fashion

GO WITH THE FLOW

I never considered myself to be a "go with a flow" type of person because: (a) I absolutely need structure in all aspects of my life and (b) anything spontaneous gives me anxiety. Despite my natural tendencies to plan everything out, I decided that this school year needed a bit more randomness and a laid back attitude (mind you, I'm excluding academics/job responsibilities from this mentality!). 

If you read my last blog post, you'd know that a bit of last-minute decision making makes for some excellent photo sessions. Preparing myself to visit the Noguchi Garden needed special attention to my outfit. Thus, I decided to channel the vibes of the minimalist and monochromatic design of the garden into my look. 

I've been loving the crap out of these long, flowy flared pants ever since I purchased them earlier this year. It goes well with so many different pieces and occasions. To balance the flow, I wore a tight, velvet cropped top and and put on this lightly acid-washed outwear I found at a thrift store to add some more character. Finishing off with a pair of black sandals and minimal accessories, this outfit matched perfectly with the setting and it definitely contrasted well against the lighter background.  

What's one thing you're willing to let go with the flow? Whether it's something on your schedule or an idea in need of creative direction, try letting yourself be less anxious about it and you'd be surprised how some of the stress disappears...

Rock on, 

Rachel

ULTIMATE OOTD'S LOOKBOOK

A unique take on what I'd wear on the daily

My style is always changing. I get inspired by certain trends, style bloggers, celebrities, friends...you get the point. But I always manage to make it my own thing or at least try to come up with a way in which I can style an outfit differently. Sometimes, I'll wear a look based on my mood and more importantly, the weather. I decided to create a unique lookbook (using my noob-ish Photoshop skills) to present to you a few of my ultimate ootd's*. 

Mom jeans are the epitome of comfy jeans in my opinion. Sure, they may not be considered flattering for some folks but I personally LOVE a good pair of pants that look like you scavenged it from your mother's closet. The pair I own was actually thrifted, but it's original from Levi's. In my ultimate ootd the look would include a pastel colored top with minimal accessories. I'd add in a bit of black by wearing either my favorite fedora or my small Frada (faux-Prada, lol) backpack. 
Here is a look that includes all my...well, essentials. A denim jacket (preferably oversized) is a staple in my closet. It literally looks good with any outfit and it's really a timeless piece that can be handed down for many fashionable generations to come. I think I own like five, most of which were either hand-me-downs or thrifted. Another important item is a striped shirt. I also own more than one of these and that's only because I wear them SO often. A good striped tee looks good on everyone and it can be layered in a hundred different looks. Lastly, a pair of nice quality black shoes/boots is a must. I've worn the crap out of my Dr. Marten's (omg, were they ever so difficult to break into though) and I'm currently in the market for a pair of comfy oxfords. If you've got any recommendations, let a sistah know. 
Every man and every woman should have a perfectly fitted white blouse or button-up in his/her closet. A white shirt with buttons works casually and professionally. I'd put emphasis on the latter only because there have been many times where I needed to dress well either for an interview or school event and I lacked the appropriate tops to wear. In my ultimate ootd, I'd pair the shirt with a flattering pair of high-waisted jeans and wear a simple, dainty necklace. I may wear a cute little black lace bralette if I'm feeling it~

The reason why I titled this collage "all day every day" is because I would wear an outfit with the items above all day every day if I could. I mean technically I could, but it wouldn't be socially acceptable + kind of dirty let's be real. I recently bought a pair of black Teva's last summer and can I just say it is the most functional yet stylish pair of sandals I've ever owned!!! My mom just gifted me with another pair and now I'm thinking I should probably blog (or make a video) on how to style these...Anyway, another item I'd wear all the time is a windbreaker. I found a couple of my dad's old windbreakers that have the cool 80's/90's appeal to them and I've been getting compliments every time I wear them (go dad!). If I could also get away with keeping my hair tied like that every day, I'D DO IT. 

OH, and I totally forgot to mention but my Casio watch gives.me.life. Or at least it gives me an answer to what time of the day it is. A watch on my wrist is definitely always part of any ultimate ootd for me! 

For this blog post, I was inspired by Social Print Studio to show you my take on what I wear on the daily through an unconventional lookbook. With their collection of digital photo books, the site helps as a great way to bring your digital favorites to life. Take a gander at the site, you may very well end up ordering lots of prints to decorate with or keep just for memories' sake. (Hint, hint: a good idea for Mother's Day coming up!)

Catch ya later, 

Rachel 

*ootd's: Outfit Of The Day, or simply pronounced oo-tuh-duh

OPINION: POLETTE


"An idea, a concept, a revolution"...








Hello all! I've partnered up with Polette to bring you a blog post on how I've been wearing one of the many eyeglasses on the website! What I absolutely love about this company is not only the large collection of various fashion glasses and sunglasses to choose from, but also the affordable price tag that goes along each one. I seriously have been wearing the pair I own every day since I received it in the mail!

Polette is a leader on the French market (and you know the French are on point with their fashion game) and the site offers products that are easily customizable so you are always going to be satisfied. Something I thought was cool was the "e-polette" glasses that protect your eyes against the harsh light from computer screens--a perfect option for those always behind their laptops!

If you're looking for statement eyewear that is both comfortable and affordable, make sure you visit Polette and read up on their CONCEPT and HISTORY while you're at it.

OUTFIT:
Jacket-Free People
Dress-H&M
Shoes-Nike
Bag-Thrifted
Sunglasses-Polette

---GIVEAWAY TIME---
---RULES---
-must be following me on instagram @therachelstory
-re-gram this instagram picture


-tag @therachelstory + @poletteeyewear
-That's it!

*Contest ends July 13!*
**Winner will be DM'd on their instagram account + get to choose their own pair of eyeglasses!**

Good luck,

Rachel

LET'S TAKE A STROLL:



Third wheeling your parents is basically
the best thing ever...











Here's to a great and relaxed Spring Break! I took this week off school to do nothing but sleep, eat, catch up on my shows and repeat. Of course, I spent some time meeting up with my friends and spending way too much money on food (but hey, that's what the money's for right?).

My parent's and I decided to head over to Pasadena and visit one of my mom's favorite museums: Norton Simon Museum. This museum was a much needed destination both for its galleries and for its air-conditioned goodness. From Picasso to Manet to almost everything in between, this museum has a diverse collection of art that is sure to satisfy the aesthetic needs of many people. It even has a beautiful outdoor area where you can spot a few turtles swimming around and stop to smell the flowers on your stroll. 

How was your break spent? Let me know what you were up to and if you visited any good food spots that I can add to my list!

OUTFIT:
Button Up-Mom's Closet 
Dress-H&M
Sandals-Target
Sunglasses-Urban Outfitters
Backpack-Vintage Prada

Have a beautiful day, 

Rachel


ONE SHORT DAY:


In the emerald city...









For those who didn't get the reference, I quoted the title of this blog post after the title of a number in the musical Wicked. I just had to pay homage to this amazing production which I had the privilege to attend last week after about, oh I don't know, 7 years of waiting? My obsession with this musical began after my best friend went to watch it in 7th grade and from the moment she came back telling me all about how wonderful Wicked was, I began memorizing lyrics to songs and performing a one-woman act in front of the mirror in the hopes that I would one day watch it with my own two eyes--and that day has finally happened. Can I just say: God has given an insane amount of musical talent to some people and I would highly recommend attending a musical (even if it's not Wicked) to just appreciate the powerful voices and entertaining acting these folks have to offer?

Anyway, here's the outfit I wore to the event! I wore a star spangled shirt paired with distressed black denim jeans and my new ASOS boots! To add more structure, I layered a grey fitted peacoat I received as a hand-me-down over the outfit--isn't the little bow in the back the cutest? My bangs have started to grow out, so I just swept them over to the side (with the help of some wind) and held a cup of coffee (that was actually my friend's) as the finishing touch.

This is not a sponsored blog post but WICKED WAS AMAZING and I would definitely watch it again if I get the chance.

I'll see you in my next post!

~SEE THIS OUTFIT ON LOOKTASTIC~

OUTFIT:
Top-Korea
Jeans-Cotton On
Boots-ASOS
Coat-Zara

Toss toss*, 

Rachel

*another Wicked reference~