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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

You Hat Me At Hello

I am a total hat girl. I wear baseball hats more than any kind. I'm most often wearing one when I take Ethel out in the morning, sporting events, the beach and the grocery store. However, in the Summer I wear other hats, too. Straw sun hats on the beach are a must. Sometimes on the weekends, I even accessorize one with a sundress if I am out and about brunching and cocktailing it, in the blazing hot sun. There is still one long Summer weekend left, Labor Day. Assuming that most of us will be spending that time on the beach or BBQ-ing with friends and fam, it's a perfect time to celebrate Summer with one last sun hat. There are a lot of cute ones out there ready for a great sale steal, as the straw hat season is coming to an end. Here are a mix of bargain picks and a few of my designer faves. Which one do you NEED to have? 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

 

Coveted Cover-Ups

Half my wardrobe consists of swimsuit cover-ups. I spend almost every weekend at the Beach or pool. Let's be real, half the people shopping in the South Beach Publix grocery store are wearing beach cover-ups or bikinis. Maybe, you live somewhere less likely to frequent the beach, but pools, lakes, and the ocean are a big part of everyone's Summer. With that being said, you probably devote a good amount of your Summer time in what can be spent in a cover-up. Cover-ups are my favorite South Florida and Summer wardrobe staple (other than my accessories). Here is a compilation of some of my favorites, direct from the closet and some coveted pieces available online now. Happy "it's still" Summer, everyone! xo RCN

 

Statement Earrings

Statement earrings are all the rage. I meannn, #oscardelarenta or #baublebar, anyone? Beaded and fringe tassel earrings have taken over the costume jewelry market, and I am loving it! I am a huge fan, but unfortunately, I can only wear ones that have stud backs and/or clip on. Due to damage from my teenage years, when I wore hoops the size dolphins could jump through. I wish I had a picture for you, boy, were they BIG! Over time, the holes in my ears have stretched to the point where the holes are close to ripping completely through my earlobe. To prevent further damage, I must stick to earrings that don't pull much. I need earrings that are anchored at my earlobe. It can be very limiting, and in result is partly the reason behind my huge collection of vintage costume earrings (they are all clip ons!). But, because drop statement earrings, mostly layered tassels and stacked beaded balls, are รผber popular right now, there are more than enough options out there for me to sort through - including stud backs. I am glad this trend is allowing for people like me, with damaged earlobes ;) to still enjoy! Shop some of my faves below. Oh, and if you don't already have slightly defective earlobes, like me, then these beauties below are pretty good options to help prevent you from being in a similar perdiciment in the future. 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

 

Mini Dress Fashion Wish List

Spring has sprung and Summer is just around the corner. I am always about Mini Dress Fashion looks, especially this romantic and affordable Lace Chiffon Dress - first up on my wish list! My go to colors and trends this season are lacey whites, soft blues, bold stripes, & solids with embroidered pattern or palm print. The best part about all of my favorites - the price! All of these super cute mini dresses are under $30. Enjoy filling your closet for Spring/Summer. All images below are linked direct to site for happy shopping! xo RCN