Rain, Mist, Drizzle .::. No Rain Check Needed

Nice to see you, to see you nice,

So Autumn is officially here, and the seasons seemed like they have changed just like that!

SO... can I just say an official goodbye to long warm days and nights? With an open welcome to sweater weather--meaning that we need to break out our scarves, peacoats and other fall essentials!

Oh and it is the season of warm Starbucks again! I have gone everyday almost, I am turning into Marc Minsker :) I can't get enough of those pumpkin spice lattes!

The one thing I can't stand on the other hand is this dreary rain that has been hitting the DMV for the past 2 weeks. It has turned from gross humid rain, to cold misty drizzle. I personally prefer the latter.

But in any case, it always feels impossible to dress cute in the rain. This in fact is not impossible.

If Debbie Reynolds can pull off looking

beautiful while being down poured on, on a soundstage in Hollywood, back in 1952 in Singing in the Rain, it should be easy enough for us 58 years later. So don't put off fashion on a rain check, look cute in precipitation.

This should be your perfect rainy day outfit, which incorporates most of this fall's essentials!

Trench Coat

Oh so classy and mysterious. No need to go all out and get a long trench coat, but get one that falls to your thighs, or to your hips! Buy one in one of fall's favorite colors, you can refer to my post on Paris Fashion Week if you don't know what those colors are! You can be daring and go for a deep red or classic with neutrals, either way you will look super sophisticated. Try this one on for size, the Coffee Shop Belted Twill Long Rain Coat, it comes in a variety of colors at Target and it goes for $34.98. It has perfect in between length, so it will get the job done when you are dealing with the elements.

Scarf

Throw a fun scarf around your neck, not only does it keep your neck warm in the cold rain and wind, but it just plays up your outfit even more-- like an extra effort on such a dreary day.

Jeggings

Resist the urge to grab those sweatpants, I know you want to be comfy, but if you want to look like a million in the rain, without actually putting any effort get yourself in some jeggings. Jeggings are uber soft and comfy, and are effortless just like sweats-- but they give the illusion of effort, and look so much better!

Sperry's, Rain Boots, Boots

All three are acceptable. I love Sperry's--It comes from the inevitable Catholic School upbringing for 13 years--, I lived in them in High School, and white water raft in them, they are just so comfortable and they keep your feet dry! Rain Boots are the epitomy of rainy days, and just give off the fun vibe of "I don't care, I'll walk through this puddle...I'll even jump in it". And wearing your standard leather boots always adds a touch of class.

These elements together will make you really stand out on campus, while everyone else looks like they just rolled out of bed.

I will surely post soon about how to deal with the cold now at night when you find yourself going out.

Anyways Cheers guys and gals!

Stay fashionable slash dry!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Transition with the Leaves

Hey yo fashion girls and guys!
It's that time of the year again, the season of soccer and football games, which means tailgates and after parties where I know everyone dresses to impress. Soon the trees in Hornbake Plaza will be a vivid gold and Willow Walk will lose its leaves.
First things first, I apologize for not posting in forever! I have been super uber busy this past month since I have been back at school. I feel like this semester my social life has been so demanding! But in honor the autumnal equinox, I thought I should give the perfect guide on how to transition into fall just like natures fashionistas-- the trees leaves-- gracefully.
I know right now it is still technically super hot out, at least today was, we even had a thunderstorm roll on by, which almost kept me from going out, but lets be serious, it is gone now which is perfect--all systems are go--but soon it will be windy and chilly for all those morning classes. This always makes it confusing for getting dressed in the mornings, it is going to be cold in the mornings but warm in the afternoon, then cold later when the sun begins to set, which drives me nuts because I can never choose if I should dress more summery or autumny--it is indeed a hard transition.

PLAN: check the weather; hour by hour.

• If it is going to be in the 70s or below, wear jeans; it is acceptable.

But, since it is still warm out wear some cute sandals, and a fun tank top!
Pack a sweater for the lecture halls they keep like the arctic too.
And if it is a particularly windy day grab your favorite lightweight scarf!

• If it is anything above 80 degrees please wear shorts, rompers, skirts, or dresses.

You can make this look autumny by wearing and oversized vest.
Make your feet look classy with some oxfords, or mocassins!

Just a friendly reminder: step away from the UGGS until the very end of fall PLEASE & THANK YOU.

Fashionable Guy Sightings: Andrew Harvey with his awesome collection of pastels and oxford shirts.
Guy I met with a red watch, always classy.

So please transition well, and don't fall all the way down with the leaves just yet, it has yet to cool down.

Enjoy how colorful the campus is going to get & GO TERPS!

Love, J'Adore, Amore,

Gabriela Mercedes

Make A Statement

Hello Fashionistas,

I was mulling over different things to do this fall, and it came to me: where should I go out this fall besides the usual and hitting up route one in CP?

I mean we are super uber close to our NATION'S CAPITAL! 8 miles I believe and you can see the the Washington Memorial at the very top of Byrd Stadium!Thanks Carrie for the info! And plus now that the Real Housewives of DC is on, what better way to check out the District and its night life. Of course since you want to be on point,--looking good is an absolute must! So make a statement, in a statement dress! You may have to invest some, but it will be sooooooo worth it!

But what kind of dress makes a "statement"?

Embellished LBD
Like I said in my last post, update your LBD by giving it a face lift, with different embellishments! Get this one from the French Connection, Iron Eagle Dress for $268.00.

20s Inspired
Take it back to Jazz Age by wearing a sexy frock, that shiny and glitters in the night. These dresses are loose and feel great on! The Rushes and Reeds Dress is $298.00 from FCUK.

Embellished
As you have seen from the last two trends, embellishments are totally in, and are a great way to make a statement!They make you shine and sparkle, I see no cons! This dress is another one from FCUK, they have the best dresses! The Faulks Dress goes for$368.00.

Ruffles
I love ruffles--a lot, but in moderation, but they can make any outfit look ethereal. So why not try it out on a dress when you go out? Try the Ruffled-Neck Apron Dress from BCBGeneration it is $88.00! Plus look it has pockets and a cutout back!

Color Block
When different colors are put together geometrically it just looks edgy and modern. Find this one Bluefly.com it is by La ROK, and it called the ray of light dress and goes for $179.00.

Metallic
There is reason why they call them precious metals, look expensive! This dress is by Shoshanna and can be found on Bluefly.com. It is called the Gold Abstract Brocade Dress and is $210.00.

Sheer
When sheer fabric is used on dresses to expose a little bit of skin, it adds a little mystery! So add some mystery with this dress by Max & Cleo and it is called the Black Organza and Sateen Scalloop Trim Dress and it is $79.00. Another Bluefly find!

One Shoulder
 Another trend that gives that modern twist to your going out outfit. It is also gives you the best of both worlds: a strapless dress and a strappy dress. This again is bluefly, sorry they just have tons on designer dresses for such decent prices! This one is by Romeo & Juliet Couture. The Fuchsia Stretch Taffeta One Shoulder Dress is $103.99.

GO OUT AND INVEST NOW for your statement dress, everyone should have a social life, look good having one!

I will see you in the District!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Merccedes

p.s. new poll, please answer it <3

Turn Heads, Back to College 2010

Hola my fashionistas, miss me?

I just got back from Baja, and was afraid that they wouldn’t let me back in the US after practically working at the main pool in the community where our house is in Cabo. I now look like a Mexican girl, which is fine with me. Shout outs to Miguel and Israel my water aerobics instructors and to the Cabo 2010 Crew :)

Now, as the summer is winding down, it is that time again. Back to School, well now really BACK TO COLLEGE! Being a second year student at the University of Maryland, I kind of have an idea of how things work-- well sort of. But the one thing I know is fashion, and what to bring so you can turn heads once you get back on campus.What are the campus basics this fall /what are some major staples that should be in your closet? Here they are as follows!

STAPLES AND BASICS~ so worth the splurge and the investment.

 

Jeggings

 Are they jeans or are they leggings? Let's just says if jeans and leggings had a love child this would be it. They are the most comfortable things to wear if you still want to look cute and classy! It is like putting zero effort into your day but you look like you went above and beyond-- this is only true if you buy good quality jeggings. I would not recommend these if they look like actual leggings, they must look like jeans up close and from a far, but must feel soft and stretchy to the touch, and when on. I actually traveled in jeggings for my flight to Baja two weeks ago, and they were perfect-- sweatpant feel, but have the jean look. Plus kept me warm becuase they keep jets like the arctic. Why? I don't know. But in all realities jeggings are perfect for everyday use like going to class, or if you don't feel like wearing legit jeans after a night out but still want to look good. If you are looking for a good quality pair try Hollister Co.'s Jeggings in the Rinse color, I personally own these and they are amazing! They go for 29.89 now, original price was 39.50! Get them before they are gone!

Leather Tote

This tote doesn't have to be legitimately real leather, but can just look like it! So ditch your other woven totes and your boring backpacks, and add some class to your going to class look. Do your books a favor and give them a glamorous home. It really brings up your whole look up a notch. For this item, you may have to invest a bit of money because decent bags like these go for about48 dollars and up, or if you find some on sale about 29.90. But this investment is totally worth it because once you get one for one season you can always swap it out for another that you have before and use that one to match your outfit. My recommendation would to be to look at Marshall's, TJ MAx or Ross if you want to go the more Recessionista route. If not try Aldo, or Urban Outfitters. I just bought this tote for this fall, the BDG Tassel Bag. This bag goes for 58.00, but it is totally worth it! I love the tassels and all the pockets-- absolutely perf for all those gadgets and writing utensils.

Blazers

 Okay CC this is for you. Blazers are fun and are reminiscent

of prep school days. I went to a prep high school, so

blazers and I know each other quite well, even though I never wore

mine, sorry Mr. Rand...Anyways the blazers we were forced to wear were nothing compared to the ones on the market now. These are cute and wearable, and actually fit the human female body. The way you should wear a blazer is to make a casual outfit look tailored, or make a flashy dress more casual and more relaxed. American Eagle's AE Classic Blazer goes for 59.50. another investment but it is timeless,and can be used year after year.

High Waisted Shorts
Wear high waisted shorts going to class, or dress them up while going out--while it is still warm out! High waisted shorts are versatile, and look super cute on. They have a leg up on regular rise shorts because they give a casual look a dash of flair. Silence and Noise's Tailored Pleated Short, which can be found at Urban Outfitters, goes for 54.00. Urban Outfitters is primo searching space if you are looking for high waisted shorts, they also have awesome sales on these shorts.

Scarf
A basic light-weight scarf is perfect for those warm days that turn into chillier nights and mornings as autumn comes into full swing. It is like a little face lift for your outfit :) Try this scarf from American Eagle

called the AE Checkered Square Scarf, it is 19.50. Again for Reccesionista fashions, this can be found at Marshall's or Ross, for even cheaper! And for the fashionistas at UMD, the Smith School sells silk scarves at their store for 5 dollars! I

bought mine at relay for life!

Oxfords
Not the shirts, the shoes! These little guys will make your look distinguished. It is a great alternate to a ballet flats or moccasins-- they have laces! Which means they are perfect for walking to class or for random hang out sessions with friends on campus!

Best part is that there are so many to choose from, some are updated versions such as the Chelsea Crew Cut Out Oxford that goes for 58.00 at UO. (right) Or go for a more classic looking oxford like the Kimichi Blue Tear Drop Oxford, for 48.00. (left) These can be found online at urbanoutfitters.com .

Wear these with jeggings, a lightweight scarf, and shades and you will look grade A. Perfect for Noe Valley in San Francisco, where I spent much of my youth :)

Little Black Dress
Give your LBD an update with cutouts and embellishments! LBDs are perfect for going out and of course theme parties such as a little black dress party! Try BCBGeneration's Cutout- Strap Dress for 138.00.

White Dress
If you are rushing you will need a white dress if you decide to be initiated into a sorority! Or if you aren't into going GREEK, white dresses are perfect for anytime of the year if you are looking to dress up. FCUK's Cilla Dress is 83.99 and is adorable and chic!

SEE YOU GUYS BACK ON CAMPUS :)

and go out buy these staples, you'll surely have heads turning your way!

enjoy what's left of the summer <3

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

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