Category: Wednesday Wishes

Autumn Home Decor

by Rachel McCarthy
autumn-fall-decor
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen


With the exception of Christmas, fall is definitely my favorite season for decorating. Now that it’s officially October, it seems like it’s socially acceptable to start pulling out the autumn decor pieces. We have been gone for what seems like every weekend for the past few months, but this weekend we are actually at home and I am so looking forward to decorating the house. Although, not looking forward to potentially dealing with Hurricane Matthew. I might be waiting until next week to get the mums if a hurricane is on it’s way…


These are a few of the fall decorations I have been eyeing to add to my collection this season. At the top of my list are white pumpkins: they would be so cute to add with the traditional pumpkins both indoors and outdoors. Also at the top of my list are festive kitchen towels. I love changing these towels out every season and the pumpkin pie and apple streusel towels are too perfect to pass up. Lastly, I have been searching for a fall candle for our living room. My husband finds the Bath and Body Works candles to be too overpowering, leaving us both with headaches, so we have been trying different brands. We just finished off this candle in amber and we loved it. I’m going to check out this one I mentioned above because not only does the pumpkin scent sound amazing, but I love the packaging!


Here are a few other fall finds to add to your kitchen:

Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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The Coziest Fall Sweaters Under $100

by Rachel McCarthy
cozy-fall-sweaters-under-$100

Happy Wednesday! The last two mornings have been CHILLY! Like when a jacket is a necessity, not an option kind of weather. Although, I’m not complaining. This cooler air is a welcomed relief after the hot {and long} summer we had. But, these cooler temperatures do have me thinking of one thing: cozy sweaters! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite styles for this fall, and they are all under $100!

1. Off the Shoulder Burgundy Sweater: a mix of two of fall’s hottest trends {burgundy and off the shoulder}, this ribbed sweater would be perfect dressed down with jeans or dressed up for date night. Also available in a dark grey.

2. Hot Pink Mock Turtleneck Sweater: Talk about hot pink! This mock turtleneck sweater is oversized and can be styled with skinny jeans or leggings. Although it’s super dramatic, I think it’s such a fun fall pieces that would also be super cozy. And you can’t beat that pink color 😉

3. Ribbed Mock Neck Pullover: I’m only on sweater number three and I’ve already talked about two ribbed sweaters — which is funny because when I was younger, I absolutely despised any article of clothing that had ribs! But this sweater is a great staple piece for your closet: available in 5 colors, under $40 and cute side slits. A great casual sweater that could be paired with jeans for a comfy weekend look.

4. Leopard Pullover Sweater: You can’t have a list of fall sweaters and not include something with leopard! I have this crew neck sweater in a few solid colors and I love layering it in the fall with shirts, jackets and blanket scarves. Style this leopard sweater with jeans or a colorful pair of pants or dress it up with a skirt for the office!

5. Cowl Neck Split Back Sleeveless Tunic: Another layering piece for fall, this sleeveless tunic could also be worn sans-layers for the warmer transitional temperatures. Wear this tunic with a turtleneck underneath all fall and winter — it would be so cute with leggings and riding boots!

6. Cable Crewneck Sweater with Bell Sleeves: This sweater has one of the fall trends I talked about in my mini-series written all over it! {see ruffle post HERE, bell sleeve post HERE} Whether the sleeves are ruffled or bell sleeves they are the perfect feminine take on the classic cable knit sweater. Available in 5 colors, this sweater could be worn alone, under a blazer or with a shirt underneath.

7. V-Neck Sweater: A cozy v-neck sweater is definitely a fall closet staple. It’s easy, casual and can be styled with a scarf, statement necklace or statement earrings. I also love THIS olive green v-neck sweater {priced at $59!} and THIS striped high-low shirttail hem sweater.

8. Sweater with Ruffle: Another ruffle sweater! I love that this sweater is a pretty basic style but adds the fun element with the ruffle. And how gorgeous is this green color?! It would look fabulous paired with black — pants or a skirt — and for a more casual look, distressed denim and booties!

9. Geo Print Knit Cardigan: I’m always a sucker for a long cardigan. Aren’t they just the definition of cozy on chilly days?! With the black and white geo print, it’s screaming for leggings and riding boots for a relaxed weekend look. 


What are your favorite sweater styles for fall? I would love to hear in the comments section below. Thanks so much for stopping by and see you tomorrow for an all new outfit post!

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Fall Trends Under $100, Part IV

by Rachel McCarthy
fall-ruffle-trend-outfit-inspiration
faux leather jacket {under $50!} | statement earrings | sunglasses | lipgloss {#401} | midi skirt | ruffle blouse | block heel sandals | tote {on sale for $14.99!} | nail polish {great balls of fire}


Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m back with the last part of my Fall Trends Under $100 mini-series and today it’s all about ruffles. Over the past few weeks, we have migrated from ponchos/capes and the color of the season, bordeaux, to off the shoulder tops and dresses to fall florals and bell sleeves last week. I thought that since this is the last week of this series, we would go out with a bang {a bright and colorful bang} to talk about a trend that I am surprisingly excited for: ruffles.

I am by no means a ruffle girl. Don’t get me wrong, I love ruffles on other people and think it’s such a cute and feminine look. Most of the time, I even love ruffles on the hanger! But, when I try it on, it just isn’t me. Especially dresses. I feel like I look like I’m wearing a tennis dress when I wear a ruffle dress — and that’s just not the look I’m going for! A few weeks ago, I purchased my first ruffle top and I’m actually obsessed with it. I would say it’s more of subtle ruffle, which is totally doable for me. A few more “subtle ruffled” pieces have caught my eye recently, like THIS blouse — not only is the color gorgeous but it would be a great layering piece for the office {more on fall workwear HERE}. 


As much as I love this ruffle top, the thing I love most about this look is the mix of styles — a little girly and a little edgy. Enter THIS faux leather jacket. I must confess, I do have a thing for jackets, especially leather jackets, and I love all the zipper details on this one. Leather jackets were made for the fall and with the under $50 price tag, you won’t want to miss scooping this up!


What was your favorite of the fall trends? For me, I will always have a soft spot for ponchos/capes and that gorgeous bordeaux color, but I’m most excited for my new-found love of ruffles. Subtle ruffles 😉


Have a wonderful Wednesday and thanks for stopping by!


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Fall Trends Under $100, Part III

by Rachel McCarthy
bell-sleeves-fall-outfit-inspiration
floral blouse | sunglasses {only $24!} | statement earrings {25% off with code SHOPNOW} | lipstick {spanish pink} | bracelet {25% off!} | watch {only $75!} | iPhone case | envelope clutch | olive culottes {misty forest} | block heel sandals {on sale!}

Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m back today with another Fall Trends Under $100 post — you can see the rest of the series here: part 1, part 2. Although this is a pretty trendy outfit {olive green, block heels, culottes}, today’s two trends are both featured in this blouse: fall floral and bell sleeves. 
Of all the posts I have done about fall trends, this might just be my favorite look yet. For someone who has a 9-5 job, finding pieces that can double for the office and weekends is always important. I’ve been in the market for a new pair of work pants, since fall is {supposedly} right around the corner, and as soon as I laid my eyes on THESE, I just knew I needed them. I have been wanting to try the culotte/wide-leg pants trend for awhile now and I think I found the perfect pants to fit this trend. And if olive green isn’t the color you are looking for, there are plenty of others to choose from — including more traditional colors like black and navy and some fun colors, like this coral! But enough about these cute pants. Let’s get back to today’s two trends…

I am a sucker for floral any time of the year, and I love the deeper colors in THIS blouse that make it fall friendly. Also, check out those bell sleeves! This is one trend that I have fully jumped on board with: I just ordered the cutest dress with bell sleeves yesterday! Just a warning about this blouse: it looks pretty sheer online, so it would definitely have to be worn with a cami. 

As for accessories, I stuck with emerald greens and blush pinks {which is totally ok to wear this fall!}. The stones on THESE earrings and THIS bracelet are so gorgeous and make for a fabulous way to instantly dress up a look. And they are currently 25% off with the code SHOPNOW so scoop them up soon! 

Have you given the fall floral or bell sleeve trend a try yet? I’ve linked a few more bell sleeve tops and dresses below — all under $100 — for you to browse! Thanks for stopping by and see you back here tomorrow!

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Fall Trends Under $100, Part II

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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Fall Trends Under $100

by Rachel McCarthy
fall-poncho-outfit-inspiration

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

Falling for Back to School Essentials

by Rachel McCarthy
back-to-school-outfit-ideas
Happy Wednesday! I guess this week should have been declared “Back to School” week here on ABM {you can read yesterday’s packable lunch recipe HERE}! And whether you or your kids are heading back to school or college or you are just ready for a new season, there are a few staple pieces that every girl needs in her closet. And the best part about these pieces is that they can be mixed and matched to create several different looks. Super helpful if you are in college and have limited space. Do you remember how tiny your closet space was in your dorm??

**The above picture was from a post last year when we were back visiting my alma mater! You can read that post HERE. I’ve updated all the outfit details so you can find some similar pieces 🙂 

best-fall-clothes
long cardigan {available in 7 colors} | striped tee | chambray top
cropped jeans | skinny jeans {only $9.99!} | black leggings {I wear these all the time!}

Two of my very favorite tops in my closet are a striped tee and chambray shirt. Not only can they be worn in multiple seasons, but they look perfect with blanket scarves {I just ordered THIS one and cannot wait for it to arrive!} or layered under sweaters and cardigans. Speaking of cardigans — it’s all about the layers in the fall and having a few cardigans on hand is a great way to achieve that cozy fall look, and stay warm!

My go-to pants for fall are skinny jeans and black leggings. I’ve mentioned this before, but THESE leggings are my very favorite. I have one pair for working out and another for dress up. They are a little thicker than most leggings and they are perfect to pair with oversized sweaters and tunics. As for jeans, I will always love skinny jeans {can you believe these are under $10?!} but I have already jumped on the “cropped jean” bandwagon! I have a pair in black that are similar to THESE, but I’m thinking about adding more colors to my cropped jean collection. Wear these trendy jeans with flats or ankle boots. And speaking of shoes, that leads me to my next category…

best-shoes-for-fall

ankle booties {available in 10 colors!} | pointed flats {under $50} | comfy heels | lace-up flats

When it comes to shoes, I have a serious weakness. Especially if they are fall shoes. Since this is a back to school/fall essentials post, I wanted to break down my favorite styles that are a necessity in any closet. You can never go wrong with ankle booties because they can be styled so many different ways! I have loved THESE ankle booties for over a year now {they come in several other colors, too} but I ended up buying THESE perforated booties during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {since they were less expensive during the sale}. I love the ones I bought, but THESE are still calling my name! 

Comfy heels are definitely a necessity if you have a 9-5 job and these are already on my wish list! I had a similar pair of heels {with this chunkier heel} that I wore for years. They were my very favorite, but I literally wore them to death. THESE would be the perfect replacement! 

Lastly, you can never have too many flats, since they are the ultimate in comfort. I love THIS pointed toe solid shoe and couldn’t resist sharing THIS cheetah lace-up flat! You can never have too much animal print, right? 😉

back-to-school-accessories
winged satchel {available in 3 colors & under $80!} | leopard pencil case | wool hat | color pens | hanger paper clips {aren’t these cute?!} | 17-month agenda | laptop case | watch | acrylic stapler & tape dispenser | marble iPhone case

Growing up, I always loved back to school time. I obviously loved shopping for clothes, but my very favorite was picking out school supplies and accessories! I am actually in the process of re-organizing my home office, so a lot of these office accessories are already on my wish list. How cute are these hanger paper clips?! And I love the acrylic stapler and tape dispenser. When it comes to clothing accessories, a fall hat is always a must in my book and a large satchel or tote scream back to school and fall. THIS faux leather and suede satchel is also available in cognac/black and eggplant/black. A seriously hard decision!

What are some of your back to school and/or fall essentials? Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

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Neutrals

by Rachel McCarthy
neutral-fall-outfit-inspiration
ruffled blouse | black tassel earrings | sunglasses {only $12!} | lipstick {“nude kate”} | monogrammed bracelet {available in 12 colors} | leopard watch {only $53!} | saddle bag {available in 5 colors} | suede sandals {I have these in black and they are SO comfortable!} | nail polish {“picked perfect”} | black jeans {25% off with code REFRESH}

Happy Wednesday! As we get closer and closer to fall, I am always drawn to more neutral colors. Not only are neutral colors easy to transition into the new season but it’s a great excuse to break out the black and tan combination. And of course my favorite neutral, leopard 🙂

I spotted THIS ruffled blouse last week and just fell in love with it. With the crazy hot temperatures we have been experiencing the last few weeks, it would be perfect to wear now with a pair of shorts or throw a cardigan over it for fall. You have to love versatile pieces that you can wear now and once the temperatures change!

I mentioned my love for mixing black and tan and I could not think of two better tan accessories than THIS saddle bag with the cute tassel or THESE suede sandals. I received an email last week featuring this saddle bag and I became instantly obsessed. It reminds me of THIS designer bag that I’ve had my eye on for years, but not quite as expensive. And how can you not love that tassel?! When it comes to the shoes, I already have THIS pair in black patent leather {last seen HERE}, but I’m really loving the neutral suede for fall. They are super comfortable {thanks to the lower heel} and priced at only $60! I might have to add this fall version to my collection 😉

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Boho Taupe

by Rachel McCarthy
transitioning-to-fall-outfit-ideas
dotted midi dress {under $50!} | hat | AERIN perfume | set of 3 beaded cuffs | flower earrings | lipstick {rosecliff} | nail polish {eternal optimist} | ankle booties {color: smoke cloud} | watch | tassel bucket bag, also HERE


Happy Wednesday! First, please excuse my back and forth between summer and transitioning to fall looks this week. After spending the weekend in Charleston, where summer clothes were a necessity, I am craving the cool and crisp fall temperatures more than ever, hence this post. {In case you missed it, you can see what I wore for the first full day of #TBScon in Charleston HERE.} 


Although there are many things that I am looking forward to this fall, two of the styles/colors I am currently craving are boho vibes and taupe colors. The boho trend has been around for a few seasons now and I think I’m finally embracing it {exhibit A}. It’s hard not to love the boho trend when it means perforated open toe booties, tassels on handbags, and of course a cute hat — which all happen to be that taupe color I’m crushing on! And I can’t forget this dotted midi dress that is priced under $50! This style and color scheme is perfect for now and into fall. You could layer a denim vest over it for an even more boho look. 


As for accessories, I love pairing this boho look with gold tones, like this set of 3 beaded cuffs {also available in red, royal blue and silver} and this watch — the simplicity of this style is perfect. Although technically not an accessory, I had to include this amber and musk scent with this outfit. I have been dying to try the AERIN fragrances for a few months now and this scent has fall written all over it. 


What are you looking forward to most about fall? I would love to hear in the comment section below. Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!


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UncommonGoods Jewelry

by Rachel McCarthy
uncommongoods-jewelry-gifts
waterfall stone ring | custom beach sand necklace | mixed metals cuff bracelet | initial necklace | aquamarine cuff | vine lace ring | emerald flower cuff | clockwork cufflinks | mixed metals gold ring | custom state necklace
 
Happy Wednesday, friends! Each time a holiday, birthday or anniversary comes around, I typically make it my mission to find a special gift. A few years ago, I discovered UncommonGoods while searching for an anniversary present for my husband {HERE is a great list of ideas if you are searching for your own, hard to shop for, significant other!}. After taking a look at their selection, I knew I found a place where I would be finding so many unique and unusual gifts for anniversaries and birthdays to come. There are so many things to love about UncommonGoods, besides their amazing selection of gifts, including design challenges that allow artists to promote their work. How cool is it that you are virtually wearing artwork with these pieces?
 
When it comes to accessories, especially jewelry, I am always attracted to personalized pieces, especially initials and monograms {full selection of jewelry HERE}. When I first spotted THIS 3D printed initial pendant I instantly thought statement piece! And, when it comes to personalized pieces, THIS custom beach sand necklace is such a unique idea. I actually bought THESE beach sand cufflinks for my husband a few years ago for our anniversary and used the sand from the beach we were staying at on that anniversary trip. I think it’s such a sentimental way to remember certain events, occasions or trips. 
 
UncommonGoods jewelry never disappoints, including the selection of handmade pieces {you can see the full selection of handmade jewelry HERE}. The gorgeous stones the artists work with, including THIS waterfall stone ring and THIS stunning aquamarine cuff, make for the most beautiful pieces that are truly works of art! Most of all, I love that each piece of jewelry is unique, which helps me achieve that “special gift” status for everyone on my list.
pet-portrait-cufflinks

 

Speaking of unique and special…I discovered THESE custom pet portrait cufflinks last year and knew I had to get them for my husband. Since he wears cufflinks everyday, I love finding new and unique designs to “accessorize” his outfit haha! And these might be the best yet. For those of you who don’t know, we are pretty obsessed with our little Miss Ella. So when I found out that her picture could be engraved on his cufflinks, I couldn’t resist. The pet portrait is also available in the necklace version, which would make the perfect birthday or anniversary present. Hint, hint, Richard 😉 
 
You can see the image I sent to the artist below. I think her rendition captures Ella’s personality perfectly. 
maltese-yorkie-mix-dog
 
Thanks so much for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!
 
Brought to you by UncommonGoods. As always, all opinions are my own. 
 
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