Palm Springs is pretty much a dream. I’ve blogged about it before (we’ve celebrated my birthday and lots of weekends there) but it really is one of my happy places!
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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There’s nothing I love more than the little white dress for spring. It’s a total classic for a reason. I’m planning on dressing LWDs up and down as long as the weather’s warm… and I can keep them clean. (I’m the messiest girl alive, but this is handy.) I first went on a white dress kick the spring David and I were engaged, when I bought several white options for showers and such. I guess bridal white was my gateway drug? I just adore the comfort of dresses, the versatility, and the blank slate of the white against brightly colored accessories.
Though some people are fussy that we’re already having heat waves, I’m a big fan of the summer sunshine. It seems like all of Los Angeles is in bloom, and I’m loving it. This wall of bougainvillea is blooming just down the street from our house, and is so gorgeously flower-full that I insisted on grabbing a few shots there. I know bougainvillea is technically a weed and all, but the girly girl in me can’t help but love the profusion of pink. And while I didn’t plan to match my lipstick, I wasn’t mad about it!
I chose this handbag as one of my Paris souvenirs, and I’m still pleased with my choice of bright cobalt color and polished gold accents. Its color scheme inspired my accessory choices, vintage golden layers and polished yet colorful baubles. I consider a neutral sandal a summer essential, especially to wear with white, and these wooden ones are so comfortable and surprisingly lightweight. But in all honesty, my hair is fading towards a silvery opal shade, and it’s hands down my favorite accessory lately.
SHOP THIS LOOK Jessica Simpson dress (similar, 2, 3), Volatile sandal-clog (similar, 2, 3), Galeries Lafayette purse (similar, 2, 3, 4), Kendra Scott earrings and cuff, vintage necklace (similar, 2, 3), lipstick, nail polish and my fave glitter polish.
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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.
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I’m not sure if it’s come up previously, but I’m a bit of a nail polish fanatic. I started polishing my nails regularly to help quit biting them, and over the years I’ve gotten obsessive over my manicures. I almost always do my own nails, once or twice a week, and have amassed quite the nail polish collection.
I find myself swapping out my winter go-to dark and neutral polishes as spring hits here in SoCal. A bit of a hodgepodge- pastels, shimmers, brights… there are just so many pretty options! Here are some of the nail polishes I’m loving for spring.
Essie ‘Lilacism’ is a fresh, saturated pastel lilac creme. It practically screams spring, but is totally wearable… I’m especially loving it with denim and black.
Honestly, I love OPI ‘Bubble Bath’ year ’round- I’ve been wearing it since high school. It was the first polish I ever finished, and this is like bottle #5. It’s the perfect pinky-neutral sheer for my complexion.
Essie ‘Blanc’ is definitely a contender for my warmweather favorite. I love its stark, clean, brightness, especially with a tan. Opaque white polish is not for everyone- my sweet auntie asked me if I was wearing white-out on my nails- but I’m a huge fan of the look. A lot of white polishes go on patchy and streaky, but not this one.
Dior Waterlily is a gorgeous mint with a hint of iridescent shimmer. Dior Beauty polishes smell like roses, which I adore, but unfortunately this was a limited edition and is only available through channels like eBay. Chanel Jade is similar but also hard to find, but Sinful Mint Apple is easily available in drugstores and not too far off.
China Glaze ‘First Mate’ is a creamy muted navy, almost a little dusty. Yet it’s bright enough to read as distinctly blue, rather than blackish. It’s super-saturated and perfect in just two coats.
I adore all things rose gold, and Essie ‘Penny Talk’ is no exception. It’s glowy and pretty, but not blingy, a beautiful metallic blush. But it’s amazing on fair and deep complexions too, and I love it for pedicures as well.
Essie ‘Sunday Funday’ is a bright jelly coral polish- I’m wearing it currently and loving it. With a light dusting of tiny glass fleck glitter, it glistens in the light, but it’s gently sparkly, not a disco ball.
What other polishes are you into for spring? Send some recommendations for your favorites my way!
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