wiw Archives - Page 2 of 3

1 In travel

wiw: temecula day

One of my sweet sorority sisters got married at the Temecula Creek Inn a few weeks ago. We made a spring weekend getaway of it, and it was so lovely. The drive was short, but the weekend was seriously relaxing.

romper (on sale!) // jacket // similar bag, 2, 3, lust // old rampage oxfords, similar

The property was so lovely, especially in the peaceful mornings. We took advantage of it, and went for an early-morning walkabout with our coffee. I especially loved the adorable papasan chairs… I want one so bad!

One of my bestie-bridesmaids had flown in to stay with us for the long weekend, and it was a treasure to get to spend the time with Shelley. We headed into old town Temecula to visit the farmer’s market, one of my favorite weekend activities, especially when out of town.

While walking to the market, we came upon a dog adoption tent. Sweet Violet and I quickly got acquainted, but our enthusiastic attempts to convince David to be her daddy were quickly shot down.

I’m an especial softie for farmers market floral stands- I stop by our Sunday morning one mostly every weekend I’m home. I love shopping locally, especially when the benefits are so beautiful. I also tasted nearly every flavored honey, taking home a bottle of rich purple loganberry honey.

Michelle verbatim told me to ‘rein it in’ at the succulent stand- my obsession has been so intense lately! We were all hangry, so we headed to Mo’s Egg House for a yummy old fashioned diner brunch. When we returned to the Inn, we wandered for a bit, sitting and playing (i.e. losing) tic-tac-toe before heading back to the room to relax before the wedding.

loveRavayna

June 24, 2016

0 In style

an afternoon at the venice canals

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

loveRavayna

May 20, 2016

2 In style/ travel

WiW: a tobago morning

I tend to rise early in the morning when traveling. I’m a light sleeper and if you only heard my family’s typical volume, you’d understand why sleeping in is impossible. This morning in Tobago, though, roosters started crowing while it was still dark. I woke David to walk down to the beach with me- he’s no morning person but a great sport, and a sucker for good light.

There’s something about first morning light. The morning was misty, and the sun rises on the opposite side of the island, anyway. But even without a spectacular sunrise, that light just glows, and brightens the world so magically.

I’m sure it didn’t hurt that we seemed to be the only people in Crown Point that morning. We didn’t see a single car crossing the street to the beach, which was totally deserted. The tide was still pretty high, and I went from walking along the sand to wading in just a moment.

I’m used to chilly Pacific waters, so I’m always pleasantly surprised to find the water warm enough to tolerate. That said, this flowy maxi was not the easiest to manage after it had absorbed gallons of saltwater… shocker, I know.

It was so relaxing to stroll along the quiet beach, and just enjoy the peaceful morning. And when we did make it back to the condo, it was for mimosas with breakfast before heading back to the beach for the day with the whole group. Vacation in Tobago was really low key… and that’s the beauty of it.

vineyard vines maxi (similar, 2, 3, 4, 5) // sandals // ear jackets // bracelet, 2, 3 / Santa Fe necklace, similar, 2, 3, 4 // white polish

loveRavayna

April 26, 2016

0 In style

WiW: white and brights

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.

loveRavayna

April 16, 2016

2 In style

WiW: bare-shouldered for spring

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

March 29, 2016

2 In style

1 dress, 2 pieces, 3 ways

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

January 1, 2016

2 In style/ travel

WiW: Parisian lace and layers

I may not be Elizabeth Arden, but I sure love me a red door, almost as much as I love accenting my cherry red leather purse with a classic matte red lip. We couldn’t help but grab some pictures when we spotted this doorway as we walked to our morning croissant and cafe.

I stand firmly that leopard is a neutral- black, brown and tan all are! I adore this scarf for its compact warmth, cozy softness, and versatility. It’s not quite a blanket scarf, but plenty big enough.

This dress has given me its money’s worth- it’s H&M Conscious Collection from several seasons ago. It originally had sheer lace sleeves, but I tore one to shreds out one night. Once I had the dress tailored to sleeveless, I started wearing it all the time. Here, I layered with a light wash chambray shirt against the early morning chill.

I wore trusty black ankle booties on my toes, Nars Red Square on my lips. Rose gold aviators and a chunky Marc Jacobs watch added a little functional shine to the look.

And as the Parisian sunshine warmed the day, I shed my layers and was perfectly ready for adventures in the heat.

loveRavayna

November 5, 2015

1 In style

WiW: barcelona evening

In general, I dressed pretty casually while we were in Europe. As much as I’d love to be one of those bloggers twirling in a couture gown in the Palais Royal, that’s not realistic for my current lifestyle, or our vacation style. It’s more moto boots than Manolos. That said, we planned a few fancier outings, working on our Michelin star collection, and I was excited to take the opportunity to dress up and swan around.

My mom is a couture seamstress, and in weak imitation, I’ve been trying to teach myself to sew. Inspired by Degas’ ballerinas, I got a bee in my bonnet about the perfect shade of blush, and went to town with my sewing machine. I really should have just bought it rather than DIY, considering the literal blood, sweat, tears, and wine it took me to turn a dozen yards of tulle and a few more of silk into clothing. And frankly, don’t look too closely, as it’s a bit janky in places, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Even the fancies needed to work within my travel capsule wardrobe (working on organizing that post for y’all), so I paired the ballerina skirt with my chambray oxford. My black wool cape was the perfect topper when the chilly breeze blew. I only took one pair of heels to Europe, choosing these suede t-straps for their neutral versatility, surprising comfort, and walkability on cobblestone streets.

I loved this comfortable yet ladylike look, and it’s so fun to wear something you made with your own hands. With all the elements being repeatable, it was the perfect outfit for a vacation date night, and I couldn’t help feeling like una princesa.

Shein cape | Old Navy chambray | similar skirts | VIctoria’s Secret suede heels | Kate Spade glitterbug clutch

loveRavayna

October 24, 2015

0 In style/ travel

WiW: barcelona daytime

We did a LOT in our time abroad (let me know if you’d like me to share our itinerary), which made for several early mornings and long days. And some days, that meant temperature changes of 30 or more degrees within a single outing. Hellloooooo layers!

I’ve got a ‘shape like a Coca Cola bottle,’ as Mr Killa would say, which can make layering and dressing warmly tough. It quickly goes from cute to dumpy, and then I start looking like Randy in his snowsuit in A Christmas Story.

But snug layers lay smoothly, and that’s what I used to still look fit and feminine as I kept warm. Two pairs of opaque tights paired with warm socks kept my legs and toes cozy. A thin thermal shirt went under my sweater, and despite its ladylike styling, this coat is well-lined and really warm, while compact enough to toss in the backpack when temperature rose.

I’ll rewear this outfit this fall- it’s just comfortable for a long day, so well-suited to the temperature swings when going in and out of the cold, and still looks polished.

loveRavayna

October 14, 2015

0 In style

WiW: a little bit of lilly

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.