Category Archives: Uncategorized

mixing

Earlier this week, I made some looks in my fantasy closet featuring patterns. If you’re new to mixing patterns, or like the idea but just think its too crazy, I would recommend starting small and keeping it professional. Like this.

(Shoes are from Target, pants from the Gap, shirt from Topshop, blazer from my mom’s closet, clutch from Kate Spade.) 

Stripes and polka dots may be a little zany, but nothing is more classic than black and white. Just two patterns, and two colors. But still fun, I hope. Throw in a sparkly clutch and you’re good to go! Which, you know, is sort of my answer for everything.

I had pined after that clutch for weeks until I scored it on sale from Kate Spade. Don’t you love when things like that work out? A friend of my had a similar experience with Jack Spade. (Have you guys seen Jack Spade? I don’t care if it’s for boys, I want it all.) 

Here are some stripes and polka dots I wish I could wear. You know, for inspiration. 

I got a little carried away.

wallet

I’ve been searching for a new wallet. I want one that zips all the way around, is large and long, won’t show dirt, and is in my price range. My price range is a price that doesn’t make me cringe. But then, I got this cool new book

And it has instructions on how to make your own wallet! I don’t think I have the skills to put a zipper around the whole thing, but the example in the book has a cool button. So I’ve got that going for me. It looks like a cool project within my skill level. And if I don’t want to spend the money on the designer wallets I’m longing for, why not have some fun and make my own to use for a little while in the meantime? I’ll keep you posted.

green

Remember when I created some looks based on White Christmas? Well I found my own very similar green skirt—on sale!

Unfortunately I don’t have that gorgeous yellow to go with it, but I do have tights in that maroon. Anyway, here’s how I took it to work using neither of those colors.

And here’s how I made it decidedly inappropriate for work. Check out the cool detail of the slit that has a zipper! I can make it as demure or as scandalous as I want.

I’ve been wanting some colored and patterned skirts lately so I can mix things up. I’m glad this worked out at a cheaper price. I think it could go with tons of things! What would you wear with it?

project

So part of being kind is mailing people things, right? So this weekend I was able to put together a little kit to help me stay on the ball when it comes to things like cards and birthdays and just-to-say hello notes. I read this in a magazine or book somewhere a very long time ago and unfortunately can’t remember where, but the gist of it is to create folders for each month and fill with the cards you’ll need to send that month.

So, I took some manilla folders and created one for each month and listed birthdays on them. Then I filled these folders with some cards. That way, when the time comes, you’ll be ready to mail! All I need to do now is get enough stamps, so I don’t have to be worry about getting anything later. If you have extra cards, keep them with your envelopes for new friends you’ll make this year. I am storing the folders in a magazine box on my desk.

And if you’re lucky enough to be in the same city as the birthday celebrator? Pick up a card and carry it with you to the party while you’re wearing a killer, classic look like this.

Just don’t look better than the birthday boy or girl.

new year’s resolutions

Happy New Year! I rang in the new year with some lovely ladies in lovely New York. Do you do the resolution thing, what are yours? Here’s a few of mine:

save more money
be kind
be fearless, in style and otherwise
but accept myself.

To me, being fearless doesn’t mean doing everything. It means going after what you want, and saying no to what you don’t. Did you guys know I will likely never be the last one to leave a party? I love having fun with my friends, and I also like sleeping. Sue me. Also, I will probably never like putting away clothes, which makes things terribly messy when I can’t decide what to wear. And you know what? All those things are ok; I’m accepting them.

To celebrate one of the loudest nights in New York, and the resolution-making, I combined my new chambray shirt with an old party dress.

The topknot was a perfect setting for the New Year’s crown I got later that night. And here’s how I wore it hanging out with friends when I was home over break.

I’m really liking playing with the texture of this shirt, and I hope you don’t get sick of how many ways I’ll try to wear it over the next few weeks. None of these are traditionally office appropriate, though I think the more casual look could definitely work in a more casual work environment than mine. But I’ll show you some work looks, well, as soon as it’s cleaned and ironed.

Hope your new year is off to a great start! Tell me all about it, por favor.

hello hello! Still on vacay but had to share this delicious clutch 

Remember how much I liked Clare Vivier? Now I have one of my very own. Thanks family! More Christmas gifts will pop up later on, like a super cute bracelet and a sweet chambray shirt. Who knows, maybe all in the same look.

happy holidays

I hope everyone has a merry Christmas or happy whatever holiday you may or may not celebrate. And I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful holiday cards and well wishes this season! Taking a few days off to spend with the fam, I’ll see you on the flipside. In the meantime, you can always find me @rclnudson. Love love, Rae

books

So, in between shopping and outfit planning and looking at things I can’t afford on the Internet and decorating for Christmas, I like to read books. And I need to stock up on a few so I can have reading material for holiday traveling. While I was preparing, #fatcat fell asleep on my Kindle. Can you even tell it’s him? He’s very black and sometimes difficult to see.

Anyway, I just finished reading John Dies at the End. And I wont tell you if John really dies at the end, but I will share some lines I particularly liked.

My grandpa used to tell me, toward the end when he was going crazy, that talking through a dog ain’t like talking through a sausage.

Something coming back from the dead was almost always bad news. Movies taught me that. For every one Jesus you get a million zombies.

The best I can do is save this little bit of the world, this little corner that me and this girl stand in.

The truth, the power of knowledge in the hands of the people, all that journalism school song and dance, that’s what I believe in. I got nothin’ else to fight with.

What are you reading? Does it help you ease holiday stress?

list

It’s just a few more days til Christmas. Oh boy. Are you done shopping yet? Here’s a few quick ideas for the ladies in your life if you need it!

  • 1. Whimsy. I am all about promoting fun in clothing, and I clearly love words. Kate Spade does a great job of adding some spunk and pretty, simple text to accessories, whether it’s a bracelet, scarf, or mittens.
  • 2. TOMS. These shoes are easy to wear and come in many colors and patters (all are perfect, they’ll go with everything) and you’re doing good in the world when you buy! 
  • 3. Fur. Can’t afford a fur coat for your fashionable lady? How about a faux fur scarf, or stole, or vest? Get an increase in glamor for a lower price.
  • 4. Bags. We all know how much I love bags, so I recommend any bag, in any color. Or, this fantastic oversized orange clutch from Asos or a gorgeous rugged tote from Madewell. Love them both.
  • 5. Cashmere. It makes anything luxurious. Even winterwear, like these super fun pop-top gloves from DKNY.

Good luck with all your final gift getting!