Purple Feelings

Investment Piece: Timeless Vixen
Investment Piece: Purple Feelings
Investment Piece: Purple Feelings
Investment Piece: Purple Feelings
Investment Piece: Purple Feelings
Investment Piece: Purple Feelings

Purple is one of my favorite colors, and not just because it’s my school’s colors, TCU-Go Frogs! It’s the perfect shade, right between red and blue, not sad, not angry. It’s shaded. I love it! So when it comes to lady like vintage dresses from one of my faves Timeless Vixen, I can’t resist it, and all the purple feelings it brings!

This dress: I love the two shades of purple, the pleating, the detail on the sleeve, the ability to go from casual to dressy!

Purple feelings–the subtle ones, the ones a little magical, the ones that are shaded? Those are something special too!

And the combo of both of those in this dress? Amazing! I have worn this dress to pop-ups, and casual lunches, but know it will look great at a formal tea I have on my books. One of my favorite things about lady-like looks? They’re completely classic, go anywhere, and the juxatipositons they leave themselves open to!!

Hope today your purple feelings and your lady like dresses get celebrated!

Shop my picks below:

XO RA

Loves! If you haven’t shopped this sale yet, you must! The prices are insane!

Skin Print: Eye Deal

Investment Piece: Self Care

Loves! Did you hear? We have some exciting news for you! We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Skin Print and their amazing products are now available on our site! You can check them out over on the menu–the page is easily labeled Skin Print!

And part of my excitement?? Each month I’m going to share one of my fave products with you! First up? EyeDeal, one of the best eye creams that I have ever used! If you read last week’s post on Self Care (right here), you’ll remember that I said it was the only cream I’ve ever used that I felt as if it made a difference right away. Loves, it does. I use a small amount in the morning and night, apply it in a circular motion moving from inner corner to outer corner, and can tell the difference in my skin!

See the video:

Video

But you don’t have to take my word for it! Read all about eye care from the founder of Skin Print, Robert Manzo, here.

And loves, we’re just now to get great part! To celebrate my new partnership with Skin Print I’m giving away an EyeDeal to a reader. Yes, a full size, brand new, EyeDeal! How to win?
-Read this post!
-Like Our Instagram video on EyeDeal!
-Like us on Facebook!
-Sign up for our newsletter!

Investment Piece: Skin Print, Eye Deal

Entries close next Tuesday, and we’ll be announcing the winner on Wednesday! Tell a friend (if they win, maybe they’ll share!)

Good luck!

Don’t want to wait for next Wednesday? You can buy your own EyeDeal (and much more!) here

Xo RA

Eclipsed by Gold

Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold
Investment Piece:Eclisped by Gold
Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold
Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold
Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold

Loves! Happy Eclipse Day! Do you have your glasses? Are you going to watch? Is it affecting you? (As you may know, I’ve been battling a major headache all weekend, I’m hoping this is not one of the changes that this eclipse will bring!)

And speaking of being eclipsed- when was the last time you were eclipsed by gold? Metallics can be one of those items that people tend to shy away from; but loves, gold is a neutral, one that may make you shine, but a neutral. It goes with everything, and yet you are guaranteed not to blend in! I’m in love with this vintage gold dress from Recess LA, the shine, the pocket, the easy fit. I’ve worn it with sandals for an easy dinner, and with heels for a party.

Is it as great as the solar eclipse? Not a chance, but I’m hoping that the gold is still shiny!

Enjoy the Eclipse! Shop my picks below and make a golden one for yourself!
XO RA

90% off luxury consignment

Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold

Sunday Chronicles: Plans b-z

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I had an idea where I was going to buy and write a post all about knock-offs and if they are worth it. I bought a knock-off of this summer’s “it” Self Portrait dress–but the post didn’t work. The dress I got was so cheap, fraying, and the zipper broke before I even got it on. My plan was a bust. That’s disappointing on a blog–but it’s not the end of the world. I simply came up with another idea. However–there are times when the stakes are higher and moving on to plan B, or C, or Z can be way more difficult than we (I) like to admit.

Let’s be honest there are things that don’t work out or go to plan almost every day, whether it’s an outfit or traffic or something major. Some of these things are easy to move on from (although I’ve recently had to move my closet, and when nothing seems to fit or go as planned I can attest that little things seem big). Yet– can we be real? Failure is a part of life, and it’s not always easy to swallow. I’m assuming you’re on Pintrest, or at least have heard every platitude about failure being an opportunity, or getting you on a better path, or letting you find the way to win. All of these are true, but that doesn’t always take the sting out of the “loss”.

Our society loves winners, and doesn’t really pay attention to any one else. Failure can sometimes feel like a character flaw, instead of something that happens to everyone.  However failure is a part of life and as Queen Bey will tell you:

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It happens to the best of us. And yes, sometimes it’s just that our closet won’t fit in a new space.But sometimes it’s a dream, or a relationship, or a job that meant the world to you. And then failure sucks and hurts, there’s no way around that.

What I’m hoping to remind you (and me) of is that all those lovely platitudes about failure are true. Failure can get you off a path that’s not great for you, and on one that’s so much more spectacular than you could have ever dreamed. A relationship can fail and you could wind up meeting someone who makes you a million times happier–and sometimes that person is you. Losing a job can leave you open for a dream job, and failure of any kind can make you creative and you end up with the thing you wanted in the first place–even if the journey wasn’t what you planned. Sometimes you just have to trust that a letter down the alphabet will work.

In case you’re worried–I’m making the new space for my closet work, and while I’m having to resort to plan D, it’s a nice reminder that sometimes getting caught up on plan A isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Wishing us all a week of failures that end up successes and amazing shoes!

XO RA

Rock my Givenchy Dress

Investment Piece: Rock my Givenchy Dress
Investment Piece: Rock my Givenchy Dress
Investment Piece: Rock my Givenchy Dress
Investment Piece: Rock my Givenchy dress
Investment Piece: Rock my Givenchy Dress

Loves, there are times when Beyoncé is just right. I’m so reckless when I Rock my Givenchy Dress. (Side note: I’m also happy, confident, charming, sassy, and funny when I Rock my Givenchy dress. It’s pretty limitless). If you follow me on Instagram you’ve seen this dress–it’s vintage Givenchy from The Kit Vintage. It’s just perfect. It’s a silk linen blend (great for now, great for later). The black makes it classic. The pop of color makes it fun. There’s a bit of a button that can allow you to make it low cut (date night) or modest (work meeting). I’m just in love. And reckless when I Rock my Givenchy dress. (I couldn’t resist, it’s Beyoncé).

But, this is vintage, so I know that it can be frustrating. I know it’s not just something that I can tell you where to buy it. Loves, this is what I can do for you: I’ve linked similar dresses (and these exact shoes below!), and if this exact dress is something you’re interested in, I can recommend searching for it. Your fave vintage place, Etsy, 1stdibs, or a general Google search might be able to help. What I would try? Givenchy dress. Givenchy floral dress. Givenchy linen blend dress. Givenchy short floral dress. My experience? Things take time, but things show up. I hope you like what I picked for you. If you’re off to hunt, I wish you luck!

Either way, let’s get a little reckless, a little responsible, a little happy this weekend (in or out of our Givenchy dresses).

XO RA.

And don’t sleep on this deal!

Investment Piece: Rock my Givenchy Dress

Self Care

Investment Piece: Self Care

Loves, it’s been a week. Right? I know so many people right now who are overwhelmed and stressed, be it from back to school woes, personal issues, or simply just paying attention to the news. (And if you’re into this sort of thing–Mercury is in Retrograde). Let’s just say, it’s been a week. And when weeks are weeks there are different reactions. Maybe you’re plowing ahead determined to get things done and make something happen today. Maybe you’re taking some down time, reflecting. Maybe you just don’t know what to do. Loves, I feel you. And with everything swirling, I have to be honest that I, too, have been overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. So, loves, I’ve made today self-care day! An official holiday? No, but maybe it should be, self care is important-no matter what you’re going through–and doesn’t have to be a full spa day. (Although if there’s a way for me to do yoga and drink wine all day, I’m in). Below I’m sharing some of current self-care favorites. Over on Instagram, in my stories, all through out the day I’ll be sharing how I’m practicing self care today. Let’s take care of ourselves. So that we can take care of each other.

XO RA

Investment Piece: Self Care

I’m so excited to talk to you about Skin Print! They’re a skin care line (medical grade) that you’ll be hearing a lot about! But for today–this exfoliatiant is my new fave thing, I can feel my black heads dissolving. And if you’re like me and waking up puffy this EyeDeal eye cream is perfect. I have never had a product automatically reduce my puffiness and make me feel human. I’m in love. And nothing says self care like eyes that aren’t puffy! You can buy Skin Print here

Investment Piece: Self Care

Now that we’ve established that skin care is self care, let’s chat some of my other fave things. This Recherche Beaute’ cleanser is simply luxurious, and leaves me skin so soft! You’ve seen this face oil before! I use it (mixed with sunscreen) as my makeup, it leaves me just the right amount of dewy! And is shoppable over on the Amazong picks tab!

Investment Piece: Self Care

Loves, we know that I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I’m a big fan of confidence boosts (and self care is connected to your self confidence!) My way? A great mascara, and when called for a bit of help in the eyelash area! This Marc Jacobs mascara is one of the best I’ve ever tried (pro tip: curl your eyelashes all the time, heat up your eyelash curler for extra umph!) And you’ll be getting a full post on my new fave thing-these magnetic flash lashes from one-two lashes. Even I can do them, and they make me feel amazing! How’s that for self care?!

Investment Piece: Self Care
And while self care doesn’t have to smell good, isn’t it better when it does? I’m in love with this Elizabeth and James dry shampoo, and this cologne from Whole Foods has become my summer scent (I’ve even dropped it in my bath!). Feel good, smell good.

Some of my other favorite self care methods? Working out, painting, reading, movies, time alone, time with friends, shoe shopping, drinking enough water, naps, wine, and your favorite treat! I also love this piece from Postive Health Wellness about self care and confidence; and this piece on 7 Easy Self Care Methods!

I’d love to know: how do you practice self care??

Shop some of my picks below and make sure you follow me on Instagram Stories today!

XO RA

Don’t Go In The Water

Investment Piece: Don't Go In The Water
Investment Piece: Don't go in the Water
Investment Piece: Don't Go in the Water
Investment Piece: Don't Go in the Water
Investment Piece: Don't go in the Water
Investment Piece: Don't Go in the Water

Is there any saying more ominous than the classic “don’t go in the water”? Especially when it’s accompanied by the iconic image of a shark (and that gorgeous gal swimming above him. Years ago, when I found this shirt I couldn’t help but love it–it has pockets and that neckline! And, beyond that, it’s a classic summer tale. I first saw “Jaws” when I was 7. It took me years before I could swim in the ocean again. I took the warning “don’t go in the water” very seriously.

But loves, this is fashion, not sharks. And just like I can’t help but pull this t-shirt out every summer as the ultimate summer ode, I also couldn’t help but pair it with clothes that aren’t meant for the beach. Nothing will keep me out of the water like protecting stunning shoes! I’m in love with the flare and the asymmetric leg of these pants–it’s makes anything a bit more fun, because even avoiding sharks can be something to laugh at! These Miu Miu bootie were one of the first luxury items that I hunted down (Vestiaire Collective is one of the best sites for this). I love them. I would fight a shark for them. And this small turban is one of my fave pieces to liven any look up! (You can see the first time I shot these pants here, and this turban from way back when this was only me and my iPhone here).

Together? This combo, at a little hotel in LA screams summer–the water, the palm trees, the colors, the cry “Don’t Go in the Water”. Hope your Wednesday is every bit as fun!

Shop my similar picks below XO RA
I even found these booties in black for a special someone who is a size 5 (and they’re under $200!!)

This sale is still worth your time:

Investment Piece: Don't Go in the Water

Kisses!

Investment Piece: Kisses!
Investment Piece: Kisses!
Investment Piece: Kisses!
Investment Piece: Kisses!
Investment Piece: Kisses!
Investment Piece: Kisses!

There’s something about wearing a scarf as a top that screams summer to me.(Probably because it’s a move I often use at at pool, but that’s a different post!) It’s a move that can be incredibly casual, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m just in love with this kisses! scarf from Realisation Par is perfect for everything from shirts to adding flare to your hair or a favorite purse! (I also love their cherry one!)

But I couldn’t help but “fancy up” my kisses! Scarf with this stunning vintage YSL skirt. (Note: I know it’s a bit different in every light, it’s a real, true purple). The silk is stunning and it’s become my new neutral-I wear it with everything. The shoes are becoming another staple (vintage Gucci), and all together I like to think this kisses! Combo is the perfect summer outfit for nights out.

Investment Piece: Kisses!
Also, this outfit makes me feel like Carrie Bradshaw, and any outfit that does that is in a win in my book!

Happy Monday!
XO RA

I’ve linked some similar pieces below:

And don’t sleep on this sale!

Also: It’s the last few days of our IFundWomen campaign, Read about it here

Sunday Chronicles: Summer Bucket List Revisited

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Summer Bucket List

In June, I came up with a list of things I wanted to do this summer (you can find that here). It’s August. Almost half way through August. Which is exciting, and terrifying, and means that this may be our (my) last chance to get some things crossed off my list! So Let’s revisit, shall we?

Travel
I’ve had amazing trips to LA and CO, and have one more trip this month. That may be all I get, which means that there was a lot of travel that I didn’t get to. My solution? I may have to schedule a stay-cation and really see some of the sites here–as well as get to planning my fall/winter trips.

Try New Workouts
I have dropped the ball here. My solution? I’m going to try something new this week! Follow me on Instagram and we’ll see what I do/how I like it!

Read All the Books
Real Talk: this was hard for me. I’m an avid reader, but this summer I felt like I couldn’t get into anything. I have a few more weeks left, so I’m hoping that I can get a few more in this week.

Eat
I did eat a lot of gazpacho and drink some rose. There’s always room for more though! And there’s a prosciutto and melon platter that makes my mouth water!

Explore the City
This is one that I would love to devote more time to in the upcoming weeks. From events to museums, to new places to eat–I can’t wait to get out there and see what there is to be seen!

What was on your summer bucket list? And how’s your progress? I know it can be a little overwhelming, thinking that this is our “last chance” to get all the things we want to done. But what if we reworded that? Instead of thinking of these last few weeks of summer as our “last chance”, what if we thought about the last few weeks of summer as a gift to get some more summer fun in??

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

And Loves! It’s the last few days of our iFundWomen campaign. You can find it here. Any amount, any sharing, any support is deeply appreciated.

#FestivalStyle

Investment Piece: Festival Style
Investment Piece: Festival Style
Investment Piece: Festival Style
Investment Piece: Festival Style
Investment Piece: Festival Style
Investment Piece: Festival Style

I know, this isn’t your typical #festivalstyle. And loves, because I’m honest with you, I have to let you know that festival style really isn’t my thing.

(*SideNote: I tutored for years in LA when the only people I knew going to Cochella were 15yos, and the style was cut offs and crop tops. Now, I love a great floral crown, but the rest isn’t my idea of a festival. If I’m wrong you are more than welcome to show me!)

So, I got tickled when I found this stunning Prada dress, with the requisite floral crown, because loves, this is my festival style. A great dress, fun socks, amazing shoes. Perfect for nights out. Wear the dress alone with sandals for the day. I wear these socks with everything. I can’t quit these shoes (see here, here, and a flashback here). We know that if there is style that’s mine, it’s about juxatipositons, and I love the nod to festival style here, while keeping it classy with a shift dress. Because if we’re going to do festival style, we might as well make it our own, yes?

So, tell me: am I wrong about festival style? Where do you fall on that spectrum? Are you rocking a floral crown this weekend?

XO RA

This dress is Prada, found on the RealReal. I’ve linked similar!

And loves, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing sale!

Investment Piece: Festival Style