Whitney Rife

Cruising Into Spring

I am still a huge fan of all things natural – earth tones, crisp white denims and basket weave bags – but, with metallics being so hot in 2019, I’ve not been able to pass up the opportunity to add the sizzle to my wardrobe!

I am absolutely loving what Walmart.com has to offer when it comes to this year’s trends and have recently picked up some amazing apparel that will set me apart from the season’s pastels. 

First, I started this outfit with a slimming pair of black leggings. I like the way a capri lands mid-shin, so it allows visibility to my shoes – which are always a BIG part of any outfit! These N.Y.L. Sport leggings are high-waisted, offering tummy control – which I love! 

Owning a quality pair of black leggings is absolutely necessary as they are so versatile and easy for rush outings, travel, leisurely Sundays and overall comfort. Walmart.com has given me a pair of leggings that wears well, washes well and fits perfectly.

To spice up the basic black bottoms, I have paired them with a wild, Say What? Brand leopard print hooded windbreaker jacket (wearing size medium). What I love most about this jacket are the elastic banded cuffs and hem so it fits well and doesn’t look bunchy on my small frame like many jacket styles do. I can opt for a full or scrunch sleeve which makes it easy to pair with bangles or a chunky gold watch when I want to dress it up. 

I love the kangaroo pouch front pocket that snaps, keeping my items secure. It makes this hoodie versatile and functional which can come in very handy depending on the occasion. It also has a half zipper on the chest and a sturdy drawstring for the hood. Best of all, the leopard print is ferocious and spot-on with today’s trends – AND so affordable at $18.98! 

Now for the flare! As I mentioned above, metallics are driving fashion forward this year and Walmart.com is offering accessories to complete any outfit. I am obsessed with this blush metallic weekender bag from No Boundaries. Walmart.com also offers this oversized bag in a mint metallic as well and, at just $25.97, I say get both! 

I love pairing a soft blush with leopard as it balances the hues perfectly and says, “I’m wild, but I’m sweet” (he-he). This weekender bag from Walmart.com has a cross-arm handle and body strap so it’s very versatile. There are multiple pockets and zippered compartments, so it is easy to carry everything. Moms, this would make such a stylish diaper bag. Brides, this would be the sweetest bridesmaids gift and you just can’t beat the price for the quality! 

Finally, I completed this ensemble with these Brinley Co. metallic and fabric sneakers in rosegold (I also LOVE these). They are so lightweight and breathable they truly make for the perfect all-occasion sneaker. Walmart.com offers them in a variety of sizes and in black or silver metallics. The hint of rose is just enough to set off my weekender bag and it even matches my adorable bicycle! These shoes usually sell for $59.99 but are on sale now for just $19.95.

Speaking of bicycle – how precious is this Kent Women’s Bayside Cruiser?! It is so feminine in rosegold and, with its 26” wheels, it rides so smooth and comfortably.  It offers seven gears and is truly easy to assemble. The price is hard to beat at $118.00 considering how classy and well-designed it is. Plus, it comes with a convenient cupholder (or “Starbucks holder,” as I call it) and a case to store your phone while you ride! 

I feel completely confident riding into spring in this outfit. Check all that Walmart.com has to offer and take advantage of their free shipping offers on so many amazing products and services.

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My Weekend In Charleston

dress | sandals | bag | hat | earrings

I knew if I were headed to the “World’s Best City “I had better dress the part! 

dress | heels | earrings | handbag

dress | heels | earrings | handbagďťż

When I heard Brahmin was hosting their Spring Launch at the Skinny Dip in Charleston I immediately started packing! I knew I wanted to be among the first to shop their new spring collection and let me tell you – WOW – this launch was amazing! I opted for a flirty, above-the-knee dress with cinched waist and lace bodice – covered in dainty, feminine floral. My crisp white bag and heels pulled everything together and made shopping in style super easy.

dress | heels | earrings | handbag

Luckily, I was dressed to impress having met Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam – my fashion idol – at the Brahmin show. I am still on cloud 9 after that encounter and you can read more about that on my insta.

dress | heels | earrings | handbagďťż

My wardrobe changes in America’s “Friendliest City” were easy, as I stayed one night at the King Charles Inn and another night at the Market Street Pavilion. Both amazing venues were gorgeous and accommodating – the King Charles Inn having an “18th-Century Southern vibe” and Market Street seething with luxury and decadence. Both fashionably astute with amazing backdrops for the photos I have been dropping on Insta! 

sweater | slides | jeans | handbag| hat | luggage
sweater | slides | jeans | handbag| hat | luggage

Because there are so many historical sights to be seen, I selected outfits that fared well for walking tours while still leaving me feeling confidently cute. One of my favorite outfits was as simple as a black baby doll dress, paired with a banded hat and open-toed, animal print wedges c/o Sole Society. I also turned heads with this choker neck floral dress that shows a little shoulder and a little leg through its knee-length lace inserts. This dress is so perfect for spring flings and paired beautifully with my straw clutch and dramatic earrings.

dress | hat | bag | shoes
dress | earrings c/o

Filling my days with delicious eats from Oak, Burwells, and Halls and having drinks at Henry’s and Stars, while shopping on King Street and taking in the historic sights on a horse and buggy tour, I wanted to be comfortable without sacrificing fashion. I spent a lot of my trip in one-piece rompers and jumpsuits that I styled with a beautiful bag and classic yet sexy shoe – like this soft blue ruffle bell-bottomed romper and plunge neck, vertical striped one-piece with fun tassels, or a darling polka dot romper with comfortable white shoe that can be worn on so many occasions with so many different outfits.

jumpsuit | bag | earrings
jumpsuit | bag | earrings | shoes
romper (also available in blue and black)
romper (also available in blue and black) | shoes c/o

I also wore a great deal of easy to pack and even easier to wear dresses that you can wear off the shoulder for some added flare and that covered me in gorgeous floral and pastel prints, perfect for all skin tones. I just love the beautiful blushes and lavenders and also the turquoise and corals that I am finding in this season’s dresses and I am especially loving the way these dresses show some skin and still look super classy and sophisticated.

dress | bag | sunglasses |earrings
dress | purse | earrings
dress | wedges | earrings | handbag
dress | earrings | handbag
dress | wedges | earrings
dress | purse | earrings c/o

I have to say, this adventure to Charleston left me smiling and thanks to Camden at Charleston Laser Teeth Whitening, my smile is brighter and whiter than ever! 

top | jeans | scarf | purse | hat | shoesďťż

Known for its rich history and hospitality, Charleston is absolutely one of my favorite travel destinations. When you go, pack something flirtatious for the evenings, something playful for a day trip, and don’t forget your most fabulous bag darling!

top | jeans | scarf | purse | hat | shoes
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My Travel Preset Pack

Whitney Rife Lightroom Mobile Presets

 

I couldn’t be more excited to debut my new Mobile Travel Presets to you all! These fab-four filters are a must-have for all your online looks. I have taken four phenomenal places and paired them with the perfect hues for any outfit or occasion. Whether you want to accelerate your color pattern or mute your complexion, these four tools are a perfect fit.

Memphis has Deep South roots with its rockabilly music, fall-off-the-bone barbecue and Southern Baptist megachurch. Much like the nostalgia you feel standing inside Graceland’s foyer, my refreshing, reminiscent Memphis preset will create a stunning walk down memory lane as it has an air of sepia tones and vintage appeal.

Where I call home. If you live on the east coast, odds are you have been to Myrtle Beach. Whether for family vacation, Bike Week, Spring Break, or Senior Beach Week, there are plenty of things to do here at Myrtle Beach. That is why I created my favoirte preset that I am currently using. Our cozy beach town is full of great seafood, live music making for a fun night life, and the most beautiful beach. I love this Myrtle preset because it takes what’s vibrant and makes it pop right off the screen with a soft, contrasting background.

Miami’s semitropical climate creates sun-kissed bodies that live to a tempo like no other city. My Miami preset is super sexy, much like the city’s nightlife, as it creates a coastal glow familiar to its sandy beaches. The results of this preset are as unique as Miami’s MiMo architecture and Latin flavor. 

Nothing says “Glam and Glitz” like Malibu Beach and its scenic bluffs and canyons. The laid back, chill attitude of this warm-summer city is so similar to my Malibu preset. My complexion has never looked better – like I spent the day at the beach, soaking up the sun. I love the warm feel of this preset, much like I love Malibu’s Mediterranean climate and salty air.

It’s official y’all… the presets are live so get them today! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

  

 

NEW “WHITNEY PRESET” JUST LAUNCHED!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP!

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What To Wear: Engagement Shoot

Much like a relationship unfolds, so should your engagement shoot. When Shawn and I designed the looks and setting for our engagement photos (view all of our engagement photos here), we knew we wanted it to evolve much like that of our relationship – from casual and flirty to intimate and romantic to classically timeless.

First, we set sail with bright hues and playful patterns atop crisp cotton, adorned with baubles and beads. This initial look should show off a little leg or sun-kissed shoulders. These suggested looks are flirty, yet classy, much like what I chose for our nautical venue – our future wedding destination. A cute romper or off-the-shoulder sundress can be paired with a big, floppy hat and wedge peep-toes for the perfect day look. 

My hat can be found here.

Moving in a more romantic direction, Shawn and I dressed the part for a nostalgic picnic. My crisp white lace dress and blue silk scarf complimented Shawn’s seersucker perfectly. Shown here are blush colored dresses and pantsuits, delicate floral prints and lady-like ruffles that will work seamlessly for an engagement shoot. I especially love flowing, soft material for outside shoots. Some of my favorite snapshots were of tousled hair and fabrics. 

Finally, I formalized our shoot by wearing a classic black dress and beaded bodice. Overcast skies worked in our favor by softening the photos and framing our bodies delicately. With just a hint of skin, this tulle overlaid skirt worked the wind and made for a dramatic shoot. The finale of your shoot can be just as sexy with a black fitted pantsuit, embellished gown or reflective threads – shown here. 

Engagement Photos by: Hunter Ryan Photography

I’m just going to say it, choosing your perfect photo ensemble can be almost as hard as choosing your perfect man, he he! Hopefully my suggestions make one of the two a little easier 😉

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Turning Heads in Red

dress (wearing size 2) | handbag | wedges (size 7, ordered size 37)
earrings c/o | sunnies

It has been said the little black dress is not only essential, but it will take you anywhere – and I agree. But, will it turn heads and take the room by storm like that of the little red dress?

Coco Chanel once said the little black dress is a statement of elegance and class, but who says we always want to be elegant? Sometimes girls really dojust want to have fun, liven up the party and stand out, boldly. Black can’t do that, but we know who can. 

The little red dress is less practical, which means you opted for unique. It’s daring and a little pretentious, saying “Hey, look at me!” It’s fearless threads and showy seams suggest other, less audacious, apparel should take a seat in the back. And, when paired with a sexy heel or wedge, the little red dress is unstoppable. 

This red dress was a Shopbop find and hugs my body like a breezy summer blanket – laying still where it needs to and flowing with each movement. It’s plunging neckline and elongated bow dress me up like a package – a sassy, go get ‘em package ready to take on the world. None of my little black dresses do that! 

So, do we say get rid of the little black dress? No, no. There is a time and season for something slimming – something safe and sophisticated. But, when you want to accelerate your fashion, make ‘em jealous and show ‘em up, you’ll always find a winner in that little red dress.

For the shopbop sale, remember,
the more you spend the more you save!
Use code GOBIG19 for:
15% off orders $200+
20% off orders $500+
25% off orders $800+

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