#OOTD: Singing in the Rain (Feat. Prada)

Man, oh, man! Flash floods, crazy 80mph winds, and landslides—WTF is happening in The ‘Burgh lately with this weather?! Though I’ll admit, I’ve been a bit salty due to the recent abhorrent weather barring me from riding my motorcycle as much as I’d like, I am the type of person who also genuinely loves rainy days. And this also extends to styling outfits for them.

Rainy days often whisper to us to tuck away our style under heavy, dreary layers. But why blend into the gloom when you can sing in the rain with timeless chic? Rain, with its poetic charm, invites us to redefine our wardrobe narrative. It’s a chance to demonstrate how a downpour can't dampen your spirits or your style. Picture this: puddles reflecting the city lights, the rhythmic pitter-patter of rain against the window, and you - a vision of elegance, stepping out in a carefully curated ensemble that turns heads and defies the drizzle.

There’s something about the rain that invites a fusion of comfort and style into a beautifully choreographed dance. On this particularly wet day, I chose to become a melody of my own making, enveloping myself in the warmth and sophistication of a carefully curated outfit. Draped in a classic tan Prada raincoat, paired seamlessly with deep brown trousers and a pearl-buttoned white blouse, I step into the rainfall not just prepared but poised, turning the dreary weather into a backdrop for timeless style. This is more than an outfit; it’s a statement - that comfort and elegance can waltz hand in hand, even through a storm.

My Rainy Rhapsody: A Closer Look

The Heart of the Outfit: My Tan Prada Raincoat

This isn't just any raincoat; it's my steadfast companion against the rain (so much so, I have one in black too!). Its tan hue and sleek silhouette not only protect me from the downpour but also envelop me in a style that feels both timeless and profoundly personal (think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s searching for Cat in the New York City streets—one of my favorite films and scenes). It's my armor, my fashion statement, and my umbrella all in one, blending seamlessly with the earthy notes of my chosen palette.  Furthermore, it’s sleek design not only keeps me dry but adds a touch of sophistication to my rainy-day look. The neutral tone effortlessly complements the earthy palette of the ensemble.

The Foundation: Rich Brown Trousers

Opting for dark brown trousers help marry style and functionality. These trousers are more than just a part of my outfit; they're a testament to my belief that style and practicality can walk hand in hand. The loose fit and earthy brown hue echo the natural harmony of a rain-soaked earth, allowing me to move gracefully through each puddle and droplet, grounded yet elegant. The earthy hue not only resonates with the rainy-day ambiance but also provides a versatile base for the ensemble.

The Melody: White Blouse with Pearl Buttons

The white blouse, adorned with delicate pearl buttons, is the crescendo of my outfit. It brings a touch of luminance to a day overshadowed by clouds, its elegance understated yet unmistakable. This piece resonates with my personal style—classic, with a hint of romantic flair, making even a rainy day feel special.

Step by Step; The Boots:

My boots are more than functional; they're an extension of my style ethos. Waterproof, yes, but crafted with an eye for design that befits the earth-toned narrative of my outfit. They keep me dry and grounded, literally and stylistically, ensuring your feet stay dry and fashionable. (Also I have to mention these babies from Frye are multipurpose—they also moonlight as my riding boots for the bike as well!)

The Finishing Touch: My Duck Head  Umbrella

This is where functionality meets flair. My umbrella, in tones that mirror the day's ensemble, stands at the ready, not just as a shield against the rain but as a statement piece that completes my look. I indulge in the harmonious fusion of functionality and flamboyance with the addition of a meticulously crafted carved wooden duck head handle to the umbrella. And for my loyal readers who are accustomed to my penchant for naming beloved possessions, let it be known that this cherished umbrella bears the name Francesco, or affectionately known as Frankie for brevity's sake.

Hair and Makeup/Effortlessly Me: Natural Tresses & A Fresh Face

I let my hair fall in loose waves, a soft, natural style that feels like it's been kissed by the rain itself. It’s a look that says, 'I've embraced the elements and made them my own’. My makeup choice is light, aiming for a dewy finish that withstands the dampness of the day. It's about enhancing, not masking, letting my natural beauty shine through, rain or shine.

Welcoming the Rain; A Reflection & One Last Look:

As I move through the rain, each step an affirmation of style's place in all seasons, I am reminded that personal fashion is not just about dressing for the weather but about embracing it. I'm reminded that style is not just about the clothes we wear but about how we wear our confidence, our story, and our uniqueness. The rain, with all its dreary connotations, becomes a stage on which I bring my personal style narrative to life, transforming a mundane day into a showcase of elegance and personal expression. Let's walk through the rain, not as a necessity, but as an opportunity to shine. Today, beneath overcast skies, I danced in the rain, and in doing so, I found a rhythm that was uniquely mine.

What’s your favorite thing about a rainy day?! Please tell me about it in the comments below!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Pssssst! If you love this outfit and want to shop my closet, you can find these pieces and similar ones here in my LIKEtoKNOW.it shop!

#OOTD: Of The Vintage Variety (Feat. SheIn)

Wow, what a month it has been! Though I have been absent from here lately, if you follow me on Instagram you know that I have been far from being on hiatus and will have many exciting posts to come this summer. Just to fill those of you in who haven’t been on Instagram lately, recently I just returned from a trip to Florida, a place that makes my heart very happy, only second to my home away from home, New Orleans. While in the sunshine state, I did so much exploring and experienced some great and lively new places, which I will be writing about in an upcoming travel post (in the mean time you can checkout my story highlights and feed to see what I was up too), and in said travel post I will also be talking about how I’ve mastered my minimalist packing skills—as per request from many of you, and I just can’t wait to share!

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However, in today’s post, I’m starting back with a light, fun, and stylish look for the season and will be talking about this darling summer outfit of the day. Which features some vintage Gap denim shorts I snagged at a thrift store in St. Petersburg during my travels, as well as this adorable tie up top from my long time sponsor and affiliate, SheIn.

Seeking the Seventies

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Recently, after returning home from Florida, I was admittedly very happy to hear from one of the representatives I work with from SheIn, not only because I'm thrilled to be working with them and love their clothes, they also have a huge new selection for the change in season, so what better time to take on some new projects with them? I was also thrilled to find that one of the products that they were looking to feature was this adorable, vintage style, tie up top, which as soon as I saw it, I knew that it would pair perfectly with my new vintage high-waisted shorts. And pretty much as soon as I returned home, I had a brunch date with a few of my girl friends in Sewickley and just knew this seventies inspired outfit would be the perfect fit for our girls days out.

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As many of my longtime readers know, I have been forever in love with vintage looks reminiscent of the 1970s. Something about the freedom of that time period and the way its fashion mirrored it has most definitely become iconic and a trend in fashion that I welcomed back with open arms in 2015. I simply have always just adored the light and airy vibes the styles exude, as well as the earth tones that tend to go along with them, adding to their charm and making them a perfect pick for summer. So, needless to say I was incredibly excited to style these two awesome pieces. What makes them each so perfect for a nice summer outing it that they are both simple and chic pieces. The blouse is great due to its light color and the shorts complement it by balancing the outfit out, giving it a nice, casual feel. 

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I do have to mention though, that aside from this top being a great color for summer, I also love it because it is incredibly comfortable and well made. The material is very light and breathable, making this top a great choice for the hot and sticky humid days we have here in the 'Burgh. I also adore its button detailing, which in my opinion adds a sweet and more feminine vibe. Honestly, this top has become my new favorite for the summer and I am tempted to get it in all three colors! (You can view the other two here and here!)

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And of course, I still need to talk about this cool pair of denim shorts, which have admittedly also become a summer favorite of mine. I actually came across them at the Sunshine Thrift Store in St. Petersburg! Though I wasn't originally planning on shopping and just went in to browse with my aunt, when I came across these Gap 1969 original high rise shorts in my size I just had to have them! Honestly, I love how they fit and find them to be extremely comfortable, as well as flattering to my shape. 

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To add a little polish to this outfit, I decided to dress it up with some Kendra Scott earrings, this South Moon Under layered necklace, a large gold ring from Versona, and one of my favorite cuffs by SLATE. The reason I chose these pieces is due to the fact none of them are overstated and went perfectly with this casual summer look while keeping true to its dreamy 1970s chic feel. I also am a fan of these pieces because they are all relatively light weight which is great for keeping you comfortable while looking stylish.

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The last accessories I styled for this look are my American Eagle heart shaped sunglasses, which I just felt were a fun choice, and my classic Louis Vuitton Tasche "Globe Shopper" in red. The reason why I mention this bag is because it holds a very special place in my heart as well as purse collection, considering it is the very first designer bag I ever purchased, way back in 2011, and is still in impeccable shape to this day! It's honestly my go to summer bag aside from my recently gifted Hermes Lindy bag (thank you, mum and dad) due to its durability and color.

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Finally, to put the finishing touches on this seventies look, I chose to keep my makeup light and airy and went with my ever trusty bareMinerals powered in “Original”, Dior's "My Rose" blush, Too Faced “Chocolate Bar” eyeshadow palette, and NARS “Roman Holiday” lipstick. The reason I chose these colors is because I really wanted to have a more natural makeup look and just love the subtle pastel colors. 

One Last Look

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What are some fashion eras that you just adore and how will you be styling them this summer? I'd love to hear the answers to both of these questions so let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic! Have an awesome summer look you're just dying to show off? I'd love to have a look, so feel free to tag me in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

You can also shop my closet on Dress Like Me as well, which there will be a post about this new tool coming soon. 

#OOTD: Crazy About Daisies (Feat. Ann Taylor, Marc Jacobs Beauty + Rocksbox)

Whew! Has anyone else's wardrobe gone from zero to summer real quick this season? Though I have to admit, I have not mourned packing away my heavy sweaters and winter coats in the least, and I am fully ready to embrace the sunshine and warm weather. I am also more than ready to style some sweet summer looks after an incredibly long, cold, and very layered, winter here in the 'Burgh.

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I have to admit, though my favorite season is actually fall due to the perfect climate and all the fun you can have with layers, summer is a close second for me. The reason this is, is because firstly, summer is the season in which my favorite flowers bloom, the colors of the season are my favorites, and the clothing for this season often mirrors both of these characteristics. So, in today's outfit of the day, I'm talking about how I styled my first look of the summer featuring pieces from my sponsor and affiliate, Ann Taylor, along with some of my favorite summer beauty products. Plus, I'm featuring these adorable thrifted shorts that I personally got a little bit crafty with! 

Scents of the Season

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As I mentioned earlier, summertime brings about the blooming of some of my favorite posies, one of those actually being white daisies (my other favorites include tiger lilies, hydrangea, and tulips). I love these flowers not only because they are beautiful to look at, but also because their scents are absolutely amazing. With this being said, I was thrilled to have receive a complimentary gift set of Marc Jacobs "Daisy" featuring a full bottle of this magical scent, a perfume roller, and body lotion. 

This perfume has been a summertime favorite of mine since I was seventeen. And though Marc Jacobs Daisy actually doesn't smell like daisies at all, it is still a light and whimsical scent that is perfect for summer. Daisy, transports the wearer to a place that is optimistic, beautiful, and pure. To me, Daisy, is reminiscent of my youth and gives me a comforting feeling of nostalgia each and every time I wear it.  Not to mention this perfume's scent embodies romance, starting with the scent of wild berries and violets, and ending with jasmine and a sensual sandalwood for a sultry and irresistibly feminine finish.

Summer Blooms

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After applying my favorite summer scent and makeup, I decided to enjoy the beautiful weather by taking a stroll in Ambridge's historical district of Old Economy as well as checking out a handful of the antique shops and historical sites in the area. Much like Marc Jacobs Daisy, Old Economy will always hold a special place in my heart and gives me feelings of nostalgia because I grew up spending time there and actually worked as a "Young Harmonist" tour guide from the time I was in eighth grade through my senior year in high school. The scenery of this place is actually quite beautiful, and in my opinion is a hidden gem of Ambridge. So, since this was a leisurely casual day dedicated to strolling down memory lane, I chose to keep my look simple and sweet.

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Along with wanting a casual look without sacrificing any style, I also wanted to remain comfortable, and as many of my fellow Pittsburghers know, sometimes trying to keep cool in our humid summer weather can be a bummer. However, the pieces that I chose for this casual summer look are perfect for our warm and slightly sticky weather due to the fact I kept my clothes light (in color and weight) as well as wearing lightweight accessories and makeup.

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The top I chose to style for this look is this adorable ruffle-bib blouse from my sponsor and affiliate Ann Taylor. The reason why I was so attracted to this blouse is because I loved the the colors and floral pattern. I also loved the ruffle-bib detailing of the top half of the blouse, which gives this top a sweet and feminine look. This blouse is made of raw silk, meaning that its very lightweight, and though silk isn't the most breathable fabric, it's still a great choice for summer outings, second to linen in my opinion. I also like the cut of this blouse, since it is not form fitting it makes for a perfect top to tuck in for a change of pace in styling, giving this look a retro '70s vibe. 

Love these shorts I made? Though you can't get these exact ones, click here or here to see some similar looks!

Love these shorts I made? Though you can't get these exact ones, click here or here to see some similar looks!

Now, I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of the bottom half of this outfit. If you follow me on Instagram you've probably seen these adorable embroidered shorts pop up in your feed a couple time this past week, and the reason I am am so proud of them is because I actually made them myself! Though I don't go clothes shopping often, I recently decided to hit up my local Goodwill in search of some new jean shorts for summer. While I was on this excursion, I initially found this pair of plain cutoffs that fit me perfectly (which is sometimes challenging to find being 5'7" and a size 00). However, on my way out of the store, I saw another pair of shorts in the kids section, with these adorable daises on them. of course, I couldn't fit in them however, I had been looking for a new project and snagged them anyways, and once I got home, I simply detached the floral pattern from the kids shorts, put my sewing skills to work, and attached them to my new cutoffs!   

Aside from making these adorable shorts myself and them being completely unique, I also love them because they are perfect for summer and are just so incredibly playful, which is exactly the feeling I want to exude in the summertime. 

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To further style this look, I chose to use some new jewelry I received from my longtime sponsor Rocksbox. Both the pieces I chose to style with this outfit are also floral themed, because I wanted to keep the pattern going. The first pieces pictured are some gorgeous daisy chandelier earrings by Perry Street. Though they are chandelier earrings, the great thing about these earrings is they are lightweight despite their size, making them great for all day wear.  

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Much like the chandelier earrings, this gorgeous Kendra Scott cuff is a lot lighter than it looks. This piece has been on my wish-list for quite some time, almost a year to be exact, so needless to say I was stoked to finally style it! Though this piece looks like it would be heavy, it is actually quite lightweight and comfortable. I also love this cuff because it goes with just about everything due to its pretty pattern and its dual silver and gold color.  

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Last but not least, to complete this casual summertime look, I chose to keep it simple with some of my favorite makeup brands. First, I used some Julep Matifying Primer followed by bareMinerals original powder foundation. I chose this opposed to my BarePro foundation because due to the humidity, I wanted to have a very light foundation. To complete my makeup look, I used Julep's Feels Like Velvet in Auburn Shimmer & Mushroom Shimmer, Dior's My Rose blush, and then for my lips, I paired Maybelline's Oh Sugar lipstick with Marc Jacobs Fawn Over Me lip liner for a dewy, natural look.

One Last Look

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Are you and your wardrobe more than ready for the warm and sunny summer weather this season? Let's chat about summertime style in the comments below or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic! Have an adorable summer outfit you just need to show off? I'd love to see it, so feel free to tag me in your Instagram Story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

You can also shop my closet on Dress Like Me as well, which there will be a post about this new tool coming soon.