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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 

 

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