Rachel Jay: The Blog


My Everyday Style X
December 16, 2009, 12:00 pm
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, shoes, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , , ,

The tenth post from my “My Everyday Style” series!!   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left :)

Look 10: Space Cadet
So right now (which is December 9th, not the day this posts… I like to write in advance ;) ) there’s about 5″ of snow on the ground at home, and it’s currently still snowing at work.  Blech!  I wore my shearling boots today, which were a gift from my mom (they’re not Uggs or any name brand, just some random brand, so I pulled a similar, reasonably priced pair off-line and linked for you), paired with a new graphic tee and new blazer, both of which I got over the weekend.  I’m still a little chilly, but at least my feet stayed warm and dry when scraping off the car this morning!  I only wear skinny jeans or leggings with my shearling boots, because I feel like the bulge created by pants that aren’t super fitted on the leg isn’t flattering (ok, fine, I think it looks stupid, there, I said it!).

The Look:


Get The Look: Shirt: Delia’s; Blazer: Forever21; Jeans: Express; Boots: Cutesygirl;

The above linked items were chosen by me with no pay or endorsement requests from the stores.



My Everyday Style VIIII
December 9, 2009, 11:00 am
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, shoes, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , , ,

More from my “My Everyday Style” series.   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left :)

Look 9: Warm & Cozy
Woke up this morning to a little bit of snow on the ground, and decided to dress a little warmer than usual.  Was going to wear my shearling boots, but since the walkways were clear of ice and the snow was more of a dusting I opted to go with heels instead.  Not quite ready for winter yet, and the vest and shearling boots were just too much for me LOL.  I’m keeping warme with the turtleneck, vest and scarf, though inside I’m not wearing the hat.

The Look:


Get The Look: Boots: Cutesygirl; Vest: Forever21; Turtleneck: Target; Jeans: Forever21; Scarf: Forever21 (Jade); Beret: Forever21 (Jade)

The above linked items were chosen by me with no pay or endorsement requests from the stores.



My Everyday Style VIII
November 24, 2009, 10:00 am
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, shoes, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , , ,

More from my “My Everyday Style” series.   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left :)

Look 7: Rockin’ the OTK Boots
Simply put, when I saw that over-the-knee boots were again this fall, I had to snag a pair, with plans to wear them not just on weekends, but to work as well.  Of course, once I got them, I had to figure out a way to make them work-friendly for some of my more conservative (not-into-fashion) coworkers.  Instead of pairing them with leggings and a tunic sweater or fun shirt like I would on weekends, I’ve opted to dress ‘em up a little with grey skinny jeans and my trusty boyfriend blazer.  I added the scarf and flower bobby pin for a punch of color, because under my blazer is a wonderful white V-neck T ;) I have to limit wearing items that push the dress code to work, and since we’re not supposed to wear shirts with graphics or writing on them, the white T fit the best (paired with potentially-dress-code-pushing OTK boots).

The Look:


Get The Look: Boots: Cutesygirl; Blazer: Express; White T: Hanes; Jeans: Forever21; Scarf: Forever21 (Jade); Flower Clip: Forever21; Earrings: Claire’s



My Everyday Style VII
November 19, 2009, 10:20 pm
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, shoes, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , , ,

More from my “My Everyday Style” series.   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left :)

Look 7: Fly & Flashy
Inspired by the verbiage on the invite for a party a friend is going to (no joke).  “Fly & Flashy” is the dress code, and that party is at a nightclub in downtown Chicago.  Being that I’m trying, when I go out, to not just wear the standard skinny jeans, plain black tank, and black knee boots I always wear, I figured why not do an “Everyday Style” blog that features a new going out look.  Being that it’s a bit chilly here, I opted for leggings under a dress and a scarf as an accessory, and stuck to simple faux-diamond studs to keep things toned down a little (and accent my little clutch at the same time).  Overall, it’s a flashy look that’s still sophisticated enough for my nearly-30 self ;)

The Look:


Get The Look: Sequin Blazer: Forever21; Black Dress: Forever21; Leggings: Express; Scarf: Forever21; Earrings: Claire’s; Shoes: CutesyGirl; Clutch: Forever21



Wish List Published!

It’s a bit out of charcter for me, but I know a lot of folks are having trouble scraping together cash for a full day (or even a half day) of rates.  So I’ve gone thru some of my favorite sites and pulled some of my favorites together for a holiday wish list (which I’ll probably be showing the hubby too, ’cause I know he’s always struggling for ideas).  I’ve made it a separate page so it’s easy to find, and if you’re interested in working with me, but can’t afford my rates, I’m very easily bribed with new shoes, a cute shirt, or any of the other various items. I’m still adding to it, so keep an eye out!

Here’s the link!



My Everyday Style VI
November 11, 2009, 2:00 pm
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, shoes, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , , ,

More from my “My Everyday Style” series.   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left :)

Look 6: Plaid Tights
For this one, I decided to play with the fun patterned tights that are so in right now.  I found a few great pairs at Target (though they’re unfortunately not available on their website–their hosiery selection totally lacks online) and stocked up for fall/winter!  Last fall my mom bought me this great basic black jumper that I typically get a lot of wear out of.   When I pair it with a black short-sleeved mock turtleneck, it looks like a cute black dress!  Belting at the waist makes it a bit more figure-flattering, and, well, I love my black boots ;)   The particular pair of plaid tights I have happen to have exactly the same pink as one of my favorite scarves, so I added that for a punch of color on the top.

plaidtights
Get The Look:
Jumper: Nordstrom (No Longer Available); Tights (Pictured): Forever21Shirt: Kohls; Belt: A TJMaxx Find; Boots: Cutesygirl



Lusting: Poncho & OTK Boots
November 6, 2009, 3:02 am
Filed under: holidays, inspiration, looks, modeling, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Ponchos are coming back in style, and over-the-knee (OTK) boots are hot right now.  I love the idea of combining the two with a splash of metallic leggings, a cute bright crochet beret, and being stylish, comfy and cozy as the weather gets cooler.  Here’s how I’d do it:

otk-ponchoThe poncho, leggings and beret are all from Forever21, and the boots are from CutesyGirl.  The shirt is on the Forever21 website, but I have plenty of long sleeved black shirts.  The whole look, minus the shirt, is less than $70!

I’ve sworn off buying stuff though, so this look is just on my Chrismanukkah list :(   Unless, of course, you’re looking to shoot with me and can’t afford my rates.  I’m always up for a little TFWardrobe! ;) Wouldn’t this look be cute romping around in fallen leaves?



My Everyday Style V
November 4, 2009, 9:15 pm
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , ,

In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve made a separate page for the “My Everyday Style” series, which lists all the entries I’ve made previously.  It’s linked on the left menu, but here’s a link as well.

Look Five: Pretty Flowers
So I took a couple elements from the 2 outfits I shot in this past weekend and combined them to make a more work-friendly outfit.  With it getting cooler here, I’ve definitely started to layer up, which is one of my favorite things to do in fall and winter.  I’ve layered the white T under the flowered shirt, which peeks out (untucked) under my cute dark purple cropped sweater vest.  I’ve currently got the sleeves rolled up on my blazer, but rolled them down when I went outside for lunch earlier.  I’ve kept my accessories simple again, as usual, and have gone with a flat boot mostly because my feet still hurt a bit from being in heels most of the night Saturday ;)

prettyflowers

Get The Look:
Just a quick note that the blazer I’m wearing today isn’t the same as the one that’s linked, but it’s close enough.  The purple vest is a couple years old, and the earrings are run-of-the-mill $4 hoops from Claire’s, which you can’t buy online.

Blazer: Express; Fitted T-Shirt: Gap; Flowered Shirt: Forever21 (no longer available online); Cropped Sweater Vest: Express, but older; Earrings: Claire’s; Jeans: ExpressBoots: Dirty Laundry, by Chinese Laundry



My Everyday Style IV
October 20, 2009, 4:58 pm
Filed under: hobbyist, inspiration, looks, modeling, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , ,

Sorry for slacking.  I had a crazy week last week that ended with my husband having his appendix out (thankfully it didn’t burst) and spending 2 nights in the hospital.  Good news is he’s doing great and is going back to work today :)  I’ll be updating a lot this week, but first…

As a continuation of the “My Everyday Style” series, I’ve decided to do this one a little different.  I’ve used mostly pieces I’ve had for quite some time, which changes what you’ll be getting linked to below a bit.  However, this outfit is one that’s easily a favorite outfit of mine, and being that I wore it last week, I just had to include it.  It’s definitely an outfit I’ll wear numerous times this fall, and one I’ll do variations of constantly (it’s actually rather similar to another outfit I’ve already done, which I’m sure you’ll notice).  It’s also a classic look that can be worn year after year.

Look Four: Simple & Classic
Again, this look is pretty simple and one that can be worn fall, winter, and even into spring.  It can even be worn year after year, either as is or with updated accessories.  As an added bonus, it’s a great “work to play” look that won’t leave your feet begging for mercy at the end of the day.  A nice fitting blazer, white T, vest, boot-leg jeans and motorcycle boots make this a great menswear style that, with the additions of a bright scarf and great bag, become more feminine.  If you’re going to duplicate this look, make sure your jeans, vest and blazer aren’t too baggy and fit you well.  You don’t want to lose your shape!

outfits05

Get The Look:
As I already noted, the items in the set are based more on pieces I’ve had for quite some time.  So really, I’d only be able to link the boots and maybe the scarf.  So instead I’m going to pull similar items for you so you can duplicate the look.  All the items I’m linking are ones I’d buy to get this look if I didn’t already have the pieces.

Blazer: Express; T-Shirt: Gap; Earrings: Target; Jeans: Forever21; Purse: Target; Scarf: Forever21; Vest: Express; Boots: Dirty Laundry, by Chinese Laundry

Past Entries: One, Two, Three



My Everyday Style III
September 30, 2009, 9:15 pm
Filed under: inspiration, looks, modeling, wardrobe | Tags: , , , , ,

Here’s my third set of the “My Everyday Style” series.  I wore this last month and it was super cute.  The denim jumper was a great find, and is definitely a versatile piece I can wear pretty much year round.  The only minor beef I have with it is that it ties in the back and can get kind of uncomfortable in the car.

Look Three: Denim Jumper
Another jumper, though this one’s from Target and ties in the back.  I’ve paired it with, yet again, a white T, but this time black tights, legwarmers under grey boots, and a great scarf from, again, Target (Men’s section–don’t be afraid to venture there, ladies!).  And again, minimal accessories.

denimjumper

Get The Look: Jumper: Target; Tights: Hue; White T: Hanes; Legwarmers: No Idea (They’re Old); Scarf: Target; Boots: Cutesygirl

Past Entries: My Everyday Style I, My Everyday Style II