Monday, July 28, 2014

UNDER-DRESSING

We spend a lot of time obsessing over what to wear. After all, you never know whom you will run into right? There is an element of dressing that is very personal. It never has to be shared with anyone, although you have the option to. ;-) That element is beneath your outer clothing. Embrace your under-side and indulge in pretty little things. Take a break from the mundane, boring pieces and step it up, even if only for you. On the outside you may be a bit timid about what you want to reveal to the world. However, underneath your clothes you can be as open as you like. There is something about keeping that secret to yourself that is intriguing. Everyone has his or her own idea of what perfect is. Embrace your curves and bumps and dress yourself in pieces that flaunt the areas that you are most confident about.

Below are some of my favorite types of undergarments.

LONG-LINE BRAS

Long-line bras are so elegant. They also can offer extra coverage if needed. You may be used to seeing the bridal version of them in typical neutral colors. Here are a couple of options that do not disappoint.

Freya Nieve Underwired Padded Long Line Bra - figleaves.com, Nordstrom.com

Sabel Underwire Longline Bralette - $89 on sale for $63.00
REVOLVEclothing.com

BOYSHORTS

I love the tomboy chic look of boyshorts. Boyshorts can up the sexy factor depending on the cut and other additional details. For instance, look at this pair lacy pair:

Mimi Holliday – Blueberry Muffin Frilly Boyshort - $70.00 - journelle.com

I love these too. Colored lace and a modest cut that is still sexy.

Hanky Panky Stretch Lace Boy Short - $29.00

ONE-PIECE UNDERWEAR

Bodysuits can do two things at once. They can look sexy and contour the body at the same time.

Yummie by Heather Thomson Venice Underwire Bodysuit - $88.00 – Zappos.com – Available in Bone and Black

Imagine this bodysuit under a blazer, or with a skirt. Tres chic.

Sparkle & Fade Mesh Block Bodysuit - $39 -
Urban Outfitters

However you choose to embrace your underside, do what makes you comfortable. While you’re at it, make it chic as well.

What are favorite types of undergarments? Do you have one that I haven’t listed? Let me know below.

Royally yours,

RiRi

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Sneaker Chic

I have zero athletic ability. If I manage to hit a ball, it goes left even though I intend for it to go right. Nail a three pointer? Not on your life. Lack of athleticism aside, I can look the part. I love sneakers. However, my lifestyle does not always have room for them. On the days when I am able to return to my lovable stand by – The Sneaker, I try to make it chic. As a younger woman I would rock an oversized pair of jeans or sweat set with sneakers. These days, a dress, mini and closer fitting clothes fit the bill much better. When I think of sneakers I get a bit nostalgic. They practically defined my life at one point in time. Over the last decade I have been amazed at the transformation of sneakers. I have not been more in love with the evolution as I have been over the last few years. Not only did they manage to hide a wedge inside of a sneaker they also added stellar design to the footwear. Isabel Marant jumped out of the gate early. Those wedge sneakers were the most coveted pairs on the market. Marc Jacobs jumped out not long after with his ‘Standard Supply’ logo adorning many a pair. As much as I loved them I could not get my hands on a pair to save my life. And then there was ‘Ash’ (Ash Italia). I had already discovered their shoes back when I purchased the most beautifully adorned sandals that I own. Below are my latest covetable picks of sneakers on the market.

Pretty in pink, and silver and black?

Nike Force Sky High Wedge - $85.00 - Sale $66.99 at Zappos.com

Royal Blue?!

Ash Cool Wedge Sneaker - $235 (Sale $141.00) Revolveclothing.com

So Sneaker Wedges may not be your thing. My sister refers to them as Camel-toe shoes and that always makes me laugh. Here are some pretty, feminine, chic options for those who want to be closer to the ground.

Floral Power!

SK8-Hi Slim - $65.00 - Vans.com

*Hint* These are on my birthday list

I love “Chucks” and I am a sucker for polka dots.

Converse Polka dot High top Chuck Taylors $49.94 - DSW.com

These are so fun and chic!

Guiseppe Zanotti – London Leather and Printed Silk-Satin High-top Sneakers - $1,150.00

Net-a-Porter.com

You can always give your sneaker an added chic touch by switching the plain laces out with colorful and printed laces.

What’s your take? Do you love sneakers? How do you make them chic? Let me know below.

Royally yours,

RiRi

Monday, July 7, 2014

WATCH ME

I think I began wearing watches in the womb. Seriously, my mother instilled such a sense of time in my life that I rarely leave home without one. As a matter of fact, on the rare occasion that I am not wearing one, I feel naked. I do not care that my smart phone has a clock or that there is a digital clock in my car. I MUST have my watch. When I take off my watch at night there is a definitive tan line that I have had all of my life.

As a teenager the playfulness of Swatch excited me.

Vintage Swatch Watches circa late 80's to the early 90's

Then I discovered Guess watches.

I actually owned this Menswear style Guess watch in the early 90's.

These days I like a slightly understated watch that can fit my broad wardrobe choices on a daily basis. It doesn’t hurt to have a little bit of bling either. Here is one of my current favorites that I own:

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Amy' Crystal Bracelet Watch - $200 at Nordstrom

If you’re like me, you may consider a watch to be a luxury item. In fact, there are quite a number of luxury watch brands. I only have about three watches in my current collection. Here are a few of my current cravings: