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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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