Besides this being a great week for America (marriage equality, confederate flag taken down etc), I have to admit this first month of summer wasn't the epitome of "carpe diem" or lively in anyway but c'mon, I need to rest from this hell of a school year. July is going to be an eventful month and I have a lot in store for my grand ol' blog, starting with this fabulous post of some items that have been super beneficial, as well as enjoyable to me recently.

1. My journal

I actually use this more as a planner for tasks needed to be done during the day and organizing everything for this site and I'm not sure why but it's just satisfying writing cute notes.

2. Iced green tea

I've always loved green tea, it's excellent for the season if you want something with a little caffeine and more refreshing than water and fun fact: green tea can improve brain function and to be bikini ready it increases fat burning!

3. Little black bag

Just like the little black dress, this bag is essential. It's 2 years old and missing the top tassel but it's very roomy, light, chic and versatile

4. Clinique Acne Solutions

GOD BLESS THESE PRODUCTS THIS IS MY HOLY GRAIL SYSTEM. But seriously my skin is so much brighter and clearer and it took me a whole year to find something as awesome as this kit.

5. Watercolors

I guess you could say I have been watercolor crazy these past 2 weeks, making personal and easy gifts and just painting to pass time. Super easy and relaxing!

6. Kate Spade initial earrings
Okay I actually just bought these this week but I already LOVE them! Ever since I watched The Carrie Diaries last year I've been on the hunt for something with my initials on it because on the show Anna Sophia Robb aka Carrie wears a necklaces with a "C" on it in block font as well as dainty and minimal. I think its great to kind of have that signature jewelry and this is mine.

7. Aviators

How Danielle Bernstein of me and that's part of the reason I purchased them. These sunnies are work with any look and make me feel sassy!

8. Portable Charger
Similar to my Clinique set, this has saved my life, I mean what if I missed a perfect Instagram moment or am in an emergency? Not to mention the sleek savior is an adorable rose gold.

Lastly online faves, specifically YouTube:

9. Rachel Nguyen
Also known as thatschic's vlogs and other gamble just seems so simple yet I am always interested in what she's doing or posting on Instagram or writing - a lot of travel and great style. The Cali babe is just fab.

10. Casey Neistat
On the total opposite side (literally - not fashion and on the East Coast), Casey is just a great camera man and has probably heard it a bunch but he seems to have a great life whether it's riding a hoverboard segway thingy in his office or letting Karlie Kloss carry his baby, Leandra Medine gets surprised when she sees him, the New York daily vlogs are just entertaining for everyone.

What's your recent favorites for the season?

Bloglovin ♥ Instagram

DIY 3 Step Succulent Terrarium

Plants are friends, friends are plants. I've been wanting to make one of these terrariums for a while and I needed a new decor piece to freshen up my room and whats more fresher than mother Earth. Turns out making the plant holder is very easy, only three steps to make a new home for your plants!

WHAT YOU NEED

- Rocks

- A jar, I depotted an old candle

- Soil (not shown in the picture)

- Your fellow green friends

STEP  1: Fill half the jar with rocks

STEP 2: Placement

Pour an inch of soil on top of the rocks, pat soil down, place the plant in the jar and fill soil around the plant up to the top of the jar.

STEP 3: Water your plants and don't forget to name them!

My lovely Ezra Koenig (if you don't know my obsession with Vampire Weekend's lead singer your never too late on the news) and Lil P from the Garden, if you don't know Lil B from the Pack you're not living!

Bloglovin ♥ Instagram

Begin Again

Wednesday was a super eventful day, Instagram worthy day..... so here are the photos I took!

MUSIC: Purity Ring

I said day but I really meant evening - I've been waiting to go to a concert for a long time and I finally got around to going to see this amazing show! Because of the terrible Minneapolis traffic we (my friend Randy and Thida) only got to see one of the opening acts which was Braids and they were enjoyable even though the lead singer was sick.

THEN THE MAIN EVENT - PURITY RING!!

All I have to say is the show was beautiful and had such a great energy. Megan was so entertaining and used these gloves to create a light show with her hands which was again really cool and I think a good way to wooo and interact with the audience. The lights and set up in general was were super cute and again made the show even more interesting. Overall it was a good time, loved the venue and danced and sang my heart out.

VENUE: First Ave

FOOD: Pizzeria Lola

Lastly we took a quick pit stop at this adorable little pizza shop decorated in Coca-Cola glass bottles, tomato can lights, and vintage plates. We had delicious kimchi pizza made by a guy singing 80s jams and took cute photo booth pictures! 

Bloglovin ♥ Instagram

If You're Reading This GovBall is Over

This is my second blog post in a row where the title is referring to Drake, what can I say? He's lit. I'd like to share my fave street looks and a playlist from Randall's Island because if you follow me on any social media or have read this, you know that I envy city living and love anything related to New York and music so Governors Ball was just another necessity I was inspired by and have to share .....and to be honest the street looks were much more comfortable, chill, easy to wear than Coachella looks.

Refinery 29

Harper Bazaar

Teen Vogue

Refinery 29

Harper Bazaar

Bloglovin ♥ Instagram

Better late than never

(First photo on Rachel Steph)

June 1st marked one year of this blog and I totally forgot. So here I'm going to reminisce of the beginning. My first blog was actually Virtual Vogue, made for my news writing class I took last year. Then I was already planning to create a blog the following summer so shout out to Ms. Glidden for teaching me the basics of blogging and just that class in general because I really do enjoy writing much more than I used to.

In the process of creating a blog you have to pick a platform and name with a Google search of "what is a good platform for fashion bloggers" I found one source saying Blogger is the one for me so here I am! (Sorry to any teachers, I ONLY USED ONE SOURCE AND DID NOT MLA SOURCE IT)
Then I had to pick a name and what I came up with were ridiculous names, 2012 "Tumblr Girl" names such as "Chucks and Polaroids" or a spin off of the OG blog "Virtually Vogue." But obviously those did not work out because this blog had to be something a little more mature and I planned to use it in the long run. Although I still find my name quite basic its my name.... can't change that. 

The other important component aka my template was a mess in the beginning. Baby pink Georgia font as my header saying "♥ rachel stephanie ♥", *rolls eyes* how lame. I also used the very basic Times New Roman and kept the font all black. But again I did my research, started a Bloglovin to really get some exposure and also gain some readers, and found some codes online and now I've got everything set to what I really do feel is well, me.  

I was always a when I was younger, quit ballet, regret times 1564161321, and I quit Girl Guides, but I'm still here and I love doing this and I feel like I've improved my vocab, photography and decision making (because if you didn't know all my posts including my first was deleted on purpose because I wanted to fix my content so the first post on here is July 1st). The gist of all of this was to say thank you for reading this past year and your simple compliments just make me super overjoyed and I hope you can stick around for this adventure because I've got a lot of ideas for this season and I cant wait to share.

xoxo, Rachel Stephanie

ps. almost at 100 followers eeeeekkkkkkkk!!!

Bloglovin ♥ Instagram

6 Piece Summer Lust List - Zara

Today was my last day of school and if you read my last post, I am very excited for what summer has to bring me and just relax because well school sucks a lot of times. I'm also ecstatic for dressing up this season so here is what is on my shopping list featuring items from one of my fave places, Zara! Hopefully these will give you some ideas of what your look is for the heat.

A bit different than my typical sets but it's always good to switch things up.

Knitted halter top $12.90 is essential and I'm actually surprised I don't own any def need in every color but not only is it comfortable it's super versatile and can really escalate a look.

Chambray dress with frills $49.90 i'm in full support of the new love for denim, ever since Alexa Chung's AG Jeans line but I mean who wasn't? Denim is a retro classic that will never die, am I right ladies!

Printed camisole top $49.90 I find the off the shoulder look very flattering as well is a little risque *wink wink* but this top is a gorgeous burnt orange and also breathable. 

Backpack with foldover flap $35.90 first off I've been on the hunt for an affordable, school size and affordable black pleather or leather backpack (doesn't matter to me) and this one has checked off all the requirements. I plan on using this cute accessory for summer adventures and the upcoming school year. 

Faux eyelet suede skirt $39.90 Julie Sarinana and Danielle Bernstein (two great bloggers ahhhh!!) both gals have been rocking the rustic 70's western look and I'm loving it. This skirt has the look with a touch of girlyness which is totally more me and will be super adorable paired with a comfy and simple white tee. 

Patchwork print jumpsuit 49.90 this cute get up is really interesting to me. Patches are a must for me this year I NEED IT! They're just pleasing to look at as well as fun and on the other hand a cool granny quilt look.

Bloglovin ♥ Instagram