Style

Valentine’s Day Date Night: Featuring the LBD

Happy February, everyone! The sun starts to stays up longer and the days are a little warmer. Life in 2016 couldn’t be any better. Until you realize that Valentine’s Day is two weeks away… But who’s counting, anyway?

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Whether you’re anxiously waiting for a romantic night with bae or excited to celebrate with friends, I created a Valentine’s Day outfit guide to prep you for your date night ahead. The featured go-to item? The little black dress. No matter the plans, a LBD paired with bold accessories and the right shade of lipstick will land you in the center of attention all night long.

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I’m wearing a ruffle mini dress by Glamorous. The free silhouette knows exactly what I want in life: a flattering fit, a touch of flair and, most importantly, extreme comfort. I paired it with ankle wrap sandals, which lend cool and casual vibes. Dress it up in the evening with the perfect pointed nude heels.

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The unique criss cross straps on the back of this LBD sold me. Different from anything else I own, how could I resist such a playful dress?

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The Clair V. cheetah print clutch is the bold accessory needed to complete the LBD. The print adds an edgy element to an otherwise ultra-feminine look.

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Below is an outfit guide on different ways to sport a LBD for your Valentine’s Day Date Night:

Dinner and Cocktails: Keep a short shift playful and chic with dramatic drop earrings and flattering tassel wrap heels.

Movie Night: An understated silk shirt dress paired with black booties are essentials for a laid back evening.

A Show Downtown: Make an impact with a floor length dress. Maintain your effortless elegance with a glamorous clutch and edgy leather jacket thrown over your shoulders.

GLAMOROUS ruffled mini dress (similar here)
CLAIR V. clutch
K. JACQUES sandals

Like this look? Comment below!

xx Rainy

Photos by Ivy Guild

Style

10 Outfits to Incorporate this January

Finding inspiration within your wardrobe can be a difficult task, especially in the heart of winter. Suffice to say, I know a thing or two about sticking to a uniform of all black. With a new year comes a fresh sartorial perspective. Before heading into 2016 with the same-old look, set out to experiment with trends that continuously catch your eye as they walk down the street or as you flip through magazines.

I’ve compiled looks that I’m currently obsessed with to help your OOTD all month long. Keep it cozy with chic knits or effortlessly classic with structured pants or ultra elegant with feminine silhouettes. These versatile looks are easy to incorporate into your daily outfit to help revamp your daily outfits for January and the rest of 2016.

Outfit 1: Casual Bomber Jacket with Embroidered Details. My picks: Lace bomber by ASOS, Embroidered bomber by Needle & Thread, Metallic bomber by Gucci,

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Style

It’s All in The Stars

Here we go! The first Monday of the New Year. You have two options today: sleep in and dream or wake up and chase those dreams.

Parkas and puffers are great for when temperatures dip below freezing, but they can quickly take away from the cool factor you have going for you by hiding your killer outfit underneath it. It’s a New Year, New You. So keep your look on point with unbeatable details that allow your outfit to shine, with or without a puffer jacket. I’m currently obsessed with my new cashmere beanie by & Other Stories.

I brought out my girly side today by tucking in my favorite light and airy, dreamy star blouse into a flared, wool skirt. Stars are an ultra chic and fun detail to peek out from under a half zipped puffer jacket as well. I adore how the structured shirt balances the feminine shape of the playful skirt.

One goal of mine this year is to push the limits with my style by adding color to my daily looks. Wearing my red tassel purse is attempt #1 in 2016.

I played with the lengths of necklaces and double layered them to add depth and character to the look. The more layers the merrier!

The perfect opaque tight is difficult to come by. That’s why you can constantly see me running around town in these Wolford tights, which keep my skirt seasonal in the heart of Winter. I then wore my pointed booties to stay in tune with my edgy side, of course.

EQUIPMENT button-down blouse
ZARA skirt (similar here)
WOLFORD tights
ACNE STUDIOS booties

Like this look? Comment below!

xx Rainy

Photos by Jorgi Paul

Style

Hello, It’s Me. Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve, people. The days have flown by this year. One year ago I was living in Rome, celebrating Christmas with my family in the most beautiful city in the world. However, I couldn’t be happier to spend the holidays at home this year (in the snow!!!).

There’s a quietness to the snow where life moves in slow motion as the snow flakes fall from the sky. I started thinking that with time flying past us, it’s important that we acknowledge our memories as well as be fully present.

The only place I want to be this Christmas is in the moment.

This type of time encourages you to observe the power of now and truly acknowledge the important aspects in life. Now is when you feel inspired, alive, vibrant, happy. I’m determined to take time to appreciate routine as well as appreciate change.

I’ve come to realize the importance of spending time with quality friends and enjoying the free time you have as you wake up and don’t have a care in the world about what’s on the agenda. You can’t be everywhere at once! So, you might as well enjoy the moments of now and be with the people around you (while wearing a white tulle skirt and playing in the snow).

The best moments are when you unexpectedly find yourself dancing in the kitchen with your mother to Luke Bryan, spontaneously making hot chocolate as the temperatures hit below freezing, laughing so hard your stomach starts to ache and your cheeks hurt about the silliest inside jokes with your sister, roaming the isles of Home Depot with your dad, and drinking wine by the fire place with your dog. It’s the unexpected moments that create meaning in life and drive us forward.

Embrace those moments of being fully present, because it’s the best gift you can give your friends and family this Christmas (plus, it’s free!).

FREE PEOPLE off the shoulder shirt
BAILEY44 midi skirt
ROSSIGNOL beanie (similar here)
VANS slip on sneakers

Remember- breathe and be in the moment. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Like this look? Comment below!

xx Rainy

Photos by Jorgi Paul

Style

On That Coffee Grind

Aw, yes. How we all love the mad rush during the holiday season. Projects, final exams, Christmas shopping, and holiday parties keep us all busy, but then melt away with the stress as we travel home for holiday. As the to-do list grows over the next couple of weeks, remember to breathe (and drink coffee). *Sponsored by BetterBuzz. **Just kidding.

I decided to challenge myself during the hectic holidays. The best present you can give this holiday season is your presence. Your body, your mind, your spirit- keep it close and exude it out to those you surround yourself with. I am challenging myself to be the one to put my phone down. To be the one who looks their friends and families in the eyes and engaged with the conversation. To be the one who listens and is simply there for someone, instead of hashing out advice. There’s nothing better to give your friends and family other than your undivided attention and love.

I encourage you to do the same.

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Embodying this new mindset, a new and instantly close friend and I got coffee this week. We were both so engaged in our conversation (about brunch, boys and blogging, naturally) that our coffee went cold and the time slipped away with the sun. How refreshing to be fully in the moment! I challenge you to do discover this same sense of connection; you don’t want to miss out on something so special.

I’m sporting my go-to chambray shirt in a faded light wash with copper buttons, which is perfect for a casual outing like getting coffee. San Diego weather changes quickly, so when it gets too warm, it’s easy to throw around your waist. I also wore my simple graphic T, which is my new favorite from Simply Jules (check her site out here).

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Distressed denim is a classic and edgy look that I am currently obsessed with because it instantly adds an effortlessly cool factor to any outfit. I’m also in love with this faded black wash.

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Ankle wrapped flats are a great item to have in your closet, even in the cooler days of December. Blush and neutrals are also fantastic colors to wear to keep your look fresh and clean.

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MADEWELL destroyed denim
CURRENT/ELLIOTT denim shirt
STEVE MADDEN lace up flats

Remember- breathe and be in the moment. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Like this look? Comment below!

xx Rainy

*Photo Credit: Claire DeMarco

Style

National Holiday Alert: Cyber Monday

Let’s be real. Nothing beats that glorious feeling of finding a good deal on a pair of gold glitter booties you’ve been eyeing for months or a faux fur jacket that continues to call your name but you struggle with the idea of paying full price. Fashion lovers unite! Today is our day to shine to find our favorites with an incredibly low price tag.

Even though you may be shopping from your cozy bed, wearing yoga pants, dog by your side, Cyber Monday is just as overwhelming as Black Friday. There are so many deals, so many brands, so many online stores, so many items. Is that cashmere beanie on another site that offers a better promo code? If so, where can I buy it NOW? So many questions, so little time; the clock continues to tick, your favorite items may be gone, and “sold out” are the last words you want to see today, or ever.

In order to speed up your shopping process so that you can snag the last leather jacket in size medium, I zeroed in on my favorite websites with incredible Cyber Monday deals that you need to know about immediately. I also listed a couple of items that would be perfect gifts for your stylish mom or fashionable sister or even yourself (which is great because then you don’t have to wrap it. Am I right?). You’re welcome.

Shopbop.com Through November 30th, save up to 25% on your purchase with code GOBIG15. My shopping cart: (click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Leopard Dress, Killer Belt, Holiday Party Sweater
Net-a-porter.com My favorite sale of the year, hands down! With top designers like Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Alexander Wang marked down up to 50% off, how could you ever resist clicking “add to cart”?? My shopping cart: (click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Winter Layered Vest, Statement Purse, Over the Knee Boots
ModaOperandi.com 50% off select styles through November 30th, plus an additional 30% off sale merchandise with code EXTRA30. My shopping cart:(click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Holiday Heel, Winter Layering Tunic, Wool Pleated Skirt
Anthropologie.com Along with free shipping today, enjoy 25% off sale items with code XTRAGOOD. My shopping cart: (click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Hoop Earrings, Winter White Denim, Shimmery Clutch
ASOS.com Hello 30% off everything. From now until December 1, use promo code BLESSED. My shopping cart: (click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Simple Midi Dress, Holiday Sequins Dress, Chic Faux Fur Coat
Equipmentfr.com Enjoy 25% all full-priced and sale items with code THANKS. Say what?! Same goes with the sister line CURRENT/ELLIOTT. My shopping cart: (click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, Shift Dress , Long Cardigan
RevolveClothing.com Select items are up to 50% off today only. My shopping cart:(click the links here to direct you to fabulous item –>) Open Shoulder Top, Shiny Skirt, Ear Cuff

Happy shopping, my friends.

Did I miss a killer deal? Find something incredible on sale? Comment below so we don’t miss out!

XX Rainy

Style

LBD + Military Jacket

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can’t help but consider all the different things I am grateful for. I am beyond thankful that I get to go home to Salt Lake City to see my family this week (and able to eat delicious food by the fireside with my dog!). Of course family is always on the top of the list, and after several incidents occurring over the past months, I’ve begun to cherish life and the quality of people I surround myself with even more so than usual.

It’s not the career that defines you and it isn’t the amount of money you earn or the grades you receive. It’s about the friendships and memories you create. The quality of life you lead. The happiness you harness.

If your life takes a different path than planned, take it as a challenge and know that you have wonderful people behind you, cheering you on throughout it all. That right there is what I am grateful for- a support team- especially since I am prepping to graduate college soon. We are so incredibly lucky to have a blank canvas in front of us and we are able to decide what to do with it and where to go.

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Since we are now in the middle of the holiday season with shorter and cooler days, I kept my outfit versatile so that I can enjoy being in the sun as I run my errands and stay warm as the sun goes down.

Today, I kept my look simple in my LBD with its free silhouette and deep neckline. It knows exactly what we want in life: a flattering fit, a touch of flair and, most importantly, extreme comfort. I wrapped my military jacket around my waist to give the dress shape and emphasize my waistline. It’s also the perfect weight to throw on as the day cools down.

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I kept my jewelry to a minimum and wore my everyday pieces like my chunky bracelet paired with a delicate cross bracelet, my heavy watch and basic rings. I also through my reflecting lens sunglass into the mix, which lends to a cool, artistic finish to the look.

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Naturally I wore my pull on black booties to make my look edgy. The pointed toe embellished with the silver band is an irresistible detail as well as the incredibly soft leather and elastic triangle sections. These boots are my favorite part of my wardrobe for fall and winter (and any season, really!).

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My outfits are typically black, white and gray with a touch of olive green or cream. So I’ve been working on different ways of incorporating color and patterns into my daily looks. With that said, be patient with my attempts at working in them in- practice makes perfect, right? I threw my red purse over my shoulder to add a pop!

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SINCERELY JULES shift dress
J.CREW military jacket
ACNE STUDIOS black booties
GUCCI tassel bag
RAY-BAN sunglasses

What are you thankful for? Write it down or let people know. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, especially during the holidays!

Like this look? I’d love to hear from you- comment below!

xx Rainy

*Photo Credit: Ivy Guild // ivyguildart.com

Style

Happy Thoughts and Winter Neutrals

We all survived our hectic Mondays and made it to the best day of the week- Taco Tuesday. Am I right?

With that in mind, I thought today would be a wonderful day to recognize our accomplishments, especially as the holidays sneak up on us. It’s easy to become flustered with family coming into town, making meals that won’t cook themselves and the in betweens, all while looking put together. The to-do list is never ending.

Take a minute to look at what you have done, and appreciate the fact that you are one step ahead of where you were yesterday. You can’t eat the elephant in one bite; take a look at what you can do today, in this moment. There’s no need to be overwhelmed!

I hope this pink wall brightens your day and encourages you to keep a smile on as you check another item off your to-do list. Gratitude is the only way you will get through these crazy times!

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List makers gonna list. That’s my motto! It’s always a good idea to keep a calendar to stay organized, but don’t become overly obsessed with it. You’ll eventually get your errands done… But remember: the time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time!

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Bright. Happy. Vivacious. Exuberant. These are all the words I use to describe this pink wall that’s hidden in Pacific Beach. You can walk through this town and no two days will be the same. Remember to always look up when out running errands, or else you might miss something magical!

Keep an eye out for bright pink walls to remind yourself to smile and bring awareness to your accomplishments. That way, you can enjoy the little things in life.

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Winter neutrals might be my favorite part about cold weather. The layering of various shades of neutrals creates an alluring look that I just cannot resist. Crisp, clean, monochromatic- what else could I ask for! It’s simple, yet effortlessly chic.

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This destroyed cream sweater is my new favorite purchase- it is the epitome of cool, casual California and perfect for fall days in San Diego.

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As you all know, animal prints are my calling. I jump at the opportunities to wear my leopard purse or shoes or my cheetah coat! I would wear all my prints together if it weren’t socially frowned upon…

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So if you carry one thing with you today, let it be kindness. And don’t forget to be gracious of your accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

J.O.A cream sweater
CURRENT/ELLIOTT white shorts
STEVE MADDEN lace up flats
ANTHROPOLOGIE cheetah purse (similar here)

Like this look? I’d love to hear from you- comment below!

xx Rainy

*Photo Credit: Ivy Guild // ivyguildart.com

Style

RE: Fall is Here

Halloween was fun and all, but I’m over candy. Give me crisp air, piles of dry leaves, and pine scented candles. Oh, and cheetah coats too please.

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Let’s be honest. We all want to dress like we’re casually strolling down the streets of New York or Paris in the latest trends. Am I right? I try to take my inspiration from the latest fashion events around the world and translate it into my daily look. That way, I’m able to shake up my go-to outfit of a white shirt and dark denim.

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Today, I’m wearing a crisp white button-up with my favorite pair of distressed jeans that I wear almost everyday. In addition, I wanted to throw in an unexpected element, something to make you take a second look, so I slung my leopard coat over my shoulders. Animal prints always draw attention and are just so much fun to wear!

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I’m obsessed with the newest addition to my sunglass collection: the round Ray-Bans in Copper. I went in looking for a black pair, and came out with the reflecting mirror lens. It’s such a unique color and it’s the perfect accent to any outfit.

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I also decided to wear my chunky heels, which are perfect to shake up any look during the cold months ahead of us. I am all about pushing the limits with my style, so I decided to throw my bright red bag into the mix to add a pop of color.

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This outfit embodies so many of the things that I love most about fashion: clean lines, fantastic fabrics and bold patterns.

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DIANE VON FURSTENBERG cheetah print coat (similar here)
H&M white button-up
MADEWELL destroyed denim
RAY-BAN sunglasses
GUCCI tassel bag
ZARA black shoes (similar here)

Like this look? I’d love to hear from you- comment below!

xx Rainy

*Photo Credit: Ivy Guild // ivyguildart.com

Style

Hello There!

Ciao! My name is Rainy Paul and I cannot believe this day has come. My blog is a source for inspiration that spans across the wonderful aspects of life. From fashion, to travel, to food, I hope to encourage everyone to explore his or her personal sense of style. Fashion is a complete form of self-expression, and the brilliantly creative Marc Jacobs nailed it when he said, “there are hints about who you are in what you wear.” Fashion is an animated language that allows you to say who you are without ever having to speak a word.

Writing and fashion are two of my passions, so I decided to combine the two to create a welcoming space for inspiration. I’m writing to you from the sunny city of San Diego, California as I enjoy every minute of being a senior in college at the University of San Diego.

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I spent most of last year studying abroad in Europe where I was exposed to multiple cultures and lifestyles. Throughout my travels in different countries and after thumbing through Vogue Italia once a month, I gained inspiration from stylish men and women from all over the world. They taught me how to adapt to the unique style worn by each city, and I can’t wait to continue checking out killer street style here in the United States!

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While living in Rome, I started a journal about my adventures, the delicious food I tried and the interesting people I saw. Although I’m not traveling like I used to, I’ve kept the habit of carrying my notebook with me so I can record my thoughts and keep notes on the different styles I see strutting down the streets. I’m now channeling that energy into this blog, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I love writing it!

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I am all about pushing the limits with my style, especially with the classic looks. I look for unique pieces that give a little extra umph to each outfit. Black is always a part of my get-up in some way or another along with my routine statement rings and layered necklaces. I look for new ways to combine girly glam pieces with grungy accents to create a one-of-a kind look.

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EQUIPMENT black dress
B-LOW THE BELT double buckle belt
SAME EDELMAN over the knee boots

*Photo Credit: Ivy Guild // ivyguildart.com

Fashion continues to evolve not only from trend to trend, but from city to city as well.I can’t wait to be inspired by new styles I see on the streets, and I am eager to bring them to life for you. I look forward to sharing my latest adventures and keeping up with you. Cheers!

xx Rainy

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