Reader's Request: How can I make the most out of my wardrobe on a budget?

Reader's Request: Read on for a step-by-step guide to elevating your wardrobe by putting together a culmination of cornerstone pieces which reflect your personal taste and lifestyle.

You are getting tired of wasting your money on low quality pieces? Awesome! But what if you don't have enough in your budget to purchase all of it at once? I suggest putting together several cornerstone pieces. One's that will make the greatest impact on your look while also coordinating with things you may already have in your closet. When your pieces are well chosen, it can give you the confidence you seek and plenty of outfit choices that express your personal taste!  Below are four questions to ask yourself as you set out to choose your cornerstone pieces.

My Cornerstone Pieces:
(Link belongs to item beneath it)

Tailored Coat: ASOS

Classic Shift Dress: Alice & Olivia

 Black Leather Jeans: Bloomingdale's 

*Statement Watch : Michael Kors

Neutral Flats: Steve Madden

Question 1 // What Activities are you Involved in?

Before you can select items for your foundation, you first need to know exactly what you need for your lifestyle. Make a list of all of your regular activities: Work, school, meeting with friends, dates, time at home. Make an educated guess of how many times you participated in your various activities in the last month or so. (I found it helpful to look at my day planner-- I don't have the best memory!)

        

Question 2 // What is your Ideal Wardrobe?

Write down some notes on what your ideal wardrobe would look like once it's finished. (If you are having a tough time identifying your style, try this quiz ). Concentrate on the overall look you are trying to achieve and the most important elements you want to incorporate into your style (key colors, fabrics, textures, proportions and details for example).

Question 3 // What are My Cornerstone Pieces?

Now that you have a better idea of what activities you normally participate in and what type of items you would like to purchase, you can take these two pieces of information to decide which five or six items you would like as your cornerstones. 

Some things to think about when selecting items are:

1) Which would have the biggest impact right now?

2) Which items can you use for future outfits?

Select items you can wear several times throughout the week, such as a light-weight jacket or tote bag. A fun bright t-shirt is a great purchase, but shouldn't necessarily be included as a cornerstone. Pick neutral pieces that are considered neither "dress up" or "dress down" rather smack dab in the middle. This way you can incorporate pieces you probably already own to either dress the item up or down. Think more about what you want rather than where you'll get it.

Shown below are the Staples I chose as My Cornerstones Pieces:

(Notice I had many things on my list and narrowed it down to a few key pieces).

Question 4 // What Can I Afford Right Now?

Once you have figured out which items you would like to include, it's time to go out and find your version of these pieces that fit into your style and price range. Something to consider while shopping is that price doesn't always equal quality. Many brands sell their products to discount stores or have their own factory outlets which offer their products at lower prices without sacrificing integrity (Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx for example).

 Continue to work on your dream wardrobe at your own pace. Once you have your cornerstone pieces set, you will already be a lot happier with the state of your closet. Set yourself a reasonable budget and continue to work towards your dream wardrobe, however fast or slow your budget allows.

Lastly, here are a few final tips for elevating your wardrobe on a budget:

1. Try freecycle.org

2. Visit your local mall, especially on holiday sale days and even the day after the sale.

3. Check out the book, "Wear this, Toss that" written by Amy E. Goodman

After reading these steps, what would you include as your cornerstone pieces? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

A huge, "Thank You" to Nick P. for being the inspiration for my first Reader's Request blog post. If you would like the chance to have your idea or suggestion featured on my blog, follow me on Instagram @xoxorachelleblog or leave a comment below.

Blushing Brides and Dresses

Love is in the air and the invites are in the mailbox. Now, what to wear to all of these weddings?

Okay, so the wedding day belongs to the bride and all eyes are bound to be on her. However, you can't say you wouldn't mind if some lingering eyes glanced your way! One of my really great friends is getting married next weekend. After months and months, slaving over websites in attempt to find the perfect dress, I found it! It is a gorgeous lavender colored dress with a delicate white lace overlay subtly detailed in violet flowers. It fits perfectly in all of the right places and hurry you lucky dog, it's on sale now!

I love White House Black Market. If I could only shop at one store for the rest of my life-- it would be there. Their pieces are intricate and well made. The quality of the clothing is unreal. It is a bit on the pricier side, but they are constantly having deals. You can sign up for their rewards program (for free) and get points for each purchase. If I wasn't a part of their rewards program I would be bankrupt! WHBM (as the cool kids refer to it) recently released a line of bridesmaids dresses which are absolutely stunning.

I love the fun structure of these pastel stone earrings. The shape of them is a bit industrial and strong, but the pastel hues add the perfect amount of femininity.

My favorite part about this dress is the deep V-back. The detailing of the lace is so intricate. Stunning.

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:

Dress: WHBM // Shoes: Milanoo (similar) // Earrings:  J.Crew Factory

Here are a few more options to ensure you look great at a Summer wedding.

Try not to upstage any brides you freaking hottie:

(link belongs to item beneath it)

Dress:  Modcloth

Dress: Golden Closet

For you gents out there:

Jacket: Gilt (and it's on sale right now for $79)!

In closing, I just want to warn you of the "dangers" of catching the bouquet at your friend's wedding. She caught mine and she really was the next out of us to seal the deal.

Watch out!

Weddings are the best. But sometimes things can go awry. Do you have any funny or embarrassing stories of something that happened to you at a wedding? Maybe even your own? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

Look for the Silver Lining: A Rocker Chic Look

Rocker Chic Style. Unleash your inner Kate Moss.

Your wild side will thank you 

;)

When my husband and I were dating, one of our favorite things to do was attend local shows.

Our goal was to find the dinkiest venue and watch unknown bands perform.

Some of those bands have gone on to become quite successful!

Would you believe it if I told you we saw Grouplove open for Foster The People for only $5? 

After having our daughter, it has been a bit harder to attend shows. There aren't very many people who are willing to sacrifice a Friday or Saturday night...

I can't say that I blame them! 

However, we were able to snag a babysitter last Friday and finally got out to a show!

Hallelujah!

I love dressing "Rocker Chic." 

I love mixing basic staples with edgy fashion pieces that get people wondering,

"Is she in the band?!?"

Okay. Okay. Okay.

I know for a fact that no one has ever thought that... 

But, a girl can dream of being that cool can't she?!

I found this awesome "Look for the Silver Lining" Black and White tee (shown below) at the 

Banana Republic Factory and I had to make it mine.

(Apparently, I wasn't the only one because I bought mine three days ago and now it's SOLD OUT!)

I like to wear it to remind myself that life can get tough, real tough. But, if you are looking for the silver lining, you can always find it!

I love to don as much fur, sparkle, glam and height (oh heels, how I love thee!!) as physically possible.

Hey, it can be dark in there!
You've gotta do something BIG to stand out amongst the crowd.
I channeled my inner Kate Moss and decided to pair my rocker tee with black skinnies and a spunky fur vest.

Now, for my favorite part of this outfit-- the shoes!

You cannot tell me you haven't fallen in love with these shoes.

Cherry on top? These beautiful babes are (surprisingly) comfortable.

Other Ways to Incorporate Rocker Chic to Your Wardrobe:

- Leather Leggings

- Motorcycle Boots and Jacket

- Fringe

- Studded Clutch or Tote

- Black Ankle Strap Stilettos

- The Ever Sexy, Smokey Eye

- Dark Nails (skip black to avoid a "gothic" vibe and go for a beautiful deep Burgundy or Plum)

&&&

- Bracelets (shown below)

Don't be shy. The more the merrier!

But don't forget that the sexiest thing you can wear is: CONFIDENCE! 

Own what you do. 

Own what you wear.

Own who you are.

You. Are. Fierce.

Shown Above:

Top: Banana Republic Outlet (Sold Out!) // Jeans: Pac Sun // Fur Vest: H&M (similar)

// Shoes: Nordstrom Rack (similar) // Earrings:  Culture Taste // Bracelets: Charming Charlies;  Purple Charm (similar) and Bangles: (Sold out!)

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

What is the coolest show you have ever been to? What about it made it so memorable? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

-

Meet Me at Sea: Nautical Fashion

A 2015 Summer Trend: Learn how to incorporate Nautical fashion pieces into your wardrobe without looking like you're wearing a costume.

Coco Chanel was inspired by French sailors in her 1917 collection. She incorporated nautical stripes into the line and it has been a staple of sophisticated European fashion for almost a century. This style is yet again, included in the Top 20 Trends for Summer 2015 in Vogue. Vogue is never wrong and so it appears the style has "dropped anchor" and isn't going anywhere!

Before last Summer, I wasn't really interested in nautical styles. The thought of dressing like a sea-faring person seemed a bit corny and costume-like to me (No offense, Popeye). Let's be honest, the look can easily, well, go overboard!

You've seen it: Navy crew sweaters, wide white pants, natty loafers, red and white stripes everywhere... Surely, there must be a better, classier way to incorporate nautical pieces to your wardrobe without being like, 

"Look at me! This is my Sailor's girl outfit!"

I happened to be at J. Crew last weekend and fell in love with the two pieces shown below- and "cut and hurry" because they're on sale!

Shown Above:

Sweater: J. Crew // Skirt:  Ann Taylor // Flats: Steve Madden sold at DSW // Satchel: Target 

// Necklace: F21 (similar), Charming Charlies and H&M


If you couldn't tell by my shoes and bag (shown above and below), I love a good pop of color. I was able to score this adorable satchel at - believe it or not- Target! I find the punchy hue really helps to elevate the outfit. This satchel is available in several fierce Summer shades.

This geometric pearl necklace (shown below) is sublime for a sea inspired outfit.

 

Shown Above:

Top: J. Crew (available in grey) // Jeans: PacSun // Flats: shoes.com (similar) // Satchel: Target // Necklace: F21 (discontinued)  // Earrings: NY & Co. (discontinued)

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

More nautical fashion pieces I thought you'd love can be found here, here and here.

When this style is done properly, it can be incredibly fun without feeling like it's time to go trick-or-treating.

No. Just no.

I've found Nautical fashion is very much an acquired taste. Are you a hater or a lover? What do you think about Nautical Style? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

Shine Bright like a Diamond

How to take Proper Care of your bling!

While I was in my early to mid-twenties I worked my way through school as a jewelry retailer. You may think a love for fine jewelry would be innate, you know, being a woman and all. However, I didn't know the first thing about caring for fine jewelry purchases. As I developed a greater understanding and appreciation for fine jewelry, I came to realize that other people don't really know as much as they should about taking proper care of their jewelry-- especially the most important piece of bling you'll ever receive in your life:

Your wedding ring.

Here are just a few tips I feel compelled to share so you can avoid a disaster on your hands-- literally.

Tip 1 // Your ring should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Once your fiance places that ring upon your finger, it need not stay there 24/7, 365 days per year. You should not sleep with it. You should not clean with it. You should not shower with it. You should not apply lotion to your hands while wearing it. All of these things can greatly increase the risk of harm to your ring. I'm not advocating taking it on and off when you are out and about, your ring is durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear. But when you are home-- take it off and put it in a safe place.

Tip 2 // Get your ring cleaned- a lot. Seriously, like once a month.
Lotion, soap, conditioner, hairspray and the like can wreak havoc on your ring. Your diamond(s) may not be as snug as you think they are as the products I just mentioned can act as an cement. Once that adhesive wears down (due to hand washing) you could have some missing diamonds. Getting your ring cleaned is very quick and should be free at any mall jewelry store. I recommend finding a place that is able to steam clean your ring. This process will really get your ring sparkling. If you don't have time to go to the mall, you can soak your ring in a cup of windex for 10 minutes. Gently scrub your ring with a soft toothbrush. Once you're done, rinse it under water and Voila!

Tip 3 // Have your ring re-dipped as needed. Typically every 3-5 months.
White and rose gold is a rhodium plating that goes over yellow gold. The best way to determine if your ring is in need of a dipping is by looking at the bottom of your ring (the part you see when you look at the palm of your hand). If it's looking a little yellow or dingy... get it re-dipped. If you purchased a warranty with your ring, it may be covered under your plan. If you didn't purchase a warranty (like me.. because I'm stupid) it will cost about $30-60 depending on where you go. They may need to send your ring out if they don't have an on-site jeweler, which may mean parting with your ring for at least 1-3 weeks.

Ring in need of a re-dip:

Notice the yellowish discoloration of the ring on the left in comparison to the ring on the right?

Tip 4 // Please, check your prongs often.
Every once in a while, typically between 1-3 years, you will need to have your prongs worked on. This is often covered under your warranty if you purchased one. It can be pretty pricey (typically $130- 400, depending on how many prongs your ring has) to fix without a warranty but so worth it. I cannot tell you how devastating it was to tell a customer that there was nothing we could do about their missing diamond. If you are able to run your finger over your diamond and not feel your prongs... they are worn down and you need to fix them straight away.

Ring in need of prong work:

Tip 5 //Diamonds are not invincible.
Okay, so I know you learned in geology class that diamonds are a 10 on the hardness scale... a 10 does not mean indestructible. Treat your diamond with respect and care. Don't go whacking it on hard surfaces all willy nilly. Diamonds do scratch. They can chip. They will crack. It's extremely rare to see a warranty that covers that type of damage so do all that you can to avoid harming your diamond.

Tip 6 // DON'T MISS CHECK-UPS!
Oftentimes, warranty's require that you bring your ring in to be checked every six months. Do not make the mistake of waiting years to get your ring looked at. Many warranty's become void if you miss your twice a year check-up. These check-ups are usually free. You can schedule them 6 months out, that way you will receive a reminder call and never miss one!

I hope these tips have been helpful.

Do you have any questions regarding the proper care of your fine jewelry? I'd love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

As I'm sure most of you know, the Nordstrom half yearly sale is going on right now! This sale is available online, for those of you who do not have access to a physical Nordstrom location. It makes me sad to think about, but before I moved to Utah, I didn't even know Nordstrom existed. 

I have had a very happy past seven years.

I once lived a very deprived life...

;)

If you are on the look out for a whole new wardrobe or if you're looking to spruce up your closet, NOW would be the time! There are a few things I've had my eye on and I can't wait to head in there and snatch these babies up! I've already ordered the tote bag (shown below) in black and I'm like a little kid awaiting Christmas morn as I wait for it to arrive!

 (All items shown below can be found on sale in store or on Nordstrom.com, but not for long!)

Happy shopping!!

       

 If you snatch anything up from Nordstrom during this sale, tag @xoxorachelleblog on instagram. You may just get featured on my blog! 

This Summer, Dare to be Red Hot

Incorporating red hot shades into your wardrobe. Ignore the voice in your head that says, "You can't pull that off!" You might be surprised at the compliments you'll receive when you get out of your comfort zone.

As a redhead, I grew up hearing I wasn't supposed to wear red. It wasn't my color-- and unless I was Julia Roberts... I couldn't pull it off.

For those of you non-redheads... can you imagine completely eliminating this stunning bold color from your wardrobe?! Although it has been a work in progress-- I have turned a corner and I must say, I'm glad I did. I love wearing all different shades of red. I can't believe I omitted red items from my closet for so long.

I absolutely adore this red Jacquard skirt. There is just something so elegant and chic about it. Whenever I slip it on, I feel as though I'm transported to a Parisian picnic in the park. I've worn it several times and believe it or not-- I got compliments on how great it looked even though I'm *gasp* a redhead!

With a bright red Jacquard skirt being a statement piece of its own design, I like to keep jewelry and make up simple. My husband purchased these stunning rose gold plated earrings [Shown Below] as a stocking stuffer last Christmas. I simply adore them!

I love pairing it with a strappy black heel with a bow for an ultra feminine look, shown below.

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:
TOP:  Express (similar) // SKIRT: White House Black Market (discontinued) // SHOES (BLACK): White House Black Market (similar) // EARRINGS: Dillards (similar)

Here are a few other ways you can incorporate red hot style to your wardrobe:

Dress: Lulu's

Pants: White House Black Market

Shoes: Lulu's

Jacket: White House Black Market

Scarf: Express

 Get out of your comfort zone. Ignore those silly voices in your head. Like me, you might just be glad you did!

Is there any topic you hope to see covered on XOXO, Rachelle? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!