Holiday Wish List 2017

$105 (3 piece set), Paper clips or cookies? You decide! Justina Blakeney is one of my favorite creatives. Her bohemian, eclectic, color striking style transports me into a dream world filled with positive vibes and natural wonder (plants!). Her newest collection at Target is focused on bedding, while her original products on her website include paper goods and ceramics like these fabulous canisters.

$28, Just because it's cold out, doesn't mean the music stops. Pick from one of five lovely earmuff headphone colors from Freepeople this season. Plug them right into your iPhone and keep walking' in a winter wonderland.

$33, Ahh, reminds me of Paris. French macarons are a sweet and light delight. Dana's Bakery offers an assorted box including flavors like strawberry shortcake and cookie dough. The colorful treats taste as beautiful as they appear. 

$225, The Carry On is essential for easy-peasy stylish travel. Away luggage comes in one classic silhouette, 4 sizes and 12 colors! The smallest of the bunch is the perfect fit for overhead when flying or in the backseat of your car. Did I mention there is a lifetime guarantee, built in battery charger, TSA approved lock, and 360 degrees of wheeling and rolling!?

$24-$125 (avg.), Lillian Grey Vintage is the perfect place to snag a gift for any home decor lover and vintage collector. Each week there is a new offering available, including anything from blue and white heirloom dessert plates, hand painted floral vases, Staffordshire dog figurines, and of course, there is always something new. I scored the dreamiest beautiful blue and white Calico sugar dish that makes me smile every time I look at it. Who wouldn't want a one of a kind decorative piece for their bookshelf or bar cart!?  

$38, A body scrub for a goddess, and that's exactly why your girlfriends deserve this. Pure, clean and natural sea salt exfoliating scrub sounds beautiful for the bath. If the french girls love it, it's gotta' be good. 

$219-$295, Jonathan Adler designs are one of a kind element that fits quite well into any quirky and fancy space. A JA alpaca throw was gifted to Z and I for our wedding and I highly recommend the luxurious home accessory. The blankets come in many colors and a few geometric patterns that are sure to break up any space and add a touch of pizazz to any living and bedroom, even if in a neutral color.

$37, Okay travelers, here is the perfectly posh gift for your alike friends and family. In honor of Louis Vuitton's travel exhibition running in NYC through January 7th 2018, the brand recently released an expansive collection of city travel guides. Each guide is wrapped in a colorful identifying cover and filled with recent must visit restaurants, hotels, and cultural must stop spots. 

$125, For babies first Christmas, or the soon to be college grad. Just a chic little reminder to "keep savin' that money, honey." Slip a few bills inside if the budget so permits.

$22, Calling all planners. Cheers to almost 2018! Time to get ready planning and penciling in all those trips, events, birthdays and celebrations soon to be had. This is a great gift for anyone you know that has a big date approaching. Anna Rifle Bond never ceases to amaze me with her jaw dropping and eye catching illustrations. 

$40, For your new home owner friends, who may or may not have gone to the same University. Go for one logo, or a house divided flag like this. It's perfect for the rival graduates that share a front door. Chances are you rents would love a flag representing you and or your siblings school's, too.

$50, A bright and cheery tea kettle will make any tea drinker happy. My strawberry shaped tea pot adds just a little extra character to the kitchen. And if it's cute like this polka dot pretty, there is no need to store it away!

$48, The most effortless way to style your look is by layering simple pieces of jewelry. One little piece at a time. Mix and match letters and symbols and gift one solo earring to your most stylish friend. No need for two, just one will do.

$18 (a piece), Are these nordic monogram bowls from Terrain, not the dearest dishes you ever did see? The simple almost unseen Scandinavian letter detailing on the inside is quite precious. Perfect for soup, cereal, dip, jewelry, nuts, buttons, etc. One, two, three or four would be a wonderful gift.

$37, I know, I know. I am usually all about Chanel, and I still am, but I think it is time to expand the color spectrum when it comes to lip color in my vanity. I am really into the shades offered by YSL and I think I can trust it will work great, too. All ladies love a nice new lipstick, especially if it's YSL!

 

 

$38 (set of 4), Cheers to living in a world of whimsy! Who thought Sunday brunch boozing could get any better? August Morgan embroidered cocktail napkin sets are funny and divine. I have too many favorites to pick from, I want them all!

$159, This is by far the most comfortable and noteworthy bathrobe on the market. I received  my Missoni robe a few years ago for Christmas, and it's one of my favorite gifts still today. I wear it when I'm hot out of the shower, chilly with a cold, lazy on a Sunday, and even sometimes I wear it down to the pool, just because it feels so right. (Though, Z refuses to be seen with me wearing it in public) The bath towel material and mid calf length combined with the Missoni weave pattern is a fashion lover's paradise! Drink, please!

$52.80, Wish, Dream, Peace, Luck...all good virtues to bestow upon a dear friend, sister, Mom, cousin, or co-worker. A pleasant fortune on the wrist is placed in just the spot that often catches the eye at the right moment to be reminded of such things.

$35, Spice up your life with this collection of empowering female entrepreneurial stories filled with advice and inspiration for all women. In the spirit of women empowering women, this book is quite the gift. Girl power!

$39.95, This is the happiest cheese tray I ever did see. I hate cheese, and I still love this platter. Fishs Eddy has an eclectic assortment of serveware, glassware and dinnerware that are great conversation starters for anyone from political lovers to vintage connoisseurs.

$99-$199, For anyone that likes to cuddle up by the fire, gaze under the stars, runs errands in the chilly morning of Winter, or frequents tailgates and barbecues in the fall time, then a Patagonia pullover zip up is a must.  They come in many different fabrications and patterns and the brand has an amazing history that any nature lover would love to represent!  

$48, In this case, two is definately better than one. Baublebar is offering a few different set combinations with 2-3 drop earrings. This colorful set is by far my favorite. It's there perfect giftable for any fashionista!

$12, Need I say more? For the bakers, gardeners + bakers, and plant, floral lovers. I totally want a set of these for myself this Christmas!

$33-93, A new accessory for Ethel, is a new accessory for me! Consider this a gift for dog and dog owner. Crew La La is a brand I became familiar with when last visiting Charleston, SC last year. I stumbled upon these precious pup collars and leashes in a boutique and have been obsessed ever since. There is an endless amount of pretty patterns to pick from, something that suits all cast of characters. Select from gold or silver finishes and spend an additional $18 to have the collar custom engraved.

$54 (each, $108 total), It wasn't until I lived on the Beach that I learned of the brand Amuse Society, a casual and suave surf beachwear brand that carries femininely designed wetsuits and classically cool loungewear and bohemian swimsuits and trendy graphic tees. No matter the attire, each piece is comfortable and oh so beachy. Every girl can use a matching lounge set for after surfing, skiing, whatever. I am digging this one.

$29, I am a major Drybar junkie. If you ever have the opportunity to get a Drybar blowout, don't pass it up! A GC to the Drybar is a fabulous gift, but really any product from there is just as fab. The little box of detox offers a few of the necessities in keeping healthy fresh hair on the go, and keeps those locks looking lux. Another great giftable is the Drybar duo dry shampoo and conditioner.

$128, Anything as classic and iconic as Pendelton is a great brand to start with when looking for giftables at the holidays. This Motoring Blanket is great to throw in the car and pack along for travels, picnics, beach days and nights.

$199, For anyone who has a KitchenAid mixer and loves to cook. Not only does the pasta attachment make for a fun night with the family, hanging out in the kitchen and making fresh pasta together, but it's also a sensible gift for those that cook from scratch and don't mind taking a little extra time to do so. This gift is on my personal list this year!

$11.95 (+ shipping), Calling all candle lovers! Wax melts are my latest favorite. When I was home to my parent's over Thanksgiving, I couldn't help, but adore the strong scent of wax melts when I entered the downstairs bathroom. Sounds funny, but it smelled amazing! These holiday packs, designed like little gingerbread men, come in warm cozy scents from Snowy Day to Cinnamon Roll and you even get to decide between black/white or red/white baker's twine for wrapping. For a more complete gift, include a wax warmer like THIS rustic one from Kohls. 

$18, Any baker or chef would love a cute set of tea towels. It's always a luxury in the kitchen to replace your dirty tea towels with a clean set of equally adorable and fun cloths. Paper Source has a great selection of hobby and demographic oriented patterns that would make many, more than happy.

$65, The best notebook is the one that is reusable - a notebook cover! Tortoise shell anything is quite attractive and seemingly timeless. The patent material punches this up a bit' and makes it even cooler. Great for any gal that writes, and works a lot or a little.

 

My Everyday Wears

We all have those everyday items we wear, out of necessity or pure joy - sometimes both! Here is a compilation of my everyday items that I just love, love, love. Some, are items that I need, like body lotion for example. Others, are constant reminders of the people, places, and things I cherish most. What are your everyday wears? Click all images below to shop direct. xo RCN

One piece of jewelry that I wear everyday, brings a constant reminder of how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband. Zach gifted me this beautiful pair of diamond stud earrings on the morning of our wedding day. I will never forget when Z's cousin, Caleigh, popped into the hair salon and handed me a beautiful little bag topped with a fresh cut lily. Inside, were these stunning diamonds. I have been wearing them as my go to earring everyday, ever since.

I wear lipstick, if not every day, almost every day. I do not wear it to the beach, the gym, or if I wake up and have absolutely no-one to see or nowhere to go that day. Otherwise, I wear it A LOT! My most favorite brand is Chanel. My favorite color is rouge red. I am known to fall asleep with lipstick on and I usually spread it on the pillow case, whoops! For the times I do not wear lipstick, I am always wearing Sun Bum lip balm. 

I am a huge fan of new trendy and/or vintage gold costume jewelry. For Christmas Z gave me a "Z" initial ring from Chloe, which ironically doubles as an "N". I had been wanting a "Z" or "Zachary" ring ever since I was forced to destroy a similar ring, years ago. I had an allergic reaction to a spider bite in the middle of the night and had to cut my Zachary ring off with pliers! This one is just as great and I have been wearing it every day since December 25th.

I am not big on concealer, but I do like the outcome of the natural look I achieve by using Bare Minerals bronzer. Most days I apply a minimum amount of bronzer, only on my cheeks and a bit down my nose and across my forehead/hairline. When dressing for formal occasions I apply the foundation, then bronzer, and finish with the finishing powder for a more professional and complete look. This is the only face makeup I have ever used and it gives a wonderful, natural glow, without a thick application or unfortunate breakout results. You can shop online direct or stop in Ulta to get the perfect match for your skin color.

True story: I have lost a pair of Raybans in Paris, the first day I wore them (pink lenses). I found a pair in Berlin (solid black). I lost a pair in South Africa, I think? (green lenses). I left a pair in Big Sur (the ones I found in Berlin). I am 1-3. Luckily, I still own and possess three more pairs. I wear them often and currently my favorite pair is the classic Aviator, gold frames with orange flash lenses. They sit in a NYC dish besides our front door, where I put them on most mornings before walking Ethel. Wish me luck. My goal is to never lose a pair again.

One of the best trips Z and I ever went on, was a safari trip in South Africa. I have always had a passion for wildlife, but this trip made my heart love even more. Adventuring in a private game reserve and a National park opened my eyes and taught me even more about conservation efforts, contributing to research, and providing support for many endangered species. Though, a small and affordable item, these bead coalition bracelets are a wonderful piece I wear daily that often brings about conversation with other people. It has been a great way to spread awareness about the animals we love and how they need our help the most.

I have mentioned Sun Bum before, and that is because I use it everyday. Not only do I use the aloe lotion with cocoa butter after every shower, but I use the hair shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen (spray & lotion) as well as the many flavors of lip balm - Key Lime is my newest. I am a huge fan of coconut scents. If you also like coconut, then I recommend Sun Bum become part of your beauty regime, like mine!

For my 30th birthday my Mom and Dad gave me a Pisces necklace. It is very dainty and small and is a perfect backdrop to other jewelry I wear upon occasion. The necklace is from Anthropologie, same as the Cancer necklace pictured above, but it is no longer available. Asos.com has many horoscope and zodiac necklaces that are quite similar. Link will bring you there!

Nike Tempo running shorts are the one and only type of shorts I wear to run and go to the gym. I also wear them to bed most nights and wake up in them, brush my teeth and take Ethel outside for a walk every morning. If you live in Miami Beach, and see a blonde in bright Nike shorts, every morning, walking with a very loud dachshund, that's me! I have many pairs, in many patterns and color combinations. All have been purchased from the Nike store, Nike Outlet, or Dick's Sporting Goods. The built in underwear is my favorite feature - sooo comfortable! ;)

 

Sale Must Haves - Spring 17

Though, half of the Northeast is covered in snow and dreaming of warmer days, the good news is, it's already March. Spring will be here before we know it. It's the perfect time to spend perfecting our wardrobes for when cocktails and brunch will move outdoors.

When it comes to my closet, I shop mostly sale. Except, for those few items I just have to have right now...and designer. When it comes to designer, I rely on the not often enough Netaporter.com sales (the best!). Eventually, everything (mostly everything) gets marked down. Before you go blasting your budget on the newest of new, hit the sale up first, even for the upcoming season. Sandals to layered jackets, my favorite sale items are all right here and waiting for you. Hopefully, along with some sunshine. xo RCN