Category: Wednesday Wishes

Transitioning to Fall

by Rachel McCarthy
fall-outfit-ideas
linen dress {available in white & metallic, too} | sunglasses {#NSale find!} | floppy hat {color: tan camel heather} | nail polish {not just a pretty face} | lipstick {#001} | drop earrings {on sale!} | leopard flats | watch {#NSale find!} | tassel crossbody bag {under $30!}

This happens every year. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale gets me thinking about so many cute fall clothes, I start planning fall outfits in this 100 degree weather. Admittedly, fall is my favorite season, so I do find myself dreaming of layers and blanket scarves more than the average person haha! But now, as we head into August {p.s how is that even possible??} it seems like a good time to start getting your closet ready for the cooler temperatures. 

I have had my eye on this green linen shift dress for a few weeks now — it’s the perfect dress to wear now and as we start to transition into fall. Wear it now with white accessories or in the fall with brown and leopard accents {like I did here!}. And speaking of leopard accents…we all know my favorite neutral is leopard and I am constantly trying to find ways to work it into my outfit. When I spotted this half pointed toe flat/half loafer, I fell in love! It’s a mix of two of my favorite fall shoes in one…beyond brilliant! 

And since the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to blame for my fall obsession, I wanted to include a few items from the sale that would look perfect with this dress. This fun tassel crossbody bag will make for the perfect handbag all fall and with it under $30, you can buy it in black, too! I have these drop earrings in a mint color and they are super comfortable and not heavy given their statement size. I love this new color for fall with the gold trim — it will go with so many things in your closet in the coming months! And last, but certainly not least, the #NSale is a great time to scoop up designer pieces at great prices, like these sunglasses and watch, which is over $70 off during the sale!

Are you dreaming of fall yet? I hate to wish the month away, but I am definitely looking forward to the cooler temperatures in the coming months. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Best Brights Under $100 & Nordstrom Giveaway!

by Rachel McCarthy
shirtdress | sunglasses {only $12!} | statement necklace | pom pom tote | eyeshadow palette | statement earrings | hot pink lipstick {aim for gorgeous} | monogrammed keychain | blue crossbody bag {under $30!} | ice cream iPhone case | tassel keychain/bag charm {$18!} | floral print dress | colorful lace-up sandals | hot pink nail polish {like my gown?} | lime green clutch {pink/yellow combination HERE}

Happy Wednesday! I know I’ve said it before, but aren’t these three day weekends great?! I can’t believe we are already halfway to the weekend! After some rain and cooler temperatures the last few days, summer is in full force this week and it has me thinking all about bright colors! Personally, I love bright colors all year round, but especially in the warmer months. Whether it’s accessories or actual clothing, these are a few of my current favorite ways to brighten up your summertime look.

For me, I like to incorporate bright accessories into most outfits and have actually had my eye on some of these pieces for a few weeks now. It’s the season of sandals and I just can’t get enough of these colorful lace-up sandals. Perfect with shorts, skirts and dresses, this would be a great way to add some color to your look. And, since there is no denying my love for statement jewelry, I just love these bright neon statement earrings, and how fun is the statement necklace {also available in hot pink!}. And speaking of hot pink, now that the Fourth of July is over, I like to switch back to pink polish and I think I found the new perfect color! It’s definitely a must-have for any pink lover! 

And now, for something exciting! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins next week and we want to make sure you are ready for it! Enter below up to 101 times for a chance to win a $1225 gift card to Nordstrom just in time for the big sale! Complete 1 entry or 101 entries, but the more times you enter the better chance at winning you will have! Good luck!

*Giveaway ends on 7/13 and the winner will be announced on 7/14 (the first day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale). Must be 16+ years old to enter. International entrants welcome. Please keep in mind that you cannot complete more than 101 entries and that we can tell if the same person uses multiple emails to enter. ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED, so make sure to click ‘FOLLOW’ or ‘LIKE’ to complete each entry.

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Splurge vs. Save: Black & White

by Rachel McCarthy
splurge-save-summer-outfit-ideas


Save: dress | sandals | watch | earrings | crossbody bag | lipstick {candy yum-yum} | sunglasses

Sharing some summertime black and white outfit inspiration with you today! Splurge vs. Save is one of my favorite posts and I realized I haven’t shared one with you in awhile so I thought it would be fun to compare looks and obviously price points with this summer look.


Black and white are classic colors that look good no matter what season. In the summer, I love pairing a white sundress with black accessories and a bold lip — it’s classic, striking and more on the dressier side, which would be perfect for a date night!


Of all the splurge and save items, my favorite comparison is between THESE splurge sandals and THESE save sandals. I have the save sandals in nude {last seen HERE} and I’ve been wearing them so much this summer. At a fraction of the price, these save sandals are a must for your closet. Also, they are available in a variety of colors {brown and hot pink are next on my wish list} and are currently on sale!! Hurry and scoop them up before they are gone!


A few other things to note:
1) The entire “save” outfit is about $330.


2) The entire “splurge” outfit is almost $5,000!!


3) There are SO many designer dupes for a fraction of the price, including THIS splurge watch and THIS save watch! Often times, it’s great to stick with the save option!


What is your favorite splurge vs. save item? Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!


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Fourth of July Outfit Inspiration

by Rachel McCarthy
Sharing a special Fourth of July Wednesday Wishes for you today! As I mentioned last week, I have been adding more red, white and blue into my outfits in preparation for the Fourth, which is only a little over a week away! No matter what your plans are for the holiday, I am sharing two patriotic looks I am currently loving.

fourth-of-july-outfit-inspiration

red linen tank with fringe | navy tassel earrings | red lipstick {color: bang} | tortoise sunglasses {also available in white & rose pink} | retro floral shorts | navy fringe clutch {available in coral & yellow too — only $35!} | navy Jack Roger sandals
For look one, it’s all about THESE patriotic floral shorts! I have been searching for a fun pair of shorts for the past two months and have yet to actually buy one, but these might just be them. I always love floral prints and the red, white and blue is a fun twist on the typical floral colors. No summer outfit would be complete without two of the biggest trends: tassels and fringe! I have the tassel earrings covered for you in both looks {more on the red ones below!} and the fringe with THIS linen tank {also available in white, blue & navy!} and THIS cute clutch.

4th-of-July-outfit-ideas
red tassel earrings {more colors HERE} | striped off the shoulder dress | patriotic straw tote | red lipstick {color: Starlett Scarlet} | cat eye sunglasses {only $12!} | red platform espadrilles {available in 7 colors!}
The second look is definitely more about the red accessories. I’m sure you know by now that I love matching the color of my accessories with my lipstick, so this look has my name written all over it! THIS patriotic tote, complete with the fun pom poms, makes a great accessory for the day or a day by the pool/at the beach! And I love THESE bright red platform espadrilles — they would look fabulous with dresses, skirts and even cropped pants. Lastly, I have been lusting over THESE tassel earrings for the past week. As much as I love the red {and I’m still searching for red earrings for my Fourth outfit!} they also happen to be available in hot pink. For me, hot pink always takes the cake 😉 You can see all the color offerings HERE….too many pretty shades!


What are your plans for the Fourth of July? Do you have your outfit picked out yet? I would love to hear in the comments section below!


Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday and thanks for dropping by!


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Casual Summer

by Rachel McCarthy
casual-summer-outfit-ideas

stripe top with pom poms | panama hat | watermelon clutch {only $16!} | lipstick {sweet sakura} | red drop earrings | round sunglasses | nail polish {clambake} | crystal watch {only $22!} | white jeans | red studded sandals

There is something about summer that always makes me want to wear red, white and blue. With Memorial Day just a few weeks ago and the Fourth of July right around the corner, I have had the color red and anything striped on my mind a lot lately!


Although this isn’t my post for July Fourth outfit inspiration {check back next Wednesday for that!} this could definitely work! Stripes are probably my favorite pattern regardless of the season, but I love how THIS top also includes the pom pom trend we have been seeing since spring. How cute is that?! And THESE red studded sandals will be great all summer. I have them in the nude color {last seen HERE & they will also be in tomorrow’s post!} and I’ve been wearing them every chance I get. 


As for accessories, I couldn’t help but share THIS cute watermelon clutch with you. Priced at only $16, you will be carrying this the rest of the summer…it’s the ultimate conversation piece for summer parties! And, since we are speaking of deals, how amazing is THIS crystal watch for only $22! It reminds me so much of THIS watch at a fraction of the price.


I love that this casual summertime look can take you from running errands, to a BBQ or even for a casual date night. What are some of your favorite casual pieces for summer?


Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!


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Summer Accessories

by Rachel McCarthy
summer-outfit-trends
off the shoulder top | cat-eye sunglasses {only $45!} | pink lipstick {divine choice} | essie nail polish {knockout pout — wearing this color now!} | bright statement earrings | round face watch {on sale for $11!} | envelope clutch | wedge sandals, more sizes HERE {obsessed!!} | white cropped jeans


Wednesday Wishes is back this week with a bright bang! One of the many reasons I love transitioning into the summer season is because it becomes socially acceptable to wear bright, loud and fun accessories — since I love wearing these vibrant colors year-round!


I’ve been wearing my citron crossbody a TON lately {last seen HERE} — it’s one of my favorite summer colors so when I saw THESE statement earrings, I knew I had to find a way to include them in this week’s outfit inspiration. And aren’t they just the perfect match for THIS clutch?! It’s hard to see from the picture, but there is zipper detailing around the clutch too — so fun! 


A summer outfit inspiration board for me wouldn’t be complete without something off the shoulder {last seen HERE} and I think THIS quite possibly may be my favorite off the shoulder number yet! Not only do I LOVE the print, but the short-sleeve style is perfect for the warmer months and with so many different colors in this pattern, it can be worn with anything. 


Last, but certainly not least, THESE wedges. Oh my gosh. I am definitely aware of my summer wedge obsession, but these just took it to a whole new level. The mixed-texture and floral embroidery on the wedge makes this the perfect statement sandal for summer. I probably would have already purchased these if it weren’t for the height — combine the 5 1/2″ heel with my 5’8 height and that would put me over 6’0 {insert shocked emoji here}. Although, I might just have to accept my giant status and buy them haha! Aren’t they so cute?


I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday and thanks for stopping by! Check back tomorrow for another outfit post from our trip to Palm Springs. Warning: I’m continuing this bright and neon trend!! 


P.S. The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale starts today! I’ve linked a few of my favorite finds below, but you can see the entire sale selection HERE.






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Memorial Day Outfit Inspo: Pool or BBQ

by Rachel McCarthy
memorial-day-outfit-ideas
mesh halter swimsuit | sunglasses | straw hat {$24!} | SPF lipstick | tassel beach bag | pink nail polish {pink peony} | sunscreen set | pink jelly sandals {available in 6 colors!} | striped beach towel | white tassel cover-up {also available in black}

what-to-wear-on-memorial-day
red scalloped tank | white panama hat | sunglasses | nautical watch | white bucket bag | red lipgloss {cerise} | floral statement necklace | lace-up sandals | red nail polish {lollipop} | gingham shorts
A holiday-inspired Wednesday Wishes for you today! It’s hard to believe, but the official kick off to summer is just around the corner. And whether you have plans to spend Memorial Day by the pool or at a BBQ, it’s time to start planning those outfits!

If you have plans to be at the pool, this mesh halter swimsuit needs to be added to your closet! The color and style are so classic, and the added mesh at the neckline is the perfect amount of trendy flair. And how about these sunglasses?! I don’t know about you, but I have been dying over THESE designer frames for months now. But, that price tag was way too high to ever consider them! I found THESE look-alike frames for only $12!! Can you believe how similar they are? And for a ridiculous fraction of the price! I wanted to pick them up for our trip this weekend, but unfortunately they are not sold in any stores by me yet and I don’t think they would ship in time 🙁 Lastly, a poolside look wouldn’t be complete without a cute sun hat, a colorful beach towel and of course sunscreen. With all these items, you will be set for a day in the sun!

If the day takes you to a BBQ with family and friends, I have the most perfectly patriotic look for you, that would also work for the Fourth of July and Labor Day! Scalloped details on clothing is one of my favorite kinds of details and THIS top is beyond perfect. I love the bright red color and how it pairs with THESE blue gingham shorts for a great Americana look. I completed the look with THESE cute lace-up flat sandals and this very nautical watch! There is nothing like sporting some serious American pride on Memorial Day!

Do you have plans for Memorial Day yet? Do you wear more of the pool or BBQ attire during your summer holidays?

Thanks for dropping by and see you tomorrow!

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spring scents

by Rachel McCarthy
best-spring-summer-perfumes
AERIN “Rose de Grasse” candle | L’Occitane Cherry Blossom hand lotion | faux pink peony bouquet | Bond No. 9 New York Central Park South perfume | diptyque “Eau Rose” hand lotion | Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Bleue | beautycounter hydrate body lotion | Voluspa “Japonica – French Cade Lavender” | faux magenta pink peony | diptyque “Baies” candle | CREED Spring Flower perfume
One of my favorite things about changing seasons is also changing up scents. Don’t get me wrong, there are some scents that are year round for me {like my very favorite candle} but when it comes to perfume, I love switching to the lighter, more floral scents for spring and summer. Today, I wanted to share with you some of the scents that I am currently craving and that I own and currently use!

**Disclaimer: I am super sensitive when it comes to fragrance. I literally cannot walk into Bath and Body Works or Yankee Candle without my eyes watering, head hurting and sneezing! I have had luck with all of the scents I’ve mentioned and have not found them overpowering in the least!**

First, let’s talk about my favorites that I am using right now. THIS perfume is hands down my favorite perfume ever. With notes of rose and jasmine, this light scent was made for the warmer months. Fun fact: this perfume was made for Audrey Hepburn and was only released to the public in 1996. So you know it must be fabulous!

You may remember me mentioning my diptyque “Baies” candle in THIS post a few months ago, and when my husband recently ordered me a new candle, he also got me THIS hand lotion that I was dying to try. I just started using it this week and I cannot get enough of it! I take it to work with me and I am constantly putting it on my hands. Not only does it smell amazing {think roses, blackcurrant and cedar} but it leaves my hands SO soft…all day long! 

Lastly, I got a sample of THIS Tory Burch perfume a couple of months ago and have been using it when I travel {I have a bad history when it comes to bottles breaking/exploding when traveling}. It’s not an “in your face floral” but has more grapefruit and sandalwood qualities. It’s still crisp and refreshing and I think good for someone who isn’t all about the super floral and feminine scents. 

Now, on to a couple of things that are on my wish list! I have been eyeing THIS rose candle for a few months now {can you tell I am a little obsessed with roses lately?!} and just discovered that it’s finally in stock at Nordstrom!  It’s a limited edition so I should probably scoop it up fast! AERIN also makes perfume, makeup and other skin products. You can view more of their collection HERE. Be sure to check out THIS rose lip conditioner too — doesn’t it sound amazing?!

A spring scent collage wouldn’t be complete without including some beautiful {and in this case, faux!} flowers! I am trying to decide between THIS larger magenta and THIS smaller pink faux peony arrangement for my office. What do you guys think?!

All these spring and summer scents would be great for Mother’s Day too. It’s right around the corner! 

Thanks for dropping by and stop back tomorrow for an exciting workout post! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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casual weekend wear

by Rachel McCarthy
casual-weekend-outfit-ideas
linen striped tee {availale in 5 colors & on sale with code TIMETOSHOP} | round sunglasses {$12!!} | textured drop earrings {also available in silver} | nude lipstick {blush nude} | bucket bag {on sale!} | weekly nail polish {lavishly loved} | watch {$20!!} | platform sandals, more sizes HERE | button-up the front denim skirt {on sale with code TIMETOSHOP}

Happy Wednesday! Hard to believe we are already halfway through the week! Today’s Wednesday Wishes is devoted to casual weekend wear. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have two sets of clothes in my closet: my 9-5 work clothes and “other”. The majority of my clothes would most definitely be classified as work clothes, since I spend the majority of my time there! So, when I’m looking for weekend clothes, I like to find reasonably priced items and, if I’m lucky, they can double as work clothes too! Everything in today’s collage is under $100 — except the platform sandals. I couldn’t resist sharing them with you — I love the lower platform and they are just a little over the $100 threshold 🙂 I did find THESE and they are only $75 with a little higher platform!

For this particular look, the denim skirt and sandals probably would only work on casual Friday, but everything else could easily be mixed and matched to make it workday suitable. Speaking of this denim skirt, how many people had a skirt similar to this a decade ago?? Is anyone else kicking themselves for not saving it like me?! haha In this case, it’s definitely safe to say what’s old becomes new again!

As for accessories, these sunglasses and this watch are quite the deal! I love the thin strap on the watch, it makes it perfect for stacking! Lastly, I have mentioned this weekly nail polish before {it’s my very favorite!} and this color is the latest on my wish list — it looks like such a pretty, soft pink that would be great all summer long, and even suitable for work!

What are your go-to weekend wear pieces? Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Gingham

by Rachel McCarthy

After starting the week off with stripes, {you can see Monday’s post here if you missed it!} I’ve migrated slightly to a similar pattern I’ve been loving this spring: gingham. I have always loved gingham and I’m so excited to be seeing more of it this spring. Not that it’s too surprising, but J.Crew is leading the way with the gingham print this year — I feel like when you Google gingham, J.Crew’s website should come up!

Gingham is definitely a fun print for spring and summer and I’m so glad to see it featured in more styles than the usual shirts and dresses. First, how cute is this gingham bucket bag?! It combines the three spring trends of bucket bags, tassels and gingham into one piece and I absolutely love it! And these retro, high-waisted shorts would be so cute paired with a tee for a spring to summer look. 

Last, but certainly not least is this darling gingham sundress. Words cannot describe my love for this warm weather-friendly number. Not only are the colors so bright and cheerful, the midi length and pockets make this summer sundress cute and functional.

What are your feelings about the gingham trend? I would love to hear in the comments section below. 

P.S. Don’t forget that the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale is going on through tomorrow night! Receive 25% off full-price and sale items with the code INTHEFAM. I’ve linked some of my favorites from the sale in the tool below. Happy Shopping!

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SHOPBOP FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE PICKS




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