Small Business Feature: Rachel G Jewelry

As someone who runs a part-time small business, I have so much respect for people who chase their career goals by starting their own brand. Supporting small businesses is so important and a great thing to do as a consumer. You can build relations with the shop owner, help them grow and share their products via social media or with friends and family.

A small business I just love: Rachel G Jewelry.

I discovered Rachel G Jewelry during a far too long Instagram session, but am so happy I stumbled across the page. Ran out of New York City, Rachel G Jewelry has many pieces ranging from gold necklaces to resin rings, and seems to hit all of the right places including classic and trendy designs. While she creates her own pieces, Rachel G Jewelry also carries specialty jewelry from collaborations she has done with Cailin Russo and King Princess.

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my bubble letter K necklace, which is from Rachel’s Juicy Bubble collection on her website. I have never seen anything like it and think it is such a fun spin on initial jewelry. I have the gold single initial charm, but they are also available in silver as a single charm and gold or silver in a name plate. Made with gold vermeil, this is super durable and high quality lasting longer than other gold plated options, which is something I look for when purchasing jewelry.

Juicy Bubble Collection

Another popular item that Rachel G Jewelry sells is an array of resin retro cocktail rings. Many could say this trend was brought into the spring and summer seasons by Emma Chamberlin, who wears many of Rachel’s rings. Varying in size, color and detail resin rings are a spunky, 90’s trend that will absolutely be sticking around this summer. And the prices? Great. Rachel G Jewelry resin rings start at $20 so if you are looking for handmade, affordable rings to add some color to your wardrobe, look no further.

Retro Cocktail Rings

I genuinely have nothing but great things to say about this brand. Rachel, the shop owner, is extremely nice helping me track orders, making sure items get here on time and overall I can tell she really cares about her brand. I will be continuing to purchase from her and I recommend you do too (:

Shop Rachel G Jewelry HERE


T.J. Maxx Has A Website… And This Is What You Need

I have always wanted T.J. Maxx to make a website and since COVID hit they finally have made the transition to e-commerce. They have the best prices, but honestly it takes a lot of digging to find great things there. But when you find something, you strike gold.

I have done the digging for you by making a mini T.J. Maxx catalog of things that you need. Some of these are more “higher end” products that are super hard to find at these prices.

You’re welcome!


Elevated Basics: Wear This Not That

If you know follow me on social media or know me personally, you know the backbone of my wardrobe is basic clothing. Everyone feels confident in different things, and for me I feel the best while wearing a plain tank, jeans and sneakers. And even though this is what I feel good in, it can get “boring” because there is only so much variation you can do with a t-shirt. To spice it up I wear lots of elevated basics.

Elevated basics are essential basic staple pieces in your wardrobe with a twist. Instead of wearing a plain tank, wear a cropped one with a raw hem. Instead of wearing generic jeans, find one with a split hem. It’s the smallest changes in everyday clothes that can really take your styling up a notch.

Want to try out some elevated basic pieces? I have linked my favorite basics & elevated basics: wear this not that style.

But also, wear whatever you want (:

Basic: White Tank

My personal favorite white tank. A little cropped, but still wearable.

Elevated Basic: Side Tie Cutout Tank

Get this before it sells out! The side is so flattering on all body types.

Basic: Mom Jeans

These jeans from Madewell have been with me through thick and thin. Great price and they have a great student discount.

Elevated Basic: Asymmetrical Jeans

These jeans are more comfortable than sweatpants, which is hard to believe. Agolde has the best denim, so invest in the real pairs and not any dupes!

Basic: Sweatpants

Affordable sweats alert!

Elevated Basic: Wide Leg Sweats

Super easy to dress up or down – and these come in five colors.

Basic: Mini Skirt

Mini skirts are a must especially as it gets warmer going into the spring.

Elevated Basic: Pleated Skirt

I just purchased this skirt from Aritzia and I know I am going to get plenty of wear.

Basic: Flip Flops

Elevated Basic: Platform Thong Sandals

These sandals are EVERYTHING. These Coach sandals give me 90’s-2000’s vibes and I am here for it.

Basic: T-shirt Dress

This dress is from Cotton Citizen, one of my all time favorite brands.

Elevated Basic: Cutout Bodycon Dress

A cutout takes any outfit too the next level. And this color? Screams spring.

Basic: Aviator Sunglasses

A classic. I have had these for years and they are still in perfect condition.

Elevated Basic: Hexagon Sunglasses

The hexagon style with the brow bar is my next purchase.

Basic: Workout Set

Everyone has a black sports bra & leggings in their closet.

Elevated Basic: Crossover Workout Set

& it comes in bike shorts too!


February Favorites

I haven’t done one of these in a while, but I have so many favorites from this past month that I have to share. These things bettered my February from beauty to food to fashion – three of my favorite things.

01


New Balance 990 V5 Sneaker

I have styled these shoes in my blog post about Aritzia’s spring TNA collection, and have worn them almost everyday. For me, these are the new Jordan 1’s and Air Forces. Calling the shots now!

02


TNA The Super Puff Mid

This jacket was a lifesaver up north. I have never had a Canada Goose, but people who have had both jackets have said this is equally & if not warmer. I tend to wear only neutral colors, so getting this bright red color spiced up my winter outfits a bit.

03


Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat

If you have any sort of hormonal bloating, these are a game changer. This is a horrible problem for me and I can genuinely say that these have saved me from the uncomfort of bloating. Being bloated is OKAY and totally NORMAL, but especially if you have stomach problems it can hurt, and this definitely helps.

04


Crate & Barrel Clear Mugs

I got these mugs as a Christmas gift and I am obsessed with them! I love drinking coffee, tea, etc. so being able to see the drinks that I make every morning in an aesthetic way makes them ten times more enjoyable.

05


ALV Jewels Snake Chain

I have been eyeing ALV Jewels for forever! I went in to my local boutique and they had these chains in stock and as soon as I left the store I put it on. I will wear this on it’s own or in a stack and it is super versatile to dress up or down. I cannot wait to order more from ALV Jewels to pair with this one (:

06


Outdoor Voices Shorts & Crop Top

I bought this set a few months back and have gotten SO much wear out of them. The crop top fits like a sports bra and is great to do a high (ish) intensity workouts in or to wear casually while running errands. And the shorts suck you in and are the perfect workout shorts!

07


Because We Got High Podcast

This new Barstool podcast was recommended to me by my roommate and is the perfect “mindless” podcast to listen to while doing something else. The host do their episodes in alphabetical order, picking three topics under that letter to talk about that week. Super interesting and entertaining to listen to while you clean your room, drive, cook, etc.

08


Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Cream

I used to use the Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum which I love, but needed something heavier to brighten my skin. I got this to brighten my skin and give it moisture at the same time since the my skin gets so dry living up north. This was the PERFECT combo, and I use it every morning. Couldn’t complete my morning routine without it!




5 Things You Need From Aritzia’s TNA Spring 21 Collection

The text between my sister and I when we saw this collection preview yesterday morning are embarrassing. We are a bit too excited.

If you know me at all, you know I am an Aritzia lover. Aritzia is the ultimate store to get your elevated basics – which is all I wear. Any time there is a new release at the store my alarm is set because everything sells out so quickly. Everything.

Majority of my wardrobe is from Aritzia, so I would say I know most of these items to a tee. I could tell you my favorite things, but I could also tell you what’s worth the purchase from each collection. Below are my recommendations on what you need to buy from Aritzia’s TNA Spring 21 collection.

Marcy Vest

The sweater vest trend is still around. This season I am seeing more people ditching their oversized vest for a cropped one, as it can be worn on its own or layered with a turtleneck, matching sweats and sneakers.

Clay Sweater

A modern take on a classic Ralph Lauren sweater, this v neck knit is the perfect transition piece from winter to spring. Aritzia’s sweaters are unmatched, so I know this is going to be a must have.

Bedford Dress

More of a retro take on the OV Exercise dress, the Bedford Dress is perfect for running errands or tennis. Super easy to style and wear, ideal for warmer months coming up.

Fargo Tank

So simple, yet such a staple. As I said in the intro the basics from Aritzia last forever, as they are the best quality. I have multiple tanks from here and the cut of this one is a little different, so it will definitely make it into my basket tomorrow.

Hi-Rise Atmosphere Legging

This legging is almost an identical dupe to the Lululemon Align legging but better. They are thicker, can hold up during a workout but are still perfect for lounging. They have been out for a while, but they have new colors like this blue dropping tomorrow.

Cozy Fleece Boyfriend 5″ Sweatshort

These. Shorts. I cannot wait and want them in every color. I have the hi-rise 3″ sweat shorts and I wear them with everything. They come in a variety of colors so you don’t have to buy an exact matching sweatshirt to have the perfect matching set.


14 Things TikTok Has Taught Me

For most Millennials and Gen Z, TikTok is the new internet explorer. I’ll admit that I was very skeptical of the app at first as it was primarily targeted towards younger kids. As people over the age of eighteen began to enter the platform, it completely changed the way the app was managed. People were now promoting brands, creating advertisements, sharing information and so much more that honestly, for me, it has become such a learning space. Every day I save a new recipe or a new website to find new clothes. There is seriously so much information on there that has benefited my life. SO if you are over eighteen and still think you’re too mature for TikTok – think again.

1. Drinks to make to not feel hungover

At a young twenty one years old, I get horribly hungover. I will do ANYTHING to not feel the wrath of last nights alcohol consumption. And these drinks are tasty too.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3Mvyn/

2. Where I should actually be applying my makeup

This has been the ultimate makeup game changer I have found on TikTok. My face seems instantly lifted and gives me a very sought after Bella Hadid look.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3Qgk2/

3. How to start incorporating color into my wardrobe

Wearing more color has been a New Years resolution of mine, and I have done a good job so far lol! I recently posted a TikTok about how to style a leather blazer, and was very impressed with the colors I included in my outfits.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw37jRP/

4. How to pose in photos

Don’t act like you haven’t saved these before. I am a top-tier awkward human, and never know how to pose in a photo. Knowing how to pose myself makes me feel more confident which makes the photo come out ten times better.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw37LWr/

5. Where to online shop

Do I need more places to online shop? Not really. But it’s just so therapeutic. Online shopping for me is like checking my social media – I am always look at stores to see their updated arrivals. Some of my favorite places are Revolve, SSENSE and ASOS but if you have any recommendations please let me know.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3GVHb/

6. I don’t have COVID every day, I just didn’t get enough sleep

Every day I swear I wake up with something wrong with me. But then I come across TikTok’s like this and they remind me that I am indeed just a hypochondriac, I do not have COVID, appendicitis, or any other illness every day โค

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3qn9G/

7. I WILL live in New York someday

I have wanted to live in New York long before I had ever been there. It is the hub of the industries I am interested in working in, fashion and beauty, and a place where I can immerse myself in a fast paced environment with like-minded people.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw345Lj/

8. How to improve my Adobe Photoshop skills

Yes, I was a graphic design student in college, but honestly most of it was self taught. Even with Adobe Illustrator, the application I use to freelance design on, I was self taught. TikTok has such amazing videos on Adobe tips and tricks I had never seen before, and I definitely save every single one.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw397hG/

9. I should pre-make my salad in jars

Now THIS was done by a genius. I would say I tend to eat fairly healthy because of my stomach problems (I am gluten and dairy free). Eating clean can be extremely time consuming, so finding ways to meal prep is always needed.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3fJ3r/

10. How to get boozy on a budget

Everyone knows that Trader Joe’s has cheap wine, but they have such a wide selection it can be hard to determine which ones are actually worth the purchase. This solved all of my problems!

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3GaR9/

11. What jobs are currently accepting applications

This has been so helpful for so many driven individuals. TikTok will pick up the type of content you interact with, and provide similar content on your “for you page”. Since I interact with lots of fashion content, I see lots of fashion job opportunity videos. This keeps me motivated and in the know while job hunting.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZjJw3fxpL/

12. That I will decorate my home like Kendall Jenner’s

The amount of times I have watched Kendall Jenner’s Architectural Digest is… a lot.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3umph/

13. What I should be for Halloween

This is always everyone’s biggest internal debate of the year. Sometimes Pinterest can be outdated when it comes to these things, but TikTok was definitely up to date with the trends this year.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3g1W2/

14. What to play on aux if you don’t know what to play on aux

I have aux anxiety for sure. I love music and know so much about it, but my mind always goes blank when someone tells me to connect to their speaker. These songs are around the same type of music I would normally play, so it’s always good to have some ideas.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJw3PJA7/


Winter Outerwear To Keep You Looking and Feeling Hot

As much as I don’t think so, it’s still winter. For some reason as soon as January hits I want to buy all of the spring and summer pieces. BUT, I live up north for most of the year, so shorts are out of the question until May. Whether you live in the freezing cold or not, coats are a necessity during the early months of the year. Dress these up, dress these down, here are some of the coats and jackets you still need this winter & spring season.

Aritzia Super Puff

This is the ultimate puffer. Aritzia’s infamous Super Puff coat comes in many color, lengths, and is made for men and women. I have the Super Puff Midi Coat in red to spice up my very bland wardrobe and I could not love it more.

Stand Studio Aubrey Coat

I don’t own this jacket, but it is my ultimate dream coat. With shearling making a huge comeback right now, this has just a peak of the material around the stitching of the coat. P.S., this won’t be the last Stand Studio coat you see in this post.

Boys Lie The Inside Out Jacket

This fall and leading into this year the “shacket” look has bee all over Instagram. This shirt jacket combination is perfect if you live in a warmer climate and don’t need a down coat to keep you warm. This Boys Lie take on the shacket doubles as chic and comfortable – what more could you want?

Tularosa Lundun Vegan Suede Jacket

Last year we saw plenty of western flair in cowboy boots, and I will never stop wearing them. But, now western-like style is being shown through clothing items like this fringe jacket. Fringe will be seen all over bags and other clothing items this year, so get ahead of the trend with this jacket from Revolve.

The Frankie Shop Down Belted Overcoat

If you’re looking for anything oversized, The Frankie Shop is it. I am swooning over this puffer overcoat. The detachable belt allows you to cinch the waist, or remove it to maintain the oversized “Hailey Bieber” look you are going for.

Lioness Staten Island Jacket

Another warm(er) weather jacket. I love the look of an oversized leather jacket, and love the one of a cropped one even more. This very on trend brown jacket would be perfect to style with any pants, shorts, skirt, you name it. This is definitely on my shopping list and I may have to style this one too.

Stand Studio Cleo Coat

See, told you there would be more Stand Studio. This is such a unique coat and I am always so drawn to it. If you are someone who wears only neutral colors, jackets like this are the perfect thing to add life to your wardrobe.

Nike Faux Fur Oversized Swoosh Jacket

I have been chasing this jacket since the moment I saw it on Instagram at the beginning of the season, but it has sold out. Everywhere. And now it is finally back in stock at ASOS. So RUN, don’t walk to purchase this before it sells out again. This is the perfect jacket to wear with a matching workout set – almost even better than jeans and a sweater.

& Other Stories Boxy Coat

This is a classic long work coat. The oversized fit allows you too pair it with bulky sweaters and sweatshirts with ease, or again just wear this as an oversized look. The grey goes with black or brown accessories so it is the perfect happy medium.

Cotton Citizen Brooklyn Oversized Hoodie

I couldn’t even count the amount of times I have reached for a zip up hoodie this break and don’t have one to grab. This dyed zip up from Cotton Citizen is perfect for any casual outfit for days you don’t want to do anything, but still look put together. This comes in multiple colors, but I personally love this combination of warm and cool colors.


Trend Forecasting For 2021

2020 was an unexpected year for fashion. Vogue and Harpers Bazaar predicted trends such as feathers, multi-tiered clothing items, waistcoats and more, but these forecast did not make it out of many people’s homes. With the pandemic hitting at the beginning of the year it forced everyone to stay home and adjust to new fashion norms. Since we were (and are) home longer than expected, working professionals needed to find a daily routine that kept them moving and motivated. And what is the first thing you could do to shift your mood in the morning? Change your outfit.

We said goodbye to many trends forecasted for 2020 and made our own. Clothing items such as matching lounge sets, bike shorts, casual leather and more were closet essentials to fulfill a trendy stay-at-home wardrobe. Seeing this transition shows the power we have to shift fashion norms within society.

As we enter 2021, there are trends that I see carrying on into the new year and beyond. Spring and summer runway shows have shown what will be released this year, and while they are amazing, they don’t always fit with everyone’s lifestyle. This is based on my studies and admiration for the fashion industry , but here are my trend predications you’ll actually wear in 2021.

***Again, I do not have any education on this subject, just a high interest. There is never a need to follow trends, always wear what you feel comfortable and confident in (:

style fashion vest puffer vest clothes 
outfit inspo

Vest

Yes, VEST. My preppy fourteen your old self is screaming. Not your old J.Crew puffer vest, but more of a sporty, boxy look. Oversized is everything and in the colder months it starts with a puffer vest.

knitwear turtleneck skims Kim Kardashian long sleeve

Tight Knitwear

Second-skin tops will be everywhere. I am SUCH a fan of this as tight long sleeves turtlenecks are my favorite. Snug knitwear will give you that warm, second skin layer that you can definitely transition into the spring and summer months.

athleisure outfit work workout outfit sweatshirt sweat set

Acceptance of Athleisure

COVID really changed the game with this one. Now, matching sweat sets are seen as “put together”, which is socially acceptable to wear in many places. Specifically, it is changing in the workplace. I wrote an article for VIM Magazine on this topic that you can read about here.

pink green blue style dress sweater

Powerpuff Girls Color Palette

While this may seem an odd way to describe it, bubblegum pink, french blue and lime green will be all of the rage in the spring and summer months. Slowly incorporating these colors into you basic, neutral wardrobe will be seen everywhere from the runways to Instagram.

flip flops Chucky slides sandals shoes

Chunky Sandals

I will never be mad about a chunky shoe. Chucky sneakers were the first wide-footbed sandal to come back in recent years, and now we are leaning more towards sandals. Chucky thong sandals seem to be leading in this category, but slides will be right up with them.

nail inspo nail polish French manicure

Natural Nails

No, this does not mean giving up your bi-weekly manicure. 2020 was all about the colorful nail art, but has slowly been leading into more natural styles like French tips. And while the French tip trend has incorporated plenty of color, this will continue to trend in a natural direction. Translucent polish will definitely be something you need to pick up on your next grocery store run.

monochromatic outfit vest skirt shirt fashion style

Monochromatic

Another color scheme trend, and not mad about it. Pairing different shades of the same color together looks chic – whether that is a workout or suit set.

sustainability athleisure workout clothes eco earth friendly

Sustainability

I have talked about this before on my blog and I have continued to learn more about sustainability and how it takes such a toll on retail. Brands such as Sporty and Rich, Girlfriend Collective, Pangaia, and more will rise against their competitors this year as they take more eco-conscious steps in materials and production.

trousers dad pants jeans oversized

Your Dad’s Pants But Better

This was a trend in 2020 and it is sticking around this upcoming year. From denim to trousers, extra oversized pants are not going anywhere. And trust me, they will be paired with plenty of tiny tops.