The wind farms outside of Palm Springs are some kindof gorgeous.
When it comes to the holiday season, I think the hardest people to shop for are the men in our lives. Husbands, boyfriends, dads, brothers- it can be so so impossible to decide what to buy, and tempting to take the easy way out and throw video games and gift cards in their direction. Wanting to branch out just a little, I’ve done some browsing and online shopping, and these are some of my favorite guy gifts this season.
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
Sometimes in life you’ve got to stop and smell the roses. These, in a yard along the canals in Venice, were amazing- they reminded me of the roses in my bridal bouquet. Sure, I’m wishing I was enjoying springtime in the Italian Venice, but Californian Venice has its own special beauty. The paths and bridges are shared by locals and visitors on foot and bike, and it’s a lovely place to go for a wander.
We spent some time in Venice after a tsukemen ramen stop, showing one of my college besties around. It was kindof shocking how it was broiling hot and sunny leaving our house in the valley, but cool and very windy out closer to the water and near the canals. The neighborhood is always so pretty though, that the weather matters not.
I’ll admit I was over-anxious to wear this dress. I picked it up at Anthropologie, and am a bit obsessed with the raw edge of the midi skirt and the slash pockets. But I was in between sizes, and opted up; this denim number has a far more flattering fit now that it’s been nipped around the waist and bust, and doesn’t have a saggy kangaroo pouch ?.
I’ve been so into changing up my jewelry game as my hair color evolves, and Rocksbox has been perfect for that. I put these Kendra Scott earrings and wrist chain on my wishlist, and was excited to see them show up in my mailbox! My stylist sent them with this sterling Gorjana lariat, and I was kindof in love with all of it. I couldn’t help myself- I kept the earrings when I sent the Rocksbox back yesterday! The deal was just too tempting. The retail is $85, Rocksbox price is $68, and monthly shine spend discount dropped them another $10, and so I added them to the collection. If you like jewelry, or mail, or free stuff, you should probably use my code RAVAYNAXOXO for a month of free designer jewelry signing up for a Rocksbox delivery.
denim midi // similar wedges, 2, flats // earrings // bracelet // lariat // nails
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I am absolutely obsessing over off-the shoulder dresses and tops for spring! I think showing a little collarbone and shoulder adds some understated flirtiness to a look, but I like that it’s not too too much.
I already know this comfy red jersey dress is going to be on repeat through the warm weather. I dressed it up last weekend for a dear friend’s bridal shower, but it’s also adorable with gladiator wedges, or more casually with metallic tennies. It can go from brunch to beach with ease, and I love having that versatility in my wardrobe.
I kept some accessories totally classic, like my leopard d’orsay pumps, vintage sunnies, and black leather Chanel mini. I added in a rhinestone bracelet and raided my most recent Rocksbox for the rest. I’ve mentioned it before, but I love choosing designer jewelry and having it arrive at my door for me to wear. You can enjoy it too, for free (!!) when you use code RavaynaXOXO to sign up.
A red lip to match, some presents to spoil a beautiful bride, and I was off to celebrate!
Asos dress (similar, maternity, 20 bucks!), Jessica Simpson heels (similar, kitten-heeled, on sale), Chanel handbag, vintage bracelet (similar, splurge), vintage sunnies (similar, on sale), necklace, ear jackets, wrap bracelet (all c/o Rocksbox), lipstick.
loveRavayna
Choosing what to pack and wear in Paris and Barcelona was a daunting task. Visiting such epic style capitals, I wanted to look pulled together, but realistically needed a wardrobe that would be comfortable for long days, crazy amounts of walking, and temperatures ranging from 38-86′. Though I checked a bag, I kept it light/ left room for souvenirs. David almost always carries my bags when we travel together (especially up four flights of spiral stairs), but on principle, I don’t travel with more than I can manage myself.
I wanted to pack a capsule of clothes that intermixed well, layered effectively for warmth, was versatile to accommodate our unplanned time, and felt equally chic and comfortable. A reformed overpacker, I really tried to streamline for this trip- and I succeeded, because 6 pair of shoes for more than two weeks is a major accomplishment for Imelda right here.
Here’s what I packed:
Gap sweater, Asos sweater (similar), Target cardigan (similar), H&M jeweled sweater (similar)
Old Navy chambray, lipstick print blouse, SheIn buffalo plaid flannel [size up!], Topshop scalloped shell. Old Navy black and red-striped long-sleeved shirts, black and grey tees. James Perse white, Petit Bateau striped, Zara yellow teeshirts
Kenley Collins for Unique Vintage skirt , homemade tulle tutu skirt (similar), American Eagle floral skirt (similar). Hue leggings, Old Navy midrise Rockstars, JBrand coated skinnies
Forever 21 maxi (similar), Asos silk dress (similar), Kate Spade Saturday striped (similar), H&M lace (similar) dresses
Tulle coat via Hautelook (similar), SheIn cape, sole society scarf, kate spade purses
Converse, Victoria’s Secret heels (similar), grey and black booties, similar gold sandals, similar metallic tennies.
And here’s how I wore it…
… for a chilly morning flea marketing in Vanves, soaking in the sunshine between museums, accessorized with pearls and sheer glee at being in Paris.
… topped with one of David’s shirts (capsule wardrobe freebie!) to shop, all fancified for date night at Tickets, graphic pops of red for exploring and simply layered for a morning of outdoor art.
… with a little sparkle for dinner in Montmartre, windblown and undone by the water, hiding bike shorts underneath stripes {RIP Kate Spade Saturday}, and florals to flirt shamelessly with my sweet husband.
… bundled up in black but always with a bright lip, keeping it super-simple for supper, layering my favorite basics for a look that’s anything but, stacking texture and patterns in claret and cream.
…and mixed and remixed lots of other ways. You can use the sidebar tags [off to the right] for Paris and Barcelona to see what I wore where. If you are packing for a long or varied trip, I hope this helpful. My best advice is to bring half of what you want, culling the duplicates. You’ll always have room in your bag for new purchases should you find the need to shop!
This was such an amazing trip, and reminiscing over it as I blogged has been so lovely. I’m dying to go back already, but we have lots of upcoming travel planned and a few weekend getaways to share….
loveRavayna
I was just tickled when Mary Olive and Co sent me this darling lace and floral Sherri Hill cocktail dress! Y’all know I love a coordinated set, but I often mix and match them with my closet contents as well. This twofer is exceptionally pretty, and super fun to wear, so I’m sharing three ways I’ve styled it recently.
The whole shebang was perfectly festive for a holiday party. Enamel cat-eye sunglasses, iridescent Kendra Scotts, and my heirloom wedding ring (similar) were classic accessory choices, but I brought a bit of pattern mixing to the party with striped, bow-adorned pumps.
The full satin skirt, covered in pink roses and complete with crinoline and pockets, put a little sass in my step. Headed to indulge in the warm weather with a Jeni’s date {brown butter almond brittle, always} I knotted my chambray at the waist. I added sparkle flats (similar) and a moonstone necklace I purchased from an artisan in New Mexico- I’ll be sharing that trip soon!
I paired the lace crop with my boa coated JBrands and kidnapped David’s cardigan for a busy day- a bunch of errands, assisting him on a shoot, then date night. These sparkle hightops were a Zara (kids!) clearance find, but I have to admit I felt a bit like I was trying to audition for a hip hop video when they sparkled in the sunlight.
David was shooting a photographer we’ve worked with and adore, and she turned her camera on me for these shots. You’ll see more of Nicole soon- we’ve got some fun stuff in the works for 2016.
But yeah, expand the closet potential! Treat your matched sets as your cutest separates and you’ll get way more bang for your wardrobe buck.
loveRavayna
One of the “benefits” of being on the road as much as I am is that I’ve acclimated to minimal sleep. I think it’s the perpetual time changes, but my body just wakes itself up. It helps with my crazy-early mornings, which are most of them on the road. And on occasion, like when you want to book European dinner reservations or be at the front of the line when Target releases a limited-edition collection, it’s clutch.
I was wide awake the morning Lilly for Target was being released, so headed out to the fracas. I met a pair of darling girls in the line and made friends, so we shopped as a team once people went running in. I was grateful for their kindness- there were some crazies and some super rude eBay sellers in the crowd. But I got in and out with everything I wanted and then some, so I considered it a win.
These floaty little shorts were one of my favorite scores from that day. I had to put a stitch in to keep them from being curtains to a little skinshow, but they are so comfortable. The pattern has some sass, but is remixable. And I have to giggle at myself, for sharing yet another crop top look, and one with short shorts to boot- I promise my navel’s not always on display.? I actually was really opposed to wearing crop tops for a while, since I’ve already trended through them as a teen, but they are just everywhere, and LA’s hotter than Hades, so I relented. This is about the maximum skin I can show and still feel like myself though. #sobasic.
I obsess over espadrilles, and these were a souvenir from Barcelona, along with the white graphic sunnies (trip recaps coming so soon!) I loved them so much I bought Erin a pair too (thats’s how we roll). When we got dressed for lunch during our Palm Springs trip and found ourselves twinning, we cracked up.
SHOP THIS LOOK:
Lilly for Target shorts | American Eagle crop similar | Geronimo espadrilles similar | vintage necklace | Kendra Scott Morgan stud earrings | Ale-hop sunglasses
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A sweet pageant mom I know opened a precious online and mobile boutique this summer, Polkadot Pineapple. I ordered this darling two-piece outfit pretty much as soon as I spotted it, and was actually one of their first orders. I’m so into coordinating outfit sets- I love the versatility they bring as seperates and the matchiness soothes my OCD soul.
I should probably have it taken in, or give it a go myself- the fit’s a bit roomy- but I was too excited to wear it to delay. I wore it to a double dinner date with a great girlfriend from high school who was visiting LA. It was so fun getting to visit and catch up and for our husbands to get to know each other! We had an amazing meal at Terrine, chatting till closing.
A few of my accessories are treasured gifts, new and old. The bracelet was one of too many birthday treats from Erin in Palm Springs, and I received the delicate pearl necklace as a bridal tea gift. My sapphire ring and hoop earrings are beloved heirlooms, inherited from David’s grandmother and mine, respectively. And the shoes were definitely a gift from the sale gods- I found them on ridiculous clearance, at Burlington of all places.
two-piece set Polkadot Pineapple | Gia sparkler clutch Kate Spade sold out | shoes Betsey Johnson similar 1 2 | bracelet Kendra Scott | ear cuff Charming Charlie | vintage earrings and rings, similar earrings and ring
loveRavayna