A Need for Neon

Do not let the cold and dreary weather get you down these next fews months. Spice up your look with a pop of a neon clutch to keep your spirits high! Neon is the perfect accessory in winter because it brings a dash of color to a boring backdrop. One of my favorite purchases is a pink, neon clutch from Aldo for about $20. I paired it with a tight, bandage dress, blazer and heels to make my look fun and edgy. If you don't have a neon bag, be sure to pick one up so you can breathe some life into your winter wardrobe!

A Need for Neon by rachiemuse featuring yellow clutches

xo,
Rach

Prepster on the Loose

I want to live in a J.Crew magazine. Period. It always pictures a classic American family enjoying preppy time on the beach, in their preppy clothes, with their preppy dog, in the preppy weather, drinking preppy drinks and talking about preppy things. I'm far from preppy, but I'd like to be.

I've starting doing my research and I've realized I've got to start buying Vineyard Vines, The Frat Collection, Jack Rodgers, Polo Ralph Lauren, Patagonia and of course, Sperry. I've complied a collage of what I like to think of as perfectly preppy. It contains pieces from a variety of stores, and I'm hoping it will be a good start to a J.Crew lifestyle.

Pretty n' Preppy by rachiemuse featuring j crew

It's All in the Eyes

As Tyra Banks so elegantly puts it, it's important to "smile with your eyes" or "smize." Eye makeup can make a huge different in any look and any mood. I rely heavily on my eye makeup more than any other of my face products. The right combination of eye shadow can complete any outfit. Below are my favorite eye products that I use on a daily basis.

Eye Primers:

Urban Decay Primer Potion:
Always, always, always prime your eyes before you put on eyeshadow. When you use a primer you are coating your eyes to make your shadow stay longer and look brighter! I swear by Urban Decay's Primer Potion because it allows my shadow to stay on all day, without smudging or dimming.

Lorac Eye Primer:
Another one of my favorite primer's is by Lorac. This primer is perfect since it's smaller in size for travel and on-the-go. Both Lorac and Urban Decay primer's cost about $20, and can be found at stores like Sephora or Ulta.

Eye Liners:

MAC Eye Pencils
I always go to MAC for my eyeshadows and eyeliners. MAC understands how to create rich, long lasting, dramatic eye products. My daily eyeliner is a black crayon from Mac that lasts me throughout the day and night. If you feel adventurous, MAC also makes the liner in colors like purple, blue or lavender.

Revlon Liquid Liner
This classic drugstore liner is inexpensive and does the trick! I love Revlon's liquid eyeliner because it goes on easy and lasts through rain and shine. Mine is waterproof and it stays on whether it's raining, i'm crying or I'm in the shower. I always buy it when it's buy one get one half off to keep in my purse for a quick fix between class!

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner
I've just recently starting experimenting with gel liner and I love it already! For gel liner, you buy a little jar and apply it with a small, angled brush. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it you'll be hooked! Gel liner is perfect for creating cat eyes and winged lids.

Eye Shadows

Lorac's Pro Line for Fall 2012
The Fall 2012 collection for Lorac is the perfect palette for me. Consisting of both matte and sparkly shadows, this palette brings together all of my favorite colors. Lorac's colors are never too dramatic or bold, and are perfect for everyday wear. Daily I apply the light pink to my upper lids, mauve to my middle, and a sparkly champagne close to my upper and lower lash line. This palette is perfect if you like subtle and classy colors.

Mascara

Maybelline
I adore each and every mascara by Maybelline. Maybelline is known for a wide variety of mascaras, all providing a different look in each tube. My favorites are the classic Great Lash and bold Volume Express. Whether I'm looking for an everyday look or a dramatic eye, Maybelline has the perfect mascara for me.

Eye Brushes

Eco-Tools
These inexpensive brushes can be found at Sephora, Ulta or even Walgreens! I love eco tool brushes because them come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and aren't too pricy! It's incredibly important to have a variety of brush sizes so you can change up your eye shadow looks for every occasion!


Those are just a few of my favorite eye makeup products! What are you favorites? I'd love to hear!

Mad for Mint

Although February may bring special attention to pinks and reds, I have my eye on another trend. Mint has been a trend for quite a while now, and I'm totally onboard! Mint has been shown since the summer through accessories and nail polish, but now it's starting to make its way into shoes and clothing. I think mint is the perfect color for winter, it's bright pop of color cheers up a dreary day and outfit.

Mad for Mint by rachiemuse featuring sleeveless tops

Let it Shine

I am DYING over this new trend! Metallic toe shoes have been showing up store windows, magazines and on countless blogs. I've been eyeing a sold out pair of metallic toe heels from Zara on Ebay for $120, hoping it'll go down in price!

What I love about this trend is the versatility it brings to any outfit. The colors I've pictured below are all a neutral tan/cream, that can be worn with almost anything. The pop of the metallic toe brings the shoe, and the outfit, to a whole other level.

Heels can bring sophistication to a simple pair of flare jeans.

Gym shoes can bring an edginess to leggings and an oversized sweater.
Flats can bring boldness to skinny jeans paired with a blazer for work or play.

The versatility and edginess of the shoe makes it the perfect accessory for any spring wardrobe!

Let it Shine by rachiemuse featuring skimmer flats

Warm and Cozy

Snow has finally begun to cover the sad looking sidewalks, and my nose has turned a constant shade of bright red. Winter is finally here, in all its glory. As temperatures begin to drop and snow starts to fall, it can become difficult to stay warm and not look like the little brother from "A Christmas Story." Layering can be difficult; it can seem bulky, uncomfortable and even too warm. Here's a few different looks you can try out under your winter coat. Accessories like scarves, gloves and hats can keep you warm and cozy, without all the hassle of piling on twelve different sweaters.

Twinkling Trio: Sweaters, Hats & Gloves by rachiemuse featuring knit infinity scarves

Valentine's Series: Pretty in Pink

While it may be a cheesy Hallmark holiday, I am an avid supporter of Valentine's Day. I adore the cutesy gifts, hilarious cards and adorable fashions. I've decided to begin a four part Valentine's series complete with fashion, food, gifts and date ideas.

Today's Topic... Fashion!

February is filled with a burst of pinks, reds, lavenders and creams. On Valentine's Day I'm attending a date event where all the girls are required to wear only these colors. I think it's going to be absolutely adorable, and I cannot wait to see the dresses on display.  The pairing of pinks and creams create a subtle and sweet beauty. The only problem is... I haven't found one for myself yet! I've done some browsing and pictured below are a few that I've been eyeing. Let me know what you think!

Pinks:
Pink is the classic Valentine's Day color, here's a few styles that are both sassy and sweet.

Valentine's Day by rachiemuse featuring a bustier dress