![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/263168896_103362585491331_4944294000086260342_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=p3NZ0Qgl32EAX_Z7VHB&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT_GR43GWepvdhkIIs10aoO1cQn2SlxbFwzflAcWcPkfLQ&oe=61F78777)
![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/262830447_336174891192956_5493474459147911630_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=CMSlsPNr5ZkAX9YC9QD&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT9e0vy3WrB0axeUDnorclW8k6ZI4YPIQV_porAsNQAqXQ&oe=61F72439)
![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/263374039_623476152402821_5484975529277392073_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=lpYBhRR4tvsAX8dTT1D&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT8ogcgrFT4fCeYA2gtLUq_JOyiz0gTPyNp4GbqAC8rwfA&oe=61F7E302)
![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/262848478_862263777783047_5723526032403387195_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=pGveQbPH3ZkAX_Orv3z&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT_yCmkqKxGIaCSYl-cP_e2p7JH2LhyzKDhcw9Yvzid-jA&oe=61F64D5A)
![an appreciation post for my two current favorite custom sneakers that i designed [swipe to see the nikes] thank you to all the brands who let my inner control freak thrive… i’ll happily give you an extra $40+ per pair to have them mY wAyYy. 11.8.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/254849749_418364346408400_1625082825413775637_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=MvHT1J_FOukAX_qyHID&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT-BwwxFKvwdtsupJ9vTRihaNTB27zQ55AVjAWEbP8autw&oe=61F60EF5)
![an appreciation post for my two current favorite custom sneakers that i designed [swipe to see the nikes] thank you to all the brands who let my inner control freak thrive… i’ll happily give you an extra $40+ per pair to have them mY wAyYy. 11.8.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253905268_6301977686543878_5025454833320300292_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=cVTCLwuFgxsAX_I9LUB&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT8BQg9J-R8LZNG3ZxHVlK-DpSkRVE0F3IgNokxJH5Vs8g&oe=61F6DD4A)
![an appreciation post for my two current favorite custom sneakers that i designed [swipe to see the nikes] thank you to all the brands who let my inner control freak thrive… i’ll happily give you an extra $40+ per pair to have them mY wAyYy. 11.8.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253689201_231504025741324_2215177583748309986_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=UV07oDCht9IAX9NyBff&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AT_QjmpBG_aZXGavM2VJSN1cQFR_D0mM7axvUVvlHyX6Aw&oe=61F6E790)
The further I find myself down the rabbit hole that is bohemian beachwear, the more I encounter amazing brands who cater to coastal gypsies like myself. One of the brands that I’ve discovered—and now can’t get enough of—is Island Tribe. They’re a Miami-based company specializing in bohemian bridal gowns as well as stunning kaftans & kimonos. Island Tribe speaks to me on another level because even though I’m already married, my favorite color to wear (and always will be) is white. I also happen to just generally be an over-the-top human. That is, I’m capable of justifying wearing a wedding gown to the grocery store. If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me “What are you all dressed up for?!” I’d have at least 6 bucks. My answer is easy though… this is just the type of human I am. The End. Get over it.
SHOP MY STYLE
Island Tribe Marrakesh Kaftan | Silk Cami Option 1 + Option 2 | White Cutoff Shorts Option 1 + Option 2 | Sunglasses Option 1 + Option 2 + Option 3 <–$20! | Sandals | Saddle Bag in love with this one! | Head Scarf Option 1 + Option 2 | Kate Davis Beaded Earrings [coming soon] |Kate Davis Calypso Cuff Ring |Kate Davis Sifting Stacking Bands | Kate Davis Orbit Stacking Band | Kate Davis Sandbar Necklace | Kate Davis Rocco Bracelet | Kate Davis Santana Cuff | Orange Bungalow Hammered Wishbone Rings
Most people think “swim suit cover” when they hear kaftan or kimono, but the truth is that they’re so much more than that. They’re the perfect breezy layer to throw over anything from distressed cutoffs to cocktail attire. Layers always add another element of detail to a look, so utilize a kaftan to elevate a simple ensemble. This added layer is also a fun way to add interest by mixing textures & patterns. If in doubt, just start by throwing one over a simple slip dress—you’ll be a kaftan/kimono queen in no time.
This summer, try ditching the cardigan & add a kaftan to your closet. I hope this gives you a little bohemian kimono inspo & make sure you check out Island Tribe‘s magical designs! As always, sending lots of tropical vibes your way!
Xx – Rachael
[Photography: Christine Michelle Photography]
