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

 

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

 

Checks And Balances

A micro red check is cute for picnic linens, and turns out, even cuter for a dress! I fell in love with this cotton tiered gingham number from Zara. The bell sleeve is cropped and airy, both features that make it quite comfy and great for a day in the sun. I love a lightweight dress that works well in the heat. It's even better when it doesn't make me look half naked. My entire wardrobe is shifting to warm weather friendly pieces. Zara has helped me out with that a lot lately! My nude colored leather Jimmy Choos and vintage wicker woven basket purse, pair perfectly with the mini dress. Just the look I needed for an outdoor Florida brunch. Shop the look below! xo RCN

 

Date Night Dress

Maybe you have a boyfriend, maybe you're married, maybe you just met a hottie on Tinder. Regardless, it's a must to look beautiful for date night. Here are some of my favorite dress picks for your next night out. Broke the rules with number ten - it's a romper! What did you wear on your last date night? Swipe right (click right), below, to see all the looks. xo RCN

 

Prettiest Christmas Sweaters

I say, "out with the ugly Christmas sweater, and in with the prettiest Christmas sweater!" Ugly Christmas sweaters are everywhere, so no doubt you can find one of those in stores or online if you need one, but how about the prettiest sweater? Here are my picks for some of the prettiest, cutest, most sweet, and subtle knits for your next holiday shindig. Go with a little sparkle, or a ruffle for some flare. A cutout shoulder adds a little bit' of a lusty look without going completely bare. No "Ho, Ho, Ho" looks for me! Happy sweater shopping! xo RCN

Anthropologie, $88

Topshop, $90

Banana Republic, $88

J.Crew, $79.50

Tory Burch, $350

Urban Outfitters, $98

Shein.com, $24.99

Asos, $53

Zara, $49.90

Free People, $168

Kate Spade, $228

Shein.com, $21.99

Ted Baker, $225

French Connection, $98

Anthropologie, $118 

Revolve, $209

Chicwish, $56.02

& Other Stories, $65

 

Art Inspiring Fashion

The world renowned art festival and show, Art Basel, is happening now in Miami from November 30- Dec. 4th. Hundreds and thousands of art collectors, buyers, lovers and exhibitors flood Miami with new culture and pulsing excitement each year for this event. The city becomes filled with those chasing to discover and wanting to share new works of art. I find it all quite thrilling and inspiring. Often, I am influenced in fashion by the street art and surroundings of this city, but this week the environment in Miami has me at a whole new level. The pictures from my latest visit to the Wynwood neighborhood show how I love to immerse myself in the scenery and vibes of what's happening. So, the question of the day is what to wear tonight? I will not be venturing into Wynwood, where these latest fashion pics were taken amongst graffiti lined streets, but I am headed to an art show in South Beach called Aqua Art Miami. There will be almost 50 International exhibitors at this show, with sculptural, two dimensional works, instalation design, video art and more. What to wear? Color or lack there of? I'll be sure to update you tomorrow on my Basel look of the day. I am still deciding at the moment. Any suggestions? xo RCN

 
Source: https://www.artbasel.com