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! ;)

 

Gifts For Him

If you don't normally shop a stocking for the guy in your life, maybe this year is the year to do it. I find shopping for stockings to be the most fun. It's a great way to search and discover the perfect little things that remind you of everything about your guy, and likely things about him you love. This year I got a head start by picking things up along my travels throughout the year. Hmmm, now I have to remember where I hid all the little gems. I'll find them, but in the mean time I will shop for some additional stocking stuffers and bigger gifts. Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas for your special someone, whether you need $10 ideas for the stocking or a bigger, slightly pricier present. Guys can be the toughest, so here goes it! xo RCN

Suit Supply cotton pocket square, $29

At some point in a man's life he needs to dress up. Some do every day, others maybe once in a year. Regardless, a pocket square completes the suiting look. Don't go overboard with this, especially if this is for a first time pocket square wearer. White and cotton is all he needs to look on point.

J.Crew Factory boxer shorts, Mallard ducks, $6.50

Always include underwear in the stocking. J.Crew outlet has great options, online and in store. Pick up a fun novelty pair each year. Z got Labradors last year and is likely getting Mallards this year. Hope he isn't reading...

WindPouch inflatable hammock, windpouch.com, $79.95

The Windpouch is one of my new fascinations. You may have seen youtube videos about how to blow these up. Click HERE if you have not. These rather large, couch-like, blow up seats, weather well on sand, concrete, water or carpet. These are great for any guy that beaches, tailgates, floats in a pool, or has a friend crash at their studio apartment, last minute.

Billions: The First Season (DVD), Target, $22.99

Looking for a new favorite television show obsession? Look no farther. Both Z and I love this showtime series. It is a thrilling story line involving a big time hedge fund manager battling against federal prosecutions from the US Attorney for the Southern District of NY. New season starts on Feb. 19th, so you will have a good two months to file through season one before the start of season 2.

 

Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30" Propane Smoker, Cabela's, $89.99

Smokers vary in price range, so you can definitely spend more than just the $89.99 ticket on this one, but either way it's a thoughtful gift for the griller-barbequer you know. My Dad and Father in Law both use theirs on a relatively normal, (and surprising) basis. I have never had such great tasting ribs. Do your entire family a favor with this one.

The Wall Street Journal, 6 month print and digital subscription, $99

Subscriptions are always great ideas. The Wall Street Journal covers all the finance and stock he could care to read about. The $99 is well worth all the news and information he will fill his brain with, in just 6 months time.

Rainbow leather sandals, $52

I am all for the summer gifts in winter. I mean, we all go on vacation at some point. Two months from now or six months from now, your guy can use a nice pair. Rainbows are the best (both for men and women). They wear wonderfully over time and never hurt your feet. Really, never. Go for the leather option. They come in a few different neutral shades as well. 

Vineyard Vines cotton jersey 1/4 zip pullover, Vineyard Vines, $98.50

Guys look handsome in 1/4 zip pullovers. They dress up and down, so they are a great outfit pieces for day to night and office to dinner. Vineyard Vines offers great seasonal colors. They fit well on multiple body types, bigger and broad chested or thin and wide shouldered. 

Yeti Rambler Colster, Beverage holder, $29.99

The Yeti tumbler was recommended in my girl's wish list, so for the guy I will suggest the Rambler Colster. This keeps a beer can or a Coke, cold as can be. Buy two, and keep one for you.

Bonobos made to order dress shirts, $98

Bonobos digital gift card, $25+

Bonobos is a wonderful menswear brand. Their dress shirts are good quality and better yet, they are custom made to fill your desire for collar size, color, fit, etc. If you know what your man wants, select for him, if not...give him a gift card!

Patagonia Fisherman's rolled beanie, $29

Stocking caps and beanies are just one of those things all guys wear and need. Patagonia is probably one of the coolest brands out there right now, so go with a simple cap and shop Patagonia. All guys can pull off this look.

Weber Smokey Joe Gold Portable Charcoal Grill, Home Depot, $39.99

Grills come to mind when I think of guys. And it's quite possible your man may not have a portable one for camping, picnicking, tailgating, or just chilling on a small patio. Weber portable grills are great for the outdoor guy or one that is on the go and always wanting food. At the next football pre-game, he can cook the burgers.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch, 750ml bottle, grandwinecellar.com (or most liquor stores), $79.99

For all the Scotch drinkers, Lagavulin is a great choice. The 16 year is a bit' peaty. If he likes that, then this is a highly recommended scotch from those that drink it.

Crate and Barrel Direction 9oz Double Old Fashion glasses, sold individually, $9.95

I adore beautiful glasses for cocktails so why shouldn't your handsome be sipping from class as well. If you are in love with a gin drinker, Manhattan maker, straight on the rocks kind of guy, then chances are he will like these Crate and Barrel glasses. Not only do they have a masculine, rich look, but they have a heavy feel which is nice to hold in your hand.

Saturdays Surf NYC T-shirt, saturdaysnyc.com, $40

In my opinion, Saturday Surf is one of the coolest menswear brands!! If you live in NYC or even shop Nordstrom, you may be familiar. Saturdays Surf is a surf brand based out of the city. The shop in Manhattan has a coffee shop inside and you can shop boards, wax or clothing - a pretty unique shop for NYC.   The T-shirts are comfy and simple, something most guys like in a tee. If he doesn't know the brand, I guarantee he will grow to love.

yurbud Hybrid Wireless earphones, $79.99

Yurbuds are the best earphones. I use my pair everyday. They come in a small pouch, great for travel, and also come with multiple size coverings for all ear sizes. If he is tech savvy, or has the new iphone, your beau will appreciate the wireless and bluetooth functionality.

Nike Free RN running sneakers, Nike, $100, $140 for customized coloring

Sneakers are usually the guy "go-to" shoe. If your man is anything like Zach, he likely wears them whether he is running in the gym, or walking to the store. I am a Nike loyalist, so no surprise this is my pick. The Nike Free RN shoe comes in loads of colors, bright or understated. If you feel like splurging a bit' and want to get personal, Nike offers customization for $140.

Weathertech cargo truck liner for cars and trucks, ex. $109.95 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee (behind second row seating) trunk liner

I couldn't make a list without something car related. This is the more pricey gift on the list, but so, so great. The plastic shell liners fit accustom to each car. All you have to do is go to the Weathertech website and select the year, make, and model of the car. The site will have what you need for a trunk liner, or floor liners for both front and back seats. They remove easily and keep the car spot clean. He will love this!

Rochester Shoe Tree Company for J.Crew suede and nubuck cleaner, $8

He probably has a shoe shine kit, but maybe not a shoe care cleaner for nubuck or suede. Nubuck and suede are materials that also need care, like leather. Gift a cleaner that will help his entire shoe assortment last through the year - or longer.

Sushi For Dummies, play.google.com (or any bookstore), $9.99

Books are a must in the stocking. I gave Zach this one a few years ago, but we never put it to use until this past Thanksgiving weekend. The entire Nord family hung in one night and we all made sushi together. The book helped with planning, and we had the BEST time. Buy this book, and plan a date to do it. I promise, you will enjoy it!

Zirh skincare starter kit, Bloomingdales, $59

Skincare can be a tough purchase for guys. Ultimately, it is a personal purchase. However, I took a guess with ZIRH, for Z, a few years ago and he has been using it ever since. If your guy is a little more rugged, shaves often, or has tougher skin that he wants to keep soft, try this starting kit. Invest in larger quantities of specifics later, once he knows if he likes it and it works on him.

Shinola medium leather journal, Shinola, $48

For the writer, or business professional. How about a nice leather journal? Shinola is an awesome brand, all made in the USA. Their leather goods are classic and beautiful in craft. The notebook is one of the lower priced items in the collection, yet equally as artful as the wallets and watches. Surely. this is a great addition to his briefcase or bedside table.

GoFit cold roller massager, REI, $29.95

For anyone that works out or just gets stressed out, this may help. This small massage roller fits great in the stocking and comes from a great source, REI. After a lift workout, run, or long day at the office, your man will appreciate this one.

Fireside Panini Press, Terrain, $42

Mix fire and sandwiches together and I think you have a perfect pair. Dudes love a hot sandwich. So... for your camper, pyro, or foodie, this is a fun idea!

La Colombe Bleu Organic coffee beans, 12oz, $15 (all 12oz coffee ranges from $12-$15)

La Colombe started in Philly, and has spread to the burbs, NYC, Boston, Chicago and is still expanding. There is a reason for that, because it is SOOO good. For any and all coffee drinkers, there are a variety of roasts and flavors. I put a bag in Zach's stocking each year and think I will try out the Bleu Organic this Xmas.

Leatherman Wingman 14 pc multi-tool, $39.85

You can never have enough tools. Multi tools are great for the tool belt, keeping in the garage, and also in the car. This 14pc tool grouping has more than what he needs to fix or make whatever it may be.