Your Spring Closet Clean Out

Investment Piece: Your Spring Closet Clean Out

Are you using this time at home to clean out your closet? If so, I’m impressed! It’s not that I don’t want to clean out my closet. I’m a huge fan of that! See: here, here, here, and here. And that’s just for starters. There’s something about a clean closet- knowing what you need, having everything organized, and getting rid of things that no longer fit your stories is both freeing and exciting!

But. Right now, a huge closet clean out just seems so overwhelming. I keep telling myself that I’m going to start a massive Cleanout and reorganization. But it hasn’t happened yet. What has happened? I did a brief Cleanout right before all the Stay at Home orders started (yes, years ago!). And while I had planned to sort and sell and donate those clothes, I didn’t get to it before I needed to be at home. So, this time I’m determined to do a proper spring closet clean out! I’m seeing what I might be able to donate, sell, and if there are a few things that could be added to those get rid of piles! While we’re apart, most places are accepting donations (check with your local companies. This is varying city to city). And if you have things to sell, my recommendation is Ashley at TheRealReal (Ashley.rochestie@therealreal.com. Make sure to tell her I sent you!) She will set you up and get your things online, all while you stay safe at home!

I know you must be sick of hearing me say this, but I truly believe that our clothes and fashions help tell our stories. And our stories are our masterpieces, and so we edit them. I’m going to try and use this time to edit- to get rid of things that no longer tell stories I love (and clothes that just don’t fit right) and making room for things and stories I love. What about you?

Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Getting Pinched

a woman in a green turban and a green and white silk jacket and dress

I know today is a “holiday” and a day a lot of people use as an excuse to cut a little loose. I get it, truly I do. To me? Today is about pinches- or avoiding them. The family story my family is sick of hearing about?

The one where my sister pinched me.

When I was 8?9? I had strep throat- awful- on St Patrick’s Day. Strep throat was an illness was I dealt with on a yearly basis, and it always took me down, in a horrific fashion. I am also one of those that has never run high fever, 99 is high for me. But, strep made me super ill, event without a high fever. So, I had been sent home from school- super sick, and as strep was the thing that I always got my mom could tell what it was and got me to the dr right away for a diagnosis and some meds. Even as a kid I loved to dress to a theme, and would usually wear green on St Patrick’s Day (the childhood celebration of it!). However, being sick and needing comfort I wore one of my fave, comfort outfits at the time- a white sweatshirt with a teddy bear on it and a white ribbed skirt with keds. No green.

Coming home from the doctor my sister and I were sitting in the back seat- again we were kids! And noticing that I wasn’t wearing green my sister pinched me. This may seem a bit innocent, a thing that sisters do-but the thing is my sister has a prosthetic arm. She was born without her left arm (and is a total rock star and was HomeComing Queen!) and at the time had a myroelectric arm –and pinches were not subtle. They hurt! And were hard! I remember being so upset, here I was feeling awful with my throat on fire, and I get pinched. Hard. And my sister laughed.

I tell this story so much my family gets sick of it. What it changed for me? Every year on St Patrick’s Day I make SURE I wear green. Sometimes big green, sometimes subtle green, but always green. I’m making it my mission to not get pinched again!

Do you wear green today? And do you pinch those that don’t? Weirdly, I’ve never been one to pinch- perhaps my own experience has made me a bit more understanding! However you “celebrate” and whatever you’re wearing , I hope today is fantastic!

Wishing us all a day of no pinches and amazing shoes! XO RA

Wear it Again

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules
a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules
a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Yes, I often get asked if I rewear pieces from my closet (see here, here, and here for starters). And yes- the answer is yes. While I am such a fan of party dresses (and sometimes they are a one and down situation- or at least a more narrow styling field), I am also a big believer that any investment piece (wink, wink) is a piece you can not only style in so many ways, but one you reach for over and over again- through years and seasons.

Perhaps that is a long winded way to say that you have seen these pieces before! Some of them from years ago!

Gold Jeans that feel like a party: Here. Yes, they are “new” aka within the year- but they are (exactly linked below) but from winter. Metallics and holiday parties seem to go together. Yet, gold is also for spring. Gold can be a neutral– and yet I love the blue with it!
Blue Bustier: Here. From when we were a baby blog! As you can see! I have had this top for almost 10 years (which feels insane to say!). It still feels as fresh as it did then.
Shoes: I know I have worn them- again, about 10 years ago I wore these to my birthday party when I walked from my apartment to the venue and I have never had such horrid blisters! Luckily, they have been broken in since then!

Pieces from the past-recent or distant. And yet, each of these I have reached for over and over again. Absolutely what your closet needs? A wear again (and again) piece!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules
a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules
a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

There is not a premise formula for a wear again piece. All of our lives/jobs/taste are so different. A wear again may range from perfect fitting jeans to suits to day dresses to party dresses. For me, what I look for in a wear again piece is something I can not only style in a million ways, but style immediately with more than one piece in my closet.

Other things I look for in a wear again?
-Durability (aka can I wash it on repeat)
-Statements that can also be neutrals (perhaps a personal style thing)
-Classics that feel fresh (aka jeans that happen to be gold!)

What pieces do you wear over and over again? What piece are you looking to add to your closet that you hope and or plan to reach for over and over again?

I’ve linked these exact jeans (they do crease a bit but fit TTS) and similar options for bustier and heels below! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Make-Up Update

There are so many reasons why I don’t do make-up tutorials/feature a ton of beauty content.

a woman in a grey corset and plaid pants and brown platfroms

1. There are so so many GREAT accounts to follow for that–I am not one. In fact, there are times when I have turned to YouTube, IG, etc for a great tutorial
2. My main philosophy is great skin care is makeup (and below I’ll be sharing some of my new faves). But I’ve never really loved the look of foundation (especially heavy foundation) on my skin. I would rather have great skin and minimal makeup. Also? I really miss my eyelash extensions from years ago (and side note I’m looking into a lash lift and tint!)
3. If I’m not great at makeup I feel odd telling you what to me. My go to? A red lip. It will never steer you wrong- but I know there is more to makeup.

SO. Completely understanding that big makeup looks (even when I love them!) are not my specialty, and yet loving make-up- especially my go to’s , I’m doing an update of all the skincare (as it’s really my makeup) and makeup that I’m loving now. Yes, these are more natural looks. Yes, they go great with a big lash and a red lip. But. They are so adaptable and you can make them your own! I hope that you love them as much as I do!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a barefaced woman with hair in a bun with the remains of a red lip

As mentioned above, my best make-up trick and update is great skin. I’m always into trying out anything that will make my skin better. In fact, the more I get my skin into a place I love it and feel comfortable bare faced, the more I love it!

One line I’m absolutely in love with? Sisley! Especially their rose oil. It’s hydrating, anti-aging and alone or under makeup gives me a great glow. They also have a mask and eye cream that are worth your attention!

Shop my Sisley picks:

a close up of Il Milkage primer and Saturday Skin mask
Being really into skin care makes me susceptible to all ads– and yet there are times when I find products I really love! Case in point? Il Milkage- I know their ads are everywhere- but this primer with collagen is making my skin look younger and leaves me poreless. This Saturday Skin Sleeping Mask? Put it on and go to bed, wake up looking glowy. What else could be better?

You can shop both of these products here

a look at Surratt eye glows and blush

And of course, it wouldn’t be a makeup update without some actual makeup! A new to me brand that’s become my fave? Surratt. They have oh-so many dreamy products but my faves are the above vaseline (my grandma’s secret weapon!) based eye shadows and blushes. Buildable. Blendable. So dewy and natural looking! They look great over your skin (or a primer or foundation!)

Shop my faves here

What products- from skin care to makeup – are you loving right now? And what’s your go-to makeup routine? Skin care? I would love to hear about it all!

XO RA

Dots and Dates

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals
a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals
a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals
a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals
a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Ever have a day where – even if your calendar is empty- you just have to get dressed? Know those days when you just have to get out of the house- even for a bit, even for an errand or a self date?

And then there are those times when the desperate need to get dressed and the urge to get out coincide. For me, this was one of those days (ok, not today today, but this is about that day!). My go to? A great maxi skirt with my favorite print (the polka dot!) I can’t help but feel good in them. Paired with a bit of a corset top and a belt and my new fave sandals- I have to tell you I felt fantastic. If you have to get dressed (for events or from your own feelings), there is nothing better than putting on an outfit that makes you feel great. A favorite pattern. The shoes you love. Shapes that flatter you. Could you ask for more?

As for dates– do you love self dates? I do! One of my favorite things to do, when my schedule is free, is take myself to a matinee on a random weekday. But happy hours, lunches, shopping – when you can just be with yourself and enjoy your company? It’s a hard thing to get to, but oh so worth it. Sometimes, when I just need to get out of the house, I take myself for a coffee. Or to stroll. Or just go sit somewhere and read. I love my friends and family and the people who make my life so rich- but there is occasionally something about spending some time alone that is just so needed and so sweet.

Doing a self date in an outfit that makes me happy and feel like me? Perhaps that’s where I should really say that we can’t ask for more!

What do you wear when you need to get dressed? Need to feel as if you put on something that mattered or felt like you? How do you spend your time when you need time alone or a date with yourself? I would love to hear all about both of these things!

This skirt is vintage and this top is years old- but I’ve linked similar options for you below– I wish you have the best outfit and best time along this week! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

And you can get these exact (and Current fave shoes) here

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Sunday Chronicles: Spring Forward

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

When you woke up this morning there’s a good chance you lost an hour of sleep (if you live in the States and if you’re not in AZ. If you don’t meet those criteria, know I’m jealous of you). Daylight Saving Time (where we spring forward in the spring and fall back in the fall to try to “control” time) is not my favorite. In a week, I will love that the days seem longer and that I have more sunlight. However, right now, waking up with it being an hour earlier, and no way for me to explain all that to my cat, I’m tired.

Actually, most of us who are under Spring Forward, or Daylight Saving Time are tired. Did you know heart attacks increase during the week following the spring forward? I find that to be crazy. But, I’m not going to argue any case against who we tell time, or whether or not we should keep Daylight Saving or get rid of that- that’s above my fashion grade.

What I would like to talk about? All the things I plan on doing with my “extra” hour of sunlight. I have to spring forward, I might as well enjoy it!

Investment Piece: into joy
I plan on working in the backyard, pulling out my pool, and getting in the water. Happy hour with my feet in a pool? Sounds amazing! Eating outside in the brief time before it gets too hot? Count me in. Evening walks, reading outside, if it involves using my extra hour to be in the sun, I’m interested.

Also see: Clean the patio, clean out the garage, and get the house spring ready. AKA spring clean.

Investment Piece: Lounge Luxe

Besides the time- it feels like the year has sprung forward. It’s getting hot (not warm, hot!) where I am, and while that makes me scared for the summer, though we are supposed to have a “cold” front this week which I am now excited for. The heat makes it feel as if my wardrobe- from what I’m wearing to my wishlist- is springing forward. I’m in summer clothes, and I love it, but at the moment it feels fast. Time, not the clock, but time itself feels as if it’s gone a bit forward. The beginning of the year felt a bit slow, and all of a sudden things feel fast and busy. That could be a sign I need to adjust my personal schedule and routine, but it could also just be the season. (Most likely a combination of both!) Perhaps the best use of my new hour of daylight is to find ways to adjust to all the springing forward everything is doing!

This also means part of my “new hour” will be spent cleaning out my closet, making adjustments to my wardrobe (selling or buying or both!), and again- spring cleaning- entering the new season 100% as ready as I can be. Even if a “new hour” means I’m extra tired.

Do you spring forward? How are you dealing with losing an hour of sleep? What are you looking forward to doing with your extra hour? I hope that if you sprang forward, that today was easy on you!
Wishing us all a week of daylight and amazing shoes! XO RA

Everything Dress

a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers
a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers
a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers
a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers
a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers
a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers

With so much of fashion being “day to night” (or perhaps that was just Cosmo when I was growing up!) or a dress that “does it all”, feeling that you should have an outfit-or dress- that does everything can feel pressing. And yet. Can anything really do it all? There is so much out there and expecting one dress to meet every need- from errands to work to brunch to cocktails to galas to big events- seems like a big ask. However, I can’t help but look for an “everything” dress everywhere.

I don’t know that we will ever find a dress that can truly go from work to errands to dinner to galas–but I may have found a dress that will take you from work to errands to cocktails/dinner (with a quick change of shoes and maybe makeup- just like Cosmo foretold!). This jersey dress is absolutely a run around dress- errands, work, etc. With heels it absolutely works for cocktails and dinner. The slight cut out can be seen as an interesting detail or a sophisticated twist. The button skirt? A Bit casual. OR a bit dressy. The options here are anything and everything!

While I am aware that I may never find a dress that does it all, I love this one. It’s everything I need right now, and can do everything I need. Can you ask for more?

I am so in love with this dress, you can shop the exact one (yes, this is an affiliate link and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support!

a woman in red pants, black heels and a white shirt that says in black "We Should All be Feminists"

Yet- I couldn’t end the post here! It’s International Women’s Day and I couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you how much I love being a woman. How much I believe in us. How I’m glad you’re here and how much room I think is at the table. Yes, this day could be cliche and just passing, the strongest people I know have been women. The people I have known most willing to fight for others have been women. And for so much of the time, the women doing that have done it back wards and in high heels. I think women deserve the world and I can’t wait to see us get it. Thank you for celebrating just a bit with me!

Whether you’re doing everything or nothing today I hope you have a great dress for that– and that today makes you walk a little taller! XO RA

Are Pedal Pushers a Thing We’re Doing?

a woman in black capri pedal pushers and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels

There are some trends that come and go and then some trends that truly never leave us- but have recurrences in popularity. Case in point? Pedal Pushers. Or Capris. Really- both! (Note: Usually pedal pushers are just a bit more short, usually hitting right at the knee, while capris can hit anywhere on the calf!) If you listen to my mom, and countless other women, these types of pants (the pedal pushers and the capris) have been staples for decades. And yet- if you look around pedal pushers are everywhere this season- looking brand new.

So, are pedal pushers a thing we are doing? Or a thing we’re still doing?
Very clearly, my answer is yes.

a woman in black pedal pushers with a silk scarf top and black heels

Part of why I love the pedal pusher/capri look is that it is incredibly versatile!

(And very pro tip- if this length is new to you and you’re curious so many work out leggings come in these lengths. Buy those first. Play with them- these are actually work out “leggings” that I played with while having a great pair of pedal pushers in a cart!)

From Gym:
a woman in black workout capri leggings with leopard sneakers and a white tee

To cocktails. And everything in between. My mom has been doing pedal pushers for a while. Me? For years I put this length of pant in the “workout” file. Slowly, I’ve begun easing out of just workouts (though they look great with kicks and a tee), and have begun pairing my pedal pushers with everything from causal sweaters to cocktail tops (and heels!). I love that not only can a pedal pusher go from day to night but also from a work out to whatever your day brings!

a woman in black workout capris and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels
While I love them, here are my tips for the best/chicest pedal pusher looks:
-Play Causal first. Tees. Sweaters. Though I do love a blazer with them (see here) See what you love. See what feels natural to you. And yet- because you can go from sports bra to cocktail look, try pairing all the things with your pedal pushers. Go to’s for me? Sweater Vests. Blazers. Tees. Button Downs. Silk Tops and Going Out Tops

-Shorter is better. For the capri/pedal pusher. A few years ago I would have told you that a capri closer to a legging was more comfortable to me, yet now- I’m loving a true pedal pusher (aka to my knee!) It’s chic. You can pair with anything. And makes your leg look a bit longer

-Heels may ne nest if you’re worried about the length. Even just a kitten heel will length your leg – or the appearance of your leg- which can help you feel confident! The great thing about a pedal pusher is that they are both modern and yet have a vintage feel. And that duality is so delicious- and lets you style as you love.

From the gym to drinks, pedal pushers (not new but something we are now doing) I can’t resist reaching for these over and over again! Are you going pedal pushers? How do you stay them? I would love to hear about it!

XO RA
Below I’m linking these looks as well as my current fave pedal pushers! I can wait to see how you wear them!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While That does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Shop pedal pushers here

Shop cocktail look here

Shop sweater vest look here

a woman in black pedal pushers and a silk handkerchief blouse and black heels

Waiting On Spring

a woman in a white vest with a red flower brooch with denim and white chino mix pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino  mix pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral brooch with white and denim chino mix  pants with white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral brooch with white and denim chino mix  pants with white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral brooch with white and denim chino mix  pants with white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral brooch with white and denim chino mix  pants with white heels

It feels a bit early and yet not early enough (as the the temps are a risings). AKA we are waiting on spring. And yet- I can’t stop myself from dressing for it. Spring that is. This white vest is such a versatile piece – it can be styled in oh so many ways. But speaks to the seasons to come. This floral brooch? I know florals for spring are so boring. And typical. And expected. But would they be in this shade and in this pin (which can be placed anywhere -aka could be actually groundbreaking!) Jeans (which run TTS even though they say rigid ) that have a bit of white. Ivory? We have previously chatted if we should wear white pants before the holidays here and here. And we won’t even go into wearing white (from shoes to pants, et al) before Easter. Or Memorial Day. And the divisions that lay there within. This is simply an outfit that skirts all the “no’s” and yet feels on the precipice of change.

AKA a new season. And for our purposes that means weather, earth, and of course fashion!

a woman in a white vest with a red floral brooch and white and denim split pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest with a red floral brooch and white and denim split pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest with a red floral brooch and white and denim split pants and white heels

There are so many theories about change and choosing but one of my most faves is just to trust that your choice (no matter what that is) is the best and put all your energy into your new choice. A great way of saying to stop looking forward. A great way to say whilst waiting on spring you should dress like spring (aka see above).
Perhaps this is just a big way to say “if you build it, it will come”. And trust that goes for everything from fantastic seasons )or change that is needed) or fantastic outfits.

And for all of the above, perhaps we all just need a way to feel fanatic. And in season. And hopeful. (maybe white is a bit cliche here but when isn’t it? The floral brooch? Both a bit cliche and yet such a take on florals for spring- and who could ask for more?)

While we are waiting- or transitioning, because that’s what we’re really doing right? From seasons to various versions of ourselves? We are just dressing and hoping and waiting and working towards the best of us. And if it involves a great outfit in the meantime? Who are any of us to judge?

I’ve linked EXACT options for pants, vest, brooch for your below (and options on the shoes). What are you currently waiting on? And how are you passing the time?

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. The k you for your support!

Shop this look here

a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino  mix pants and white heels

Sunday Chronicles: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross

An upside and the downside of living in LA is that celebrities are everywhere! (They are just like us!)

And even though they become common place, there are just a few celebrities that I can’t help but Fangirling over. Tracee Ellis Ross is one of them. One of the best stories I have? Meeting Tracee in a SoulCycle bathroom and chatting about red lipstick. (I’m not sure of the exact science, but red lipstick does help. Everything.)

Investment Piece: Fan Girling Tracee Ellis Ross

At this point, you may be asking: why Fangirl over Tracee? I mean yes, she’s stunning, talented, an advocate for causes she believes in, does amazing things like lift other artists up:

Investment Piece: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee was the emcee of the AMAs and made a commitment to wearing designers of color and letting them have a platform.

Tracee’s Instagram is a glimpse into amazingly glam and couture moments and behind the scenes slices of life. There’s so much to love, and if you haven’t seen her TED talk yet, you need to get on that:

And I love this speech about having kids and the worth of being a woman:
Tracee Ellis Ross is the life coach we need.
She’s an endless inspiration for outfits and how to show up in life.

There are many, many reasons to be Fangirling over Tracee Ellis Ross. But, why do I?

Investment Piece: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a woman who is comfortable in her skin, and this alone makes her radiant. We give a lot of lip service to self care and self love, even I have written about it (here, here, and here). As we know, self love isn’t just face masks and a hashtag on Sunday’s. It can also mean saying no to things, saying yes to things, and choosing to treat yourself like someone with worth.

To me, Tracee shows how to do all that. Yes, a part of it is the glam fashion and the support of amazing causes. I don’t personally know her, and there could be an argument that any time we follow someone from afar that we’re only getting a curated view of their lives. Valid points. Yet, if this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tracee Ellis Ross’s life, I’m still a Fangirl. She’s the kind of woman I’d love to be: self assured, giving, funny, and real.

I also wouldn’t say no to this Gucci cape:
Investment Piece: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross
Just saying.

In the meantime, I’ll just work on being comfortable in my skin.

Wishing us all a week of happiness and amazing shoes! XO RA

Investment Piece: Fangirling  Tracee Ellis Ross