A Blonde's Moment

cozy fall sweater under $50

November 2, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

green marbled sweater, under $50 & comes in 3 colors — I sized up! {similar HERE} | distressed jeans {under $40!} | ankle boots via Off Broadway Shoe c/o {similar HERE} | sunglasses | watch | link bracelet, cuff bracelet | earrings | nail polish {obsessed with this color for fall!} | lipgloss {buff}

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend! We spent the weekend in Pittsburgh for the Steelers game. Although we didn’t care much for the result, it was still fun to spend the weekend back in the city I spent my college years. We walked around my old college campus on Saturday and found the new ring statute — it was such a cool shot, I had to share it with you!

I wore this cozy fall look on Saturday for our drive into the city and it was the perfect choice. I cannot even describe to you how soft and comfortable this sweater is. I told my husband that it was so soft, I could sleep in it! As if that isn’t enough, it comes in 3 other colors and it’s under $50! I also love the high/low design of the sweater along with the marbled colors. There are hints of brown, blue and green which also makes for an easy to style sweater. I sized up in this sweater for a more relaxed look, and for length, I always seem to have issues with sweaters and tops being too short, but sizing up in this sweater was the perfect solution.

I can say with certainty that this sweater will be a staple in my fall wardrobe. I’m actually considering buying it in the other colors too — is that being too obsessed?! I’m a big believer in if you find something you like, stick with it! And let’s just say, I LOVE this sweater!

Thanks for dropping by and have a great week!

P.S. I’ve included a few more of my favorite sweaters for fall that are all under $50 — you can’t beat these deals!

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MORE SWEATERS UNDER $50

my favorite chambray dress

October 29, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

chambray dress {on sale!} | faux fur vest, super similar style | boots socks | riding boots, similar style on sale! | sunglasses | watch | link bracelet, one-station bracelet | double x ring | earrings | lipgloss {buff}

It’s baccck! I’m sure you remember one of my favorite dresses from summer — I loved styling it during the warmer months and I’m still having fun pairing this dress with my fall accessories! I love that adding this faux fur vest instantly makes this a cozy autumn outfit. And with the fluctuating temperatures as of late {yes, I wore this cozy sweater in Monday’s post and now it’s back to lighter fall clothing!} pairing this chambray dress with the vest is the perfect way to layer when the temperatures aren’t quite cold enough for a jacket or coat. And how cute are these monogrammed boot socks?! I wear these ALL the time in the fall and winter, they look cute alone or with leggings or jeans. And they are super warm 😉

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend! We are heading to Pittsburgh and I am so excited to spend the weekend on my old stomping grounds! Follow along on Instagram {rach.mccarthy} and on Snapchat {rach.mccarthy7}! See you on Monday!

P.S. J.Crew is having another great sale that ends tonight at midnight. Take 25% off select styles and 40% off final sale items with code FALLSALE . This dress is included!

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layering for fall

October 28, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

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**lipgloss color: vermillion red**

Happy Wednesday! As those chilly temperatures are starting to set in, one thing is for sure: I have had layering on my mind! In today’s Wednesday Wishes, I wanted to share with you a different twist on layering. I love the idea of throwing a solid sweater over a patterned button down shirt so that just the shirt tail sticks out. It creates an unexpected layer that is not only warm and cozy but stylish too! And how cute are these boots?! I have had a pair of black riding boots similar to these for at least 5 years and they are still in pretty good shape. I really hate to give them up, but it’s probably time for a new pair. Although, I have to say, I’m really loving this deep chocolate color — I might have to find a different style riding boot in black!

I’ve also included some of my other favorite layering pieces I am currently loving below for you to check out. What is your favorite way to layer for the season? I would love to know in the comments section below!

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Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash

October 27, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Today I am sharing a fun twist on a recipe I made a few months ago. It was a Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese and it was SO delicious — you can never go wrong with the combination of spinach and artichokes! After skimming through some of my old posts, I started craving that fabulous combination and I wanted to recreate it in a healthier version. And since it’s squash season, I replaced the pasta with spaghetti squash and it was just as good. Actually, it might have been better because I didn’t feel even remotely guilty about eating it! It’s definitely worth a try, and it was a quick weeknight dinner, I just made it last night!

the coziest sweater

October 26, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

SheIn sweater c/o | black turtleneck | black leggings {under $30!} | OTK boots, last season {similar style here, more sizes here} | black scarf | earrings | sunglasses | lipgloss {rouge laque}

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We had such a busy Saturday — for those of you that follow me on Snapchat {rach.mccarthy7} you know that Ella participated in a Halloween costume contest and won best costume design {see the picture below!} She was the cutest Starbucks Frappuccino I’ve ever seen! We were so proud 🙂 Sunday consisted of chores and grocery shopping. As a side note, I have been hearing so much about Bath and Body Works candles lately. I decided I needed to stop and check them out. I’m not a HUGE fan of candles {most candles from Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle give me headaches!} but I picked up this perfectly fall candle and I’m in love! It’s not too over-powering and literally smells like fall throughout our entire house! I would definitely recommend it 🙂

It was pretty chilly Saturday morning, and what better way to prepare for the colder temperatures than with the coziest sweater! I love that this sweater is of the cardigan variety — you can easily pair it with a scarf and it’s perfect for layering. Although I love my bright colors, most of my closet consists of black clothing {blame it on the 9-5 job!} But I love the shades of grey and ivory that are the perfect compliments to the the basic black. And can we talk about how it’s under $30?! SheIn has some fabulous pieces for fall, and they are all reasonably priced! I’ve picked out a few of my other fall favorites below, so be sure to check those out too!

Hope you all have a wonderful start to the week and see you tomorrow!

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More SheIn Fall Favorites

OTK Boots

October 22, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

SheIn scarf worn as cape c/o {under $20!} | Black turtleneck: Nordstrom | Black leggings: Zella | OTK boots: Stuart Weitzman {super similar style under $90} | Tote bag: Tory Burch | Black onyx ring: David Yurman | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick: YSL {#9}

Happy Friday Eve, friends! Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?! We are heading to two {yes, two} Halloween parties for Ella on Saturday! We tried a Halloween parade last year and it was less than successful. This year, the Halloween party involves a “boneyard” graveyard, so we are hoping that if treats are involved, Ella will be in! I will share pictures next week 🙂

I’ve been waiting for months to wear these boots. I got them over the summer and have been so excited for the temperatures to drop and this past weekend, it finally happened! Although I am super excited about wearing these boots for the first time on the blog, I have to share with you this amazing deal. As much as I would love to have these boots in several colors, that’s not too practical. But, I have found the most amazing replica for under $90!! I have a feeling that I will be ordering a couple colors in the replica!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday!

P.S. Did you recognize this cape?! I wore it with my red Hunter boots a few weeks ago {you can see the post here}. I love a versatile {and reversible!} piece that can be worn multiple ways in a season 🙂

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preppy fall neutrals

October 21, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

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**lipstick color: So Marilyn**

It’s been a preppy week here at A Blonde’s Moment! There is no doubt that I tend to gravitate to more classic and preppy looks and this is one of my favorites yet! How can you not love a tweed skirt, riding boots and a quilted jacket?! Not only are these great staple pieces for your closet, but this neutral color scheme is perfect for the autumn months.

Although I am usually partial to black over brown, there is something about these neutrals of beige, tan and brown that I am loving right now! And what is great about this tweed skirt is that it can easily be paired with black as well. Whoever said you can’t wear brown and black together had it all wrong! From the looks of it, this tweed skirt has been pretty popular, so grab it quick if it’s still in stock in your size! I can definitely see myself wearing this look with boot socks now and throwing on a pair of tights for a cooler day.

P.S. Have you checked out J.Crew’s newest arrivals? They just arrived yesterday and there are so many stunning pieces. I am especially in love with this belted trench!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Wednesday! We are halfway through the week!!

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spooky ghost cupcakes

October 20, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Wow! Can you believe Halloween is already next week?! Today, I am sharing another treat that is just in time for Halloween week. {Just in case you missed my other Halloween inspired treats from earlier this month: witches’ hat cookies and creepy cocktail: the dark & spooky}

When it comes to baking, cupcakes are probably my sweet of choice. I love testing out different flavors and combinations and coming up with cute ways to decorate them. I wanted to make at least one Halloween themed cupcake this year — I had some cute cupcake wrappers that I was dying to put to use! I ended up using a store bought mix and frosting because this past weekend was a little chaotic with chores — there was no time for “from scratch” cupcakes!

These cupcakes are not only easy to make, but they are so cute! Almost too cute to eat…almost 🙂

Spooky Ghost Cupcakes

{what you will need}

1 box chocolate cake mix {plus required ingredients on the box}

2 jars purple frosting

24 marshmallows

Black sparkle gel

Sprinkles {I used the sprinkles that came with the frosting & this}

Festive cupcake wrappers

Decorating bag & tip

{directions}

Prepare cupcakes according to package directions. Once cupcakes are baked, allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Be sure that the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting. Meanwhile, using the black sparkle gel, decorate the marshmallows to look like a ghost; set aside to dry. Begin to frost the cupcakes, add the sprinkles and top with the ghost marshmallow. Makes 24 cupcakes.

Thanks for stopping by and happy Halloween baking!

stripes & plaid for a preppy fall

October 19, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

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striped sweater | blanket scarf, last season {similar style} | distressed jeans | ankle boots via Off Broadway Shoe c/o | sunglasses | earrings | double x ring | lipgloss {rouge laque}

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Our weekend was pretty productive — lots of chores were completed, isn’t that such a wonderful feeling?! We even got to see my cousin and new fiancé yesterday! We are so happy and excited for them! Congratulations, Ethan and Erin!!

I wore this look the other weekend when we headed to the Eastern Shore. It was a super comfy travel outfit! I picked up this striped sweater a couple weeks ago and have already worn it a few times. Although it is wool, it is of the light and non-itchy variety! I am pretty particular when it comes to itchy sweaters. If I sense the slightest itch, I’m done! In the few times I have worn this sweater, I am happy to report I haven’t had any issues!

This is also my new favorite lipgloss. Lately, my usual red lipstick has been bleeding pretty bad — even with lip liner! I had bought this color to wear to the wedding the other weekend because I didn’t want red lipstick all over my face during the ceremony and reception! I have to say I am completely in love with this new gloss! It’s on the more expensive side, but it lasts FOREVER. In the bottle and on your lips 😉

Did you pick up anything at the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale last week? I ended up ordering these sunglasses and they were delivered on Friday! I have been dying over these sunglasses for so long, I finally broke down and bought them during the sale. I was concerned they were too big for my face, but I figured: (a) they are statement glasses and (b) I like them, so I’m going to keep them!

Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week and thanks for dropping by!

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dressing for fall with chambray & faux fur

October 15, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

chambray top {on sale w/ code LAYERUP} | CAbi fur vest, old {similar style, love this for under $70!} | jeans | ankle boots via Off Broadway Shoe c/o | bag {similar style} | black onyx ring | cuff bracelet, one-station bracelet | watch | earrings | sunglasses {on sale w/ code INTHEFAM25} | lipgloss {violin surreal}

Is it really already Thursday?! This week went so fast. Although, I can’t complain too much because I am definitely counting down the days to Friday evening. This is the first weekend since before Labor Day that we haven’t had something to do, so I am very much looking forward to running, grocery store shopping and other household chores. Sounds crazy, right?!

You may remember from last week’s casual fall post that I mentioned how much I loved my chambray shirt. And this is exactly why! Last week, I dressed it down with leggings, a utility jacket and Hunter boots and today I am dressing it up just a little with a faux fur vest, skinny jeans and my new favorite ankle boots. I have had this faux fur vest for a few years now and it’s definitely a fall/winter piece I look forward to breaking out of my closet. Like the chambray blouse, the fur vest is super versatile and the perfect layering piece. Although it is a few years old, there are SO many cute faux fur vests out there. I linked to two of my favorites above, this one is a real deal!

Don’t forget today is the last day to check out the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale! In case you missed yesterday’s post where I shared a few of my favorites, you can read that here. Use the code INTHEFAM25 for 25% — my favorite sunglasses are even included!

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend! Thanks for dropping by!

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