BLOGMAS DAY 8

The "HOLLAday" season is upon us and I couldn't be more excited! I love giving gifts just as much as I love receiving them! This year instead of asking for many things that I probably don't need, I've decided to ask for fewer things that I love! If you can't tell already I'm a huge fan of the Louis Vuitton Keepall, when one is traveling they must look extra chic and this will help me do just that! The next thing that I can't seem to live without is a nice pair of leather driving gloves. I live in a very cold place, and in the middle of the winter, there's nothing better than slipping on a pair of leather gloves, preferably with a cashmere lining. The last thing that I have my eye on is an Hermés Clic Clac bangle. They are gorgeous and so much fun! What have you been eyeing this holiday season? 

xx,

Rachel

BLOGMAS DAY 1

Does anyone know what "blogmas" actually entails other than posting something every day leading up until Christmas that is. Jen aka my other half and the FAB girl behind Confessions of a Prepster is also doing "blogmas" with me, and we have both vowed to write about the other in every single post. I am aware that we are unhealthily obsessed with each other, it's ok. I apologize for today's post being super short, I'm working on some good ones for you! Stay tuned for some gift guides! See you tomorrow!

xo,
Rachel 

Kate Spade Surprise Sale

What's better than a Kate Spade surprise sale? If you answered nothing then you are in for quite the treat! This sale is one of the best yet! Everything has got a "HOLLA-day" feel to it. Kate Spade plus HOLLA-days equals yes you guessed it, sparkles. The sale has got something for just about everyone, ok maybe not everyone but you know what I meant! 

CHA-CHA-CHA your way over to the sale before it's over! 

click here for the sale!

xx,

Rachel

WATCH OUT WORLD

I think that all girls should strive to be this woman. The woman who does not care what everyone thinks of her, because she knows just how FABULOUS she is. She doesn't need one or fifty men to tell her that she is one of a kind. She is liberated and sassy and free, but still plays by the rules when she has to. She should be feared, because nothing can stop her from getting what she wants. 

She can drive a stick shift, she can shoot a gun, she can kick your butt if need be. She swoons at the sight of large diamonds, loves shoes(especially Louboutins), and keeps her house always tidy. She is just who she wants to be. Classy and Sassy and Chic. 

The only way to be as great as this woman sounds is to have an extraordinary amount of confidence. You have to love yourself in order to be this sassy, because when you love yourself others will love you. Sure there will be people who say the hate you for various reasons, but they are only jealous of your confidence. 

So darling, go take on the world with you head held high, because you are just as FAB as your leopard print d'Orsay heels. As Audrey Hepburn said "Happy girls are the prettiest"

Own yourself and your sass, it may come in handy one day not too far away. 

xx,

Rachel 

Shoes Shoes Shoes

are these not the most gorgeous things you have ever seen? 

Nothing makes my heart sing like a good pair of shoes. They don't have to be anything fancy, just a simple pair of black pointed toe pumps is good for this gal, especially if they are black suede. I have always had a soft spot for a statement shoe though, I remember going into Nordstrom when I was about 10 and trying on heels, mind you none of them fit and I had no idea how to walk in them. It was just fun, I loved the way I felt in them, and still do. Most of my heels are statement ones, I have a lack of simple heels. Shocking, right? Because I have this hole of sorts, I am desperately trying to find a pair of heels. 

My heart and feet long for Louboutins or Manolo's, unfortunately I can't drop $1000 on a pair just yet. The So Kate is just do die for! Because my wallet cries at the thought of spending that much on shoes, I have been looking for a practically priced pair, but I just cannot find any I like! If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them! 

xo,

Rachel 

I'm Not Dead Pt. 2

donut you ever leave me 

I recall posting something called "I'm Not Dead" back in August and now here we are in November and I have only posted once since then. That's just sad. For some reason I cannot seem to find the will power to upload anything that I write. Nothing felt good enough to share, it just wasn't right. 

Now for the 3rd time, I'm saying that I'm back and trust me chickadees this time it's the truth. By the time you read this, I'll have had 3 other posts scheduled. I blame the "go go juice" aka Evolution Fresh's Defense Up, but that's a matter of opinion.

 Now getting back to the whole I don't know what to post thing.  I started this blog as a place where I could for lack of better words, vent. Now that I have made relationships with some of you, I feel that I have to make my content better in some sort of way.  With this being said, I am going to keep blogging, but I'm going to try and get back to what it's really all about. 

xo,
Rachel 

THE TRUTH

via*

Long time no talk chickadees, you're probably wondering where I've been hiding this past MONTH and I thought it would be only right for me to lay it all out for you. Mind you you're getting everything, and I do mean everything. So here it is, my tell all. 

ME: This past month has given me time to rejuvenate and think about what I not only want for Polished Prep but also what I want for myself. Without trying to sound vain, I'm FAB. It's true I am, just ask the most fab gal I know(hi Jen). Not many people respect this about me and even fewer understand the concept at all. No more will I let them take my FAB and neglect it, from now I will be as cheeky and sassy as I so please. 

SCHOOL: I know everyone gets it, but school is kicking my butt. Just when I think I'm done, BAM there's another assignment I have yet to complete. I hate to complain about it, but we are all thinking it so why not say it. This is my tell all anyway. Besides my actual school work, I've also been attending more sporting events #GoBlueDevils! School spirit is fun, but my heart still lies with UMich!

FRIENDS: I have become acquainted with some lovely gal pals this past month! Me and Jen are like two peas in a pod although we've never met we are bloggie besties! Steph, my other bloggie bestie headed off to college! She's so grown up, and she's in a sorority too, you betcha that I'll be sending her everything ChiO I can get my hands on! In addition to them there are many many more that are just the sweetest things ever!

Until Next Time,

Rachel 

I'm Not Dead

via*

Long time no blog! I know everyone is wondering why I have been MIA for the past week and a half. As cliche as it sounds and as lazy as it makes me look, I simply did not have the time, at all. I kept trying to get a post up, but I never had enough time to make a nice, quality one. The past two weeks have been crazy. Here's how it went. 

All summer I have been working on this HUGE project, and it ended on August 15th, Praise The Lord!  Because I had to finish this huge project I didn't have time to do anything but the project. After that my bestie, Savanna came to the MI. I couldn't have been more excited! We had a great time, especially at the One Direction concert Sunday night. Our seats were the best! I even got a Harry wave, aaahhhhh. Monday bright and early Savanna flew home, and I headed back to my house(we stayed at the DAC after the concert) and packed my bags. After getting my braces off, I jumped in the car and boom was in CHICago! I'm here until Thursday, and Frank Sinatra was right! 

Gotta Run! 

xo,

Rachel 

Toting Around Life

As sad as it may be, summer is ending. That means that back to school is right around the corner, if it isn't already here for some. With this in mind, I have been searching for the perfect tote to use this upcoming year. Let me tell you it is quite the struggle. With leather and canvas, black and brown, monogrammed and not monogrammed, I am very confused. This is where you come in. I have linked a few of my personal favorites below, and I would love for you to help me decide on the one that is better than the rest. Take a peek at them, and tell me which one is right! Maybe you'll find one for yourself too!

xo,
Rachel

Navy & White Stripes

#OOTD(everyday)

Shirt(similar)//Shorts//Watch//Pearl Bracelet//Bangle

A couple weeks ago Scarlett from The Trendy Chick emailed me about the pattern party linkup she was hosting! I just had to join in on it, and thought that I'd better do so with my favorite print. This outfit is my go to, especially when it's a bit breezy(#puremichigan). Needless to say I LOVE every part of this outfit, and the FAB backdrop that the summer house provided me! 

you can find the linkup here

xo,

Rachel 

My attempt at taking a photo with the freighter, stress the word attempt. 

My CRAZY Week

Via

This week has been CRAZY to say the least. All week I have been working on a project which I have had the whole summer to do, but waited until the last week #GoRachel. The project's deadline is tomorrow at midnight, and I am almost done. Praise The Lord, I  actually pulled everything together and got what I needed to get done, done. 

Because I have been working at this project all week I haven't had time to get posts up, and no I don't regularly schedule posts. It feels more genuine when I sit down at write a post and then directly after upload it. Expect posts to be back to normal come next week! 

xo,

Rachel

Sweet Summer Slumbers

Summer is all about doing the things you can't do from September to June, at least that's what it's about for me. Everyday(for the most part) from September to June I wake up at 5 am, and I love it. I like waking up early and getting my day started, but that means that I get less sleep and that's never a good thing. Summer is the best for me, because I can take my 5 am wake up and change it to a 7 am one. The one thing that always makes my slumbers(however short) delightful is a nice pair of pajamas. I don't know what it is, but there is something about a classic pair of pajamas(preferably cotton for summer)that excites me like nothing else! Everyone needs at least two sets of pajamas, one for winter and one for summer. I linked a few of my current favorites down below and shocker four out of the eight are from none other than J. Crew.

xo,

Rachel 

Make a Statement

Lately I've found myself looking at necklace and earring sets from J. Crew. I mean we all know how much I adore J. Crew and J. Crew statement necklaces, but never the earrings and necklace. I love how chic it looks when the necklace and matching earrings are paired together! I have linked a few down below, and guess what, they are all from none other than J. Crew. If you fancy to buy one, just click on it and bam you can buy it! 

p.s. the first set is my favorite! 

xo,

Rachel 

Matchbook Mag

Matchbook Magazine is an online "field guide to a charmed life" as they like to say, and in all honesty that is precisely what it is. Now I do wish that I could hold the fab magazine in my hands each month, but it's only available online. Don't fret though, you can read all of the issues your little heart desires with just a few clicks of the mouse, and you can even buy the things you see! Now down to why it is so delightfully fab. 

                                                                                                                                                                                   

   

THE MATCHBOOK GIRL

VIEWS THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES •

 loves to throw dinner parties, but has been known to burn the roast 

• VALUES ECCENTRICITY OVER CONVENTION •

 is the first to laugh at her own bad jokes 

• KNOWS THE CHA-CHA, THE CHARLESTON, AND THE TANGO •

 paints her nails bright coral when she's feeling blue 

• IS INFINITELY CURIOUS •

 could happily live off of red velvet cake 

• PENS HAND WRITTEN NOTES TO HER GRANDMOTHER •

 has a signature shade of lipstick 

• SECRETLY THINKS SHE MAY BE BABE PALEY REINCARNATED •

 received an ipad for her birthday, but will never give up her library card 

• HAS A BUCKET LIST A MILE LONG AND DREAMS A DIME A DOZEN •

 is smart, but never a show-off 

• LISTENS TO THE DAY'S FORECAST, BUT TRUSTS HER OWN INTUITION •

 never says no to a sunday matinee at the theater 

• IS QUICK TO BLUSH, BUT NEVER SHORT OF A WITTY REPLY •

 has a skip in her step and a twinkle in her eye 

• ALWAYS SHARES HER LAST PIECE OF GUM

                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                  

xo,

Rachel 

*all information via matchbook mag*

FAB Girl Bloggers

We all know of my obsession with the word FAB, so when Ashely emailed me about the new blogger community she started I couldn't say no! The idea she has it just as brilliant as she is; bringing blogger girls aged 13-22 together, without having them joining a "network" that gives them guidelines to follow. What could be better? With this idea in mind, Fab Girl Bloggers was born! I myself am a member(here I am) along with Sammy and Caitlin, two of my "bloggie besties" if you fancy! 

Q& A with Ashely

                                                                                                                                                                             

Who can become a member of Fab Girl Bloggers?

Any girl blogger between the ages of 13-22 can become a member of Fab Girl Bloggers! They can be any type of blogger, such as fashion, beauty, lifestyle, preppy, etc.

What does being a fab girl blogger mean? 

Being a Fab Girl Blogger means loving to blog, establish connections with other bloggers, and grow their blog.

What are your hopes for Fab Girl Bloggers in the future? 

My hopes for Fab Girl Bloggers in the future are to have brand opportunities and a huge amount of members. The teenage blogging community is huge, and I would love to see a majority of it come together and meet!

How did you get the idea to start Fab Girl Bloggers? 

 I've been a blogger for almost two years, and I've realized that there either aren't many teenager blogger communities or aren't any that I like. I love to meet new bloggers and help my blog grow, so I felt that creating a community for every teenage blogger would be the best way to do that.

Why should girls join Fab Girl Bloggers? 

Girls should join Fab Girl Bloggers because it's an excellent way to meet other bloggers and grow their own blogs. The Fab Girl community is all about having fun, broadening your blog, and making new friends!

                                                                                                                                                                                   

With all of this being said, I encourage each and every one of you to become a member of fab girl bloggers! 

xo,

Rachel 

Head Over Heels

Lately I have been LOVING heels, but not for the special occasions I usually reserve them for. I love the idea of dressing up and outfit with a pair of heels, especially in the summer. I am not one to love the white jeans and wedges look, it's been done before, but I do love the white jeans and silver metallic heels look. Sadly these darling J. Crew heels are sold out in my size! Luckily I found theses ASOS look-alikes! Until I find the perfect silver metallic high heel sandal, I will be stuck in my jacks, but that's not a bad thing! 

The next pair might be a bit too early to talk about, but how could I not love these ASOS tortoise heel sandals? They are the perfect little pair for popping around town, they'd be great for brunch, a dash into J. Crew(I can't help myself) or even for hosting a dinner party! The heel isn't too high and the tortoise is oh so chic. To be completely honest I could see myself strutting the halls of my school in these. 

All in all I think it's safe to say that I am head over heels about heels! 

xo,

Rachel 

xo

xo, something that I have a tendency of saying quite a lot. I know the term is usually reserved for love birds, but that won't stop me from saying it. It's a perfect way to end a text, an email, a blog post, or anything for that matter. It's so very simple and short but still conveys the aspect of I love you without actually saying it. What could be better? Maybe my obsession hit when I found myself looking at xo tattoo's, but don't worry I won't be  inking myself anytime soon, at least not with permanent ink! 

xo temporary tattoo

xo,

Rachel 

The Pink Palace

If you are not familiar with the glorious place called The Don Cesar, you are missing out, big time. Not only is it a Lowes hotel, my favorite, but it is also pink. I mean you can't ask for anything better. In all honesty I LOVE the don, it's one of those places that feels like home away from home! Luckily, whenever I go to Florida, I stay minutes from the Pink Palace. Having a best friend living in Florida has it's perks, especially when she lives a short walk from the hotel! Needless to say whenever you get the chance to visit the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Pass-A-Grille area, do yourself a favor and take a trip to the Don, you won't regret it! When you're there take a photo so you can have a memory of that fab hotel! 

The nickname "Pink Palace" is a true fit! Being a historic landmark, the hotel has to be painted a certain color, but maybe that's not a bad thing! 

The rooms are just as chic as the hotel, the whole place got a revamp just a few years ago and it's looking better than ever! On a side note, it is rumored that F. Scott Fitzgerald himself spent some time roaming the halls! 

Lastly, the selling feature of the hotel. If you look past the pink and the glamorous guest list, you will see that the view is to die for. It's truly gorgeous.

xo,

Rachel 

P.S. The lovely Dean from Proper Kid Problems spends many of his getaways here! If it's got his seal of approval then it has to be a hot spot! 

summer heat & sweet treats

I recently came across this photo on Pinterest, and had to share it with you. Tell me that I'm not the only one who things these coconut and blood orange popsicles look to die for! They are the perfect thing to reach for on a hot summer day. Put down the artificial food coloring nightmare and pick this up instead, your dentist will thank you later! If you want the full how to check out Fork Knife Swoon, while you're there you will find loads of other great recipe's! 

xo,

Rachel 

Top Knot Knowledge

The perfect, easy, carefree, cute hairstyle. The hairstyle that will not cooperate with my hair, or maybe that's the other way around! Let me break it down: my hair will not go into a top knot. Many hours have been spent in front of a mirror with many hair ties and bobby pins. I simply cannot make a top knot. Why is this effortlessly chic style so hard to achieve? If anyone knows where I can get some help with my lack of top knot abilities, please let me know. In the meantime, I'll be trying to perfect my sleek pony!

xo,

Rachel 

New Blog & New Beginnings

AAHHH I'm so excited! If you cannot tell, the new blog is up! This is so exciting! I am now the proud owner of my very own domain! Share the big news, tell the world, I could not be happier about having a place that's all my own! Don't fret, Lake Shore Prep isn't going away, it just got a little revamp! I'm still the same person doing the same blogging, only under a different blog name! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave them below! 

xo,

Rachel

P.S. everyone go thank Gabi from The Lobster Polo for making this gorgeous header! 

Where I've been

Something seems to be reoccurring here, I always say that I'm going to post this much or on this date and guess what? I never do. I hate to be the one that says "Oh I'm to busy" but in all honesty I AM too busy. I rarely get the time to sit down at the computer and just be free to blog. I miss the days when I was able to just take time out of my day to do what I love! This time I'm not going to say when I will be posting next, I'm afraid I'll jinx myself! So just look out for posts, and if you really want to be in the know, sign up for email subscriptions in the sidebar! I have to go, again. I have attached some 4th of july weekend photo below! I spent it with my pal, Em! It was a fab weekend! Hope you had a great holiday like I did!

xo,

Rachel 

Fashion Essentials: Beach Edition

{Hello Everyone! Rachel here, today the lovely Raquel came on and talked about her beach essentials with a 4th of July twist! Hope you all enjoy her post and check out her lovely blog, Simply Raquel Collette} 

Is there anything better than a day spent at the beach, basking in the sun? I can't think of any at the moment, but maybe I am a little biased because there is only one more workday until 4th of July weekend! I am going to be spending the long weekend up at my cottage, and you better believe I will be at the beach constantly! One thing that is definitely not on my agenda? Being unprepared for a long day spent in the sand! I always like to make sure that I have everything that I would need at the beach, but I never want to feel weighed down. There are certain "essentials" that I always bring with me, and of course they are totally 4th of July themed!

1. Oversized Beach Towel (monogram optional, but oh so adorable): I don't know about you all but having a towel that is super big is a must for me. Although I do love me some sand, I do not like it on my towel. Having room to spread out comfortably is totally necessary for a long day at the beach! PS, how cute is this monogram at the end?!

2. Festive Bikini: Yes, I am totally one of those girls that goes all out on the 4th of July regarding clothing.. bikinis are no exception! I love that this one still reflects the holiday but isn't in your face. I love that this bathing suit is not just your everyday striped one, but has adorable little ruffle detailing! Something I love even more? That these separates are both from Target, score!

3. Patriotic Cover Up: There is nothing more that I love at the beach than a good cover up! Especially when it is in the form of a striped Oxford. This is perfect to throw on over a bikini when it gets a little windy, or when it starts to get chilly later in the day.

4. Retro Sunnies: What is more American than a good old fashioned pair of sunnies? This pair is so fun and definitely has a little teeny bit of a Cat Eye going on. A complete Forever 21 steal!

5. No Burns Here: This may be the most important thing on my list: good old SPF! Whether it be moisturizer, BB Cream, or all over body cream, sun screen is a must for me. Especially when I know I am going to be at the beach and in the sun all day. This girl does not want to face a sunburn!

6. Happy Hair = Happy Raquel: Okay I thought of one thing that I dislike more than sand on my towel...the way the wind gets my hair all knotty. Ugh! Anyone else hate that? To combat having to brush my hair out for the remainder of my trip, I have my handy (and adorable) floppy hat and gingham hair tie. Whichever I decide to use, my hair will be out of the way!

7. Lippie (Pomegranate Raspberry flavor of course): I always make sure that I protect my lips as well as my face. This little eos is so convenient to throw in my bag and super easy to find because of the bright color!

8. A Good Read: For me, if I don't bring a book to the beach with me, I might as well not go! I am definitely not one of those girls who can lay on the beach for hours doing absolutely nothing. Plus, there is just something so calming about sprawling out, laying in the warm sun, and reading a great book.

9. Oversized Headphones: And this is to block out all the screaming kids when I am trying to take a little nap! Because that is what we all really go to the beach for, right?!

10. Fav Lilly Tumbler:  Call me crazy, but there is something about using a straw that makes me drink way more water than normal! Keeping hydrated is one of the most important things next to keeping skin protected! Plus, this is probably the cutest cup I have ever seen.

11. Carry It All Tote: And this gorgeous polka dot tote is what I carry my life in! This tote is just big enough to carry all my necessities but not too large that it's a pain to carry everywhere! Thank The Lord for Target!

With my tote bag full of goodies I am ready to take on a day at the beach, and just about anything the day might have in store for me! What are your beach necessities?
                                                                    xo, Raquel

pleased as punch

Via

I have been waiting for an email for the past month and it has been driving me absolutely mad! Today I finally got it, and I'm cheekier than ever! This girl is now a loop writer at Smart Girls Group! I could not be more excited! I can't wait to get into doing one of my favorite things, writing! It has always been something that brought me solace(yes that is from The Great Gatsby). Look for my name on the big screen aka your computer screen. Now that I'm a part of the fab community of smart girls, you should be too. Click the link below to browse their website, I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!

xo,

Rachel 

FAB Finds

Necklace

Earrings

Clutch

Hello Lovelies! 

I'm backkk and better than ever! After a much needed break from everything I'm here, and ready for the  Fourth! But for me I get to celebrate independence day twice, having all canadian relatives has it's perks! Let's hope I'll be sporting these fab finds soon! I mean that clutch is to die for! I am fixing an outfit with all three items, and let me tell you it is can-ute! 

xo,

Rachel 

Summer Spill

Via*

Hey there sweets! How has life been treating you? Hopefully your answer was F A B(that's my power word right now so don't fret if it comes up 1 or 10 more times) My summer has been delightful to say the least, if only I was in my home town with all of my smitten people! Here's a breakdown of what's been goin' on in Rachel's world! 

• What a busy bee I am. Everyday gets a bit busier than the last and it's only June! I've been so busy I completely forgot my sweet pal Em's 20th Birthday, how embarrassing! Sorry again, Em! To make being busy even better, I'm at my summer home which is on an island. Don't get me wrong I love waking up to the peaceful water everyday, but I miss all of my people! This brings me to the next order of business. 
•  I miss everyone back home so much! I've been catching up with my "island"friends as I like to call them and that's been great! Hopefully I'll be able to see some of the people who make me double over in laughter soon, I can't take being away from them for this long! Summer has only begun and it has brought a new found friendship. Let me tell you this person makes my heart fill with joy, they also send the absolute best snaps around, and yes, I did screenshot them! 
• When I'm not in a business meeting or doing a summer project, you can find me catching up on some delightful reads out in the fresh air! Fitz has captured my heart again in The Beautiful and Damed. If you are looking for a new read I would highly recommend it, but I may be biased, Fitz is my favorite author!  I never fail to neglect my favorite blogs as well! If you don't already know about these three sweet girls do check them out, they are three truly FAB bloggers! Em at Pinch Of Em, Steph at Sprinkle of Steph, and Sammy at Preptista! 
• I luckily have a few days coming up where I have nothing to do, I will be using that time to get some good posts lined up so I am never without one! If you have any that you want to see comment down below or shoot me an email and I'll get back to you ASAP! 

xo,

Rachel 

True Navy

{Navy Navy Navy}  

Navy Blue makes my heart skip a beat I'm telling you friends, there's something about it, something special. It's so rich and elegant and fun and classic and well perfect. I can *almost* guarantee that you'll see this girl in navy every day, literally. Almost everything I own has navy in it, no lie! Don't even get me started on navy and stripes! What could be better, nothing! Navy is my color, I'm telling you. When I sport some true navy I feel on top of the world! The Deborah Lippmann nail polish is fab to say the least, and the Topshop Dress is adorable! I am loving this J. Crew tee, so simple and chic!  Oh and I had to add the Oscar De La Renta coral earrings I mean they are to die for! 

adieu,

Rachel 

Fab Finds 6/17/14

Earrings//Key Pouch//Bag//Tank//Bangle

Thought I would share a few of my favorite items this week! Hopefully you'll be seeing some of them soon!

xo,

Rachel

P.S. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to {fab finds}