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

 

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

 

Will Work For Shoes!

I often say, "beauty is pain...". It is one of my favorite sayings, only as it relates to one thing, shoes! My biggest weakness is without a doubt, shoes. I love all kinds, comfortable and stunning, borderline uncomfortable, completely uncomfortable, but likely colorful and always show stopping. I love unique and inexpensive sale shoes. I love designer and ridiculously too expensive shoes. I do not discriminate, except for out of date and badly shaped shoes. My closet has grown over the years, and I take very good care of my babies. I only travel with them in duster bags and keep all designer pairs in their original boxes. If I had more room, I would have them all out for display (but away from Ethel). Some of you may recall the Chanel flat incident only a couple months ago. Ethel has eaten a pair of Chanels and three pairs of Dolce Vita's (must be her favorite!). Other than that, I consider myself a good shoe owner. The most comfortable heels I own, are Jimmy Choos, I swear by them. Net-a-porter has the best designer sales, which I treat myself to once a year. My most recent shoe purchase was from Forever 21, 30% off on all sandals! My favorite pair of shoes in middle school was a rainbow metallic lace up pair, with white rubber chunky heels. I wore ballet nude embellished Valentino heels on my wedding day and leopard print Steve Madden's to my bridal shower. I recently departed with three pairs of Vince Camuto, in good nature, as it was time for me to move on. Nikes have been my running sneaks, ever since I can remember. Shoes are my all time love and I dream about them often, past, present, and future. If you are in the mood to expand your shoe closet sometime soon, check out my current favorite finds, all on sale. Some are still a little pricey, but others, not so much! 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

 

Shopbop Sale!

It is the event of the season, for sure! Shopbop is currently running a seasonal sale, offering 20-25% off, on "almost" all of their merchandise. Often, sales do not include designer brand items, but this sale doesn't exclude even some of the finest brands. Woohoo for us! So, whether you are needing an update on a pair of classic nude heels or a splurge beach bag, this sale has you covered. Check out my "best of sale" items below. Link direct to shop away. Sale runs today through Friday. Enjoy! xo RCN 

 
Source: https://www.shopbop.com

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

 

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

 

Oscars Best Dressed

The 2017 Oscars red carpet looks continued a trend this awards season filled with looks reminiscent of historic fashion alongside new, bold sparkle and shapes. Ruffled necklines and exaggerative full skirts nod to a past era, while cape-like and streamlined silhouettes, drenched in modern glitz, look to the now. I'll take it all, whether influenced by the old or new. My top twelve, best dressed ladies, all looked absolutely fabulous in the purest of white, red, buttery gold, and the forever and always black. Congrats to all nominees! 

Big congrats to these ladies for a standout appearance on the red carpet! Click through image to link back to E red carpet coverage details. xo RCN

 
Source: http://www.eonline.com/photos/20157/oscars...

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

 

Tropical Getaway

I am dying for a cold and cozy-up kind of vacation getaway this winter, but I am guessing most of you are dreaming of some sand and surf. I find myself more than ever these days searching the web for cute bathing suits and sandals because, well that is what I wear most of the time aside from running shorts or tank dresses. So, for those of you headed south to the Caribbean, Tropics, or the MIA, here is a round up of some winter get away must haves and Essie nail colors perfect for the beach. Happy shopping and don't forget the sunscreen! xo RCN