Taking Some Time: Reconstruction

Hi My Loves,
As you have probably noticed, I haven't been blogging as often as usual lately - for this I do apologize - but with the school year winding down, things have been extremely hectic. After two months of blogging, I have decided that "Arriving in Style" already needs a pick-me-up, a reinvention of itself per say. The concept of the blog will stay the same, but everything else will be updated, and thus, better. I can't wait until the site is finished, it shouldn't take long, but I will be taking a 2 week or so hiatus from posting. Thanks for your  understanding and support - promising a fresh, new site in just a little while! Have a lovely rest of May!

xoxo,
D

Closet Essentials: May Edition

April came and went more quickly than expected and now we are in the month of May; the flowers are blooming, the weather is warmer, and almost everyday calls for a pair of aviators. Here are some of my favorite items for May, as we all transition from spring, to summer...

Lovely Dresses

(This dress is from Joyous and Free, which makes some of the best summer dresses around. This pattern is light and airy and because it is busy, allows for it to be thrown on with not much else. Also, it is cotton and therefore extremely comfortable and breezy.)

(This dress is from Elie Tahari, that I bought at the Saks 5th Avenue outlet years ago and have worn it at least a few times a season since. This color is timeless and the rope-like straps add a nautical element, which is perfect for summer -- again, super comfortable and easy to wear.)

Some Sandals

(These Michael Kors sandals have taken me through more than one season and have proven to be comfortable enough to wear during the day and are easy-to-match because of their camel color. Also, we love the cork wedge!)

Baubles and Bangles

(I am a recent fan of beaded bracelets - I have always preferred a variation of chains, but this season, different colored and patterned beads are easy to throw on and look just as polished as a mix of metals. These were a gift but are from Angela Moore.)

(I am obsessed with these bamboo-like bangles; they are flashy but subdued and were a wonderful gift from my grandmother. Needless to say, you can wear them all at once or break up the stack, depending on what else you have on. Accessories that mirror nature very "in" this season and I would highly recommend investing in a stack of wooden bangles, if you haven't already.)

Hi Loves,

This week, I have been lucky to be able to slow down a bit and have a few seconds of relaxation. What has made these moments all the better, is that this week's weather has been quite warm, allowing for no jacket to be worn and new sandals to be broken in. With this change in weather comes changes in wardrobe and thus "new" things coming out of your closet (yay)! Here are some of my favorite things to wear in the warm spring months; I love spring dresses, I love bangles, I love wedges, and I hope that you all have the chance to enjoy them as the summer months approach. Have a wonderful Thursday!

xoxo,

D

My Sincerest Apologies

If you haven't noticed already, I took last week off from blogging (so sorry to just be informing you), but the work that I had to do was immense and overwhelming and left me no time to chat with you all. So this post is about catching up - here are some of my favorite moments of this past week(end), despite being a bit stressed.

The MET Gala

Where sparkling neutrals crowded the carpet and we all watched in awe...

(Blake Lively in ever-so-timeless Chanel)

(Gwyneth Paltrow in sleek Stella McCartney)

(Sarah Jessica Parker in a daring Alexander McQueen)

(Brooklyn Decker in a pop of pink by the perfected Michael Kors)

Good Eats

It is amazing the kind of delicious food you can find in the small state of RI...

(What I think is the yummiest Italian food anywhere, La Masseria in East Greenwich {also in NYC})

Pictures courtesy of people.com and La Masseria

The Happiest Mother's Day

I was blessed enough to have spent this special day honoring, not only my mother, but my lovely grandmothers, aunts, and cousins too. All of whom are wonderful mother's and who I feel exceedingly lucky about having in my life. A belated cheers to all of the mother's who have and will continue to love and support their children - you are so appreciated.

Hi My Dolls,

Last week was busy, to say the very least! My trip to Chicago (though perfect) , set me back a bit and in returning to RI, I found myself with what felt like triple the work that I had left behind. Despite the week being hectic, it is now over and things are beginning to wind down (but only by a really small fraction of a bit) and summer is steadily approaching..YAY! I hope you all had a wonderful, non-stressful, sunny week and weekend and got to celebrate your mother as was fitting. Have the loveliest Tuesday and please check back for more posts this week, as I promise I am back on track!

xoxo,

D

Wild Weekend: Chicago

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visitng Chicago for the first time and it was wonderful. Here are a few of my favorite things...

The Magnificent Mile

(Because, where else do my three favorite places exist on one block?)

Sunshine and a Breeze

(The perfect excuse to wear a leather jacket {this one is one that I bought in Florence, and though it left me almost broke, it always makes me happy. My jeans are GAP, my shoes RL, silk top is from my grandmother and my necklaces were both gifts.})

 The Most Beautiful

(There are countless churches in Chicago, all of which are magnificent in their own unique ways. The architecture in this windy city is so detailed and rich in history; I love the metropolitan feel of Chicago, and the fact that it hasn't lost any historical value.)

And Breathtaking

(I'm a total city girl and with a skyline like this, Chicago has me sold as a favorite.)

Hi my lovelies,
Well, this weekend was amazing, not only did we stay with the best host/tour guide/lovely person in the whole city of Chicago, but he also took us absolutely everywhere there is to go. Amongst these many places were some amazing eateries; we flew in on Thursday evening and were taken to this wonderful, family style, Italian restaurant called Tufano's. The next afternoon we ate lunch at RL (which belongs to Ralph Lauren, with the intent that his customer's would have a place to dine after the shop), and that night we were off to Gibson's (a famous steakhouse in the heart of the city) - needless to say that everything was superbly delicious. Unfortunately, there was some business to get down to, so I didn't have too much time to shop, but browsing proved to be just enough, seeing as though the Magnificent Mile is ah-mazing. A great thanks to our host and I hope that you all, if you haven't already, take a trip to Chicago at some point in time because it truly is one of my new favorite places. Have a great Monday!

xoxo,
D

This is How We Do It: Packing

This weekend, I'm jetting off to Chicago (so excited!), but packing is one of the very few things in life that I actually dread doing. I am always trying to be one step ahead of the game and thus, prepared for anything...this is the recipe for an over 50lb suitcase(s). For this trip however, especially  since it is only from Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, I tried my very hardest to pack all the things that I need, without allowing myself to go overboard.

Phase One: Make a List

Packing lists are my favorite part of packing; it is much less stress to know that I can visually see and check off items as I take them out of my closet and put them into my suitcase(s). A list can be as quickly done or as extensive as you have the patience for (mine are usually pretty thorough), as long as you are writing to help you remember. Keep a pen handy so that you can cross off, add, and star really important things on your list, as I promise it will not only help you to not forget, it also will save you time

Phase Two: Make a Mess

(Before I actually  begin to put thing into piles even, I take what I can picture myself wearing, depending on the trip, out of my closet and hang items on knobs, drawer handles, etc. so that I can see exactly what I have. Then it is all about process of elimination i.e. you pull 5 dresses that you can see yourself potentially wearing, but you only need 2...now you have options!)

Phase Three: Make Piles

(I am a non-wrinkle freak, to the point that I asked for a steamer for Christmas (go ahead, you can laugh). But really, there is nothing worse than getting to a beautiful hotel, unpacking, and realizing that the blazer you planned on wearing to dinner got creased in your suitcase. This said, the most brilliant person in the Universe  invented the hanging clothes bag: put all items that even have the potential to be ruined by wrinkles on hangars, in a hanging bag so, not only will your things remain crisp, but you will also be able to easily hang them in any closet. The rest of your things should be folded: group like items and make piles i.e. all sweaters in one pile and all pants in the other.)

Phase Four: Make Friends...with your Suitcase

(It is important to be well acquainted with your suitcase (which sounds silly, but just trust me). Knowing how many pockets, zippers, quirks, and space that your suitcase has is a must - this one is from Nautica and has near millions of pockets (for things like socks and undergarments). Also, do yourself a favor and always buy black; let me just remind you, those conveyor belts are full of dirt and filth, just waiting to be picked up by your pink suitcase. Afraid to get mixed up with someone else's? Get an information tag! Also, I know that everyone always says to roll things up to create more space, but rolling items is going to ruin them - fold the things that you want looking perfect and, if you must, roll things like your sweatshirt.)

Hi Dolls,

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and if you are headed somewhere fabulous, can use these tips on how to pack. More on what to pack soon - enjoy some downtime and the sunny weather!

xoxo,

D

The Glamorous Life

Today, my sister and I were lucky enough be "models" for the afternoon. She is an absolute natural, both the camera and photographer loved her, which is no surprise...me on the other hand, we'll use the term "model" very loosely. Nevertheless, we had a great time and got to help our aunt/jewelry designer/creative genius shoot some jewelry (all are her designs:JLRicci Jewelry) for her website. Here are some behind the scenes shots!

(My aunt's studio is amazing and has a very open and bright, but sill intimate feel. She is a world traveler and brings back not only jewelry inspiration, but also, what look like professionally taken photos. Walking around the space, you feel as if you have walked around the world in a matter of seconds - the studio is brilliant and breathtaking.

(It is every girl's dream to be adorned by an assortment of jewels...well, it is definitely mine anyway. And today I was so privileged in being able to wear some truly magnificent pieces from an array of my aunt's around-the-world collections.)

(This is my sister, being styled to my aunt's liking - her most recent endeavor? A line of leather belts with interchangeable buckles - perfection!)

(Testing the light with the photographer, my sister patiently waits... oh the tough life of a beautiful model such as she.)

(This is my aunt's dog, Aggie, she hung around for the whole shoot, waiting for her closeup.)

Hi Lovies,

As said before, my sister and I got to play dress up with beautiful jewelry this afternoon, which was amazing. I've got to say however, that I don't see modeling anywhere in my near future (I break into fits of laughter, mid shot), but my sister and Aggie (the dog) look to have promising careers. My aunt Jess is a journalist, turned jewelry designer, who literally travels the world i.e. Tanzania, Rome, India, etc. scouring for the perfect treasures at flea markets around the globe. When back in her studio, she casts the pieces found in each country and creates a collection. As you may have noticed, her jewelry is always featured on my blog, as I am a loyal JLRicci Jewelry wearer due to each piece's versatility, comfort, and the ability to mix and match with anything and everything. My aunt is super creative and I am so blessed to have such a mentor - check out her website http://jessicariccijewelry.com/ to check out some of her lovely pieces, but consider yourself warned, you may find that you "need" lots of things! Thanks again to our perfect aunt Jess, for such a wonderful opportunity - we love you and think that you and your jewelry are amazing!

xoxo,

D

Reader Appreciation: She's Got it Goin' on

I could not have been more happy to see one of my most loyal followers, Ava, dressed in an outfit that she put together after seeing my post on this season's in-style denim. It was the first of (hopefully) many sunny, spring days and my mood was only lifted when I saw exactly what this reader was wearing - she looked/is adorable! Check out how she was able to take inspiration from my blog and translate it into an outfit that she had in her closet....

The Accessories

(A lovely assortment of bangles; the mixture of texture and detail is perfectly mismatched...plus, she has some sparkle.)

(Okay, first of all, could this ring be anymore gorgeous? And second of all, it is the perfect compliment to her lovely bangles as its simplistic detail is elegant and subdued, while still making a statement.)

(I am obsessed with this belt! I love the big buckle, the mirrored metal, and of course the designer. The black leather gives this silver buckle an anchor - even the engraving is perfect, but do we expect anything less of PRADA?)

The Final Look

(I told you she looked chic! I absolutely love the cut of her jeans, the dramatic flare is perfectly complementary to those amazing platform sandals. Also, a white button down really is timeless and as you can see her, goes great with anything.)

All items shown are owned by my dear friend Ava and are straight from her closet.

Hi Everyone,

As you can see, today is a very special post - one that I have been waiting for the perfect time to publish and what is better than some midweek inspiration? So, let's talk about Ava; first of all, she is amazing - as the CEO and founder of Ava Anderson non toxic (http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/), I am proud to call this little miss entrepreneur a friend. Other than being brilliant, this girl is fashion forward and is not afraid of taking risks (oh, we love it)! When she showed up the other day in her streamlined, but still airy outfit, everyone was blown away. I was so beyond pleased to know that my posts are actually making people think about how they can put together fresh, new outfits with items that they have in their very own closets...no crazy mall lines necessary. I so appreciate Ava's support, as she has been a follower from day one and I continue to thank her for being so savvy and stylish - wishing her all the best in future endeavors - us girls gotta stick together!

xoxo,

D

The Bare Essentials: Summer Scarves

We all know that scarves are essentials come fall and winter, but the right scarf can transition through the colder months and into the warmer ones. Here are some of my favorite spring and summer scarf looks and how to make them work with your wardrobe.

Light as a  Feather

(Love Quotes scarves are the best - they are light, come in great colors, and are long/wide enough to be worn in a multitude of ways. This one I bought at Michael Hayes and was happily surprised to find out that this lovely peach color matches with most everything. {the cream colored top is from GAP})

Spring Ahead

(This scarf can be worn all year long, because it is the perfect weight - thick enough to keep you warm, but light enough to feel a breeze. This one is from GAP {the silk top is BCBG} and is square shaped so it is easiest to fold it into a triangle, lay the large point facing downward on your chest, and pull the two ends around your neck.)

European Elegance

(A black scarf is so necessary for all seasons, all occasions, and all outfits. Wear it as a wrap or in a loop - believe me you need one! This one is simple and from GAP{striped top from Old Navy} and is perfect for travel and everything else...love it!)

For the Love of Silk

(There is nothing more 1940's-50's chic than a silk scarf. If you can pull it off, tied around your head or neck, more power to you - I however, prefer to simply tie it around a bag - there is nothing more graceful than a silk scarf trailing you on a sunny day...sorry to sound so cliched. {The bag is Michael Kors and the scarf was my mother's})

Hello My Lovelies,

I hope that your week is off to a great start and that your Monday wasn't too terrible. Now the subject of scarves: they're easy to wear in the winter, but often got lost or put in storage when spring and summer roll around, however, they are fabulous accessories for any weather and can easily be thrown over just about anything. Aside from having the potential to add a pop of color, scarves travel well; they don't wrinkle, they keep you comfy and cozy, and they make an outfit look put together in seconds. With a scarf, it is always nice to pull your hair up to avoid too much chaos around your face and to wear an otherwise simplistic outfit, I love an all white outfit with a colored scarf, for a breezy look. Remember that scarves don't have to look perfect and that they can be tied, twisted, and looped into any form you please, so get creative. Have a wonderful Tuesday and enjoy the newly warm weather, it is heavenly!

xoxo,

D 

The Weekend in Pictures: Happy Easter

This weekend was wonderful: my family and I went to Newport to celebrate Easter and spent the weekend laughing, lounging, and eating  much to much delicious food. Hope you enjoyed your weekend as well, no matter how you spent it!

Some Things That I So Enjoyed

(I debuted my white Michael Kors watch, which means that it finally feels enough like spring to be wearing white! Or at least it felt that  way on Sunday.)

(I was able to work at my beloved boutique, which made me even more anxious to get down to Newport  this summer.)

(The best waffles in town, maybe even the world, to end the day.)

Two Unbelievably Handsome Boys - both in their Sunday Best - even yummier than the waffles.)

Hi Dolls,

I hope you had the best weekend, even if it flew by, mine sure did! I love Easter for many reasons; I love candy and Easter egg hunts, I love Sunday morning mass, and I love being with my family - especially in Newport where we have so many memories. As you can see, the day was wonderful, full of fabulous spring accessories, good eats, and baby blazers. I'm looking forward to a great week of posts - keep checking in! Have an awesome Monday and start your week off right, the weather is looking glorious, so enjoy!

xoxo,

D

The Ladies I Love and the Things that They Wear

The Best Way to do Comfy...With Embellishments, of Course

My cousin (lets call her R) is one of my favorite people on this planet; her heart is so, overwhelmingly big and she is extremely thoughtful. A girl as savvy as she is must be well put together, and this girl never disappoints - see how she manages to look relaxed, cool, and still polished.

(This beautiful bracelet was given to my cousin as a gift and has made regular appearances on her wrist since.)

(She is usually found wearing either silver hoops or small studs - these are a gift as well.) 

(These cool bangles from Nordstrom are great when stacked with other bracelets or worn alone.)

(This necklace is selfishly my favorite piece that my cousin owns ...simply because I bought it for her as a birthday gift. We are both Scorpios (born almost exactly two years apart), so I was thrilled to have found this at Ross Simons.)



The Final Look

(This sequined top is from Ann Taylor Loft (we are always finding great tops/sweaters there) , her jeans are GAP, and her navy shoes are Tom's, for all jewelry see above.)

Hi Everyone,

As you know, the women in my life are quite important to me and are all so amazing - they can handle anything and everything. My cousin is the perfect example of this; she is super smart, she sings, she's an athlete, and she does it all without the slightest complaint and with a never-fading smile. I love this girl to death and was so excited that she allowed me to use her as a stylish example in my "Ladies I Love" post. For such a busy girl, she has mastered putting together outfits that take her from early mornings to late evenings and everything in between. And doesn't she look so cute? Thanks R, for your adorable outfits and your consistent smile - you brighten the days of many! Happy Easter Weekend readers, again, so thankful for your support!

xoxo,

D 

This is How We Do it- The Highest of Heels

If you know me at all, you know that am a loyal and devoted wearer of all high shoes: wedges? love 'em! stack heel? my kind of comfort. skinny stiletto? count me in! Here are a few tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to wearing sky high heels - pain doesn't have to be beauty!

(A lovely pair of black patent leather heels from Bebe - I'm absolutely in love with the cork heel, it transitions so well from season to season. These shoes are quite high, but they have a really thick platform, so the heel isn't exactly as wobbly as they seem.)

(Not only is this the best color shoe, as it goes with literally everything, but it was also inexpensive and is a wedge heel (wedges are actually doctor recommend and are better for your foot than flats...seriously). They are from GoMax and are sadly almost on their last leg, but were a great purchase.)

My Saving Graces

(I am obsessed with Footpetals and Dr. Scholl's for her - best making-shoes-comfortable invention ever - you will be amazed at how much difference a small foam or gel cushion can make. These make it possible to wear heels all day and not be limping home later that night.)

(A visible band-aid can ruin the look of a shoe; they are often the wrong match for one's skin tone and leave an outline of sticky glue. I highly recommend liquid band-aids, this actually works and it is easy to apply. My other obsession is blister block, it is basically a glue stick for your feet and spreads on a thin barrier between your foot at your shoe to prevent any sort of uncomfortable friction. Both items can be bought at your local drugstore and are well worth the few dollars you spend.)

Hi Dolls,

I am so happy to be back, I quite missed my daily posts and hearing your feedback! Today we conquer the high-heel - definitely my favorite accessory, they have become my signature look and I am proud to say that I rarely ever complain about how high or how uncomfortable a shoe is (but that is only because I've learned a few things along the way). The first thing to look for in a pair of heels is a thick platform, this makes a shoe more comfortable and easier to walk in. Also, make sure to really break in a new pair of shoes by wearing them for only a few hours at a time, until they feel good enough to wear for an entire day. And finally, the best shoe advice I've ever heard...change shoes midway through the day! Sounds like old news to most of you, but I don't mean change from heels to flats, I mean bring two high-heeled options to match an outfit and switch midday - I promise that your feet will be comfortable and feel as though you have switched into a pair of relieving flats, just without the height difference. Thanks so much again for remaining loyal readers, you guys are the best - have a great Thursday! 

xoxo,

D