A Blonde's Moment

grey x black // NYFW Giveaway

August 5, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Top: Nordstrom | Jeans: Halogen, limited sizing {similar here} | Shoes: Dolce Vita, also here | Bag: Chanel {similar here, under $20 here!} | Earrings: Zinnia West c/o | Watch: Kate Spade, love this new version | Ring: Pink Peonies Collection | Sunglasses: Prada, love this version for under $20! | Lipgloss: YSL {#205}

We are officially halfway through the week! Yesterday, we spent the day at the Citi Open tennis tournament that is in DC this week. I started playing tennis when I was five years old and continued through college, so I always get super excited for this week! It brings back so many memories and really makes me miss it!

Today, I am sharing two of my favorite pieces from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The sale may be over, but you can still purchase these items. And let me tell you, I would most definitely pay full price for this black tunic, it’s that fabulous. P.S. it’s also under $50, so it’s still a pretty good deal 🙂 I might actually have to buy it in another color, I’m that obsessed with it! I also am loving these grey jeans — they are soft and comfortable and so perfect for transitioning into fall {I found that they ran big, so I would recommend sizing down}.

For those who haven’t noticed, I am beyond ready for fall — I’m sick of this summer heat and so excited for my fall wardrobe! Especially so I can start wearing these open-toe booties more. How cute are they?! And they are on SALE! These booties were made for comfort with this chunky heel!

See you tomorrow for Wednesday/Thursday Wishes 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to check out the giveaway below!

P.S. I’ve updated some of the items on my wish list just in time for fall shopping! Click through the images on the sidebar to see more. Although, it’s completely understandable if you want to stare at that hot pink purse forever. I know I do!! 🙂

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“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future. This is known as Fashion Week.” – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex & The City.

How long have you been dreaming of traveling to New York for fashion week? I know I have been dreaming of it since I was a kid. I have teamed up with some amazing bloggers and we are bringing you a one of a kind giveaway! Enter below to win A TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY DURING FASHION WEEK!!!

Where? New York City, When? September 11-13th.

Prize Includes: A $400 flight voucher, two free nights at the Hudson Hotel, and a $400 SHOPPING SPREE!!!

*Each entrant can enter up to 161 times. All entries will be verified. Each entry improves your chance of winning! Must be 18+ years older to enter. International applicants welcome! This giveaway will end at midnight on August 12th and the winner will be picked at random. If you win, you must answer our email within 48 hours to claim the prize or it will go to the next winner.

accessorizing with rosegal

August 4, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.

Happy Tuesday! I’m switching up things today because I wanted to share with you a new online store I recently discovered. RoseGal offers a fusion of vintage and modern clothing, shoes and accessories all at affordable prices. Started by a group of friends who all have a love for fashion, RoseGal believes that vintage style is a timeless fashion statement.

It’s no secret that one of my favorite ways to accessorize an outfit is with a hat. I think it’s a fun way to completely change up an outfit and it also helps when you’re having a bad hair day 😉 One of the many things I love about hats is that they are always in season. From the panama hats of summer to the floppy felt hats of fall, accessorizing with a hat is always a good idea!

I definitely have had fall on my mind lately, but since there are a few weeks of summer left, we can’t forget about straw hats and how perfect they can be for a day at the beach or by the pool. Besides, it’s a great time to find some great deals on these summer hats, like this cute wide brim hat with a bow! You can never go wrong when you add a bow in my book! And since so many of us are planning our fall wardrobes {me!!} this belted fedora has been added to my wish list. It’s the perfect color for fall and I love the belting detail! Although it may be way too early to think about the colder months, I have always had an obsession with these knitted headbands — I love that you can still style your hair but keep your ears warm. These headbands just scream football game to me! You can view the entire selection of hats here.

RoseGal offers free worldwide shipping. How can you beat that?! Be sure to check out not only the hats and other accessories but the clothing too. I’ve been eyeing a pair of overalls that would be the perfect piece to transition into fall!

Thanks for stopping by!

This post is sponsored by Rosegal. All opinions are my own.

navy & red

August 3, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Dress: Old Navy, sold out online {similar here} | Jacket: J.Crew | Bag: Sole Society | Sandals: J.Crew, sold out {love these though!} | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Ring: Kendra Scott | Earrings: Nordstrom | Lipstick {creme cup}, Lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday! Wow, did that weekend go fast or what?! I don’t know about you, but it always seems that the weekend is too short and my to do list is too long! Just a quick post to tell you about this cute dress I wore to church yesterday. I ran to Old Navy on Saturday to pick up a few workout clothes for Pure Barre. I stopped by the clearance section really quick and found this dress on super mark down in my size! I thought it would be the perfect end of summer dress to keep cool during the last of these hot days. I checked Old Navy’s website, but they are unfortunately sold out of this particular dress {I linked to another cute navy eyelet dress that’s also on sale though!} so check your local store to see if you can spot one in the clearance section 🙂

Hope you all have a great start to the week!

white eyelet

July 30, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Shirt: J.Crew, last season {love this one for fall, it’s on sale!} | Skirt: J.Crew {on major sale!} | Shoes: Sam Edelman {on sale!} | Bracelet: Zinnia West c/o | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Rings: here, here | Sunglasses: Prada | Bag: Sole Society, sold out {loving this one} | Lipstick {creme cup}, Lipgloss {turkish delight}

Can you believe it’s already Thursday?! These weeks are just flying by…how can it possibly be August 1st on Saturday?? Although yesterday I was sharing some fall outfit inspiration, there are still a few weeks of summer left and I just had to share this white eyelet skirt with you! I have been searching for the perfect white skirt all summer and had a really difficult time finding one. There is something about white skirts that seem so fresh and clean and I’ve always been attracted to them.

As you can see, I am super pale so white skirts don’t always work out so well haha! I got this skirt when it was on MAJOR sale — $16 to be exact! Knowing how I am with white, I was taking a chance {especially since it was final sale} but I figured it was such a good price, I couldn’t pass it up! P.S. J.Crew has been having the most amazing sales recently, it’s definitely something to check out if you haven’t already!

It’s always fun to add a little sparkle to your outfit, especially with this embellished chambray shirt, and I could not think of a better way to accessorize than with this Zinnia West bracelet. Since it is elastic, it is so comfortable and adds the perfect amount of sparkle to a look and since it’s the “Ella” bracelet, I obviously had to have it! I am so in love with Zinnia West’s jewelry — it’s easy to dress up or dress down depending on your look and I love the subtle glitz it gives your outfit!

Since J.Crew has been having so many sales, this skirt is running low on stock. Below, I’ve linked to a few other white skirts that are all under $50 in case you are also in the market for an end of the season deal on a white skirt 😉

Have a great day!

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crimson // chambray

July 29, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. {on sale!} | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | 10.

Happy Wednesday! As I mentioned last week, I’m really anxious for fall. I always blame it on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and how they tempt us with all those fabulous fall clothes, but this year, I’m beginning to think it’s also the weather. It has been SO hot and humid this summer, I cannot wait for the cool and crisp air of fall to arrive.

Until then, I can start planning my fall wardrobe and dreaming of these gorgeous fall colors! Leopard is definitely a neutral for me and something I wear year-round, but I especially love accessorizing with this print in the fall. And I’m predicting now that this crimson/burgundy color is going to be my go-to color for the fall months, I can’t get enough of it!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for dropping by!

P.S. I am totally obsessed with J.Crew’s newest arrivals! Have you checked them out yet? I’ve included a few pieces in today’s look, but there is so much more to see!

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s’more rice krispies

July 28, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

There is something about summer and s’mores. They just go together, don’t they?! Unfortunately, the summer heat is out of control here in DC and roasting marshmallows around a fire doesn’t seem like the best idea. So until fall arrives, these delicious and addicting treats will have to do. This is pretty much a win-win situation — not only are they sweet and oh so decadent, but can be enjoyed in the comfort of air conditioning!

To mimic the taste of graham crackers, I decided to use equal parts of Golden Graham cereal and Rice Krispies — I didn’t want to take away from the normal characteristics of a rice krispy treat too much. And since marshmallows are a major ingredient in s’mores, I added a few on top too 🙂

S’more Rice Krispies

{what you will need}

2 cups Golden Grahams

2 cups Rice Krispies

1 stick of unsalted butter

10 ounce bag of mini marshmallows + an additional 1/2 cup for top

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + an additional 1/2 cup for top {I used the mini chips!}

Non-stick cooking spray

{recipe}

Spray a 9×9 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the 10 ounce bag of marshmallows and stir to completely combine until smooth and creamy. Turn the heat off and add the cereal and 1 cup of the chocolate chips; combine completely. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan and spread out evenly. Sprinkle the additional chocolate chips and gently press the additional mini marshmallows into the treats. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to allow the treats to harden. Slice into bars, serve and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by and happy cooking!

Kendra Scott in DC

July 27, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Top: CAbi, last season {similar here} | Jeans: Old Navy | Bag: DailyLook | Sandals: old {similar here, on sale!} | Ring: Kendra Scott | Necklace: Sarah Chloe | Earrings: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick {#31}, Lipgloss {#205}

Happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend — I know for me, it went way too fast! I had the opportunity to attend the opening of Kendra Scott’s newest location in Bethesda on Saturday! And what an opening it was. The store is absolutely gorgeous and has a prime location in the Bethesda Row neighborhood…there is even a Georgetown Cupcakes across the street!

I have always loved Kendra Scott’s jewelry, but up until now, the only place I could find it was at Nordstrom. Now with the Bethesda store and more coming to the DC area in the coming months, I am excited to see more of Kendra Scott’s jewelry around our area.

After browsing the website before attending the event on Saturday, I knew that I had to have this ring, after all, I had a personal connection with it’s name 😉 There are SO many other things that I have added to my wish list, I think seeing these pieces in person really made me love them more! I’ve included some of my favorite pieces below, and how gorgeous is the newest collection?! If you are in the DC area, be sure to check out Kendra Scott’s first store in the DC market, you won’t be disappointed!

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!

splurge vs. save: pink & black

July 23, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Splurge: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8.

Save: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8.

Today’s Wednesday/Thursday Wishes is bringing back a favorite of mine: splurge vs. save! As easy as it is to love the more expensive items, I love finding similar items at a more affordable price. And, I must say, I actually like a few of the save items more than the splurge! What about you?

I have loved this splurge skirt for a few months now. I definitely have an obsession with midi skirts and if you add a stripe, you literally have the perfect skirt for me! I was thrilled when I found this much more affordable version. Don’t they look super similar?! And how fabulous are these sunglasses?! The are so dramatic and chic, I think I like the save version better!

Hope you all have a great Thursday and wonderful weekend! See you Monday!

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summer brights

July 22, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Sweater: J.Crew | Scarf: Arden Deals c/o | Shorts: J.Crew | Bag: J.Crew, color sold out {similar here} | Sandals: Jack Rogers | Hat: J.Crew | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Watch: Kate Spade, new version here | Lipstick: Bobbi Brown {pink blossom}

Happy Wednesday! I’m switching things up again this week, but there will be a fun Wednesday/Thursday Wishes for you tomorrow!

Summer is the perfect time of year to break out your brights, and with fall just around the corner {I’m sorry to say!} I figured it was now or never! This Arden Deals infinity scarf is the perfect scarf for summer: it’s lightweight and with super bright colors, it’s easy to pair it with almost anything in your closet. And with a price tag of under $10, it’s really something you can’t pass up!

Speaking of lightweight, this is one of my favorite summer sweaters from J.Crew — it’s breathable with the ideal texture for the warmer months. I love that it not only can be paired with jeans in the spring, but it works with shorts for hotter weather too! Lastly, a “summer bright” post wouldn’t be complete without my favorite bag for summer. As I mentioned last week, I have found SO many ways to wear it these past few months — not to mention it’s crossbody style is convenient for everyday use too!

Thanks so much for dropping by and see you tomorrow!

spinach artichoke mac & cheese

July 21, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

I’ve had a serious craving for Spinach Artichoke Dip lately. Truthfully, it’s not even something I would order as an appetizer out at a restaurant, so it was definitely an odd dish to crave. Although, Wegmans has had an amazing selection of fresh artichokes that I have been drawn to over the past few weeks, so maybe we can blame it on that!

Regardless, I decided to combine my craving for this dip with one of my favorite foods of all time: macaroni and cheese. The possibilities are truly endless with mac and cheese, from using different kinds of cheese to the ingredients you add in to make it unique. I just love experimenting with different add-ins! I decided to go pretty traditional for the cheese aspect of the recipe, mainly to allow the spinach and artichokes to be the stars. I did incorporate cream cheese into the recipe to mimic the creaminess of spinach artichoke dip.

The best part about this macaroni and cheese is that it’s actually not that terrible for you! Arguably, the most questionable ingredients, when it comes to fat, are the cheddar cheese and the pasta shells. I love that mac and cheese can be a comfort food without being high in calories!

Spinach Artichoke Macaroni & Cheese

{what you will need}

1 pound pasta {I used shells}

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature {I used reduced fat}

1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated {I used reduced fat}

3/4 cup fresh spinach

1 1/4 cups frozen artichokes, thawed & chopped

3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

1 3/4 cup low fat milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dash of nutmeg

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 tablespoons flour

Salt and pepper to taste

{recipe}

Preheat broiler. Cook pasta according to package instructions reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Combine the milk, onion, nutmeg and bay leaf in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it begins to simmer, remove from the heat and set aside for 15 minutes. Strain the milk into a separate bowl, discarding the solids. Wipe the saucepan clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to incorporate. Slowly add the milk and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 8 minutes until the mixture is thick. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheeses until melted. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the artichokes and pasta and combine completely. Add pasta water to thin out, if necessary. Transfer pasta to baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and broil for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust begins to form. Enjoy!