Dinner Date

(F21 top, Limited skirt, Aldo mirrored heels, UO necklace, Banana Republic earrings, Zara purse)

Between architecture studio + work, I have no social life. Nada. Zip. It's actually pretty pathetic.. Thank god my graduation is only 3 weeks away!! So going out to dinner is a way to get a way.. and a chance to dress up. :) I dusted off this skirt from Limited that I bought six years ago. I've only worn it once before at my housewarming party, which is full-circle because my bf and I just put it on the market to sell. We have a couple looking at it this weekend, so fingers crossed!

One of my best friends, Kelby Floyd, said I look 16 in this picture and I have to agree! I seriously laugh every time I see it now. But hey, at this age, I'll take anything. ;)

xx rk

Made in the Shade

The best part of my school's campus are the amazing oak trees that line our streets. The canopy of hanging branches offer an escape from the heat and my hectic schedule. Makes you want to curl up with a good book and hang out for a while.

(Arden B. max dressi, Club Monaco sweater, FCUK beaded necklace, Bebe floppy hat, Zara gladiator sandals)

I wore this maxi dress to school and layered it with a sweater. My studio is always ridiculously cold so you have to be prepared. Looking back at this outfit, I sort of look like a frumpy hobo, haha, but I still think it's cute comfortable!

Happy Easter weekend everyone! xx rk

MY CITY: My Starbucks Signature

So way back when, Refinery29.com, the ultimate go-to fashion website, threw a full-on contest in hopes to find the next big fashion blogger. Hundreds entered, including me.. and well.. I didn't make the cut. lol BUT after the finalists were announced, Refinery 29 offered me an opportunity to team with the mega brand Starbucks in promoting My Starbucks Signature. My task? Represent where I live from my point-of-view by listing four of my favorite hot spots around my city.

The Studio Swag Starbuck's promo ad is floating around Refinery29.com until the end of the week, 4/23. But you can also check it out here.

images: Refinery29.com

FASHION envi Interview

I feel so honored that EnviShoes.com showed STUDIO SWAG some blogger love! Recently the epic shoe site interviewed me for their fashion blog, FASHION Envi.

You can read more on that interview here.

image: Fashion Envi

M2: Recycling of the Architectural Office

New York studio Milev Architects have designed this range of jewelry and clothing made from rubber bands. Called M2, the line is part of the firm’s Recycling of the Architectural Office collection made from office stationary, which the designers think will become redundant due to the use of computers.

As we move further along into the information era, we make assumptions that the future is a paperless office. I'm not sure how much I agree that rubberbands will become obsolete. As much as we incorporate computer design into our projects, we still need to print out the drawings. The same as with an ipad, it won't replace a book. The physicality is very important for our senses.

I think the concept of reinterpreting the use of a material is much more interesting.. and fun! Fun for fun sake. These jewelry pieces are very unusual and pretty. I would wear these in a heart beat! The necklaces are currently sold at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

I love the framed art pieces as well.

images: Dezeen

Travel in Style

Phuong from Travel in Style was the winner of the UO mineral pendant from the Studio Swag Blog Birthday Giveaway back in January.

It has been a great addition to her style!

Thank you so much to Phuong + to everyone who entered!

(I loved the necklace so much, I couldn't resist, and bought one for myself too!)

I'm approaching 500 bloggers on bloglovin'.

I smell another giveaway coming soon.. ;)

images: Travel in Style

Another Place and Time

(F21 bodysuit + platforms, J Brand jeans, Vintage necklace, H&M faux fur wrap, Zara skinny belt, Topshop purse)

Stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic the other day, I turned down a side street in hopes to get home faster. It didn't happen... but the scenic route was well worth it! I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to see a stretch of countryside with a sea of yellow flowers and scattered cows grazing in the distance. It felt like an escape to another place and time, which ultimately inspired this outfit - a little nod to the 70's. The faux fur wrap doesn't make any sense, but works for some reason. Sometimes outfits just come together that way. What do you think?

If you follow my twitter, you'll remember my excitement when my big box of Forever21 goodies came in. Like most of you, I took advantage from the site the day that they were offering 100% of their proceeds to disaster relief in Japan. They raised over $2 million that day alone. So fantastic! More on that here.

PS. I found the motherload of lost emails in my spam box. Sorry if I haven't responded to your email, I promise I'm not a jerk! Will get back to everyone asap. :)

xx rk

House of Architects: Hat Collection

images: House of Architects, Coute Que Coute

Southern Pride

(UO Lucca Couture blazer, H&M linen top, Zara cropped pants, Cooperative wedges, NY&co. necklace, Michael Kors watch, Longchamp bag)

Taking a stroll through the French Quarter on a beautiful day. We munched on beignets, watched the street performers and took in some shopping. Days like this are hard to find around these parts, so you have to take full advantage of them when they come.

I never iron my linen shirts. Maybe it looks messy, but I think it adds a texture + seems more relaxed.

When I was little, I always wished I lived in New York City, anywhere but New Orleans. My father is originally from the Bronx, so when we would visit, I would dread coming back home to the South. It's funny how much you change as you get older, because with each year, I adore my city more and more and am so proud to be from where I am. Every time I see the St. Louis Cathedral, in the heart of the French Quarter, it grounds me back to my roots. It represents everything New Orleans to me and makes me oh so happy.

This past weekend, two of my dearest friends were married to each other inside the beloved cathedral. It was spectacular and such an honor to be invited.

Upon leaving the Cathedral, we were greeted by a brass band, and in true New Orleans fashion, we all second-lined to the reception on Royal Street - where we parade through the streets waiving white handkerchiefs in the air. It was truly a magical night + I wish them all the best!

A Look Back Down the Runway

Some of my favorite looks of NOLA Fashion Week

Coco Bourgeouisie

Amanda de Leon

Valera + Brooks

Sophomore

Leah Milana

Matthew Arthur Apparel Architecture

images: Lux Photographie