Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Getaway List

After a two week hiatus I am officially back! I apologize for the extended time off but after returning from my trip to Miami it took me another week to get back in the swing of things! Since I had so much fun on my recent trip, I was inspired to put together a short list which highlights the must have items you should be packing in your suitcase before you embark on your very own vacations! As expected, the fashion in Miami was so on point this summer! That city never disappoints! Not only did I come away with some great shopping finds but I was also able to see what the locals in this hot to trot city were rockin on a daily basis! With that said, here are my top 5 items that every fashionista must have in her getaway bag while taking some time off this summer!

1. Maxi Skirt
2. Straw Fedora
3. Hot beach bikini
4. Easy to wear flip-flops
5. Sexy Dress

#1 - My first must-have is definitely one of my own favorite looks for this summer. Whether you wear a maxi skirt or maxi dress, you will be sure to turn some heads while strutting this bohemian trend. I was never one for short skirts, so, wearing maxi length pieces is still a great way to look sexy without showing too much skin! Miami is all about white, therefore, I just had to find the perfect white maxi while I was in town! Walking through Lincoln Road (my all time fav shopping destination) I fell in love with this flirty white maxi for $108 at Guess. I paired it with a white tank, gold accessories and flats to keep that casual beach vibe Miami does so well!

Maxi dresses are also ALL the RAGE this summer! Here is a pretty maxi dress from Lulus for under $100!
I love the light neutral color and simplicity of this look!
#2 - The straw fedora is my latest obsession trend of the moment! After my vacation I was on a man hunt to find this perfect summer accessory! At last, the fashion gods answered my prayers, as I found the perfect one at Lord and Taylor by Ralph Lauren. Here is a similar style currently sold at Windsor for only $12.90! That means you can get this look and still have plenty of $$ left over for my other favorite summer accessory - frozen daiquiris!!
#3&4 - Number three and four are summer staples that every girl must have in her lil bag of tricks! The perfect beach bikini and flip-flops are always a vacation must-have! I love Havaianas flip-flops because they are super comfy and are available in tons of prints and colors! My go-to bikini site is of course Victoria's Secret! Shop the sale items all summer long to find the best deal on the perfect bathing suit! I love this coral number currently on sale for only $36!! And check it out - paired with my number two find - the fedora!

#5 - The last item to pack in that weekend bag is the perfect sexy little dress for a special dinner or night out on the town! I have featured soooo many dresses in my past blogs that I think I will leave this pick up to you!! Scroll through all the past blogs to refresh your memory on some of the hottest looks available this summer!

Well, that is it beauties! Be sure to include these items wherever your little heart takes you this summer! I wish all my fashionistas nothing less than a super stylish summer vaca!!

XoXo,
Rachele

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Label Lust

Something amazing has been happening lately in the fashion world and I am a HUGE fan of this recent phenomenon. I am talking about high-end fashion designers creating stylish, affordable clothing lines that are sold at local department stores nationwide! Finally, us middle class, style crazed ladies can get a taste of the good life! Believe it ladies, we are now able to purchase those designer labels we covet that otherwise, we may not be able to afford! From Matthew Williamson and BCBGMaxazria, to Rachel Rachel Roy (of course my fav...hehe) and Kensie, designers are beginning to realize that every girl wants to rock their labels just as much as the celebs they style and dress every day! Stores such as Target and Macy's are getting in on this action and picking up brands that are so fashion forward! Here are a few pieces that I am loving right now from my top two picks, Matthew Williamson and Rachel Rachel Roy, both currently sold at Macy's!

Rachel Rachel Roy's designs are definitely unique. She uses bold colors and shapes to create one-of a kind pieces that are sure to make you stand out in the crowd! Here are a couple of my favorite looks that remind me of summer and those hot, steamy nights that are upon us!

I adore this bold, beautiful printed dress that I recently purchased from her line. This dress is perfect for both a summer BBQ with flats or a night out on the town with your perfect pair of platform sandals!

I have always been ruffle-obsessed since the days this girly trend came on the scene! Check out this lovely short sleeve ruffle dress featured in one of the hottest colors this season, army green!
Modern jet-set glamour is how Matthew Williamson's collection is described and I think that name fits just right! Here are two pretty and polished pieces from this limited-edition collection.

Alright all my label lusters out there....get to it! Just remember, some of these collections are only available for a limited time! Therefore, get on board with this trend and start filling your closet with your very own designer duds that sooner or later may only be available in YOUR closet!!

XoXo,
Rachele