It’s always my pleasure to share with you ways that you can be fashionable, and yet give back. This month I’m thrilled to share with you LemLem, founded by model Liya Kebede. Beyond staples that are stunning and comfy, perfect for summer, LemLem was founded to support the women of Ethiopia. What does that mean for you? You can look amazing, and every piece you buy was hand woven by an artisan, paid for her trade, and part of the proceeds go to providing maternal care and economic empowerment for all women in Africa. Continue reading Fashion Gives Back: LemLem
Sometimes I shoot things and forget to share them. Not because I mean to, but because I get so wrapped up in sorts of things. This stunning Victor Costa dress is one of those things. I shot it, about a year ago, on my way on the door to a party. Its simple elegance, and the fact that it makes a statement while being super comfy, makes it a staple in my party rotation. The shoot was impromptu, and I always meant to re-shoot. I came across these photos while planning my January calendar, and realized that you deserve to see them (even as I think that they could be more “perfect”). So from the archives from me to you: here they are!
And from the archives: let’s chat 1970s fashion. Of all the eras, the 70s get a bad rep. With the extreme bell bottoms and crazy patterns and colors, I get that, there are some things that should stay in the archives. However, some of the 70s fashion is amazing. Some flares are meant to be worn with tees, platforms, maxi dresses, and some patterns are vital parts of any modern closet (thank you, 1970s!). Yes, when the 70s were bad, they were bad; but when they were good, they were good. The same is true for polyester. The trick? Keeping the good, and letting the bad stay in the archives.
Victor Costa? He’s fantastic and should be brought out of the archives at any given opportunity. Victor loved to dress women in “special” dresses, was known for making affordable verisions of designer clothes (yes, knockoffs), and his designs were classic and on trend at the same time. I love the collar on this dress, that neckline, and the length. It falls just amazing, and is always a hit at every party I wear it to. I get it, this is the part where I’m supposed to tell you this dress could be made casual, and yes, you could throw on some adidas with it. However, when we pull amazing things from the archives, why can’t we let them be what they are?
Not bad for being from the archives, right? It’s funny, every time I think about reshooting a look, and I mean a full look, not pieces of it, I always tell myself it’s because the look could be better. The pictures could be better. I could tell you abou the story better. What I’m learning is that fashion doesn’t have to be perfect to have an impact; and while I don’t know that I will ever be able to put aside my perfectionist tendencies completely, being a little imperfect isn’t always bad. Thank you for letting me share my archives with you!
I’ve picked some of my favorite 1970s inspired styles below, and if you ever come across a Victor Costa, I recommend you take it!
XO RA
Note: This site does contain affiliate links, and while that doesn’t affect price for you, I may recieve commission from them! Thanks for shopping!
By now, I’m sure that all of your social media feeds are full of the news. It’s detox season and from “dry January” to juicing to no sugar, everyone is giving up something. I’m no stranger to a detox (I’ve even written about it here and here and here. Juice is something I love, dry January is completely doable, and sugar can be given up. I believe in balance, and think that detox is a part of that.
However, this year I’ve been thinking a lot about detoxing and what needs to be cut, needs to be balanced, needs to be dealt with in my life. In the holiday season, it can be so easy to over-indulge, that the balance seems to be a detox. I know my body is ready to cut back on sugars, carbs, alcohol and get more sleep. But is going to extremes in our detox any better than going to extremes in our indulgences? I love the occasional glass of wine, and is that so bad? For research, I’ve been reading why dry January is good for you, Why Not to do Dry January, and for fun, The Champagne diet. My take-away? Do what works for you, but if the goal is moderation, maybe extreme measures aren’t the best.
My diet isn’t the only thing I’m thinking of detoxing. The new year means a fresh start and nothing says “new” like a good closet detox. I usually spend some time in January devoted to chatting about closet clean outs (see here, here, and here), and I’m getting the urge to purge again. However, this year I’m not only thinking of what to clean out, I’m thinking of what kind of wardrobe I want to build. I shop, a lot, and while I’m never going to be one to have a minimalist closet (I just love too many styles too much), I do want to be more mindful in what I curate. It’s like balance, but for designer shoes. This means that when I clean out, I’m going to be aware of what I put back in. Yes, I may take more time shopping, may be pickier with my choices, and may cut back on fast fashion; but if that gets me a great closet, is that a bad thing?
Can you tell that my goal with detox this year is to get to a state of balance? I’m thinking about what I want my relationships (with food and clothes, among other things) to be; and my goal is make choices that best serve the relationships I want. Yes, there may be a glass of wine and new shoes occasionally, we’re chatting detox, not giving things up entirely!
I’d love to know: what are your thoughts on detox? Are you cutting things out this month?
Wishing us all a week of balance and amazing shoes!
XO RA
Things I learned this week: We now name winter storms, there is such a thing as a winter hurricane, and there are people who may wake up today to over 12″ of snow. As a Southern Lady and LA baby, I don’t know how to wrap my head around that. This winter I got to see snow (I was like a 5yo about it) and it was cold for quite a stretch in TX. This is the most winter I’ve ever experienced. However, across the country it’s been down right frigid. Loves, it’s winter and it’s time we dress for it. Continue reading Winter Essentials
Can it really be a new year, new you if you don’t get new things? Asking for all of us. You may think that your chance to snag a deal is gone, but I’m here to reassure you that there is new left for everyone! In fact, I’ve picked my favorite ongoing New Years Sales and loves, there are $45 shoes available. Get to new, get to shopping!
Net-A-Porter
You can snag up to 70% at this New Year Sales, and your closet will thank you!
My picks:
Saks Fifth Avenue
Another New Years Sale with 70% off?! See, the universe wants you to have something new!
My picks:
Intermix
New Years Sales Number 3 at 70% off. At some point does this seem too good to be true?
My picks:
Stuart Weitzman
Stuart Weitzman makes some of the best boots I’ve ever owned, and in this New Years Sale you can get some at 50% off.
My picks:
Neiman Marcus
This last New Years Sale is another gift! Up to 70% off!
Hope you get to get everything you didn’t ask for at these New Years Sales! Happy Shopping!
XO RA
Here’s to another trip around the sun! We are so excited about the things coming, and all the fashion and stories we have to share with you! Enjoy tonight, be safe, and we’ll meet back here Wednesday! Let’s toast to 2018!!
Hi Loves! How was your holiday? Did you get everything you wanted? Did you get to rest? Are you stuck in this holiday week we here everything is blurry and you don’t know what time it is? I get that. I’ve enjoyed a great low key holiday with people I love; we return to our regularly scheduled programming next Wednesday (HOW ON EARTH IS IT 2018 ALREADY?!?), but I couldn’t resist sharing some of my fave holiday week sales with you! You know, just in case you needed to get yourself something as a reward for making it thus far!
Tell me everything: What you buy and what you’re up to!
Happy Shopping!
XO
Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale!
If you have the the week off there is no excuse not to shop this sale. If you’re having to work, I made picks for you. The moral of this holiday week? Shop the Nordstrom sale. My picks:
Designer Sales
Have something from a luxury designer on your list? You’re in luck! Moda Operandi and Forward are having huge sales this holiday week and your wish list item may be up to 70% off! Some of my picks:
Tory Burch
I’ve gotten some of my recent favorite things at Tory Burch, and this holiday week, the sale there is 60% off! Some of my favorite things, including this:
Shirt are in the sale, so hurry! (Note, this sale ends on 12/31, so time is a ticking!)
Here are my picks:
Saks
Need a more leisurely sale? Saks has 70% through mid-January (and I’m sure more things will be added!). So take your time, finish your wine, but shop these holiday week sales:
This and That
It seems like every retailer has a sale this week, so I’ve rounded up my top holiday week sales picks from all of them. (Or as many as I could get to!) Did I leave anything out?
My picks:
I hope your holiday week has been full of rest, love, and joy. I hope you got to get and give what you wanted, and I hope these holiday week sales picks fill the gaps!
XO RA
You can catch me until Wednesday on Pintrest and Instagram!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While I do recieve a small commission, the price to you is not affected! Thank you for your support!
Are you tired of hearing “Tis the Season”, yet? Tired of worrying about your to-do list, gift list, and getting everything done while remaining jolly? I hear you, it’s a tough order to do holiday for everyone you love and maintain a bit of sanity for yourself. My solution? Treat yourself! Not in the social media way, but in a tangible, you deserve a gift and love way! So, as we’ve chatted gifts for everyone in your life, let’s chat about you! I present my gift guide for you!
1. An Item You Love
If it’s something you’ve been saving for, or something you just desperately love, Tis the season to buy yourself a treat. I’m a big fan of getting yourself something big and exciting. (And, yes, that means you can save up for it! That’s exciting too!) Treat yo self is not a subject I’m afraid of, so let me state again: I love saving up for big ticket items and buying them for myself. The process itself is fun, and you get a big time you love. (While I can’t afford them yet, I’m currently saving for these.) However, this doesn’t only work for big ticket items. From a pair of jeans you’ve had to your eye on to a sweater to a new book, buy yourself something you love!
Some of my picks:
2. SkinCare
Nothing says “treat yourself” than actually treating yourself. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of SkinPrint and I can think of no better gift for you than the gift of healthy skin. I particularly love their eye deal, moisturizer, and exfoliatiants. Shop SkinPrint here.
3. A Day Off
A gift for you doesn’t always come with a bow. Maybe your gift for you comes in the form of time off, even if it’s just a few hours to enjoy yourself. A matinee, a few hours to read a book, an actual weekend away, give yourself the treat of time spent in a way you love, in a way that fills you. What does that mean to you?
Have I mentioned that I think gifts for you are important? At this time of year, and year round, it’s important to treat yourself like a loved one, because you are loved and you deserve it!
Happy Holidays!
XO RA
And if you’re looking to buy yourself a treat resale,try:
Time is a ticking! I’m hoping that you’re done (or close to done) with your shopping and that it’s been painless! What may be last on your list? Stocking Stuffers! Little, but mighty, stocking stuffers are one of the first presents opened, and while they can be an item left to the last minute, stocking stuffers are some of my favorites! Here’s my gift guide for stocking stuffers!
1. I love sets of any kind, and little jewelry sets like this one are perfect for stocking stuffers! It’s the perfect balance of cute and little, and you can tailor it to your loved one’s personality.
2. Lip balm anyone? I don’t know of a single person who doesn’t need it, or love to get it! This holiday themed lip balm is perfect for a stocking stuffer, as is any lip balm you love!
3. Every year Santa and my mom find amazing little stocking stuffers that you didn’t know you needed till you got them! Take these decorated wood clips! (Found in the Dollar Section of Target) I’ve gotten a stocking stuffer like this before, and I use my clips to keep my desk organized! They are thoughtful and I would have never bought them for myself!
Other ideas: gift cards (my thoughts here), tiny toys, electronic accessories, and batteries.
Need more stocking stuffer ideas? From nail polish to carry on cocktails, I have you covered here:
