Outdoor Movie Night

This past Sunday marked the chilliest South Beach has felt in a while. I was headed to an outdoor movie with my girlfriend, Colleen, so I happily pulled out some extra layers and, finally, put on some booties that are not open toe. My Toms booties have a super soft foot pad on the interior, which makes them great for walking.

One of my absolute favorite trends for 2017 is "The Brooch". It's not just about pins like the ones you see at Urban or other fast fashion stores, it's all about beautiful, ornate, bejeweled, and intricate pieces of art that accent your clothing. This jacket from Topshop (few seasons old) was screaming for a little pop on the lapel. I was giddy to pull out my vintage toucan brooch. Though, I am more bundled than usual in Miami, I still love adding tropical touches to my look. It feels appropriate with all the palm trees and lush green surroundings. I found this piece at a small antique store in Old Quebec City. I am partial to vintage animal brooches- my fav! 

My ripped denim is also a Topshop find. The Leigh fit is my go to jean. Before walking out the door, I grabbed my J. Crew Edie bag to contrast all my neutrals. Sadly, this bag is no longer available at J.Crew, but you can still find a few colors on Poshmark, or shop The Cambridge Satchel Company for a look alike. 

Oh, and we saw "Amy", the documentary about Amy Winehouse. It was rather sad, but very well done and insightful. If you are a fan, or even not, I recommend! xo RCN

 

Wish List 2016

There are a million, and one, wonderful, gift ideas out there. I don't know about you, but I do not always have the time to make it out shopping in stores and I also do not have a million and one dollars to spend. Here is my list of some of the best gifts out there this season, all available online. Perfect for today, Cyber Monday.  Better yet, everything is between $20 and $80. There is something for those that love fashion, the beach, partying, art, animals, food and more. Here are my picks for you and me. Click the images below to lead you direct to the retail site for happy shopping. xo RCN

Serena and Lily Fouta beach towel, $48

Serena and Lily has the most stylish and classic beach towels. It doesn't have to be summer for a great summer gift. Perfect for her to pack away for winter vaca or when summer returns.

Kate Spade cookie jar, $40

How adorable is this Kate Spade cookie jar? Perfect for the kitchen in a girls pad or for your friend that always loves the cutest home accessories.

J.Crew slippers, $55

I have never been a slipper girl, but last year I saw these cute patterned slippers and added them to my list. I received a pair of the leopard print ones and this year I am loving the plaid option. The comfortable faux fur lining is to die for! You won't want to take your feet out of them.

Maggie Louise Confections gourmet chocolate box, $38

Maggie Louise Confections has quite the trendy selection of chocolate options. The themed boxes and made to order candy groupings are as stylish as can be. For your sweet tooth friend, consider these beautiful designed confections.

Harper + Oldham cactus tray from Fishs Eddy, $31.95

If you have never shopped at Fishs Eddy, you must check it out. The breadth of assortment and originality in design for the kitchenware and serving dishes at this store, is unreal. Currently I am loving the Charly Harper + Todd Oldham collaboration. Specifically, this adorable cactus and armadillo retro looking kitchen tray.

Dogeared Bee Sweet gold dipped necklace, $58

When it comes to jewelry this Christmas I love the simple dainty necklaces that you can find pretty much anywhere, but I love the meaningful three wishes collection from Dogeared best. Each necklace has a statement message that reminds us that there is good in this world. Enjoy shopping for a necklace with the personality to match your gift receiver.

H2O+ Oasis hydrating skin care, $28.80

For beauty and skincare lovers... H20+ has the most fabulous hydrating cream. I have used this cream for years. It feels refreshing like aloe and I never break out. This has helped my skin stay hydrated through many NYC winters. Perfect for anyone living where it gets cold and simply those that love their skin soft and clear all year. 

Rifle Paper Co. recipe tin box, $34.95

It is tradition in my family to gift a recipe box with many already filled out recipe cards for family bridal showers. The gift idea is great for any time of year, not only for brides to be. All you need are good recipes to share and a really cute box. Rifle Paper Co. has a couple of my favorite tin boxes at the moment. Shop at Anthro or The Paper Source.

30oz Yeti Tumbler,$39.99

The best gift ever. Yeti keeps drinks cold for hours, days really. Imagine ice in this tumbler sitting in a hot car for a day. Well, the ice will still be there when you return to the vehicle. I use my tall tumbler glass at the pool and a Yeti cooler on the beach, always. Simply the best.

Small or Medium National Park Pendelton dog coat, $49, Large coat, $59

Ethel is adorable and looks even cuter when wearing a jacket or jersey. Pendelton has collaborated with the National Parks for this striped dog jacket. A gift for your dog is a gift for you! 

Wynwood Coloring Book, $25

Coloring books are fun for even the non-artist. Coloring is like therapy. My Mom gave me the Wynwood coloring book when I moved to Miami. The art reflects the real art all throughout the Wynwood neighorhood in Miami. Very personal and fun. Add a nice box of Prismacolor pencils and you are still looking at a $50 and under gift.

Smathers & Branson needlepoint collegiate key chain, Penn State and many other University logo options available, $28.50

My BIL Alex recently gifted a Smathers & Branson key chain to my SIL Courtney for her birthday. I thought, "...what a fabulous idea!" For the one in college or the one that still wishes to be, a collegiate key chain is personal and useful. Smathers & Branson has pretty big list of Universities in their product assortments. I love the needlepoint effect in combination with the logo, very cool.

Topshop Leigh jeans, $70

Jeans are difficult to buy and find for people. However, my favorite jeans from Topshop, Leigh cut and fit, are a favorite of a few other girls I know. We are all built slightly different, so that means the jeans are a five star in my book. They come in petite, regular, tall, and maternity. The super tight and elastic makeup helps fit your body in all the right places and really slim you out. I highly recommend this style. I am digging any with the cutout knees.

Coach leather luggage  tag, $65

Have you seen the dinos all over the Coach windows or website? I have, and I love them! I am sure you have a fun and corky friend that travels and would appreciate a dino luggage tag. Beautiful leather, rich color, and a cute icon will help identify any bag on the luggage carousel.

Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick, $37

My favorite lipstick is Chanel Rouge Coco. If your shopping for a girl that is more spunky and likes a punch of color, go with a shade of red or bright pink. If she is more understated and traditional, pick a lighter or more natural color that will pair nicely with her skin-tone. A designer lipstick is a special and thoughtful gift that makes a girl feel glamorous. YSL and Chanel are both wonderful lipstick options.

Alo yoga capri pants, $78

Alo is by far my favorite capri workout pant brand right now. This style fits like a glove, true to size and also comes in many pattern or solid options. Shop online at Alo or Nordstrom.

Madewell blanket scarf, $68

Blanket scarves are all the rage and have been since last holiday, too. It's key to update a girl's collection with the newest and greatest. Perfect for traveling or cozying up indoors and out. Madewell has some wonderful plaid, boho, and classic options.

Sun Bum Day Tripper package,$19.99 

For all the beach and sun lovers out there, Sun Bum is the best smelling coconut lotion and sunscreen I have ever tried. The lip balm comes in multiple flavors like banana and mango, yum. I use the balm and skin lotion daily and the sunscreen every time I go to the beach. This brand makes me feel beachy and fun. The pack with sunscreen, cool down lotion, and chapstick come together in a pack for only $19.99!

Poler Stuff backpack, $53.87

Perfect for camping, hiking, beach bumming, or school going. I am in love with Poler bags. I first discovered the brand while shopping in Austin, TX and later I bought one for my safari trip in South Africa. The exterior pockets are wonderful and the seasonally updated color block combinations continue my love for the brand's new designs. 

Linnea's Lights candle, Vetiver scent, $34

I love to burn candles. Mostly, I am a fan of scents that are more natural and have fragrance that remind me of the outdoors. Never too sweet. My favorite scent right now is Vetiver from Linnea's Lights. This is a great candle gift because the packaging is perfect and you only need to add a bow. The candle even comes with a cute little box of matches, attached to the interior of the packaging lid.

Celebrate Everything by Darcy Miller, $30

For the hostess with the mostess. Darcy Miller published Celebrate Everything, just a couple months ago. The book is all about creating the best parties. I want this book under my tree!

Quay Australia sunglasses, $45-$75

Quay Australia has the most trendy and affordable sunglasses for the quality of product. There is something for every girl, silver, metal, black, cat eye, marble, dramatic, colorful, you name it. I am obsessed! You can shop online at Quay, Nordstrom, Urban, and Bloomingdales.

Kelkuzi original animal painting, $50

Art is always a good idea. I prefer actual paintings over prints of art when possible. One of my favorite illustrators, Kelly Oseid, found via instagram @kelzuki, paints small original illustrations of animals. If you have a friend that loves owls, whales, insects, etc., pick up a stylish frame from Homegoods and frame a piece of art. I personally, love this pink beluga. It would look great on my desk in a gold ornate frame.

Anthropologie Granada four piece tumbler set, $48

Everyone can appreciate beautiful glassware. Anthropolgie by far, always has my favorite assortments. This set of four glasses comes in a few colors. I love the silhouette and ridged medallion shapes. Pair with a package of patterned drinking straws and bottle of Belvoir Spiced Winter Berries Cordial to complete the gift.

Henri Bendel hatbox train case, emroidered monogram included. $58

For the hat lover. This striped Henri Bendel hat traveler is an iconic Henri Bendel piece. HB has always been known for their paper hat boxes (also adorable, but no longer available online). This hat box traveler piece is even more perfect with a handle to carry and protective shell. It is always great to travel in style. This makes it even easier to bring along the hats you want, without having to wear four hats on the airplane or crush a few in your suitcase.

Small Box of 50 bite size cupcakes, Baked by Melissa, $55

Food is a great gift to bring along to a holiday party, office crowd, or to send direct to family or friends you unfortunately will not see over the holiday. Baked by Melissa offers the cutest mini cupcake and macaron boxes. The sweets are delish and they are packaged in a beautiful box with a tie dye bow to finish.

Rosemary & Co artist brushes, $24.41

Any artist knows that great paintbrushes are essential pieces in creating beautiful works of art. My youngest sister Shaina, an art student and painting major, recently recommended Rosemary & Co. watercolor brushes. They are good quality and don't break the bank. Pink brushes were released for Breast Cancer Awareness month and they are still available online. 

 

Birdseed owl trio, $24

I mean...these are so stinkin' cute! Love birds? Love the garden or outdoors? Gift this adorable owl birdseed trio and combine with a bird watching pamphlet local to the region your gift receiver lives. You will spend no more than $40 total. Very unique and thoughtful.

Nike Juvenate mesh sneakers, Net-A-Porter, $85

Okay, I lied. This item on the list is not under $80. These Nike Juvenate mesh sneakers are $85. However, the style is often updated with new fashion colors and the older options are marked down. I personally want a pair of gray, which is not currently on sale. Check out some brighter color options at Finish Line if you are interested in spending less than $70. I have two pairs already and I wear them all the time. I think I need them in every color.