With 2015 quickly approaching its’ end, we now look forward to the trends of 2016. As I’m sure we all know, trends have a way of reinventing themselves and coming back stronger than before. Much like in the 70’s and 80’s when the carefree and hippie lifestyle was dominant, we see the boho look appear again. The runway and street style we see for next season is full of colors and floral print, as well as open shoulders, lace and many soft sweaters for that spring breeze. Much of 2015 we began to see these trends, however according to this years’ runways the trend will be sticking around for 2016 as well.

The lace made a huge breakthrough as the ‘boho hippie’ image came back, and trends as a new lifestyle. The free flow and wanderlust spirit of this fad has taken off and stuck around. Whether it be the chic look of all black lace, or the simple and sweet look of the white, the lace will weave it’s way into 2016. Designers such as Victoria Beckham emerged on the runway this season with simple and stylish little black laced dresses. The beauty of the lace is it can be easily paired with some boho booties and before you know it, you have found a simple and elegant evening outfit.

Another trend that is a must see in your closet is the floral print. Much like the lace, it represents a carefree and earthy lifestyle. We saw this look in the 80’s on the bell bottoms and flare, when the Utopian lifestyle was the societal aim. Whether it be floral on midi skirts, slit skirts, or shift dresses, this look is perfect for the spring season of 2016. 

What’s your favorite boho look, and what are you looking forward to in the 2016 season??

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 Open your windows and breathe it in! It has quickly become that time of year, the time we call sweater weather. Overcast is the new sunrise, making it nearly impossible to push ourselves out of bed. Let’s face it, why would we want to get up and get ready for work when laying under the covers with hot chocolate is what this weather screams? Well we don’t, unfortunately duty calls and so do our alarm clocks.

As much as we anxiously await this season, maintaining our comfort and cuteness isn’t always the easiest in this weather. It’s all because of that little love/hate relationship we share with the rain.  

Dancing in it? Yes.

Jumping in puddles? Of course.

Wearing your hair down? Help.

Of course there is always a certain occasion for the rain hair, but when you have to head out for your day and conquer the world, the frizz is anything but motivating. No worries, hair help is here with a few ideas you can try next time!

The first and ultimately the most simple: headband. Voila! Even if you throw your hair up into a pony-tail, you can still personalize the look with some color.

Also try the half braid; just a simple French braid, but instead of pulling it all back, let the bottom half free! This way it keeps the classy look for work, while keeping the front frizz from going wild.

The fish tail is always an elegant look as well. While changing it up from the typical braid, you’re still managing to keep it tight and locked in. This one can be easily styled into various ways. Even in the rain, the loose look look is never phased for the fishtail. The half up half down look is always a favorite as well. Pull all of the hair into the tail or just take the two sides to meet in the middle, both are a classy and well maintained look, wearable for all weather.

What are some of your favorite go to rain styles? Let us know, and check out our Pinterest Board, “Relished in the Rain” for some more ideas!

The post Rain or Shine, Your Hair Will Be Fine! appeared first on Love, Relished.

Have you ever noticed how quickly trends in fashion change? One day the flare is all the talk and the next thing you know the high waist skinny look is demanding space in your closet. When did this happen, and how did that change become so quickly adapted?

Recently, we have seen a repeat of trends from the 70’s and 80’s, such as the fringe and floral styles. Even some of the classic 20’s looks are making a comeback, one more dominant than others is the fur. However, when did we first see these emerge and how did they spread? The answer may not be so apparent because it is engrained in our daily lives, however it is right in front of our faces, literally. Whether we are checking our photo stream, friend’s stories, or multiple boards, the fashion trends are always in sight.

One major source of fashion influence is through pop-culture, more specifically, music videos. Take the recently released Adele video, Hello, which has received millions of views and shares since it’s time of release. Although the fashion of the artist may not be the viewers main focus, the fur coat that styles Adele throughout the video is an item that has hit the mainstream lately. This type of fashion publicity is something that has been shown to highly increase if not initiate trends.

Back in the 90’s, Britney Spears began many temporary fashion trends with her characteristic stylings in her music videos as well. Whether it be the school-girl look with the plaid skirt or even the crop top, it was her trending music video that began the demand for this style. Even the all-too-posh Spice Girls, five girls spreading individual styles for individuals all over the globe.

Throughout the many social media platforms and pop culture streams that surround us today, it is near impossible to miss the varying fashions that surround our society. What are some ways you keep up with the trends? And next time you open up YouTube to browse the newest music videos, be sure to take note of the styles they sport! Maybe you’ll find a new individual flare for yours as well!

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It’s that time of year to pull out your heater blankets and stock up on fire logs! Thanksgiving food is filling the grocery stores and Christmas decorations are being dusted off. This means it’s also time to pull out the sweaters and bundle up for the cold weather ahead! In case you haven’t noticed, flannels are all the talk, along with those cozy oversized sweaters; add some leggings and booties and you’re set for the season. 

We recently took our collection to the streets of Old Town Orange, check out our new winter arrivals for more ideas on how to style your sweater wardrobe!

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It’s holiday season and as those Christmas wish lists grow longer, our wallets begin to feel lighter! Trust me, we understand the challenge and are here to help. Join us on Pinterest for a chance to win a $75 Relished gift card! Follow these easy steps and you will automatically be entered to win one of our three gift cards!

Are you ready?? Get set… PIN! 

The post Relished By Me! appeared first on Love, Relished.

Thanksgiving has passed, but don’t be too sad, we still have Christmas right around the corner! 

We all know about the “ugly sweater party” during Christmas season, but what about a cute sweater party? I’m sure the time will come when we miss the summer season and the spirited spring colors, but let’s face it, half of the winter appeal is the apparel. Bundling up in a nice sweater by the fire is the best part of the cold!

If you haven’t already, check out our Pinterest contest, ‘Relished By me’, where you can win a gift card to purchase your own sweater! Or anything to keep you bundled up in the cold this winter. You can find details to our contest through our Relished site or Pinterest page!

We hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and time spent with loved ones! Tell us about your Thanksgiving traditions, or any new ones started this year! 

The post Cozy up for Christmas! appeared first on Love, Relished.

During this time of season, when we are rushing to get the last minute shopping done for friends and family, we often forget that we have our own festive necessities to purchase! One of the most important is an outfit for those office holiday parties, new years parties, or those big Christmas dinners! In my opinion, that’s more stressful than buying a present for the expensive little brother, or the ‘I have everything I need’ father!

Christmas colors are always a simple go-to when choosing an outfit; sticking with the reds and greens always keep you safe and spirited. However, the New Year is all about making a change, which we are in full support of! Ring in the New Year with a daring black or be bold with the shine. The versatility of these colors just means you can wear them to any event, whether it’s family gatherings or the formal Christmas party!

Check out our site at http://relished.com/ for all of the holiday outfits of the season, and don’t forget to check out our Pinterest for holiday outfit ideas!

The post Holiday Presence appeared first on Love, Relished.

With a fresh new year comes fresh new trends, take a look at some of the trends for 2016!

With all this rain, the flowers will be in full bloom this season, and so will the floral print! Add the trending neutral colors and we have the new and improved 70’s look coming back around. Let’s not forget about all of those colors that make the floral print beautiful, so be sure to add some popping colors to your wardrobe this season. Along with the 70’s look coming out, so are our shoulders. The off the shoulder look is the newest addition to our 2016 trends, adding class and flare all at the same time. 

What do you think of these?? Stay tuned for more 2016 trends, and how to make them a part of your Valentines day outfit!

The post New Year, New Trends! appeared first on Love, Relished.

If you’re anything like the millions of Americans who are packing their bags and setting out for a well-deserved trip this summer, you’ve got some crucial prep work on your hands. Thankfully, our new Summer Travel Series can help you make the most out of limited luggage space and time with some travel essentials to help you decide what to bring and what to leave at home.

This week we take on the oh-so-crucial luggage packing process. This might not seem like a glamorous topic, but for anyone who is traveling to their vacation destinations by plane this summer, these tips and tricks can help to ease any pre-flight jitters and ensure that your airport experience is as efficient as possible!

PACKING LIGHT

Packing styles and lists vary from person to person and can depend greatly on factors such as travel destinations, trip length, luggage restrictions, personal accommodations, as well as the types of activities you plan to do once you get there! Keep in mind that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to pack, so don’t feel pressured to conform to the “carry-on only trend” if you don’t want to.

(Side note: I myself like to bring a suitcase that’s half my size, a duffle bag, a laptop bag, a camera bag, and a small purse everywhere I go, even if it’s to my parents’ house for the week! That being said, applying these tips allowed me to lighten my load so it’s not as much of a hassle to lug around 60+ pounds of “necessities” through the airport.)

 

1. TRY DIFFERENT METHODS

There’s a chance you’ve already watched at least one or two videos with “guaranteed” techniques for getting your belongings to all magically fit inside your suitcase/carry-on. From my experience, the “bundling” method (demonstrated here) can help keep your items wrinkle-free while traveling, but doesn’t do much in terms of saving space. A lot of people have also jumped on the KonMari train lately, with the KonMari folding technique. Combine these methods with others like rolling your clothes and shoving them into gaps in your luggage (the technique I’ve found the most useful) to make the most out of each!

2. USE PACKING ORGANIZERS

Packing organizers are wonderful for those of us who like to compartmentalize all of our belongings in their designated places. Because everything has its own “home”, it’ll save you the time and stress of rifling through your luggage for a particular item when you know exactly where to look. For those who need to maximize space, the boxy fit of organizers might not work well for everything. You can, however, combine them with a few of the methods mentioned above to “stuff” your luggage full! Grab some here.

IN-FLIGHT GEAR

With the wealth of technological innovations and inventions nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find the right gadgets and gizmos to keep you comfortable and stress-free on your long flight. Add some of your personal favorites to the list to match your own flight needs and style.

3. USE A MULTI-PURPOSE CARRY-ON

If you can, use a carry-on that you can repurpose later on in your trip for your other activities (e.g. use a tote if you plan on hitting the beach or a backpack if you’ll be hiking). This way, you’ll save a lot of space in your luggage and not have an extra mini suitcase to lug around.

4. PACK THE ESSENTIALS

What is considered “essential” varies depending on your own personal needs, but some items I suggest to always pack are:

• Purse (with everything you normally have in it)
• Phone
• Headphones
• Phone charger/external battery
• Neck pillow
• Entertainment (e.g. book, laptop, handheld console)
• Gum
• Medication

AIRPLANE OUTFIT

Who says you can’t look cute and comfy on those long-haul flights? When planning your airplane outfit, make sure to keep in mind factors like security check and plane temperatures: you’ll want an efficient outfit to get through security in a reasonable amount of time (think easy slip-off shoes) and something that will keep you warm if the air is blasting over your seat on the plane. 

5. LEGGINGS + BUTTON-UP

Leggings provide you with the most comfort possible while keeping your legs warm on a chilly flight. Pair them with a loose button-up to stay comfy-casual in a low-maintenance outfit that appears put-together and can be repurposed during your trip. Top off the look with boots to save extra space in your luggage. Find the button-up in the picture here.

6. BOYFRIEND JEANS + LIGHT JACKET

Leave the skinny jeans in your suitcase and opt in for some loose-fitting and easy-breathing boyfriend jeans instead. They’ll keep you from getting too cold on the plane and can be relaxed enough for you to fit into your comfiest sleeping position. Pair these with a light jacket (to use as a blanket!) so it doesn’t take up room in your luggage. Find the jacket in the picture here.

What are your travel plans this summer? Let us know by tagging us in your summer travel posts on Instagram (@loverelished) and Facebook (Relished).

Be sure to check out our Summer Travel Inspo Pinterest board for ideas!

The post Summer Travel Series: 6 Easy Ways to Pack Light for Your Flight appeared first on Love, Relished.

If you’re anything like the millions of Americans who are packing their bags and setting out for a well-deserved trip this summer, you’ve got some crucial prep work on your hands. Thankfully, our new Summer Travel Series can help you make the most out of limited luggage space and time with some travel essentials to help you decide what to bring and what to leave at home.

This week we take on some minimalist outfit essentials for a week in London, England. Temperatures in England remain moderately cool during the summer with the occasional rainy day, which makes it perfect for some light layered looks!

FEATURED LOOKS

1. Wild Chrysanthemums Top
2. Lulumari Off White Organza Mosaic Peplum Top
3. Lulumari Studded Black Sleeveless Top
4. Cookies and Cream Knit Top
5. Mint Chiffon Vented Sweatshirt
6. Lush Navy Paris-Bound Culotte
7. Black Solid Stretch Jeggings
8. Navy Jacquard Stretch Jeggings
9. Navy East of Eden Dress
10. Botanical Brocade Dress
11. Black Seamlessly Simple Dress
12. Metropolis Trench
13. Small Rectangle Purse
14. Oxford Plaid Scarf

What are your travel plans this summer? Let us know by tagging us in your summer travel posts on Instagram (@loverelished) and Facebook (Relished).

Be sure to check out our Summer Travel Inspo Pinterest board for ideas!

The post Summer Travel Series: Minimalist Essentials for a Week in London appeared first on Love, Relished.

We’ve officially transitioned from summer to fall! It’s time to put away the shorts and tank tops and bring out the jeans, sweaters, and scarves! Stumped on fall outfit ideas? Check out these hand-drawn Relished girls for outfit inspiration and follow the links to find each item in a jiffy!

1. Back to the Basics

 Heather Grey Geo Relaxed Sweater Top

2. Beautiful In Bordeaux

 Relished Grey Ballad Sweater
Lush Burgundy Skater Skirt 

3. Do It In Denim 

Relished Isabel Denim Dress
Studded Gradient Spike Earrings 

4. Summer Transitional 

Relished Marin County Green Hooded Utility Jacket
Relished Vintage Orange Drawstring Dress

 5. Sweater Weather 

 Relished Grey Striped Dolman Sweater Top
Olive Yew Pants
Under the Tuscan Sun Scarf

What’s your take on a Relished girl? Tag us on Instagram (@loverelished) and Facebook (Relished) to show us your fall outfits!

The post Relished Girl Fall Outfit Ideas appeared first on Love, Relished.

It’s almost time to gather with our loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving! In recent years, Friendsgiving has become a popular, fun celebration during the holiday season. Not only is it a time to get together with your close friends to feast on delicious homemade meals & delectable treats but it’s also a time to get dressed up & show off your own style! Get inspiration from these girls who each own their style.

Relished Marin County Green Hooded Utility Jacket
Relished Vintage Orange Drawstring Dress

 Relished Grey Ballad Sweater
Lush Burgundy Skater Skirt

How will you show off your look this Thanksgiving? Tag us on Instagram (@loverelished) and on Facebook (@loverelished)

The post Celebrate Friendsgiving in Style! appeared first on Love, Relished.

You’ll find a LBD (aka Little Black Dress), or two, or three – in every girl’s closet, as it’s such a simple piece yet can be styled to make a huge fashion statement. We’ve taken our Black Lace Up Skater Dress and styled it 5 different ways to fit into 5 different occasions/looks. Get some inspiration from our Relished girls on how you can dress up and accessorize your LBD!

A Day in the Office 
Relished Black Lace Up Skater Dress
Oxford Plaid Scarf

—

The Urban Look

Relished Black Lace Up Skater Dress
Relished Marin County Green Hooded Utility Jacket
Genevieve Gold Ladder Necklace

—

Casual Day Out

Relished Black Lace Up Skater Dress
Charcoal Longline Elbow Patch Cardigan

—

The Edgy Look 

Relished Black Lace Up Skater Dress
Relished Black Moto Jacket

Share your little black dress outfit with us on Instagram (@loverelished) and Facebook (@loverelished)!

The post 1 Dress, 5 Different Ways appeared first on Love, Relished.

This past week in typically sunny Southern California, it rained for about 3 days straight – an extremely rare sight in this drought. Though it was dreary outside, the raindrops created the perfect opportunity to snuggle up in the warmest of warm blankets to watch none other than (cue drumroll…) the movie Clueless, a ’90’s cult classic that depicts the life of high school student Cher Horowitz and fellow classmates.

Now talk about a throwback! Clueless is definitely the perfect movie to get a refresher on ’90’s fashion and culture, as seen through the lens of a Beverly Hills teenager. Trust me, there is no better girly movie to watch on a lazy day. Imagine the wave of nostalgia that hits you after enjoying one of the best movies from your childhood. I was really digging the fashion trends worn in the movie, from the plaid skirts, to the knee-high socks, to the matching jackets – these outfits were totally buggin’! 

These days, both ’70’s fashion and ’90’s fashion are making a joint comeback. Seventies fashion is everywhere, and we all know what it entails: excess fringe, luxurious textures such as suede and velvet, maxi-length jumpsuits, epic proportions, metallic details, and rich, earthy hues… but ’90’s fashion is a little less obvious. Choker necklaces and satin spaghetti-strap tops only tell a part of the story. So I did you all a favor and put together none other than a Clueless-inspired outfit styled with Relished pieces, shown below!

Featuring All That Plaid Skirt, Adalene Rolled Collar Top, Under the Tuscan Sun Scarf

I coordinated a signature plaid skirt with a simple minimalist top, adding a chic black hat and a mustard-colored scarf for some finishing touches, along with a pair of ultra-versatile black heeled mules and a simple brown bag. Now, whether rain or shine, this Cher-inspired outfit is a classic ensemble that will never go out of style!

The post Rainy Day Throwback Reel appeared first on Love, Relished.

One of the best things about fashion is having the opportunity to develop a style that is completely and uniquely your own, allowing you to express your insides… on the outside! And we’re here to share with you an excellent strategy for discovering your personal sense of style, which is not only a lot of fun, but also doesn’t come with a heavy price commitment: that is, to go to your local thrift store! Thrift shopping, or “thrifting” for short, lets you experiment with inspirations from different eras, and is a great bonding activity to share with your girl friends. Here are a few tips and tricks we’ve tested to guide your next thrifting occasion!

1. Donating is the best tradeoff.

If you know you’re going to take a trip to your local thrift store, be sure to check your closet for a few items that you would be willing to donate! If it’s been in the back of your closet for awhile and you haven’t worn that item in over a year, then it’s probably a good idea to donate it. Clean out your wardrobe and fill it back up with items you love – ones that won’t break the bank! 

If you don’t want to donate your items, there’s always the option to sell. Some consignment stores such as Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet will pay you a percentage of the amount they sell your items for at their store. This way, you can earn money for old clothes that are just taking up space in your closet, and buy new pieces that catch your attention.

2. Visit different locations.

If you have been to your local thrift store and notice that there aren’t that many great pieces, don’t be afraid to venture off into a new city and find another thrift store. Every location has its own unique blend of items, depending on the area you’re in. Make a fun trip out of the occasion, and visit a city you have never seen before! That includes exploring new cafes or lunch spots in the surrounding neighborhoods.

3. Take your time, and look through everything.

Don’t just look through the women’s section, go ahead and venture through the men’s apparel, kids’ apparel, as well as shoes, accessories, and even home decor! The beauty of thrifting is that it’s like a treasure hunt; you never know what you’re going to find – some days may be hit-or-miss and others might prove a grand success, but that shouldn’t discourage you from hunting for great pieces! Looking through each and every item in the store might take up a lot of time, but it is well worth it. There are so many great pieces just waiting to be discovered. Half of the fun is in the search itself!

4. Be creative!

When you come across a great article of clothing that is just one size too big for you, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! If there’s a beautifully printed maxi dress on the rack and it would be too long for you, don’t be afraid to take a pair of scissors to it and watch it transform into the perfect knee-length dress. Or if you find an oversized men’s button-up shirt in a crisp white or beautiful blue, it can be knotted at the hem and paired with a sleek pair of pants and ankle boots for a feminine tomboy twist. The great thing about thrifting is that you get to play with different trends and styles without too much of a financial commitment. So grab those scissors and style on! 

The post Thrifting 101 appeared first on Love, Relished.

Valentine’s Day may traditionally be known as a day for celebrating your significant other, but nowadays, many have expanded it to encompass those special people who impact their lives positively in general. And to that, we say, Why ever not? After all, at its heart, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating LOVE (pun intended)! Most of us have a best friend or friends that support us through the ups and downs of daily life, and once in a while, we need to celebrate each other. This is where Galentine’s Day comes in! A fictional holiday that was featured on TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day has become a legitimate thing, officially being celebrated by gals and their pals on or near February 14th.

The question of how to celebrate Galentine’s Day may be challenging, not only because it’s not your stereotypical Valentine’s date, but because you also have to make sure you choose an activity that all your gal-pals will enjoy. Although going to brunch or having a spa day are great ideas for treating yourself and your friends to a special day out, if you are looking for something more out of the ordinary, there is a fun new craze you should consider doing together: oyster shucking for pearls! The element of surprise that comes from anticipating what colors you will find inside your oysters makes this activity a ton of fun.

There are a couple different ways you can shuck for pearls. Some pearl shuckers will offer a live shucking service on Facebook, or you can buy shuck-at-home oysters and host your own Oyster Shucking party, allowing you and your friends to get a pearl and make a keepsake piece of jewelry from it. You can turn the results into a bracelet, necklace, or even a pair of earrings if you have two of the same color. This is a great way to spend quality time with your friends and to treat yourself at the same time!

Check out Doodles of Pearls at www.doodlesofpearls.com to get started! They use Japanese Akoya pearls. Learn more about them here.

(Source: www.doodlesofpearls.com)

Oyster shucking is a unique activity not limited just to Galentine’s Day. Shucking for pearls is a fun and memorable way to gather the nearest and dearest ladies in your life for any special occasion, from Mother’s Day, to a bachelorette or birthday party, or even to celebrate a graduation. You can also make a personalized jewelry gift with the pearls you find. And when you’re planning your party, don’t forget to grab your favorite snacks and wine! 

The post Pearls for Your Best Girls! appeared first on Love, Relished.

Converting from a winter wardrobe to a spring wardrobe has its challenges, especially since winter and spring outfits don’t have much in common. While winter outfits tend to consist of heavier fabrics, covered-up frames, and minimalistic color palettes, spring outfits are composed of light and airy materials, silhouettes that bare more skin, and brighter color palettes.

One way to transition your wardrobe is to hold on to that minimal color palette a while longer, but layer more light and airy pieces in as key transition pieces, to help ease the shift between your heavy winter coats and your cheerier spring pieces! In the looks we share below, we kept the color scheme limited to denim, white, and black. These pieces can easily be layered, adding a cool-weather element to a look, or just worn on their own as is.

Dresses are one of the best ways to transition between seasons, since they are wonderfully versatile and can easily be layered over tights and leggings and under scarves and parkas! Wear a lightweight dress with a warm winter coat to bring some movement and levity to your winter ensembles – and then, come spring, simply pair the same dress with your favorite minimalist sandals. We are loving suede mules at the moment!

 Look 1: Denim Daze 

For this look, we paired this classic chambray dress with some low-heeled mules and a flat-brimmed hat. For a winter-to-spring transitional look, go ahead and add your go-to outerwear piece along with tights and ankle boots, plus a scarf to accessorize. Looking for that perfect transitional jacket? Our moto jacket is a chic alternative to that heavy winter coat as the weather warms up and the layers come off. Since it’s made of a soft knit fabric, it’s perfect for transitional weather. 

Look 2: Pure Paisley

For this look, we accessorized a bohemian print in a minimal color palette with a stark, flat-brimmed fedora. This paisley print dress works wonders as a transitional piece (and certifiable head-turner!) when paired with knee-high, black suede boots. Throw a fuzzy cardigan over it all – it’s one great way to keep yourself warm and winter-weather-appropriate. 

Having key transitional pieces that do double and triple duty in your wardrobe is essential for making your money really count, and you’ll be rewarded with an array of classic outfit options. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your seasonal pieces as well. Getting creative allows your individual style to shine through!

The post Winter to Spring Transitions appeared first on Love, Relished.

All Aboard! I spy an all-stripe trend alert happening this spring! With spring in full swing, you must be wondering what to wear in place of your favorite winter sweaters and boots. We’re here to help you with that! This year’s Relished Spring collection is full of prints, patterns, and an inspirational mix of styles that are guaranteed to make heads turn. We’ve got everything from off-the-shoulder tops and sleeveless blouses to pinstriped dresses, not to mention skirts that twirl with grace and pizzazz. Along with these is a variety of pieces with stripes, both thick and thin, offering a breath of fresh air for your closet.

Take a look at some of our new favorites that we know you’ll love!

Blue Striped Envelope Skirt 

Pin Striped Midi Dress

Blue Striped Ruffle Top

Easy Breezy Striped Boardwalk Dress 

Blue Striped Collared Paris Top

Relished Central Park Striped Midi Skirt

All pieces are now available on https://relished.com. Don’t miss the chance to snatch up the season’s favorites! 

The post Stripes Are Back! appeared first on Love, Relished.

In a place like southern California, summer can feel like an all-year saga. Overbearing heat consumes more than half the year, and each year as warm weather approaches, many end up gathering pants, sweaters, and other winter clothing into a “things to get rid of” bin. That may be the fate for clothes in many homes, especially when transitioning from wintry to warm weather, but here are a few quick tips and tricks you can use to minimize your trash bin and maximize your summer wardrobe.

First, repurpose old jeans that are too long or thick to wear in the summer – they can be turned into the perfect fitted shorts. All you need is that old denim you were thinking of donating, and a pair of scissors. You can start by trying on the jeans and drawing a line where you would want your shorts to end. Slightly above the knee is ideal, so that you have enough length to fold the hems up, especially if you prefer not to sew. And just like that, an old pair of pants becomes a new pair of shorts that will fulfill your summer outfit needs.

Here’s another DIY idea to freshen up your wardrobe at no cost: cut an old T-shirt into a fresh, stylish tank. Clothes and scissors together sound like an awful combination, but don’t you worry. These steps are fairly easy. Personally, I am nowhere near an artsy fashionista, but this simple hack can turn your old tee into a summer must-have. Summer tanks are perfect for pairing under thin cardigans or button-up shirts; bring along these handy outer layers for a light summer breeze or to protect your skin under harsh sunlight.

Our last transitional trick doesn’t include scissors. It’s the old “button it down and roll it up” trend. Button-ups are usually worn under a blazer for an interview, church outing, or even a winter holiday banquet, but when worn casually, button-ups are the perfect summer top to pair with your newly cut jean shorts, a skirt, or capri pants. Or try pairing a loose button-up shirt with high-waisted culottes, which are peppering the globe from runways to street style blogs. All you need is your button up worn over a thin tank top and you’re good to go. It’s best to keep the sleeves rolled up three quarters and to leave the first few buttons unbuttoned for a laid-back vibe. This will allow you to keep cool while avoiding a sunburn. Our favorite button-up shirts are those made of cotton – the best way to keep cool and look trendy AND classy!

Summer is one of our favorite seasons for fashion to flourish – it’s the best time to get creative with your wardrobe. Have fun with it, the possibilities are endless!

The post Expand Your Summer Wardrobe in a Jiffy appeared first on Love, Relished.

It was this time last year when my roommate came home with movers, a bagel, and a $4,500 new mattress. “Are you joking?!”, was all I could muster up at the time. We were both college students, ballin’ on a budget and I couldn’t justify spending that much money on anything, let alone a mattress.

It was this incident that made me rethink my attitude towards spending money. Like my roommate explained, it’s worth putting your money where you spend most of your time. For her it was either her bed or in her shoes.

We spend almost 100% of our time in our clothing, so when you really think about it, is purchasing a classic Little Black Dress retailing for $300 really that crazy? Let’s look at the math.

$300 + $20 (cost of maintenance: washing, fixing a loose thread, etc.), then divide the estimated number of times you’ll wear the garment. A Relished girl will probably wear it to work, on a weeknight date, and once on the weekend.

$300 + $20/234 (That’s three times a week per year) would result in a grand total of $1.37 per wear. And we only calculated for a year. A well-constructed dress should last about 5 years.

The best way to look at shopping for clothing is to look at each purchase as an investment. Investing in your appearance isn’t shallow; it’s a necessity. Spending money on clothes that will last you years and can be worn many ways/for many occasions is better than impulse-buying a $20 dress that will fall apart at the first wash.

It actually costs you less to buy one timeless, versatile $300 dress than it does to purchase one $20 dress because the cheaper dress will require you to buy a new one once the garment begins to show its wear. Try wearing a $20 dress three times a week for a year and let me know how it goes! Probably a terrible idea, right?

Now I’m not saying you should spend $300 on a statement T-shirt. That’s just excessive.

Investing money into a few, really nice, versatile items per year will actually help you spend less on clothing overall. Truth be told, sometimes you can’t afford to not look good – such as when interviewing for your first job out of college.

For those of you who just absolutely cannot afford the price tag at this time, we’ve also written about the wonders of thrifting. 

If you have a little extra to spend and are now wondering how to tell whether a garment is of fine quality or not, I have a little pro tip for you.

Always check the seams. Give the fabric a little tug to inspect the seams. If the seams look thin or begin to come apart when you tug at them, leave it on the rack. Holding up fabric to the light and feeling it in your hands is another good way to spot a winner. What you’re looking for is density in the fabric, not necessarily weight.

Keep all of this in mind the next time you decide to shop around online or in your town. It’s all about shopping smarter, not more often. Spending more will cost you less in the long-run.

Whether you’re made of money or a broke college kid like me, if you invest wisely, there’s always a way to look like a million bucks!

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