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

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

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

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

Florida Camouflage

A romper, maxi, mini dress, pillow, or wallpaper covered in a banana leaf or palm pattern gets me giddy, always. When I found this uber affordable mini dress from rosegal.com (also on shein.com) I had to have it. It may make me blend into the background of this tropical playground, that is Miami, but I don't mind. I'll be holding onto this dress for as long as I can. Thankfully, I still have quite a few months to wear it out. And, since I am not afraid to over-do a color or dramatize an outfit, I decided I like to wear my green Celine bag along with the dress. Let's just say, I like the bag adding to my Florida camouflage look. xo RCN

Blue Living

There's no debate about it. Blue is the official color of this Summer. Every time I find a cute dress online or see another girl walk by in an adorable top, nine times out of ten - it's blue! And, often times its a pinstripe or seersucker or mini stripe, or something of the sort. This dress is one of my favorite warm weather pieces. I picked it up at Forever 21, along with the sandals. Both are easy to slip on, no fuss about it. No lacing up the sandals, and no bra needed for the dress! To complete the look when I'm in the sun, I pair my Aerie straw hat. The trio of ombre blue raffia pom poms is what sold me on this sun protector. Oh, and it's currently on sale for less than $10. Kid you not. Nothing beats a cute look for under $60 (bag not included!). You know how I like to splurge on my bags ;) xo RCN 

Lady In White

My favorite color for Summer, by far, is white. Nothing looks more chic than a nice golden glow on your skin, with the accent of crisp white. A tan, ocean wavy hair, freckles, and a white ensemble represent the relaxed elegance of the season. I can't get enough of it. Currently, one of my favorite white pieces in the wardrobe, is this crepe, crochet, tassel maxi from Forever 21. The skirt of the dress, with slits on both sides, flows nicely in the breeze. And the tassels, are my favorite trim of the Summer, so of course I love that part of this dress. Next up on my shopping list, more white! xo RCN

Top Notch Tops

Summer is just around the corner. Actually, it already feels like Summer to a lot of us, so, how about some new tops that are perfect to transition into warmer weather. The key to a perfect transition top is something that welcomes a cool evening breeze and some indoor frigid AC, but keeps you from sweating to death when the sun and heat make an appearance. Off the shoulder, cold shoulder, and strapless + sleeves are my preferable silhouettes right now. Add on ties, ruffles, and a little detail or trim, and I am sold. No need to break the bank just to look cute and summer ready. Here is a compilation of some of my favorite beauties, all under $50. xo RCN

Maxis All Day

There is just something about a maxi dress that is feminine and quite relaxing to wear. Maybe, it's because there is an extra long skirt that can flip around and can be twirled so prettily, or maybe it's because the extra length simply doesn't allow for too many false moves where everyone can see your underwear - just saying! The less I want to wear pants, because of the super heat here in Florida, the more I am prone to substitute with a maxi dress. Ever since I laid eyes on this flowy, summery, palm print maxi from Urban Outfitters, I have been in love. The layered multi pieces in the skirt overlap so that it covers everything, but it also allows the dress to flow beautifully as you walk, and adds the needed breeze every so often to your bottom half. This is just one of the many maxis I will be wearing all Summer long. And if green isn't your color, it also comes in a fabulous red floral print, too! xo RCN

New York State Of Mind

I cleaned out my closet this past weekend, specifically to rid of things that are super old or I just am done with. I wanted to make room for a few new pieces that will have some longevity and will make a home in my closet. I parted ways with a few beloved Zara pieces I just know I won't wear without "big meetings" or frequent cold weather. When I lived in NY, Zara was my go to place to shop for trendy clothing. Now, that I no longer work down the block from a Zara, I frequent much less. However, last week as I was walking on Lincoln Road in Miami (the one stop shopping street in South Beach), I made the visit and shopped for a few summer staples. Of course, I also stumbled upon some fun surprises, like this NY Woman tee shirt. I couldn't resist. After all, I am a NY woman, it's pink, and fuzzy - so, perfect! The white denim rugged skort, that I had to have, definitely falls into the staple category. I know I will wear this piece at least once a week. No pants, no more. I love any denim that is a little worn, ripped, and looks like its been through the ringer. This skort is exactly what I needed to add to my wardrobe. After a little shopping and cleaning out my closet, I feel like a new woman. So many options to pick from and new looks to style. I paired some of the old with the new for this outfit I wore last night. My funky Sophia Websters, vintage earrings, some bright BP Nordstrom sunnies, and my classic Gucci Soho bag completed the rad vibe I was going for. Now, that it's hot and stays light out much later, an all white ensemble with a casual, cool flare, makes for a perfect dinner out with the girls. xo RCN

What To Wear: Wedding Series

It's that time of year! Weddings are happening left and right...and bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners and wild nights out on the town for the bachelorette party, engagement parties, so many parties! Weddings aren't just about that one special day. Weddings are basically a year long celebration of one couple, or two, or more! This past weekend, three of my friends got engaged!! Love is in the air, which is fantastical, I love weddings! Crazy exciting stuff, and now with so many people getting married in my life, I now I have weddings on the brain, even more than when I first planned this post. Basically, aside from saving for new swimsuits and a beach bag, it's really all about spending a little cash on the wedding wardrobe for the spring/summer season. If you are the BFF of the bride and looking for a great piece for the rehearsal dinner, look no further. Or, maybe you are a plus one that is meeting the bride and groom for the first time on the big day, and you just want to look pretty and turn some heads (but for all the right reasons). Here are all the dresses to make you look stunning, classy, and ready for some wedding fun. And, remember, if you aren't in the bridal party, it's always a good idea to find out the color of the bridesmaids dresses before you show up to the wedding. The last thing you need is to look like you are trying to squeeze yourself into the wedding photos ;) I am off to my next wedding at the end of this month, for my girlfriend Dani's wedding, and I am still trying to decide on my dress for the day. Which of these do you suggest?? The evening reception is at a beautiful country club and it's black tie optional. Z will be wearing his black tux and coral is not an option! xo RCN

Leopard Lady

I have loved animal print since I was a little girl. My bedroom as a teenager was painted with magenta walls, except for one, which my Mom painted with exploded Zebra print stripes. Leopard and cheetah patterns are my favorite (there is a noticeable difference between the two). I also adore dalmation and cowhide for interiors. Tiger stripes are quite beautiful to admire, as well. Sometimes, I do think animal print can look cheap or gaudy, but when it is done just right, it can have a very trendy/sexy or retro/fun appeal. My latest addition to the closet is this graphic, leopard print, strappy, slip dress I scored at TJ Maxx for $19.99. Can't beat that! Check out some of my favorite leopard pieces out in the market, now.  xo RCN

Pineapples Please

Pineapples began trending almost two years ago, but they are still going strong. In home decor and fashion. From children's bedspreads to barware silhouettes and and fashion prints, they are still everywhere. My latest pineapple purchase was this maxi off the should Lucca dress from Neiman Marcus Last Call. I first saw it in the outlet store and later purchased online in my size. The shoulders don't slide up or down - important for girls with broad shoulders like myself. The tie at the waist allows you to tighten and accentuate your waistline, and the center front slit blows beautifully in the breeze. I popped the navy and black pattern with my bold velvet fuchsia slides from ASOS and my pink Fendi Du Jour purse. There is no question, I'll be packing this baby for my next vacation getaway! Shop similar looks below. xo RCN

Lighthouse Stripes

One of my favorite things about Miami Beach is the lifeguard stands. Each beach has a unique stand, designed or painted in theme. One Americana, one lighthouse, one (or two) that look like the Jetsons live in it, some with flowers, stripes, neon color. It's a pleasure to walk along the water and take a gander at these brilliant structures. Last weekend, Z and I took a stroll to our frequently visited beach and snapped some pics. I mean, what a coincidence I was matching the stand? Not a coincidence ;) Looks like red stripes are in, everywhere! I love my candy striper tank, but my favorite part about this casual weekend look is the jean shorts. They were a steal from the Rack, and they fit so comfortably. Perfect for a beach walk! Shop the look, below. xo RCN