exact look to my boyfriend’s company’s holiday party this year. He works at a gym so I was like what’s the dress code? He gave the usual guy answer, “just wear whatever you want.” As I expected, some people were dressed up and others literally came right from the gym, so I thought this was a good middle ground look. Not TOO fancy, but festive none the less.

See what I’m saying about these pants being a hair too long? I feel like clothing companies do not make clothes for the average sized human being. Like yeah I get it.. some girls are 5’9 and 110 pounds… but hi, not me. It’d be nice if everyone made clothes for petite lil ladies like myself, and KUDOS to brands that do!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It’s so hard to get motivated to go out and shoot when it’s legit freezing outside. ;]