If we had gone shopping together five, ten or even fifteen years ago, I never ever would have considered this darling little romper, or one like it. No insult, I would have just wondered what it would be like to be comfortable in shorts, and walked past the rack. If you had asked me point blank, I would have told you that I ‘didn’t do shorts.’
Man, oh man, it was good to be home in New Orleans. The official excuse for the trip was a wedding, for one of my college roommates and sorority sisters. But we always want to spend time with David’s mom, have friends and family to love on, new babies to meet and kiss, so our weekend in NOLA was a long and busy one.
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
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
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
