Category: fashion

The Ruffle On Repeat

by Rachel McCarthy
Cute Ruffle Top Outfit

Happy Monday, friends! Lately, this ruffle sleeve top has been on serious repeat {you may remember it from THIS post a few weeks ago}. White tops are always easy to style and when they have a cute ruffle detail, it just makes me want to wear it more and more!

Ruffle Sleeve Top Shopbop

Black and White Spring Outfit Idea

Le Specs Cat Eye Sunglasses

Spring Ruffle Top Outfit

Jeffrey Campbell Wedges
Ruffle Top: Endless Rose | Jeans: J.Crew | Wedges: Jeffrey Campbell {updated style HERE} | Bag: Sole Society | Sunglasses: Le Specs | Earrings: Sheila Fajl | Watch: Kate Spade | Bracelet: David Yurman | Lipstick: Kim KW & Lip Slip 

The last time I wore this top, I styled it with jeans and flats. This time, I wanted to incorporate a different spin on the fall favorite combination of black and cognac. I always love the contrast of black and cognac, so to make it a little more spring-y, I went with the lighter beige/blush accessories. Speaking of accessories, I did find a few sizes left in this style of wedge. If you are interested in shopping the updated style for this year, you can see them HERE. 

I have to get as much wear out of this top before the temperatures warm up for good — with the longer sleeves and extra fabric on the arms, it will be difficult to wear this in the heat of the DC summer. I’m definitely getting my money’s worth out of it now! It is also available in black and under $80! 


I hope you all had a great weekend! We spent the weekend in Ohio for my cousin’s graduation and the weather turned out perfect. Actually, so perfect that everyone got sunburned! We never even considered bringing sunscreen because the forecast was for rain and clouds, if we were lucky. Needless to say, there will be a lot of aloe in my future. I never get burned because I avoid the sun at all costs haha! 


Hope you all have a great start to the week and see you back here tomorrow!


This post is linked up with: B Loved Boston |  Fizz & Frosting | More Pieces of Me | Start the Week Stylish | Pink Sole | Fashion Frenzy | Fashion Series |  On Trend Tuesdays | Style on the Daily | Style Me Wednesday | Layers and Lipstick | Mix & Match Fashion  | 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 | Friday Favorites | Casual Friday | My Refined Style

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Off the Shoulder Chambray

by Rachel McCarthy
Chambray Off the Shoulder Top Outfit

Oh how I love off the shoulder tops. Since sharing the stripe off the shoulder top last week {you can see that post HERE} I’ve been on a real kick with the off the shoulder trend. I was going through my closet “rediscovering” all my spring and summer pieces that have been packed away in another closet all fall and winter and saw this chambray top from last year. I thought I would restyle it this year with different accessories for a different spring look. P.S. Excuse my hair blowing in these pictures. The wind was crazy on Sunday when we shot this outfit!!

Bow Details on Sleeves

How to Style a Chambray Top

Cute Off the Shoulder Tops for Spring and Summer

Chambray Off the Shoulder Top

Cute Beige Sandals Under $100

Spring Date Night Outfit Ideas
Chambray Top: Shein c/o {last year but still available — see sizing note below} | Jeans: old {similar HERE} | Sandals: BP. {under $60!} | Bag: Sole Society | Earrings: Sheila Fajl | Bracelets: David Yurman | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: Kim KW & Lip Slip


If you have been following along for awhile, you may remember when I first shared this top last year {post HERE}. It has pretty high slits on the sides of the shirt, so I sized up for length purposes. Wearing it this year, it feels bigger than last year I think. I usually love oversized sweaters and tops, but this one probably is a little too big. As for sizing, if you are shorter or taller and don’t mind the side slits, you can probably stick to your true size. For reference, the slits come up to the top of my jeans {I have higher rise jeans on} and I’m 5’8. All in all, it is a cute chambray shirt {I just wish mine was a little smaller!} and I love the off the shoulder and bow sleeve details. And with a price tag of only $13, I guess I can’t complain too much 🙂 


Last year when I shared this top, I went with pink accessories, but I wanted to keep things more neutral for today’s look. I’ve been wearing these beige sandals a ton lately because they not only are perfect with skirts and dresses, but look fabulous with jeans and other pants too. Another plus: the heel is low enough that you can wear them for an extended period of time. They are so comfortable! I also have them in black {last seen HERE} and they are available in several other colors, too. Best part: they are under $60!


Any fun weekend plans? We are off to Columbus tomorrow morning for my cousin’s college graduation! Tomorrow’s weather looks rainy, but hopefully the skies will clear in time for graduation on Saturday morning. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and see you back here on Monday, friends!


This post is linked with: Mix & Match Fashion  | 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 | My Refined Style

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Spring & Summer Whites

by Rachel McCarthy
Summer White Outfit Inspiration @rachmccarthy7

Although this week has been chilly for us on the east coast, summer temperatures are just around the corner. Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is less than 3 weeks away which means it’s time to break out {if you haven’t already!} the spring and summer whites. Today, I’m rounding up a few of my favorites white pieces of the season. Of course, I couldn’t resist sharing two pieces that have a little color as well. I can never say no to fringe or pom poms!

I have had the opportunity to break out the white jeans {last seen in Monday’s post} but I will have to stick to mostly white accessories until I get some sun. But when that summer glow does arrive, I especially have my eye on this eyelet one shoulder top and these scallop shorts. Both are so fun for summer! Until then, here are a few of my favorite accessories:
  • Starting with two of the more colorful pieces, even though they are not pure white, I couldn’t resist include these fun summer pieces in the round up. The fringe sandals would be such a cute addition to your summer shoe collection and the pom poms on this panama hat are so different from the usual sunhats, and it’s under $45! 
  • Every summer, I seem to have this thing for fun clutches. Although this white bamboo clutch isn’t necessarily a statement maker, it is different and would be the perfect clutch to carry with your sundresses all summer long. If you are looking for a color, this clutch is also available in natural, blue and black.
Have you started incorporating white into your wardrobe yet? Do tell! As always, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Casual Weekend Outfit

by Rachel McCarthy
Casual Spring Outfit
A cold front arrived this past weekend and although it was nice to have the windows open, it was chilly! Although, I can’t complain too much. It gave me an excuse to break out this knotted tee one more time before the warm temperatures are here to stay!

Longchamp Tote Outfit Idea

Gold New Balance Sneakers

Casual Spring Weekend Outfit

How to Style a Knotted Tee

Cute Weekend Outfit
Knotted Tee: Bobeau | Jeans: old {similar HERE} | Sneakers: New Balance | Bag: Longchamp | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Watch: Kate Spade | Necklace: Onecklace c/o | Lips: Kim KW & Lip Slip

You may remember the last time I wore this tee when we visited the beach for Ella’s birthday. One of the things I love most about this tee is that this comfy style is not only appropriate to dress up with jeans and wedges, but also dress more casually with sneakers for a weekend of errands. This tee comes in several colors {I’m thinking about stocking up on a few for the fall months!} but I can never resist the opportunity to wear the classic black and white. 

I hope you all had a great weekend! We were busy with running errands and preparing for a lot travel in the coming weeks. We took a break from the running to head into D.C. to visit the new Laduree in Georgetown! Visiting their NYC location is one of my favorite stops, so I’m excited to have a location much closer. Although, this could be dangerous! Have a great week, friends!
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Stripe Off the Shoulder Top

by Rachel McCarthy
Off the Shoulder Stripe Top



In last week’s nautical dress post, I warned that there would be more stripes appearing on the blog soon and I wasn’t kidding! Today, I am styling another piece from cabi’s latest collection which launches today!

cabi Stripe Off the Shoulder Top

Chanel Jumbo Bag

Spring Date Night Outfit Ideas Off the Shoulder Top

Cute Black Open Toe Sandals Nordstrom

Stripe Off the Shoulder Top Outfit
Off the Shoulder Top: cabi c/o {collection launches today! see it HERE} | Cami: Kurve {available in several colors} | Cropped Jeans: cabi c/o {fall season — similar HERE} | Bag: Chanel {similar HERE}| Earrings: Sheila Fajl {these are smaller and thicker hoops than the gold ones last seen HERE} | Sunglasses: Le Specs {under $60!} | Sandals: BP. | Watch: MICHELE | Lipstick: Kim KW

I promise to give the stripes a rest after today’s post, but when I saw a stripe off the shoulder shirt, I just couldn’t resist! Two of my favorite spring trends in one shirt, it was almost too good to be true. Since this silk off the shoulder number is perfect for dressing up, I paired the top with black cropped jeans and my black sandals {they are under $60!}. I had originally planned to style the top with white jeans but that will have to wait until later in the summer for this girl — let’s just say I need some sun before I try to dress in white!! One of my favorite details of the shirt is the pleated cuffs. Isn’t that a cute detail?


One warning about the silk fabric of this shirt: it’s pretty thin. You may notice it from the pictures, but I paired THIS strapless cami under the top and it was the perfect solution. It’s actually a fabulous concept that I didn’t even know existed until this shirt. The cami is available in several colors and would also be perfect for layering!


Any fun plans for the weekend? This is my last weekend at home before my crazy travel schedule starts so let’s hope I can be super productive around the house and get all my errands done! Have a great rest of the week and weekend, friends!


This post is linked with: Mix & Match Fashion  | 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 | My Refined Style
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Graduation Gifts Under $200

by Rachel McCarthy
Gift Ideas for Graduates @rachmccarthy7


High school and college graduations for the class of 2017 are just around the corner and today I’m rounding up a few of my favorite gifts for the graduate that are all under $200!



Graduation gifts can be tough. I think high school graduation can be a little easier since some people like to buy necessities for the graduate’s college dorm room. But when it comes to the college graduate, they will be heading into the real world and will definitely be in need of some adult essentials. Although money is always an option, some people {including me!} like to give a gift that will actually serve a purpose for the graduate down the road, so here are a few of my favorites:
  • Girls are a lot easier than guys, at least in my opinion. Jewelry is always a fantastic gift idea and something like these pearl studs or this initial necklace are a great way to remember the exciting day. Watches are also a great gift, especially for graduates that are heading to the 9-5 real world. And that works for both girls and guys!
  • Personalized gifts are some of my favorites — both to give and receive! — and I love the idea of these custom city cufflinks and custom city tie. Whether the graduate is off to a new city post-graduation or just to remember his college town, the cufflinks and/or tie would make a memorable gift.
  • Lastly, a work bag will be essential for the girls and guys that are heading to an office job. A spacious tote is perfect for the girls {and I love the name of this one!} and a sturdy briefcase for the guys.
  • And just one note about this perfume: I think perfume always makes for a special gift whether it be Mother’s Day, a birthday, anniversary or even a graduation gift. The reason I included this particular scent is because it’s my new obsession! I received a sample from Nordstrom and used it for the first time this weekend and absolutely fell in love. A citrusy, floral scent with a touch of basil makes for a great fresh spring and summer perfume. I’m not one to ever change up my perfume, but I could really see myself wearing this one!
Do you have any graduates to shop for this year? Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Ruffle Sleeve Top

by Rachel McCarthy
Ruffle Sleeve Top Outfit

Happy Monday, friends! I don’t know about you, but I’ve never met a ruffle top I didn’t like. And this spring, I haven’t been able to get enough of the trend! When I spotted this top during the Shopbop sale a few weeks ago, I knew that it was something I couldn’t miss out on.

French Sole Ward Flats

Cute Ruffle Sleeve Top

Cute Spring Flats

Sole Society Satchel Handbag

Cute Spring Outfit Ideas

Camel Spring Flats Outfit

Cute Ruffle Top Outfit Idea

French Sole Flats

Cute French Sole Flats for Spring
Top: Endless Rose | Jeans: Vigoss | Shoes: French Sole c/o | Bag: Sole Society | Watch: Daniel Wellington c/o | Bracelet: David Yurman | Earrings: Sheila Fajl | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: #48 & #200

I don’t have a lot of white tops in my closet and I love this one is a dressed up version of a basic tee. It is easy to style with jeans or other pants and you can’t beat the white color for spring and summer {also available in black}. The high neckline and statement sleeves make for a fun and easy way to instantly elevate a look. 

Speaking of dressing up a look, how cute are these open toe flats? As soon as I spotted them on French Sole‘s website, I knew it would be perfect to pair with spring and summer outfits — casual and work wear. When it comes to my work week wardrobe, I wear flats almost everyday. And although I have several pairs of black and printed {mostly leopard!] flats, I don’t have that many neutral pairs to wear in the spring and summer. What I love most about these flats is the open toe. Definitely a fun way to mix up your everyday and work day flats!

I hope you all have a great start to the week, friends! See you back here tomorrow for an all new Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipe!
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Nautical Stripe Dress

by Rachel McCarthy
Cute Striped Dress for Summer

After the week started off with some cooler temperatures, the warm weather is back {and in full force — it’s going to be 90 degrees on Saturday!} and it is the perfect opportunity to break out this cute nautical dress.

Lace-Up Stripe Dress

Shirttail Hemline Casual Dress

How to Wear a Striped Dress in the Summer

Converse Slip-on Sneakers

Lace-Up Spring Summer Dress

Red Crossbody Bag

How to Wear Converse Sneakers
Stripe Dress: cabi c/o {available May 4th!} | Sneakers: Converse | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, larger style HERE {love THIS crossbody for $40!} | Bracelets: David Yurman | Earrings: Sheila Fajl | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipgloss: #09


I know, I know. More stripes! {FYI: stay tuned because there is another one coming at you next week!} Spring and summer are the seasons of stripes and I find myself adding more and more pieces each year to my closet. Stripes always make me think of the water and warm spring and summer days and when I wear blue and white stripes, I instantly reach for my red accessories. Not only is it a great color combination, but I love adding these patriotic details as we gear up for Memorial Day in just a few weeks.


Cabi’s newest arrivals {available next Thursday, May 4th!} have all the nautical feels. You can’t get more nautical than a stripe dress! But this isn’t your ordinary stripe dress. With the lace-up details around the neck, shirttail hem and side panels at the hemline, it’s a soft and swingy dress that is perfect for a casual, warm weather weekend. I paired this dress with my red accessories {this is my favorite red lipgloss — it lasts all day!} and red bag. To capture that more casual/weekend feel, I finished the look with these slip-on sneakers, which are becoming one of my favorite weekend shoes in my closet. You can’t beat the slip-on style! 


I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Today is the last day of my work event on Capitol Hill — it’s been one long week! Looking forward to relaxing a little this weekend and working on some fun food posts that I will be sharing with you in the coming weeks! See you back here on Monday!


This post is linked with: Mix & Match Fashion  | 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 | My Refined Style

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Mother’s Day Gifts Under $100

by Rachel McCarthy

Halfway through the week, friends! Can you believe it’s time for a Mother’s Day gift guide already? The last time I shared a gift guide it was December and we were preparing for Christmas (which feels like it was only a week ago!). Where does time go?! Regardless, the day to celebrate all the moms out there is just around the corner and I’ve complied a few of my favorite pieces under $100 !



Where to begin with all this pink? The love for this color is one of the many things I share with my mom so I couldn’t resist keeping to the color theme. Plus, there are a ton of fabulous pink pieces out there at great price points! Of all the people on my list to buy gifts for, my mom is probably the easiest. We have very similar tastes which makes picking out the perfect gift pretty easy. Although, it is difficult to pick favorites from this set, but here are a few:
  • I have been seeing THESE bow slides everywhere, but mostly in the plain pink. Although the all-over pink is great, I love this striped version. It would go with so much in your closet, you will be able to wear it all spring and summer long. Don’t they look so comfortable?!
  • I’ve included a few beauty-related gifts in the collage because it’s the perfect day to pamper mom! This silk pillowcase, strawberry sugar scrub and lip kit would all make fabulous gifts. I have a similar silk pillowcase {mine is leopard!} and I swear by it. Since switching, my hair is healthier {my hair was growing longer on one side than the other for a while before this pillow!} and it also helps with keeping your skin healthy and wrinkle free! I highly recommend these pillowcases, and it makes a great gift for mom too!
As always, thanks for dropping by and happy shopping!

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Green Floral Dress

by Rachel McCarthy
Draper James Spring Dress

Happy Monday! Today I am sharing this green floral dress that I wore for Easter two weekends ago. It’s no secret I love a good dress and this short sleeve textured jacquard dress is quickly becoming a favorite in my closet.

Short Sleeve Draper James Dress

Perforated Clutch

Green Floral Dress

Cute Spring Dress

Dress with Exposed Back Zipper

Cute Short Sleeve Dress
Dress: Draper James | Shoes: BP. | Earrings: Gray Monroe seed bead tassel style | Clutch: Urban Expressions, old {similar style HERE} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: #47 & #200

I saw this dress back in March and instantly fell in love. The color {color of the year!}, print, scallop hem, grosgrain ribbon around the waist and of course the pockets just make this a dress that screamed my name. It’s such a versatile dress that not only is perfect for the spring but also as we head into summer. We had a serious warm up last weekend for Easter and I was stumped as to what to wear. I was so not prepared for an Easter dress with the temperatures in the high 80s! I decided that this would be perfect and with so many upcoming graduations, showers and weddings, I will surely find another way to wear it in the coming months. As for accessories, I kept everything pretty simple for Easter Sunday: beige sandals and clutch and fun tassel earrings. 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! The weather cleared up yesterday and we were able to take Ella to the dog friendly winery. It’s one of our favorite Virginia wineries and we love that they welcome dogs. If you are in the DC area or ever visit, I would highly recommend Stone Tower Winery! It’s going to be a crazy week at work so I apologize if I’m a little MIA this week! Have a great start to the week, friends!
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