Rachel McCarthy, Author at A Blonde's Moment

The Perfect Fall Dress

September 12, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Finally, it seems like the temperatures have started to cool down — after a high of 97 on Friday and 98 on Saturday, I am more than ready for the fall weather to arrive! If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been having a difficult time hiding my excitement for the new season here on ABM {and in real life!} but after laying eyes on this perfectly fall cabi dress, I’m officially head over heels for fall!

Provincial Dress: cabi c/o | Riding Boots: Tory Burch {this season’s version HERE} | Leopard Clutch: Mark and Graham {on sale!} | Charm Necklace: Moon & Lola {initial charm, zodiac charm, pearl charm} | Monogrammed Cuff: Mark and Graham c/o | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lips: #47, #07

No matter what season, I wear dresses a lot, especially to my 9-5 job. For me, dresses are easy to throw on and comfortable to wear all day. And let me tell you, there is no better way to describe this autumn boho-print dress! Besides the relaxed fit {who wouldn’t love that?} the v-neck collar makes wearing necklaces {or a cute scarf when it gets colder} the perfect accessory. Then, there is the print: the chocolate brown, navy and one of my favorite Fall 2016 Pantone Colors, airy blue, makes for a rich combination of colors that has me dreaming of falling leaves.

One of my fall staples are THESE Tory Burch riding boots — it looks like they were made for this dress! And since I’ve been all about the pattern mixing {see posts HERE & HERE} as of late, I paired this perfect fall dress with my go-to leopard clutch, which happens to be on major sale!

I see myself living in this dress over the next few months, pairing it with flats on warmer days, and tights and faux fur vests on cooler days. It would even be cute worn as a tunic with a belt and leggings or jeans!

Thanks so much for dropping by and see you tomorrow for an all new game day recipe! Have a great start to the week, friends!

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Black & Grey Poncho

September 8, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Friday Eve, friends! Last fall I bought THIS plaid poncho and wore it so much throughout fall and winter {you may remember it from HERE & HERE}. Well, I am so excited that this exact poncho is back in stock for this fall and it’s still under $40!

Plaid Poncho: Nordstrom | Black Tee: Caslon | Jeans: J.Crew {25% off with code SHOPSALE} | Ankle Boots: Sole Society, old {similar style HERE & HERE} | Sunglasses: Prada | Bag: Chanel {similar HERE} | Rings: David Yurman | Necklace: old {similar style HERE} | Lips: #07

The last two times I wore THIS poncho it was either later in the fall or when it was absolutely freezing at NYFW. But, like many people, I’m so excited for the cooler temperatures to arrive that I couldn’t wait any longer and decided to style this poncho for a warmer fall day. All season covered except summer!

**Side note: we took these pictures a few weekends ago at Georgetown University {my husband’s alma mater!} and it happened to be move-in day for freshmen. Needless to say, I was getting some pretty funny looks — it was in the 90s before 10 am that day! We joked that the new students and parents were thinking that people in DC dress really strange HA!!**

Anyways, back to the outfit. Since fall is all about the layers, you can easily pair THIS poncho with a black tee and jeans and have the poncho handy for when the temperatures drop. I wanted to incorporate some grey into the look to highlight the color in the poncho, so I finished the look with these booties. I’m a huge fan of Sole Society shoes — they are always on trend, comfortable and affordable! Since I bought these particular booties a few seasons ago, I linked a similar one HERE & HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

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Fall Trends Under $100, Part II

September 7, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

fall-off-the-shoulder-sweater-outfit-idea

off the shoulder sweater {under $70 & available in pink & beige, too!} | sunglasses {on sale & under $100!} | statement earrings | drawstring tote {only $55!} similar style/price HERE | lipstick {pigalle} | bracelet watch | nail polish {eternal optimist} | distressed jeans {under $30!} | open toe mules

It’s Wednesday and I’m back with another post in my new mini series, Fall Trends Under $100. If you missed last week’s post where I talked about ponchos/capes and that gorgeous rich bordeaux color, you can read that here. But enough about last week. There is a brand new trend {or not so new?} to discuss and I’m so excited that it’s sticking around from summer: off the shoulder.

I have loved a good off the shoulder dress or top this summer {exhibit A, B & C} but the fact that I can carry this trend into the cooler months {without freezing!} is mind blowing. I will confess that at first, I was a little uncertain of an off the shoulder sweater. I mean, the first question that came to mind was, would I be cold?! haha But, the more and more I thought of the idea, the more I was on board — especially when I started to consider fall outfit ideas. And what I love about THIS sweater {in addition to the OTS style} is the high-low hemline and the fabulous price point {can you believe it’s under $70?!} This fall closet staple also is available in a light pink and a pretty beige — the pink is gorgeous!

As for accessories, I have really been loving the contrast of light grey with beige lately. It’s also a great color combination to stick with for the early weeks of fall when it’s still warm, but you want to look fall-like. Speaking of a fall-like, I can’t get enough of THESE open toe mules! This chunky heeled shoe {which is so on trend} is also available in black and would be the perfect shoe for not only fall, but also spring and summer. Yay for multiple season shoes!

To conclude the look, I thought THIS drawstring tote was not only the perfect color match for the mules, but helped to create a casual, but still cute outfit. Can you believe it’s only $55?! And although I was going for that more casual style, THESE statement earrings add just the right amount of fun and glitz to the look — statement earrings are a necessity with off the shoulder tops, right?!

I’ve included a few more off the shoulder sweaters I’m loving for fall below. There are two that are just over $100, so if you hover over each style, you can see the exact price. Thanks so much for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow!

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Tartan

September 6, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Tuesday, friends! I hope everyone enjoyed the long Labor Day weekend! Since we had the holiday yesterday, I’m switching things up a little this week to bring you two outfit posts and the regular Wednesday Wishes. And since we are officially post-Labor Day, I thought it was time to dive head first into fall with a trend that will be huge this fall and winter: tartan.

Tartan Jacket, Blouse & Cropped Jeans: cabi c/o | Tote: Tory Burch | Booties: last season {similar style here & here} | Sunglasses: Prada | Lips: #47

Tartan has always been a favorite in my closet — I think I have consistently had something in this print since I was a little girl! And besides a blanket scarf, I can’t think of a better way to wear tartan. In the fall and winter, I am constantly searching for jackets to wear because the temperatures will still be unpredictable for the next few months here in Virginia. And since I’m all about versatile pieces, I love that this jacket can be worn as a more casual look {like I styled it here} but it would also be great for the office, too. Speaking of a great piece for the office, I fell in love with this blouse as soon as I laid eyes on it. The bright color and cap sleeves {perfect for these warmer fall days} are only second to the waist and back slit details. How perfect is that slit?!

Since I decided to go more casual with this look, I couldn’t resist wearing my new favorite fall pants: cropped jeans. Not only are these jeans soft and comfortable, I love that the cropped style can show off your shoes, especially when they are cute ankle booties!

Thanks for stopping by and see you back here tomorrow for an all new Wednesday Wishes! Have a great start to this short week!

Labor Day Sales

September 5, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Labor Day, friends! Just a quick post to share with you a few of the amazing sales that are going on today. With the holiday today, I will be back tomorrow with an all new fall outfit post so be sure to stop by! Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday!

Anthropologie: 40% off sale

Asos: 15% off everything with code LASTHURRAH

Banana Republic: 40% off with code FALL40

H&M: 60% off select styles. Ends 9/5

J.Crew: 30% off $200+ or 25% off $125+ with code SHOPMORE. Ends 9/5 at midnight

Kate Spade: extra 25% off sale with code DOTTY. Ends 9/6

Nordstrom: up to 40% off through 9/11

Old Navy: 50% off jeans, dresses & tees

ruffle-front top | sunglasses | tassel keychain | statement necklace | palette | crossbody bag {also available in black} | peep toe sandals | leopard skirt

Transitioning Trench

September 1, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Friday Eve and welcome to September, friends! My mind has totally moved to fall {let’s be honest, that happened a few weeks ago!} and I am so looking forward to some cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, the weather here in Virginia seems to have different plans, so it looks like layering will be a necessity over the next month.

Trench Coat: J.Crew {darker color here} | White Tee: Nordstrom | Black Jeans: J.Crew | Leopard Clutch: Mark & Graham {on sale for under $65!} | Mules: last year {similar style here} | Statement Earrings: J.Crew, sold out {love these tortoise earrings} | Necklace: Onecklace c/o | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Ring: David Yurman | Lipstick #09

Back in the spring, I had been searching for a trench coat that would be easy to throw on for those unpredictable spring temperatures. Fast forward a few months and it looks like I will be wearing this jacket the same way in this new season ahead! This lighter beige is sold out, but I did link the darker tan color above {it’s also available in green!}. You can’t beat a layering jacket during the fall!

As you may remember from last week’s post, black and cognac is one of my favorite classic fall combinations. And, coincidentally enough, it looks perfect paired with my favorite neutral, leopard! I’ve had this leopard clutch for a few years now and it is still in stock, and on SUPER sale! A leopard clutch is a closet-must in my opinion!

When we were in Charleston a few weeks ago for #TBScon, my mom and aunt were busy shopping on King Street and saw these earrings and knew I had to have them! I got them when they were on sale, so unfortunately they are already sold out online. I have a few tortoise shell patterned earrings and I love all the different ways you can style them. I linked a similar style that would also look fabulous with this look above. Obviously, one of my favorite ways is with black and cognac 😉

Thanks so much for stopping by! Any fun plans for the weekend? We are heading back to Ohio to celebrate my husband’s birthday a few days early and I get to meet my new baby cousin who was born the beginning of August!

I hope you have a wonderful long weekend! I will be back here on Monday for a quick post to share my favorite Labor Day sales with you so be sure to check back!

This post is linked up with: Mix & Match Fashion | My Refined Style | Twenties Girl Style | Stylin in St. Louis | Living in Color | Pumps and Pushups | Thursday Fashion Files | Rachel The Hat | Fashion Friday | Friday’s Fab Favorites | Daily Style Finds | East Coast Chic | Friday Favorites | Casual Friday

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Fall Trends Under $100

August 31, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

colorblock poncho | retro sunglasses {$12!} | floppy hat | monogram necklace | skinny jeans | bucket bag | lipstick {smoke red} | OTK boots {under $90!} | nail polish {frenemy} | long sleeve tee {black cherry}

Happy Wednesday and last day of August! With Labor Day less than a week away, that means fall is officially right around the corner. And with a new season, that means new trends are on the horizon. For the next few weeks, I will be highlighting a few of my favorite trends for fall, creating an outfit with the trend(s), and keeping the trendy item {and in today’s post, each piece!} under $100. Dressing trendy shouldn’t cost a fortune!
Today’s two trends are some of my favorite: ponchos and capes and the color bordeaux. Even though I have been wearing these two trends for the past few falls, they will be bigger than ever this year. I love a good poncho on cool and crisp fall days, and THIS colorblock poncho not only has a few shades of this gorgeous wine color but it also looks super cozy. Can you believe it’s only $35?!

I wore this bordeaux color a lot last fall {exhibit A, B}. Of all the ways to wear this color, I think my favorite is as an accessory, like THIS cute bucket bag. And when it comes to beauty products and this hot color, it’s my go-to nail polish color for the fall months. I actually just bought THIS color over the weekend and I cannot wait to use it!

One of the reasons I love this color so much is not only because it’s a rich color and screams fall, but also because it pairs perfectly against neutrals and even brown. I just discovered THESE over the knee boots and I’m thinking I will have to add them to my collection. Also available in black, they are priced under $90!! That is such a steal!

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! I’ve included a few other pieces from the poncho/cape and bordeaux trend to browse through. All are under $100!!

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FALL PONCHOS/CAPES

FALL BORDEAUX

End of Summer Canning: Dill Pickles

August 30, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Each summer growing up, I can remember my mom heading to the farmer’s market to pick up TONS of cucumbers to make dill and bread and butter pickles. And since summer is coming to an end and this is your last opportunity to pick up fresh cucumbers before the weather turns, I wanted to share this recipe from Southern Living for canned pickles that my mom has been using for years.

I was down visiting my parents during pickle canning weekend, and we made both dill and bread and butter pickles. I’m a much bigger fan of the dill pickles, but if you would like to see the recipe we used for the bread and butter pickles, please let me know and I will post it!

Here are a few pictures of the process. I will say, there are a lot of steps, but overall, the process of canning is pretty easy. As I mention in the recipe below, these pickles will be good on the shelf for a year and for a few weeks in the refrigerator. You can eat them as soon as they are ready, but it’s good to wait at least a week for the flavors to develop. I’m making Cheeseburger Pizza tonight for dinner and I’m going to use our first jar! I’ll keep you posted on how they taste 😉

Homemade Dill Pickles

End of the summer canning with dill pickles.

Ingredients

4 pounds pickling cucumbers
14 garlic cloves, peeled & halved
1/4 cup pickling salt
3 cups water
2 3/4 vinegar, 5% acidity
14 sprigs fresh dillweed
14 peppercorns

Instructions

Wash the cucumbers and cut in half lengthwise. Combine the garlic, salt, water and vinegar and bring to a boil. Remove the garlic and place 4 halves into each hot sterilized jar. Pack the cucumbers into the jars, adding 2 sprigs dillweed and 4 peppercorns to each jar. Pour boiling vinegar mixture over cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top. Wipe the jar rims. Cover jars with metal lids and screw on metal bands. Process the jars in boiling-waterbath for 10 minutes. Pickles will keep for about a year on the shelf and for a few weeks in the refrigerator.

Yield: 6-7 pints

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This post is linked up with: Tasty Tuesdays | Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday | Two Cup Tuesday | Weekend Potluck

Leopard & Stripes

August 29, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! A weekend with not too much planned turned into a non-stop two days for us. But, we got a lot accomplished, so that’s always a great feeling!

Striped Tee: local boutique {similar style HERE} | Distressed Jeans: Nordstrom | Leopard Sneakers: old {similar style HERE} | Tote: Tory Burch | Watch: Kate Spade | Necklace: Onecklace c/o | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lipstick: #47

A comfortable and casual look for transitioning into fall for you today. Stripes are one of my favorite patterns to wear no matter what season {you may remember this tee from THIS post in the spring} and pairing it with leopard, my favorite neutral, creates a fun, pattern-mixing combination for fall. I bought these leopard sneakers a few years ago, but I linked a similar pair of slip-on sneakers HERE.

Thanks so much for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow for an all new recipe! Have a great start to the week!

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Black & Cognac

August 25, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Friday Eve! Can you believe that this time next week it will be SEPTEMBER? This may sound crazy, but I have totally lost track of 2016! Wasn’t it just January a second ago?! And although I do wish time would slow down, I am excited for September to arrive so I can break out some of my favorite fall clothes. The last few mornings have been cool and SO refreshing — it’s making me crave those cooler temperatures all the time!

White Tunic: Nordstrom {under $30!} | Black Jeans: J.Crew | Hat: last season {similar style HERE} | Tote: Tory Burch | Mules: last season {similar style HERE} | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Necklace: Onecklace c/o | Bracelets: David Yurman HERE, HERE | Lips: #47, #07

In Monday’s post, I talked about how excited I was for olive green this fall, and I have to confess, I’m almost just as excited for a classic combination I go back to each and every fall: black and cognac. I remember when I was younger, I would get so upset if I saw black and brown or navy and black styled together. My have times changed!! There is something that just screams “fall” with this color combination and I can’t get enough of it, as evidence by last week’s Wednesday Wishes {see post HERE}!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Not too much planned for our weekend. I am excited to be meeting up with Kelly from Rosy Outlook on Saturday though! Can you believe we live in the same town?! I love how blogging has connected me with so many wonderful people around the world, and even bloggers that are just down the street 😉 See you back here on Monday, friends!

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