Glam on the Beach - Lotta Stensson

I recently spotted Kim Kardasian wearing a Lotta Stensson cover up on the beach and I absolutly fell in love with her collection!

It absolutly screams summer, warm weather, sunshine, and the beach.

Obsession: Monograms

Like any good Southern girl, I like monograms.

After my mom and Nana bought my daughter an adorable monogram dress, I have recently become obsessed with them.

Sophia Floriana Tapper

I love the classy, soigne, feeling that wearing or displaying monograms gives off. People are using monograms for parties, weddings, throughout their home. Check out some of these amazing ideas.

If I Were a Millionare....

I'm hoping one day I'm a billionaire or even a millionaire would be okay, and I can have all of these things. Until then I'll just wish on a star and wait at the top of my castel.

One time in my life I want to buy a Chanel bag

Dear D. Yurman, your stuff is so over priced and I still want it

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, I really really want you.

Chanel Resort 2011 - Because I'll be rich, I'll need something like
Chanel to wear while on Vacation

20% off LuLus.com - Weekly Savings

While relaxing for the one hour I had this weekend (yes only one hour) I got time to read one of my favorite mags and found out one of my FAVORITE online stores is having a 20% off sale!

Lulus.com, a crazy trendy website with cool accessories, maxis, fun dresses, and adorable hats, all for amazingly low prices!

Style Watch Mag is offering 20% off from June 17 - July 18! Enter "STYLEWATCH" when you check out and recieve a site wide discount!

Happy Shopping!

HerExchange Weekly Article

Check out this weeks article at HerExchange.com!

This week's article are my tips for creating curves on ANY body and doing so on a budget!

Check it out and left me know what you think!

http://www.herexchange.com/2011/06/creating-curves-on-every-body/

Rachael's Wearing: Stripes in the City

It's a million degrees in DC today, and the humidity is about two million percent. As much as I hate the ocean I would love to be on a boat right now sailing with the ocean breeze in my hair. Ahhhh....

Instead I'm stuck trudging around this hot city, oh I love DC.

Dress {Current Boutique H&M} Shoes {Eva & Zoe}
Purple Watch {LouLous Boutique} Handbag {Gucci}
Necklace {JCrew} Sunglasses {Betsy Johnson}

I know, I know my handbag really doesn't match with the outfit - BUT I really needed a massive handbag today and was in a huge rush. So I'm sure you can forgive me this once. 

This dress is so super comfy and I love wearing it. Probably would have felt more comfortable had I not stuffed my face with Chipolte for lunch, but oh well. 

Cute little sailor detail on the dress, little gold buttons

My mom gave me this necklace a while back. I love the pop of color this outfit totally needs. Its fun and I don't get to wear it much because my daughter thinks its candy and tries to eat it. 

Sorry about the up the nose shot, had to get a close up of this necklace myself!

Whats everyone doing this weekend? I am taking my daughter to a "Princess" Themed birthday party tomorrow and then going to a friends rooftop in Arlington Sunday for a pool party. Hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend! 

xoxo 

Rachael's Wearing : Anthropologie @ the Bar

So forgive this picture, I had to have my husband take this picture and well he wasn't very enthusiastic about it to say the least.

Tank {H&M} Skirt {Anthropologie}
Bangle {Gifted} Shoes {H&M}

I loove this army green skirt! I wrote about a sale at Anthropolgie sale I went to a couple weeks ago and this was my amazing sale purchase. The roped belt makes my waist appear smaller and the fuller bottom hits at a perfect length - right above the knee. This black tank is a cheap must have for me. Probably cost $5 and its easy to put in the wash and go. The black open toe sling backs are actually very uncomfortable but were good for days like today where I'm not walking all over town.

I had a crazy busy day in which I felt like I was on hold for most of it. I'm am currently working with a client that asked me to do something a little different than what I usually do, so I got to take a fun trip to target. There I found something that I MUST have:

MUST HAVE.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do my own DIY with a sewing machine. I used to have one years ago but this year for my birthday I'm determine to get this (ehem - Husband, I need this).

DCFABB Meetup @ Floriana Restaurant

Last night I got my first opportunity to attend the DCFABB (DC Fashion and Beauty Bloggers) monthly Happy Hour!

We met for cocktails & calamari at Floriana Restaurant. The small downstairs bar was packed with beautiful women chatting about each others blogs and love for fashion. I can assure you that bar has NEVER been packed with that many women! We were all so enthusiastically talking that the "regulars" headed out!

All in all it was a great night out for this momma!

A special thank you to Lacey & Elizabeth for putting together such a fabulous and amazing group of women! Head over to Elizabeths blog So Much to Smile About to see some of her great pics of last night!

Playing with Neutrals

Bold color blocking maybe all the rage this summer but don't forget about neutrals!

The great thing about neutral colors is that they flatter any skin tone. Some shades may look better than others, but for the most part any skin tone can pull them off.

I am completely in love with this play on neutrals and it's lady-like look. Pleats are another trend that ANY woman no matter what her body type can pull off. This maxi pleated skirt adds volume and length. The bluish - grey ruffled shirt creates a nice color blocking affect in a less drastic way. This is great inspiration for someone who isn't comfortable with crazy bold color blocking.

Happy Friday!

Over the last week my daughter has been out of preschool, meaning nothing has gotten done around here. I'm going to take the rest of the weekend off, and starting Monday really go full force.

Starting next week I am going to do a small "make-over" of the blog and coming soon will be a tab called "Sophia's Closet" (more to come on that later!).

Everyone enjoy you weekend and give your dad a big hug!

xoxo

Sweat in Style

Any one whose been reading my tweets or my facebook check in recently knows I've been workin' my butt of to get my "pre-baby" body back. Even though I'm at the gym 3-4 days a week I refuse - REFUSE to sacrifice sweating in-style. Since summer is only days away and everyone wants to be bikini ready I thought I would put some of my recommendations for some super cute work-out clothes for any budget.

Lucy (www.Lucy.com or they also have several stores located in the DC/MD/VA area: Union Station, Pentagon Row, Bethesda Row, Congressional Plaza, & Tysons Corner)

If you can't make it in to their store, you should definitely check out their website! They have great sales (pants for $89 on sale for $20!) and clothes for every sport whether you are into yoga, training, running, or exploring.

Fit Couture (www.fitcouture.com)

Fit Couture is a new site I discovered and LOVE! Adds a little sexy spunk to working out and they even offer specialty sizes like petite and tall. Like other websites they offer different clothes for yoga, the gym, running, walking, jackets...But unlike some other websites Fit Couture offers specialty designs for those who love "hot yoga." Although I'm not really into it, I like the concept of clothing that has "fabric designed to wick sweat way, keeping your body cool, no matter what the temperature."

Apifeni Activewear (http://www.apifeni.com/)

I got the honor of meeting Danielle Dobin, founder of Apifeni Active wear, a couple months ago when I was getting ready for the fashion swap (she was kind enough to donate a shirt from her recent collection). Danielle, a mother of two, got tired of wearing active wear that made her feel worse and decided to make a change! I actually own a couple of her shirts and I can honestly say they are amazing, flattering, adorable, and super soft and comfy!

Try out these different athletic labels, I really do think you feel better when you look better, even if you are just working out.

HerExchange Weekly Article

Hey Everyone! My first article for HerExchange.com just posted this morning! Go on an take a look and let me know what you think!

http://www.herexchange.com/2011/06/color-blocking-101/

Obession : Owls

For the last couple years I have had a serious obsession with anything owl related.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, a friend of mine who was greek, told me that the name Sophia (the name of our daughter) ment 'wisdom' in greek and that the symbol for it was the owl. I loved the idea of my daughter's name having a symbol - Just like the artist formally known as Prince, Ha! Although I never checked the accuracy of my friends statement, I began collecting owls like a mad woman.

Here are some great inspirational pieces for anyone who shares my obsession!

Cute Necklace! They have one just like this at
Lou Lous in Dupont

Video: Love of Shoes Starts Early

Last week I ventured in to GAP Kids and bought my daughter adorable pink jelly shoes. Remember jelly shoes? I knew she would love them as much as I loved mine. I didn't think she would like them this much!

Hope this makes everyone smile on Monday!

Anthropologie

Yesterday my best friend & I did our weekly "ladies who lunch" in Georgetown. I love meeting her for lunch, after 10 years we still have great conversation and of course are great at SHOPPING!

She had sent me a text earlier in the week about an amazing sale at Anthropologie in Georgetown. After lunch and it being so hot in the DC area we decided to cool off and take a look. Shopping was just what I needed. I had a very long, exhausting day, my shoe had broke, and I was miserably hot on basically no sleep. No doubt a purchase was what I needed.

Disclaimer: I love Anthropologie, but I can not afford to just spend $128 on a cookie jar and a $150 on a dress. As much as I would love to be able to, right now I just can't. I was seriously surprized when I went to the downstairs floor and saw their HUGE sale selection and even more shocked when I saw they were giving an extra 25% off the lowests marked price. I got the most adorable army green skirt (to be featured in a future posts) that was originally priced $80 for a only $25! So happy. I spent next to nothing on a staple item for my closet, got my shopping fix, put a smile on my face, all while looking fabulous in the future!

This was NOT a sale item, but I saw it in the store and
I might be obsessed with it. Hmmm might have to bite
the $128 bullet, might.

My best friend picked up this adorable skirt!
AND YES it was on sale!

Gucci 4 Sale

Ladies, Ladies! A client has asked me to sell a couple of her pieces. Thought I would offer it up to my supporters first to see if there are any takers. Over the next couple of days I will be posting some of her things.

Gucci Sunglasses (Usually Retail for $295)
Asking $110
In brand new condition with case included

Gucci Shoes - Great for Spring - SIZE 6 1/2B (Usually retail from $450 - $500)
Asking Price $125
In good condition. Bottoms are slightly worn, but the heel is in perfect condition as is the fabric. Garmet bag is included in purchase.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING, PLEASE EMAIL Rachael at rachael@stylesoigne.com

Rachael's Wearing: Free People & Capitol Pride

This is DC's Capitol Pride Week and if you walk down 17th street you will notice most of the restaurants and stores have the rainbow flag up showing their support. Some of you might not know that my husband owns one of the most popular restaurants on 17th Street, FLORIANA Restaurant.

Even though this might not be the cutest outfit I have ever put on in my life, I wanted to showcase my husbands restaurant and show my support for Capitol Pride!

Shirt {Free People - Current Boutique} Jeans {Vigoss Studio - Second Time Around}
Necklace {From Fashion Swap} Shoes {Steve Madden}
Watch & Ring {Lou Lou's Boutique in Dupont Circle}

The Cost per Wear on this out fit is so low that honestly the most expensive thing I have on is - well it's my undies! This outfit is a perfect example of a serious consignment shopper. The off white flowy free people shirt added volume and camouflaged the massive amounts of sushi I had eaten for lunch. The Vigoss Studio flares jeans had been hemmed by the previous owner making my life a lot easier. The exaggerated flare creates a longer leg on my short 5 foot 1 inch frame and are totally 70's inspired. I love them.

Hope to see everyone this weekend watching the parade! I will be helping my husband out at his restaurant, so everyone stop by {1602 17th Street NW, WDC 20009}!

Pics of Grand Opening

I was so happy to get the opportunity to dress the maniquens at the new Current Boutique in Logan Circle for their Grand Opening party last Saturday! I had such a great time working on this project! The staff I have worked with at this store, especially Kat the manager, are amazing, sweet, and know their stuff!

Inspiration {A Tropical Burst of Color}

{Tropical Burst of Color: This is one of the new pieces they have.
Love the contrasting colors of vibrant purple and yellow}

Inspiration {Floaty Floral}

{Floaty, Flirty, Floral Look}

Inspiration {Rachel Bilson: LOOK FOR LESS}

{Who doesn't want to have style like Rachel Bilson?}

Inspiration {Lady Like With an Edge}

{Classic Black Dress by Banana Republic with metal detail
and an edgy necklace}

Inspiration {A Weekend on the Cape}

{Loved this Nautical Theme}

Inspiration {It-Girl Blake Lively}

{Beautiful Diane von Furstenburg}

Inspiration { On the Dot - Poka Dot}

{LOOOVED this Vintage Blue & White Polka Dots
 with red faux pearls}

Inspiration {Electric Colors}

{Another new piece with vibrant color}