Even in during the craziest of weeks, in the busiest cities, I do my best to find quiet time. Don’t get me wrong- I love New York City, but sometimes the tall buildings and the crowds can make me feel just a little bit claustrophobic. So I make time to catch my breath, like the morning David and I woke up early to walk down the Highline.
We are back from New York and the madness that was NYFW! I was pretty quiet about it during the lead-up, simply because it came together so quickly. But it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career and life thus far and I’m so excited to share it with y’all.
The Shopstyle Social House event was actually the first invitation I received for the week in New York, and I was so excited about it. A blogger’s oasis in a gorgeous space, I was looking forward to connecting with amazing people and brands, and it totally didn’t disappoint!
Brands like Neiman Marcus, Marks & Spencer, Luisaviaroma, Sam Edelman and more all provided tons of clothes and accessories for us to choose from and borrow to wear for the week. Going through those racks was so fun… and if you follow my instagram (specifically my stories!) you saw the sneak peeks and know I went home with some seriously good stuff!
The glass houses was so perfectly decorated for this event, with lots of little photo-ready spaces. Hallmark was providing the prettiest cards and mailing them for us, so I loved sending a little love from the big apple.
Gigi NY was foil-pressing initials onto crossbody bags, while Sole Society monogrammed social handles onto denim scarves. {use code NYFW16 for 20% off madison and catie bags at GigiNY }. Baublebar gifted us chokers, and I felt all pampered with makeup by Le Metier de Beaute and hair by R + Co.
They also had a photography team on deck, providing rooftop mini- shoots… pretty much a blogger’s dream, realized. The below three images are by the talented Ugla Hauk.
That black Trina Turk tote was one of the items i borrowed for the week- i really was glad
I think my favorite part of the event was running into all the darling girls that I’ve gotten to know over Instagram!
Jamie (in blue) was such sweetheart, and Abby (in that killer Milly sequined dress) is a good friend- we had a sleepover one night. It seemed like I ran into Kat and Taylor (with the gorge strawberry blonde mane) at lots of different events. And Stefanie is the cutest- she made her green outfit!
tank || cape, under $70 || shorts || clutch c/0 August California || tote c/o Trina Turk and Shopstyle || heels || choker c/o baublebar || earrings || ring
We did so much in NYC- it was amazing and exhausting! Obviously, lots of good stuff coming soon to the blog…
loveRavayna
I was so excited for us to finally be home and unscheduled on a Sunday so we could go eat at Smorgasburg. I love food trucks and food halls and all delicious food, so I was seriously jazzed to get my fat little fingers into all the yummy offerings.
During the week, this space is the wholesale produce market, so I’ve been before when shopping for jamming or a pie party. Then, it’s been crowded with crates of produce, but I’ve never seen this many people at the Bay before.
We were hungry, so we beelined for a legendary ramen cheesburger. It was INCREDIBLE- crispy and chewy and savory and it honestly disappeared in just a few bites and I was sad I had to share it with David and contemplated getting right back in line for a second round. It totally lived up to the talk.
We moved on to artisan mozzarella sticks and that was a very good life choice. We skipped the beer garden, because I had left my ID in my purse from the night before. I wasn’t brokenhearted, because I’m not a beer lover and David was driving, so I wandered off to do a little shopping.
I was pleasantly surprised at the caliber of the shops – there is obviously an application process, because all the vendors were diverse and quality. I went in for sunnies and caftans at Coast to Coast vintage, and eyed this holo swell for quite a while at beautiful things.
Another sandwich round was up next for us, with a pork belly Banh Oui. I know fusion isn’t perfectly authentic, but this was one of the best pork belly sandwiches I’ve ever had, perfectly balanced and so mouthwatering!
As we moved on to sweets, I had to go full out for the coconut bowl at Amazebowls. It was super gorgeous, but if i’m being honest I make tastier ones – some of the edible flowers were super bitter. And it was pretty tiny for the price, so I might hack these at home soon.
I chose blackberry kaffir lime at Paloma’s Paleta’s, and it was both super delicious and very photogenic- and super refreshing, because it was so. freaking. hot. out there.
There’s a ton we didn’t get to eat, but we’ll be back soon, probably right after our next NYC trip! And I’m eyeing the soft shell chili crab sandwich, some biscuits, and a ramen burger repeat. So much goodness- if I wouldn’t outgrow my clothes, I’d go every Sunday!
similar dress, 2, 3 (with tassels!), 4 (patterned), || sunnies || kate spade bag- on sale!|| sandals || ear jackets|| cuff || rings: pearl, spiral || nails
loveRavayna
This blush and black ensemble has been one of my favorites lately. I’ve worn it to multiple birthday dinners, including my own, and to a handful of pageant events in different cities. When I like an outfit, I have no problem repeating and remixing for different audiences.
One of those times, before our friend Mike’s birthday dinner, I got to feel all fancy as Janah got my face all glowy and prettified. It felt so luxurious to relax and laugh while someone else did the work, and she was so fun to hang with!
We went for a dewy look, nothing too heavy, and I loved the way it all came out. I’m wearing these three highlighters, this lipstick, and double-stacked lashes.
I’d been lusting after this Givenchy cape when I found this cape blazer online, at Target of all places! It’s from the Who What Wear collection there. Once I spotted the blazer, I scoured the collection and grabbed the skirt (the blush is sold out!) as well. Each was under $40, so pretty painless.
Y’all know I’m all about the accessories. I’ve been obsessed with my north star earrings since I got them for my birthday, and I added a pearl ring as well. My heels are Betsey Johnson from several years ago, but the blush straps, black lace accent and classic style are totally still in my rotation.
similar skirt, shinier, maxi version under $40 // top // similar cape blazer, another only $26! // ring // earrings // purse //
loveRavayna
I’ve shared before about my K-beauty skincare obsession, and the more I learn, the deeper it goes. I’d so much rather focus on skincare than makeup and invest in the long term, and am glad to be seeing the results.
Peach and Lily, a Korean skincare boutique, recently opened their first LA store, in Macy’s at the Westfield Santa Anita. They invited me to come check out the opening and I obviously said yes. I mean, have we met? The shop is a lovely little oasis and I loved being able to sniff and try on all the product! I’ve done almost all of my kbeauty shopping online, so the hands-on aspect was new to me. They had many brands I’d heard of, some I’d used and many completely new to me.
I’m always in pursuit of pretty, so I love when packaging and branding is so beautifully done. And more so when the product is equally awesome- like in the case of these Aromatica toners. They smell so incredible, like the essence of the plant is simply and perfectly distilled.
Each of us ladies invited had a chance to sit down and talk privately with Alicia Yoon, the CEO of Peach and Lily. I’mobviously knowledgeable about skincare, but her expertise is encyclopedic. I was thrilled to ask her advice and have her help me enhance my routine. She gave such fabulous recommendations!
She’s a major bossbabe, with the most beautiful skin I’ve ever seen up close- seriously inspirational.
Alicia was kind enough to host us ladies for an afternoon of high tea at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena. It’s such a gorgeous space, and the tea service was so delicious!
What else does a group of bloggers do but snap pictures of all the prettiness?
But we pretty quickly got down to drinking tea and sparkling rosè, devouring the spread, and discussing all manner of things- skincare and blogging, yes, but also families, fitness, feminism and more.
We snapped a group shot before hopping into our Ubers and heading home.
Our luncheon swags bags were incredibly generous- Alicia had taken notes during our private consultations, and filled them with some of her suggested products.
I really loved the Mizon masks, and the 7 days sheet masks were so refreshing when chilled in the fridge to help cool off while doing my skincare routine. The polisher is gentle but effective at eradicating the flaky bits that sometimes result from retin-a. I’m on the hunt for my holy grail first essence, and have been trying both the Bitgoa Hue Essence and Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence. Shangpree gold mask is rubbery and shimmery on and super moisturizing (also in silver). Pixi Glow Tonic is still in the rotation, and Ole Henriksen Truth Serum has been my recent vitamin c step. Embryolisse, ceramidin, and my everyday Biore sunscreen are still my skincare standbys.
The product I was most excited about was the Cremorlab shadow-off eye cream. My biggest skin complaint lately has been my extra-dark circles. Truthfully, My sleep has been nonexistent or vampiric, and this creams coupled with these gel eye masks have really helped.
And although most wipes are terrible for your skin, I wanted to share these two that I’ve been using while traveling. They are pretty amazing- the skinfood brown rice oil wipes are actually a first cleanser, and the micellar wipes from trader joe’s are incredibly gentle. I just made it through a month on the road and six flights using these without a major breakout, so the proof is in the pudding.
Let me know if you try any of these!
loveRavayna
I’ve always taken care of my hair, but now, more than ever, I baby it. It’s in great condition, but I’d like it to remain silky and vibrant, so I do my best to minimize heat damage. Since I prefer my hair styled in waves or curls, I’ve had to try heatless methods that go beyond my favorite curling rod, hot rollers (both under $20!), and curling iron.
For both the methods I’m sharing, I start with clean, slightly damp hair. Here, my extensions were out and I spritzed in some leave-in conditioner, rough dried it and brushed it out before adding some texturizing styling cream. If I’m working with second-day hair, I scrunch it with wet hands to dampen, then add product.
I tend to sleep with my hair set and wake up wavy, but some people prefer to just let it set for a few hours- it’s up to you and your hair! I use the sponge rollers for tighter curls, but most of the time I use my Savvycurls band for waves. And truth booth- taking pictures in my pajamas, at bedtime and wakeup, just felt a little ridiculous.
These rollers look enormous, but are super soft and squishy. I just section evenly but randomly, and roll. I have to make sure not to wind them too tight, though, or I wind up looking like Shirley Temple.
This is my favorite method for tight curls, like when I’m prepping for a faux bob or a braided up do.
This Savvy Curls band is what I use most nights, because a softer wave is totally my jam. I just slip the headband on and wrap the hair on each side around it towards the back. I keep wrapping it at the back of my head, then catch the end with a bobby pin across the roll.
From there, it’s bedtime. The Savvy Curl has a thermal core that reflects body heat to help set the wave, and it’s super comfy to sleep in. I even know some people who just wear it out and about, because it looks like a casual up-do!
It’s not nearly as neat or pretty when I wake up- I sleep hard- but that totally doesn’t matter. Once I remove the bobby pin, I gently pull out the band and let the curls unfurl.
And all I have to do is run my fingers through my hair, add a pinch of pomade on any frizzy bits, and hair is handled, with minimal time and effort, and no heat damage. Not too shabby!
Savvycurls sent me this product for my review, but all opinions are my own.
loveRavayna
I take my happy hour cocktails really seriously. I’m so spoiled- David was a bartender at a ritzy restaurant in college, so his mixology skills are on point. He whips up all sorts of delicious sippers for me!
We’re all about eating seasonally, and that applies to happy hour as well! Watermelon is a mainstay of our summertime grocery list, and thanks to a new basil pruning technique, my plants are exploding! I’m a huge basil fan, especially when the herb is paired with fruit, and a bit of ginger fizziness is the perfect exclamation point.
Ingredients
Preparation
loveRavayna
Once again, with feeling! I headed back to Butterfly Loft Salon to have my mane revamped with some fresh Pulp Riot color. I’ve honestly been so spoiled, working with ridiculously talented artists. This go round, Alexis Thurston (@alexisbutterflyloft) and Rickey (hairgod_zito) collaborated to make my childhood My Little Pony dreams come true.
I showed up at the salon, coffee in hand, for a day in the salon chair. My previous color had faded to a rooty, silvery blonde, but the quinoa (I swear!) and other nutrients in Pulp Riot, along with plenty of tlc, have kept it in pretty incredible shape. Needing to lift and even out the base for such vibrant fantasy color, we began with bleach. Lots of bleach- all the way to the root- I was a little afraid, but it was totally painless. To protect my hair and scalp, they always use Brazilian Bond Builder in with the bleach. I wouldn’t have basis for comparison, but it definately wasn’t nearly as awful as I’d feared.
In order to get the vivid translucence of Rarity’s mane, my hair needed to lift as light as possible. Not sure platinum’s ever going to be my look, but it sure made for a few fun snapchats.
And then the hair painting began. It takes some time, but the metamorphosis is so cool to watch, as it totally comes to life. For the color formula curious, it’s obviously all Pulp Riot products. My shadow root is Velvet, Smoke, and Noir. The lengths are Jam with a little Smoke, blending into Lilac, with accent highlights of Powder.
My color processed, was rinsed (icy water alwayssss!), dried and curled. The early evening light was perfect photoshoot time, for an upcoming Pulp Riot magazine ad. Yes, I’d been there all day.
Luxyhair gifted me a lovely set of extensions, and Alexis (isn’t she stunning? and that hair!) and her assistant Jenn custom colormatched them to bring Rarity’s mane to the next level. Coloring this much hair is a major undertaking- just washing and drying it is a thing- and I’m so grateful for their patience.
I take my unicorn life really rather seriously ?. My hair’s almost metallic, in that the color varies depending on the light. It glows almost ultraviolet in sunlight, is moodier in the dark. The pops of blue are my favorite- they make braids and buns so fun!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the passionate reactions my hair garners from people. Some think I’m absolutely insane, but I’ve been suprised and very flattered by the compliments. If I’m out and about, I can get stopped literally dozens of times with comments and questions. It’s been an adjustment for this formerly wilting violet- I can be so shy, but I’m certainly getting less awkward at accepting compliments and interacting with strangers.
Much to my mama’s dismay, I can’t imagine going back to brown. This is just too much fun!
loveRavayna
Y’all know I’m totally obsessed with the Saguaro, specifically the bright color blocking. Where else is the generic carpet color bright violet, with saturated brights as a way of life?
We had incredible weather during our getaway, which was just plain lucky! It can get crazy hot in Palm Springs this time of year. Temps hovered around 120′ (I know!) during my first trip to Palm Springs, and I definately got a little woozy in the heat. I much prefer when the weather’s warm but bearable, like it was this trip… it’s much easier to have adventures and outdoor fun.
We did just that when we found a bocceball court just downstairs from our suite. We played some bocce, and I’m just as terrible as I was in college. At least I’m better dressed these days- this striped Topshop playsuit was the perfect attire for playing around the Saguaro.
The team over at Studio DIY had worked with the Saguaro on a fun scavenger-type color hunt. So we we ran around the hotel, chasing colors and wagering mimosas in healthy competition. I made the realization that what I need in my life and house is a bright pink wall…. Thank heavens David’s such a good sport!
topshop playsuit (sold out) similar, sassier // sandals// sunnies // earrings // necklace c/o dot&evelyn // lipstick
loveRavayna
After we left the Parker, we went neighborhood exploring and house hunting. It’s one of our favorite activities when we travel- I love admiring all the lovely houses and landscaping and dreaming of living in them.
And Palm Springs neighborhoods are absolutely chock-freaking-full of gorgeous mid-century modern homes. It’s eye candy as far as the eyes can see, and we can drive and walk and wander for hours. I was not too hot, just gorgeous for strolling.
The house with the lions is one of our favorites to visit- they regularly rotate the decor. The lions were accented with cupcakes this time, perfect for a cake boss like me. And y’all know I’m obsessed with succulents and desert plants, so I drool over all the gorgeous gardens.
And let’s be real: we are notoriously ridiculous, so there were some streetside shenanigans- skipping, silliness, prancercise and street sign mockery, and more. And then we finally found it, the house of my dreams.
‘That house with the pink door’ has been pinned and ‘grammed a million times, with good reason. It’s absolutely perfect, down to the twin agaves and elevated lawn, and I pink puffy heart adore it. We’d never seen it in real life before, though, so after I was done squealing over it, I had to grab some pictures and pretend I lived there for just a second.
We had pizza at Birba for supper – we go every time we’re in Palm Springs. We always get the quattro stagioni, and also love the San Daniele, braised greens, and the egg pizzas. We made a quick post- dinner stop at Jake’s for dessert to go, and headed back to the Saguaro.
The key lime pie was creamy and tart and perfect, and the ding dong cupcake was creamy and rich. Sweets with that darling husband of mine was a lovely end to another Palm Springs day.
loveRavayna