Fruitful Fashion

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Current mood: feeling fruity!

Maybe itโ€™s all the mangos on the ground or the lemon tree in my yard that has me feeling all fruity. Or maybe itโ€™s the abundance of fruit prints on kidโ€™s clothes Iโ€™m seeing everywhere. Either way, Iโ€™m loving all the strawberry, banana, peachy vibes happening. I mean is there anything cuter than a toddler dressed up in a tomato print bikini or orange culottes!? Iโ€™m especially loving this new lemon printed Petit Peony pinny dress on Vane. Check out more of my fruity favorites all linked below. xo RCN

Here are some of my favorite throwback pics of Vane in more fruitful fashion :)

 

Rompin' Around

Plant shopping continues in this household! I guess it never really stops... This past weekend we put a pep in our step and began to work on decorating our balcony. It is not complete yet, I still have some furniture to find, rugs to put down, and lights to put up, but we made a dent. We headed down to Homestead, FL, the land of all plants, flowers, and cacti. A dream! First, we made my must stop visit to Isaac Farms, where I picked up some giant terra-cotta cube pots and then we ventured onto other nurseries in search of anything to green up our outdoor space.

In what felt like 95 degree heat this weekend, I survived by wearing a romper/dress from Zara. Sometimes rompers can be a hit or miss for me. Some just don't like my hips and tend to sit awkwardly, but this bright magenta floral number, disguised as a wrap dress, was perfect for romping' around plant shopping. The flowy sleeves and hidden shorts allowed me to stretch as far across the plant aisle as I wanted and no-one ever discovered what type of underwear I was wearing! ;) Shop the look below.  xo RCN 

 

Rainbow Printing

It's no secret I love color and pattern. After all, that's essentially what I majored in at college. I no longer make a career out of it, yet simply chose to obsess with color and pattern as a hobby. I'm sure i'll revisit a path to make money again doing something of the sorts, but for now I am just having some fun. How amazing is this floral printed dress from H&M? (shop the look below) There was a time when something that had this much color would cost a fortune. But, thanks to inkjet printing, it's brought rainbows of color to the masses. There is no limit to the use of color, such as when screen printing, which takes much more time. I am a fan of as few as 2 colors combined in a print or a boat load of different hues, like this dress. So, both the new and old methods of printing sit well with me. It even got me to thinking I would love to learn how to screen print. Ironically, my girlfriend just sent me a link to some pretty cool after hour art classes The Bass offers. Next month, printmaking!! For anyone in the Miami area, check out the upcoming classes. AND, you can bring wine! xo RCN

 

Almost Spring!

There is less than a week's time until it's officially Spring y'all! I'm feeling flowers and flowy and stripes and all that "spring has sprung" goodness. I obsess over flowers year round, and winter in Miami is absolutely no exception. Have you ever seen the luscious blooms of Bourganvailia bushes? Well, these are it ladies and they are one of my most favorite flowers (I actually think they are considered leaves), but they pass off well as a floral. If you have ever been somewhere warm like South Florida or the Bahamas or Caribbean or South America, you've probably seen these in abundance in purple, pink, coral, gold - all gorgeous! This time of year they are full and fresh and absolutely stunning. I stop and take pictures of them almost every day. Not kidding! Hope you are feeling the positive Spring vibes coming your way, like me. It's a great time of year to do some cleaning, refresh, fill your home with flowers and feel new as ever. I can't wait! xo RCN

 

Seeing Stars Maxi

Stars are all over the place and I can't help, but admit I want to be a part of the craze. After all, who doesn't love a starry sky, a shooting star, the sun, ? I do! So, when I spotted this maxi dress out of the corner of my eye at Target (was supposed to be shopping for kid's art supplies), I crossed my fingers that whatever was on the rack, was a size that fit. It does run big, so if you happen to order online I would suggest going down a whole size. I was so excited to wear it, that I put it on to wear for a 3rd birthday party that was taking place at a park and farm. Z pointed out that it was not a gala we were attending and there would be donkeys, pics, etc. So, I opted for denim and I'm holding for another day. However, I still like dressing this maxi down as a more casual beach look. It could easily be paired with stilettos for formal attire, but slip on Soludos and a pulled back messy bun works, too! Shop the look below. xo RCN

 

The Jacket

There is just something about this jacket. It has been all over the internet for two years now, but I still can't get enough. I have it in three colors, red, navy, and gray. I wear one or two, every time I travel somewhere weather permitting. It's also my go to jacket whenever the Miami temp dips to the 60s. The burnt sage is front runner for my next, if there is a next, but in the meantime I decided to browse the web to discover some new found beauties in addition to this favorite jacket of mine. I am on the hunt for the next near perfect weather transitional jacket. One that is perfect for Fall to Winter and Winter to Spring. Maybe, that is why I love this jacket so much, after all. It works for majority of the year! Let me see if I can find something even greater... xo RCN

Blank NYC 

$198, Burnt Sage Suede Jacket

Nordstrom Mural

$89, Longline Double Breasted Blazer

Urban Outfitters

$89, UO Cropped Teddy Jacket

Free People

$298, Jamie Jean Jacket

Asos 

$87, Summer Parka with Jersey Lining

Nordstrom Kensie

Teddy Bear Notch Collar Faux Fur Coat

J.Crew

$98, Denim Jacket in White

 

Sweater Weather

Who knew it would be cool enough to wear sweaters this past week in Florida?? Not me, but I'm not complaining. It gave me a chance to pull out one of my favorite newbies from Zara. The knee highs? Also, something I haven't had a chance to wear, besides the two week stint I spent in Jersey for the holidays. I'll take the breeze while I can. Shop the look below. xo RCN

 

That's A Wrap

The reality of a Miami winter is just this, a floral wrap dress and white boots. I wore this flowy feminine piece on New Year's Eve and loved it. It's likely the most casual look I have worn on a NYE in a long time, (usually sequins) but that was exactly what I was going for. Fun, casual, comfortable, and a little sexy, too. I loved it so much, I repeated the look again within four days. I think I may be asking for the other colors/patterns for my birthday. All of which will look equally as fab with my latest pair of dramatically colored, white, boots from Kristin Cavallari x Chinese Laundry. Shop the look below. xo RCN

 

Aprรจs Ski

Aprรจs ski, aka, what I refer to my style as, on any given Saturday when the temperature is below 35 degrees. A ski bunny look works well for anywhere; in the city slush, suburb snow, or country slopes. I don't know if I will get to see any snow this Winter. I have missed it by hours coming and going from NY and Jersey. But, if I do get to enjoy the white splendor and powder bliss, then this is the kind of winter style I will be sporting. Mix and match to your delight. Who doesn't love a pink faux fur coat or shaggy pom pom sweater paired with a lace up bootie or Nike sneak!? xo RCN

 

Festive Feet

Often times when I am planning an outfit for a holiday or occasion, my brain goes to shoes first. Maybe, it's because I am obsessed with shoes? Likely, but, more so because shoes are what really completes the look. When I feel confident in the shoes, it makes it easier to feel confident in everything else that follows. The dress, blouse, it should all look great if the shoes look great with it! Here is a list of some of my favorite Christmas and New Years worthy shoes on the high and the low. xo RCN

 

Travel Made Perfect

I have lots of visits back home for the holidays and lots of fun family events headed my way. I am looking forward to some extra smooth travel to help me relax this holiday. The key to enjoyable travel is all about the airport outfit and the packing of the suitcase. This past weekend was our first stop of the season, home to NJ, and I gave it my best shot. 

 I decided to start and finish my travels this weekend in the most comfortable light knit top from Shop The Mint. Miami to NJ requires layers from start to finish. This top was perfect for the plane! It was both comfortable and stylish and easily paired with other comfy clothes like skinny stretch jeans and flat shoes/boots.

Shop my look below and get $10 off your first purchase at Shop The Mint, when you sign up for emails! Enter to win an additional $25 gift card on my Insta HERE and check out all my travel tips listed below. xo RCN

Tips 4 Travel

1. Wear your favorite stretchy items on the plane, like this oversized V-neck top. The stretch in leggings or a sweater may be helpful when reaching for your bag in the overhead compartment or if your chapstick goes flying underneath the seat in front of you.

2. Wear the same look 2 different ways. Swap sweaters and tops, but re-wear jeans to save on some suitcase space. Where your airport look to and from, but switch out for new shoes and a purse to give yourself a re-fresh on the way home.

3. Do wear easy slip on and off shoes to the airport. These Zara boots or Steve Madden slip on sneaks won't deter you from a speedy walk to the gate if your running a little late, and will be quite helpful for a quick trip through security.

4. When packing your suitcase, ROLL! Roll any clothing items that you can. It will alleviate any unwanted wrinkles on knits, cottons, even denim.

5. Bag it! I never go anywhere without my duster bags for shoes and handbags. They keep the soles of your shoes as far from your clean clothes as possible and your nice leather bags from getting any unwanted scratches.

6. Need an extra purse? Okay, just pack one inside the other like nesting dolls. Will help on saving space, whether you place inside a checked bag or even a carry on tote!

7. Fragile items are best tucked within layers of your most soft and fluffy clothing items inside your suitcase. It helps to add padding for the bumpy road ahead.

8. Bringing along some extra special jewelry, but you're not exactly keen on wearing it through the airport or checking it? Keep them close by your side in a seperate mini travel bag that you can tuck inside your purse. That way you don't have the worry of losing it, if it's safe and stored away on your shoulder.

9. Bag what you need for "on the plane" separately within your carry on purse or tote. Lip gloss, headphones, gum, tissues, ibuprofen, credit card, book, whatever it might be. It will be much easier to settle once on the plane if you only need to remove one item from your carry on, rather than 10 separate pieces. Your seat mate will be thankful.

10. Pack your toiletry bag within another zip bag or something that will double prevent any spillage on your other items. I've made the mistake of shampoo and nail polish remover leaks - eek!

11. And of course, if you intend on doing some shopping while you're away...leave some extra space in any of your bags ;)

 

Starstruck

Zach may have thought this look was part of a Halloween costume, but no, I was not dressing as a Wizard for Halloween. This was by no means intended for a costume, I just loved the magical starry piece when I spotted it on the sale rack at Anthro. I had to have it! Stars are possibly my favorite print at the moment, and this gold foil star and polka dot combo caught my eye instantly. My lightly bleached frayed hem cropped jeans were the perfect pants to style with my statement duster and staple tank and heels. Shop the look below. xo RCN

 

Calling All Boots

I am having major boot FOMO over here in Miami. I am counting down the days until I board my next flight to somewhere worthy of boot dressing. Hmm, only 7.5 days left and I need your help! Which boots to buy? I am in desperate need of a new pair and I just can't decide. I would love your input in the comments below, thank you!! xo RCN

 

Blowy Breeze, Flowy Sleeves

I haven't been feeling myself lately. I think it's all the medications I've been taking. I guess that's a no brainer. Whether or not you have ever injected yourself with a ton of hormones before, I'm sure you can relate in other ways, like when you just feel a little extra "fat" or uncomfortable. I'll eventually get back to running more routinely and pushing myself in workouts, but lately I have been uneasy about it - I'll get back to it again, but for now I will just keep loving myself and dress for how I feel right each day. And, this past weekend I wanted to be comfortable. One thing is for sure, I am loving flowy and loose tops more than ever - gives me a little extra room to relax and not feel so squeezed in. These Blank NYC denim shorts are cutting me some slack, too, with all the elasticity in them. Best part about the sneaks? Good news, no blisters! The top is from Nordstrom Rack, denim is Blank NYC, jacket is Rachel Zoe, and lace ups from Forever 21, earrings are Chanel, bag is Gucci. Shop my look below. xo RCN

 

Miami Fall

Yesterday was gorgeous. The weather was incredible, 73 degrees, breezy, with a beautiful tangerine sunset. It was the first time I have worn two layers since March, wowza! The ironic thing about living in Miami, is that my favorite fashion pieces are (nine times out of ten) outerwear. I love me some jackets and coats. Most of my pieces are in closets at my parent's and in law's, but I have a few lightweight favorites here with me at home. A current favorite, is this bleached, ripped denim jacket from F21. The best part about jean jackets? The interior pockets, perfect for my phone ;) Shop my Miami Fall look below. Still bringing the color, but adding in the jacket and booties. xo RCN

 

Pink In October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a cause that I love to support. Not only has my Mom Mom survived it a couple times, but we have many loved ones in our family that have suffered and come out on top of this cancer. There are many men and women who have not been so lucky to beat the disease. For all of those brave women and men that have fought the tough battle, survived and not, I wear pink for you all, in remembrance and awareness. Beyond wearing pink, there is continual fundraising and support needed. Check out the American Cancer's Society webpage, that can help you locate a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event/walk in your area. Please join me in thinking pink this October. xo RCN

 

One Piece Roundup

One piece swimsuits have become the number one trending swimsuit style this Summer. Of course, one piece silhouettes differ, some are strapless or backless, but overall, the "not-bikini" is a win. I wear one pieces all the time, and not only because I'm not as thin as I was at 18, but also I just really like the way they look. The more fabric, the more style options, right? Take a look at my four favorite styles of the season; ruffled detail, lace up front, palm prints, and plain old strapless! xo RCN

 

Falling For A Tulle Dress

I'm over here dreaming about Fall finds and deals along with the rest of the fashion lovers out there, but there's only one problem - Miami doesn't do Fall! So, instead of a wool dress, I'll do a tulle dress! Something I miss most about NY is the Fall feelings of sipping a pumpkin spice latte while roaming the farmer's market with my leather jacket draped over my shoulders. Totally basic, and totally enjoyable. But, again, no room for jackets in Miami Fall. So, with the upcoming season approaching, I am going to find some dresses in fall colors, florals and silhouettes that come in mesh/tulle or breathable chiffon fabrications. It will help me get the Fall vibes going as much as possible, yet prevent me from breaking out into an intense sweat. Most of my favorite finds are all from Zaful and other sale sites. I want any extra spending money to go towards a trip somewhere that I can pull a leather jacket out of my suitcase and chicly drape it over my shoulders, whilst drinking a pumpkin spice latte! xo RCN 

 Want to be the more fancy in this summer? Just do it! Discover our newest summer arrivals! Surprise code: ZFEN

 

Ruffles & Relaxation

Saturday night was day night for Z and me. Nothing too fancy, though I decided to throw on some heels and some ruffles. I have been wanting a ruffle skirt like this for quite some time now. When I discovered this steal at Mango, I knew it was the one. The cotton ruffle top from Club Monaco was a perfect style match. The open ruffled cap sleeves kept my arms mostly uncovered, perfect to stay cool in the heat. It was still very humid from all the rain earlier that day. My hair decided to frizz beyond belief and looked best in a messy bun. Easy for me! Since the rain finally subsided we decided to enjoy time outside in one of our favorite spots, Lido at the Standard Hotel. We sat bayside for a cold drink and then off to our favorite pizza place just a few minutes away, Lucali. Then, home for cards and a movie - our favorite past time. We play Rummy 500 a lot. We are currently tied in matches. I'll have to change that this upcoming weekend! Shop my R&R look below. xo RCN

 

Always A Sale

Other than a handful of prized accessories in my closet (shoes & bags mostly), majority of my closet is shopped on sale or at off price stores like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Neiman Marcus Last Call, etc. I love a great deal. After all, there is always a sale happening, somewhere. Even at my favorite full price stores like Anthro, Madewell, or Zara, I wait for an item I love to go on sale or simply hit up the sale rack first. Chances are, there will be something to satisfy my fashion needs, for less than the original price tag notes. Of course there are some exceptions. I love Topshop denim, and can't always score a sale pair when in need of a replacement or addition for the season. And, I still shop at Forever 21 and fast fashion stores that offer trendy items for $30 and under. My latest discount purchase was online at LOFT, where I picked up this feminine open shoulder babydoll top. Shop the top below + some of my other favorites from the LOFT sale - still going on now! xo RCN