Golden Globes 2017: Top 12

There were an array of gowns last night that were dreamy, straight out of a fairy tale. Many were delicately embellished and created with chiffon, fine tulle, ruffles, peplums, and tiered layering. The stand out looks all had a softness and sparkling, romantic, delightful touch that paired well with the magic of the evening. 

 No doubt, there are always some amazing styles and some tragic looks on the carpet. And, all of us watching have opinions about it, of course. The dresses that have a little something extra and stand-out, slightly, or those that nail down classic elegance, tend to be my favorites. After all, I love a great fashion risk or a stunningly classy lady. Here are some of my picks for the most fabulous gowns and looks from last night. Congrats to all the style winners. My number one goes to Felicity Jones in Gucci and a close follow up with Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhullier. What was you favorite gown? Leave a note in comments below! xo RCN

 
Source: http://www.eonline.com/photos/19686/2017-g...

Prettiest Christmas Sweaters

I say, "out with the ugly Christmas sweater, and in with the prettiest Christmas sweater!" Ugly Christmas sweaters are everywhere, so no doubt you can find one of those in stores or online if you need one, but how about the prettiest sweater? Here are my picks for some of the prettiest, cutest, most sweet, and subtle knits for your next holiday shindig. Go with a little sparkle, or a ruffle for some flare. A cutout shoulder adds a little bit' of a lusty look without going completely bare. No "Ho, Ho, Ho" looks for me! Happy sweater shopping! xo RCN

Anthropologie, $88

Topshop, $90

Banana Republic, $88

J.Crew, $79.50

Tory Burch, $350

Urban Outfitters, $98

Shein.com, $24.99

Asos, $53

Zara, $49.90

Free People, $168

Kate Spade, $228

Shein.com, $21.99

Ted Baker, $225

French Connection, $98

Anthropologie, $118 

Revolve, $209

Chicwish, $56.02

& Other Stories, $65

 

Art Inspiring Fashion

The world renowned art festival and show, Art Basel, is happening now in Miami from November 30- Dec. 4th. Hundreds and thousands of art collectors, buyers, lovers and exhibitors flood Miami with new culture and pulsing excitement each year for this event. The city becomes filled with those chasing to discover and wanting to share new works of art. I find it all quite thrilling and inspiring. Often, I am influenced in fashion by the street art and surroundings of this city, but this week the environment in Miami has me at a whole new level. The pictures from my latest visit to the Wynwood neighborhood show how I love to immerse myself in the scenery and vibes of what's happening. So, the question of the day is what to wear tonight? I will not be venturing into Wynwood, where these latest fashion pics were taken amongst graffiti lined streets, but I am headed to an art show in South Beach called Aqua Art Miami. There will be almost 50 International exhibitors at this show, with sculptural, two dimensional works, instalation design, video art and more. What to wear? Color or lack there of? I'll be sure to update you tomorrow on my Basel look of the day. I am still deciding at the moment. Any suggestions? xo RCN

 
Source: https://www.artbasel.com

Patriotic In Denim

I have always been patriotic. After all, I was once a Madam President to my fifth grade and tenth grade classmates. I was known as the elementary chick that worked with our Principal to get more four square boxes painted on the playground. All kids have the right to enjoy recess and there just were not enough boxes for four square.  Anyway, when it comes to Election Day every four years, I most definitely show my love for the USA and pull out the red, white and blue. It's an important day for all Americans. How lucky are we to live in this amazing country and be free? So, cheers to voting, freedom, four square for all children, boyfriend jeans, Minnetonka moccasins, and four years of new leadership! Check out my election day outfit and get the look below.  xo RCN

 

Favorite Fall Booties

 I wish I could say at this point that the shoes in my Favorite Fall Booties list all belong in my closet, but sadly they do not.  I spend most of my time in warm weather and luckily, my favorite pair of gray leather Vince booties from last year are still holding up.  They are totally comfortable to survive throughout a full workday.  Thank you, block-like, thick, heel.  And, how super do they look with this flowy & slitted shein.com maxi dress?   The open toe style works well for the Miami weather.  That being said, I will be shopping a few of the top bootie trends before my upcoming trip to NYC for Thanksgiving.  Being a little late to the cold weather shopping means I am on target for the sale side of the bootie buying deal.  So really, no need to wait for a Christmas bonus or gifts after all.

Chances are that if you too, have not yet invested in a scrumptious bootie this season, you either live in a hot place, you're waiting to hit the holiday sales, or you are saving to splurge with your upcoming end of the year bonus.  If you are anything like me, one thing is for certain, the money goes to shoes no matter what.   So check out my favorites listed below, they are calling your name.  What is your favorite bootie of the bunch?

1. A cutout shape or element in the silhouette of the boot like this Jeffrey Campbell option from Free People.

2. & 3. Print/Pattern - I am obsessing over fall florals from Sam Edelman and leopard from Aldo  

4. A tortoise heel - The newest no brainer found at ASOS by Miss Selfridge.

5. Flat for comfort - Yes, it is important sometimes.  Nordstrom offers great options like this Vince boot.  Flat and casual pairs well with jeans, leather, or a cute relaxed weekend dress over tights.

6. Fall Color - My top pick is a Zara bootie in a jeweled forest hue to change it up from all the other burgundy boots out there.  Though burgundy is an A+ color as well.

7. Lastly, Something sexy & black - From Jessica Simpson.

 

What Is In Your Purse, Girl!?

Okay, so I have a lot in my bag.  Nothing wrong with that.  However, that being said, if I have a lot in my bag I should at least make sure everything in there is needed and not just affording me to carry around extra weight all day on my shoulder.  What do you carry in your bag?  My must have, always need list is below.  xo RCN

1. Balenciaga wallet - my version is five years old, but you can shop now with an updated version with "giant" hardware

2. Make Lemonade sunglass pouch from Charming Charlie.  All of their pouches are adorable, check out the current collection.  Not pictured are the sunglasses I am most often wearing at the moment, Prada tortoise cateye sunglasses 

3. Hair ties - I am always afraid I will not have one on me and I often put my hair up after a while when I am out and about.  These Nike ones I use a lot, especially when headed to the gym.

4. Sun Bum SPF 30 coconut lip balm - All Sun Bum products are great.  I also use the sunscreen and body lotion (found in my beach bag).  You can shop the product at F1rst Surf Supply in Sobe, Target and Urban Outfitters

5. Neutrogena sport face SPF 70+ - I use many sun screens for different parts of my body and different occasions, but it is imperative I carry sunscreen for my face everywhere I go.  This lotion not only bodes well in the market, but it fits perfectly in my bag and makes me feel confident it is doing the job in protecting my poor little red freckled nose.

6. Chanel lipstick - I wear lipstick pretty much whenever I am not going all natural.  Chanel is my go to, shop all colors at Nordstrom. The Rouge Allure Velvet 44 La Diva is pictured here.

7. Trident gum - I know...gum isn't great for the teeth, but I do chew it so when I do I make sure to chew sugarless!  I keep it in my purse just in case, it's a habit of mine.

8. Keys - on a super cute gold metal keychain from J. Crew.  Kate Spade is winning the keychain game this season in my opinion.  How cute is this passion fruit drink keychain?  It's on sale too!

9. Yurbud earphones - I often listen to music from my iphone which requires earbuds when I am in public.  These little guys never fall out of my ears.  When I am running on a treadmill and my whole body is moving around and I am sweating A LOT, they stay fit. You can even pick out a fun color and the gel caps come with two sizes so you can fit your ear perfectly.

10. Rifle Paper Co. notepad and pen - It is a necessity to have paper and pen on hand to jot down any instantaneous thoughts and ideas.  I use apple notes for my grocery list, but there is something about a pen and paper that allows me to be more free, scribble, and sketch when something comes to mind. 

 

Western Wanderlust

The endless summer sunshine has rounded the corner into a leafy and windy fall.  A Western Wanderlust is a stylish transition trend to try out.  Suede, horse hair, light weight leather and denim become perfect materials to start to cozy up with. Rather than piling into heavy knits and winter fabrications too early in the season, try small doses of the styled pieces pictured below.  Swap out the straw fedora in your summer closet with a thicker weight fedora like the Steve Madden flat brim hat. Most areas in the states still beg for open toe sandals through the start of Fall, but if it does get cool more quickly, opt for open toe booties like these suede Aldo beauties. Layering on your favorite denim or leather jacket is the perfect completer piece to style warmly, but cool at the same time.  I am obsessed with the BLANKNYC moto jacket (shop on nordstrom.com).  Get a similar look below.  Enjoy Y'all.  xo RCN

 

Target Xhilaration top, Lee Jean Shorts from Urban Outfitters, Gap sandals and belt, Chloe clutch, Topshop earrings, Steve Madden Hat

Aldo Boots